Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels are seeking Chinese-made components to develop advanced ballistic missiles capable of striking targets in Saudi Arabia and Israel, according to a Conflict Armament Research (CAR) report released October 14. Yemeni authorities intercepted two suspected shipments originating in China and reportedly destined for Houthi-controlled Hodeidah port, the Associated Press reported. The components included stabilising fin cores, rocket motor closures, nozzle attachments, igniters and phenolic resin used in missile heat shields. Researchers said the parts could support development of a missile resembling Iran’s Kheibar Shekan, reportedly capable of travelling around 2,000 kilometres. CAR analyst Fabian Hinz said the findings indicated more ambitious Houthi manufacturing plans. China said it controls military and dual-use exports. (PC: AFP)

A major cyberattack has targeted supermarket refrigeration systems across France, forcing temperatures in fridges and freezers to rise to 50°C. The attack affected hundreds of stores, including outlets operated by Intermarché, Carrefour and Monoprix. Spoiled food, fires and significant financial losses were reported. Investigators suspect hackers exploited weaknesses in outdated refrigeration software. French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has asked the national cybersecurity agency to investigate. The Paris prosecutor’s office has also opened a probe. Officials have warned that the incident exposes serious security gaps in systems essential to food storage and supply chains.  (PC: X)

New York City is expected to ban horse-drawn carriages from June 2028, following safety concerns and calls for better treatment of horses. The proposed legislation, known as Romanch’s Law, will be put to a City Council vote on October 22. It gained support after 18-year-old Indian visitor Romanch Mahajan died in June when a horse pulling his carriage bolted in Central Park. Mayor Zohran Mamdani also backs the ban and plans to help workers transition to other jobs. The proposal includes training and financial support, while preventing horses from being sold for slaughter. (PC: BBC)

Qatar’s Emir and Prime Minister, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, has urged citizens and institutions to prepare for worst-case scenarios amid continuing conflict involving the United States and Iran. Addressing the Shura Council, he stressed collective responsibility as attacks on energy facilities by Iran and its proxies, including Yemen’s Houthis, have heightened regional uncertainty and disrupted oil and energy production. Citing attacks affecting Qatar and a recent incident in Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh, he described Iran’s strikes on Qatar as a “flagrant violation” of its sovereignty. Al Thani called for intensified efforts to secure Gulf shipping routes, the Strait of Hormuz, energy facilities and civilian infrastructure, warning that Gulf security cannot be compromised.

Ukraine confirmed that Starlink restricted internet access, with military personnel reporting disruptions affecting offensive and defensive operations. Serhii Beskrestnov, an adviser to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said SpaceX introduced speed restrictions on moving Starlink terminals overnight. He said restrictions applied to the StarShield military service package and capped speed at 100 miles per hour. Ukraine relies on Starlink for attacks on Russian positions and interceptor drones targeting Russian aerial attacks; both operations were reportedly hampered. Beskrestnov said the move could not be a coincidence and linked it to the political situation following a reported Trump-Putin understanding. The report notes a US intelligence-sharing suspension, which Zelenskyy said affected warnings about Russian aerial attacks. (PC: X)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly sought Saudi Arabia’s approval for Israel to join military operations against Houthi rebels in Yemen. According to a report by Israeli newspaper Haaretz, the proposal was conveyed through US mediation. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly opposed the move, fearing a public backlash over cooperation with Israel. Netanyahu hopes joint military action could strengthen ties and advance diplomatic normalisation between the countries. However, Saudi Arabia has maintained that normalisation depends on progress towards Palestinian statehood. The reported proposal comes amid intensified Houthi attacks on Saudi territory and infrastructure.  (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump faced criticism after mocking a female protester who was allegedly assaulted by attendees during his October 12 rally in Youngstown, Ohio. The woman, wearing a T-shirt demanding the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, was reportedly shoved, punched in the face and grabbed by the hair during the confrontation. Trump called her a “paid protester” without providing evidence and made derogatory remarks about her weight as security escorted her out. Videos of the incident circulated widely online, prompting criticism over political violence and the response to the assault. The incident intensified debate over conduct at political rallies. 

Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has overturned the death sentence imposed on Anojan Sivarasa, a 24-year-old Sri Lankan Hindu migrant worker, over a Facebook comment deemed insulting to Islam and Prophet Muhammad. The controversy arose during an online religious dispute in Sri Lanka in June 2026. Sivarasa reportedly deleted the comment and apologised, but authorities pursued the case. Initially sentenced to five years in prison and fined three million Saudi riyals, his punishment was later escalated to death. The reversal followed sustained diplomatic and legal efforts by Sri Lanka, including appeals from politicians and religious leaders. His future legal status remains unclear. (PC: India Today)

A court in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, sentenced Muskaan Rastogi and her lover Sahil Shukla to death on Wednesday for murdering merchant navy officer Saurabh Rajput in March 2025. District Judge Arvind Kumar Mishra delivered the sentence after 126 hearings and testimony from 22 witnesses. According to the prosecution, Rastogi sedated her husband before Shukla joined her in stabbing him. They dismembered the body and concealed the remains inside a blue plastic drum filled with cement and sand. The case was uncovered after suspicious relatives alerted authorities, leading to the discovery of the remains and the couple’s arrest. (PC: NDTV)

Former Supreme Court judge Kurian Joseph has said constitutional courts must take stronger action when warnings fail to protect democratic principles. Speaking at a convention in Kerala, he compared the Supreme Court to a watchdog responsible for guarding the Constitution. His remarks came amid protests demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over alleged electoral roll irregularities. Joseph called for constitutional amendments to protect the Election Commission’s independence, including rules governing appointments and service conditions. He also urged citizens to hold peaceful, informed demonstrations and warned that weakened public trust in constitutional institutions could threaten democratic functioning. (PC: HT)