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. 

Lionel Messi brought his extraordinary international career to an emotional close as Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 in a friendly at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium. Playing before more than 85,000 supporters, the 39-year-old captain delivered a fitting farewell, scoring from the penalty spot and providing two assists. Nicolás Otamendi and Nico Paz also scored for Argentina. Messi finished his Argentina career with a record 208 appearances and 126 international goals. His journey included Copa América titles and the 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph. Fans, teammates and former champions gathered to celebrate his remarkable 21-year contribution to Argentine football. (PC: AFP)

Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were detained by Delhi Police on Tuesday evening after a sit-in of over eight hours at Akashvani Bhawan, according to Congress sources. Police had earlier said the sit-in would not be allowed overnight and asked protesters to disperse. The Opposition is demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. "We want to meet the CEC," Priyanka said. Congress leader Pawan Khera said all protesters were taken to an undisclosed location, and that the party would hold more protests. (PC: X)

The Election Commission said on Tuesday that no political party had formally sought an appointment before 4 pm, as the INDIA bloc protested in Delhi over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls. The ECI said Delhi Police later conveyed that around 240 MPs wanted to meet it at the Parliament House Annexe, which it called unusual and declined, citing protocol. It said it offered to send its senior-most officer to receive a memorandum, but the MPs declined. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were detained after a nearly nine-hour sit-in. PTI reported about 250 others, including MPs, were also detained. The ECI rejects the opposition's allegations. (PC: HT)

Police used tear gas in Paris and Marseille and water cannon in Rennes on Tuesday as school protests in France grew into a nationwide movement. The government said over 250,000 people marched and 891 high schools were disrupted; student unions claimed 450,000 and 1,800 blockades. Students are demanding more school funding, citing overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages and crumbling buildings. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said 215 students, 85 staff and 715 police officers have been injured since the protests began. Police have stopped or arrested 6,547 people since September 28, and the CGT union has called for more protests on Thursday. (PC: BBC)

Israeli singer Ben Raivitz has performed the Hanuman Chalisa and offered prayers for the speedy recovery of Captain Smit Machchhar, the Flydubai pilot praised for his actions during a recent cockpit emergency. A 38-second video of the tribute, published on October 6, has drawn attention on social media, with many viewers pointing to its message of solidarity across cultures. People from across India and abroad continue to send wishes and prayers for the pilot's recovery. The report did not give details about the emergency or about Captain Machchhar's current condition. (PC: X)

Light-controlled brain cells are in the spotlight after the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine went to Karl Deisseroth of Stanford, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel for optogenetics. The technique began with light-sensitive proteins in a tiny alga and lets researchers switch specific neurons on or off with light. Deisseroth's lab published the seminal paper in 2005. Now an Indian scientist is using the tool to study pain. Dr Arnab Barik of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru works in mice to map the brain circuits behind pain, itch and stress, and to study what happens when those sensations fade. (PC:  X)

The World Bank on Tuesday raised India's GDP growth forecast for FY27 to 7.1 per cent, up from 6.6 per cent projected in April. In its India Development Update, the bank said strong domestic demand and better-than-expected exports supported the upgrade, despite trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainty. India's economy grew 7.8 per cent in FY26 and 7.8 per cent in the first quarter of FY27. The bank warned of risks from oil prices, El Nino and stock market corrections. It expects growth of 7.2 per cent in FY28 and 7 per cent in FY29, assuming energy supply chains normalise by early 2027. (PC: X)

An earthquake of magnitude 4.9 struck Uttarakhand's Chamoli district around 10:20 pm on Tuesday, and tremors were felt in Delhi and nearby areas. The National Center for Seismology confirmed the quake at about 10:40 pm. Until then, many residents took to social media to ask whether others had felt the shaking. One user in South Delhi's Safdarjung said their couch moved during the tremor. No immediate reports of damage or injury were available. Earlier on Tuesday, a 4.5-magnitude earthquake hit Assam's Nagaon district at 4:23 am IST, at a depth of 33 km, according to the seismology centre.

India captain Shreyas Iyer hit his maiden T20I century on Tuesday, powering the hosts to an eight-wicket win over the West Indies in the series opener in Lucknow. Iyer scored an unbeaten 102 off 43 balls, including 10 fours and 6 sixes, and became the first Indian skipper to score a T20I hundred in a run chase. Chasing 172, India won with 32 balls to spare. Debutant Naman Dhir took three wickets earlier as the Windies were bowled out for 171. Ishan Kishan made 37 not out. "Dreams do come true," said Iyer, as India took a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. (PC: HT)