US President Donald Trump is expected to visit Israel this week after a breakthrough Gaza ceasefire. Trump said he may speak at the Israeli parliament, the Knesset. The visit will be his first since returning to the White House. Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase of a peace deal in Cairo, which includes releasing hostages and pulling back troops. Trump called it “a great day for the world” and said all sides will be treated fairly. His last visit to Israel was in 2016 before the US recognised Jerusalem as its capital. (PC: AFP)

At least 24 people were killed and 47 injured in central Myanmar after the army used a motorised paraglider to drop bombs on a crowd during a Buddhist festival in Sagaing region. The attack took place during Thadingyut, a full moon celebration, where locals were peacefully protesting against military conscription and demanding Aung San Suu Kyi’s release. Witnesses said children were among the dead. Amnesty International condemned the strike as part of a “disturbing trend” of air attacks by the junta. The Sagaing region has seen heavy fighting since the 2021 coup that triggered Myanmar’s ongoing civil war. (PC: BBC)

A powerful explosion from two parked scooters in Kanpur’s Mestern Road injured six people, including a woman, on Wednesday evening. The blast occurred around 7:15 pm in the Mishri Bazaar area. Eyewitnesses reported loud noise and panic, with nearby vehicles damaged. The injured were taken to Ursula Hospital and are now out of danger. Police and forensic teams are investigating whether the explosion was accidental or deliberate. Authorities are examining the scooters and questioning riders. Joint Police Commissioner Ashutosh Kumar said the cause could be a mechanical fault, gas leak, or suspicious material, and further action will follow once investigations conclude. (PC: India Today)

Top US and regional envoys joined the third day of peace talks in Egypt to end the Gaza war. Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and envoy Steve Witkoff met leaders from Qatar and Turkey in Sharm el-Sheikh. The talks aim to secure a ceasefire, release hostages, and rebuild Gaza. Hamas said it had shown “positivity” and shared a list of prisoners it wants freed. Israel expressed “cautious optimism.” Trump said, “There’s a real chance we could do something.” The UN called the plan a “historic opportunity” to end a conflict that has killed over 67,000 Palestinians. (PC: BBC)

On October 5, 2025, Sareethon was held from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. The event featured a parade celebrating Indian sarees, showcasing diverse fabrics, embroidery styles, and modern reinterpretations. With the White House as its backdrop, it fused Indian and American cultural elements through music, dance, and artistic performances. Organizers invited guests to arrive in their favorite sarees, promoting women’s empowerment and cultural pride. The event was free and open to the public, with sponsorship and networking opportunities available.

On the second anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack, US President Donald Trump said the US is in “very serious negotiations” with Israel and Hamas to end the Gaza war. Talks are being held in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh, with the US, Qatar, and Egypt acting as mediators. Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to join soon. Both sides have shown cautious support for Trump’s peace plan, which focuses first on halting fighting and releasing hostages. Meanwhile, Israel continues airstrikes in Gaza. Trump met Canadian PM Mark Carney and will meet freed US hostage Edan Alexander later today. (PC: Reuters)

New satellite images show the widespread destruction in Gaza after two years of war between Israel and Hamas. Entire neighborhoods, farmland, and parks have been wiped out, with Gaza City among the hardest hit. BBC Verify compared before-and-after images showing once-lively areas turned into rubble and dust. The ongoing Israeli bombardment has left few buildings standing and devastated infrastructure. The war began after Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel in 2023, which killed 1,200 people. Since then, Gaza has faced relentless airstrikes, displacing thousands and reducing much of the territory to ruins. (PC: BBC)

Indian-American mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani visited New York’s oldest Hindu temples in Flushing, Queens, ahead of next month’s election. Mamdani, whose mother is Hindu, said he was proud of his mixed heritage. “While being Muslim myself, I grew up learning Hindu stories, traditions, and festivals like Diwali and Holi,” he said. The politician, son of filmmaker Mira Nair, added that Hindu values shaped his beliefs. Mamdani praised the Hindu community’s spirit of ‘seva’ and unity. With endorsements from Kamala Harris and others, Mamdani has become a frontrunner in the mayoral race after Eric Adams exited. (PC: X)

The US Supreme Court has started a new term that could reshape President Donald Trump’s powers. Key cases will decide if Trump can control state National Guard units, dismiss independent agency members, and set economic policies. The court will also review his tariffs, spending cuts, and deportation orders. Legal experts say the rulings will define the limits of executive power. Critics warn the court’s “shadow docket” lacks transparency. Other major cases include debates on conversion therapy, transgender athletes, and election laws. The conservative-majority court may again issue rulings that change American law and politics. (PC: X)

Two years after Hamas’ attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people, Gaza has been reduced to 51 million tonnes of rubble. Israel’s military response destroyed 92% of buildings, killing over 67,000 Palestinians and displacing 1.9 million. The UN says it will take over 22 years to clear the debris. Food shortages, famine, and disease now affect almost all households. The US-backed Gaza peace plan by Donald Trump offers hope but has not yet been accepted by Hamas. Experts warn that unless root issues are addressed, peace will remain out of reach. (PC: India Today)