😥 IIT Bombay suicide leads to hunger strike, exams postponed

The parents of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode started a hunger strike after alleging caste discrimination led to his death. Ravindra and Sonali Wakode are demanding action against his alleged tormentors in Mumbai. The institute deferred mid-semester exams from September 26-27 to October 10-11 amid the controversy. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi assured the family of his support in seeking justice for their son. The Mumbai Police Crime Branch is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. 😥

🚀 NASA pilot set for SpaceX Crew-13 mission

NASA test pilot Luke Delaney is scheduled for the upcoming SpaceX Crew-13 launch. He will be participating in this mission from the launch site. The launch is anticipated around this time period, though specific dates are pending final confirmation. This mission is part of ongoing human spaceflight programs and collaborations. Further updates regarding the launch timeline and mission details are expected soon. 🚀

⚖️ Trump's press ban faces court block

Trump's ban on CNN, MS NOW, and Politico reporters at the White House was temporarily overturned by a court order. This ruling was made by US District Judge Timothy Kelly, a Trump appointee, on Thursday. The order mandates immediate access restoration for these three organizations for a period of 14 days. The judge noted that Trump himself criticized these outlets' coverage, contradicting the administration's claims. The legal battle continues, with the administration still contesting its authority to control access.

🏡 Jason Collins' LA home listed for $3.75M

The longtime Los Angeles home of late NBA star Jason Collins is now listed for $3.75 million. The property, located in the Brentwood-area community of MountainGate, is being sold by a relative of the former center. Collins originally bought this 5,000+ sq ft house for $2.39 million back in 2004. He resided there for over two decades, which included his 13-season NBA career and coming out as gay in 2013. The residence features two double-height living rooms and a backyard pool area. 🏡

💳 Banks asked to keep UPI MDR charges from consumers

The Centre plans to task the Indian Banks’ Association with public awareness campaigns regarding the new MDR. This move comes as a 0.4% MDR will be applied to some person-to-merchant UPI transactions over ₹2,000 starting October 15. This fee aims to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the UPI ecosystem, funding infrastructure like cybersecurity. However, the government directs banks to prevent these merchant costs from being passed onto consumers for smaller transactions. Furthermore, person-to-person UPI transactions and those under ₹2,000 will remain free from this levy. 💸

⚖️ SC orders CBI probe into Sai Krishna death

The Supreme Court questioned the handling of 25-year-old Gade Sai Krishna's custodial death in Vijayawada, citing delayed FIR and missing CCTV footage. The bench has stayed related proceedings and brought the CBI into the case, while issuing notices to the state DGP and Police Commissioner. This development has sparked fresh political attacks from the YSR Congress Party against the Chandrababu Naidu government. The court is actively supervising the matter and has sought case records from the Andhra Pradesh High Court. The case is scheduled to be heard again in October to determine further steps. 🧐

⚖️ NY AG sues Polymarket over illegal gambling claims

New York Attorney General Letitia James filed a lawsuit against Polymarket, alleging violations of state laws against illegal gambling. The suit was filed in a Manhattan state court, following similar actions against Kalshi and Coinbase Financial Markets. Authorities are seeking civil penalties and profit surrender, citing concerns over problem gambling, especially among those under 21. James described the markets as "quintessentially gambling," pointing to a specific wager on July 24, 2026. Polymarket countered that they preferred direct engagement over public legal action. ⚖️

🔎 Karnataka forms SIT for fresh Soujanya case probe

The Karnataka state government has formed a five-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into the 2012 Soujanya case. This probe was initiated in Dakshina Kannada district, following an FIR re-registered by the CBI. The Supreme Court directed the fresh investigation to be completed within three months. Inspector-General of Police N. Shashikumar has been appointed as the SIT chief to head the inquiry. The SIT has jurisdiction across Karnataka under the BNSS, 2023.

🤝 US, Iran explore phased deal over Hormuz Strait

US and Iranian negotiators are discussing a phased arrangement in New York to ease tensions. The proposal involves Tehran reopening the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for Washington lifting economic blockades. This potential deal aims to resolve the conflict in stages, with the first step being the lifting of the blockade and reopening the waterway. However, these talks are complex as both sides have strong leverage and want meaningful concessions. Gulf states are also watching closely, pushing for de-escalation while demanding freedom of navigation. 🚢

👮 Stalin denies shielding Veeramani in POCSO case

DMK President MK Stalin stated that no orders were issued during the DMK government to protect R Veeramani regarding the POCSO case. Stalin strongly accused the ruling TVK of politicizing the alleged sexual abuse of minor girls ahead of bye-elections. The case involved Gem Granites Chairman R Veeramani, who was arrested in August over these allegations. While the DMK claims impartial action before, Stalin criticized the TVK's alleged inaction in similar past incidents. The Tamil Nadu government has since placed two senior IPS officers under compulsory wait amid this controversy. 👮

⚠️ Kochi bus drivers booked for reckless driving

Two private bus drivers have been booked by the Central police for dangerous driving incidents. These incidents occurred in Kochi over two consecutive days, captured by CCTV footage. On Wednesday, a pedestrian narrowly avoided being hit, and on Thursday, a physical fight happened near the High Court Junction. The police initiated a suo motu case on Thursday for rash driving on a public way. Authorities are now monitoring the situation following these serious lapses in driving conduct.