Digest for 18 October, 2025
Pakistani Airstrike Kills Three Afghan Cricketers, Prompts T20 Series Withdrawal
A Pakistani airstrike in Afghanistan's Paktika province has killed at least eight people, including three cricketers. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) identified the players as Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon. In response to the attack, which it called a devastating blow to the nation's sports community, the ACB has withdrawn its team from an upcoming T20 tri-series involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The incident has drawn sharp condemnation from Afghan players and threatens a fragile ceasefire agreement between the two nations.
Centre Orders Judicial Probe into Deadly Leh Violence
The Union Home Ministry has ordered a judicial inquiry into the September 24 violence in Leh, which resulted in four deaths and nearly 100 injuries during protests for statehood and Sixth Schedule status. Retired Supreme Court Justice B.S. Chauhan will head the probe. The move meets a key demand of Ladakhi leaders from the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance, who had suspended talks with the government, potentially paving the way for renewed dialogue to resolve the ongoing crisis.
Belgian Court Approves Extradition of Fugitive Diamantaire Mehul Choksi
An Antwerp court has approved India's request to extradite fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi, a key accused in the ₹13,000-crore Punjab National Bank fraud case. The court deemed his arrest in Belgium, based on India's request, as lawful. This marks a significant legal victory for Indian investigative agencies like the CBI and ED in their efforts to prosecute economic offenders who have fled the country. Choksi, who was arrested in April, still has the option to appeal the decision.
Over 200 Maoists, Including Senior Leaders, Surrender in Chhattisgarh
In a major development for India's internal security, 210 Maoists, including a central committee member and other senior commanders, surrendered to authorities in Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh. The cadres, from various high-level committees of the banned CPI (Maoist), also turned in 153 weapons, including AK-47s and INSAS rifles. This mass surrender is seen as a significant blow to the insurgency in the Bastar region and a major success for security forces' ongoing counter-insurgency operations.
Boat Accident Off Mozambique Coast Kills Three Indians, Five Missing
A launch boat carrying 14 Indian nationals capsized off the coast of Beira, Mozambique, during a crew transfer operation. The Indian High Commission has confirmed that three Indians have died, five have been successfully rescued, and a search operation is underway for five others who remain missing. One survivor is receiving medical treatment in a local hospital. The High Commission is coordinating with local authorities on the search and rescue efforts and is extending all possible assistance to the affected families.