Nepalese agriculture student Bipin Joshi, 23, who arrived in Israel just three weeks before the October 7, 2023 Hamas assault, has been confirmed dead after nearly two years in captivity. Joshi was among 17 Nepalese students at Kibbutz Alumim when Hamas attacked, killing ten of his compatriots. According to survivors, he heroically caught and threw away a grenade, saving a fellow student before being captured. His family traveled to Israel, meeting President Herzog and joining vigils at Tel Aviv's Hostage Square. Hamas announced Monday it had no more living hostages, and Joshi's body was recovered. He was the only non-Israeli hostage previously believed alive in Gaza.

Israel and Hamas carried out a major exchange under a US-brokered peace deal, freeing all living Israeli hostages and nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Emotional scenes unfolded in Israel and Gaza as families reunited after two years of war. US President Donald Trump, arriving in Israel, called the ceasefire a “historic dawn in a new Middle East.” Later in Egypt, Trump and world leaders signed a declaration to secure lasting peace. The agreement faces challenges over troop withdrawal and Gaza’s future governance, but leaders hailed it as the first real step toward ending years of conflict and suffering. (PC: BBC)

US President Donald Trump praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “very good friend” at the Gaza Peace Summit in Egypt. Trump also gestured toward Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who stood behind him. He said he believed India and Pakistan would “live very nicely together.” Shehbaz thanked Trump and said his help had stopped a possible wider war. India was represented at the summit by Kirti Vardhan Singh. Prime Minister Modi praised Trump’s peace efforts. The summit ended with leaders signing a ceasefire agreement to ease fighting and help civilians. (PC: India Today)

Officials have released the names of 16 people killed in an explosion at a munitions factory in Hickman County, Tennessee. The blast at Accurate Energetic Systems on 10 October destroyed the plant and left no survivors. Sheriffs said families are being supported as the community mourns. Victims include workers, a chemist, and a pastor. The cause of the blast is still unknown, and federal agents are investigating. The explosion was so strong it registered as a small earthquake. Local residents gathered for vigils, remembering the victims as kind and hardworking members of their small, close-knit town. (PC: BBC)

US President Donald Trump addressed Israel’s Knesset, calling the Gaza peace deal “the historic dawn of a new Middle East.” He praised US negotiators, including Jared Kushner, and said the agreement ends a long era of war and terror. Two left-wing politicians heckled him and were removed. Trump said the deal brings home all hostages and focuses on stability and development in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu called Trump “Israel’s greatest friend.” The peace deal follows years of conflict, including Hamas attacks in 2023 and Israel’s military offensive, and includes prisoner releases for Palestinians and Israelis. (PC: Sky News)

Afghanistan rejected Pakistan's truce efforts by denying visas to Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, ISI chief Asim Malik, and two generals, three times in three days. This follows deadly border clashes where Pakistan admitted 23 soldiers and 200+ Taliban fighters died, while Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed 58 Pakistani soldiers perished. US President Trump immediately offered mediation, calling himself "an expert at resolving wars" while en route to Israel. China urged restraint, requesting both nations ensure Chinese personnel safety while emphasizing their friendship status. The crisis stems from Pakistan's allegations that Kabul hosts militant groups TTP and BLA, issues addressed through China's tripartite mechanism.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Monday he'll visit Washington this week for talks on long-range weapons provision, potentially meeting President Trump as early as Friday. The visit follows Trump's Sunday warning to Russia about possibly sending Ukraine Tomahawk missiles if Moscow doesn't settle the war soon. Zelenskyy will discuss air defense, long-range capabilities, and protecting Ukraine's electricity and gas networks from relentless Russian bombardment. Moscow expressed "extreme concern" over potential Tomahawk provision. The meeting comes as Russia intensifies infrastructure attacks ahead of winter. EU's Kaja Kallas pledged continued Moscow pressure despite Hungary's objections to new sanctions, emphasizing Ukraine's enormous funding needs. (PC: X)

Donald Trump addressed Israel's Knesset on Monday celebrating the release of 20 hostages under his brokered Gaza peace deal, declaring "my personality is all about stopping wars." Trump received standing ovations while crediting himself for settling "8 wars in 8 months," recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital, and supplying weapons Netanyahu repeatedly requested. He praised Arab nations willing to rebuild Gaza and assured Israel's security through Hamas disarmament. Two Israeli MPs were ejected for holding "GENOCIDE" signs and calling Trump "TERRORIST," prompting his quip about efficiency. Trump discussed Operation Midnight Hammer's Iran strikes, joked about Whitkoff's five-hour Putin meeting, and acknowledged Ukraine-Russia settlement difficulties remain. (PC: History)

At least five people, including a police officer, were killed in violent clashes between police and Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) protesters in Muridke. The rally, held to protest Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, turned deadly when police opened fire to disperse the crowd. Dozens were injured as officers used tear gas and batons. Protesters accused police and paramilitary forces of using live rounds. The TLP vowed to continue its march toward Islamabad despite heavy security. Pakistan’s Minister Talal Chaudhry condemned the unrest, accusing the group of exploiting the Gaza crisis for political gain. (PC: India Today)

Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj Party has released its second list of 65 candidates for the upcoming Bihar assembly elections. With this, the party has announced names for 116 of 243 seats. Party president Uday Singh said the list represents all communities, including 14 candidates from the Extremely Backward Class, 10 from the OBC category, and 14 from minorities. The new list also includes 20 reserved seats. Kishor has not yet said if he will contest. The Jan Suraaj Party promises clean politics and aims to fight corruption and ensure fair representation in Bihar. (PC: NDTV)