Police in Gujarat’s Surendranagar district have arrested nine people, including two women, over the alleged sexual assault of a married woman during a so-called “purification ritual.” According to police, the woman had left her husband and gone to live with another man. Her husband and relatives allegedly tracked down the couple, tied them up and assaulted them. Police said the man was beaten while tied to a babul tree, and the woman was allegedly sexually assaulted. Videos of the incident surfaced on social media, prompting an investigation. District Police Chief Premsukh Delu said the woman had been threatened and unlawfully confined before being rescued. A case has been registered, and further investigation is underway. (PC: X)

The US military has lost or damaged at least 81 aircraft, drones and helicopters worth up to $3.3 billion during the Iran war, according to a Congressional Research Service report. Losses include 12 F-15E Strike Eagles, one F-35A Lightning II, two A-10 attack jets, seven KC-135 tankers, one E-3 Sentry, two MC-130J aircraft, one HH-60W helicopter, and several drones and helicopters. At least 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones were lost, reducing the fleet to 135, below the Air Force’s intended 189 deployable aircraft. Three F-15Es were destroyed in friendly fire over Kuwait, while another was shot down over Iran. An E-3 Sentry worth $270 million was also lost, highlighting significant American military equipment losses.

The Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee raised the repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.50%, its first hike since February 2023, citing rising inflation and economic pressures. The unanimous decision followed its October 5-7 meeting and shifted the policy stance to “calibrated tightening”, signalling that rate cuts are off the table near term. Governor Sanjay Malhotra said headline CPI inflation is expected to average 5.8% over the next three quarters, with full-year inflation projected at 4.4%. The RBI cited higher global food and energy prices, market volatility, tighter financial conditions, trade uncertainty and a stronger US dollar. Future action will depend on evolving inflation, growth and price pressures.

Lionel Messi’s retirement from international football has triggered an emotional response from Argentina supporters and fans worldwide. The 39-year-old ended his 21-year Argentina career after helping the team defeat Benin 3-0 in his final appearance. Messi scored from the penalty spot and provided two assists, taking his international tally to 126 goals in a record 208 appearances. Fans at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium displayed heartfelt messages, including “Gracias” and pleas for him not to leave. Supporters praised his achievements, including the 2021 Copa América, 2022 World Cup and 2024 Copa América titles, while describing his departure as the end of an era. (PC: AFP)

Dr Shota Musaev, a Georgian dentist living in Israel, has recalled the tense 45 minutes he spent treating Indian Flydubai Captain Smit Machchhar after the pilot was seriously injured during a cockpit attack on September 30. Musaev rushed to help after hearing screams and found Machchhar bleeding heavily from deep wounds to his head and hands. Using T-shirts and ice, he applied pressure to control the bleeding while repeatedly telling the captain, “Please don’t sleep, we need you.” When Machchhar’s pulse weakened, Musaev raised his legs and urged the crew to land quickly. The aircraft eventually landed safely in Saudi Arabia.

India has proposed a three-part truce between Russia and Ukraine aimed at reducing the war’s impact on global food and energy supplies. The proposal calls for stopping attacks on energy facilities and critical infrastructure, ensuring the continued movement of grain and energy through Black Sea ports, and ending attacks on commercial shipping. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said India has been engaging with both Moscow and Kyiv on these issues. Ukraine has described India’s proposal as the “most comprehensive” among four ceasefire initiatives. Russian President Vladimir Putin has also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to find mutually acceptable solutions. (PC: AP)

US President Donald Trump has blamed mass migration and Islam for France’s nationwide school protests, rejecting the view that the unrest is primarily about education. More than 250,000 people demonstrated across France on Tuesday, with students, teachers and parents demanding better funding, improved school facilities and more staff. Protests began in September and have included school blockades, class boycotts and occasional clashes with police. Trump claimed the demonstrations reflected uncontrolled migration and an alleged attempt by Islam to take over France, but provided no evidence linking the school movement to religious demands. French officials have focused on education, policing and public spending concerns. (PC: Reuters)

More than 250,000 students, teachers and parents demonstrated across France on October 6, demanding better funding and improved conditions in high schools. Protesters are calling for more teachers, smaller classes, repairs to deteriorating school buildings and shorter school days. Hundreds of schools were blockaded or closed, disrupting classes nationwide. While many demonstrations remained peaceful, clashes erupted in Paris and other cities, with police using tear gas and batons. Nearly 500 people were arrested and 43 police officers injured, according to authorities. The protests have also raised concerns over alleged excessive police force and placed growing pressure on Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu’s government. (PC: AFP)

Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned a series of Houthi missile and drone attacks targeting sites across the Kingdom. The Houthis claimed they struck King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, an Aramco refinery in Rabigh, Abha Airport and military facilities in southern Saudi Arabia. The group said the attacks were retaliation for Saudi strikes in Yemen. Saudi authorities condemned what they described as continued attacks against civilian and economic infrastructure and reaffirmed the Kingdom’s right to defend its territory and citizens. Riyadh also accused the Houthis of undermining efforts toward a political settlement in Yemen and called for stronger international action against the group. 

A Ukrainian drone attack set fire to the Liberian-flagged oil tanker Aframax Rio off Russia’s Black Sea coast near Sochi on October 6. Russia’s Transport Ministry said the vessel was struck by “naval drones,” causing crude oil to burn and producing thick black smoke. The tanker carried 23 crew members, all Indian nationals, who were rescued safely; reports initially differed on whether any crew member was injured. Firefighters faced difficulties controlling the intense blaze, while authorities restricted access to nearby beaches. The incident highlights growing risks to commercial shipping in the Black Sea amid escalating Russia-Ukraine attacks.