Following the death of famed primatologist Jane Goodall (age 91), actor and environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio shared a heartfelt tribute, calling her a “true hero for the planet.” He revealed that his last message to her was simple: “You are my hero.” In his public statement, DiCaprio urged others to “carry the torch” for Goodall’s vision and continue supporting her conservation efforts through her namesake institute. Tributes poured in globally, celebrating her groundbreaking studies on chimpanzees and her lifelong dedication to environmental advocacy. (PC: BBC)

Elon Musk made history Wednesday by becoming the first person ever to reach a net worth of $500 billion, according to Forbes' Real-Time Billionaires tracker. Tesla shares rose nearly 4% by 3:30 PM ET, boosting his fortune by $9.3 billion. His 12% Tesla stake is valued at $191 billion, while his 42% SpaceX stake is worth $168 billion based on a $400 billion company valuation. His AI venture xAI Holdings, formed by merging xAI with X (formerly Twitter), contributes $60 billion. Musk leads runner-up Larry Ellison by $150 billion and could become the world's first trillionaire by March 2033 according to current trajectory.

A 65-year-old Pakistani-origin man, Mohammed Zahid, known as "Boss Man," received a 35-year prison sentence for leading a grooming gang that raped two schoolgirls in Rochdale, UK. Operating from his lingerie stall at Rochdale Indoor Market, Zahid lured 13-year-old victims with free underwear, money, and alcohol, demanding regular sexual favors for himself and associates. Six other Pakistani-origin men also received lengthy sentences. Zahid was among seven men convicted in June at Manchester Minshull Street Court for sexual offences committed between 2001 and 2006. The Daily Mail reports this marks the first successful grooming gang prosecution since Labour government faced accusations of suppressing inquiry into systemic failures by police and social services. (PC: BBC & India Today)

At least 73 Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza as the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying international activists attempted to approach the besieged enclave. The humanitarian mission, aimed at delivering aid and drawing attention to Gaza’s crisis, faced interception by Israeli forces. Several activists, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, were reportedly detained during the operation. The developments intensified global concerns over escalating violence, with mounting civilian casualties, maritime confrontations, and protests worldwide. The flotilla’s advance highlighted both the urgency of Gaza’s humanitarian situation and the widening scope of international solidarity and political tensions. (PC: Reuters)

President Donald Trump announced plans to discuss US soybean purchases with Chinese leader Xi Jinping during their meeting at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea starting late October. American soybean farmers face significant losses as China hasn't purchased US soybeans due to 20-percent retaliatory tariffs imposed after Washington's tariff war earlier this year. The American Soybean Association reports zero US sales to China in the new crop marketing year, allowing Brazil and Argentina to capture the market. ASA President Caleb Ragland called the situation "overwhelming" for farmers. Trump plans using tariff revenues to aid farmers while criticizing predecessor Joe Biden for not enforcing earlier trade agreements requiring increased farm purchases.

Israeli navy intercepted several boats from the Gaza aid flotilla carrying symbolic humanitarian aid around 70 nautical miles from Gaza's coast on Wednesday. The Sirius, Alma, and Adara vessels were boarded in international waters, with passengers transferred to an Israeli port. Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg was confirmed "safe and healthy" by Israel's Foreign Ministry. The Global Sumud Flotilla, comprising approximately 45 vessels carrying activists and politicians including Nelson Mandela's grandson Mandla Mandela, former Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau, and European lawmakers, departed Spain last month. Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated the operation would take 2-3 hours, instructing Israeli forces against using violence. The flotilla aims breaking Israel's Gaza blockade.

Two Delta regional jets collided at low speed while taxiing at New York's LaGuardia Airport on Wednesday evening around 9:56 PM, causing one plane's wing to detach. Delta Flight 5047, arriving from Charlotte Douglas International Airport, was taxiing to the gate when struck by another Delta regional jet. Air Traffic Control audio confirms the right wing of one aircraft struck the other's nose, damaging the windshield. At least one injury has been reported, though the full extent remains unclear. Ground crews responded immediately, and airport operations continued normally. The Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation. Photos show both aircraft stationary on the tarmac with emergency vehicles present.

Pakistani security forces killed 12 civilians during violent protests in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, marking one of the region's biggest unrests in recent years. The three-day uprising, led by the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee, began over 38 unmet demands including abolition of 12 assembly seats reserved for Kashmiri refugees, tax relief, and electricity subsidies. Five died in Muzaffarabad, five in Dheerkot, and two in Dadyal, while three police personnel were also killed. Over 200 people suffered injuries, mostly gunshot wounds. Thousands of troops from Punjab and Islamabad have been deployed. Complete communication blackouts and business shutdowns persist since September 29. The UKPNP has appealed to the UN for urgent intervention, warning of a humanitarian crisis.

Aravind Srinivas, a 31-year-old from Chennai, has become India’s youngest billionaire with a net worth of ₹21,190 crore. He is the co-founder of Perplexity AI, an AI-powered search engine that competes with global giants. Srinivas debuted on the M3M Hurun India Rich List 2025, reflecting India’s fast growth in AI and deep-tech innovation. The list also features young entrepreneurs like Zepto’s Kaivalya Vohra and Aadit Palicha. India now has 358 billionaires, with Mukesh Ambani reclaiming the top spot. Roshni Nadar Malhotra made history as the richest woman and youngest in India’s top 10 billionaires. (PC: X)

The US government has shut down after Republicans and Democrats failed to agree on a budget. Around 750,000 federal workers, nearly 40% of the workforce, face unpaid leave. Essential staff like border patrol, air traffic controllers, and law enforcement will continue working without pay. National parks may close, while museums and zoos face disruptions. Travel delays are expected as unpaid airport staff may stay home. Food aid programs risk running out of funds, and research at health agencies could stall. However, Medicare and Medicaid will continue. Mail delivery remains unaffected as the US Postal Service runs on its own funds. (PC: BBC)