The Election Commission has rescheduled the Haryana Assembly polls from October 1 to October 5, 2024. Counting of votes will now occur on October 8, instead of the originally planned October 4. This change follows requests from the BJP and concerns about reduced voter turnout due to holidays. The revised schedule aims to increase voter participation. The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls will proceed as planned, with voting on September 18, 25, and October 1. Results for J&K will also be announced on October 8.

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on August 31, 2024, killed at least 48 people, Palestinian health authorities reported. The strikes come as the United Nations prepares to begin a polio vaccination campaign for 640,000 children in the enclave. The campaign, which depends on daily eight-hour pauses in fighting, follows the confirmation of a polio case in Gaza, the first in 25 years. Health officials stressed that a comprehensive ceasefire is crucial for successful vaccination. The Israeli military continues operations in Gaza, targeting militants and infrastructure amid ongoing conflict that has caused widespread devastation.

India's Rubina Francis clinched a bronze medal in the women's 10m air pistol SH1 event at the Paris Paralympics on August 31, marking the country's 5th medal of the games. Francis scored 211.1 points, finishing behind Iran's Sareh Javanmardi and Turkey's Aysel Ozgan. This medal adds to India's impressive performance, with shooters contributing significantly to the medal tally. Earlier, Avani Lekhara and Mona Agarwal won gold and bronze respectively in the women's 10m air rifle standing SH1 event, while Manish Narwal secured silver in the men's 10m air pistol SH1 event.

Brazil has banned X, formerly Twitter, after the social media platform missed a Supreme Court deadline to appoint a new legal representative. Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered the suspension until X complies with court orders and pays fines related to spreading disinformation. The row began in April when the judge demanded X block accounts accused of spreading false information, many linked to former president Jair Bolsonaro. X owner Elon Musk condemned the ban, calling it an attack on free speech. Brazil's telecommunications agency is working to enforce the ban, including removing X from app stores within five days.

The Met Office has issued a yellow thunderstorm warning for large parts of England and Wales, effective from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday. The warning covers areas from the Isle of Wight to the Scottish border, including western parts of Wales. Heavy showers, thunderstorms, and hail are expected, with some regions potentially receiving up to 75mm of rain within an hour. The storms may cause flooding and significant disruption. Frequent lightning strikes and hail are additional hazards, particularly in southern and central England. The weather is expected to remain unsettled into next week.

During the Durand Cup final in Kolkata, Mohun Bagan supporters once again protested against the RG Kar incident, carrying banners demanding justice. The protest took place before the match against NorthEast United in the presence of West Bengal’s Sports Minister Arup Biswas. The banners, echoing sentiments from the semi-final against Bengaluru FC, featured messages calling for justice for women and solidarity among supporters. Despite no restrictions on protests for this match, the fans voiced their concerns. Previously, police restrictions on banners at the stadium were challenged in the Kolkata High Court, which allowed the protests to continue.

Typhoon Shanshan, one of Japan's strongest in decades, made landfall in south-western Japan, causing widespread disruption. At least six people have died, and over 100 have been injured. Although now downgraded to a tropical storm, it still brings winds of 90 km/h. Millions of residents in Kyushu faced evacuation orders, and heavy rainfall of up to 300 mm is expected. Shanshan has damaged buildings, uprooted trees, and caused severe flooding. Bullet train services were suspended, and flights canceled nationwide. Authorities continue to warn of landslides and overflowing rivers due to ongoing heavy rain.

Rescue efforts to locate Indian tourist Vijaya Lakshmi Gali, who disappeared into an 8-meter sinkhole in Kuala Lumpur on August 23, have been halted due to dangerous conditions. Malaysian fire and rescue officials cited strong underground currents, limited space, and debris obstructing divers as key risks. Vijaya, who often traveled to Malaysia for business, fell into the sinkhole while heading to a temple. Her husband and son narrowly escaped. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim assured that Kuala Lumpur remains safe and promised swift action on risk-prone areas. The Indian High Commission continues to assist Vijaya's family.

Jaskirat Kaur, a 33-year-old Indian-origin woman in the UK, pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the basis of diminished responsibility for killing her 10-year-old daughter, Shay Kang. The tragic incident occurred in Rowley Regis, West Midlands, where Shay was found with fatal stab wounds. The local community expressed grief, and Shay's school described her as a "bright, happy, fun-loving child." Kaur’s sentencing is scheduled for October 25. West Midlands Police confirmed no other suspects are being sought.

A 26-year-old migrant from West Bengal, Sabir Malik, was beaten to death in Haryana's Charkhi Dadri on August 27 after being accused of consuming beef. A group of attackers, including five men and two juveniles, assaulted Malik and another migrant from Assam. Despite bystanders’ attempts to intervene, Malik was fatally injured. Haryana police arrested all seven suspects and are investigating the case. Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini called the incident “unfortunate,” while TMC MP Mahua Moitra condemned it as an example of “BJP-fuelled hatred.”