Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday described ASEAN centrality as a cornerstone of India’s Act East Policy and called for stronger Indo-Pacific defence cooperation to address emerging security challenges. Speaking at the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Cebu, Philippines, Singh stressed mutual trust, regional peace, security and prosperity. He said the forum should tackle emerging disruptions and advance defence cooperation. Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto C Teodoro Jr. highlighted two documents reaffirming ASEAN unity, including a declaration marking ADMM’s 20th anniversary. He also called for cooperation on food and energy security, adherence to international law, and protection for migrant workers and seafarers affected by conflicts.

Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has described himself as a “dimagi Naxal” in a video criticising the government’s treatment of protesting students. Turning labels such as “anti-national” and “tukde-tukde gang” back on those in power, Shah questioned the handling of students at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) and Jamia Millia Islamia. He also addressed the government, sections of the media and the BJP’s IT cell, asserting that attempts to intimidate young people would not break their spirit. His remarks express support for protesting students and challenge the language frequently used to describe government critics, according to India Today.

A 26-year-old man, Ajay Rathore, allegedly used artificial intelligence tools to research home-brewed liquor before setting up an illicit liquor operation in Madhya Pradesh’s Dewas district, police said. Investigators allege he procured chemicals from a solvent wholesaler in Indore and sold the concoction in discarded liquor bottles mixed with genuine stock. Authorities are examining whether liquor supplied by the alleged racket was connected to 13 suspected hooch deaths reported in Chandana and Binjana villages since September 27. Forensic test results are awaited to determine contamination and establish any link to the deaths. The district administration had initially dismissed reports connecting the deaths to spurious liquor as misleading. (PC: The Indian Express)

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Wednesday that 22 Indian nationals, including 14 seafarers, have died amid the ongoing West Asia conflict. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed deep concern over the deteriorating regional security situation and said Indian missions remained in close contact with citizens and community members. He separately confirmed that three Indians had died in incidents in Saudi Arabia linked to broader regional tensions. The Indian Consulate in Jeddah announced additional flight options from Dammam and Riyadh to several Indian cities, particularly to assist stranded travellers and Umrah pilgrims. Officials urged passengers to verify bookings directly with airlines before travelling to airports.

Crude oil prices fell on Thursday as traders weighed hopes of renewed US-Iran diplomatic engagement against the risk of further supply disruptions amid escalating Middle East tensions. Brent crude futures dropped 85 cents, or 0.74%, to $114.50 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures declined 91 cents, or 0.89%, to $101.90. The declines partially reversed gains from the previous session, when Brent rose 1.3% and WTI gained 3%. Prospects for renewed negotiations offered some relief to markets, but uncertainty over regional stability persisted. Recent Houthi attacks in Yemen and potential US military action following the midterm elections continued to cloud the global oil supply outlook. (PC: AP)

Amazon has laid off approximately 250 employees in its devices unit, which develops products including Kindle e-readers and Echo smart speakers. The cuts, announced on Wednesday, primarily affect software development roles. According to Reuters, affected employees received early-morning emails and text messages informing them of the decision. An email cited in the report from Amazon vice-president Cherie Robinson said a thorough review of the company’s structure had made job cuts necessary. Amazon confirmed the layoffs in a statement, saying it had made the difficult decision to eliminate a small number of roles, but did not disclose the number affected. The reported cuts come amid broader workforce reductions. (PC: hdqwalls.com)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party has accused Arab-led parties of election fraud and demanded an investigation into alleged irregularities in the country’s general election. Likud claimed it had submitted hundreds of testimonies and evidence to the police, domestic intelligence agency Shin Bet and Central Elections Committee. Its allegations include voter bribery, intimidation, forged ballots and illegal voter mobilisation software. The election committee said it was reviewing the complaints as part of its election-integrity process. Arab-led parties were projected to win a record 19 seats, potentially influencing government formation. The allegations have not established widespread electoral fraud. (PC: News18)

US forces in the Middle East are preparing for possible major military operations against Iran after the November 3 midterm elections, according to a CNN report cited by Hindustan Times. 2 US officials said American forces are positioned to launch an operation within 96 hours of President Donald Trump’s approval. Potential targets could include Iranian military installations, energy infrastructure and nuclear facilities. However, Trump has not made a final decision on whether to authorise the strikes. The report also warned that Iran and Yemen’s Houthi rebels could retaliate against US personnel and facilities if Washington launches a fresh attack. (PC: X)

The BJP maintained its lead in Uttar Pradesh’s Legislative Council elections, while Akhilesh Yadav’s Samajwadi Party (SP) made significant gains ahead of the 2027 Assembly polls. Of the 11 graduates’ and teachers’ seats, results for 10 had been declared by 11:30 pm on Wednesday. The BJP won 6 seats, while the SP secured 4. The SP defeated the BJP in the Lucknow Graduates’ and Agra Teachers’ constituencies and also won Allahabad-Jhansi Graduates. The SP was leading in the remaining Varanasi Graduates’ seat. The results suggest a closer contest between the parties in key constituencies. (PC: NDTV)

At least 46 people have died and 179 others have been injured after 2 high-speed trains collided in central Spain on Wednesday. Videos from the crash site show overturned carriages lying in a ditch beside the tracks near Urda, in Toledo province. The trains, operated by state-run Renfe and private company Iryo, were travelling along the Madrid-Andalusia route. Emergency teams rushed to rescue passengers and help the injured. Authorities suspended high-speed rail services on the route as rescue operations continued. Investigators are examining the cause of the collision, while Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed support for victims and their families.