Tensions are rising in Bangladesh as the Hindu community prepares for Durga Puja, their biggest festival. Radical Islamic groups are protesting the open celebration, opposing nationwide holidays and idol immersion, citing environmental and social concerns. Insaf Keemkari Chhatra-Janta, an Islamist organization, staged a protest in Dhaka with placards demanding "no worship everywhere by closing roads, no pollution to water by idol immersion, no worship to idols." Extremist groups also marched against Hindus using a playground in Dhaka's Sector 13 for celebrations. This comes amid a history of sectarian violence, with over 3,679 attacks on Hindus reported since 2013.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp confirmed two deaths in Wheeler County due to a tornado caused by Hurricane Helene. He warned residents to brace for further impact and stay vigilant. Earlier, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis reported the death of a driver who was killed when debris struck their car during the hurricane. Hurricane Helene continues to bring severe weather, with warnings of further dangerous conditions in both Georgia and Florida. Residents are advised to prepare for more potential damage as heavy rainfall, high winds, and tornadoes are expected to continue in the coming days.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for heavy to very heavy rainfall in Mumbai and Maharashtra. The Konkan region is expected to face intense downpours today, following erratic monsoon trends. A cyclonic circulation over north-central Maharashtra is contributing to the anticipated rain. Heavy rainfall has already impacted several areas in Mumbai, leading the IMD to issue a red alert for Nashik. Orange alerts have been placed for Palghar, Pune, Nandurbar, and Dhule, while nearly all cities in Maharashtra are under a yellow alert. Residents are advised to remain vigilant as severe weather conditions are expected in the coming days.

A senior US defense official revealed that China's newest nuclear-powered attack submarine sank earlier this year, likely between May and June. The incident, which occurred alongside a pier, is seen as a potential embarrassment for China as it seeks to enhance its military capabilities. China maintains the largest navy in the world, with more than 370 ships, and is in the process of producing a new generation of nuclear-armed submarines. In response to the reports, a spokesperson from the Chinese embassy in Washington stated they had no information about the situation. It remains unclear what caused the submarine to sink or whether it contained nuclear fuel at the time.

UK is experiencing fresh flooding, with the Environment Agency issuing 63 flood warnings and 121 flood alerts as of 6am Friday. Heavy rain and potential tornadoes have hit the London commuter belt, prompting yellow and amber warnings. Areas affected include Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Leicestershire, and the West Midlands, which have seen flash floods. According to Meteorologist Greg Dewhurst, northern and central England and Wales are hardest hit due to saturated ground from recent rainfall, with 30-40mm of rainfall expected within three hours.

Hurun's 2024 India Under-35 list recognizes 150 young entrepreneurs achieving success across various industries. Isha Ambani, Akash Ambani, and Alakh Pandey top the list for their contributions to retail, tech, and education. The list features first-gen entrepreneurs with a minimum business valuation of $50 million and next-gen leaders with $100 million. Other notable entrepreneurs making the cut include founders of startups in e-commerce, fintech, healthcare, and more. Hurun's list celebrates India's rising entrepreneurial talent.

Peter and Christine Scott, a British couple married for nearly 50 years, have chosen to end their lives together in a Sarco suicide pod in Switzerland. Christine, 80, a retired nurse, was recently diagnosed with early-stage vascular dementia, which influenced their decision. Peter, 86, a retired RAF engineer, stated that he could not bear the thought of living without his wife. In interviews, he reflected on their long and happy life together, acknowledging the difficulties that old age presents. The couple's choice emphasizes their strong bond and mutual desire to face their final journey side by side, ending their lives on their own terms.

Maharashtra Police have arrested adult star Riya Barde, also known as Arohi Barde and Banna Sheikh, for allegedly residing in India illegally. A resident of Bangladesh, Barde had been living in India with her family using forged documents. She was arrested from Ulhasnagar, Maharashtra, while the police are also searching for her family members, including her mother, father, sister, and brother. A case has been registered under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including charges of cheating, forgery, and illegal residence (Sections 420, 465, 468, 479, 34, and 14A). Further investigations are underway.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed support for India's bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). His endorsement follows similar statements from U.S. President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron. Addressing the UN General Assembly's seventy-ninth session in New York, Starmer highlighted the necessity for the UNSC to become a "more representative body." Currently, the UNSC consists of five permanent members—Russia, the UK, China, France, and the United States—and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly. The permanent members possess veto power over substantive resolutions, making reform a critical topic in global governance discussions.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has announced the appointment of Dwayne Bravo as the team's mentor for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. Bravo, a former West Indies all-rounder, replaces Gautam Gambhir, who has taken up the role of India's national team head coach. This marks Bravo's departure from Chennai Super Kings, where he previously held a mentorship role. KKR's management expressed excitement about Bravo's addition, citing his vast experience and expertise. The defending champions aim to leverage Bravo's knowledge to enhance team strategy and player development ahead of the upcoming season.