Pakistan’s LPG shortage has worsened following the suspension of imports through two key crossings with Iran, pushing the price of a 12-kg cylinder to Rs 7,000–10,000 or more in some areas. According to traders cited by Reuters, prices rose from Rs 4,500 to Rs 7,000 in Balochistan, reaching Rs 7,500 in Lahore and Rs 8,200 in Skardu, while parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported prices exceeding Rs 10,000. Pakistan closed the Gabd-Rimdan and Taftan crossings on October 17 over security and smuggling concerns. The Pakistan LPG Association estimates daily imports from Iran at around 7,000 tonnes. Traders warn shortages and prices could worsen as winter approaches. (PC: Reuters)

Ukraine has carried out an extraordinary battlefield rescue, using a heavy-lift drone to evacuate soldier Kostiantyn Vlasenko after 491 days in a dangerous frontline zone during the war with Russia. Severely injured in a Russian attack, Vlasenko lost both feet and survived for months while hiding in a hole. Ukrainian forces eventually deployed a large drone to fly him approximately 15 kilometres to safety. The operation highlights how emerging drone technology is transforming military rescue missions, particularly where conventional evacuation is too dangerous. The unprecedented mission offers new possibilities for saving wounded soldiers. 

Veteran American actor Tom Skerritt, renowned for his performances in Top Gun, Alien and the television series Picket Fences, has died at the age of 93. His family confirmed that he died of natural causes on October 21, 2026. Skerritt played Commander Mike “Viper” Metcalf in Top Gun and Captain Dallas in Alien. He won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 1993 for Picket Fences. With a career spanning more than six decades, Skerritt leaves behind a lasting legacy in Hollywood cinema and television. (PC: X)

Former CIA Director General David Petraeus said at the NDTV World Summit on October 23, 2026, that a human made the final decision in the bombing of Shajarah Tayyebeh Elementary School in Minab, southern Iran, while artificial intelligence assisted the targeting process. The strike reportedly killed at least 156 people, including children. Petraeus’s remarks highlight the continuing debate over AI’s role in modern warfare and military accountability. His statement contrasts with earlier reports suggesting an AI-driven targeting process contributed to the deadly attack. The incident raises serious questions about civilian protection and human responsibility. (PC: Reuters)

American national Mathew Aaron VanDyke returned to India and appeared before a Delhi court on October 23, 2026, in a case involving alleged arms and drone warfare training for ethnic armed groups in Myanmar. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested VanDyke and six Ukrainian nationals in March, alleging they entered Myanmar through Mizoram and trained members of groups including the Chin National Front and Kachin Independence Army. The NIA’s September chargesheet invoked immigration-related offences, while its investigation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act remains open. The case continues before the court. (PC: X)

Iran has threatened to target oil installations, undersea cables, data centres and artificial intelligence facilities across as many as seven Gulf countries if the United States and Israel launch fresh attacks. Mohsen Rezaei, a senior Iranian security official, warned that Tehran would broaden its retaliation. The threats come amid reports of possible renewed military action, a growing US military presence in the region and escalating tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian forces have also claimed attacks on commercial vessels, although some reports remain unverified. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue to prevent another regional conflict. (PC: Reuters)

Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir reportedly faced a cold reception in Tehran on Wednesday, October 21, after delivering a message from US President Donald Trump demanding Iran abandon its entire nuclear programme, according to News18, citing media reports. Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar reported that Munir conveyed Trump’s “last warning”, suggesting a wide-scale attack on Iranian nuclear facilities, including the Pickaxe Mountain site, if Washington’s demands were rejected. Iran’s security chief Mohsen Rezaei reportedly insisted that Tehran would not negotiate until the United States accepted Iran’s seven conditions, declaring that no enriched nuclear material would leave the country. Munir also met President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who reportedly said Iran had nothing new to communicate.

Iran reported on October 22 that seven oil tankers were attacked or damaged by naval mines in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. According to Iranian state television, four vessels caught fire after being targeted, while three others were damaged after hitting mines. The claims have not been independently verified. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that US military bases in the region could become targets if Washington facilitates commercial shipping through the strait. The incidents have heightened fears of renewed conflict, threatening global oil supplies, maritime security and energy prices. (PC: X)

Russia launched a major overnight missile attack on Kyiv on October 22, 2026, hours after agreeing in principle to resume trilateral peace negotiations involving Ukraine and the United States. The strikes killed at least two people and injured 22, including four children, according to The Guardian. Residential buildings, energy infrastructure, a monastery and an ambulance station were damaged. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the assault, arguing that Moscow’s actions demonstrated little commitment to peace. He urged Western allies to provide stronger air defences, including Patriot interceptors, and impose additional sanctions on Russia. (PC: AP)

Delhi Police has denied permission for singer Diljit Dosanjh’s October 30 concert at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, citing security threats and law-and-order concerns.   According to a letter sent to ticketing platform BookMyShow, the South District Deputy Commissioner of Police’s office said the organisers’ request had been examined but could not be approved. The letter referred to “specific threat-related inputs” and security responsibilities during the ongoing festive season.   The decision has left the status of the Delhi concert uncertain, with further details about the event and ticket arrangements awaited. The show was scheduled to open the India leg of Dosanjh’s Aura Tour, which includes performances across 7 cities. (PC: India Today)