Photos

<div><span>Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf will not attend the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in New Delhi on October 26-27 due to “certain unforeseen circumstances”, the Iranian Embassy in India announced on Saturday.</span></div><div><span>The embassy confirmed that an Iranian parliamentary delegation would participate in the meeting, reaffirming Tehran’s commitment to engaging with other BRICS members through the grouping’s summits and meetings.</span></div><div><span>“The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in New Delhi wishes to inform that, due to certain unforeseen circumstances, H.E. Dr. Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf, Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran, will be unable to attend the Meeting of Speakers of the Parliaments of BRICS Member Countries in New Delhi,” the embassy said in a statement.</span></div><div><span>“It is also emphasised that the parliamentary delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran will participate in the meeting. As one of the members of BRICS, Iran reaffirms its commitment to active and effective participation at the highest levels in the summits and meetings of this grouping,” it added.</span></div><h3><span>Iran delegation to continue engagement with BRICS members</span></h3><div><span>According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Tehran’s delegation will continue dialogue and consultations with representatives of BRICS member countries in New Delhi, with the aim of expanding bilateral and multilateral cooperation, particularly in parliamentary affairs.</span></div><div><span>The Iranian Embassy also thanked the Indian government for its hospitality and arrangements for the meeting.</span></div><div><span>“The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran also expresses its sincere appreciation to the Government of the Republic of India for its gracious hospitality and the arrangements made to host this meeting. It wishes the Meeting of Speakers of the Parliaments of BRICS Member Countries every success and hopes that it will yield constructive outcomes towards strengthening cooperation and engagement among member countries,” the statement said.</span></div><h3><span>BRICS parliamentary forum to begin on October 26</span></h3><div><span>The Parliament of India will host the two-day forum on October 26 and 27 at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan. Parliamentary leaders from BRICS member and partner countries are expected to attend the meeting, which is being held under India’s chairship.</span></div><div><span>The event will focus on people-centric development and bring together presiding officers and parliamentary leaders, Union Ministers, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, presiding officers of state legislatures, Members of Parliament and other dignitaries.</span></div><div><span>Earlier this week, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla described the forum as a new chapter in India’s parliamentary diplomacy.</span></div><div><span>Birla said Prime Minister Narendra Modi would attend the event and meet the leaders of visiting delegations.</span></div><div><span>The programme will include bilateral and multilateral discussions involving visiting delegations and parliamentary friendship groups. A meeting of delegation secretaries is scheduled for Monday to finalise the joint statement of the 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum.</span></div><h3><span>Four sessions to focus on global cooperation and development</span></h3><div><span>The forum will deliberate on the overarching theme, “Strengthening Parliaments for People-Centric Development”.</span></div><div><span>According to Birla, the discussions will be organised into four high-level sessions covering institutional resilience, innovation, global governance and sustainability.</span></div><div><span>The sessions are titled:</span></div><ul><li data-list-item-id="e4d31b2da698cb7cb817c893c36140687"><strong>Resilience:</strong><span> The critical role of parliaments in strengthening institutions to ensure a better future.</span></li><li data-list-item-id="e117367414a61dd9bd39046381f54fdc7"><strong>Innovation:</strong><span> Promoting human-centred innovation in artificial intelligence and digital technologies through parliaments.</span></li><li data-list-item-id="e157043a12bdb1afcd8a309010ce9662c"><strong>Cooperation:</strong><span> Ensuring a more representative system of global governance through parliamentary cooperation.</span></li><li data-list-item-id="ecb44f6a843a769dbafaa9a740ea02b5f"><strong>Sustainability:</strong><span> The role of parliaments in ensuring a sustainable and inclusive future for participating countries.</span></li></ul><div><span>The forum is expected to facilitate consensus-based dialogue among participating countries, building on the legacy of previous BRICS Parliamentary Forums.</span></div><div><span>Delegates will also visit the Parliament of India and take part in cultural visits in Delhi.</span></div>

The Parliament of India will host the two-day forum on October 26 and 27 at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan.

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Qalibaf to skip BRICS parliamentary forum in New Delhi

<p>The surface temperatures in the central part of the equatorial Pacific reached 30°C in mid-October 2026. It was a record-breaking day in terms of modern history and the climatic observation records. According to the NOAA data, an increasing El Nino phenomenon leads to warming of tropical oceans beyond all historical records, which causes significant concerns regarding upcoming weather conditions.</p><h2><strong>Record temperature anomalies in the Nino 3.4 region</strong></h2><p>The WMO data indicates abnormal warming in the tropical Pacific.</p><p><strong>Fast increase</strong>: The sea surface temperature anomaly in the region increased from 1.6°C above average in June to 2.5°C in August.</p><p><strong>Projections</strong>: The model forecast predicts an increase up to 3.7°C above average in October-December.</p><p><strong>Comparison with historical anomalies</strong>: If the predicted temperature anomaly takes place, it will break the previous record of 2.6°C that occurred during the 2015-2016 super El Nino.</p><h2><strong>Implications of the global climatic phenomenon</strong></h2><p>El Nino happens due to a weakening of trade winds, causing piling up of warm surface waters in the central and eastern parts of the tropical Pacific.</p><p>This gigantic thermal engine influences the high-altitude jet streams in such a way that cloud and rainfall patterns at continental distances are disturbed. Given that the ocean heat drives the moisture transportation into the atmosphere, having a 30°C average in the Pacific seriously disrupts seasonal rainfall pattern in many continents.</p><h2><strong>Implications for India &amp; South Asia</strong></h2><p>As stated by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the 2026 southwest monsoon season ended with national rainfall being about 13% lower than the average.</p><p><strong>Temperatures forecast</strong>: According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) forecast, higher-than-average temperatures will dominate in most areas of South Asia throughout winter.</p><p><strong>Rainfall forecast</strong>: The below-average rainfall is expected in central and southern peninsular South Asia between October and December.</p><p><strong>Duration</strong>: This El Niño event is going to continue at least until the beginning of 2027.<br> </p>

Central equatorial Pacific Ocean sea surface temperatures touched an unprecedented 30°C on October 22, 2026, marking the highest reading in modern observational history.

El Nino makes history as central Pacific Ocean touches unprecedented 30°C

<p><span>India on Saturday strongly condemned a deadly attack at a church in Jordan's southern governorate of Karak that killed seven people and injured 34 others, expressing solidarity with the Jordanian government and its people and reaffirming its commitment to fighting terrorism.</span></p><p><span>In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the incident as a heinous attack that had claimed innocent lives and left several others injured. It extended condolences to the victims' families and wished those injured a speedy recovery.</span></p><p><span>"We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wish a swift recovery to those injured in this cowardly attack. We also reaffirm our strong commitment to the fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," the MEA said.</span></p><p><span>External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also expressed shock over the attack, which took place during a funeral in Karak.</span></p><p><span>"Deeply shocked at the heinous attack at a Church in Karak, Jordan yesterday, which resulted in the tragic loss of several innocent lives and injuries to many others. Our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wish a swift recovery to those injured," Jaishankar said in a post on X.</span></p><p><span>He added that India stood firmly with the Jordanian government and people during the difficult time and reiterated New Delhi's commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms.</span></p><h2><span><strong>Jordan Orders Investigation Into Attack</strong></span></h2><p><span>According to the Jordanian Public Security Directorate, the shooting took place during a funeral in the southern governorate of Karak on Friday. Seven people were killed and 34 others injured.</span></p><p><span>A spokesperson for the directorate said the attack had been carried out by unidentified individuals and that investigations were proceeding intensively.</span></p><p><span>Jordan's King Abdullah II described the incident as a "terrorist attack" in a post on X, saying it would be met with the harshest retaliation, Xinhua news agency reported.</span></p><p><span>Minister of Government Communication Mohammad Al-Momani said Prime Minister Jafar Hassan would chair a meeting in Karak to oversee the authorities' response to what he called a "heinous terrorist crime".</span></p><h2><span><strong>UN Chief, Egypt Condemn Attack</strong></span></h2><p><span>United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also strongly condemned the attack on Friday, stressing that violence against civilians and places of worship was unacceptable.</span></p><p><span>In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, Guterres said places of worship must remain places of peace and be safe for everyone.</span></p><p><span>He called for those responsible to be identified and brought to justice, while extending his deepest condolences to the victims' families and wishing the injured a speedy recovery.</span></p><p><span>"The United Nations stands with the government and people of Jordan," Dujarric said.</span></p><p><span>Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi also conveyed his condolences to King Abdullah II and the Jordanian people over the deaths.</span></p><p><span>Describing the incident as a "treacherous terrorist attack", Sisi said Egypt strongly condemned the violence.</span></p><p><span>"Egypt fully condemns these horrendous acts, which violate all human values," he said in a statement issued by the Egyptian Presidency.</span></p><p><span><strong>(With IANS inputs)</strong></span></p>

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the incident as a heinous attack that had claimed innocent lives and left several others injured.

India condemns deadly church attack in Jordan, reaffirms commitment to fight terrorism

India condemns deadly church attack in Jordan, reaffirms to fight terrorism

<p><span>Four Philippine Air Force pilots were killed after two trainer aircraft crashed during a routine exercise at Fernando Air Base, south of Manila. The incident took place on Friday afternoon in Batangas province. Following the fatal crash, the military grounded its remaining fleet of SF-260 aircraft while investigators look into how the planes came down and whether they collided mid-air.</span></p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Philippine Air Force planes FLY DANGEROUSLY CLOSE before COLLIDING MID-AIR — BOTH SPIRAL OUT OF CONTROL &amp;amp; CRASH during TRAINING 4 AIR FORCE PILOTS KILLED https://t.co/fgqEdxJNM3</p><p>— RT (@RT_com) <a href="https://x.com/RT_com/status/2113883372279755086?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2026</a></p></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><h2>What happened at Fernando Air Base?</h2><p>According to the air force, the two aircraft were taking part in a training flight at the base in Lipa City when they crashed at around 3.51 pm local time on October 23. Each SF-260 carries two personnel, and all four pilots on board lost their lives in the accident.</p><p>The Philippine Air Force stated that the wreckage fell inside the military installation. "Both aircraft went down within the base perimeter, with no other casualties reported," air force spokesman Colonel Alvin Capinguian said in an official statement.</p><p>Although an official investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the crash, media reports citing officials familiar with the incident indicated that the two planes collided while flying at low altitude. In addition, media reports citing eyewitnesses noted that one of the aircraft crashed near military barracks, though no injuries were reported among personnel on the ground. The air force is yet to release a detailed account of the sequence of events.</p><h2>Philippine Air Force grounds SF-260 aircraft after crash</h2><p>As a precautionary measure, the air force has suspended flights for its remaining SF-260 fleet while the inquiry continues. Authorities have not disclosed how many aircraft are affected or when training operations using the model will resume.</p><p>Military has withheld the names of the four deceased pilots. However, officials confirmed they are coordinating closely with the bereaved families to extend necessary support and assistance.</p><p>The SF-260 is an Italian-designed, single-engine propeller aircraft primarily used for military flying instruction. Unlike heavy fighter jets, it is a lightweight, two-seat trainer built to help aviators master core flying skills before transitioning to advanced aircraft. Beyond instructional roles, the Philippine military has previously deployed these planes in active operations, including airstrikes during the 2017 Marawi conflict against militants linked to Islamic State.</p><h2>Earlier Philippine Air Force training crashes killed four pilots</h2><p>Friday's incident marks another deadly setback for the fleet, coming shortly after another fatal accident involving the same aircraft model earlier this year. On May 20, two pilots died when an SF-260 crashed in the mountainous Benguet province during a navigation training flight. That plane was part of an 11-aircraft formation that had taken off from Fernando Air Base towards Baguio City, according to the Philippine Information Agency.</p><p>A separate SF-260 training crash in 2023 also resulted in two pilot fatalities, according to media reports.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://english.zeenews.com/india/article-mumbai-ats-arrests-rapido-rider-jem-links-mahim-3160459">Rapido rider arrested in Mumbai over suspected JeM links, ATS probes Pakistan contacts </a></p>

Four Philippine Air Force pilots died after two SF-260 aircraft crashed during training at Fernando Air Base.

Tragedy in the Philippines: 4 Air Force pilots dead after horrific training crash | Video

Tragedy in the Philippines: 4 Air Force pilots dead after horrific training crash

<p>India is trying to contact 14 Indians reported safe in Yemen after an incident involving a boat in the Red Sea and is examining ways to bring them home. The Ministry of External Affairs said they were in the Hodeidah region, but officials have yet to establish what happened to the vessel or who was responsible.</p><h2>MEA seeks contact with 14 Indians in Hodeidah</h2><p>At a media briefing on Friday, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the government was in touch with various parties in Yemen and would seek help from members of the Indian community to reach the group.</p><p>Jaiswal said officials understood that the 14 Indians, who had been travelling on a dhow, were safe. He said India would work to ensure their welfare and examine the possibility of their return. He added that "will try to reach out to them through parties and through our community members" to assess their welfare and possible return to India.</p><p> </p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Delhi: MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "About the Indians who are presently stuck in Saudi Arabia. Yesterday, we did issue a release, a statement on what we are doing there. I would like to repeat some of the efforts that our Embassy and our Consulate in Saudi Arabia is making. They remain actively engaged with concerned airlines and tour operators to facilitate the early return of Indian pilgrims who are stuck there. Over the past week, about 3,000 stranded Umrah pilgrims have traveled back home from Saudi Arabia on available flights. In addition, we've also had more than 10,000 normal Umrah pilgrims who were booked on the available flights, and they have also traveled back home. Arrangements are being under discussion to facilitate the return of of other Umrah pilgrims at the earliest. Our Embassy and Consulate, they have been in touch with people who are stuck there. They are rendering support and service to them in collaboration with our volunteers, our community volunteers, and they are also running 24/7 control rooms both in Riyadh as also in Jeddah to assist Indian nationals who are there. And they are also issuing regular advisories so that they can be better informed of the situation on the ground."</p><p>— IANS (@ians_india) <a href="https://x.com/ians_india/status/2113620638829289897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2026</a></p></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Delhi: MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "About the Indian nationals who are presently in Hodeidah, we have been in touch with parties there, and we understand that all these 14 Indian nationals are located in Hodeidah and they are safe. We remain committed to the welfare and well-being of our nationals abroad"</p><p>— IANS (@ians_india) <a href="https://x.com/ians_india/status/2113617332996297128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2026</a></p></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><p> </p><p>The Indian Embassy in Yemen had earlier said the group was believed to be in or around Hodeidah, a port city on Yemen's Red Sea coast. It said the ongoing conflict had made it difficult to obtain precise information about the incident.</p><p> </p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Reports suggest that all 14 Indian nationals are safe and located around Hodeidah in Yemen. We will continue to work for ensuring their well being.@MEAIndia</p><p>— India in Yemen (@IndiaInYemen) <a href="https://x.com/IndiaInYemen/status/2113524387844325816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2026</a></p></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><p> </p><p data-path-to-node="0"><span>Official statements have not confirmed direct contact with all 14 Indians, and no date has been set for their return. Their identities and the condition of the vessel are also yet to be disclosed.</span></p><h2>Houthi allegation against Saudi Arabia remains unverified</h2><p>The incident was reported on Thursday, when Yemen's Houthi movement said it was rescuing 14 Indians from a boat near Zuqar Island in the southern Red Sea. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree accused Saudi Arabia of striking the vessel.</p><p>India has not confirmed that Saudi forces attacked the boat. The Indian mission said it was contacting different parties to establish the circumstances and facts of the incident. </p><h2>Red Sea conflict</h2><p>Hodeidah is largely controlled by the Iran-backed Houthis, while Yemen's internationally recognised government is based in Aden. Fighting between the Houthis and the Saudi-backed side has intensified in recent weeks, making travel and communication in parts of the country difficult.</p><p>Zuqar Island is near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a narrow shipping passage linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. Commercial ships use this route to travel between Asia, the Middle East and Europe, and the latest fighting has increased concerns about the safety of crews.</p><p>The incident also comes days after attacks on Saudi Arabian infrastructure affected Indian citizens. An Indian national was killed and three others were injured in strikes on Dammam airport and the Shaybah oil field on October 21. India condemned the attacks on civilian and energy facilities and called for them to stop.</p><p>More than a dozen Indian seafarers have been killed and three are missing in the Gulf and the wider West Asian maritime region since the conflict began in February.</p>

India says 14 Indians are safe in Yemens Hodeidah after a Red Sea boat incident. MEA seeks contact and possible return.

14 Indians still in Yemen after Red Sea incident; India pushes for return

<p>Indian mountaineer Yogeshwari Bohare has brought focus on high altitude menstrual hygiene by making herself a sanitary pad using tissue paper and medical tape amid her expedition at an altitude of 16,000 feet.</p><h2><strong>Unpredictable period during her trip</strong></h2><p>With her period catching her unaware and several days left for the conclusion of her trip, Bohare was the only woman in her team and could not afford any commercial pads.</p><h2><strong>High altitude ingenuity: Making a makeshift pad</strong></h2><p>A video posted on Bohare's Instagram account reveals the step-by-step process of improvisation in the absence of commercial menstrual hygiene products.</p><p><strong>Layering of tissue paper</strong>: The tissue paper was arranged in layers to make a thick center core.</p><p><strong>Outer layer</strong>: It was ensured using the medical tape to provide her with a barrier to absorb the menstrual fluid.</p><p><strong>Testing her invention</strong>: Bohare lifted the invention in the video to show that she still had to check if it could work in high-altitude, mountainous terrain.</p><p> </p><blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background-color:#FFF;border-radius:3px;border-width:0;box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15);margin:1px;max-width:540px;min-width:326px;padding:0;width:calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DetlI83pKZo/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"><div><div><div> </div><div><div> </div><div> </div></div></div><div> </div><div><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DetlI83pKZo/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewbox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div><div><div><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DetlI83pKZo/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div></div><div> </div><div><div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div></div><div><div> </div><div> </div></div><div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div></div></div><div><div> </div><div> </div></div><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DetlI83pKZo/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Mountaineer Yogeshwari (@yogi_on_everest)</a></p></div></blockquote><h2><strong>Breaking menstrual taboo during high altitude climbing</strong></h2><p>Menstrual health is an issue that is never spoken of among those involved in extreme sports owing to the unpredictability of the physical stress that disrupts menstrual cycle regularly.</p><p>"Mountains teach us more than just climbing—they force us to adapt, survive, and find immediate solutions when things go wrong," Bohare shared in her post caption.</p><p>It is important to remember that biological phenomena such as menstruation do not take into account difficult terrain and multi-day climbs, so it is essential to be adaptable when climbing as a woman.</p><h2><strong>Support through social media and public reaction</strong></h2><p>The video was received very well, attracting a lot of admiration among fans of outdoor adventures for the attention it drew to menstrual hygiene among extreme athletes.</p><p>Commentators noted the resilience needed when trekking alone, while outdoor adventurers praised Bohare for breaking the taboo of periods when climbing mountains.</p>

Indian mountaineer Yogeshwari Bohare highlighted the unspoken challenges of menstrual hygiene during high-altitude treks after crafting a makeshift sanitary pad out of tissue paper and medical tape at 16,000 feet.

Mountaineer shares survival hack for managing period at 16,000 feet without sanitary pads | VIRAL VIDEO

Mountaineer shares survival hack for managing period at 16,000 feet without pads

<p>A major 7.2 magnitude earthquake has struck near the Vanuatu archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, triggering immediate monitoring by regional disaster management agencies and global seismological institutes. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) as well as the Indian National Center for Seismology (NCS) registered several strong shocks in the region of South Pacific.</p><h2><strong>Rapid sequence of earthquakes strikes the coastlines of Sola and Port-Olry</strong></h2><p>Three powerful quakes occurred off the coast of Vanuatu islands in a row within hours:</p><p><strong>Primary shock</strong>: 7.2 magnitude earthquake was registered around 200 kilometers to the west of Sola.</p><p><strong>Secondary earthquakes</strong>: A 6.9 magnitude earthquake was registered around 197 kilometers to the west-north-west of Port-Olry; then a 6.3 magnitude earthquake was detected around 170 kilometers north-west of Port-Olry.</p><h2><strong>NCS information of the epicenter</strong></h2><p>The high-intensity earthquake was registered by NCS of India at 8:01 AM IST, having a shallow focus at 20 kilometers depth.</p><h2><strong>Sustained tectonic events in the Pacific Ring of Fire region</strong></h2><p>The series of tremors happened right after a 6.4 magnitude earthquake that occurred in the nearby Coral Sea on October 20.</p><p>The Vanuatu archipelago rests directly on the boundary of interacting tectonic plates along the Pacific Ring of Fire. This structural setup regularly produces intense deep-sea seismic activity, forcing local emergency agencies to maintain continuous tsunami and structural surveillance.</p><p> </p><p> </p>

A high-magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck near the Vanuatu Islands region in the South Pacific Ocean, according to global seismological agencies.

Powerful 7.2 magnitude earthquake strikes Vanuatu islands region in South Pacific

<p>A US intelligence report has warned that Iran is stepping up alleged plots to kill American diplomats and officials, with some plans already at an advanced stage. The warning, reported by Axios, comes as the United States reduces embassy staffing across the Middle East and President Donald Trump threatens another military operation against Tehran if talks fail.</p><h1>US intelligence memo warns of advanced Iranian assassination plots</h1><p>The intelligence warning was contained in a memo dated October 23 and sent to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to Axios. It said Tehran had "substantially increased" its efforts to target American diplomats and government officials in the Middle East and other parts of the world.</p><p>The report also warned that some suspected assassination plots had reached "advanced stages", suggesting that American officials could face serious security threats.</p><p>The one-page memo, reportedly sent by Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton, did not identify specific targets or explain how the alleged attacks might be carried out.</p><p>Clayton also called for intelligence about the suspected plots to be shared with more American personnel, particularly those who could face danger while serving abroad.</p><p>The latest warning has prompted Washington to review security arrangements at its diplomatic missions as tensions with Iran continue.</p><h1>US reduces embassy staff amid Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia</h1><p>The United States has already ordered non-essential government employees and their families to leave its diplomatic facilities in Saudi Arabia following growing security concerns.</p><p>The departure order covers the US Embassy in Riyadh and consulates in Jeddah and Dhahran.</p><p>Earlier, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott rejected reports suggesting that similar evacuation orders had been issued across several Gulf countries.</p><p>"This is inaccurate. The U.S. Department of State issued an ordered departure for non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members in Saudi Arabia only," Pigott wrote on X.</p><p>He blamed the deteriorating security situation on Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who have carried out attacks on civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.</p><p>"Iranian-supported Houthis have increasingly engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions," he said.</p><p>However, Axios subsequently reported that Washington had also ordered reductions in diplomatic and government personnel at American embassies in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Jordan and Lebanon.</p><p>American officials are reportedly concerned that Houthi attacks could spread beyond Saudi Arabia, putting US personnel and facilities in other Middle Eastern countries at risk.</p><h1>Donald Trump warns Iran of another Operation Epic Fury</h1><p>The intelligence warning comes as President Donald Trump has threatened further military action against Iran if Tehran fails to reach an agreement with Washington.</p><p>Speaking at a campaign rally in Fort Myers, Florida, on Friday, Trump suggested that the United States could launch another operation similar to its earlier military offensive against Iran.</p><p>"We may do another little Epic Fury, or they'll agree," Trump told supporters.</p><p>Referring to the possibility of negotiations, he added, "If they're smart, they'll just say, 'Let's get down to business.'"</p><h1>US-Iran tensions rise ahead of November midterm elections</h1><p>The conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran is nearing its eighth month. Washington has indicated that further military action remains an option, although Trump has previously suggested that new strikes would not take place before the US midterm elections.</p><p><span>The elections are scheduled for November 3, as Americans remain concerned about the war and rising fuel prices. Meanwhile, the latest intelligence warning has raised security concerns at US diplomatic missions. However, the publicly reported memo does not identify any imminent attack against a specific US official.</span></p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://english.zeenews.com/india/article-india-china-lac-arunachal-faceoffs-chinese-patrols-mea-2026-3160445">China patrol changes behind fresh LAC tensions, India says after Arunachal face-offs</a></p>

US intelligence has warned of advanced Iranian plots targeting American diplomats, prompting security reviews and embassy staff reductions in the Middle East as Trump threatens fresh strikes against Iran.

Iran plots to target US diplomats as Trump threatens strikes: Report

<p>Federal authorities in the USA, with the assistance of FBI, have arrested India's most wanted gangster Himanshu aka "Bhau" Ritolia. A 22-year old gang leader had been running an extensive cross-border extortion and targeted murder racket covering Delhi-NCR, Haryana and Punjab. He is under the Interpol Red Corner Notice of 2023 along with multi-agency bounties issued in India.</p><h2><strong>Quick rise &amp; criminal record</strong></h2><p>This gang leader, hailing from Ritoli village in Rohtak District of Haryana, joined the criminal world at 17 years of age.</p><p>Juvenile escape: In 2020, he escaped from the juvenile observation home in Hisar town along with 20 other inmates to establish his criminal network rapidly.</p><p>Triple murders: He came to national prominence in 2022 for having carried out three murders separately within 24 hours in Haryana.</p><p>Multiple charges: More than two dozen active cases are pending against Himanshu, including contract killings, attempted murders, extortion, and illegal possession of firearms.</p><h2><strong>Shootings in high profile and overseas activities</strong></h2><p>Indian intelligence agencies tracked down the movement of Bhau up to Portugal before he entered into USA, where he directed his ground-level operatives through a Snapchat application and a virtual VoIP number.</p><p>Responsibilities of Bhau's syndicate included involvement in multiple high-profile violence cases throughout Northern India:</p><p><strong>Delhi burger king shooting</strong>: Commissioning an organised assassination inside a West Delhi commercial property.</p><p><strong>Firing on celebrity</strong>: Commanding a firing case in the vicinity of residence of popular digital artist Elvish Yadav.</p><p><strong>Target assassinations</strong>: Organising the assassination of a local board chairman in Beri and the killing of fitness coach Vijay in Delhi.</p><h2><strong>Bhau syndicate allies &amp; law enforcement bounty</strong></h2><p>The security forces designate Bhau as one of the most important overseas proxies for the criminal organizations named as Neeraj Bawana and Bambiha syndicate, working directly in rivalry with the Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar syndicates.</p><p>Some close allies responsible for running his operations on the ground include Sahil Ritoli, Naseeb alias Daku Kulasia, Aman Bhainswal, and Neeraj Faridpuria.</p><p>Prior to his arrest by the FBI, Haryana Police had set a bounty of ₹2.5 lakh for his arrest while Delhi Police declared a bounty of Rs 1 lakh for him. The Indian law enforcement authorities have started extradition proceedings formally through proper diplomatic means.</p>

Notorious Indian gangster Himanshu Bhau, one of the most wanted fugitives on the hit lists of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), Delhi Police, and Haryana STF, has been detained by the FBI in the United States.

India's most wanted gangster Himanshu Bhau arrested by FBI in the United States

<div><span>India has advised its nationals in France, Italy and Belgium to remain vigilant and avoid areas affected by protests as its diplomatic missions continue to monitor the situation and maintain contact with the Indian community.</span></div><div><span>Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal issued the advisory during a regular media briefing in New Delhi on Friday, urging Indians to exercise caution while travelling and follow instructions issued by local authorities.</span></div><div><span>“We have our missions in France, Italy and Belgium. They are closely following the developments there. They are in regular touch with the community members,” Jaiswal said.</span></div><div><span>He advised Indian nationals in the three countries to avoid protest sites and comply with local government advisories.</span></div><div><span>“Our Embassies in France and in Italy have also issued advisories for our nationals and they must follow those advisories. On our part, we remain committed to the welfare and safety of our nationals abroad,” he added.</span></div><h2><span>Indian embassy issues advisory for France</span></h2><div><span>The Indian Embassy in France issued a travel and safety advisory on Wednesday, urging Indian nationals and those planning to visit the country to remain alert following protests over the rising cost of living that led to violent clashes.</span></div><div><span>The demonstrations began in late September over poor conditions in schools and teacher shortages. They subsequently expanded into nationwide anti-government protests amid rising living costs, high fuel prices and public sector budget cuts, with demonstrators criticising President Emmanuel Macron’s administration.</span></div><div><span>“In view of the recent developments and localised curfews imposed in France, please remain vigilant and exercise due caution. Please avoid large gatherings and crowded places where protests are taking place, and follow the instructions and advisories issued by the local French authorities,” the embassy said in a post on X.</span></div><div><span>The MEA reiterated that the safety and welfare of Indian nationals abroad remained a priority, urging them to stay informed and exercise caution as the situation develops.</span></div><div><span>(with IANS inputs)</span></div>

The Indian Embassy in France issued a travel and safety advisory on Wednesday, urging Indian nationals and those planning to visit the country to remain alert.

France, Italy, Belgium protests: India urges nationals to stay alert, avoid affected areas

France, Italy, Belgium protests: India urges nationals to stay alert

<div><span>Seven people were killed and 34 injured after gunmen opened fire during a funeral at a church in southern Jordan on Friday, prompting King Abdullah II to vow the harshest retaliation as security forces launched a search for those responsible.</span></div><div><span>The shooting took place at Hamoud Church in the Karak governorate, according to Jordan’s Public Security Directorate. State-owned broadcaster Al-Mamlaka reported that the attackers arrived in a vehicle and opened fire during the funeral procession.</span></div><div><span>Security personnel were deployed at the scene and were pursuing the suspects. Authorities had not identified those responsible, and no group had claimed responsibility for the attack.</span></div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Security camera footage published by Saudi channel Al Arabiya shows three attackers in the Jordan church shooting. One carried an automatic weapon. Two carried pistols. One of the three appears to have suffered a weapon jam. He never reached the church and did not join the shooting. The toll from the attacks at the church in Al-Karak, in Jordan's south, stands at 6 killed and 28 wounded. The manhunt for the perpetrators continues, per Jordanian security services. https://t.co/qYRs7XfQAR</p><p>— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) <a href="https://x.com/Osint613/status/2113628813812719798?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2026</a></p></blockquote><script async="" src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script><h2><span>King Abdullah promises strong response</span></h2><div><span>King Abdullah condemned the attack and warned that those responsible would face severe consequences.</span></div><div><span>“The terrorist attack against Karak will be met with the harshest retaliation. Those who delude themselves into thinking that they can divide Jordanians with their bullets have no chance in the face of our unity,” he said in a statement.</span></div><div><span>The King also vowed that those behind the shooting would be punished “with an iron fist”.</span></div><h2><span>Witnesses describe gunfire during funeral</span></h2><div><span>Khaled Burqan, who was attending the funeral, told Al-Mamlaka that dozens of people had gathered for the ceremony when gunmen opened fire for several minutes.</span></div><div><span>He said one attacker was carrying a rifle and another a pistol.</span></div><div><span>Footage broadcast by Al-Mamlaka, apparently recorded by a security camera mounted at the church, appeared to show three people firing from a pavement and taking cover behind trees and a low wall before running towards the church entrance.</span></div><div><span>The circumstances of the attack, including the identities of those involved and their motive, remained unclear.</span></div><h2><span>Attacks remain rare in Jordan</span></h2><div><span>The shooting has drawn attention to security concerns in Jordan, a country generally regarded as relatively stable. Authorities have previously said they foiled attempted attacks by Islamist militants in recent years.</span></div><div><span>Christians form a minority of Jordan’s population, while the country is home to several biblical sites visited by Christian pilgrims from around the world.</span></div><div><span>Jordan’s Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, Mohammad Khalayleh, and several members of Parliament also condemned the attack in comments to Al-Mamlaka.</span></div><div><span>Jordan has faced increased Iranian attacks this year following US and Israeli strikes against Iran in February, according to the report.</span></div>

The circumstances of the attack, including the identities of those involved and their motive, remained unclear.

Jordan church shooting: 7 killed, 34 injured during funeral; King Abdullah vows harshest retaliation

Jordan church shooting: 7 killed, 34 injured during funeral

<p><strong>By Girish Linganna</strong></p><div dir="auto">For months, villagers in the high valleys of Arunachal Pradesh whispered that their herders could no longer walk the old grazing paths near the border. Social media carried louder claims. Officialdom stayed quiet. That silence broke when Shatrujeet Kapur, Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, told an annual ceremony honouring his personnel that Indian and Chinese soldiers have been locked in tense face-offs at several points in Arunachal Pradesh since July, and that the stand-off was still on. It was the first time anyone in authority had confirmed it.</div><div dir="auto"> </div><div dir="auto">The trouble began around Taksing, a remote pocket close to Tibet. Reports said People's Liberation Army troops were blocking Indian patrols from reaching their patrolling points, the fixed spots soldiers walk to regularly to show the land is theirs, along the Line of Actual Control, or LAC, the unofficial border marking where each side currently stands because the two countries have never agreed on a formal boundary. The timing is awkward. The confrontations evidently continued even while Chinese President Xi Jinping was in New Delhi for the September BRICS Summit, a gathering of leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, and even as top Army generals from both sides held their first formal peace meeting in the Arunachal sector.</div><div dir="ltr"> </div><div dir="auto">Kapur, however, chose to speak of pride rather than alarm. He singled out the newly raised Shaurya commandos, an elite ITBP unit trained to fight at heights where the air is so thin that every breath is an effort and ordinary soldiers tire within minutes, for holding their ground admirably. He reminded listeners that the ITBP, born in 1962 in the shadow of war, was conceived as a mountain-fighting force working in small teams with surprise moves, and was handed the entire 3,488-km China frontier only in 2004. That frontier, he admitted, remains its hardest posting. Every border unit now has a drone team, underground shelters are being dug, and a new course called Strike, which teaches soldiers to survive and win the kind of hand-to-hand brawl seen at Galwan, will cover every ITBP member by the end of 2027.</div><div dir="ltr"> </div><div dir="auto">Galwan is the memory behind all this. In June 2020, in Ladakh, Chinese troops attacked Indian soldiers with stones, nail-studded sticks, iron rods and clubs. Twenty Indian soldiers died. China admitted to four of its own, though many accounts put its losses far higher.</div><div dir="ltr"> </div><div dir="auto">Kapur also spoke bluntly about drones, calling them both a danger and a gift. Matching China weapon for weapon is hard because Beijing has spent lavishly modernising the PLA. But a drone the size of a suitcase lets even a small country trouble a giant; it can watch enemy movements, collect intelligence and strike. India, he said, must use far more drones and far more anti-drone systems, the devices that spot, jam or shoot down hostile machines.</div><div dir="ltr"> </div><div dir="auto">A serious shield works in layers, like a house with a boundary wall, a locked gate and an alarm. First, radars, special cameras and electronic sensors to catch drones too small for the eye. Second, jammers that scramble a drone's radio link and interceptors that physically stop it. Third, artificial intelligence that tells a drone from a bird and warns troops faster. Fourth, Indian-made drones and counter-drone gear, so spare parts never depend on a foreign supplier during a crisis. Fifth, routine training so soldiers know when to take cover and whom to call. Sixth, hardened shelters and early warning for posts, ammunition dumps and communication hubs. Seventh, reliable communication across deep valleys and brutal weather. Eighth, DRDO, research institutes and private firms building affordable kit that survives extreme cold and altitude. No single tool suffices, because some newer drones do not need constant radio signals, so ordinary jammers cannot stop them.</div><div dir="ltr"> </div><div dir="auto">The politics has been fierce. In July a team from the People's Party of Arunachal, which has two MLAs, reported the Taksing blockade and rising Chinese activity in Upper Subansiri district. The government rejected the claims and reiterated that Arunachal Pradesh is and will remain an inseparable part of India. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju told India Today that China had seized no new ground, while acknowledging that local worries over lost grazing access were genuine. Congress demanded answers from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. On X, Jairam Ramesh mockingly called Modi "Vishwaguru" (world teacher), accused him of calculated compromises with China, asked what the September generals' talks had achieved, and pointed to Ladakh-style loss of patrolling points, Beijing's renaming of Arunachal towns, and a 60,000 MW Chinese dam he said threatens India's water security.</div><div dir="ltr"> </div><div dir="auto">Official sources counter that no land is quietly changing hands. They recall that China, which calls Tibet Xizang and Arunachal Zangnan or South Tibet, claimed some 69,000 sq km during the 1960 boundary talks; that it attacked an Assam Rifles post at Longju in 1959 and has held and built upon that patch since; and that its 1962 offensives through Kameng, Subansiri, Siyom, Siang and Lohit ended with the PLA pulling back north of the LAC. Better roads now let Indian patrols go further, which is partly why soldiers meet more often, and such meetings, the sources insist, are usually settled through the existing border agreements and talks between officials. Last week India answered China's naming game by placing 27 Arunachal mountains, rivers and landmarks on its official map under their Indian names.\</div><div dir="auto"> </div><div dir="auto">Doklam and eastern Ladakh taught the country that these contests are long and lonely for the men who stand in them. Relations with Beijing have warmed of late. Whether that warmth reaches the frozen patrol tracks of Taksing is the question every family with a son on that line is quietly asking.</div><div dir="auto"> </div><div data-index="16"><div><p><em style="box-sizing:border-box;font-family:inherit;font-optical-sizing:auto;font-style:normal;line-height:1.5;margin:0px;padding:0px;"><strong>(Girish Linganna is an award-winning science communicator and a defence, aerospace and geopolitical analyst. He is the managing director of ADD Engineering Components India Pvt. Ltd.)</strong></em></p></div></div>

Social media carried louder claims. Officialdom stayed quiet. That silence broke when Shatrujeet Kapur, Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, told an annual ceremony honouring his personnel that Indian and Chinese soldiers have been locked in tense face-offs at several points in Arunachal Pradesh since July, and that the stand-off was still on.

Handshakes in Delhi, face-offs in the heights: The new friction in Arunachal

<div><span>The US White House said on Friday that First Lady Melania Trump has secured a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine concerning the city of Oleshky, which is set to take effect on October 29.</span><br> </div><div><br><span>According to the official statement released by the White House, the agreement will temporarily halt all military action inside Oleshky to permit humanitarian relief to reach the area and to arrange civilian evacuations via a designated safe passageway.</span><br> </div><div><br><span>"The situation in Oleshky is dire. Oleshky is a front-line war city on the brink of disaster. Oleshky’s remaining population is comprised primarily of elderly residents who urgently need medical attention, medicine, food and clean water," said Melania Trump.</span><br> </div><div><br><span>"The people of Oleshky have limited electricity, live amid mined roads and endure regular military attacks. It was abundantly clear that without my intervention, the possibility of bringing humanitarian aid into the city and evacuating the elderly would be impossible," she added.</span><br> </div><div><br><span>Operating in her formal capacity as Exclusive Intermediary, Melania Trump and her representative worked directly with senior Russian and Ukrainian authorities to finalise the parameters of the localised ceasefire. The First Lady initiated discussions with both governments, successfully coordinating mutual agreement regarding the core objectives, technical procedures, timing, processes and terms of the arrangement.</span><br> </div><div><br><span>“Non-military, civilian leaders from both countries will work together to visit Oleshky residents in their homes and determine the level of assistance they require. Residents who wish to evacuate will receive coordinated support and transportation to their preferred destination. I anticipate some will want to go to Russia and some to Ukraine,” stated First Lady Melania Trump.</span><br> </div><div><br><span>Furthermore, she remarked, “I have also secured an impartial American media organisation to accompany and document Russian and Ukrainian teams on the ground throughout the process. This will play a significant role in ensuring that the wishes of each family are faithfully respected.”</span><br> </div><div><br><span>The plight of Oleshky was first brought to the First Lady's attention during a private discussion held at her Fostering the Future Together event in New York City amidst the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.</span><br> </div><div><br><span>“My representative and I immediately leveraged the communication channel we established with Russia and Ukraine through the previous six reunifications of 34 children. Both nations promptly assigned teams to coordinate the complex mechanics involved, including demining. All parties have worked around the clock since that moment,” explained First Lady Melania Trump.</span><br> </div><div><br><span>Situated in southern Ukraine, directly across the Dnipro River from Kherson, Oleshky sustained a pre-war population of approximately 24,000 citizens. Current estimates indicate that 1,700 to 2,000 inhabitants remain, largely elderly individuals who have been stranded, alongside roughly 50 children, with no official demographic census recorded since 2022. </span><br> </div><div> </div>

Operating in her formal capacity as Exclusive Intermediary, Melania Trump and her representative worked directly with senior Russian and Ukrainian authorities to finalise the parameters of the localised ceasefire.

‘Impossible without my intervention’: Melania Trump secures Russia-Ukraine ceasefire in Oleshky

Melania Trump secures Russia-Ukraine ceasefire in Oleshky

<p><span>The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday said the situation along the India-China border gets disturbed when Chinese forces deviate from established patrolling patterns, stressing that maintaining peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) is essential for the overall development of bilateral relations.</span></p><p><span>The clarification came amid a political row over reported remarks by Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Director General Shatrujeet Kapoor about continuing face-offs with the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in Arunachal Pradesh. The Congress has questioned the government's handling of the situation and demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi address Parliament on the issue.</span></p><p><span>At a regular media briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that questions about the specific developments should be directed to the Ministry of Defence. He added that India and China continued to rely on established diplomatic and military channels to resolve outstanding issues and prevent misunderstandings along the LAC.</span></p><p><span>"Insofar as the specifics are concerned, I would refer you to the Ministry of Defence. As we have noted in the past, the situation in the India-China border areas gets disturbed from time to time when Chinese forces diverge from established patrolling patterns. Both sides continue to use existing diplomatic and military mechanisms to resolve outstanding issues and avoid misunderstanding and miscalculation along the Line of Actual Control," Jaiswal said.</span></p><p><span>"The two sides have also agreed to discuss ways to improve understanding of LAC in appropriate areas for better border management. I would also like to emphasise that the maintenance of peace and tranquillity in the border areas is essential for the overall development of bilateral relations," he added.</span></p><h2><span><strong>Kharge Questions Government Over Reported Face-Offs In Arunachal</strong></span></h2><p><span>Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge described the reported continuing face-offs in Arunachal Pradesh as deeply alarming and sought answers from the Prime Minister over the situation along the border.</span></p><p><span>Referring to the Doklam and Galwan episodes, Kharge questioned whether another serious confrontation was unfolding. He also cited reports of Chinese incursions near Taksing in August and raised concerns about continued confrontations despite Corps Commander-level talks at Wacha–Damai.</span></p><p><span>"The ITBP DG's confirmation of continuing PLA face-offs in Arunachal Pradesh is deeply alarming. After Doklam and Galwan, is another serious confrontation unfolding? Reports of Chinese incursions near Taksing emerged in August. Yet, even 47 days after Corps Commander-level talks at Wacha–Damai, reportedly just 180 km away, confrontations continue. Has India's patrolling access been compromised? Arunachal Pradesh is an inseparable part of India. Why is the nation being kept in the dark?" Kharge said.</span></p><p><span>The Congress chief also questioned the outcome of repeated diplomatic engagements between India and China, citing at least 23 reported meetings and interactions between Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, 25 rounds of Special Representatives' talks involving National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, 36 meetings of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC), and discussions at successive SCO and BRICS summits.</span></p><p><span>"What tangible results have these engagements delivered? Have India's pre-May 2020 patrolling rights been fully restored? Our Armed Forces have our complete confidence. But national security demands accountability, not diplomatic photo opportunities and Hugplomacy! Instead of attacking the Opposition, PM Modi must take Parliament and the Nation into confidence," Kharge said.</span></p><p><span>He called on the Prime Minister to address Parliament and explain the government's position on the reported border developments.</span></p><h2><span><strong>India, China Agree To Address Border Issues Through Existing Channels</strong></span></h2><p><span>The MEA's remarks come as India and China continue diplomatic efforts to manage tensions along the LAC and prevent further misunderstandings.</span></p><p><span>On August 25, the two countries held the 25th round of talks between their Special Representatives on the boundary question in Beijing. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to follow the guidance of their respective leaders, maintain peace and tranquillity along the border and create conditions for the steady development of bilateral relations.</span></p><p><span>They also reiterated their commitment to negotiations on a framework for settling the boundary question in line with the 2005 Agreement on Political Parameters and Guiding Principles for the Settlement of the India-China Boundary Question.</span></p><p><span>The two sides agreed to pursue a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution and address ground-level situations promptly through existing diplomatic and military channels. These include the WMCC, local commander-level meetings and other agreed mechanisms aimed at resolving outstanding issues and avoiding misunderstandings or miscalculations along the LAC.</span></p><h2><span><strong>MEA Reiterates India's Position On Ladakh</strong></span></h2><p><span>Separately, the MEA last week reiterated that the Union Territory of Ladakh is an "integral and inalienable part of India", stating that no denial by China could change this established fact.</span></p><p><span>The statement followed objections by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning on October 13 to India's decision to identify 28 places and geographical features in Ladakh using standard names on the official Survey of India map. Beijing described the move as "illegal and void".</span></p><p><span>The MEA referred to a Ministry of Home Affairs announcement stating that the locations had been identified in consultation with the Ladakh administration and local stakeholders. The exercise aims to ensure accurate recognition of the places and improve public awareness of their geographical locations.</span></p><p><span>Earlier this month, the Centre announced the identification of the 28 places and features on the official map.</span></p><h2><span><strong>Jaishankar Says Border Situation Will Shape Future Of India-China Ties</strong></span></h2><p><span>In September, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said relations between India and China had improved from the lows reached during the prolonged border stand-off, but cautioned that the situation along the frontier would remain a key factor in determining the extent to which ties could be normalised.</span></p><p><span>During his visit to New York, Jaishankar said bilateral relations were in a better position than in 2025 and had improved further compared with 2024. However, he warned against viewing the recovery as a fundamental shift in the relationship.</span></p><p><span>"I don't think it's structural change so much as a recovery from how far ties had deteriorated," he said.</span></p><p><span>The 2020 border developments and the prolonged stand-off had severely affected normal contact between the two countries. While trade continued, official exchanges, visa services and flights were disrupted. As tensions eased, some of these contacts gradually resumed.</span></p><p><span>Jaishankar described the improvement as a result of stabilisation rather than proof that the underlying differences had been resolved.</span></p><p><span>"A dip in our relationship actually doesn't help either of us," he said, adding that third parties could benefit from strained ties between the two countries.</span></p><p><span>In September, Modi met Xi on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. The two leaders stressed that "differences should not become disputes" and reaffirmed the need to take a strategic and long-term view of bilateral relations.</span></p><p><span>During the meeting, Modi underlined that peace and tranquillity in the border areas remained essential for the continued development of ties between India and China.</span></p><p><span><strong>(With agencies' inputs)</strong></span></p>

The clarification came amid a political row over reported remarks by Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Director General Shatrujeet Kapoor about continuing face-offs with the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) in Arunachal Pradesh.

MEA says Chinese patrolling deviations disrupt border amid PLA face-off in Arunachal

MEA says Chinese patrolling deviations disrupt border amid Arunachal face-off row

<div><span>A small European country, Albania, is being tested as a rising European economy by a wave of protests fuelled by youth discontent, corruption allegations, and a controversial resort project linked to US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner. As demonstrators take to the streets and questions mount over the government’s response, the unrest has exposed a deeper fault line between economic progress and public expectations.</span></div><div><span>But is Albania really on the brink, or is the turmoil a more complex story of a young democracy grappling with the demands of development, accountability and its ambition to join the European Union by 2030?</span></div><div><span>In an exclusive interview with Zee News, Dikshu Kukreja, Honorary Consul General for the Republic of Albania in India, defended the government’s handling of the demonstrations, describing them as a reflection of a vibrant democracy undergoing rapid transformation.</span></div><div><span>He argued that the involvement of anti-social elements had compounded legitimate student concerns over education costs and employment opportunities.</span></div><div><span>However, reports present a broader picture of the movement, which has expanded from opposition to a controversial coastal development to include demands for better education, action against alleged corruption and greater political accountability.</span></div><div><span>The question facing Albania is whether its institutions can address these grievances while sustaining economic growth and keeping the country on course for EU membership.</span></div><h2><span>Why are Albanians protesting?</span></h2><div><span>The recent unrest has brought together several strands of public discontent. Student-led demonstrations have raised concerns about education standards, costs and employment prospects, while opposition to the Kushner-linked resort has fuelled a wider debate over environmental protection, transparency and the use of public land.</span></div><div><span>Reuters reported in June that thousands of Albanians had taken to the streets of Tirana to oppose a proposed €1.4 billion luxury resort associated with Kushner’s investment firm, Affinity Partners.</span></div><div><span>The development involves Sazan Island and a stretch of coastline near the Vjosa-Narta protected landscape, an environmentally sensitive area that provides habitat for flamingos, seals and nesting sea turtles.</span></div><div><span>Environmentalists have warned that construction could damage coastal habitats, while the developer has defended the project, citing environmental stewardship, job creation and benefits for local communities.</span></div><div><span>The movement has since widened to encompass grievances over corruption, unemployment and education.</span></div><div><span>Reuters reported on October 18 that student-led demonstrations had spread beyond Tirana, with protesters also demanding Rama’s resignation.</span></div><div><span>Meanwhile, Kukreja acknowledged the economic concerns behind the demonstrations but argued that the unrest had escalated as other elements became involved.</span></div><div><span>“One sees that in a democracy, a protest is always welcome and is a very healthy sort of representation of people’s desires, needs and aspirations,” he said.</span></div><div><span>He added that anti-social elements sometimes took advantage of demonstrations, contributing to tensions witnessed in Albania over the preceding days.</span></div><div><span>His assessment reflects the Albanian government’s argument that genuine grievances should be distinguished from acts of violence.</span></div><h2><span>Economic growth meets rising expectations</span></h2><div><span>Albania’s transformation since the early 1990s provides important context for the unrest. Following the end of communist rule, the country embarked on a transition towards democracy and a market economy, with successive governments pursuing closer integration with Europe.</span></div><div><span>Kukreja described Albania as one of Europe’s fastest-growing economies, citing annual growth of around 4% and saying the country’s gross domestic product had tripled over the past decade.</span></div><div><span>International Monetary Fund figures provide a more specific measure of that growth. In its December 2025 assessment, the IMF projected real GDP growth of 3.5% in 2025 and 3.6% in 2026, following growth of 4% in 2024.</span></div><div><span>IMF also identified the need to improve education and skills, generate higher-quality jobs and strengthen governance.</span></div><div><span>The figures underline the distinction between economic expansion and the everyday experience of citizens. Growth can increase investment and employment, but it does not necessarily resolve concerns about affordability, job quality or access to opportunities.</span></div><div><span>Kukreja argued that Albania’s progress had raised expectations, particularly among young people seeking better prospects.</span></div><div><span>“These kinds of astonishing numbers obviously do two things. One, they set the aspirations of people or expectations of people even higher,” he said.</span></div><div><span>He also pointed to the wider European economic climate, including the consequences of the Russia-Ukraine war and conflict in the Middle East, as factors affecting opportunities and public sentiment.</span></div><div><span>The economic pressures are therefore part of the context, rather than a complete explanation for the protests. Allegations of corruption, concerns over public accountability and opposition to the resort project have also shaped the movement.</span></div><h2><span>Police response under scrutiny</span></h2><div><span>Kukreja defended the government’s handling of the demonstrations, describing its response as restrained and mature.</span></div><div><span>He argued that attacks on police officers and damage to public and private property were incompatible with peaceful democratic protest.</span></div><div><span>During the interview, he was also asked about people injured, including police officers.</span></div><div><span>“Protests in any democracy do not give a right for people to go about destroying or defacing public property or burning government institutions or even private properties,” Kukreja said.</span></div><div><span>He maintained that the government was taking steps to protect genuine protesters, including students and minors, and pointed to Rama’s calls for dialogue with students.</span></div><div><span>“The Prime Minister has repeatedly called for dialogue with the students to solve or to address, to understand and address their issues,” he said.</span></div><div><span>There has been scrutiny of the conduct of both demonstrators and security personnel. The European Union Delegation to Albania expressed concern on October 14 over escalating tensions and allegations of excessive police force against protesters and journalists. It called for proportionate policing, investigations into the allegations and de-escalation.</span></div><div><span>On October 18, the European Commission condemned violence, arson, attacks on state institutions and the destruction of public and private property.</span></div><div><span>It also stressed that the authorities’ response must remain within the law and be proportionate, while calling for peaceful assembly and constructive dialogue.</span></div><div><span>The EU’s position therefore combines condemnation of violence with demands for lawful policing and respect for fundamental rights. It does not amount to an unconditional endorsement of the government’s response.</span></div><h2><span>Kushner-linked resort: Development versus environmental concerns</span></h2><div><span>The proposed luxury resort has become one of the most contentious issues surrounding Albania’s recent protests.</span></div><div><span>Critics have questioned the transparency of the development process and raised concerns about the environmental consequences of building in an ecologically sensitive coastal area.</span></div><div><span>Kukreja rejected allegations of legal irregularities, saying the project was proceeding under Albanian law and that environmental concerns were being addressed.</span></div><div><span>“No law has been flouted on it,” he said.</span></div><div><span>He also said that the government had created a platform called Flamingo Mirror to allow people to raise concerns about the project and receive responses from the authorities.</span></div><div><span>On criticism from individual members of the European Parliament, Kukreja said, “An individual member of Parliament, every member of the European Parliament has their full right to express their views on anything else that’s happening anywhere in the world,” he said.</span></div><div><span>His distinction is relevant: statements by individual MEPs should not automatically be attributed to the EU as an institution. At the same time, criticism of a specific development can be reported on its merits without being treated as an official EU position.</span></div><h2><span>What does the unrest mean for Albania’s EU membership?</span></h2><div><span>Albania has set 2030 as its target for joining the European Union, making accession a central objective of its political and economic policy.</span></div><div><span>Kukreja expressed confidence that the country remained on course, arguing that the recent unrest would not define its long-term trajectory.</span></div><div><span>The IMF’s December 2025 assessment noted that Albania was advancing reforms aimed at securing EU membership by 2030. It also highlighted the need for stronger governance, improved education and skills, better-quality employment and continued efforts to uphold the rule of law.</span></div><div><span>The European Commission’s October 18 statement described Albania as a candidate country firmly committed to accession and making progress towards membership. It also urged the authorities to address grievances through constructive dialogue and peaceful means.</span></div><div><span>The 2030 date remains Albania’s target, rather than a guaranteed accession date. Progress will depend on meeting the EU’s requirements, including those relating to governance and the rule of law.</span></div><div><span>The protests do not automatically place accession out of reach. However, the way authorities respond to public dissent, investigate alleged misconduct and address concerns over transparency will remain relevant to the country’s reform process.</span></div><div><span>Kukreja also drew attention to Albania’s political history, describing its transformation from a highly restrictive communist state into a democracy over the past three and a half decades.</span></div><div><span>He argued that the current demonstrations should be understood against that background, as people express increasingly ambitious expectations of their government.</span></div><h2><span>Are wider European pressures fueling discontent?</span></h2><div><span>The unrest in Albania has unfolded against a backdrop of political and economic tensions elsewhere in Europe. Kukreja said the continent was facing a growing disconnect between government policies and public expectations, with the effects of war, energy disruption and rising costs adding to the pressure.</span></div><div><span>“I think in my personal capacity I would only say that yes, Europe is going through this major challenge of a clash between what the governments are driving and what are the people’s needs and expectations from the government,” he said.</span></div><div><span>He pointed to the Russia-Ukraine war and conflict in the Middle East as factors contributing to economic uncertainty.</span></div><div><span>However, wider European instability should be treated as context rather than a proven direct cause of the Albanian protests.</span></div><div><span>The country’s demonstrations have identifiable domestic triggers, including education concerns, allegations of corruption, demands for political accountability and opposition to the resort project.</span></div><div><span>Rama has referred to alleged “dark forces” in Europe and the United States, suggesting that radical elements had contributed to the unrest.</span></div><div><span>Kukreja interpreted those remarks as a reference to disruptive groups rather than foreign governments, stressing that Albania maintained close relations with the US and European countries.</span></div><div><span>That interpretation is Kukreja’s assessment. The remarks themselves do not establish who the alleged forces were or what role, if any, they played in the demonstrations.</span></div><div><span>Overall, Albania’s Flamingo protests have brought several unresolved tensions into focus: the relationship between economic growth and public expectations, environmental concerns surrounding major foreign-backed projects, and the demands of democratic accountability.</span></div><div><span>Kukreja maintains that the government is responding responsibly and that Albania’s economic progress and European ambitions remain intact.</span></div><div><span>Neither the consul’s defence nor the images of clashes alone provide a complete picture of the country.</span></div><div><span>The question is not simply whether Albania is going through unrest. It is whether the country can turn a period of unrest into an opportunity to strengthen public trust while maintaining its economic momentum and European ambitions.</span></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div>

The question facing Albania is whether its institutions can address these grievances while sustaining economic growth and keeping the country on course for EU membership.

Is Albania really burning? Decoding the ‘Flamingo protests’ and economic realities | Exclusive

Is Albania really burning? Decoding the ‘Flamingo protests’ and economic realities

<p>One person was killed and at least four others were injured in a shooting in the Yvelines district, west of Paris, on Friday, French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said. A suspect has been arrested in connection with the incident.</p><p>Ali Rabeh, the mayor of Trappes in Yvelines, told French broadcaster BFMTV that the attacker opened fire from a car, apparently targeting people at random in what he described as an apparent attempt to carry out a massacre.</p><p>Among the injured was a 12-year-old girl, Rabeh said. He added that the suspected gunman lived in a nearby town, but authorities had yet to establish a motive for the shooting.</p><p>Lecornu said in a post on X that security forces had been fully mobilised following the incident. He also noted that the national anti-terrorism prosecutor's office was monitoring the situation.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">Des faits très graves viennent de se produire à Trappes, dans les Yvelines. Une personne a été tuée et quatre autres blessées. L’individu a été interpellé et placé en garde à vue. L’ensemble des moyens des forces de sécurité et de l’autorité judiciaire sont pleinement mobilisés. Le Parquet national antiterroriste a annoncé se placer en observation. Les autorités compétentes communiqueront en temps voulu.</p><p>— Sébastien Lecornu (@SebLecornu) <a href="https://x.com/SebLecornu/status/2113572662236627105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2026</a></p></blockquote><p>The anti-terrorism prosecutor's office confirmed that it was following the case, although its representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The prefecture also declined to comment.</p><p>The suspect remained under arrest as authorities monitored the situation.</p><p><strong>This is a developing story.</strong></p>

Ali Rabeh, the mayor of Trappes in Yvelines, told French broadcaster BFMTV that the attacker opened fire from a car, apparently targeting people at random in what he described as an apparent attempt to carry out a massacre.

One dead, four injured in shooting near Paris; suspect arrested

<p>The next Israeli general election is scheduled for October 27, 2026, as the first nationwide vote since the Hamas attacks of October 2023 and resulting region-wide conflict in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. As Israel elects political parties to fill the seats of the 120-member Knesset, there are a number of prominent politicians who are challenging Benjamin Netanyahu as the country's longest-standing prime minister.</p><h2><strong>How does Israeli voting work?</strong></h2><p>A majority of 61 members in the 120-member Knesset is required to establish the government.</p><p>Proportional representation: Seats are awarded to parties exclusively on the basis of their share of the national vote.</p><p><strong>Electoral threshold</strong>: A minimum threshold of 3.25% of votes for a party is needed for entry into the Knesset, with all votes received below this level by parties being discarded.</p><p><strong>Rule of coalitions</strong>: Notably, not a single party in Israel's history has achieved such a 61-seat majority, and thus post-vote negotiations on forming the government through a coalition are an essential component of the process.</p><h2><strong>The main challengers to Netanyahu</strong></h2><p><strong>1. Gadi Eisenkot — Yashar</strong></p><p>Ex-chief of staff of IDF Gadi Eisenkot leads Yashar ("Honest"), a center party emphasizing security pragmatism and state governance.</p><p><strong>Background</strong>: Spent 41 years in the armed forces serving as the 21st Chief of Staff of the IDF between 2015 to 2019 and joined the emergency War Cabinet following October 2023.</p><p><strong>Platform</strong>: Puts forward the principle of focusing on rescue operations of hostages rather than a broad definition of "total victory," promotes universal conscription into the military and is against two-state solution and insists on the dual character of the state being Jewish and democratic at the same time.</p><h2><strong>2. Naftali Bennett &amp; Yair Lapid — B'Yachad ("Together")</strong></h2><p>Two former prime ministers, Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid created an electoral alliance combining right-wing security politicians and center-liberals.</p><p><strong>Background</strong>: In 2021-2022 the leaders co-headed the coalition government.</p><p><strong>Platform</strong>: Emphasises "reforms first" approach including economic issues related to cost-of-living reduction, education reform, and border security alongside civil equality.</p><h2><strong>3. Itamar Ben-Gvir — Otzma Yehudit</strong></h2><p>Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir leads the ultra-nationalist Otzma Yehudit ("Jewish Power") party running independently of Netanyahu's Likud.</p><p><strong>Main plank</strong>: Emphasis on stringent anti-terror measures, sovereignty of Jews over the holiest places, civilian armament and the voluntary movement of Palestinians out of Gaza.</p><h2><strong>4. Bezalel Smotrich – Religious Zionist Party (RZP)</strong></h2><p>The incumbent Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich heads this radical religious nationalist group.</p><p><strong>Main plank</strong>: Advocate for the expansion of the settlements, formal annexation of West Bank regions, judicial reform and application of religious law to public administration.</p><h2><strong>5. Yair Golan – The Democrats</strong></h2><p>The former Major General Yair Golan heads The Democrats – this is a consolidated party formed by joining the traditional left-wing parties Labour and Meretz.</p><p><strong>Main plank</strong>: Blend of military expertise and social democratic ideology calling for judicial independence, civil rights, state investment and open political dialogue with Arab-Israelis.</p><h2><strong>6. Avigdor Lieberman – Yisrael Beiteinu</strong></h2><p>The Former Defense and Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman is the leader of the secular right-wing party Yisrael Beiteinu, popular among Russian speaking Israelis.</p><p><strong>Main plan</strong>k: Hawks on military issues regarding Gaza and West Bank territories coupled with complete secularism opposing ultra-orthodox coalition prerogatives and draft exemptions.</p><p> </p>

As Israel prepares to vote on October 27, 2026, key political rivals are positioning themselves to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Meet the key challengers vying to replace Benjamin Netanyahu

From war cabinet to political rivals: Inside Gadi Eisenkot's direct challenge to Netanyahu

<p>The French health authorities confirmed the first human case of the Shamonda virus infection in an immunosuppressed male in his 60s who died in early October 2026. The combined results of the French ministries of health and agriculture revealed that the patient's death was very probably associated with the neurological complications caused by the midge-borne virus that spread among European livestock this summer.</p><h2><strong>Human infection linked to severe immunocompromise</strong></h2><p>The patient, who was under treatment for the existing medical conditions in the Lyon region, got infected with the Shamonda virus after being bitten by a midge in eastern France.</p><p><strong>Isolated case</strong>: As per WHO assessment, the incident is classified as an isolated case; thus, the public can be assured that no signs of the human-to-human transmission have been observed.</p><p><strong>Public health monitoring</strong>: The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) initiated the investigation to assess the public health significance of the infection while monitoring the pathogen's spread among European livestock.</p><h2><strong>Understanding the Shamonda virus: Hosts and pathogen's vector</strong></h2><p>Shamonda belongs to the Orthobunyavirus genus of the Simbu serogroup—that is a family of arthropod-borne viruses that affect ruminants such as cattle, sheep, and goats.</p><p><strong>Vector</strong>: The virus is transmitted between hosts by biting midges, where the cattle remain the main hosts, but infections have also occurred in horses, sheep, and alpacas.</p><p><strong>Teratogenic effects</strong>: Originating in Nigeria in the 1960s, studies in Japan found that in utero infections of the Shamonda virus result in severe congenital abnormalities (like arthrogryposis) and neurodevelopmental issues in calves.</p><p><strong>European infections</strong>: Since its first detection in European livestock in July 2026 in Germany, Switzerland, and France, the virus has spread to 14 other countries, such as Italy, Spain, Belgium, and the Netherlands.</p><h2><strong>Symptoms and surveillance issues</strong></h2><p>For adult cattle, the Shamonda virus leads to acute debility, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and massive reductions in milk production, with dairy farmers report production declines of 75%.</p><p>"'As the Shamonda virus is not covered by the EU Animal Health Law and is not included in WOAH mandatory reporting, surveillance information at a European level is limited,'" said veterinary research analysts monitoring the outbreak.</p><p>Although other Simbu group pathogens, such as the Oropouche and Shuni viruses, can lead to neurological disease in humans, previous research on other related viruses like the Schmallenberg virus found zero livestock handler infections.</p>

France confirmed the first-ever human infection of the Shamonda virus in an immunocompromised man in his 60s near Lyon, who died in October 2026 after developing severe neurological complications.

First human case of Shamonda virus reported in France

France confirms first human case of Shamonda livestock virus in immunocompromised patient

<p>Earthquakes measuring between 4.1 and 4.9 magnitudes were recorded in China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan on early Friday morning, October 23, 2026. Reports from the National Center for Seismology (NCS) verified the earthquakes' occurrence in the morning, a day after a fatal earthquake hit Tibet causing 16 casualties and destroying infrastructure.</p><h2><strong>Earthquake details of Friday morning (country wise)</strong></h2><p>As per the technical reports published by the NCS, all three earthquakes took place rapidly in an hour's duration:</p><p><strong>Pakistan (4.9 Magnitude): </strong>The most devastating earthquake took place first at 4:56 AM local time at a focal depth of 15 km.</p><p><strong>Afghanistan (4.1 Magnitude): </strong>Earthquakes were measured at 5:54 AM at a deeper focal depth of 25 km.</p><p><strong>China (4.4 Magnitude): </strong>The last earthquake to take place jolted parts of China at 6:05 AM at a depth of 15 km.</p><h2><strong>Casualties and impact of earthquake in Tibet</strong></h2><p>The Friday morning earthquakes have come after the devastating earthquake in Tibet, which caused 16 casualties and extensive damage to properties in multiple mountain villages.</p><p>Local areas of all three countries adjacent to the earthquake epicenter are being evaluated for possible damage to structures or subsequent landslides caused by early morning earthquakes.</p>

Early on Friday, October 23, 2026, light-to-moderate earthquakes with magnitudes between 4.1 and 4.9 struck China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, according to the National Center for Seismology (NCS).

Earthquakes rattle China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan following fatal Tibet quake

Triple tectonic shocks: Earthquakes rattle China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan following fatal Tibet quake

<p><span><strong>New Delhi:</strong> Behind the employment contracts signed in Bangladesh and the jobs taken up in Saudi Arabia are reports of hardship from women who have returned home before completing their contracts. Some have allegedly faced unpaid wages, excessively long working hours, physical abuse and sexual harassment.</span></p><p><span>Rights groups say that the cases suggest possible weaknesses in enforcing labour protections for migrant domestic workers, despite agreements and regulations meant to protect them.</span></p><p><span>More than 1,72,000 Bangladeshi women travelled abroad for work between January 2024 and mid-October 2026, according to official data from Bangladesh. </span></p><p><span>Around 1,20,000 women went to Saudi Arabia, their main overseas work destination. More than 1,500 women had returned to Dhaka since September, including around 1,000 from Saudi Arabia, show data from migrant support organisations.</span></p><p><span>The death sentences handed down to two Bangladeshi nationals in Saudi Arabia on allegation of indulging in adultery have led to outrage across the country. The case has also brought attention to allegations that Bangladeshi women employed in Saudi households face abuse and struggle to escape difficult working conditions or seek help.</span></p><p><span>The scale of the problem is difficult to establish because Bangladesh does not maintain a complete record of women who return after experiencing alleged abuse overseas. Shakirul Islam, president of the Migrant Workers Development Programme (OKAP), said the organisation's research into women who returned in July last year found that 90% had left because of physical or psychological abuse.</span></p><p><span>Independent research has documented similar experiences among women from other countries working in Saudi Arabia. In a report published on July 9, 2026, Amnesty International documented the experiences of 19 Filipino women who had returned from the kingdom, mostly between 2023 and 2026. The women described excessive working hours, degrading treatment, exploitation and sexual abuse. Some said they had worked for up to 21 hours a day, with little opportunity to rest or take a day off.</span></p><p><span>In a report published on July 9, 2026, Amnesty International documented the experiences of 19 Filipino women who had returned from the kingdom, mostly between 2023 and 2026.</span></p><h2><span><strong>Why domestic workers face risks</strong></span></h2><p><span>Riyadh has introduced several labour reforms under its Vision 2030 programme. Saudi Arabia revised its domestic worker regulations in 2023. The new rules took effect in September 2024. The provisions include limits on working hours, weekly rest, protection against passport confiscation and requirements for written employment contracts. </span></p><p><span>However, domestic workers fall outside the main Saudi Labour Law and are governed by separate regulations. This distinction is important because women employed in private homes often work without the independent oversight available at conventional workplaces. Their employers control their working conditions and may also influence their freedom of movement and ability to leave the job.</span></p><p><span>The Amnesty International's report found that some Filipino workers had difficulty leaving abusive employers because of restrictions on movement, passport confiscation and unfamiliarity with local procedures. The organisation said the presence of the kafala sponsorship system left workers dependent on employers for their legal status and ability to change jobs. </span></p><p><span>The kingdom’s government claims that domestic workers are protected by existing regulations and that complaints of abuse are investigated. It has also cited standard employment contracts, wage protection, insurance schemes and complaint mechanisms as measures aimed at safeguarding workers. Amnesty said that the government did not provide answers to its detailed questions about how these protections were being enforced. </span></p><h2><span><strong>A decade-old deal, few safeguards</strong></span></h2><p><span>Saudi Arabia first received Bangladeshi workers in 1976. Since then, over 3 million people from the country have worked in the kingdom, Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha reported. </span></p><p><span>Saudi Arabia is also one of Bangladesh’s largest sources of remittances. Overseas workers’ earnings play an important role in the country’s economy. Following reports of abuse and the early return of many women from the kingdom, the two countries signed an agreement on domestic workers in 2015. The agreement set a monthly salary of 800 Saudi riyals for domestic workers on two-year contracts and provided for recruitment without fees charged to the workers.</span></p><p><span>Rights organisations have since cited cases in which women allegedly received only part of their wages or were not paid at all. Some returning workers have said they faced abuse after asking employers for their salaries.</span></p><p><span>Ghulam Masih, a former Bangladeshi ambassador to Saudi Arabia, while talking to BBC, has blamed part of the problem on weaknesses in the agreement and inadequate preparation before departure. He said that recruitment agents brought women from remote villages and sent them overseas without sufficient training in household equipment, working conditions or the language they would encounter.</span></p><p><span>The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), in its 2025 report on labour migration in Asia, also documented Bangladesh's rising dependence on the kingdom as a destination for overseas workers. Saudi Arabia accounted for 66% of Bangladeshi labour migration in 2024, while women made up only 6% of the workers sent there through official channels. </span></p><h2><span><strong>Wage protection and access to help</strong></span></h2><p><span>Riyadh has introduced a digital wage protection service for domestic workers through its Musaned recruitment platform. The scheme began applying to new domestic worker contracts in July 2024, with a phased rollout for existing contracts and the stated aim of covering all domestic workers by January 2026. The system is aimed at making salary payments traceable through approved banks and digital wallets. </span></p><p><span>The government has also introduced insurance for domestic labour contracts. The Saudi Press Agency said in December 2024 that the scheme was meant to protect workers and employers by providing compensation for certain contractual breaches and unforeseen circumstances. At that time, the kingdom had 3.74 million domestic workers, according to the agency. </span></p><p><span>Reports of alleged abuse have led several South Asian countries to reconsider sending women to the kingdom for domestic work. Nepal lifted its ban on women travelling to several Gulf countries for work in 2022, but it has not reached an agreement with Saudi Arabia to send domestic workers. Sri Lanka has also said it is reluctant to send women to work in Saudi households.</span></p><p><span>Dhaka faces the challenge of finding out how many women suffer abuse in Saudi Arabia, investigating their complaints and helping those who want to return home. A government official said the authorities were regularly discussing the issue with Saudi officials.</span></p>

Thousands of Bangladeshi women are returning home from Saudi Arabia, citing alleged abuse and unpaid wages despite rules meant to protect domestic workers.

‘Abuse’ and ‘unpaid wages’: Why are Bangladeshi women leaving jobs in Saudi Arabia?

‘Abuse’ and ‘unpaid wages’: Why Bangladeshi women leave Saudi jobs

<div><span>US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will be in India on a two day visit, covering two major  cities, Mumbai and Jamnagar, described as the prominent strategic importance in contemporary India-US relations by the Secretary himself. Rubio, ahead of his visit, acknowledged India’s energy needs and Russian oil imports and remaked that every country has a complex set of factors that it has to take into account.</span></div><div><span>“Geography is real. For some countries, it's very difficult to acquire energy from alternative sources. That's not an excuse, but all of that has to be balanced when making foreign policy,” he said.</span></div><div><span>Rubio also said that US is “very close” to finalising a trade agreement with India.</span></div><div><span>But questions remain over whether the Washington is softening its approach or simply recalibrating its pressure on New Delhi?</span></div><h2><strong>A waiver, not a white flag</strong></h2><div><span>Days ahead of Rubio’s India visit US President Donald Trump temporarily waived tariff and sanctions provisions under the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, giving Washington 60 days to assess the economic implications.</span></div><div><span>The legislation would have allowed tariffs of up to 100% on goods imported from the five largest buyers of Russian-origin crude oil or natural gas, including India and China.</span></div><div><span>Speaking in Uzbekistan, the Secretary said the administration needed to consider the impact of such measures on the US and global economies. He acknowledged that India had diversified its energy portfolio but could not immediately replace substantial Russian supplies.</span></div><div><span>India was also an important American ally and partner, he said, arguing that geography and access to alternative energy sources had to be considered in foreign policy decisions.</span></div><div><span>Former Indian ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri, welcomed the remarks but cautioned against interpreting them as a fundamental policy shift. He said that Wordsmithy is a necessary act of diplomacy and suggested that Rubio’s conciliatory language was appropriate ahead of his visit.</span></div><div><span>Puri argued that Washington continued to pursue its own interests, while recognising that India remained important to the US.</span></div><div><span>He welcomed the waiver but hoped the administration would maintain the same approach after the 60-day period.</span></div><div><span>The relief, however, is temporary. The underlying legislation remains in force, leaving Washington with the option of reinstating the duties.</span></div><div><span>The waiver must also be distinguished from tariff relief under a bilateral trade agreement. While the former concerns penalties linked to Russian energy purchases, the latter involves the broader terms of trade between the two countries. Both can nevertheless influence negotiations.</span></div><h2><span>The Russian oil double standard</span></h2><div><span>Washington’s position has raised questions about the consistency of its approach to Russian energy.</span></div><div><span>Trump recently announced an agreement under which Russia would supply more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel immediately, followed by additional shipments. The move came amid concerns over fuel prices and domestic supply in the US.</span></div><div><span>Former Indian diplomat KP Fabian argued that Washington’s own decision to purchase Russian energy undermined the logic of penalising other countries for doing the same.</span></div><div><span>“The US has decided to buy oil from Russia, and therefore, if you want to follow logic, the US should sanction itself,” Fabian said. “So if the US itself is buying, how can the US sanction India?”</span></div><div><span>For Fabian, Rubio’s remarks do not amount to a recognition or rejection of India’s strategic autonomy. Instead, they expose the tension between Washington’s pressure on Russian energy buyers and its own commercial requirements.</span></div><div><span>Rubio has also cited wider geopolitical pressures, including the Russia-Ukraine war, attacks on energy infrastructure and escalating tensions involving Saudi Arabia and the Houthi militia, as factors affecting global supplies and prices.</span></div><div><span>US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on the contrary said Washington had asked European allies to join it in imposing secondary tariffs on India and China over Russian oil purchases, but they had refused.</span></div><div><span>“So why should the US bear the burden?” Bessent asked.</span></div><div><span>The dispute highlights the limits of using economic pressure to influence India’s energy choices.</span></div><div><span>New Delhi has increased purchases from other suppliers, but replacing Russian crude is not simply a political decision; prices, availability and energy security also matter.</span></div><div><span>Rubio’s acknowledgement of these constraints is significant. Whether it leads to a lasting change in policy remains uncertain.</span></div><h2><span>Trade deal: Close, but not quite there</span></h2><div><span>Rubio’s claim that a trade deal is close to finalisation has raised expectations ahead of his visit. However, previous indications that an agreement was imminent have yet to produce a completed deal.</span></div><div><span>Fabian urged caution, pointing out that similar assurances had been made before.</span></div><div><span>“We have been told many a time that a trade deal is almost finalised. It’s imminent and all that. But till now, that has not been the case,” he said.</span></div><div><span>He also questioned whether Rubio’s discussions with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar would resolve the outstanding trade issues, arguing that Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal was the appropriate counterpart for negotiations.</span></div><div><span>Puri sugested that substantial progress had already been made and that an agreement could emerge soon. He added that keeping expectations measured was part of managing the political dimension of negotiations.</span></div><div><span>The tariff waiver may improve the negotiating atmosphere, but the possibility of renewed duties leaves India vulnerable to further pressure. Progress on trade and the future of the waiver will therefore remain separate, though closely connected, tests of the relationship.</span></div><h2><span>Jamnagar and meeting with business leaders</span></h2><div><span>Rubio’s planned visit to Jamnagar brings energy cooperation and commercial investment into focus.</span></div><div><span>Speaking to ANI, foreign affairs expert Robinder Sachdev suggested that the visit could be linked to Reliance Industries’ proposed refinery investment in Brownsville, Texas. In March 2026, Trump announced a $300 billion partnership with Reliance for the “America First Refining” project. Sachdev clarified that the headline figure was not the refinery investment itself, which he estimated at around $5 billion.</span></div><div><span>Sachdev speculated that Washington could be seeking a formal announcement on the project, allowing Trump to highlight investment and job creation ahead of the US midterm elections. He also suggested that it could provide political talking points for Republicans in Texas. These are his assessments of the possible motivations behind the visit, not confirmed reasons for Rubio’s itinerary.</span></div><div><span>Puri also linked the Jamnagar stop to American oil interests and Reliance’s investment plans.</span></div><div><span>The US Department of State has said Rubio will meet business leaders to promote commercial investment and economic cooperation, alongside discussions on energy and strategic ties.</span></div><div><span>Sachdev believes Washington is placing greater emphasis on commercial deals, with trade negotiations and the strategic partnership increasingly treated as separate, though connected, tracks.</span></div><div><span>For India, this could create opportunities if discussions produce concrete investment commitments. But it also raises a broader question: is Washington strengthening the partnership on its strategic merits, or increasingly measuring engagement by the economic benefits it can secure?</span></div><h2><span>A reset or the usual playbook?</span></h2><div><span>Rubio’s visit offers an opportunity to stabilise relations, but neither expert sees sufficient grounds to declare a fundamental shift in Washington’s approach.</span></div><div><span>Fabian believes the US continues to seek concessions from New Delhi, while expressing confidence in India’s ability to manage the pressure through diplomacy.</span></div><div><span>“I don’t think Washington has stopped trying to extract more and more concessions from India,” he said.</span></div><div><span>Ex-ambassador Puri, meanwhile, rejected the idea that the relationship was undergoing a clear transition. Both countries, he argued, continue to pursue their national interests, while the importance of their partnership repeatedly draws Washington towards engagement with New Delhi.</span></div><div><span>That may be the central calculation behind Rubio’s visit. The US has reasons to preserve its relationship with India, but domestic economic priorities and geopolitical considerations can also shape its decisions. The tariff waiver, American purchases of Russian diesel and the prospect of commercial investment all illustrate these competing pressures.</span></div><div><span>For India, the visit will be more about whether it delivers tangible progress on trade, greater predictability over energy-related penalties and stronger cooperation on shared strategic priorities.</span></div><div> </div><div> </div>

Between temporary sanction waivers and the lure of a landmark trade deal, Marco Rubio’s high-stakes India visit tests whether Washington is genuinely softening its stance on India or simply playing a  leverage.

‘Oil’s well that ends well’? Russian crude, tariff waivers and Rubio’s visit test India-US ties

‘Oil’s well that ends well’? Russian crude, tariff waivers and Rubio’s visit

<p><span><strong>Russia-Ukraine War:</strong> Beyond the artillery smoke and muddy trenches lies a war fought in whispers. In a groundbreaking revelation, two Russian nationals have detailed their mission aiding Ukrainian military intelligence from both inside Russia and across Europe by cataloging troop movements, senior officers and high-value military targets. </span></p><p><span>Produced by Polish investigative journalist Marcin Mamon for the BBC World Service, their testimonies reveal how covert networks operating across Russia are helping Ukraine gather intelligence on military targets and support operations against Putin’s war effort.</span></p><p><span>Identified in the documentary by assumed names, the men describe different roles in the operation. One says he helped prepare Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian military targets while living in the country. The other, who is now living in exile in Poland, says he manages volunteers who collect information on senior Russian military officers.</span></p><p><span>Ukraine’s military intelligence service, which is known as GUR, confirmed that the duo works with the agency. It also acknowledged that it may not have complete knowledge of their activities. The men disclosed limited details about their work, making it difficult to independently verify the operations they described.</span></p><h2><span><strong>From military surveillance to drone attacks</strong></span></h2><p><span>Referred to here as Ivan, the first man says his work included monitoring Russian military facilities and finding places where drone components could be concealed before an operation. He claims to have played a role in attacks targeting strategic bombers and ammunition factories on Russian soil.</span></p><p><span>His testimony shows the role of advance intelligence in preparing drone strikes on Russian territory. Knowing the location of military assets and identifying suitable places for equipment can help an operation reach targets far from Ukraine’s borders.</span></p><p><span>“When drone parts are assembled together... it becomes an extremely dangerous weapon that can destroy something worth hundreds of millions of dollars in a single strike,” Ivan said.</span></p><p><span>He told Mamon that he opposed both Russia’s war against Ukraine and Putin’s political leadership. He believes a Russian defeat could bring down the president’s rule.</span></p><p><span>“I think if Putin loses the war, his regime could fall... Through our actions, we are trying to speed up this process,” he said.</span></p><p><span>He also described the risks facing people who carry out covert work in Russia. If arrested, he said, they could face terrorism charges and spend decades in prison.</span></p><p><span>The testimonies follow Ukraine’s demonstration of its ability to strike Russian air bases far from the front line. In June 2025, Kyiv launched Operation Spider’s Web, using drones smuggled into Russia and concealed in wooden structures mounted on lorries. The operation targeted strategic aircraft at several Russian air bases.</span></p><p><span>Ukraine claimed extensive damage, while Moscow confirmed that some aircraft had been hit. The operation showed how advance preparation and access to locations in Russia could increase the reach of Ukrainian attacks.</span></p><h2><span><strong>An intelligence network tracking senior officers</strong></span></h2><p><span>Referred to as Foma in the documentary, the second man is a Russian living in exile in Poland. He says he runs a network of volunteers who monitor senior officers whom GUR may consider targets for future operations.</span></p><p><span>He says his network does not carry out attacks. Its role is to collect information that can help Ukrainian intelligence assess people and their movements. He claimed that he provided information about Lieutenant General Fanil Sarvarov before the Russian officer was killed in Moscow in December 2025.</span></p><p><span>Foma did not disclose the full list of people his network had monitored. He also said GUR identifies individuals for surveillance, while his team conducts its own checks before deciding whether to proceed.</span></p><p><span>A tutorial recorded by Mamon showed Foma explaining how volunteers receive information about a person they have been asked to monitor. He described files containing photographs, personal details and information about a vehicle, if the person owns one. He also instructed volunteers to avoid carrying their phones when approaching a target.</span></p><p><span>He said his network had around three dozen members spread across Russia, Ukraine and other parts of Europe. Those outside Russia provide logistical assistance, including tracking digital traces that could help establish information about potential targets.</span></p><p><span>He said his earlier connections with Russia’s elite gave him access to people who could provide inside information. He also showed Mamon a database containing locations of military storage facilities and units, as well as information about where senior officers and pilots of bombers used in attacks on Ukraine lived.</span></p><p><span>“To break the system, you have to understand how it works. Only then can you target its weak points,” he said.</span></p><h2><span><strong>How large is the network in Russia?</strong></span></h2><p><span>The number of Russian citizens involved in such work is difficult to establish. Foma estimates that between 300 and 500 people in the country may be carrying out similar activities for Ukraine, but the number could not be independently verified.</span></p><p><span>Ukraine has acknowledged using covert agents to support attacks against “legitimate” military targets in Russia. Its intelligence network has also cast shadow following a series of high-profile strikes on senior Russian commanders. Kyiv does not routinely accept official responsibility for targeted killings, although a Ukrainian intelligence official previously told the BBC that Ukraine was behind the December 2024 killing of Lieutenant General Igor Kirillov in Moscow.</span></p><p><span>The two men featured in Mamon’s documentary were careful about what they disclosed. When Ivan’s handler was asked whether he could be trusted, the response was, “I don’t trust anyone except myself.”</span></p><p><span>That caution shows the risks facing people operating in secret. Their testimonies offer a rare glimpse into the people helping Ukraine gather intelligence and prepare military operations deep inside Russia, although the specific activities they described could not be independently verified.</span></p>

Two Russians who claim they work with Ukraine’s military intelligence have described a covert network that gathers information on Russian military personnel and helps prepare operations against targets deep within Russian territory. Their testimonies offer a rare look at the people working behind enemy lines.

Ukraine’s secret agents on enemy soil: How Russians are helping Zelensky strike Putin’s war machine

Ukraine’s secret agents: How Russians help Zelensky hit Putin’s war machine

Home

Reels

Live TV

videos

News

Videos

Short Videos

'Don't know what cricket he was playing': Abhishek Sharma reacts to Yuvraj Singh's playful dig after 113-run carnage

Abhishek Sharma reacts to Yuvraj Singh's playful dig after 113-run carnage vs NZ

Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026: India make dominating start to title defence with 13-0 win over Bangladesh

Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026: India thrash Bangladesh 13-0 in campaign opener

Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026: Indian men storm into semifinals with 48-20 win over Tanzania

Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026: Indian men storm into semis, beat Tanzania

AI bubble warning: Microsoft swings axe on 60,000 jobs as sector losses mount

IPL 2027: Zaheer Khan set for crucial meeting with MS Dhoni before CSK retention deadline

IPL 2027: Zaheer set for crucial meeting with Dhoni before CSK retention deadline

Latest News

Who qualifies for the new Rs 1,500 vs Rs 3,000 annual toll pass?

The 20 km highway discount: Who qualifies for the new Rs 1,500 vs Rs 3,000 annual toll pass?

CISF officers intercept e-cigarette concealed inside power bank at Goa's Mopa Airport

CISF officers intercept e-cigarette concealed inside power bank at Mopa Airport

DMK President MK Stalin takes aim at CM Vijay after 17 inmates escape Theni jail

'From Breaking Bad to Prison Break': Stalin takes aim at CM Vijay after 17 inmates escape Theni jail

Resentment rocks National Conference HQ following J&K Cabinet expansion

Resentment rocks National Conference HQ following J&K Cabinet expansion; dropped MLAs and workers stage protests

India

Houthis claim ballistic missile strike on Saudi Defence Ministry

Houthis claim attack on Saudi Defence Ministry as coalition reports intercepting missiles and drones

Ex-Miss Switzerland details alleged 1993 rape by Trump in house report

'The show must go on': Ex-Miss Switzerland details alleged 1993 rape by Trump in house report

What 60,000 MW China's Tibet mega-dam means for Assam and Arunachal

Twice the size of three gorges: What 60,000 MW China's Tibet mega-dam means for Assam and Arunachal

‘Israel’s enemies want us to lose’: Decoding the midnight warning that shows Netanyahu is under pressure

‘Israel’s enemies want us to lose’: Decoding Netanyahu's midnight warning

Trump offers $1 million for ‘voter fraud’ evidence: Why now, before US midterms?

World

Sachin Pilgaonkar reveals why he insisted on casting Madhuri Dixit in 'Prem Deewane'

Watch: Urvashi Rautela serves prasad to devotees at Uttarakhand's historic Shri Sidhbali Baba Dham Mandir, video goes viral

Watch: Urvashi Rautela serves prasad to devotees at Shri Sidhbali Baba Dham Mandir

Imran Khan gets Bombay HC relief as eviction order is paused till Monday

Breaking: Imran Khan gets Bombay HC relief as eviction order is paused till Monday

'CID' Creator B.P. Singh passes away at 86 following massive heart attack

'CID' Creator B.P. Singh passes away at 86 following massive heart attack; Last rites on October 28

Ramayana advance booking: Ranbir Kapoor film earns Rs 13.30 cr in India pre-sales

Bollywood

Hollywood

Regional

Television

Entertainment

ISL 2026-27: FC Goa look to regain momentum against Sporting Club Delhi (preview)

Cricket

Sports

CA Manish Malhotra explains how Kwala Intel helps in analysing stock market

CA Manish Malhotra explains how Kwala Intel helps in analysing stock market data and compare companies

LPG cylinder rules changing from November 1: HP, Indane, Bharat Gas customers must know what is new

LPG cylinder rules changing from November 1

Microsoft announces Voluntary Exit Offer for 60,000 employees across India, US, UK, and Canada

Microsoft announces Exit Offer for 60,000 employees across India, US, UK, Canada

Tata Sons row: Noel Tata challenges Chandrasekaran's reappointment, alleges procedural lapses

Noel Tata challenges Chandrasekaran's reappointment, alleges procedural lapses

Will govt announce DA hike for central govt employees before Diwali? All eyes glued to Cabinet decision

Will govt announce DA hike for central govt employees before Diwali?

Personal finance

Real Estate

Business

Pain while climbing stairs? Experts reveal what your knees are trying to tell you

Karwa Chauth 2026 city-wise moonrise timings: Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru schedules & evening puja muhurat

Karwa Chauth 2026 moonrise timings: Check city-wise timings, puja muhurat & more

Quote of the day by Vijay Deverakonda, 'The more you are...'

MS Dhoni issues health advice to Gen Z: Warns against high-carb diets, lifestyles and fast-food habits | VIDEO

MS Dhoni issues health advice to Gen Z: Warns against high-carb diets | VIDEO

Valmiki Jayanti 2026: Date, history, significance, and 51 meaningful wishes to share on Ashwin Purnima

Valmiki Jayanti 2026: Date, history, and 51 wishes to share on Ashwin Purnima

Lifestyle

Tarot card reading for October 27, 2026: Begin working towards a more stable future

Numerology Horoscope Prediction Today, October 27, 2026: Remember that empathy explains behaviour

Numerology Prediction, October 27: Remember that empathy explains behaviour

Dialogue of the day from Cast Away, ‘Tomorrow the sun will rise...’

Horoscope today, October 27, 2026, by Astrologer Sundeep Kochar: Libra, your surroundings influence your mood

Horoscope today, October 27: Libra, your surroundings influence your mood

Weekly Health Horoscope for October 26 - November 1, 2026: Avoid putting unnecessary strain on your knees, zodiacs

Weekly Health Horoscope for Oct 26-Nov 1, 2026: Avoid putting strain on your knees

Astrology

Ducati Formula 73 launched in India at Rs 20 lakh: Limited to 873 units worldwide

Ola Electric shares fall over 6% as analysts downgrade to sell

Kia Sorento: Top 7 pros and 5 cons

Skoda Slavia facelift: 3 reasons to buy and 2 to skip

TN govt fixes Rs 26 lakh car purchase ceiling for ministers, Rs 15 lakh for MLAs

Auto

Former Tamil Nadu minister held in Rs 100-crore private school approval scam

North Western Railway Apprentice recruitment 2026: Applications open for 2,008 posts

UNESCO report: Early marriage and teenage pregnancy still keep girls out of school

Schools open in Tamil Nadu, despite IMD heavy rain alert; Parents demand holiday

Bihar board registration 2028 extended till November 6 for class 9, 11 students

Education

SIM-binding rule: What changes for WhatsApp, other messaging apps from Jan 1, 2027?

OpenAI partners with Google Cloud to offer AI models, Codex workflows

Samsung Galaxy F70 5G launched in India: Price, battery, display, camera and more

Infinix GT 50 Pro set to launch on October 27 with exclusive gaming accessories

OnePlus Ace 7 series set to launch in China on October 29: Here's what we know so far

OnePlus Ace 7 series set to launch in China on October 29: What we know so far

Technology

Yemens Houthis claimed a direct ballistic missile strike on Saudi Arabias Defence Ministry in Riyadh, though Saudi forces reported intercepting incoming threats.

Former Miss Switzerland Beatrice Keul has accused Donald Trump of raping her inside a hotel room during a 1993 Atlantic City pageant event, expanding on her previous groping allegations.

He faces a challenge from four Opposition parties demanding accountability for the October 7 attack. With neither bloc projected to win a majority, coalition negotiations, a possible minority government and the prospect of another election could determine Israel’s political future.

The offer requires evidence to lead to an arrest and conviction.

US intelligence officials believe Iran and the Houthis are unlikely to launch pre-emptive escalatory attacks against American personnel or Israel at this stage.

US forces ready for major strikes on Iran within 96 hours of Trump’s order: Report

Zee News English

LIVE TV

Web Stories

Live Blog

World News Today : Get the latest international news, headlines, global updates, depth analysis report of major international events | Zee News English