Pakistan and China jointly submitted a request to the UN Security Council to designate the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its suicide wing, Majeed Brigade, as terrorist entities. However, the United States, United Kingdom, and France blocked the proposal by placing a technical hold, citing insufficient evidence linking the groups to Al-Qaeda and ISIL. Pakistan's UN Ambassador stated that over 60 terror camps operate from Afghan sanctuaries, enabling cross-border attacks. The US had already designated BLA as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in 2024, following the group's responsibility for attacks including Karachi airport bombings, Gwadar Port strikes, and the March 2025 Jaffar Express train hijacking that killed 31 people and held 300 hostages. (PC: India Today & Hindustan Times)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of blocking an investigation into alleged voter deletions in Karnataka’s Aland constituency. Gandhi said the Karnataka CID had written 18 letters in 18 months seeking crucial data, but the requests were “blocked.” He alleged 6,018 votes were nearly deleted, which could have affected results. The Election Commission dismissed his charges through a #ECIFactCheck post, calling them “incorrect and baseless.” The Karnataka CEO later said all available information had already been shared with police in Kalaburagi. Gandhi insisted the commission was shielding “vote chors” and those who “destroyed democracy.” (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump said some TV networks that criticize him should “maybe” lose their licence. He spoke after ABC suspended late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. Kimmel was taken off air for remarks about the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) warned ABC over Kimmel’s comments. Trump told reporters that media was “97% against” him and suggested licences be taken away. Kimmel’s suspension drew strong reactions. Barack Obama, actors, and unions called it censorship. FCC chairman Brendan Carr said more action could follow, while critics warned this move threatens free speech rights. (PC: BBC)

Paramjit Singh, an Indian-origin businessman living in the US for over 30 years, was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) due to an old case. He was arrested on July 30 at Chicago O’Hare Airport after arriving from India. Singh, a permanent resident and father of US-born children, also suffers from a brain tumour. He spent five days at the airport, 20 days in an Indiana detention centre, and was later moved to Kentucky. His lawyer said DHS is using “court tactics” to delay release. A judge has granted bond, and the case may go to federal court. (PC: NDTV)

Israel launched new strikes on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon on Thursday. The Israeli army said the attacks were aimed at Hezbollah’s “military infrastructure” and were carried out in response to the group’s attempts to rebuild its activities. Civilians in three villages—Mays al-Jabal, Kfar Tebnit, and Dibbine—were warned to evacuate before the strikes. Hezbollah is under pressure from the US, Saudi Arabia, and Lebanese rivals to disarm but has refused. Israel and Hezbollah have been in conflict since October 2023. The latest offensive comes a year after Israel crippled Hezbollah’s communication network in a major covert operation. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump said talk show host Jimmy Kimmel “should have been suspended a long time ago” for his remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kimmel’s show was suspended after he said the “Maga gang” was trying to politicize Kirk’s death. Speaking in the UK, Trump said Kimmel was “fired for lack of talent” and had “bad ratings.” Democrats called the suspension an attack on free speech and an abuse of power. The FCC chairman, Brendan Carr, criticized Kimmel’s comments. Nexstar then pulled the show from its stations, and ABC suspended it indefinitely. (PC: BBC)

On September 18, 2025, telecommunications across Gaza were cut off after key network routes were targeted, resulting in a full blackout. At the same time, Israeli tanks moved into the Sheikh Radwan and Tel Al-Hawa neighbourhoods—strategic gateways to central Gaza City—while forces pressed forward in eastern suburbs. In the past 24 hours, at least 79 Palestinians were killed, mostly in Gaza City. Civilians, many displaced and sheltering among ruins, face worsening humanitarian conditions with curtailed aid, limited evacuation options and rising hunger. International concerns mount over escalation and civilian suffering. (PC: Reuters)

Israel’s far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich has described Gaza as a future “real estate bonanza,” saying the “demolition phase” is complete and now rebuilding can begin. He claimed a business plan is already with US President Donald Trump, involving dividing Gaza after the war. The idea echoes Trump’s earlier proposal to turn Gaza into a tourism hub, which was condemned internationally. Critics say it would involve forced displacement of Palestinians and violate international law. The UN estimates 92% of Gaza’s housing is destroyed. Smotrich, sanctioned abroad for incitement, also recently proposed annexing most of the West Bank. (PC: Getty Images)

The UK has deported the first migrant to France under the new “one in, one out” deal with Paris. The person, who crossed the Channel illegally, was flown back earlier today. Under the agreement, for every migrant returned, the UK will accept one legal asylum seeker from France. Officials say this is only the start, with more deportations planned as the scheme expands. Over 30,000 migrants have crossed the Channel illegally this year. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the move shows Britain’s resolve to secure borders. Some earlier deportations were blocked by courts, prompting a review of current laws. (PC: PA)

ABC has suspended late-night host Jimmy Kimmel after his remarks on the killing of right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk. Kimmel accused the “Maga gang” of using the tragedy for political gain, drawing strong backlash. Donald Trump welcomed the suspension, calling it “great news for America.” Nexstar and Sinclair, two major broadcasters, also dropped his show. Hollywood figures like Ben Stiller, Jamie Lee Curtis, and John Legend condemned the move as censorship. Fans outside the studio called it unfair. The Writers Guild of America said the suspension violated free speech. ABC said Kimmel had not been fired but benched indefinitely. (PC: BBC)