The first presidential debate between Kamala Harris, 59, and Donald Trump, 78, took place Tuesday night, with media outlets favoring Harris's composed performance. Major networks, including CNN and The Washington Post, noted her strong delivery on key issues like immigration and foreign policy. Trump, in contrast, appeared defensive, a sharp departure from his usual assertive debate style. Analysts highlighted Harris's ability to keep Trump off balance throughout the 90-minute session. The debate, hosted by ABC News, plays a critical role in shaping voter opinions ahead of the November 2024 election.

Three days before Prime Minister Modi's visit to Doda, Indian security forces killed two terrorists in a gunfight at the Udhampur-Kathua border in Jammu and Kashmir. The terrorists were armed with an AK-47, a US-made M4 carbine, a pistol, and other warlike supplies. The Rising Star Corps confirmed the operation on X, and searches are ongoing for more suspected terrorists. This brings the total number of terrorists killed in Jammu this year to 10. A BSF jawan was also injured in Pakistan's unprovoked firing in Akhnoor, just days before the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections.

The Indian government has expanded the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to include citizens aged 70 and above, offering universal health coverage. Senior citizens will receive free health insurance of up to ₹5 lakh per family annually, benefiting around 6 crore individuals. Additionally, those already under public health schemes can opt to stay or switch to AB PM-JAY. Announced by Prime Minister Modi, this initiative is aimed at enhancing geriatric care across the country. Eligible seniors will also receive a special AB PM-JAY card to access the scheme's benefits.

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump shook hands at New York's 9/11 memorial, marking the anniversary of the 2001 attacks. This came just hours after their heated debate in Philadelphia, where both candidates claimed victory. Harris, the Democratic vice president, was praised for focusing on policy, while Trump's responses were filled with falsehoods and personal grievances. The debate is unlikely to cause a major shift in polls, which show the two candidates neck-and-neck. Harris heads to North Carolina, while Trump campaigns in Arizona. The 2024 U.S. presidential election will take place in November, with both vying for crucial swing states.

Stand-up comedian and actor Vir Das will host the 2024 International Emmy Awards, becoming the first Indian to do so. The ceremony will be held on November 25 in New York City. Das, who won an International Emmy in 2023 for his Netflix special Landing, expressed his excitement and honor to host the prestigious event. Bruce L Paisner, president and CEO of the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, praised Das’s unique humor and global perspective, noting that he would be a fitting host for the international audience. Das has a diverse global following and an extensive career.

A newly unveiled statue of Queen Elizabeth II at Antrim Castle Gardens, Northern Ireland, is being widely mocked for its lack of resemblance to the late monarch. Created by Belfast artist Anto Brennan, the statue, which depicts the Queen alongside Prince Philip and her corgis, has been compared to Mrs. Doubtfire due to its awkward posture and facial features. Visitors have expressed disappointment, with some demanding its removal. The council, however, defended the statue, stating it was intended to reflect the Queen’s grace and dedication to public service, despite the widespread criticism.

The standoff between protesting junior doctors and the Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal continued as both sides failed to reach an agreement after a series of dramatic email exchanges. The doctors, demanding justice for the RG Kar rape-murder case, set conditions for the meeting, including a face-to-face discussion with the chief minister and a larger delegation. The state government rejected these demands, with Chief Secretary Manoj Pant stating that talks cannot proceed under such conditions. The doctors, sitting in protest for over 24 hours, expressed disappointment with the government's stance.

Around 1,700 prisoners were released early from UK jails on Tuesday due to overcrowding. Jubilant scenes erupted outside prisons like Wandsworth and HMP Isis, where inmates were sprayed with champagne upon their early release. This move, intended to prevent overcrowding, sparked concerns about public safety and inadequate rehabilitation. Critics, including probation services, warned the mass release could lead to reoffending due to lack of proper reintegration support. The government defended the decision, stating it was necessary to manage prison capacity and avoid further issues in the criminal justice system.

Bangladesh has reinforced its ban on hilsa fish exports to India, a move affecting the Bengali festival of Durga Puja. With millions in West Bengal expected to celebrate in October, the scarcity of hilsa, Bangladesh's prized fish, could disrupt festivities. The new Bangladeshi government, under pressure to prioritize local consumers, has abandoned the former administration's practice of easing the ban during festivals. Hilsa prices have surged in Bangladesh, driven by poor catches and high local demand. The decision marks a significant shift from the past “hilsa diplomacy” practiced by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

In the ongoing protest over the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College, Kolkata, doctors have rejected a West Bengal government invitation. They demand a 30-member delegation and a live telecast for the meeting with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The doctors' five-point demands include accountability for the crime, resignation of officials, and enhanced security for healthcare workers. Chief Secretary Manoj Pant urged doctors to resume duties, highlighting patient inconvenience and non-compliance with a Supreme Court deadline. The protest, now in its 33rd day, continues to disrupt healthcare services.