Indian squash player Anahat Singh’s impressive campaign at the 2026 Silicon Valley Open ended with a semifinal defeat against Malaysia’s Sivasangari Subramaniam in Redwood City, California. The 18-year-old Indian lost 5-11, 11-6, 11-4, 11-7 after winning the opening game. Sivasangari recovered strongly to win the next three games and secure her place in the final. Despite the loss, Anahat achieved a major milestone by reaching her maiden PSA Gold-level semifinal. Earlier, she defeated Egyptian stars Nour El Sherbini and Salma Hany, marking a significant breakthrough in her international squash career. (PC: PTI)

US President Donald Trump has threatened another round of military strikes against Iran, describing it as “another little Epic Fury” if Tehran fails to reach an agreement with Washington. Speaking at a Florida rally, Trump said the conflict could end through a deal or further military action. Iran responded with a warning against renewed attacks, reportedly considering targeting undersea communication cables in the Gulf to disrupt internet connectivity. The escalating tensions come amid ongoing conflict, diplomatic uncertainty and rising security concerns across the Middle East. (PC: NDTV)

Haryana gangster Himanshu Bhau, also known as Himanshu Ritoliya, has reportedly been arrested by the FBI in the United States. Originally from Rohtak, Haryana, he is wanted in India for multiple cases involving murder, attempted murder, extortion, criminal intimidation and forgery. An Interpol Red Notice was issued against him in August 2023. Bhau and his alleged gang have been linked to several violent incidents, including the August 2025 firing outside YouTuber Elvish Yadav’s Gurugram residence. Indian authorities are reportedly coordinating with US agencies to bring him back to India to face legal proceedings. 

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov in Baku on Friday, October 23, 2026, as India sought to reset strained bilateral ties. Jaishankar described his meeting with Aliyev as charting a “pathway” for future relations. Ties between the countries had deteriorated more than a year earlier after Azerbaijan condemned India’s Operation Sindoor against Pakistan and called for a resolution of the Kashmir issue. Following what Bayramov termed a “fruitful discussion”, he acknowledged that the countries had held different viewpoints on several issues but highlighted potential cooperation in trade, tourism and energy, signalling an effort to rebuild engagement.

The White House said Friday that US First Lady Melania Trump had helped secure a localised ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine in Oleshky, scheduled to take effect on October 29. The arrangement aims to suspend military action temporarily, enabling humanitarian aid deliveries and civilian evacuations through a designated safe passage. Melania said the city’s remaining residents, primarily elderly people, urgently need medical care, medicines, food and clean water amid attacks, mined roads and limited electricity. She said she initiated discussions with Russian and Ukrainian leaders and coordinated the agreement’s terms. Civilian representatives from both countries are expected to assess residents’ needs and organise evacuations to destinations of their choice. (PC: X)

India on Friday advised its nationals in France, Italy and Belgium to remain vigilant and exercise caution amid protests and unrest across parts of Europe, driven largely by rising living costs. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Indian diplomatic missions were closely monitoring developments and maintaining regular contact with Indian community members. Nationals were urged to avoid protest areas, exercise caution while travelling and follow local government advisories. Indian embassies in France and Italy have also issued specific advisories. The warning follows violent demonstrations in France, including clashes, looting, arson and vandalism. Authorities are preparing for further protests on Saturday, with security measures and restrictions imposed in several areas.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Friday that speed restrictions on SpaceX’s Starlink and Starshield satellite communication services remain in place, contradicting US President Donald Trump’s claim that Elon Musk had restored Ukraine’s access. Zelenskyy said the restrictions continue to disrupt Ukrainian military operations, particularly high-speed drone missions used to counter Russian attacks. “The speed limits on Starlink and Starshield are still there, and the speed has not been restored,” he said, adding that Kyiv hopes SpaceX and the US administration will lift them. Ukraine’s deputy ambassador to the US, Denys Sienik, also confirmed the situation remained unchanged, saying Ukrainian officials were awaiting the removal of restrictions.

India said deviations by Chinese forces from established patrolling patterns could disturb the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), reiterating that peace and tranquillity in border areas are essential for developing bilateral relations. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal made the statement during a media briefing on Friday, October 23. His remarks followed comments by Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Director General Shatrujeet Kapur, who said confrontations with Chinese troops continued at several locations along the Arunachal Pradesh border. New Delhi’s statement underscored its position that maintaining stability along the disputed frontier remains important to broader India-China ties, amid reports of continued encounters between border forces.

Controversial slogans, including “Free Kashmir” and “Free Sharjeel Imam”, were found spray-painted on the walls of Jamia Millia Islamia in Delhi on Friday, October 23, prompting political reactions amid ongoing student agitation. Other slogans reportedly included “Kashmir-Heart-Filistin”, “RSS Go Back” and “Down With RSS”. The identities of those responsible remain unknown, and the university has launched an investigation into the incident. Union Minister Giriraj Singh condemned the graffiti, alleging it reflected a conspiracy by “anti-national forces” seeking to destabilise the country. The incident has sparked fresh controversy on campus, with authorities investigating the graffiti while political reactions continue over the messages displayed on university walls. (PC: Times Now)

India added multiple gold medals at the Asian Para Games on Friday, with Harvinder Singh and debutant Vijay Sundi winning the men’s recurve doubles archery title by defeating China’s Yun Duo and Zhao Lixue 5-1. Nitesh Kumar beat compatriot Pramod Bhagat 21-18, 21-16 in the men’s singles SL3 badminton final, securing gold and leaving Bhagat with silver. Naveen Sivakumar also won men’s SL4 badminton gold after defeating Indonesia’s Fredy Setiawan 21-9, 21-17. Sandeep claimed gold in the men’s 400m T64, setting a record of 52.28 seconds. India’s tally reached 25 gold, 32 silver and 42 bronze medals, according to Hindustan Times. (PC: AFP)