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The first phase of the hostage exchange between Israel and Hamas commenced today, with 7 Israeli hostages released. Videos of their return are circulating on social media, showing emotional reunions with family and friends. This initial release marks a significant step in ongoing negotiations, bringing a moment of relief and hope amid the ongoing conflict.
At least 10 Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) members were killed in Lahore after paramilitary Rangers opened fire on protesters early Monday. The firing occurred during an operation to disperse demonstrators planning a march to Islamabad. Over 50 policemen were injured, and unrest spread to Muridke as tensions between TLP supporters and police intensified.
The Kerala High Court dismissed a PIL against Arundhati Roy’s book “Mother Mary Comes To Me” over its cover showing her smoking. Advocate Rajasimhan alleged it promoted tobacco use without warnings. The bench, led by Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar, noted Penguin Random House had included a disclaimer and ruled the PIL was baseless and publicity-driven.
The Supreme Court has once again deferred Vodafone Idea Ltd.’s plea challenging the duplication of AGR dues. The case will now be heard on October 27, after the Diwali holidays. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the government, sought more time, following which Chief Justice B.R. Gavai agreed to take up the matter post-recess.
The Supreme Court today has ordered a CBI probe into the Karur stampede that claimed 41 lives during TVK chief Vijay’s rally. A bench of Justices J.K. Maheshwari and N.V. Anjaria appointed former Supreme Court judge Ajay Rastogi to head a committee that will monitor the investigation, ensuring transparency and accountability in the probe.
Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court has framed corruption, criminal conspiracy, and cheating charges against RJD chief Lalu Yadav in the IRCTC scam. Tejashwi Yadav and Rabri Devi also face multiple charges. This development is a significant setback for the RJD ahead of the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, intensifying political scrutiny on the party.
The Election Commission of India has announced bypoll dates for five Assembly seats, with polling on November 11 and counting on November 14. Key constituencies include Nuapada (Odisha), Tarn Taran (Punjab), and Anta (Rajasthan), Nagrota and Budgam (J&K). Nominations open between October 20-21, with scrutiny and withdrawals scheduled before polling.
YouTube warned Australia’s planned ban on under-16s using social media, set for 2025, won’t make children safer online. While “well intentioned,” the legislation is hard to enforce and risks unintended consequences. YouTube, claiming it isn’t a social media platform, argued for exemption. Experts call the vague law potentially symbolic despite heavy fines for viola...
The Ukraine-Russia war appears to be nearing a critical point, with Russia voicing strong concern over the US plan to supply Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine. Moscow warned of potential escalation with severe consequences. Meanwhile, Donald Trump stated he would ensure the conflict does not intensify before approving the missile transfer.
Israel has announced it will not send any representatives to the Gaza peace summit hosted by US President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi today in Sharm el-Sheikh. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Shosh Bedrosian, confirmed, stating that “no Israeli official will attend” the high-level diplomatic meeting.
Maharashtra Congress President Harshwardhan Sapkal said senior leader P Chidambaram’s remark on the 1984 Operation Blue Star reflected his personal opinion. He added that terrorism had risen during that period, leading to former PM Indira Gandhi’s assassination, and emphasized that Chidambaram’s statement should be seen solely as his individual viewpoint.
China urged the US to stop threatening higher tariffs and resume negotiations, warning of firm retaliation if Washington continues its measures. The statement followed Trump’s 100% tariff and software export controls effective Nov. 1. Beijing defended its new port fees, Qualcomm probe, and rare earth export curbs as defensive responses to US restrictions.
Volodymyr Zelensky urged allies for more air defences, warning Russia is exploiting waning global attention to intensify strikes. In calls with Donald Trump and France’s Emmanuel Macron, he sought missiles and long-range support. Moscow’s renewed attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid have left hundreds of thousands without power ahead of winter.
Nominations for the Jubilee Hills by-poll in Hyderabad, scheduled for Nov 11, will open today. Telangana Election Officer Karnan confirmed that all arrangements are in place. This time, voter slips will include serial numbers to help polling staff quickly identify voters, enhancing the election process and reducing delays compared to previous polls.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee reacted to a medical student’s gang rape in Durgapur, saying girls shouldn’t be allowed out at night to protect themselves. She blamed the private college for failing in safety and questioned why her govt alone was blamed, highlighting similar incidents elsewhere, including Odisha. She vowed strict action against culprits.