US President Donald Trump faced criticism after mocking a female protester who was allegedly assaulted by attendees during his October 12 rally in Youngstown, Ohio. The woman, wearing a T-shirt demanding the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, was reportedly shoved, punched in the face and grabbed by the hair during the confrontation. Trump called her a “paid protester” without providing evidence and made derogatory remarks about her weight as security escorted her out. Videos of the incident circulated widely online, prompting criticism over political violence and the response to the assault. The incident intensified debate over conduct at political rallies. 

Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has overturned the death sentence imposed on Anojan Sivarasa, a 24-year-old Sri Lankan Hindu migrant worker, over a Facebook comment deemed insulting to Islam and Prophet Muhammad. The controversy arose during an online religious dispute in Sri Lanka in June 2026. Sivarasa reportedly deleted the comment and apologised, but authorities pursued the case. Initially sentenced to five years in prison and fined three million Saudi riyals, his punishment was later escalated to death. The reversal followed sustained diplomatic and legal efforts by Sri Lanka, including appeals from politicians and religious leaders. His future legal status remains unclear. (PC: India Today)

Indian wrestler Vishvajit More created history on October 14, 2026, by becoming the first Indian to reach the Greco-Roman final at the U23 World Wrestling Championships in Las Vegas, USA. Competing in the 55kg category, More defeated Russia’s Malik Gigiev 7–4 in the semifinals after earlier victories over Mexico’s Isaac Marin Mata and Iran’s Armin Shamsipour. A two-time U23 World Championships bronze medallist, More will face Georgia’s Koba Karumidze in the final. Victory would make him India’s first Greco-Roman gold medallist at the U23 World Championships, marking a significant milestone for Indian wrestling. (PC: X)

A Meerut court on October 14, 2026, sentenced Muskan Rastogi and Sahil Shukla to death for murdering Saurabh Rajput, Muskan’s husband and a former Merchant Navy officer. The case shocked the nation after Rajput’s dismembered remains were discovered inside a blue plastic drum sealed with cement and sand in March 2025. The court had convicted both on September 30 for murder and destruction of evidence. The trial lasted approximately 13 months, involving 126 hearings and 22 prosecution witnesses. The prosecution argued that the premeditated crime warranted capital punishment under the rarest-of-rare doctrine. (PC: ANI)

The Delhi Police has de-notified Jantar Mantar as an officially designated protest venue and identified three alternative locations: Ramlila Maidan in central Delhi, CBD Ground in Shahdara and Burari Ground in north Delhi. The decision follows recommendations from a Union Home Ministry committee examining suitable venues for public demonstrations. Jantar Mantar has historically hosted major protests, including movements against corruption and demands for social justice. However, the move has raised concerns among activists and Opposition parties about restricting citizens’ right to protest. Questions also remain about accessibility, booking costs and the distance of alternative venues from central Delhi. (PC: The Hindu)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has publicly supported jailed Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protesters for the first time, signalling a possible shift in relations between the two groups. Reacting to the arrests of CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, Rahul said peaceful protest with the national flag was not a crime. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke thanked him for the statement. The Congress had previously kept its distance from the outfit amid concerns over its links with AAP and competition for youth support. Both groups have separately protested exam paper leaks and alleged electoral roll irregularities. (PC: India Today)

A court in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, sentenced Muskaan Rastogi and her lover Sahil Shukla to death on Wednesday for murdering merchant navy officer Saurabh Rajput in March 2025. District Judge Arvind Kumar Mishra delivered the sentence after 126 hearings and testimony from 22 witnesses. According to the prosecution, Rastogi sedated her husband before Shukla joined her in stabbing him. They dismembered the body and concealed the remains inside a blue plastic drum filled with cement and sand. The case was uncovered after suspicious relatives alerted authorities, leading to the discovery of the remains and the couple’s arrest. (PC: NDTV)

Former Supreme Court judge Kurian Joseph has said constitutional courts must take stronger action when warnings fail to protect democratic principles. Speaking at a convention in Kerala, he compared the Supreme Court to a watchdog responsible for guarding the Constitution. His remarks came amid protests demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over alleged electoral roll irregularities. Joseph called for constitutional amendments to protect the Election Commission’s independence, including rules governing appointments and service conditions. He also urged citizens to hold peaceful, informed demonstrations and warned that weakened public trust in constitutional institutions could threaten democratic functioning. (PC: HT)

Britain’s Prince William joined cricket stars Sourav Ganguly, Ajinkya Rahane, Brian Lara, Joe Root and Harry Brook for a friendly tennis-ball cricket match in London on Tuesday. The event took place on The Mall, outside Buckingham Palace, ahead of the Earthshot Prize ceremony in Mumbai on November 17. Rahane described the match as a memorable experience and highlighted cricket’s ability to unite people. Launched by Prince William in 2020, the Earthshot Prize supports innovative solutions to environmental challenges, including climate change, clean air, ocean protection, nature conservation and waste reduction. This year marks its debut in India.

Air France has barred Pakistani pilots and cabin crew from operating flights to and from Israel, following stricter enforcement of Israeli aviation rules. The restrictions apply to crew members from countries without diplomatic relations with Israel and may also affect those holding dual citizenship. United Airlines has introduced similar requirements into its crew-planning procedures, while Czech airline Smartwings has also confirmed compliance. The move follows an attempted attack by a co-pilot aboard a FlyDubai flight on September 30. Separately, an Ethiopian Airlines flight returned to Addis Ababa after Israeli authorities identified an Indonesian pilot on board. (PC: India Today)