Israel-Hezbollah War Highlights: 24 people killed in Israeli attack on Ain Deleb, says Lebanon health ministry

India News Highlights: Fire breaks out in bar and restaurant in Thane, Maharashtra

Twenty-three government employees were suspended and services of six ad-hoc and casual labourers were discontinued for taking part in election campaigning in Jammu and Kashmir, an official said on Monday. The action was taken to ensure transparency in the ongoing assembly elections in the Union Territory. "Taking cognizance of participation of government employees in election campaigning and related political activities, 23 officials were suspended besides disengaging six contractual and ad hoc employees for violating Model code of conduct (MCC) guidelines," Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) P K Pole said.

The IAF launches airstrikes on military targets belonging to the Houthi including power plants and a seaport, in response to their recent attacks against Israel.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and enquired about his health.

Search operation underway by security forces in Rajouri district after witnessing a suspicious movement in the area. More details are awaited

Death toll rises to 170 after torrential rainfall-induced landslide and flooding sweeps across the country, reports Home Ministry

The Health Ministry of Lebanon has reported that 24 persons were killed in an Israeli attack on the southern city of Ain Deleb. The ministry announced in a statement that 29 more people were hurt in an Israeli strike close to Sidon.

The body of Badlapur sexual assault case accused Akshay Shinde was buried in a crematorium in Ulhasnagar in Thane district on Sunday, a police official said. The burial took place at Shantinagar crematorium at around 6pm amid heavy police bandobast as the site had seen protests from some local residents and outfits who were opposing the move, the official added.

The Israeli army confirmed that it launched an attack on the port city of Hodeidah in Yemen, claiming to have employed "dozens of air force aircraft." On X, the army claimed that because there were locations where the Houthis "transfer Iranian weapons to the region," power plants and a seaport were struck.

Hezbollah reported that it targeted at two locations in northern Israel, one of which being the village of Safad, which it had fired at multiple times in the previous week. In a statement, the group said that its forces had fired a "rocket salvo" against Safad and another smaller area "in defence of Lebanon and its people and in response" to Israeli attacks on towns, villages, and civilian properties.

Airstrikes were launched at Yemen's Hodeidah port on Sunday, with targets including fuel tanks, two sources at the port told Reuters.

According to a statement released by the Lebanese Health Ministry, fourteen medical professionals died during the course of two days of Israeli attack throughout Lebanon. The attacks by the Israeli occupation forces on paramedics and medical facilities have increased recently. In just two days, fourteen paramedics lost their lives as a result of these attacks, the statement claimed.

Eight leaders of the Haryana BJP are suspended from the party for a period of six years for running against the party's nominees in the upcoming assembly elections as independents. Former MLA Devendra Kadyan and minister Ranjit Chautala's names are on the list.

With the temperature dropping after rain, schools in Guwahati city's Kamrup Metropolitan area in Assam will resume regular hours on Tuesday. According to a District Elementary Education Officer (DEEO) decision, it was determined to revoke the September 20 notification, which had set the district's school hours from 7.30 am to 12.30 pm due to the extreme hot circumstances.

The Israeli military said on Sunday the strike that killed Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah this week in Beirut also "eliminated" more than 20 other members of the Lebanese armed group. "More than 20 other terrorists of varying ranks, who were present at the underground headquarters in Beirut located beneath civilian buildings, and were managing Hezbollah's terrorist operations against the state of Israel, were also eliminated," the military said in a statement

Amidst a series of catastrophic blows to the Lebanese militant group and the death of its general commander, Hassan Nasrallah, the Israeli military announced on Sunday that it had eliminated another high-ranking officer in an airstrike. Nabil Kaouk, the deputy head of Hezbollah's Central Council, was slain on Saturday, according to the military. Hezbollah confirmed his death, making him the seventh senior Hezbollah leader slain in Israeli strikes in a little over a week. They include founding members who had evaded death or detention for decades. The Israeli military said it carried out another targeted strike on Beirut later on Sunday, with details to follow.

National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah on Sunday said the Union government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi should put pressure on Israel to end the "bloodshed" in Palestine and Lebanon. "What has happened yesterday (killing of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah), it looks like war is hovering around the region. The Government of India and the prime minister along with other international leaders should put pressure on Israel to stop the killings so that peace is established in the region," Abdullah told reporters on the last day of election campaign in Baramulla.

The PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti was targeted by the BJP on Sunday for "votebank politics" and "shedding crocodile tears" after the former chief minister canceled her election campaign due to the death of Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah. BJP national spokesperson R P Singh referred to her as "pro-militant" and stated, "By canceling her campaign, she has shown she is shedding tears over the death of terrorists." She frequently refers to terrorists as martyrs. She had shed similar tears for Burhan Wani in the past."

Blasts were heard in the vicinity of Syrian capital Damascus, state news agency SANA reported on Sunday, adding that an investigation was being conducted to establish the cause.

Earlier, the Israeli military said it was carrying out fresh strikes Sunday targeting Hezbollah's weapons storage facilities and infrastructure sites in Lebanon. "Over the last few hours, IDF (military) fighter jets struck Hezbollah terror targets in Lebanon, including launchers directed toward Israeli territory, weapons storage facilities, and terrorist infrastructure sites," the military said in a statement.

Hezbollah confirmed on Sunday that its senior leader Ali Karaki was killed in an Israeli strike that targeted some of the group's other senior figures including its chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah in Lebanon.

Israel-Hezbollah War Live: US Central Command conducts targeted strikes against terrorist groups in Syria

Both a medical and a security source told Reuters on Sunday that Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, has been found dead and unharmed from the scene of an Israeli airstrike on the southern suburbs of Beirut. The two sources claimed Nasrallah's body had no visible wounds and that it appeared the cause of death was blunt trauma from the blast's impact, despite the fact that Hezbollah's statement on Saturday confirming his death did not specify how he was murdered or when his funeral would take place.

He was admitted here after he felt slightly unwell while addressing a public meeting in Jasrota (Kathua), Jammu & Kashmir.

Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel says "India became the 5th largest economic power under the leadership of world leader PM Modi. Laghu Udyog Bharati is working in the interest of industry and the nation. PM started the 'Office of Doing Business' and 'Make in India'. This has made us self-reliant. Today we make the biggest mobile phones. This organization is working to increase production and employment in the country. This organization guides small industries"

In the ongoing operation in village Kog (Mandli), Kathua, J&K Police Head Constable Bashir Ahmed made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, taking down a terrorist, says J-K Police. While he succumbed to his injuries, the other officers, including Dysp Sukhbir and ASI Niaz, are stable. The search for the remaining terrorist continues, with top officials on-site overseeing the operation. Our thoughts are with the brave personnel and his family, said officials

V Senthil Balaji, R Rajendran, Govi Chezhiaan and S M Nasar sworn in as ministers by Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi at Raj Bhavan in Chennai

In an interaction with CEOs of PLI beneficiary companies, Piyush Goyal said Make in India and PLI both have an umbilical cord, which is impossible to separate. As more and more companies come into the market, domestic demand will be met, imports will fall and exports will increase. We will land up with an investment of upwards of Rs 2 lakh crore in PLI scheme. He reported that 850,000 jobs were to be created from PLI, we could land up with direct employment exceeding 1.2 million people. Medical devices, ACs and LED, drones, Pharma have shown many success stories, he added.

The youths of Haryana have always protected our borders, they have sacrificed their lives, I bow down in front of you. You had given your blessings to PM Modi in the recent elections. It was said that if PM Modi will win, the Constitution will be changed, farmers will not get their due. Many things were said. People refused to listen to Congress, and denied the dream of mother-son duo Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, and PM Modi formed the government for the third time. Here as well the duo of father-son will be defeated, says Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma

The information minister of Lebanon, Ziad Makary, declared on Sunday during a cabinet meeting that diplomatic channels were being used to try to reach a ceasefire with Israel. Makary said, "It is certain that the Lebanese government wants a ceasefire, and everyone knows that (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu went to New York based on the premise of a ceasefire, but the decision was made to assassinate Nasrallah." "Diplomatic efforts to achieve a ceasefire are ongoing. The Prime Minister is not falling short, but the matter is not that easy," Makary emphasized, highlighting the complexity of the situation and the challenges faced in reaching a resolution.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge became unwell while addressing a public gathering in Kathua. Congress leader Thakur Balbir Singh says, "He (Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge) felt suffocated due to the extreme heat and still he completed his speech... He will take some rest and then leave for another programme in Ramnagar..."

A terrorist was killed in an ongoing operation in a remote village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district on Sunday, taking the death toll in the incident to two, officials said. According to the officials, the terrorist's body was found at the location of the encounter in Billawar tehsil this afternoon near Kog-Mandli.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Sunday that, as part of the ongoing cross-border attacks between Israel and the militant Lebanese group, they had targeted and eliminated Nabil Kaouk, a high-ranking member of Hezbollah. IDF says, 'Yesterday, the IDF eliminated the terrorist Nabil Kavek, the commander of Hezbollah's Preventive Security Unit and a member of Hezbollah's Central Council.' Reuters reported that Hezbollah's supporters have been posting condolence messages on social media sites since Saturday, despite the movement not having formally announced Kaouk's death.

"We have settled accounts with someone who was responsible for the murders of countless Israelis & many nationals of other countries, including hundreds of Americans and dozens of French," said Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu following the death of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah.

Nasrallah's death marks the end of his 37-year reign over the Lebanese militant group.

- "Where does the PM CARES Fund go? Why don't you show the accounts of the fund?"

-  "There are all kinds of mafias going on in J&K."

- "Unemployment is the highest in 45 years."

- "BJP could have conducted elections earlier but they are doing it now, only after a Supreme Court intervention."

- "Congress is the saviour of the constitution, but BJP calls us thieves."

- "BJP insulted Dr. Ambedkar by disrespecting the constitution."

- "The constitution was made by Dr. Ambedkar, Nehru, Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel to provide justice to everyone."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the lack of planning and vision in Pune’s urban development over past decades, stating that delays in execution had stalled progress. "Pune should have had an advanced transport system like the metro much earlier, but files would remain stuck for years," he said. During the virtual inauguration of the Swargate to Katraj metro line, he emphasized that previous governments couldn’t construct a single pillar in eight years, while his government has delivered a modern Metro station in Pune.

Congress leaders Abhishek Singhvi and Jairam Ramesh addressed a press conference in Delhi, focusing on the issue of electoral bonds. They raised concerns about the transparency and accountability of the system, questioning its impact on democratic processes and fairness in elections.

PM Narendra Modi expressed regret for missing his planned visit to Pune due to heavy rains, calling it a personal loss. In his virtual address, he highlighted the city's patriotism and societal devotion, saying, "Coming to such a Pune in itself makes one energetic." He also inaugurated the District Court to Swargate Metro section, laid the foundation for the Swargate-Katraj section, and for the Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule Memorial. Modi emphasized progress towards improving the ease of living in Pune.

PM Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for projects worth ₹11,200 crore in Maharashtra. These initiatives span various sectors, including infrastructure, industrial development, and urban modernization, aiming to boost the state's economic growth and development.

"Nature of jobs is changing and new sectors are emerging. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has started 25 challenges under the theme ‘Create in India’. I specially urge the creators in the country to ensure participation and bring their creativity to the fore," said PM Narendra Modi.

Tensions in the Middle East have intensified as the Israeli military launched a series of strikes on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, resulting in over 700 deaths. These strikes followed the killing of Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in an airstrike on Friday.

"'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' was an amazing campaign; such an example of public participation is truly inspiring. Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Telangana have created a new record by planting more saplings than the set target," said PM Modi.

The US government has returned nearly 300 ancient artifacts to India, reflecting a significant effort to restore cultural heritage, says PM Modi

PM Modi discussed a cleanliness drive being actively promoted on the beaches of Puducherry by a woman named Ramya ji. He noted that Ramya ji, along with a team of youth, is dedicated to cleaning the Mahe area, particularly the beaches nearby.

"2nd of October is an occasion to commend those who turned Swachh Bharat Mission into such a big mass movement in Indian history. It is also a befitting tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, who dedicated his entire life to this cause. Due to the success of the 'Swachh Bharat Mission,' the 'Waste to Wealth' mantra is becoming popular among people. People have started talking about Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle," said PM Modi.

"We are all very proud of our heritage. I always say 'Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi'. There is a lot of discussion about the return of our ancient artefacts by the US," stated PM Modi.

PM Modi praised a cleanliness initiative led by Ramya ji and her team of youth, actively promoting cleanliness on the beaches of Puducherry. He noted their efforts particularly in the Mahe area, where they are working to clean the beaches and enhance the environment.

'In Jhansi, some women have given a new lease of life to the Ghurari river. These women are associated with a Self Help Group and they have led this campaign by becoming Jal Saheli,' says PM Modi. For the last few weeks it has been raining heavily in different parts of the country. This rainy season reminds us how important 'water conservation' is.

This is the 114th episode of the monthly radio program by Prime Minister Modi. The last episode of Mann ki Baat was held on August 25, 2024.

Prime Minister Modi will virtually inaugurate the Pune Metro line connecting Shivajinagar District Court to Swargate today. He will also launch the Swargate-Katraj Extension for Pune Metro Phase-1, which has an estimated budget of approximately ₹2,955 crore. Additionally, he will unveil the Bidkin Industrial Area, a significant development under the National Industrial Corridor Development Program, spanning 7,855 acres, located about 20 kilometres south of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in Maharashtra. The Prime Minister will also inaugurate Solapur Airport and lay the foundation for a memorial dedicated to Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule's First Girls' School at Bhidewada.

A meeting of all ministers will be held today at 11 AM in the Delhi Secretariat to discuss stalled projects. Former Chief Minister and AAP Convenor Arvind Kejriwal wrote to current Chief Minister Atishi regarding these issues, prompting the convening of this meeting, according to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO).

"It is a very cherishable moment in the Dravidian history because our sports minister & youth wing secretary has been performing in all areas of the government... The BJP should really think about speaking on dynastic politics because I can list at least of major names sons and daughters of several supremos who have taken place in BJP," said DMK MLA Ezhilan Naganathan.

A magnitude 4.4 earthquake hit Afghanistan recently, causing concerns among residents. Details regarding any damages or casualties are yet to be reported, as authorities assess the situation. The earthquake is part of the region's frequent seismic activity, but its impact on nearby areas remains to be determined.

Heavy monsoon rains in Nepal have caused severe flooding in low-lying neighbourhoods of the capital, Kathmandu, resulting in significant damage. According to police reports, at least 101 people have been killed across the Himalayan republic due to the surging floodwaters. Emergency services are responding to the crisis as communities grapple with the aftermath of the intense rainfall.

A Delhi Police constable was killed as he was crushed by a car in a road rage incident in the Nagaloi area last night after he asked the car driver to move the car. The constable was allegedly dragged for 10 meters and hit another car. The police have seized the car while the accused is absconding: Delhi Police

Ahead of the October 5 polling in Haryana, former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel stated that the people of Haryana are determined to vote the BJP out of power, citing a decade of misrule.

Baghel emphasized the growing electoral momentum against the BJP, referencing the prolonged farmers' protests, discontent over the Agniveer scheme affecting youth, and the recent wrestlers' protests. He pointed out widespread issues such as corruption and ineffective governance, expressing that voters are seeking change.

Israel has reportedly begun a small-scale ground operation in Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah positions. This follows heightened tensions after the recent killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.

The operation comes amidst escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, with reports suggesting the mission aims to weaken Hezbollah's capabilities along the border. Further details are awaited as the situation develops.

Udhayanidhi Stalin, son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, is set to take oath as the Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu today, September 29. The swearing-in ceremony will take place at 3:30 PM at Raj Bhavan, Chennai, following the Governor's approval of his appointment.

Currently serving as the Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports Development, Udhayanidhi will also oversee the Planning and Development portfolio in addition to his existing responsibilities. This elevation marks a significant step in his political career.

The Assam government has suspended mobile internet services across the state on Sunday, September 29, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The shutdown aims to ensure the smooth conduct of a written examination for recruitment to Grade III posts.

While mobile internet will be unavailable, voice calls and broadband connections via fixed telephone lines will remain operational during this period. The move is a precautionary measure to prevent any malpractices during the exam.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to deliver the 114th episode of his monthly radio programme, 'Mann ki Baat,' today, September 29, at 11 AM. The address will be broadcast on Akashvani, Doordarshan, the AIR News website, and the Newsonair mobile app. Viewers can also catch it live on YouTube channels of AIR News, DD News, PMO, and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

A deadly bus-truck collision in Maihar district, Madhya Pradesh, has resulted in six fatalities and left nearly 20 people injured. Emergency responders have been active on-site, with critically injured individuals transferred for specialized care

China and Russia took the stage at the UN General Assembly on Saturday, with foreign ministers Wang Yi and Sergey Lavrov delivering speeches in place of their top leaders. Wang Yi’s address emphasized China's familiar stance on national sovereignty, reasserting Taiwan’s status as part of China, and called for diplomacy in resolving Russia's war in Ukraine. He warned against countries "throwing oil on the fire," a subtle jab at the U.S.

Lavrov focused on nuclear tensions, cautioning against attempts to challenge a nuclear power like Russia. In a later press conference, Lavrov accused the U.S. of striving to maintain global dominance, criticizing NATO’s ties with countries like Australia, Japan, and South Korea.

President Joe Biden described the Israeli strike that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah as a “measure of justice” for the victims of Nasrallah’s decades-long "reign of terror." He pointed out that this operation came in response to ongoing conflict, which intensified after the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led massacre of Israeli civilians.

Vice President Kamala Harris echoed Biden's sentiments, further highlighting the importance of addressing the broader regional threats posed by Hezbollah. Hezbollah confirmed Nasrallah's death on Saturday, marking a significant blow to the group’s leadership.

President Joe Biden described the Israeli strike that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah as a “measure of justice” for the victims of Nasrallah’s decades-long "reign of terror." He pointed out that this operation came in response to ongoing conflict, which intensified after the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led massacre of Israeli civilians.

Vice President Kamala Harris echoed Biden's sentiments, further highlighting the importance of addressing the broader regional threats posed by Hezbollah. Hezbollah confirmed Nasrallah's death on Saturday, marking a significant blow to the group’s leadership.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, labeling it a "historic turning point" for the region. Describing Nasrallah as "the terrorist," Netanyahu highlighted the assassination as a move towards restoring peace and shifting the balance of power in the Middle East.

U.S. President Joe Biden backed the strike, calling it justice for past victims and revealing that an Iranian general was also killed alongside Nasrallah. Biden reiterated America's support for Israel’s right to self-defense and deployed additional U.S. troops to deter potential Iranian retaliation.

Hezbollah confirmed Nasrallah’s death, vowing to continue its fight. In response, Israel’s military prepared to block any Hezbollah rearmament efforts, launching another airstrike targeting a warehouse in Beirut. Meanwhile, sirens blared in Jerusalem following rocket attacks from Beirut, further escalating tensions.

Iran has urgently requested a United Nations Security Council meeting following Israel's killing of Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. In a letter to the 15-member body, Iran's UN ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, condemned Israel's actions and warned against any attacks on Iranian diplomatic premises. Iravani stressed that Iran would not tolerate further aggression against its representatives, citing the principle of inviolability of diplomatic sites.

The ambassador further stated that Iran is prepared to take all necessary steps to protect its national and security interests, in accordance with international law.

Twelve pro-Iranian fighters were killed in airstrikes in eastern Syria, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The strikes hit locations in Deir Ezzor, the Boukamal region near the Iraqi border, and military positions close to Deir Ezzor airport. Though the origin of the attacks remains unknown, both Israel and the U.S. have previously launched airstrikes against pro-Iranian forces in the region.

Israel has recently ramped up its air operations, targeting Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon and arms supply routes along the Syrian-Lebanese border, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.

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