Prime Minister Narendra Modi has constituted a 6-member task force to recommend reforms to India's examination system following the paper leak crisis. The panel is chaired by Infosys co-founder Nandan Nilekani and includes former ISRO chairman S. Somnath, former Intelligence Bureau director Tapan Deka, senior bureaucrats and experts from education, technology and logistics. The task force has been asked to suggest structural reforms, strengthen exam security and increase the use of technology in public examinations. The government said the panel will work to improve transparency, prevent paper leaks and restore public confidence in India's examination system. (PC: India Today)

A 21-year-old German citizen of Lebanese background, identified as Abdul Ballout, was shot dead by police during an operation following a deadly attack at Berlin's Christopher Street Day Pride event. Prosecutors allege Ballout drove a van into a crowd before stabbing several people, killing 1 woman and injuring at least 29 others. Police said officers opened fire after the suspect charged at them with a knife. Authorities said Ballout had previously tried to join the Islamic State group and was known to police. Germany has raised its threat level and warned of possible copycat attacks as investigations continue. (PC: BBC)

India's Gen Z-led protests over alleged exam paper leaks have gained attention beyond the country's borders, with young people and commentators in Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka praising the movement. The protests, which eventually led to Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, have been widely discussed on social media. Pakistani creators admired the protesters' unity and determination, while Nepali and Sri Lankan activists compared the demonstrations to youth-led movements in their own countries. Many highlighted the use of memes, reels and social media to mobilise support. The cross-border reactions reflect how India's student protests have resonated with young audiences across South Asia. (PC: India Today)

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said the LGBTQ+ community is a part of Indian society and deserves dignity and acceptance. Speaking at an event in Hyderabad, he said such communities have always existed in India and should not be excluded. Bhagwat said Indian traditions have recognised people with different gender identities and sexual orientations. He added that they have the right to live with respect and have a place in society. His remarks are similar to his earlier statements supporting dignity for LGBTQ+ people. However, the RSS continues to oppose legal recognition of same-sex marriage despite supporting the decriminalisation of homosexuality.

Karyna Shuliak, a Belarusian American dentist linked to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, remains in New York City, according to recent reports. She reportedly lives in a condominium on Manhattan's Upper East Side and has remained connected to members of the Epstein family. Reports say she could inherit part of Epstein's estate, though no final outcome has been confirmed. Shuliak has not been charged or identified as a victim in investigations related to Epstein's sex trafficking case. Renewed public interest in her has followed recent media reports and fresh attention on people connected to Epstein after new developments in the case. (PC: X@anthon7yandrews)

Iran has rejected proposals for a new shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz and set three conditions for fresh talks with the United States. Tehran said discussions must first recognise Iran's control over the strait. It also demanded the release of frozen Iranian funds before any talks on its nuclear programme. Reports said Oman-mediated talks on reopening the waterway are making progress after the US paused military strikes. Iran claimed it remains in full control of the strait and accused the US of violating an earlier agreement by directing ships through alternative routes instead of the corridor approved by Tehran. (PC: Reuters)

Massive wildfires near Bordeaux in southwest France have forced more than 220,000 people to evacuate. Around 42,000 hectares of land have burned, making it one of France's biggest forest fires since World War II. More than 2,500 firefighters are battling the flames, helped by military teams and police. Strong winds and dry weather continue to spread the fire. Flights at Bordeaux Airport have been delayed or cancelled, and roads have been closed. Spain is also facing severe wildfires, with over 90,000 people evacuated. Officials warned that high temperatures and low humidity could make the situation worse. (PC: Getty Images)

Brazil's national football team is expected to play an international friendly in Kolkata during the FIFA window in early October. According to reports, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is in talks to finalise the match. The opponent has not been confirmed. The game will be Brazil's third international fixture during the window, after two matches against Australia in September. Talks for the India match reportedly began during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Kolkata was chosen because of its strong support for Brazil and its football culture. The agreement is expected to be completed soon after final details are finalised. (PC: Reuters)

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he is ready to disagree with US President Donald Trump if it is in Britain's national interest. In an interview with the BBC, Burnham said he had a good first meeting with Trump and found him warm. However, he said he would always put Britain's interests first. Burnham also said he had concerns about the conflict with Iran and would speak out when needed. He ruled out holding an early general election before 2029. On defence spending, Burnham said the government is working on a plan but did not give a timeline for reaching its target. (PC: BBC)

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has said its movement will continue even after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke called the resignation only the beginning of a larger campaign. He demanded ₹1 crore compensation for families of students who died by suicide during the exam controversy and action against police over clashes during the July 20 protest. CJP leaders said they will now focus on education reforms and youth issues across the country. They also plan to expand the movement at the grassroots. The group said entering electoral politics is not its immediate priority. (PC: PTI)