Lionel Messi’s retirement from international football has triggered an emotional response from Argentina supporters and fans worldwide. The 39-year-old ended his 21-year Argentina career after helping the team defeat Benin 3-0 in his final appearance. Messi scored from the penalty spot and provided two assists, taking his international tally to 126 goals in a record 208 appearances. Fans at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium displayed heartfelt messages, including “Gracias” and pleas for him not to leave. Supporters praised his achievements, including the 2021 Copa América, 2022 World Cup and 2024 Copa América titles, while describing his departure as the end of an era. (PC: AFP)

Dr Shota Musaev, a Georgian dentist living in Israel, has recalled the tense 45 minutes he spent treating Indian Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar after the pilot was seriously injured during a cockpit attack on September 30. Musaev rushed to help after hearing screams and found Machchhar bleeding heavily from deep wounds to his head and hands. Using T-shirts and ice, he applied pressure to control the bleeding while repeatedly telling the captain, “Please don’t sleep, we need you.” When Machchhar’s pulse weakened, Musaev raised his legs and urged the crew to land quickly. The aircraft eventually landed safely in Saudi Arabia.

India has proposed a three-part truce between Russia and Ukraine aimed at reducing the war’s impact on global food and energy supplies. The proposal calls for stopping attacks on energy facilities and critical infrastructure, ensuring the continued movement of grain and energy through Black Sea ports, and ending attacks on commercial shipping. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said India has been engaging with both Moscow and Kyiv on these issues. Ukraine has described India’s proposal as the “most comprehensive” among four ceasefire initiatives. Russian President Vladimir Putin has also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to find mutually acceptable solutions. (PC: AP)

US President Donald Trump has blamed mass migration and Islam for France’s nationwide school protests, rejecting the view that the unrest is primarily about education. More than 250,000 people demonstrated across France on Tuesday, with students, teachers and parents demanding better funding, improved school facilities and more staff. Protests began in September and have included school blockades, class boycotts and occasional clashes with police. Trump claimed the demonstrations reflected uncontrolled migration and an alleged attempt by Islam to take over France, but provided no evidence linking the school movement to religious demands. French officials have focused on education, policing and public spending concerns. (PC: Reuters)

More than 250,000 students, teachers and parents demonstrated across France on October 6, demanding better funding and improved conditions in high schools. Protesters are calling for more teachers, smaller classes, repairs to deteriorating school buildings and shorter school days. Hundreds of schools were blockaded or closed, disrupting classes nationwide. While many demonstrations remained peaceful, clashes erupted in Paris and other cities, with police using tear gas and batons. Nearly 500 people were arrested and 43 police officers injured, according to authorities. The protests have also raised concerns over alleged excessive police force and placed growing pressure on Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu’s government. (PC: AFP)

Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned a series of Houthi missile and drone attacks targeting sites across the Kingdom. The Houthis claimed they struck King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, an Aramco refinery in Rabigh, Abha Airport and military facilities in southern Saudi Arabia. The group said the attacks were retaliation for Saudi strikes in Yemen. Saudi authorities condemned what they described as continued attacks against civilian and economic infrastructure and reaffirmed the Kingdom’s right to defend its territory and citizens. Riyadh also accused the Houthis of undermining efforts toward a political settlement in Yemen and called for stronger international action against the group. 

A Ukrainian drone attack set fire to the Liberian-flagged oil tanker Aframax Rio off Russia’s Black Sea coast near Sochi on October 6. Russia’s Transport Ministry said the vessel was struck by “naval drones,” causing crude oil to burn and producing thick black smoke. The tanker carried 23 crew members, all Indian nationals, who were rescued safely; reports initially differed on whether any crew member was injured. Firefighters faced difficulties controlling the intense blaze, while authorities restricted access to nearby beaches. The incident highlights growing risks to commercial shipping in the Black Sea amid escalating Russia-Ukraine attacks. 

Lionel Messi brought his extraordinary international career to an emotional close as Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 in a friendly at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium. Playing before more than 85,000 supporters, the 39-year-old captain delivered a fitting farewell, scoring from the penalty spot and providing two assists. Nicolás Otamendi and Nico Paz also scored for Argentina. Messi finished his Argentina career with a record 208 appearances and 126 international goals. His journey included Copa América titles and the 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph. Fans, teammates and former champions gathered to celebrate his remarkable 21-year contribution to Argentine football. (PC: AFP)

Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were detained by Delhi Police on Tuesday evening after a sit-in of over eight hours at Akashvani Bhawan, according to Congress sources. Police had earlier said the sit-in would not be allowed overnight and asked protesters to disperse. The Opposition is demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. "We want to meet the CEC," Priyanka said. Congress leader Pawan Khera said all protesters were taken to an undisclosed location, and that the party would hold more protests. (PC: X)

The Election Commission said on Tuesday that no political party had formally sought an appointment before 4 pm, as the INDIA bloc protested in Delhi over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls. The ECI said Delhi Police later conveyed that around 240 MPs wanted to meet it at the Parliament House Annexe, which it called unusual and declined, citing protocol. It said it offered to send its senior-most officer to receive a memorandum, but the MPs declined. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were detained after a nearly nine-hour sit-in. PTI reported about 250 others, including MPs, were also detained. The ECI rejects the opposition's allegations. (PC: HT)