Israeli-American Rabbi Yossi Mizrachi has faced widespread criticism after a video of him mocking Hindu religious traditions and cow worship went viral on social media. Mizrachi made sweeping remarks about Indians consuming cow urine and ridiculed Indian doctors, alleging they also used it to treat patients. He further joked about cows blocking roads and causing traffic delays in New Delhi. His comments triggered angry reactions from people in India and Israel, with several social media users accusing him of racism and insulting Hindu beliefs. Mizrachi has previously courted controversy over remarks concerning Holocaust deaths, Muslims and people with disabilities, according to the report. (PC: X)

India voted in favour of a United Nations General Assembly resolution calling for an end to the United States' longstanding economic, commercial and financial embargo on Cuba. The resolution, adopted on October 28, received 130 votes in favour, 17 against and 25 abstentions. Representing India, UN Counsellor Soumya Nair said the restrictions were harming Cuba's economy, essential services and development prospects. She highlighted shortages of over 60% of essential medicines and a decline of more than 50% in food production over five years. India urged countries to respect sovereignty and resolve international issues through diplomacy. 

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu said transgressions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China continue because Beijing does not recognise the McMahon Line. Speaking to reporters in Tawang on Thursday, Khandu described the current situation as normal and said Indian armed forces were guarding the border effectively. He explained that Arunachal Pradesh shares an approximately 1,200-kilometre border with Tibet, controlled by China, and that patrols from both sides sometimes cross into areas claimed by the other. These remarks marked his first comments on the ongoing face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in the region. The border remains undefined, contributing to recurring patrol-related transgressions, he said. (PC: The Indian Express)

Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar suffered a life-threatening skull fracture after his co-pilot allegedly attacked him with an emergency axe aboard a FlyDubai flight on September 30. Neurosurgeons examining photographs of his injuries said damage to a major vein near the fracture could have caused severe bleeding during surgery. One doctor warned that similar injuries can carry more than a 40% risk of death or disability, though this was not an estimate of Machchhar’s personal risk. Despite heavy bleeding, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to restrain the attacker and prevent a possible disaster. (PC: India Today)

Nallamala Akshitha, a 25-year-old woman from Telangana, died of a suspected cardiac arrest in Albany, New York, on Friday. She had recently completed her Master of Science (MS) degree and secured a job, according to reports. Akshitha had moved to the United States around 4 years ago for higher studies. She was reportedly walking outside her residence after dinner when she suddenly collapsed. Her brother, Akshay, later found her unconscious and rushed her to a nearby hospital with help from neighbours. Doctors declared her dead on arrival. Her family in Khammam district is arranging to bring her remains to India. (PC: India Today)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday described ASEAN centrality as a cornerstone of India’s Act East Policy and called for stronger Indo-Pacific defence cooperation to address emerging security challenges. Speaking at the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Cebu, Philippines, Singh stressed mutual trust, regional peace, security and prosperity. He said the forum should tackle emerging disruptions and advance defence cooperation. Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto C Teodoro Jr. highlighted two documents reaffirming ASEAN unity, including a declaration marking ADMM’s 20th anniversary. He also called for cooperation on food and energy security, adherence to international law, and protection for migrant workers and seafarers affected by conflicts.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Wednesday that 22 Indian nationals, including 14 seafarers, have died amid the ongoing West Asia conflict. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed deep concern over the deteriorating regional security situation and said Indian missions remained in close contact with citizens and community members. He separately confirmed that three Indians had died in incidents in Saudi Arabia linked to broader regional tensions. The Indian Consulate in Jeddah announced additional flight options from Dammam and Riyadh to several Indian cities, particularly to assist stranded travellers and Umrah pilgrims. Officials urged passengers to verify bookings directly with airlines before travelling to airports.

The United Arab Emirates has honoured Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar and his flydubai crew for protecting passengers during a mid-air attack on September 30. The first images of Machchhar’s injuries show stitches across his head following an assault by his co-pilot with a crash axe aboard flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Despite being seriously injured, Machchhar managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing crew members and passengers to restrain the attacker. The aircraft later landed safely in Saudi Arabia. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan awarded the crew the First Class Order of Zayed II. (PC: HT)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh raised concerns over a $686 million US-aided sustainment and modernisation package for Pakistan’s F-16 fleet during talks with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in Cebu, Philippines, on Wednesday. Cleared by the US Congress in December 2025, the package aims to extend the jets’ operational life until 2040. It includes avionics upgrades, cryptographic systems, Link-16 secure communications, precision navigation, training, logistical support and new 500-pound bombs. India reportedly warned that advanced US technology could reach third parties amid Pakistan’s close military cooperation with China. The development follows renewed US-Pakistan military ties and previous American approval of advanced air-to-air missiles for Islamabad’s F-16s. (PC: X)

India has indicated openness to direct flights between India and Taiwan after Pakistan barred Taiwanese airlines from its airspace under its “One China” policy. On Wednesday, October 28, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “My sense is, if there are direct flights, they will fly,” when asked about the possibility of such services. Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed that Islamabad permits only Chinese airlines to use its airspace, according to Bloomberg. The restriction has forced Taiwanese carriers to take longer routes to Europe, with several flights reportedly flying over Russia to avoid Pakistani airspace. (PC: HT)