Pakistan has reportedly stepped up military support for Saudi Arabia as the newly activated Makkah Defence Pact enters practical implementation amid escalating Houthi attacks. According to a New York Times report cited by India Today, Pakistani fighter jets were used in strikes against Iran-backed Houthi targets in Yemen. Around 8,000 Pakistani troops are also estimated to be stationed in Saudi Arabia. However, Pakistan’s Information Ministry has rejected the report of PAF jets striking Houthis as “fake and fabricated,” while the military has confirmed Pakistani forces are present in Saudi Arabia. The pact focuses on collective defence and rapid deployment of capabilities. (PC: India Today)

Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu advanced to the women’s singles quarterfinals of the Arctic Open 2026 in Vantaa, Finland, defeating Japan’s Riko Gunji 21-15, 21-15 in 49 minutes. The sixth-seeded Indian held her nerve during crucial stages, winning six consecutive points after the first game was tied at 15-all and taking eight of the next 10 points after the second game reached 13-all. Sindhu will next face top seed and former world champion Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand in the quarterfinals. The two have not met since 2022, with Intanon leading their head-to-head record 9-4. (PC: ANI)

Indian equity markets suffered another sharp decline on October 8, with the Nifty 50 falling 1.64% to 22,231.80 after touching a fresh 52-week low of 22,179.90. The Sensex dropped 1,045.46 points to 71,593.24. BSE-listed companies lost around ₹12.64 lakh crore in market capitalisation over two sessions, amid elevated crude oil prices, high US bond yields and continued foreign investor selling. Metal, realty and energy stocks faced heavy pressure, while midcap and smallcap indices fell more than 2%. The RBI’s recent rate hike and geopolitical concerns further weakened investor sentiment. (PC: BT)

Shah Rukh Khan paid an emotional tribute to veteran actor Nana Patekar, who died on October 8 at the age of 75. Sharing a heartfelt note, SRK remembered Patekar as a mentor, teacher, critic and friend. He recalled their first meeting and Nana’s blunt advice to focus on being an actor rather than simply looking like a hero. Khan also described Patekar’s unusual way of showing affection, saying his scolding often ended in warmth and hugs. SRK expressed regret over not having more conversations, arguments, tea and carrom games with him. He concluded by calling Nana a masterful actor and an unforgettable personality. (PC: X)

Veteran actor Nana Patekar, who died at 75 on October 8, had a notable association with the Indian Army beyond his film career. He had joined the Territorial Army in the late 1980s and underwent extensive military training while preparing for his 1991 film Prahaar: The Final Attack. During the 1999 Kargil War, Patekar approached then Defence Minister George Fernandes for permission to serve alongside troops. After approval, he paused his acting career and spent around 60 days with the Army’s Quick Reaction Team, serving across Srinagar, Dras and Leh. He reportedly lost about 20 kg during the deployment. (PC: NDTV)

An Air India flight from Delhi to Riyadh was forced to turn back on October 8 after Houthi attacks targeted airports in Saudi Arabia, raising concerns over aviation safety. Flight AI2243, which had departed Delhi, returned safely after pilots decided to avoid Saudi airspace. The attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and other Saudi airports reportedly caused casualties, with one person killed and eight injured in one incident. Air India and Air India Express subsequently suspended flights to and from Riyadh until October 10. Passengers affected by cancellations are being offered refunds or rescheduling options. (PC: X)

The US Department of Labor has suspended major IT companies, including Infosys, TCS, Wipro, HCL, Cognizant, Tata and Capgemini, from the Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) programme, a key step toward employment-based Green Cards. Officials allege misuse of foreign-worker programmes and say the move aims to protect American jobs. Microsoft and Adobe were also suspended amid federal investigations. The decision means the Labor Department will not accept new or process pending PERM applications involving the affected companies. The suspension does not cancel H-1B visas, but could create significant hurdles for Indian IT professionals seeking permanent residency through their employers. (PC: India Today)

The Delhi government has ordered all liquor shops in the national capital to remain closed on October 9 and 10 as a preventive measure to maintain public order. The Excise Department issued the order based on inputs from Delhi Police, amid ongoing protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations concerning electoral processes. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has also announced a protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10, although authorities have not granted permission for the gathering. More than 20,000 police and paramilitary personnel are being deployed across Delhi ahead of the anticipated protest. (PC: HT)

Thailand’s Queen Suthida has successfully completed her first solo flight in a JAS 39C Gripen fighter jet, marking a significant milestone in her aviation career. The flight took place on October 8 at the Royal Thai Air Force’s Wing 7 in Surat Thani and was witnessed by King Maha Vajiralongkorn and senior Air Force officials. The Queen underwent extensive training, including simulator sessions and flights in a two-seat Gripen with an instructor, before flying the single-seat fighter alone. She has more than 1,188 hours of flying experience across various aircraft. The King later presented her with flowers and a Golden Gripen Order patch. 

The Centre has capped trade margins at 30% of the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) for all non-scheduled anti-cancer medicines, aiming to make cancer treatment more affordable. The measure covers branded and generic, domestic and imported, patented and non-patented drugs. According to government sources, the move could reduce the MRPs of some cancer medicines by up to 70% and save patients around ₹2,500 crore annually. The decision follows concerns raised by the Supreme Court over large differences between retailer purchase prices and MRPs. The policy seeks to curb excessive mark-ups while maintaining medicine availability.