Police on Wednesday arrested a man from Kulgam for helping terrorists involved in the April attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The attack in Baisaran Valley killed 26 people, including 25 tourists. The accused, Mohammad Yousuf Kataria, 26, worked in a contractual job and also taught children. Investigators said he gave shelter and guided terrorists of the Pakistan-backed group, The Resistance Front (TRF). His role was traced after analysis of weapons recovered during Operation Mahadev. Kataria allegedly helped the Lashkar group move through forest routes months before the attack, making him a key link in the planning. (PC: India Today)

A protest in Leh, Ladakh, demanding statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule turned violent on Wednesday. At least 4 people were killed and over 50 injured, officials said. Police used teargas and batons after some protestors threw stones. Demonstrators also set fire to a BJP office and clashed with security forces. Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who ended a 15-day hunger strike, appealed for peace. Authorities imposed restrictions under Section 163 and cancelled the Ladakh Festival. Leaders urged the Centre to hold talks earlier than October 6 to address the anger and growing unrest in the region. (PC: HT)

Protests demanding statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule turned violent on Tuesday in Leh. The BJP office was set ablaze and a security vehicle torched as demonstrators clashed with police, who used tear gas and baton charges to control the unrest. The agitation was led by the youth wing of the Leh Apex Body (LAB), coinciding with a hunger strike by activists including Sonam Wangchuk. Following health concerns, Wangchuk ended his fast while urging peace. Talks with the Centre and regional representatives are slated for October 6. 

A luxury Rolls-Royce Ghost was left stranded on a flooded road in Kolkata after record rainfall hit the city. The car, stuck in the middle of the waterlogged stretch with branches placed on its hood, quickly went viral online. Locals mocked the situation, writing “Lord Alto zindabad.” Heavy downpour has caused flooding in many areas, blocking traffic and disrupting daily life. Social media users criticized Kolkata’s poor drainage system and linked the crisis to climate change. The city has recorded its heaviest rain in 37 years, leaving 10 people dead and many public transport services suspended ahead of Durga Puja. (PC: HT)

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) member Priyank Kanoongo has condemned Aryan Khan's directorial debut, The Ba*ds of Bollywood, for allegedly undermining the credibility of anti-drug agencies like the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). Kanoongo accused the series of portraying law enforcement officials as corrupt or biased, thereby violating their human rights. He also highlighted a scene featuring actor Ranbir Kapoor using an e-cigarette, which contravenes India's 2019 ban on such products. The NHRC has issued notices to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Mumbai Police, urging action against the show's producers and distributors.     

Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, the head of a prominent ashram in Delhi's Vasant Kunj, is on the run after more than 15 women accused him of molestation. The Sri Sringeri Math administration has removed him from his post as director, and the police have revealed his last known location in Agra. According to the police, Chaitanyananda Saraswati is originally from Odisha and had been living in the ashram for 12 years, serving as both the operator and caretaker. The ashram has lodged complaints with the relevant authorities regarding his illegal acts. This isn't the first time that Chaitanyananda Saraswati, formerly known as Swami Parthasarathy, was accused of criminal charges. In 2009, a case of fraud and molestation was filed in Defence Colony, and in 2016, a woman in Vasant Kunj filed a molestation complaint. 

An all-women police team carried out their first encounter in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, and arrested a 22-year-old criminal named Jitendra. Police said he was wanted in several cases of robbery, theft, and snatching. The incident happened late last night when Jitendra, riding a stolen scooter, tried to escape a police checkpoint. He lost control of the vehicle, fell, and fired at the officers. The police fired back, injuring him before arresting him. A pistol, scooter, phone, and tablet were recovered. During questioning, Jitendra admitted to stealing vehicles and snatching phones in Delhi-NCR. Police said further investigation is underway. (PC: NDTV)

Assamese Singer Zubeen Garg Was Cremated With Full State Honours And A 21-Gun Salute On September 23 In Kamarkuchi NC Village, Kamrup, Assam. The 52-Year-Old, Known For Hits Like ‘Ya Ali’ And ‘Mayabini’, Died During A Sea Outing In Singapore On September 19. His Younger Sister, Palmi Borthakur, Performed The Last Rites With Close Associates Arun Garg And Rahul Gautam Sarma. Thousands Of Fans Gathered, Singing His Song ‘Mayabini Raatir Bukut’. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma Declared Three Days Of Mourning. Actor Randeep Hooda And Union Minister Kiren Rijiju Paid Tribute. (PC: India Today)

Kolkata’s Durga Puja pandals, famous for their creativity, are ready to welcome devotees. The festival celebrates Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura, with idols of Durga, her children, and her tiger displayed in elaborate structures. UNESCO recognised Kolkata’s Durga Puja as intangible cultural heritage in 2021 for its unique artistry. Past pandals included a Titanic-themed setup and one made of over 8,000 live plants. This year, themes range from tributes to painter Raja Ravi Varma to futuristic visions, the hidden costs of agriculture, and the resilience of acid attack survivors. Visitors can expect art, culture, and innovation in every pandal. (PC: Instagram/@_thejuggernaut)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens and businesses to support Made in India products to strengthen local manufacturing and create jobs. In an open letter, he said the new GST reforms, starting September 22, will boost savings and benefit farmers, women, youth, traders, and MSMEs. Daily essentials will mostly fall under 5% tax, while other goods are simplified into two main slabs. Modi called for promoting Swadeshi products, saying buying locally made items supports artisans and families. He also asked shopkeepers to sell Indian products and encouraged state governments to improve the investment climate, aiming for a Viksit Bharat by 2047. (PC: The Week)