The United States military said a fighter jet struck and disabled a Panama-flagged commercial cargo vessel, M/V Ocean Molica, in the Gulf of Oman on October 10, 2026. According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the vessel had departed an Iranian port and attempted to breach the American naval blockade after ignoring repeated warnings. The precision strike targeted the ship’s stern, disabling its propulsion system without injuring the crew. CENTCOM urged maritime operators to follow blockade instructions and maintain communication with US naval forces. The incident highlights escalating tensions and growing risks to commercial shipping near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. 

Delhi Police said the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) failed to comply with conditions imposed during an earlier demonstration, prompting authorities to deny permission for its October 10 protest at Jantar Mantar. Police officials also cited the late submission of the application, public safety concerns, traffic management difficulties and potential law-and-order disruptions. The protest aimed to demand Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Despite the denial, CJP proceeded with its mobilisation, leading to widespread detentions and heightened security restrictions across Delhi. The police defended its decision as necessary for public safety. (PC: PTI)

An IndiGo flight travelling from Delhi to Chennai was diverted to Hyderabad on October 11, 2026, after a passenger’s power bank reportedly caught fire inside the aircraft’s overhead luggage compartment. Flight 6E 6115, operated by an Airbus A321 aircraft, landed safely at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. Cabin crew members promptly extinguished the fire using fire extinguishers. All passengers and crew members were reported safe, with no injuries reported. IndiGo arranged an alternative aircraft to transport passengers to Chennai and provided refreshments and updates. The incident has renewed concerns about the safe carriage and storage of lithium-battery-powered devices during air travel.

Delhi Police released a video of Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke, claiming he declined an offer to return to Maharashtra after his grandmother’s death. Dipke was detained at Delhi airport on October 10, 2026, alongside other CJP leaders ahead of a planned protest demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. Police said Dipke was informed about the death and offered travel assistance. However, his mother alleged that the family could not contact him and accused police of misrepresenting events. Dipke was subsequently released and left for Maharashtra. The controversy intensified amid criticism of the detention of protest organisers.

The Supreme Court on October 11 directed authorities to prevent illegal detention of peaceful protesters and ensure the normal functioning of Delhi Metro, railway and internet services. The order followed allegations of police excesses and mass detentions during the October 10 protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. A bench comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana also directed authorities to ensure free movement, review barricades and allow lawyers and journalists to perform their professional duties. The court issued notice to the Centre over alleged violations of its earlier directions, seeking explanations from the authorities concerned. Restrictions remain permissible when legally necessary for maintaining public order. (PC: X)

Pope Leo XIV has announced that he will undergo surgery after doctors found a small nodule on his lung. The 71-year-old pontiff shared the news during his weekly Sunday prayer in St Peter’s Square in Rome. He said doctors found the nodule early and believe surgery is the right step. The Pope agreed to the procedure and thanked people for their prayers and support. Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni said the operation is planned for early next week. The Pope is expected to need about a week to recover. The surgery will take place at Gemelli Hospital in Rome.  

Cockroach Janta Party co-convener Saurav Das criticised the Indian government after his release from preventive arrest during anti-CEC protests. He called the October 10 police action against journalists an “emergency moment” for the media. Das alleged that police detained party leaders without formal notices, seized their phones and denied them access to lawyers. He also claimed their phones may have been hacked or cloned. Das accused the government of creating fear to protect Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. He further alleged that groups had been brought to Delhi to create chaos during the protests. The claims were not independently verified.  

Yemen’s Houthi rebels have warned airlines, travellers and airport workers to stay away from Saudi airports after a strike on Riyadh airport killed 12 people and injured over 300. The attack on Saturday was the third targeting the airport in a week. The Houthis said Saudi airports and airspace were at risk of further attacks. They also warned Saudi Arabia against continued military action in Yemen. Saudi authorities temporarily suspended airport operations to assess the damage and safety risks. Meanwhile, schools across Saudi Arabia shifted to remote learning until October 15.  

India has criticised the UN Human Rights Office over its comments on recent events in New Delhi. The government called its concerns “unwarranted” and accused the body of interfering in India’s internal affairs. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful protest. He added that protests must follow the law and maintain public order. Jaiswal also accused the UN body of applying “double standards” by ignoring other incidents of alleged police action. He said such selectivity damages its credibility and contributes to a “loss of faith in multilateralism”.  

At least 109 migrants, including 15 children, have died after a boat capsized off Djibouti while travelling to Yemen. More than 116 people remain missing, while over 80 survived, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Sunday. The boat was carrying around 350 people, mostly Ethiopian migrants. It overturned near Guhere, north of the port town of Obock, during the night of October 8-9. The disaster was reported based on accounts from survivors. The cause of the incident remains unclear. Rescue and recovery efforts continue as authorities assess the tragedy.