Indian-origin politician Zohran Mamdani has scripted history by becoming New York City’s first Muslim and first South Asian-origin mayor. The 34-year-old Democratic Socialist, born in Africa, will also be the youngest to hold the office in over a century when he takes charge on January 1, 2026. In a celebratory moment that blended politics and pop culture, Mamdani concluded his victory speech as the Bollywood hit “Dhoom Machale” played in the background. Standing alongside his wife Rama Duwaji, filmmaker mother Mira Nair, and father Mahmood Mamdani, the scene marked a proud cultural and historic milestone.

In a historic political upset, Zohran Mamdani has been elected as the Mayor of New York City, defeating former governor Andrew Cuomo and ending what he termed a “political dynasty.” During his victory speech, Mamdani invoked India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, quoting his message of hope and democracy. He said, “In the midst of darkness, New York will be the light,” echoing Nehru’s famous ‘Tryst with Destiny’ speech. Mamdani, the city’s first Muslim and South Asian mayor, vowed to build an inclusive administration focused on housing, transport, and working-class empowerment.

A UPS cargo plane crashed and exploded into flames shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky. At least seven people were killed and 11 injured. The plane hit two nearby businesses before bursting into a fireball. Governor Andy Beshear said the toll may rise as rescue work continues. Officials said the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft carried around 280,000 gallons of fuel, which made the fire worse. The 34-year-old plane was headed to Honolulu. The FAA and NTSB have begun investigating the cause of the crash. Residents nearby were told to stay indoors due to smoke.

Zohran Mamdani has won the New York City mayoral election, becoming the city’s youngest and first Muslim mayor. The 33-year-old Democrat defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa in a surprising victory. Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, campaigned on free childcare, affordable housing, and better public transport. He faces big challenges ahead, including funding his plans and working with business leaders he once criticized. President Trump has already clashed with him, warning of funding cuts. Mamdani’s win marks a major shift in city politics and a test for America’s progressive movement. (PC: BBC)

Pakistan dismissed US President Donald Trump's explosive allegations of secret nuclear weapons testing, stating it "wasn't the first to conduct nuclear tests and won't be first to resume them." A senior Pakistani security official confirmed Islamabad maintains a "unilateral moratorium" despite not signing the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. Trump told CBS's 60 Minutes that Russia, China, North Korea, and Pakistan conduct underground nuclear tests while America refrained for three decades. China rejected accusations, reaffirming its "self-defensive nuclear strategy" and testing suspension commitment. Pakistan last conducted nuclear detonation in 1998 and supports CTBT objectives. Trump's STRATCOM nominee contradicted claims, telling lawmakers neither Russia nor China conducted explosive tests. North Korea remains the only known recent nuclear tester.

Bangladesh's interim government withdrew plans to appoint music and physical education teachers in primary schools following Islamist pressure labeling the move "un-Islamic." The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education confirmed removing these posts from recruitment rules issued last August. Hardline groups including Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolon Bangladesh, and Hefazat-e-Islam denounced the appointments as an "anti-Islamic agenda" threatening children's faith. Islami Andolon chief Syed Rezaul Karim warned music education would make children "unruly and faithless." Critics say Muhammad Yunus's interim administration repeatedly bows to Islamist demands, including backing down on women's reform proposals after violence threats. Analysts warn Bangladesh slides toward religious rigidity, eroding secular Bengali cultural identity reminiscent of Taliban-style educational policies. (PC: Mint & AP News)

Hamas has given the Red Cross a coffin it says contains the body of an Israeli hostage in northern Gaza, the Israeli military said on Tuesday. The remains will be sent to Tel Aviv for identification. Earlier, Hamas’s armed wing claimed it found the body of an Israeli soldier in Gaza City’s Shejaiya area. Israel had allowed Hamas members and Red Cross staff to search for remains there. The move comes under a US-brokered ceasefire deal that required Hamas to return all hostages. Israel has accused Hamas of delaying the recovery of bodies, saying the group is not cooperating fully. (PC: Reuters)

At least 40 people have died and hundreds of thousands have been displaced as Typhoon Kalmaegi tore through the central Philippines. The storm flooded entire towns in Cebu, the hardest-hit island, with many deaths caused by drowning. Strong winds and heavy rains swept away cars and homes. A military helicopter helping in rescue operations crashed in Mindanao, killing six crew members. Nearly 400,000 people have been evacuated from affected areas. Governor Pamela Baricuatro called the flooding “unprecedented.” Although the typhoon has weakened, it continues to bring heavy rain and strong winds as it moves toward the South China Sea. (PC: AFP via Getty Images)

Pakistan’s China-built Hangor-class submarines will join the Navy fleet by 2026, Admiral Naveed Ashraf said. The project is part of an eight-submarine deal signed with China in 2015. Four submarines are being built in China and four in Pakistan to boost local shipbuilding skills. The first was launched in 2024, with more to follow soon. Admiral Ashraf praised China as a trusted defence partner, noting strong cooperation in shipbuilding, training, and technology. He said the partnership also includes advanced frigates, joint naval drills, and work on unmanned systems, helping strengthen Pakistan’s maritime security and regional presence. (PC: NDTV)

At least seven climbers, including five foreigners and two Nepalis, were killed after an avalanche struck Nepal’s Yalung Ri mountain in Dolakha district. The group was climbing near the base camp when the avalanche hit on Monday morning. Eight people were rescued and taken to Kathmandu for treatment, while five bodies are still buried under deep snow. Poor weather has slowed rescue efforts. Those killed include climbers from Italy, Canada, Germany, and France. The team was training for a climb to Dolma Khang peak. Autumn is a busy season for mountaineering in Nepal but also risky for avalanches. (PC: BBC)