India has asked the UN human rights office when it will publish a report on Pakistan’s response to concerns over the situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), including alleged killings and internet restrictions. Speaking at the 81st UN General Assembly Third Committee session, India’s First Secretary Anuj Swarup cited previous statements by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for prompt, thorough and impartial investigations into deaths involving security forces. The UN office had also urged legal access for detained Joint Awami Action Committee leaders, fair trials, restoration of internet access and meaningful political dialogue. Swarup questioned Pakistan’s human rights record. In July, UN High Commissioner Volker Turk had urged calm amid unrest ahead of regional elections. (PC: The Tribune)

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijit Dipke has urged supporters to gather at Central Park in Delhi’s Connaught Place on October 16, carrying the national flag, amid protests over the arrest of his associates. Dipke, who arrived in Delhi on Wednesday, said waving the Tricolour was an expression of patriotism, not a crime. In a video message, he criticised the government’s action against party members and alleged that the crackdown on dissent would not silence people. His call comes amid tensions following the arrests of CJP associates. Dipke’s appeal urges supporters to assemble with the national flag as the party prepares for fresh protests in the capital. (PC: PTI)

Iran has vowed to intensify its crackdown on Starlink satellite internet and impose further internet restrictions amid continuing tensions with the United States and Israel. Mohammad Amin Aghamiri, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Cyberspace Council, called Starlink a “tool of war,” alleging it enables enemy command operations, espionage and information gathering. Authorities say they have systems to disable terminals. Reported countermeasures include jamming signals, spoofing GPS locations, detecting Starlink-related internet protocols and physically seizing devices. Using or possessing Starlink can attract six months to two years in prison, while importing or distributing terminals carries up to five years. National security or espionage charges can potentially lead to the death penalty. (PC: Reuters)

Oman overtook the United States to become India’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplier in September 2026, as the West Asia conflict disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. According to Kpler data, Omani shipments rose 11.6% month-on-month to 0.59 million tonnes, while US supplies fell 60.7% to 0.34 million tonnes. India imported 2.24 million tonnes in September, down 12.7% from August but 7% higher year-on-year. Between May and September, imports reached 11.87 million tonnes, up 17.8% annually. The US remained the largest supplier over that period, providing 3.41 million tonnes. India continued purchasing costly spot-market cargoes to meet domestic demand, particularly from city gas networks and fertiliser manufacturers. (PC: Reuters)

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels are seeking Chinese-made components to develop advanced ballistic missiles capable of striking targets in Saudi Arabia and Israel, according to a Conflict Armament Research (CAR) report released October 14. Yemeni authorities intercepted two suspected shipments originating in China and reportedly destined for Houthi-controlled Hodeidah port, the Associated Press reported. The components included stabilising fin cores, rocket motor closures, nozzle attachments, igniters and phenolic resin used in missile heat shields. Researchers said the parts could support development of a missile resembling Iran’s Kheibar Shekan, reportedly capable of travelling around 2,000 kilometres. CAR analyst Fabian Hinz said the findings indicated more ambitious Houthi manufacturing plans. China said it controls military and dual-use exports. (PC: AFP)

A 19-year-old man, Alexandros Paporakis of Palatine, Illinois, was arrested on October 11 over an alleged plot to carry out a mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois. He faces charges of making a terrorist threat and unlawful possession of weapons. Investigators recovered a manifesto containing white supremacist rhetoric and references to violence against people of Indian descent, PTI reported. The investigation began after Mount Prospect Police received information from an individual who reported receiving concerning electronic communications from Paporakis. Authorities said he had shared a document outlining an alleged shooting plan, alongside images of a rifle, magazines, body armour and other tactical equipment. He remains detained pending further court proceedings. (PC: India Today)

Britain’s Prince William joined cricketing stars Sourav Ganguly, Ajinkya Rahane and Brian Lara for a friendly tennis-ball cricket match on The Mall outside Buckingham Palace in London on October 13. England players Joe Root and Harry Brook also took part in the event, organised to promote the upcoming Earthshot Prize ceremony in Mumbai.   William tried his hand at batting and bowling during the match. Ganguly praised his batting, while Lara said his bowling needed improvement. The event celebrated cricketing ties between India and Britain. The Earthshot Prize awards ceremony will be held in Mumbai on November 17, 2026. (PC: X)

Attacks on Saudi Arabian airports have disrupted flights operated by Indian airlines to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Medina, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Wednesday. One Indian was killed and 11 injured in an attack on Riyadh’s international airport on October 12. Eight injured people remain hospitalised, including 4 in intensive care. India condemned the attacks on civilian infrastructure and called for an immediate halt to such strikes. The Indian embassy in Riyadh is in regular contact with the Indian community and is assisting travellers affected by flight disruptions. Several Indian airlines have cancelled services until October 17. (PC: HT)

Canada is pushing to finalise a trade agreement with India by the end of 2026 as Prime Minister Mark Carney seeks to reduce reliance on the United States. Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand said negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement were progressing well. The deal could increase annual bilateral trade in goods and services to $70 billion by 2030, from $30.4 billion in 2025. Canada also plans to deepen cooperation with the European Union in critical minerals, energy and artificial intelligence. The move comes as Ottawa works to diversify trade partnerships amid US protectionist policies. (PC: Reuters)

A major cyberattack has targeted supermarket refrigeration systems across France, forcing temperatures in fridges and freezers to rise to 50°C. The attack affected hundreds of stores, including outlets operated by Intermarché, Carrefour and Monoprix. Spoiled food, fires and significant financial losses were reported. Investigators suspect hackers exploited weaknesses in outdated refrigeration software. French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has asked the national cybersecurity agency to investigate. The Paris prosecutor’s office has also opened a probe. Officials have warned that the incident exposes serious security gaps in systems essential to food storage and supply chains.  (PC: X)