Iran and Qatar held their third day of talks in Doha on Sunday to discuss ending the ongoing war involving the US and Israel. The discussions include a proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours of a possible agreement with Washington. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said talks were progressing but no final decision had been reached. Qatar is helping coordinate discussions with the US. Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has ordered the armed forces to remain prepared for possible attacks. US President Donald Trump has said he prefers a diplomatic solution.  

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has made two pilots mandatory for all Char Dham helicopter charter flights from November 2. The move follows a recent helicopter crash in Uttarakhand. The new rules also require pilots to seek clearance before every flight and submit reports after landing. However, helicopter operators have opposed the decision. They say the rule will increase costs and create staffing problems. The operators have warned that they will suspend charter services from November 2 if the order is not reviewed. They have urged authorities to discuss a practical solution.  

More than 5,000 people have died in the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). Government data shows that over 10,300 cases have been confirmed across eight provinces. The outbreak began in May and became the country's deadliest in August. The Ituri province remains the main centre of the outbreak. Cases have also been reported in Kenya, Nigeria and Uganda. The current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain, which has no approved vaccine or treatment. Health workers are conducting tests and clinical trials to control the spread of the deadly virus.  

Cyclone Murasu has intensified over the Bay of Bengal and is expected to hit the Andhra Pradesh coast by November 3. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the storm was around 420 km from Chennai on Sunday. It is likely to cross the coast between Nellore and Narsapur, near Ongole. Wind speeds may reach 110 kmph, with gusts of up to 120 kmph. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected across several districts. Authorities in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Odisha have issued alerts and started emergency preparations ahead of the storm.  

#   Heavy traffic jams were reported at Delhi's borders on Sunday as new anti-pollution rules came into effect. Long queues formed at the Delhi-Gurugram and Delhi-Noida entry points as officials checked vehicles. The restrictions aim to control rising pollution during winter. Delhi recorded an AQI of 261, its highest reading in 198 days. Jahangirpuri reported the worst AQI at 378. The new measures include restrictions on older vehicles, a ban on outdoor construction work, higher parking charges and work-from-home rules for 50% of office staff. The measures will remain in place until February 28.  

US President Donald Trump is preparing to introduce more tariffs, even as Democrats seek control of Congress in the November 3 midterm elections. If Democrats gain power, they plan to challenge his trade policies through investigations, hearings and votes to roll back tariffs. However, they may struggle to pass new laws as Trump can veto them. Democrats also want to remove tariffs on Canadian goods and review existing trade laws. Despite the possible political shift, trade experts believe Trump is unlikely to change course. His administration is also considering new tariffs on goods from 16 major trading partners.  

The All Ladakh Hotels and Bars Association has accused climate activist Sonam Wangchuk of double standards over his campaign for a liquor-free Ladakh. The association claims that an apple wine brand called 'Uley', linked to Wangchuk's family, is being sold without proper licences. The allegation was raised at a press conference in Leh. The traders questioned why local wine sales should be treated differently from licensed liquor businesses. They also said hotel and bar operators contribute around ₹112-115 crore in taxes. The association has urged the administration to investigate the alleged unlicensed business.  

The Omar Abdullah-led government in Jammu and Kashmir is facing an internal crisis. Around 25 National Conference (NC) MLAs have reportedly issued a 14-day ultimatum to the party leadership. They have threatened to withdraw their support if their demands are not met. The legislators want all ministers removed and a new council formed through a fair selection process. They have also demanded stronger action for the restoration of Article 370 and Article 35A. The crisis has deepened as Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has announced plans to resign from the party and Lok Sabha seat on November 3.  

At least eight Palestinians, including a four-year-old child, were killed in Israeli strikes in Gaza, according to hospital officials. Three people died in a missile attack near Cairo School in Gaza City. Another five were killed in a drone strike targeting police officers in Khan Younis, the Hamas-run interior ministry said. The Israeli military confirmed carrying out two attacks, saying it targeted military operatives. The strikes come despite a ceasefire that began in October 2025. According to Gaza's health ministry, 1,580 people have been killed since the ceasefire came into force.  

India recorded its highest-ever UPI transactions in October, driven by festive shopping and online sales. According to the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), transactions reached 25.47 billion, up 23% from the same month last year. The total value also hit a record ₹31.53 lakh crore, marking a 16% annual rise. Average daily transactions increased to 822 million from 802 million in September. Payments peaked at 873 million on October 9. Experts expect UPI use to remain strong in November as Dhanteras and Diwali are likely to boost spending further.