Former Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi has secured the presidency of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), positioning her to become the nation's first female prime minister. In a runoff on October 4, Takaichi defeated Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, garnering 185 votes to Koizumi’s 156. Takaichi, 64, is known for her conservative nationalist stance and a "Japan First" policy, which may strengthen ties with the U.S. but could strain relations with neighboring countries over WWII legacy issues. A parliamentary vote to confirm her as prime minister is expected on October 15. (PC: AP)

The death toll from the catastrophic collapse of a building at Al Khoziny Islamic boarding school in Sidoarjo, East Java, has risen to 14. Rescue operations, which began on Monday, continue as crews recover bodies from the rubble. Approximately 50 students remain unaccounted for, and authorities fear the number of fatalities may increase. The collapse occurred during late-afternoon prayers in a mosque located on the lower floor of a building under construction. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency has confirmed that the recovery efforts are expected to be completed by the end of Saturday. (PC: AP)  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday praised US President Donald Trump for his efforts in brokering peace in Gaza. His remarks came hours after Hamas agreed to release Israeli hostages under Trump’s 20-point peace plan. Modi said India “welcomes President Trump’s leadership” and called the development “a significant step forward.” Earlier, Modi had backed Trump’s plan, calling it a path to long-term peace for Palestinians and Israelis. Trump responded by urging Israel to stop bombing Gaza, saying Hamas is ready for “lasting peace.” World leaders have also welcomed the breakthrough, calling it the best chance for peace. (PC: NDTV)

US President Donald Trump urged Israel to stop bombing Gaza after Hamas said it would release all remaining Israeli hostages. Hamas accepted key parts of Trump’s 20-point peace plan but asked for further talks on some issues. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is preparing to begin the first phase of the plan. Trump said he believes Hamas is “ready for a lasting peace.” World leaders, including the UN, UK, France, Germany, Turkey, Italy, and Canada, welcomed the step and urged all sides to seize the chance for peace and ceasefire. (PC: BBC)

A lawsuit has been filed in a San Francisco federal court against US President Donald Trump’s new H-1B visa fee order. Trump directed a $100,000 one-time fee for H-1B applications, far higher than the usual $2,000–$5,000. The lawsuit, filed by unions, employers, and religious groups, says Trump “has no authority” to impose fees without Congress. Plaintiffs argue the move is unlawful, stifles innovation, and forces employers to “pay to play.” They added the order “opens the door to corruption.” Tech companies and healthcare groups say the hike will hurt hiring foreign workers in key industries. (PC: HT)

US President Donald Trump has warned Hamas to accept his 20-point Gaza peace plan by Sunday 6 p.m. Washington time or face dire consequences. Trump said Hamas must release all Israeli hostages and stop fighting immediately. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already accepted the plan. In a strong warning, Trump declared, “All hell, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas” if they refuse. The proposal includes a ceasefire, phased Israeli withdrawal, prisoner exchanges, and a new Gaza governing board. Hamas is reviewing the plan while facing regional and international pressure. (PC: X)

Israel has deported four Italian citizens after intercepting boats from the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying aid to Gaza. Israeli authorities detained over 470 people, with more deportations underway. The flotilla, which sailed from Spain and Tunisia, was blocked 42–70 nautical miles from Gaza, in international waters. Israel called the actions a "provocation" and cited a naval blockade, while the flotilla described the interceptions as illegal. Some activists faced water cannon attacks. Swedish activist Greta Thunberg was on one boat. The flotilla sparked global protests, including a strike in Italy, demanding the safety and release of all participants. (PC: BBC)

Police in London and Manchester have urged organisers to delay or cancel pro-Palestinian and Palestine Action protests after Thursday’s synagogue terror attack in Crumpsall, Manchester, which killed two Jewish men, Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66. The Metropolitan Police said resources are stretched as they must protect Jewish communities while preparing for a Trafalgar Square protest against the Palestine Action ban. Greater Manchester Police echoed the call, warning protests could add trauma. Organisers vowed to proceed. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood called the protests “dishonourable,” urging restraint. Forty people were arrested in London, six for assaults on officers. (PC: Sky News)

US President Donald Trump has given Hamas until Sunday to accept a 20-point peace plan for Gaza. He warned that if the group refuses, "all hell" will break out. The plan, agreed with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calls for an immediate ceasefire and the release of 20 living Israeli hostages, along with the remains of others, in exchange for hundreds of detained Gazans. It also excludes Hamas from governing Gaza but leaves open the possibility of a future Palestinian state. Mediators are pressing Hamas, but leaders in Gaza appear ready to reject the deal. (PC: BBC)

India has condemned Pakistan’s crackdown on protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) that killed at least 10 people and injured many. The protests erupted after civil groups under the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee demanded an end to elite privileges and scrapping of reserved assembly seats. Pakistan imposed a total communications blackout, shutting internet, phones, and schools since September 28, and deployed extra forces. India’s foreign ministry called the deaths “horrific human rights violations” and said Pakistan must be held accountable. Rights groups in Pakistan also condemned the excessive force, urging meaningful dialogue with the region’s people. (PC: HT)