23 Indian Crew Members Rescued from Burning LPG Tanker off Yemen Coast
Twenty-three Indian crew members were rescued after an explosion and fire broke out on the LPG tanker MV Falcon off the coast of Aden, Yemen. The EU Naval Force Operation Aspides launched a search and rescue mission after the Cameroon-flagged vessel went adrift while sailing from Oman to Djibouti. The crew abandoned the ship, which was fully loaded with liquefied petroleum gas, posing a significant navigational hazard. A private company is now managing the salvage operation for the damaged tanker.
Veteran Actor and Comedian Asrani Passes Away at 84
Govardhan Asrani, the beloved veteran actor known for his impeccable comic timing in over 300 films, died in Mumbai at age 84 after a brief illness. Best remembered for his iconic role as the eccentric jailer in the 1975 classic “Sholay,” Asrani was a staple of Hindi cinema for five decades, celebrated for his performances in films like “Chupke Chupke” and “Pati Patni Aur Woh.” His passing was mourned across the film industry as a significant loss.
Pakistan and Afghanistan Agree to Ceasefire After Qatar-Mediated Talks
After a week of deadly border clashes that killed dozens, Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire. The agreement was reached during negotiations in Doha, mediated by Qatar and Turkiye, to end the worst violence between the neighbours since 2021. Both nations also agreed to hold follow-up meetings to ensure the truce is sustainable. The fighting had flared after explosions in Afghanistan on October 9, which Kabul blamed on Islamabad, leading to cross-border strikes and ground battles.
National Medical Commission Approves Over 10,600 New MBBS Seats for 2024-25
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has approved 10,650 new MBBS seats for the 2024-25 academic year, establishing 41 new medical colleges and raising the national total to 816. This expansion increases the total number of available undergraduate medical seats to 1,37,600. The move aligns with the government's goal of significantly boosting the country's medical education capacity to address the growing demand for healthcare professionals and improve the doctor-patient ratio across India.
Anti-Pollution Curbs Intensified in Delhi-NCR as Air Quality Worsens to 'Very Poor'
Authorities have invoked Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in Delhi-NCR after the city's air quality index (AQI) crossed the 300 mark, entering the 'very poor' category. The move introduces stricter measures to combat rising pollution levels ahead of Diwali. These curbs include increased frequency of public transport, daily mechanised road sweeping and water sprinkling, and strict enforcement of dust control norms at construction sites to prevent further deterioration of the region's air quality.
US to Cut Aid to Colombia Over Drug Production, Escalating Tensions
US President Donald Trump has announced he will slash funding to Colombia, accusing its president, Gustavo Petro, of failing to curb drug production. In a social media post, Trump referred to Petro as an "illegal drug dealer" and threatened direct US intervention if operations are not shut down. The statement marks a significant escalation in tensions between the two longtime allies, following earlier US accusations of non-cooperation and a recent move to revoke Petro's visa.
Ladakh Leaders to Resume Talks with Centre After Months-Long Deadlock
Representatives from Ladakh have accepted an invitation from the Ministry of Home Affairs to resume talks in Delhi on October 22, ending a months-long stalemate. Delegations from the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) will discuss their core demands, including statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution for tribal area protection. The development follows a period of intense protests and is seen as a crucial step toward resolving the region's political grievances.
Centre Approves ₹1,950 Crore in Advance Flood Relief for Karnataka and Maharashtra
The Union Home Ministry has approved the advance release of ₹1,950.80 crore to aid flood-affected regions in Karnataka and Maharashtra. The funds, part of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for 2025-26, will be allocated with ₹1,566.40 crore for Maharashtra and ₹384.40 crore for Karnataka. This financial assistance is intended to help the state governments provide immediate relief to citizens impacted by severe rainfall and flooding during the recent southwest monsoon season.
Election Commission Reactivates Economic Intelligence Panel to Curb Money Power in Polls
Ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, the Election Commission of India has reactivated its Multi-Departmental Committee on Election Intelligence (MDCEI) after a six-year hiatus. The panel, comprising 17 central agencies including the ED, NCB, and tax departments, will enhance coordination and intelligence sharing to curb the use of money, liquor, and other illicit inducements to influence voters. The move aims to ensure free and fair elections by strengthening the crackdown on electoral malpractices.
Louvre Museum Closes After Jewels from Napoleon Collection Stolen in Heist
The Louvre Museum in Paris was forced to close after a significant theft on Sunday morning. Robbers reportedly stole nine pieces from the jewellery collection of Napoleon and Empress Joséphine, located in the Apollo Gallery. The thieves are said to have entered via a facade undergoing construction, using a freight elevator to access the gallery before breaking display windows. An investigation is now underway at the world's most visited museum, which houses iconic artworks including the Mona Lisa.
Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter Observes Solar Eruption's Impact on Moon for First Time
A payload on India's Chandrayaan-2 lunar orbiter has made the first-ever direct observation of a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) from the Sun affecting the Moon's environment. The Chandra’s Atmospheric Composition Explorer-2 (CHACE-2) instrument detected a dramatic, tenfold increase in the pressure of the Moon's tenuous exosphere as solar particles impacted its surface. This landmark observation confirms long-held theoretical models and provides crucial new data on lunar space weather, essential for planning future lunar bases.
Pakistani Airstrike Kills Three Afghan Cricketers, Prompts T20 Series Withdrawal
A Pakistani airstrike in Afghanistan's Paktika province has killed at least eight people, including three cricketers. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) identified the players as Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon. In response to the attack, which it called a devastating blow to the nation's sports community, the ACB has withdrawn its team from an upcoming T20 tri-series involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The incident has drawn sharp condemnation from Afghan players and threatens a fragile ceasefire agreement between the two nations.
Palestinian Death Toll in Gaza Surpasses 68,000 Amid Ceasefire
Gaza's Health Ministry reports the Palestinian death toll has exceeded 68,000 since the conflict began, with many bodies recovered since a ceasefire started over a week ago. Meanwhile, Israel identified the remains of another hostage, 76-year-old Eliyahu Margalit, handed over by Hamas. The recovery of the remaining 18 hostages and the delivery of humanitarian aid remain critical points in the ongoing process. The Rafah border crossing, Gaza's only non-Israeli gateway, is expected to reopen on Monday for Gazans returning home.
First Batch of Lucknow-Made BrahMos Missiles Flagged Off for Armed Forces
India’s defence manufacturing capabilities received a boost as the first batch of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, produced at a new facility in Lucknow, was flagged off for deployment. The event marks a key milestone for the 'Make in India' initiative and the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor. The new facility aims to produce around 100 missile systems annually, enhancing India's strategic deterrence and self-reliance. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh warned that the missile puts every inch of Pakistani territory within range.
Government Reports GST Rate Cut Benefits Reaching Consumers on Key Items
The Union government announced that the benefits of recent Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate reductions have been passed on to consumers across all 54 monitored daily-use items, including cars, two-wheelers, and televisions. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated the resulting surge in consumption is expected to sustain beyond the festive season. The government estimates these reforms could generate an additional ₹20 lakh crore in demand this year, bolstering the economy and offsetting potential impacts from US tariffs.