Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 30 accused Opposition parties of spreading rumours about potential LPG and fertiliser shortages amid the ongoing West Asia conflict. Addressing a gathering in Bhildi, Gujarat’s Banaskantha district, he alleged that some people find happiness when India faces difficulties and use crises to damage his government’s reputation. Modi said claims that households would struggle to obtain cooking gas and farmers would lack fertilisers were intended to create panic. He reiterated his commitment to public service and highlighted the government’s efforts to protect farmers and citizens from the conflict’s economic impact. (PC: HT)

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a project worth over ₹40,000 crore to build eight Next-Generation Corvettes for the Indian Navy. The warships will be constructed by Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) and Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL). Each vessel will weigh approximately 2,000 tonnes, achieve speeds of around 30 knots and feature an indigenous stealth design. They will support anti-surface, anti-submarine and anti-air warfare, maritime surveillance and coastal defence. With over 70% indigenous content, the project will strengthen India's naval capabilities and domestic defence manufacturing. The first warship is expected by 2030. (PC: India Today)

Mumbai Police’s Crime Branch has arrested the 12th accused, identified as Aman, from Rohna village in Haryana’s Sonipat district in connection with the October 18 firing incident involving Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff. Investigators suspect Aman transferred money received from an alleged Lawrence Bishnoi gang operative to another accused, Kunal, potentially to finance the weapon used in the attack. Police are examining suspicious bank transactions and financial links to establish his role. The firing occurred outside a football club in Mumbai’s Juhu area. Tiger Shroff escaped unharmed, while his driver and a bystander sustained injuries. MCOCA provisions have been invoked against the accused.

US Army Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia has reportedly admitted to sharing classified information about the Iran war and Russia-Ukraine conflict with journalists over approximately a year. According to an internal investigation report reviewed by Axios, Sylvia disclosed sensitive details to two reporters from separate media organisations. He was dismissed by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth from his senior Pentagon planning position after allegedly failing multiple polygraph tests. The investigation reportedly found that he used encrypted messaging and private meetings to communicate with journalists. The Pentagon has referred the case to the Justice Department for possible legal action. (PC: Reuters)

The United States has reportedly deployed 10 military cargo aircraft to Israel, amid growing preparations for a possible military strike against Iran. According to Israeli broadcaster KAN, the aircraft landed at Ovda and Nevatim air bases in southern Israel, with additional US planes reportedly sent to Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The deployment comes as Washington strengthens regional air defences and replenishes military supplies. US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper has also reportedly briefed President Donald Trump on potential military options against Iran. However, Washington has not confirmed the deployments, and no final attack decision has been announced. 

Legendary British actor Sir Patrick Stewart has died at the age of 86 at his home in Los Angeles. His death was announced through a statement shared on his social media accounts, revealing that he had been battling Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia. Stewart was globally recognised for playing Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men franchise. His remarkable six-decade career also included acclaimed Shakespearean theatre performances. Knighted in 2010, he received several prestigious awards. Fellow actors, including Hugh Jackman and Ian McKellen, have paid tribute to his extraordinary legacy. (PC: BBC)

Iran has declared the Strait of Hormuz closed to vessels attempting to navigate restricted maritime zones without prior coordination, following an oil tanker fire reportedly caused by a naval mine. On October 29, the Iranian Navy said the tanker was damaged and immobilised after striking a mine in an unsafe area east of the strategic waterway. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also claimed that three other oil tankers caught fire after hitting mines along an unauthorised route. Tehran warned commercial vessels against violating its maritime restrictions, further escalating tensions with the United States. The claims remain independently unverified. (PC: Reuters)

Arab-led parties have emerged as potential kingmakers in Israel following the 2026 parliamentary election, after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing bloc secured 53 seats, falling short of the 61 required for a majority. The opposition bloc led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot won 48 seats, while Arab parties secured a combined 19 seats. Their support could help the opposition form a government and end Netanyahu's rule. However, cooperation remains politically challenging, as several opposition leaders have previously rejected alliances with Arab parties. If coalition negotiations fail, Israel could face another election early next year. (PC: NDTV)

India voted in favour of a United Nations General Assembly resolution calling for an end to the United States' longstanding economic, commercial and financial embargo on Cuba. The resolution, adopted on October 28, received 130 votes in favour, 17 against and 25 abstentions. Representing India, UN Counsellor Soumya Nair said the restrictions were harming Cuba's economy, essential services and development prospects. She highlighted shortages of over 60% of essential medicines and a decline of more than 50% in food production over five years. India urged countries to respect sovereignty and resolve international issues through diplomacy. 

Cryptocurrency exchange Binance is investigating a potential security breach after reports of suspicious transactions raised concerns about a possible major hack. The world's largest crypto exchange assured customers that their funds remain completely safe, although the extent of the incident is still unclear. Binance temporarily suspended withdrawals across multiple networks as a precaution. Cryptocurrency firms, including Tether and Circle, reportedly froze more than $2.5 billion in assets linked to the incident. Former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao also suggested that the incident appeared to be a hack. The exchange is conducting security checks and tracing suspicious transactions. (PC: X)