US President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will not launch military action against Iran before the November 3 midterm elections, while saying Washington and Tehran are engaged in “productive discussions.” In a Truth Social post, Trump said the US blockade of Iran would remain fully in place despite the diplomatic talks. His announcement comes as the two countries continue exchanging proposals aimed at ending the conflict and addressing disputes involving the Strait and Iran’s nuclear programme. Trump described Iran as being in very poor economic and military condition, while maintaining that the blockade would continue. The announcement signals a pause in potential US strikes until the midterm elections, amid ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Pakistan has reportedly stepped up military support for Saudi Arabia as the newly activated Makkah Defence Pact enters practical implementation amid escalating Houthi attacks. According to a New York Times report cited by India Today, Pakistani fighter jets were used in strikes against Iran-backed Houthi targets in Yemen. Around 8,000 Pakistani troops are also estimated to be stationed in Saudi Arabia. However, Pakistan’s Information Ministry has rejected the report of PAF jets striking Houthis as “fake and fabricated,” while the military has confirmed Pakistani forces are present in Saudi Arabia. The pact focuses on collective defence and rapid deployment of capabilities. (PC: India Today)

Thailand’s Queen Suthida has successfully completed her first solo flight in a JAS 39C Gripen fighter jet, marking a significant milestone in her aviation career. The flight took place on October 8 at the Royal Thai Air Force’s Wing 7 in Surat Thani and was witnessed by King Maha Vajiralongkorn and senior Air Force officials. The Queen underwent extensive training, including simulator sessions and flights in a two-seat Gripen with an instructor, before flying the single-seat fighter alone. She has more than 1,188 hours of flying experience across various aircraft. The King later presented her with flowers and a Golden Gripen Order patch. 

Russia has finalized preparations to provide Iran with a $1 billion loan, but the transfer is awaiting Iranian bank account details. According to Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency, disagreements within the Iranian government over how the funds should be used have delayed the payment. Iran’s Planning and Budget Organization reportedly wants the money for vehicle imports, while the Oil Ministry seeks equipment for the energy sector and the Agriculture Ministry wants essential goods. The loan is reportedly the first installment of a planned $20 billion Russian loan. The move comes as Moscow and Tehran deepen financial cooperation amid extensive Western sanctions. (PC: AP)

Canadian poet, essayist and translator Anne Carson has won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature, the Swedish Academy announced on October 8. She was honoured for her “bold and inventive oeuvre” that engages creatively with classical traditions and creates new forms of contemporary literature. Carson is widely known for blending poetry, prose, translation and literary criticism, often drawing inspiration from ancient Greek literature and mythology. Her notable works include Autobiography of Red, Eros the Bittersweet and Norma Jeane Baker of Troy. The award carries a prize of 12 million Swedish kronor. (PC: The Hindu)

Delhi Police has stepped up security in the capital ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s proposed protest on October 10. Around 4,000 security personnel have been deployed across the New Delhi area, while police are monitoring entry routes and transport arrangements. Officials said around 2,800 people identified through facial recognition as having alleged criminal antecedents are being tracked for possible movement towards central Delhi. Police are also checking bus bookings and routes linked to the earlier protest. Section 163 remains in force, making unauthorised gatherings illegal. Police said the protest has not been granted permission and warned against participation. (PC: News18)

Canadian poet and writer Anne Carson has won the 2026 Nobel Prize in Literature for her distinctive body of work blending poetry, prose, dialogue and translation. The Swedish Academy praised Carson for her “bold and inventive oeuvre” and for creating new forms through dialogue with classical traditions. The award is worth 12 million Swedish crowns, around $1.2 million. Carson is known for her translations of classical Greek literature and works including Autobiography of Red and Norma Jeane Baker of Troy. She joins writers such as Alice Munro, Ernest Hemingway and Alexander Solzhenitsyn among Nobel Literature laureates. (PC: NDTV)

A Russian glide bomb attack on 2 civilian buses in Kramatorsk, eastern Ukraine, has killed 33 people and injured 18, Ukrainian officials said. Donetsk regional head Vadym Filashkin accused Russia of deliberately targeting a passenger bus. Images released by prosecutors showed a burned bus and debris scattered across the road. The attack comes amid a sharp rise in Russian strikes and civilian casualties across Ukraine. In Kyiv, 3 people were reportedly killed and 14 injured in separate attacks. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky offered condolences to victims’ families and called on international partners to provide stronger defence support as Russian attacks intensify. (PC: BBC)

France’s student protests have entered their third week, spreading from Paris to cities nationwide and across the border into Belgium. Students in France are demanding better school conditions, including less crowded classrooms, more teachers and repairs to deteriorating buildings. More than 6,000 people have been arrested, while rights groups have accused police of using excessive force. In Belgium, hundreds of students protested in Liège over rising education costs, crowded classrooms and access to study materials, with 107 arrests reported by local media. France also summoned Iran’s ambassador, accusing Tehran of spreading disinformation about the protests online.

Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar has warned of a possible new wave of Islamist terror attacks, saying terrorist groups are developing capabilities faster than governments and security agencies. Speaking to India Today, Azar linked his concerns to the recent flydubai cockpit attack involving Indian pilot Smit Machchhar. He said Hamas had inspired terrorist groups in India’s neighbourhood and cited the 2025 Pahalgam attack as an example. Azar stressed that investigators have not yet established whether the flydubai incident was a lone-wolf attack. He also praised Machchhar and passengers for preventing a major disaster. (PC: India Today)