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)

Kolkata’s Dakshindari Youths have chosen acid attack survivors as their Durga Puja theme this year. Titled ‘Dahan’ (burning), the pandal features live performances by women actors and survivors who share their stories with visitors. The idol of Goddess Durga has a symbolic hollow in the stomach to depict the emptiness caused by violence. Mirrors placed around the pandal are opaque, showing the struggles survivors face with their identity. West Bengal reported the highest number of acid attack cases in India, according to NCRB data. Organisers hope the theme raises awareness about violence against women beyond the festive season. (PC: The Hindu)

Nepal has chosen 2-year-old Aryatara Shakya as the country’s new living goddess, known as the Kumari. She was carried by her family through Kathmandu streets to the Kumari Ghar temple palace, where she will live for several years. Kumaris are young girls from the Newar Shakya clan, worshipped by Hindus and Buddhists. They must meet strict physical and spiritual criteria. Aryatara replaces 11-year-old Trishna Shakya, who served as goddess since 2017. Devotees touched her feet and offered prayers, flowers, and money. Her father said, “She was my daughter yesterday, but today she is a goddess.” (PC: AP news)

Amid the ongoing US government shutdown, the US Embassy in India has announced a reduction in its activities on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The embassy stated that it would limit posts to essential communications only, focusing on emergency updates and critical information. This measure is part of broader efforts to comply with federal guidelines during the shutdown. However, the embassy emphasized that it would continue to provide necessary services and information to US citizens and others in need of assistance during this period. (PC: Canva)

As of October 1, 2025, the U.S. government has initiated a partial shutdown, marking its 15th since 1981. This cessation of operations follows a failed Senate vote on a short-term spending bill, primarily due to disagreements over healthcare provisions. Democrats insisted on extending expiring health benefits for millions of Americans, while Republicans opposed including them in the funding measure. The shutdown affects approximately 750,000 federal workers and incurs an estimated daily cost of $400 million. Key services such as air travel operations, scientific research, and military salaries are impacted. President Trump has warned that the shutdown could pave the way for significant federal workforce reductions and restructuring. (PC: Reuters)  

U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley and Dick Durbin have jointly introduced the “H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act,” aiming to tighten foreign worker visa rules by prioritising candidates with STEM credentials and raising penalties for wage-violations. The proposal would also restrict abuses in L-1 intracompany transfers by enforcing stricter wage and displacement safeguards. Advocates say it could raise compliance costs and make visa issuance harder. The move signals heightened scrutiny of skilled immigration, but its passage remains uncertain. (PC: MSN)    

  A catastrophic collapse at the Al Khoziny Islamic boarding school in Sidoarjo, East Java, has left 91 students missing and 3 confirmed dead, after a structure gave way during afternoon prayers. Rescue teams continue to dig through unstable concrete, cautiously withholding heavy machinery to avoid triggering further collapse. At least six trapped survivors have shown signs of life, with supplies of oxygen, food and water being delivered through narrow gaps. Authorities point to unauthorized upper-floor construction and inadequate foundational support in the old building as likely causes.     

US President Donald Trump Has Given Hamas 3-4 Days To Respond To His 20-Point Gaza Peace Plan. Speaking Outside The White House, Trump Warned Of A “Very Sad End” If Hamas Rejects The Proposal. The Plan Calls For An Immediate Ceasefire, Release Of Hostages, Humanitarian Aid, And Reconstruction In Gaza. Hamas Said It Will Discuss The Plan With Other Palestinian Groups Before Replying. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu And Countries Including France, Canada, India, And Russia Have Welcomed The Proposal. Since October 2023, Over 66,000 Palestinians Have Died, Mostly Women And Children. (PC: HT)

A school building collapsed in Sidoarjo, East Java, Indonesia, killing three people and injuring 99 others. At least 38 students remain trapped under the rubble. The two-storey Al Khoziny Islamic Boarding School had added two floors on an unstable foundation. Rescuers are carefully removing debris to avoid further danger to survivors. Students aged 12-17 were praying when the collapse occurred. Authorities said the building lacked proper permits. Families waited anxiously outside the school, while survivors described falling debris and broken bones. Officials warned that the death toll may rise as rescue operations continue. (PC: BBC)