Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu compared the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel to “16 9/11s” during his address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York. He said around 1,200 Israelis were killed and 251 people were taken hostage in the attack. Netanyahu used the comparison to explain the scale of the casualties relative to Israel’s population of about 10 million. He also rejected allegations that Israel was committing genocide in Gaza, calling them “the biggest lie of the century”. His speech came amid continued international criticism of Israel’s military operations in Gaza. (PC: NDTV)

British police arrested several men on suspicion of offences under the Explosives Act near RAF Fairford, a military base used by the US Air Force in southwest England, on Sunday. Authorities declared a major incident and evacuated residents from nearby Whelford as the investigation continued. The British Army’s specialist bomb-disposal team examined several vehicles, while armed police secured the area. Gloucestershire Police said the incident was believed to be contained. Security around the base had increased in recent days. However, police have not confirmed whether the arrests are linked to the US military presence. (PC: India Today)

At least 18 people have died in 48 hours as heavy rains triggered floods across Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Bihar and Chhattisgarh. The downpour damaged crops and houses, disrupted road connectivity and forced thousands to leave their homes. Uttar Pradesh reported 17 deaths, with 63 of its 75 districts receiving above-normal rainfall. In Odisha, more than 40,000 people were evacuated after floods affected over 73,000 people across 10 districts. In Bihar, over 2,000 villagers moved to safer places as the Gandak River flooded homes. Chhattisgarh also reported flooding, school closures and disrupted transport. (PC: HT)

Iran is waiting for an official US response to its proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, despite President Donald Trump rejecting the offer on Saturday. Trump called the proposal “not acceptable” and claimed Tehran was seeking a deal because it was losing the conflict. Araghchi said Iran was waiting for a “definitive” response through mediators and insisted that only a negotiated solution could end the war. Oman, which is mediating between the two countries, urged all parties to continue dialogue. The vital waterway has been effectively closed since the conflict began in February. (PC: BBC)

At least 10 people, including climbers and support staff, are missing after an avalanche hit the Himlung Himal base camp in Nepal’s Manang district on Sunday. Expedition organisers confirmed that two missing people were associated with Imagine Nepal Pvt Ltd, while eight belonged to Himalayan Holidays Nepal. Rescue efforts are underway, with Nepal’s Department of Tourism monitoring the situation and gathering details. Heavy snowfall and persistent rainfall across Nepal have disrupted roads, trekking routes and mountaineering expeditions. Authorities have advised trekkers and climbers to suspend activities due to worsening weather. Reaching the 7,126-metre peak may also be difficult because helicopter flights require special permits. (PC: India Today)

The famous phrase “I eat politicians for breakfast”, associated with former Chief Election Commissioner TN Seshan, has resurfaced amid controversy over the Election Commission of India’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. Reports of disagreements over voter deletions and electoral roll data have renewed attention on past disputes within the poll panel. In 1993, Seshan challenged the appointment of two Election Commissioners, arguing that the move weakened his authority. The Supreme Court upheld the multi-member structure in 1995, ruling that the CEC could not automatically override other commissioners. In 2019, Ashok Lavasa also raised concerns over recording dissent in Model Code of Conduct complaints. (PC: X)

Six people were killed after an explosion caused a two-storey residential building to collapse in Athens’ historic Plaka district on September 25. Emergency teams recovered the bodies after more than 24 hours of searching through the rubble using thermal cameras, sensors, rescue dogs and heavy machinery. The victims included four American tourists and an elderly British-Greek couple, according to reports. Nearby buildings, shops and vehicles were also damaged, while several people were injured. Greek authorities are investigating the cause of the blast, with a possible gas leak among the factors being examined. Officials said determining what caused the building to collapse is now the priority. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump has said Iran is prepared to reopen the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, claiming Tehran has little money coming into the country amid the conflict. The remarks came as Iran presented a proposal that could allow the waterway to reopen within seven days and potentially end wider hostilities, according to Iranian officials. Iran has said reopening the strait would depend on conditions including the lifting of the US blockade on Iranian ports and sanctions. The Strait of Hormuz is a major global energy transit route, making its disruption a significant concern for international oil supplies and markets. 

China used the United Nations General Assembly to call for peace and oppose what it described as unilateral US actions involving Iran and Cuba. Chinese representatives stressed that dialogue, diplomacy and respect for national sovereignty should guide efforts to resolve international conflicts. Beijing has also urged an immediate halt to military operations involving Iran and called for negotiations to prevent further escalation. The comments came after US President Donald Trump criticised Iran and Cuba during his UN address, prompting Iranian and Cuban delegates to walk out. China’s position reflects its broader call for de-escalation and negotiated solutions to international disputes. (PC: AP)

US President Donald Trump has reportedly rejected an Iranian proposal aimed at reopening the strategically important Strait of Hormuz and reducing hostilities in the Middle East. Iran proposed reopening the waterway within seven days and resuming talks on its nuclear programme. In return, Tehran sought the lifting of a US naval blockade, relief from oil sanctions, and a ceasefire covering the wider region, including Lebanon. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the plan could begin once Washington accepted the terms. The proposal comes amid prolonged disruption to oil shipments through the strait, raising concerns over global energy supplies and economic stability. (PC: Reuters)