### Evening News Wrap: October 2, 2025
As the sun sets on a day marked by Gandhi Jayanti and the eve of Dussehra, global headlines are dominated by political tensions in India, a shocking act of violence in the UK, and ripples from economic and international developments. Here's your concise roundup of the day's top stories.
#### 1. Rahul Gandhi's Colombia Remarks Ignite Political Firestorm
Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi sparked a major controversy during an interaction at EIA University in Bogota, Colombia, where he accused the BJP-led central government of launching a "wholesale attack on Indian democracy." He emphasized that India's diverse traditions require space to thrive under a robust democratic framework, warning that structural flaws—particularly centralized power and corruption—pose the "single biggest threat" to the nation's progress. Gandhi also criticized the RSS-BJP ideology as rooted in "cowardice," referencing External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's 2023 comments on China to underscore what he called a reluctance to confront challenges boldly.
The BJP swiftly hit back, branding Gandhi a "leader of propaganda" who habitually defames India abroad out of "jealousy and hatred." Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal called it a "habit" of undermining constitutional institutions, while BJP MP Kangana Ranaut labeled him a "disgrace." Congress allies, including Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, defended Gandhi as a "fearless leader" highlighting real issues at home. The exchange has amplified debates on democracy ahead of key state elections.
#### 2. Two Killed in Suspected Terror Attack at Manchester Synagogue on Yom Kippur
In a harrowing incident on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, two people were killed and four others seriously injured in a car-ramming and stabbing attack outside the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue in Crumpsall, north Manchester. The assailant drove into a crowd of worshippers before stabbing a security guard, prompting armed police to shoot him dead within seven minutes of the first emergency call.
Greater Manchester Police declared it a "terrorist incident," with counter-terrorism officers leading the probe; two arrests have been made, and a suspicious vest (possibly explosive) was found on the suspect. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, cutting short a trip to Copenhagen, called it "horrific" and convened an emergency COBRA meeting, vowing heightened security at Jewish sites nationwide. The Community Security Trust decried it as an "appalling" surge in antisemitism, echoing a record 3,500+ incidents in 2024 amid global tensions. Witnesses described chaos, with one saying, "There is no place for Jews in Britain anymore."
#### 3. India Sees Surge in Private Sector Mega Projects Amid Govt Slowdown
New project announcements by India's private sector hit a near 15-year high in the first half of FY 2025-26, driven by optimism in infrastructure and manufacturing, even as government and foreign investments dipped sharply. This boom signals robust domestic confidence but highlights funding gaps in public initiatives.
#### 4. Direct Flights Between India and China Set to Resume by Late October
In a step toward thawing ties, India and China will restart direct air services connecting key cities by late October, pending carrier approvals and operational clearances, the Ministry of External Affairs announced. The move could boost trade and people-to-people exchanges post-pandemic.
#### 5. US Government Shutdown Enters Day 2 as Budget Impasse Deepens
The US federal government shutdown, triggered by stalled funding talks between Republicans and Democrats, stretched into its second day, halting non-essential services and furloughing thousands— the first since 2019. Impacts include delayed payments and closed national parks, with no resolution in sight.
#### Quick Bites
- **Gandhi Jayanti Observances**: Leaders across India paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 156th birth anniversary, with events emphasizing non-violence amid global conflicts.
- **RSS Centenary Milestone**: PM Modi released a commemorative coin and stamp marking 100 years of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, highlighting its role in nation-building.
- **Sports Spotlight**: India's bowlers dominated Day 1 of the Ahmedabad Test vs. West Indies, bundling them out for 162; KL Rahul notched a fifty.
Stay tuned for updates as these stories evolve. What headline caught your eye today?
