Indian Gang Claims Responsibility for Killing and Shooting in Canada
The Lawrence Bishnoi gang, a notorious criminal syndicate from India, has claimed responsibility for two violent incidents in Canada. The gang stated it was behind the murder of Indian-origin industrialist Darshan Singh Sahsi in Abbotsford, British Columbia, allegedly over his refusal to pay extortion money. It also claimed responsibility for firing shots at the house of Punjabi singer Channi Nattan. The events highlight the expanding transnational operations of the gang and pose a significant security threat to the Indo-Canadian community.
51 Maoists Surrender in Chhattisgarh Under Government Rehabilitation Scheme
In a significant development for internal security, 51 Maoist cadres, including several high-ranking members with a collective bounty of ₹66 lakh, have surrendered in Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district. The group, which included nine women, laid down their arms under the state's 'Poona Margem' rehabilitation initiative. Officials attribute the mass surrender to the success of the government's policy combining security operations with dialogue and development, which they say is weakening the Maoist network and encouraging rebels to rejoin the mainstream.
Cyclone Montha Triggers Heavy Rains, Disrupts Vande Bharat and Other Trains in Telangana
Heavy rainfall from Cyclone Montha has caused widespread disruption across Telangana, leading to severe waterlogging that has crippled rail services. The Secunderabad-bound Vande Bharat Express from Visakhapatnam was stranded, and at least 22 other trains were cancelled, diverted, or rescheduled due to inundated tracks at Dornakal station. The highest rainfall, 20.8 cm, was recorded in Nagarkurnool district. Authorities are arranging alternative transport for affected passengers as the downpour continues to impact life and infrastructure in the state.
US Senate Votes to Overturn Trump's Tariffs on Brazil
The Republican-led US Senate passed legislation to terminate tariffs imposed on Brazil by President Donald Trump. The tariffs were implemented in July after Trump declared a national emergency in retaliation for Brazil's prosecution of its former president, Jair Bolsonaro. The measure, which passed 52-48 with five Republicans joining Democrats, reflects ongoing divisions within the US over Trump's use of tariffs and emergency declarations to conduct trade policy. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives.
President Murmu Flies First Rafale Sortie; Government Debunks AI Misinformation
President Droupadi Murmu became the first Indian President to fly a sortie in a Rafale fighter jet, taking off from the Ambala Air Force Station. The flight underscores the Supreme Commander's engagement with the armed forces and highlights the capabilities of the frontline aircraft. Following the event, the government's Press Information Bureau debunked a digitally-altered video circulating online. The AI-generated clip falsely claimed the President was "blackmailed" into the sortie, highlighting the growing challenge of sophisticated misinformation targeting high-level official activities.
Starlink to Hold Key Technical Demonstrations in Mumbai Ahead of India Launch
Elon Musk's Starlink is scheduled to conduct crucial technical and security demonstrations in Mumbai on October 30-31, marking a significant step towards launching its satellite broadband service in India. The demonstrations before law enforcement agencies will aim to prove compliance with national security and regulatory requirements. The move paves the way for commercial operations, which could transform internet connectivity in India, particularly by providing high-speed access to remote and underserved areas of the country.
Trump Praises Modi as "Tough as Hell" While Hinting at Trade Deal
At an APEC event in South Korea, US President Donald Trump lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him the "nicest-looking guy" but also a "killer" who is "tough as hell." Trump hinted that an India-US trade deal is imminent, linking its progress to his disputed claim that he personally intervened to avert a potential nuclear war between India and Pakistan in May by threatening trade consequences. India has consistently refuted claims of third-party mediation in its conflicts with Pakistan.
Three Retired Health Officials Arrested in Puducherry Over Substandard Medicine Scam
Puducherry's Vigilance and Anti-Corruption wing has arrested three retired senior health officials, including a former director, for their alleged involvement in a 2018 procurement scam. They are accused of purchasing substandard medicines and medical equipment for government hospitals, resulting in an estimated loss of ₹2 crore to the state exchequer. The investigation began after complaints of adverse effects from the supplied medicines. The proprietors of the supplier firms have also been taken into custody.
Delhi's Cloud Seeding Experiment to Combat Pollution Shows Limited Success
In an attempt to curb severe air pollution, Delhi conducted its first cloud seeding experiment in over 50 years. Led by IIT Kanpur, a Cessna aircraft fired flares containing silver iodide and salt into clouds over the city to induce artificial rain. However, the trial yielded limited results, with officials citing very low moisture content in the clouds. While a slight reduction in pollutant levels was reported in targeted areas, the experiment highlights the challenges of using weather modification as an emergency solution for pollution.
Nvidia Becomes World's First $5 Trillion Company, Fueled by AI Boom
Chipmaker Nvidia has made history by becoming the first publicly traded company to reach a market capitalization of $5 trillion. This milestone, achieved just three months after crossing the $4 trillion mark, underscores the explosive growth driven by the global artificial intelligence boom. The ravenous demand for Nvidia's specialized processors, which are critical for developing and running advanced AI systems, has propelled its stock to unprecedented levels, placing its valuation above the GDP of nations like Japan and the UK.
Cabinet Approves Formation of 8th Pay Commission
The Union Cabinet has approved the terms of reference for the 8th Pay Commission, which will recommend revised salaries, allowances, and pensions for central government employees. The commission's proposals, expected within 18 months, will likely take effect from January 1, 2026. This move will impact nearly 50 lakh employees and 69 lakh pensioners. Headed by former Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai, the commission will consider the country's economic conditions and fiscal impact while formulating its recommendations.
Amazon to cut 30,000 corporate jobs globally
Amazon is set to begin its largest round of layoffs since 2022, cutting as many as 30,000 corporate jobs, or nearly 10% of its corporate workforce. The cuts will reportedly affect multiple divisions, including human resources, operations, and Amazon Web Services (AWS). CEO Andy Jassy has cited a need to reduce bureaucracy and leverage AI for productivity gains as reasons for the downsizing. The move comes as the company seeks to trim expenses following a period of rapid hiring during the pandemic.
Cyclone Montha Weakens After Landfall in Andhra Pradesh, Killing One
Severe Cyclonic Storm Montha made landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast, bringing winds up to 100 kmph and heavy rainfall before weakening. The storm caused one fatality, submerged over 43,000 hectares of crops, and led to significant infrastructure damage, particularly to the power sector. The cyclone's impact was also felt in neighboring Odisha. The storm extensively disrupted transport, with authorities cancelling or diverting over 160 trains and numerous flights in the region as a precautionary measure.
India Partners with Sanctioned Russian Firm to Manufacture Passenger Aircraft
State-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed an agreement with Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) to manufacture the SJ-100 passenger aircraft in India. The deal marks a major step for India's domestic civil aviation manufacturing and aligns with the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative. The collaboration is geopolitically significant as UAC is under US and EU sanctions. The twin-engine, short-haul jets are expected to boost regional connectivity under the UDAN scheme, addressing a growing demand for such aircraft in India.
Israeli Airstrikes Kill at Least 60 in Gaza Amid Ceasefire Collapse
Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have killed at least 60 people, including 27 children, according to local hospital officials. The attacks followed an order from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for "powerful strikes" after accusing Hamas of violating a fragile ceasefire. The flare-up began after Israeli forces were allegedly fired upon and Hamas returned what Israel claimed were only partial remains of a hostage. The intense overnight bombardment represents a significant escalation, seriously jeopardizing the tenuous US-brokered ceasefire that had been in place.