Times of India

Farooq Abdullah dismisses the possibility of any post-poll alliance with BJP for forming the next government in J&K, emphasizing that such an alignment would be detrimental. Omar Abdullah and Iltija Mufti echo these sentiments, criticizing BJP's alleged attempts to undermine J&K's autonomy.

Supporters of Imran Khan's PTI clashed with police in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Lahore, demanding his release. The government deployed the army in Islamabad for security ahead of an SCO summit. Significant arrests and violent clashes were reported amidst the ongoing protests.

The government reverts to recruiting railway officers through UPSC Civil Services and Engineering Services Exams, abandoning the IRMS system due to insufficient technical manpower. The decision aims to address the unique technical and non-technical requirements and cope with existing manpower shortages through re-engagement of retired officers.

Six Pakistani soldiers, including Lt. Col. Muhammad Ali Shoukat, were killed in a terror attack on a military convoy in North Waziristan. Six terrorists also died in the gunfight. Search operations continue in the region, known for frequent TTP-led attacks.

Heart attacks among young individuals, especially aged 18-44, are rising alarmingly, even in those leading seemingly healthy lifestyles. Experts highlight that being sedentary, poor diets, and stress are key factors. Early signs include neck and shoulder pain, unusual sweating, and shooting arm pains. Awareness and timely medical consultation can help mitigate risks.

Emirates has banned pagers and walkie-talkies onboard its flights and extended cancellations to Middle East destinations following recent explosions in Lebanon linked to these devices. The ban affects passengers traveling via Dubai. Additionally, flights to Iraq and Iran are suspended, with Jordan routes set to resume soon. Services to Lebanon remain halted until October 15.

Deepinder Goyal, CEO of Zomato, will not return to Shark Tank India Season 4 due to Swiggy's sponsorship and their demand for his removal. Goyal discussed Zomato's rapid growth in quick commerce and kept his distance from commenting on Swiggy's upcoming IPO. The rivalry between Zomato and Swiggy has intensified due to competitive pressures.

Former India captain MS Dhoni is set to meet Chennai Super Kings' management in mid-October to decide on his participation in the next IPL season. The BCCI's new rule classifying him as an 'uncapped' player allows CSK to retain him for Rs 4 crore. A final decision will impact CSK's auction strategy.

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray vowed no employment for MLAs who switched to Eknath Shinde's faction. Thackeray criticized PM Modi's alleged favoritism towards contractor friends. Highlighting rampant corruption, Aaditya Thackeray targeted CM Shinde's inefficiency. Anil Parab noted that the job fair is a response to rising unemployment, promising continued efforts despite not being in power.

A bus owner in Mangaluru changed his vehicle's name from ‘Israel Travels' to ‘Jerusalem' following backlash on social media amid geopolitical tensions. Netizens urged police action against the name, prompting the owner, Lester Kateel, who works in Israel, to voluntarily change it to avoid controversy. Kateel expressed confusion over the objections.

Supporters of former PM Imran Khan reached Islamabad's D-Chowk, countering heavy police presence and internet cuts. The Islamabad high court has ordered a designated protest zone. Khan's PTI challenges the ruling coalition, claiming election fraud and facing government crackdowns. Amnesty International criticized communication cuts and road blockades.

A 20-year-old man has been sentenced to life imprisonment by a special Pocso court in Firozabad for gang raping a 10-year-old girl in 2021. The case was transferred to the special court as the convict, 17 at the time, was deemed capable of understanding the crime's consequences. Another accused is still being tried.

In Aligarh, a woman threw acid on a man she accused of blackmailing her at a restaurant. The man fled to seek medical treatment for burns. The woman alerted the police and was also hospitalized with minor injuries. Police are investigating the incident and reviewing the CCTV footage from the restaurant.

India will host the 28th Malabar naval exercise in the Bay of Bengal from October 8 to 18, involving the US, Japan, and Australia to enhance maritime cooperation. The exercise includes anti-submarine, surface warfare, and air defense operations. Participating naval forces will work to improve situational awareness and address shared maritime challenges in the Indo-Pacific.

Junior doctors in Kolkata initiated a hunger strike, demanding improved hospital security, 24-hour protection for healthcare workers, and an investigation into corruption. Triggered by recent violent incidents and inadequate safety measures, they threaten to continue protests until substantial government action is taken. ​​The doctors have also highlighted the culture of fear and intimidation within state-run hospitals, alleging that the administration has not provided a safe working environment.​

The Telangana Nurses Association has requested a change in uniforms for state-run hospitals, advocating for grey or ash-colored scrubs instead of white sarees or salwar kurtas. They argue that the shift to scrubs would enhance comfort, work efficiency, and simplify maintenance without the need for caps.

The Indian cricket team has experienced a setback with all-rounder Shivam Dube being ruled out of the T20I series against Bangladesh due to a back injury. Tilak Varma has been announced as his replacement for the three-match series starting on Sunday in Gwalior.

Mumbai Indians face a tough decision-making task ahead of the mega auction, needing to select players for retention from a pool of superstars like Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Suryakumar Yadav and other young players. While team chemistry and fan interests are crucial, retention rules limit their choices.