AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi criticised Elon Musk over his remarks questioning whether Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani was the “real boss of India.” Owaisi said that despite his opposition to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he would not accept a foreign businessman undermining India’s Prime Minister or constitutional authority. He challenged the BJP to defend its nationalist principles against pressure from a powerful American billionaire. The controversy erupted after Musk accused influential business interests of obstructing Starlink’s entry into India. The government has denied favouritism, while Reliance says all satellite operators must meet identical regulatory requirements. (PC: PTI)

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke clarified that his organisation’s protest seeks the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, not a change of government. His statement followed senior advocate Prashant Bhushan’s description of the agitation as a “fight for regime change,” alongside controversy over AISA leader Neha Bora’s remarks about Bangladesh’s student movement. Dipke alleged irregularities in electoral roll revisions and demanded accountability within the Election Commission. He also criticised security restrictions ahead of CJP’s October 16 “Lehra Do Tiranga” protest at Delhi’s Central Park, questioning the closure and heavy police deployment. 

Saudi Arabia is facing renewed human rights criticism over the imminent execution of Youssef al-Manasif, who was arrested in 2017 for alleged offences linked to protests and funerals he attended between ages 15 and 17. His death sentence has reportedly been upheld by the Supreme Court. Rights group Reprieve alleges he was tortured, coerced into confessing and denied timely access to legal counsel. Critics say the case contradicts Saudi Arabia’s 2020 decree abolishing capital punishment for crimes committed by minors. Human rights organisations have urged authorities to halt his execution and respect international protections for children. (PC: AP)

Delhi has been placed on high alert ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) proposed “Lehra Do Tiranga” march at Central Park, Connaught Place, scheduled for October 16 at 5 pm. Around 6,000 Delhi Police personnel, supported by Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), are expected to maintain security across central Delhi. Authorities have imposed prohibitory restrictions, and Central Park will remain closed on October 16 and 17. Police have also prepared barricades, CCTV surveillance and possible traffic diversions. The protest forms part of CJP’s campaign demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over electoral roll revision concerns. 

A Houthi attack targeting Yemen’s Al-Maashiq Presidential Palace in the southern city of Aden killed five people and injured 16 others on October 15, 2026, according to Yemeni Health Minister Qasim Mohammed Buhaibeh. The casualties included security personnel and civilian employees. Yemen’s government said the assault involved missiles and drones, while Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed responsibility, stating that the target was a Saudi military operations headquarters. Prime Minister and cabinet members remained safe. The attack highlights escalating hostilities between Houthi rebels and Saudi-backed government forces, raising concerns about regional stability and Yemen’s worsening humanitarian crisis.

Actor Imran Khan, nephew of Aamir Khan and a US citizen holding an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, is challenging a notice directing him to leave India by October 28. The Foreigners Regional Registration Office issued the notice after he participated in an October 10 protest at Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over electoral-roll revision concerns. Khan’s legal team argues that existing laws do not expressly prohibit OCI cardholders from joining peaceful protests. The case raises questions about immigration regulations, political demonstrations and the rights of OCI cardholders in India. (PC: The Hindu)

Reliance Industries has welcomed competition from Elon Musk’s Starlink in India’s satellite communications market, insisting that every operator must comply with Indian laws and regulations. The statement follows Musk’s criticism of alleged obstacles delaying Starlink’s commercial launch in the country. Reliance clarified that the government applies the same approval process to domestic and foreign companies, adding that Jio’s own satellite services are also awaiting clearances. The company said competition benefits consumers and highlighted Jio’s growth to over 530 million customers. The dispute comes amid growing competition and regulatory scrutiny in India’s satellite internet sector. (PC: ITG)

A 30-foot-tall cockroach effigy will be burned alongside Ravan, Kumbhkaran and Meghnad during the Ramlila celebrations in Pitampura, Delhi, in 2026. The Shree Keshav Ram Leela Committee says the unusual addition symbolises filth and dirt and promotes cleanliness under the Swachh Bharat and Swachh Delhi campaigns. Committee president and BJP MLA Ashok Goel clarified that the decision was not politically motivated and aims to reinforce the victory of good over evil. The announcement comes amid protests by the Cockroach Janata Party, which has joined demonstrations demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral-roll irregularities.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered a Special Summary Revision (SSR) of electoral rolls in 17 states and Union Territories, including West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Assam. The exercise aims to update voter lists ahead of the 2027 elections, with January 1, 2027, set as the qualifying date. Draft electoral rolls will be published on November 12, while voters can submit claims and objections until December 11. The final voter lists are scheduled for January 4, 2027. The SSR is separate from the controversial Special Intensive Revision (SIR), which involves preparing electoral rolls afresh. (PC: HT)

At least 34 children and a female teacher were killed when the roof of the privately run Al-Khair Education Center collapsed during classes in Peshawar, north-western Pakistan, on October 15, 2026. More than 50 people were injured, with some in critical condition. Rescue workers spent several hours pulling students from the rubble as distressed parents gathered outside the school. Police said the building had a weak structure, and authorities arrested the school’s owner while launching an investigation. The tragedy has renewed concerns about unsafe school buildings, poor construction standards and inadequate enforcement of safety regulations across Pakistan. (PC: Reuters)