Actor Saiyami Kher Named Official Ambassador for Ironman India
Actor and athlete Saiyami Kher has been named the official ambassador for Ironman India. She is the only Indian actor to have completed the Ironman 70.3 triathlon—a grueling single-day endurance event comprising a 1.9 km swim, 90 km cycle, and 21.1 km run—twice in less than a year. In her new role for the event, which takes place in Goa on November 9, Kher aims to inspire more Indians, especially women, to embrace endurance sports and challenge their physical and mental limits.
British-Indian Teen Killed Saving Friend Posthumously Awarded UK's George Medal
Grace O'Malley-Kumar, a 19-year-old British-Indian medical student, has been posthumously awarded the George Medal, one of the UK's highest civilian honours for bravery. In June 2023, she was tragically stabbed to death in Nottingham while trying to protect her friend from a knife-wielding attacker. An avid hockey player and aspiring doctor, her heroic actions and ultimate sacrifice were recognized as an extraordinary act of courage, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer calling her a powerful example of heroism.
Contaminated Cough Syrup Linked to Child Deaths Prompts Nationwide Action
Following the deaths of children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, central drug regulator CDSCO has launched risk-based inspections of manufacturing units in six states. One syrup, 'Coldrif' made by Tamil Nadu-based Sresan Pharma, was found to be contaminated with toxic Diethylene Glycol (DEG). Several states, including Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and Telangana, have banned the product and ordered its removal from shelves. The crackdown aims to identify quality failures and prevent further tragedies.
Landslides in West Bengal's Darjeeling Hills Kill Over 20
At least 20 people were killed after incessant heavy rainfall triggered massive landslides across the Darjeeling and Mirik hills. The disaster swept away numerous homes, severed road links, and left hundreds of tourists stranded. The worst-affected areas include Mirik, where at least 11 fatalities were reported. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is conducting rescue operations amid challenging conditions. The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert, warning of more potential landslides in the region.
At Least 9 Dead as Heavy Rains Trigger Devastating Landslides in Darjeeling
Incessant heavy rainfall has triggered multiple landslides across West Bengal's Darjeeling hills, resulting in at least nine fatalities and leaving two others missing. The landslides have swept away homes, damaged key roads, and severed communication with several remote areas. Rescue operations involving the NDRF are underway in challenging conditions, particularly in the hard-hit Mirik region. The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert, warning of more landslides as saturated soil conditions persist.
Curfew Imposed and Internet Suspended in Cuttack After Communal Violence
Authorities in Cuttack, Odisha, imposed a 36-hour curfew and suspended internet services following communal violence that erupted during Durga Puja immersion processions. Clashes broke out after locals objected to loud music, leading to stone-pelting. Tensions escalated when a subsequent VHP rally turned violent, injuring 25 people, including eight police officers. Over 2,500 security personnel have been deployed to maintain order, and the VHP has called for a 12-hour city-wide bandh in protest.
UPSC to Release Provisional Answer Keys After Prelims in Major Policy Shift
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has informed the Supreme Court of its decision to publish provisional answer keys immediately after the Civil Services preliminary examination. This marks a significant departure from its long-standing practice of releasing keys only after the final results are declared. The move, aimed at increasing transparency, will allow candidates to raise objections supported by authoritative sources before the prelims results are finalized, addressing a key grievance of millions of aspirants.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to Visit India for Talks on Trade and Strategy
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will undertake a two-day visit to India from October 8-9, his first since taking office. He is scheduled to hold wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai on October 9. Discussions will focus on advancing the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and exploring opportunities presented by the recently signed Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which aims to significantly boost bilateral trade and investment between the two nations.
India's 'Red Lines' Must Be Respected in US Trade Deal, Says EAM Jaishankar
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that any trade deal with the United States must respect India's "red lines." Acknowledging ongoing issues and strains over US tariff policies, he noted that the inability to finalize a trade agreement has led to levies on India. He specifically mentioned tariffs related to India sourcing energy from Russia as "very unfair." Jaishankar emphasized that while an understanding with the world's largest market is necessary, India's non-negotiable bottom lines must be honored.
Israel Signals Hope for Hostage Release Deal as Talks with Hamas Set to Resume
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed hope of announcing the release of all hostages from Gaza "in the coming days" as indirect talks with Hamas are set to resume in Egypt. The negotiations, based on a new US-led proposal to end the war, aim to finalize technical details for the release of the remaining 48 hostages in exchange for a halt in Israel's offensive, the release of Palestinian prisoners, and a withdrawal of Israeli forces from parts of Gaza.
Shubman Gill Replaces Rohit Sharma as India's ODI Captain
In a major leadership change, the BCCI has appointed opening batsman Shubman Gill as the new captain of India's One-Day International team, replacing Rohit Sharma. The decision was announced with the squad for the upcoming tour of Australia, signalling a long-term strategy focused on the 2027 World Cup. While removed from the captaincy, Sharma, along with Virat Kohli, has been named in the 15-member squad. Shreyas Iyer has been appointed as the new vice-captain of the ODI side.
Pilots' Body Urges DGCA to Probe All Boeing 787 Electrical Systems
The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has urged the DGCA to conduct a thorough investigation into the electrical systems of all Boeing 787 aircraft in India. The call comes after an Air India 787's emergency Ram Air Turbine (RAT) automatically deployed during its approach to Birmingham. The FIP highlighted this as another potential indicator of systemic issues, connecting it to the fatal crash of Air India flight AI 171 in June, where engine, electrical, or software malfunctions are being examined.
Indian Dental Student from Hyderabad Shot Dead in Texas
Chandrashekar Pole, an Indian student from Hyderabad pursuing higher studies in the US, was shot and killed while working part-time at a gas station in Denton, Texas. Pole had completed his Bachelor of Dental Surgery in India before moving to the US. The incident has caused shock and grief in his home state of Telangana, with political leaders urging the Indian government to coordinate with US authorities and facilitate the repatriation of his remains to his family.
Indian Navy Commissions Indigenously Built Anti-Submarine Warship 'Androth'
The Indian Navy commissioned INS Androth, the second in a series of Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), at a ceremony in Visakhapatnam. Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, the vessel is designed for anti-submarine operations in coastal waters. The warship boasts over 80% indigenous content, marking a significant milestone in India's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative to achieve self-reliance in defence manufacturing and enhance its coastal defence capabilities.
Supreme Court Issues Notice to Centre Over Sonam Wangchuk's Detention
The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the central government on a plea filed by the wife of activist Sonam Wangchuk, challenging his detention under the National Security Act. Wangchuk was arrested in Leh on September 26 following protests demanding statehood and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh, during which four people were killed in police firing. Wangchuk has stated from jail that he is prepared to remain incarcerated until an independent judicial inquiry is ordered into the deaths.