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.
Services Sector Employs Under a Third of India's Workforce, NITI Aayog Finds
A new NITI Aayog report reveals a significant disconnect between India's economic growth and job creation. While the services sector contributes over half of the national output, it employs just under 30% of the workforce—well below the global average of 50%. The report highlights that most of these jobs are informal and low-paying, creating a mismatch with the rising education levels of the workforce. It calls for structural reforms, including formalising work and targeted skilling, to improve job quality.
OpenAI to offer ChatGPT Go free for one year in India
OpenAI announced it will offer its 'ChatGPT Go' subscription tier free for one year to all users in India who sign up during a promotional period starting November 4. The offer coincides with OpenAI's first developer event in Bengaluru. ChatGPT Go, launched in India in August, provides higher message limits and more image generation capabilities. OpenAI noted that India is its second-largest and one of its fastest-growing markets, with the number of paid subscribers more than doubling in the first month.
Delhi to conduct first cloud seeding trial to combat air pollution
Delhi is expected to conduct its first-ever cloud seeding trial in an effort to induce artificial rain and combat severe winter air pollution. The experiment, a collaboration between the Delhi government and IIT-Kanpur, involves releasing silver iodide and sodium chloride compounds from an aircraft to trigger rainfall. The trial flight is awaiting improved visibility conditions in Kanpur before taking off. If successful, the technique could become a key part of the capital's strategy to mitigate its annual pollution crisis.
Two killed, nine injured as bus catches fire in Jaipur
A father and daughter were burnt to death and nine others were injured after a bus carrying labourers near Jaipur came in contact with a high-tension power line. The 11,000-kilovolt wire reportedly snapped and fell onto the overloaded bus, causing it to catch fire. The vehicle was also carrying 15 LPG cylinders, two of which exploded. Officials stated that excessive luggage piled on the bus roof likely struck the power line, triggering the tragedy. An investigation into the incident is underway.
Election Commission to begin voter list revision across 12 states
The Election Commission of India has announced the second phase of its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, covering 51 crore voters in 12 states and Union Territories. The exercise, which aims to remove ineligible names and add eligible citizens, will begin on November 4. The draft rolls will be published on December 9, with the final list due on February 7, 2026. This comprehensive update is the ninth since Independence and the first in over two decades.
Justice Surya Kant Recommended as Next Chief Justice of India
Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai has formally recommended Justice Surya Kant, the senior-most judge after him, as his successor. Following convention, the recommendation was sent to the Union Law Ministry. Justice Kant is expected to become the 53rd CJI on November 24, following CJI Gavai's retirement. Appointed to the Supreme Court in 2019, Justice Kant will have a tenure of nearly 15 months. He has been part of benches that delivered landmark verdicts on Article 370, sedition law, and electoral transparency.
Cyclone Montha intensifies, prompting evacuations in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh
Cyclone Montha has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm in the Bay of Bengal, prompting high alerts in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. The storm is expected to make landfall near Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, with wind speeds of 90-100 kmph, gusting to 110 kmph. Authorities have evacuated thousands from low-lying and landslide-prone areas to cyclone shelters. Rescue teams from NDRF and ODRAF are deployed, schools are closed, and fishermen have been warned against venturing into the sea.
Supreme Court Summons State Chief Secretaries Over Stray Dog Policy Non-Compliance
The Supreme Court has ordered the Chief Secretaries of all states and Union Territories, except West Bengal and Telangana, to appear before it on November 3. The summons was issued due to their failure to file compliance reports on the court's August order regarding the management of stray dogs. The directive mandated the implementation of the Animal Birth Control Rules, which include sterilizing, immunizing, and releasing dogs back into their localities. The court's action addresses widespread administrative inaction on a pressing national issue.
Supreme Court summons state chief secretaries over stray dog menace
The Supreme Court has directed the chief secretaries of all states and Union Territories, except West Bengal and Telangana, to appear before it on November 3. The court took strong exception to their failure to file affidavits detailing steps taken to implement the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules. The bench initiated suo motu proceedings on the issue after a child's death from rabies, stating that ongoing incidents are damaging the country's international image and a national policy may be framed.
Supreme Court rebukes Delhi Police for delay in riots conspiracy bail case
The Supreme Court expressed displeasure over the Delhi Police's failure to file a response to bail pleas from activists Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, and others in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case. The accused have been jailed for over five years under the UAPA. The bench rejected a request for a two-week extension, questioning the need for a counter-affidavit in a bail matter after significant time has passed. It urged the police to consider granting bail and scheduled the next hearing for Friday.
Albania's AI minister is 'pregnant' with 83 AI assistants for MPs
In a symbolic announcement, Albania's Prime Minister revealed that the country's AI-generated minister, 'Diella', is 'pregnant' with 83 'children'. These 'children' are actually new AI assistants, one for each Member of Parliament from the ruling party. The AI tools will record parliamentary proceedings, brief MPs on missed sessions, and suggest counterarguments. Appointed in September, Diella's primary role is to bring transparency to public procurement, as Albania moves towards a technology-driven, corruption-free governance model.
Five Thalassemia-Affected Children Contract HIV After Blood Transfusions in Jharkhand
A major public health crisis has emerged in Jharkhand's West Singhbhum district, where five children with thalassemia have tested HIV-positive after receiving blood transfusions at a local blood bank. The incident prompted an investigation by a state medical team, which found initial evidence of contaminated blood transfusion and discrepancies at the facility. In response, Chief Minister Hemant Soren ordered the suspension of the district's civil surgeon and other officials, announcing financial aid and full treatment costs for the affected families.
Thailand and Cambodia Sign Landmark Peace Accord in Malaysia
Thailand and Cambodia signed a historic peace agreement in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, officially ending years of border tensions. The signing was attended by US President Donald Trump, who played a key role in brokering the deal, and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The accord establishes provisions for mutual border security, joint development zones, and a bilateral peace commission. Alongside the deal, the US announced a new trade agreement with Cambodia and a strategic minerals partnership with Thailand, reinforcing economic incentives for regional stability.
Commerce Minister to Visit Brussels to Advance India-EU Trade Pact Negotiations
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal will visit Brussels on October 27-28 for high-level talks aimed at providing political impetus to the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. The visit is crucial as both sides work towards a December deadline to conclude the comprehensive pact. Discussions with EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic will focus on key areas like market access and regulatory cooperation. A successful agreement would significantly impact bilateral trade, which stood at $136.5 billion in 2024-25.