A Russian drone strike caused a fire on a Turkish-owned civilian cargo vessel carrying Indian and Azerbaijani nationals in the Black Sea, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said. Zelensky said two Russian drones struck the vessel, which was carrying corn and operating in neutral waters. The ship’s captain was killed, while 11 crew members were rescued, one of them injured. Zelensky said the fate of another person was still being established. He called for pressure to restore global food security and said Ukraine had repeatedly proposed measures to de-escalate tensions and improve Black Sea security. The attack comes amid escalating strikes on commercial shipping and port infrastructure during the Russia-Ukraine conflict. India has recently increased efforts to engage both Kyiv and Moscow.

The US is closely monitoring the situation in Russia after a laboratory worker died from pneumonia of unknown origin. The 28-year-old researcher worked at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Research Institute. There are concerns she may have been exposed to pneumonic plague. Russian authorities said they found no evidence that her illness was caused by pathogens she worked with. Nearly 200 people who had contact with her are being monitored. A medical facility where she was treated has been placed under quarantine. Her exact cause of death has not been confirmed. Health experts said pneumonic plague can spread through respiratory particles but is treatable.  

The US has withdrawn its B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford in the UK after new security threats were reported. The Pentagon said the aircraft were moved back to the US. British officials said the base remains safe. US Vice President JD Vance said the move was made as a precaution. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said moving military aircraft is normal during exercises and redeployments. The decision came after an earlier security incident near the base. Several people were arrested and later released on bail. Iran has denied involvement. The UK and US are investigating the incident and reported threats.  

British Airways flight BA295 from London Heathrow to Chicago declared an emergency over Ireland after squawking 7700 and rapidly descending from about 37,000 feet to 9,000 feet. The Boeing 777 then reversed course towards Heathrow and was seen flying in circles while reducing its fuel load before landing back in London. Flight-tracking data showed the aircraft had dropped nearly 28,000 feet within minutes, although the reason for the emergency and rapid descent was not immediately clear. Flightradar24 said the circling was likely intended to burn fuel and reduce the aircraft’s weight before landing. Long-haul aircraft carry substantial fuel, and holding patterns can also be used for congestion, weather delays or operational issues. BA295 has now landed at Heathrow.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the world is entering an “age of flux” marked by conflicts, tariff volatility and geopolitical uncertainty, describing the situation as “choppy waters” while expressing confidence that India will meet the challenges. Speaking at the Kautilya Economic Conclave in New Delhi, Jaishankar highlighted pressures involving energy, food and fertilisers, along with conflicts and other frictions. He said India’s experience, including during the Covid pandemic and conflicts, showed its ability to overcome challenges. Jaishankar discussed a global order moving towards multipolarity, UN gridlock, non-market practices, dialogue and diplomacy for resolving conflicts, and India’s role in articulating Global South concerns about maritime safety, food, fuel, fertiliser and finance.

Pakistan’s federal government is considering imposing governor’s rule or a state of emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) begins a long march to Islamabad. PTI Chief Minister Sohail Afridi launched the march from Lakki Marwat on October 4, demanding the release of jailed party founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The march began after negotiations between PTI and the federal government ended in deadlock. Led by Afridi, the protesters reached Karak district late Sunday, around 256 kilometres from Islamabad. Federal authorities have accused the PTI of “facilitating terrorists” and criticised the provincial government over terrorism and security cooperation. Government sources told Dawn that the imposition of emergency was “imminent”.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday called Rahul Gandhi’s allegations over Form 6 “misleading.” Gandhi had accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of changing the form without approval during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). The ECI said the SIR order for Bihar was issued with the unanimous approval of the Commission. It also said the Supreme Court had upheld the order. However, the Supreme Court said it had not approved any modified Form 6. Chief Justice Surya Kant said the court would examine records to find who made the changes. Form 6 is used for first-time voter registration.  

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said society may have to accept some negative effects of AI because the technology could bring major benefits. In a podcast, he said some bad outcomes may be part of AI’s growth. The article discusses possible job losses as companies use more AI. It also raises concerns about AI risks, including cyberattacks, weapons and harmful technology. At the same time, it argues that AI could create greater wealth and improve lives. The debate highlights a key question about the future of AI. Should society accept some risks and losses in exchange for its possible long-term benefits?  

Delhi Police officer Vivek Bhagat has been promoted to Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, days after a woman journalist accused him of molestation during a Jantar Mantar protest. The protest was held on October 3 over alleged irregularities in the electoral roll revision process. Delhi Police said the complaints of sexual harassment by three women journalists have been sent to the Crime Branch for an impartial inquiry. No FIR has been registered so far. Officials said Bhagat’s promotion is part of a routine, time-bound process. Eleven other DANIPS officers were also promoted. The Crime Branch will record statements and examine evidence.  

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said India and the US have reached a “plateau” in trade deal talks. She said it would be “very very difficult” for either country to give or take more. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Sitharaman called the proposed agreement “hard and rigorously negotiated.” India and the US have been discussing a wider Bilateral Trade Agreement since February 2025. The two countries aim to increase bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. Talks continued through 2026, but no final deal has been reached. Tariffs, market access and the trade imbalance remain key issues.