The Samajwadi Party accused the BJP of suppressing opposition after Akhilesh Yadav’s Facebook account was inaccessible for hours. SP leaders called it an “attack on democracy” and condemned attempts to silence socialist voices. Officials, including MP Rajeev Rai, vowed legal action and said the party would continue raising public issues despite the setback.
North Korea marked the 80th anniversary of its ruling Workers’ Party with a grand military parade at Kim Il Sung Square, showcasing ICBMs. Kim Jong Un hosted China’s Li Qiang and Russia’s Dmitry Medvedev, highlighting growing ties with Moscow. Pyongyang reaffirmed its “irreversible” nuclear stance amid speculation of renewed US-North Korea talks.
Harvard University will lay off staff from its engineering school amid rising financial strain and federal funding cuts. Dean David Parkes cited new taxes on endowments and reduced research funding as key factors. The Boston Globe reported about 40 layoffs. Parkes called the decision difficult but necessary to bridge the budget gap and restructure operations.
A massive explosion at the Accurate Energetic Systems military explosives plant in Hickman County, Tennessee, killed several and left 19 missing. The blast obliterated an entire building, scattering debris over half a square mile. Sheriff Chris Davis called it “the most devastating scene” of his career. Governor Bill Lee urged prayers for victims’ families.
Maharashtra unveiled draft “Motor Vehicle Aggregator Rules, 2025” and sought feedback by October 17. Key provisions include fare caps at 1.5 times the base rate and a 12-hour daily driving limit with mandatory 10-hour rest. The rules aim to ensure fair practices for both passengers and app-based transport drivers.
Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, on a six-day visit to India, confirmed Kabul will soon send diplomats to New Delhi. He invited Indian businesses to invest and urged cooperation on Chabahar port development. Muttaqi asserted Taliban control over Afghan territory and denied the presence of terror groups like LeT and JeM.
A 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck the southern Philippines hours after a stronger 7.4 magnitude quake hit the same region. The back-to-back tremors have raised fears of widespread damage and aftershocks. Authorities continue to assess the situation and coordinate emergency response efforts to aid affected residents.
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado received the Nobel Peace Prize for her relentless fight for democracy and peaceful transition from dictatorship. Despite lobbying by Republicans and himself, Trump was once again overlooked. The Nobel Committee praised Machado’s unwavering commitment to democratic rights for the people of Venezuela.
President Droupadi Murmu, during her three-day Gujarat visit, visited the historic Somnath Mahadev temple in Gir Somnath. She performed aarti, offered holy Ganga water, and took part in the Someshwar Mahapuja. The sacred rituals were conducted with the chanting of Vedic hymns, highlighting the temple’s spiritual and cultural significance.
The Pakistan Army firmly rejected the possibility of talks with terrorists or their facilitators, issuing a strong warning instead. Army spokesperson Lt. Gen. Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry said a deliberate plan allowed militants to regroup in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He stressed that this has endangered civilians and law enforcement across the region.
The Central govt has gifted five ambulances to Afghanistan, handed over by External Affairs Minister Jaishankar to Afghan Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi. Jaishankar announced that 15 more vehicles will follow soon. He confirmed India’s plan to supply MRI and CT scan machines, cancer and immunization vaccines, and other medical equipment.
Former Nepal Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak denied ordering excessive force during the Gen Z protests. The protests saw thousands rally in Kathmandu, resulting in 76 deaths over two days. Nineteen demonstrators were killed during police firing on the first day, sparking widespread criticism of the government’s response.
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado called her Nobel Peace Prize a tribute to all Venezuelans fighting for freedom. She urged continued global support, especially from the US and President Trump. Machado said the award strengthens their resolve to achieve a peaceful transition to democracy in Venezuela, calling it a historic moment.
The Federation of Indian Pilots has urged Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu to ground Air India’s entire Boeing 787 fleet. Citing safety concerns after recent technical failures, the body stressed urgent inspection of electrical systems. Incidents on flights AI-117 and AI-154 have raised alarms over passenger safety and aircraft reliability.
US President Trump’s hopes for the Nobel Peace Prize were dashed as Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado won this year. The White House responded with criticism, accusing the Nobel Committee of prioritizing politics over genuine peacemaking efforts. The decision has sparked debate over the award’s impartiality and purpose.