The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), led by M.K. Stalin, has demanded the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and an inquiry into his conduct. At a parliamentary party meeting in Chennai on October 17, 2026, the party passed resolutions opposing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging that eligible voters risk being excluded. The DMK also extended support to student-led protests and called for replacing electronic voting machines (EVMs) with paper ballots. The party plans to petition President Droupadi Murmu, seeking electoral reforms and the complete cancellation of the SIR exercise. (PC: The Hindu)

Russian presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev has praised US President Donald Trump’s decision to waive certain new sanctions and tariffs targeting Russia, calling it a “truly historic moment.” On October 16, Trump signed an executive order suspending measures under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, citing US national interests. The legislation aimed to increase economic pressure on Moscow over its war in Ukraine and potentially penalise countries purchasing Russian energy. Dmitriev argued that the measures could have harmed the US economy and global markets. The decision has raised concerns among Ukraine’s European allies. (PC: Reuters)

Environmental activist Surendra Singh Choudhary, popularly known as Bittu Tabahi, faced another setback after installing two dustbins along the Ajnar River in Madhya Pradesh’s Rajgarh district. The 20-year-old had placed them to encourage responsible waste disposal after repeatedly cleaning the polluted river. However, when he returned, one dustbin was missing, leaving him disappointed. Despite months of cleanup efforts, plastic bags and other rubbish have begun accumulating along the riverbanks again. The incident sparked social media criticism, with users demanding fines for littering, police intervention and better security to protect public facilities. (PC: X)

Actress Kajol has highlighted the faith, family traditions and community spirit behind the Mukherjee family’s Durga Puja celebrations in Mumbai, marking their 80th anniversary in 2026. Established in 1948 by filmmaker Sashadhar Mukherjee, his wife Satirani and others, the North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja has grown into a major cultural gathering. Kajol told NDTV that devotion to Maa Durga, rather than celebrity status, remains its central purpose. The celebration attracts over five lakh visitors annually, featuring an eco-friendly idol, cultural festivities and traditional Bengali food, creating a “mini Kolkata” atmosphere in Mumbai’s Juhu neighbourhood. 

US President Donald Trump has urged Saudi Arabia to accept Israel’s offer of assistance against Yemen’s Houthi rebels amid escalating regional hostilities. Speaking to reporters at the White House on October 16, Trump described Israel’s support as “very helpful” and expressed confidence that Riyadh would welcome the assistance. He also suggested that Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords, which promote normalisation between Israel and Arab countries, could be more achievable than ever. However, Saudi Arabia has maintained that normalising relations with Israel requires a clear pathway towards Palestinian statehood. The developments could significantly influence Middle Eastern security and diplomacy. (PC: Reuters)

At least eight people were killed and 15 injured after a minibus carrying around 23 passengers plunged into a 15-foot-deep drain on the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway in Rajasthan’s Kota district on October 17, 2026. The accident occurred near pole number 384 under Simliya police station limits at approximately 6 am. The passengers, mostly from Madhya Pradesh, were travelling to Rajasthan’s Khatu Shyamji temple for a pilgrimage. Authorities suspect driver fatigue may have caused the vehicle to veer off the road. Rescue teams used cranes to retrieve the damaged vehicle, while the injured were taken to hospitals in Kota. (PC: PTI)

India has rejected a report by UN Special Rapporteur Gina Romero concerning alleged retaliation and stigmatisation faced by young Indians discussing mental health and gender justice. Speaking at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee, Indian diplomat Anuj Swarup criticised the report for relying on anonymous and unverified submissions. He defended constitutional protections for freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association under Article 19. Swarup also cited youth-led political movements and government engagement with young people as evidence of civic participation. India urged Romero to ensure greater accuracy, fairness and verification in future reports. (PC: Screengrab)

US President Donald Trump has waived key sanctions and tariffs targeting Russia and countries purchasing Russian oil and gas, just one day before the measures were due to take effect on October 18, 2026. The decision offers temporary relief to India and China, major importers of Russian energy, from potential US tariffs of up to 100% on their exports. Trump justified the waiver by citing American national interests amid concerns over rising energy prices. The measures were part of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. However, Washington retains the authority to reinstate the tariffs. (PC: India Today)

A controversy over a beef-cooking event near a Hindu temple at Jagannath University in Dhaka, Bangladesh, escalated into a dispute over religious sensitivities and campus regulations. On October 12, Hindu students objected to a beef khichuri gathering held near the campus temple. Allegations also emerged that temple bricks were used to construct a temporary cooking stove; organisers later removed them and apologised for the misunderstanding. The university initially restricted animal slaughter on campus but subsequently clarified its position. On October 16, students held a beef feast in protest, with university officials monitoring the event. The administration urged mutual respect and communal harmony. 

US President Donald Trump urged newly appointed White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia to reconsider her position on October 16, 2026, following intense scrutiny of her professional credentials and debut press briefing. Trump said the media had treated her unfairly and suggested the demanding role might not suit her. The controversy intensified after Zacharia acknowledged that she had graduated from Pepperdine University’s law school but had not passed the bar examination required to practise law in California. A White House official subsequently confirmed she was leaving the position after just five days, making her tenure exceptionally brief. (PC: Reuters)