Digest for 13 October, 2025
Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Takes Effect; First Hostages Released in Prisoner Swap
A ceasefire in the two-year Israel-Hamas war has begun, marked by the release of the first group of hostages. Hamas handed over seven hostages to the Red Cross as part of a deal to exchange 20 living hostages for over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The agreement, brokered with significant international pressure, is also expected to facilitate a surge of humanitarian aid into the famine-stricken Gaza Strip. US President Donald Trump is visiting the region for a peace summit in Egypt.
Over 200 Killed as Fierce Clashes Erupt on Pakistan-Afghanistan Border
Intense overnight clashes between Pakistani forces and the Afghan Taliban have resulted in at least 23 Pakistani soldiers and over 200 Taliban and affiliated TTP militants being killed. The Pakistani Army stated its troops repelled an "unprovoked attack" and conducted precision strikes on militant camps inside Afghanistan. The Taliban government in Kabul confirmed the operations, claiming its forces killed 58 Pakistani soldiers in retaliation for violations of its territorial integrity, marking a severe escalation in tensions between the neighbouring countries.
NDA Finalises Bihar Election Pact; BJP and JD(U) to Contest 101 Seats Each
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has finalised its seat-sharing formula for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. In a significant shift, both the BJP and the Janata Dal (United) will contest 101 seats each, marking the first time the JD(U) will not be the senior partner in the alliance. The deal allocates 29 seats to Chirag Paswan's LJP, with the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) and Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) receiving six seats each in the 243-member assembly.
ED Raids Tainted Cough Syrup Maker and FDA Officials After Child Deaths
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has raided premises linked to Sresan Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of Coldrif cough syrup, and officials of the Tamil Nadu Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The raids in Chennai are part of a money-laundering investigation following the deaths of at least 22 children in Madhya Pradesh. The cough syrup was found to be dangerously adulterated with the poison diethylene glycol (DEG). The company's owner was recently arrested by Madhya Pradesh Police.
Canadian Foreign Minister Visits India to Reset Strained Diplomatic Ties
Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand has arrived in New Delhi for high-level talks aimed at mending bilateral relations that soured dramatically over the past two years. Anand is scheduled to meet with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. The visit is focused on establishing a framework for strategic cooperation on trade, energy, and security, representing a significant step towards normalizing ties after a period of deep diplomatic friction between the two nations.