Amid strained relations between India and Canada, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar dismissed concerns about 'Khalistan' at a Washington D.C. press conference. Jaishankar highlighted the Modi government's focus on issues affecting the Sikh community in India, labeling extremist elements a minority that do not represent the community. He criticized Canada's permissiveness towards terrorism, linking it to the deterioration in India-Canada ties. This follows Canadian PM Trudeau's allegation of Indian involvement in a Khalistani separatist's killing, a claim rejected by India. In response, India suspended visa services in Canada and cautioned citizens about anti-India activities and politically-motivated hate crimes.

Madhya Pradesh police said those who refused to help the rape survivor in Ujjain, seen begging door-to-door in viral CCTV footage, could be charged under child sex abuse laws for not reporting the crime. An auto driver who knowingly didn't inform police has been identified. More people visible in footage ignoring the bleeding girl's pleas may face action if deliberate lapse is confirmed. However, police claimed some had tried helping with money and clothes. But none took her in or called the cops until a priest sheltered her and called the police. The horrifying case has spotlighted appalling public apathy towards a desperate child victim.

Several police personnel in Hyderabad joined devotees for a dance during the Ganesh Visarjan procession on Thursday, spreading joy and excitement. Videos going viral show cops spontaneously dancing with hundreds of devotees to traditional songs at NTR Marg. From senior officers to juniormost staff, the police seemed eager to shake a leg with the public during the celebrations. A cop dancing freestyle on a wall caught much attention. About 90,000 idols are expected to be immersed across Hyderabad. Police made elaborate arrangements to ensure smooth and safe immersion. The enthusiastic participation of cops highlights the festive bonhomie and unity in the city.

President Droupadi Murmu has given her assent to the Women's Reservation Bill, paving the way for 33% reservation for women in Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. The bill, officially known as the Constitution (106th Amendment) Act now, seeks to reserve one-third of seats for women in parliament and state assemblies. President Murmu gave her nod to the bill on Thursday, as per a notification issued by the Law Ministry. The bill will come into force on a date to be decided by the central government through an official gazette notification. This is a landmark moment in the empowerment of women in legislative bodies.

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has sent a ₹100 crore defamation notice to BJP MP Maneka Gandhi for her recent controversial statement accusing ISKCON of selling cows to butchers. ISKCON vice-president Radharamn Das said Maneka's comments were baseless and hurt devotees' sentiments globally. He added that ISKCON will legally pursue the case against the former union minister. In a viral video, Maneka alleged that ISKCON establishments sell cows to butchers despite taking government benefits for gaushalas, a claim ISKCON has denied.

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah stated he will consult legal teams on future action regarding the Cauvery water release row, amid a statewide strike called by farmer groups and pro-Kannada outfits. 44 flights were canceled at Bengaluru airport as protesters blocked roads and transport. Pro-Kannada activists disrupted actor Siddharth’s promotional event demanding his exit, citing inappropriate timing given the water dispute. Additional police were deployed as strike actions intensified over the Supreme Court's refusal to interfere with Cauvery regulating bodies' order to release water to Tamil Nadu. The tense situation has triggered large-scale disruption.

Curfew has been relaxed in Imphal from 5am to 11pm on Friday after a tense night following violent clashes and an attempt to attack Manipur CM N Biren Singh's unoccupied ancestral residence. The relaxation was to allow buying of essentials but mass gatherings remain prohibited. On Thursday night, a mob tried to attack the CM's vacant ancestral home despite heavy security, but forces foiled the bid after firing tear gas shells. Many were injured in clashes between protesters and security personnel at various Imphal spots. A house was also torched in Imphal East by a mob late Thursday.

Train operations were affected in Punjab as farmers' 'rail roko' agitation entered the 2nd day demanding a financial package for flood losses, MSP guarantee, withdrawal of protest cases, and compensation for deceased farmers. Some trains were canceled, diverted, or short-terminated due to the 3-day stir by groups like the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee. Protesters squatted on tracks at 17 places including Moga, Amritsar, and Bathinda. In Hoshiarpur, Azad Kisan Committee members sat on dharna at the railway station. The stir left many passengers stranded in Punjab and Haryana. Farmers said the agitation against the Centre will continue till September 30 if demands are not met.

On the first day of the Karnataka bandh called by Kannada Okkuta over Cauvery water release to Tamil Nadu, 44 flights were canceled within 6 hours at the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru. 5 pro-Kannada activists were detained when they tried to enter the airport with a Karnataka flag and caused a ruckus. Under Section 144, prohibitory orders were imposed in several districts with schools and colleges shut. Most shops and businesses downed shutters across Karnataka as private vehicles stayed off roads in Cauvery basin areas. Multiplexes and theatres also canceled shows backing the 12-hour state-wide bandh.

M.S. Swaminathan, the pioneering agricultural scientist known as the "Father of India's Green Revolution," died on Thursday in Chennai at the age of 98. Swaminathan, a recipient of the Padma Vibhushan, worked closely with government leaders in the 1960s and 70s to spearhead the Green Revolution, helping transform India's food security through the adaptation of new technologies. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced Swaminathan will receive a state funeral with police honors recognizing his immense contributions. Prime Minister Modi expressed condolences, stating Swaminathan's groundbreaking work improved the lives of millions. He is survived by three daughters.