The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for severe thunderstorms, lightning, and heavy rainfall across Maharashtra, including Mumbai, Palghar, and Satara. Gusty winds of 40-50 km/h are expected, prompting safety warnings for residents. Flight operations at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport have been disrupted, with multiple go-arounds and diversions reported. Additionally, heavy rain has caused significant delays on the suburban train network, leading to cancellations and overcrowding at stations. In response, all schools and colleges in Mumbai will remain closed on Thursday.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren sharply criticized the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during a virtual rally, likening the RSS to "rats" and accusing both of undermining communal harmony for electoral gain. Soren alleged that the BJP was sowing discord between Hindu and Muslim communities, warning against provocations that could escalate tensions. He described the BJP as a party of "traders and industrialists," referring to recent defections and urging critics to examine demographic data from neighboring West Bengal instead of accepting the BJP's claims.
A five-judge bench of the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, addressed the recent controversial comments made by Karnataka HC Judge V. Srishananda, who referred to a Bengaluru locality as "Pakistan." CJI Chandrachud emphasized that such remarks undermine the country's territorial integrity, stating, "We can't call any part of the territory of India as Pakistan."
The second phase of voting in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections began on September 25, covering 26 seats in six districts. With security heightened in areas like Rajouri, over 2.5 million voters will decide the fate of 239 candidates, marking the first assembly election in a decade following the abrogation of Article 370. The first phase saw a voter turnout of 61.13%, and the third phase is scheduled for October 1. Key candidates include Omar Abdullah from the National Conference and Ravinder Raina from the BJP. The Election Commission has established 157 special polling stations to enhance voter accessibility.
Kiran Rao's film Laapataa Ladies has been selected as India's official entry for the Oscars 2025, creating a wave of excitement among the cast and crew. Actor Sparsh Shrivastava, who plays Deepak Kumar, expressed his joy, stating, "Everyone from Aamir Khan Productions to my whole family is really happy. It would be even better if we win."