Several American politicians and public figures mistakenly shared photographs of Indian and Russian warships while wishing the US Navy on its 251st birthday on October 13. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and Congressman Tim Moore posted an image of 3 Indian Navy frigates, identified as INS Godavari, INS Brahmaputra and INS Beas. Other officials used pictures of Russian naval vessels. The errors were highlighted by Wall Street Journal journalist Dave Brown on X, drawing criticism and jokes from social media users. The incident turned a celebration of American naval power into an online discussion about identifying warships correctly. (PC: India Today)

A 35-year-old Saudi national working at OpenAI has been arrested in the United States for allegedly placing a recording device inside the company’s San Francisco office. The US Justice Department said Abdulrahman Alfozan was arrested on October 9 after OpenAI’s security team discovered the device late last month. Prosecutors allege he hid a USB device inside a television in an executive conference room. A second device was reportedly found in his unattended bag. OpenAI said there was no indication that he had accessed or stolen its AI models, source code or customer data. He faces up to 5 years in prison if convicted. (PC: NDTV)

The INDIA bloc is set to reduce its daily protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls during the festive season. The decision follows 5 consecutive protest marches in Delhi and a fresh petition in the Supreme Court. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the opposition’s campaign would continue, hinting at a possible surprise move. Leaders are considering intermittent demonstrations while maintaining pressure on the Election Commission. The alliance also plans to involve civil society groups and student organisations to expand its campaign beyond political parties.

An Air India flight from Frankfurt to Delhi was diverted to Jaipur on Wednesday after the pilot issued a hijacking alert. Flight AI 2030, operated by a Boeing 787-9, landed safely at Jaipur International Airport and was moved to an isolation bay for security checks. All passengers and crew members were evacuated safely. DGCA sources said the aircraft had transmitted code 7500, used internationally to indicate a hijacking. However, police sources said the emergency landing followed a bomb threat. Security agencies, local police and the Anti-Terrorism Squad conducted checks. The DGCA is investigating the incident. (PC: HT)

Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer after undergoing successful surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, the Vatican said. The 71-year-old underwent a 90-minute operation at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday, with no complications reported. Doctors identified the condition as lung adenocarcinoma after examining a growth detected during routine checks. The Pope is expected to remain in hospital for about a week while he recovers. His schedule has been cleared until October 20. Despite the diagnosis, the Vatican has said he showed no symptoms of infection or illness. (PC: BBC)

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka have been sent to Tihar Jail for 5 days over their entry into Jantar Mantar without authorisation. Police said they violated peace bonds and could disturb public order. Their associate, Ajinkya Shinde, was allowed to leave after signing a peace bond. Delhi Police registered a case against the 3 over trespassing, violating prohibitory orders and obstructing public servants. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke criticised the action, saying the leaders were detained for unfurling the national flag. The party alleges illegal detention and denial of access to lawyers. (PC: India Today)

India’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports remained robust in September despite disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz crisis, while Oman replaced the United States as the country’s top supplier, according to the report. The US had been India’s largest LNG source in recent months after the West Asia conflict began, but European buyers increased competition for American cargoes. Over the five-month period, US supplies totalled 3.41 million tonnes, accounting for 28.7% of India’s LNG imports. Strong demand pushed Indian importers to purchase spot-market cargoes at unusually high prices, while some Asian buyers cut imports. India also sought suppliers less dependent on Hormuz, prioritising availability over cost for several key sectors. (PC: AP)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi condemned the arrest of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, calling it “an act of cowardice.” In a post on X, Gandhi said peacefully waving the national flag at Jantar Mantar was not a crime and described the site as belonging to the people of India. He vowed that it would be reclaimed. Gandhi said students, young people, journalists and the INDIA bloc were united in demanding constitutional rights despite representing different banners. A Delhi court remanded Das and Ranka to five days of judicial custody on Wednesday over trespassing at Jantar Mantar. Police argued they had disturbed public peace and breached bond conditions. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly discussed renewed strikes on Iran last week, Axios reported, citing four sources. A US official said Netanyahu wants to resume attacks and raised the idea with Trump, who reportedly told him to “get ready” without committing to a timeline. An Israeli official said Netanyahu was concerned by intelligence suggesting Iran was rebuilding its nuclear programme. Trump said the United States would not attack Iran before November’s midterm elections. However, both militaries remain on alert and are preparing for a change in policy. The White House denied they discussed restarting the war, while Netanyahu’s office declined to comment on their conversations. (PC: X)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar humorously added Japan to a moderator’s list of India’s foreign policy priorities during a panel discussion. The moderator had described the strategy as engaging America, managing China, cultivating Europe and reassuring Russia. Jaishankar pointed out that Japan was missing, saying, “You forgot a fifth country: Japan.” He joked that he had to mention it or he would be “in trouble at home with my wife.” His wife, Kyoko Jaishankar, is Japanese, and the couple met while he was serving as a diplomat in Tokyo. The exchange drew laughter. Japan’s wider strategic importance to India includes Indo-Pacific cooperation, Quad membership, trade, infrastructure and regional security.