India has expressed concern over an alleged plan to carry out a mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois, in the United States. The Ministry of External Affairs described the reported anti-Hindu and racist nature of the plot as “particularly disturbing”. The remarks came after US police arrested 19-year-old Alexandros Paporakis on October 11. Investigators said the suspect had shared a document outlining an alleged shooting plan, along with images of weapons and tactical equipment. India urged US authorities to conduct a thorough investigation, bring those responsible to justice and take steps to protect the Indian community. (PC: India Today)

Amnesty International has urged Indian authorities to release Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, who were sent to 5 days of judicial custody after entering Jantar Mantar on October 13. In a statement on October 14, Amnesty raised concerns over restrictions on peaceful protests after Delhi Police removed Jantar Mantar from its list of authorised protest sites. CJP member Ajinkya Shinde was released on a personal bond. Amnesty said public spaces must remain accessible for peaceful demonstrations and called for an end to the crackdown on dissent. (PC: X)

3 Indians from Kerala were killed in a suspected arson attack at a residential building in Bochum, Germany. The victims were identified as Nova Sabu, 25, a part-time gym trainer; Anjali Sheela Joy, 25, a warehouse worker; and Sivin Johny, 26, who had recently arrived for higher studies. German police have arrested a 41-year-old Romanian national who lived in the same building on suspicion of murder. Investigators suspect the fire was deliberately set on the ground floor. Five others were injured, including an Indian student reportedly in critical condition. Indian authorities are working to bring the victims’ remains home. (PC: NDTV)

India has asked the UN human rights office when it will publish a report on Pakistan’s response to concerns over the situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), including alleged killings and internet restrictions. Speaking at the 81st UN General Assembly Third Committee session, India’s First Secretary Anuj Swarup cited previous statements by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights calling for prompt, thorough and impartial investigations into deaths involving security forces. The UN office had also urged legal access for detained Joint Awami Action Committee leaders, fair trials, restoration of internet access and meaningful political dialogue. Swarup questioned Pakistan’s human rights record. In July, UN High Commissioner Volker Turk had urged calm amid unrest ahead of regional elections. (PC: The Tribune)

Oman overtook the United States to become India’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplier in September 2026, as the West Asia conflict disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. According to Kpler data, Omani shipments rose 11.6% month-on-month to 0.59 million tonnes, while US supplies fell 60.7% to 0.34 million tonnes. India imported 2.24 million tonnes in September, down 12.7% from August but 7% higher year-on-year. Between May and September, imports reached 11.87 million tonnes, up 17.8% annually. The US remained the largest supplier over that period, providing 3.41 million tonnes. India continued purchasing costly spot-market cargoes to meet domestic demand, particularly from city gas networks and fertiliser manufacturers. (PC: Reuters)

A 19-year-old man, Alexandros Paporakis of Palatine, Illinois, was arrested on October 11 over an alleged plot to carry out a mass shooting at a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois. He faces charges of making a terrorist threat and unlawful possession of weapons. Investigators recovered a manifesto containing white supremacist rhetoric and references to violence against people of Indian descent, PTI reported. The investigation began after Mount Prospect Police received information from an individual who reported receiving concerning electronic communications from Paporakis. Authorities said he had shared a document outlining an alleged shooting plan, alongside images of a rifle, magazines, body armour and other tactical equipment. He remains detained pending further court proceedings. (PC: India Today)

Britain’s Prince William joined cricketing stars Sourav Ganguly, Ajinkya Rahane and Brian Lara for a friendly tennis-ball cricket match on The Mall outside Buckingham Palace in London on October 13. England players Joe Root and Harry Brook also took part in the event, organised to promote the upcoming Earthshot Prize ceremony in Mumbai.   William tried his hand at batting and bowling during the match. Ganguly praised his batting, while Lara said his bowling needed improvement. The event celebrated cricketing ties between India and Britain. The Earthshot Prize awards ceremony will be held in Mumbai on November 17, 2026. (PC: X)

Attacks on Saudi Arabian airports have disrupted flights operated by Indian airlines to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Medina, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Wednesday. One Indian was killed and 11 injured in an attack on Riyadh’s international airport on October 12. Eight injured people remain hospitalised, including 4 in intensive care. India condemned the attacks on civilian infrastructure and called for an immediate halt to such strikes. The Indian embassy in Riyadh is in regular contact with the Indian community and is assisting travellers affected by flight disruptions. Several Indian airlines have cancelled services until October 17. (PC: HT)

Canada is pushing to finalise a trade agreement with India by the end of 2026 as Prime Minister Mark Carney seeks to reduce reliance on the United States. Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand said negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement were progressing well. The deal could increase annual bilateral trade in goods and services to $70 billion by 2030, from $30.4 billion in 2025. Canada also plans to deepen cooperation with the European Union in critical minerals, energy and artificial intelligence. The move comes as Ottawa works to diversify trade partnerships amid US protectionist policies. (PC: Reuters)

Three Indian nationals were killed and five others injured in a fire at a residential building in Bochum, Germany, early Tuesday, local media reported Wednesday. The victims were two women aged 25 and 27 and a 26-year-old man. Police arrested a 41-year-old Romanian resident of the building on suspicion of murder. Investigators have ruled out a technical fault and suspect arson, but are still examining whether the fire was deliberately set or started accidentally. Authorities have not released the victims’ names or identified their home states in India. Reports also did not specify the nationalities or further details of the five injured people. The blaze struck a multi-family building in Hofstede. (PC: X)