India continued its medal-winning run at the Asian Para Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on Wednesday. Ayush Verma won gold in the men’s shot put F53 event with a throw of 8.16 metres, securing India’s 10th gold medal. Para-archers Sheetal Devi and Payal Nag claimed silver in the women’s compound doubles after losing 141-150 to China in the final. India also secured medals in athletics, including a bronze for Anubhav Choudhary in the men’s 100m T35 event. Indian athletes continued competing across multiple sports as the country aimed to improve its overall medal tally. (PC: NDTV)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday dismissed criticism by UN human rights experts over India’s handling of anti-CEC protests, questioning their credibility by calling “UN experts” an “oxymoron”. More than 20 UN experts had urged an independent investigation into alleged excessive force, arbitrary detentions and restrictions on peaceful assemblies. The protests involve opposition parties and student groups demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities in electoral roll revision. Rubio described demonstrations as part of democratic discourse and said Washington would not comment on India’s internal affairs. India has rejected the criticism as interference in domestic matters. (PC: India Today)

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday questioned Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka over their alleged breach of a bond to maintain peace. Justice Subramonium Prasad noted that the leaders furnished the bond on October 10 but allegedly violated it the next day. The duo had challenged a Special Executive Magistrate’s October 19 order extending their custody by 2 days. The judge questioned whether the High Court was the appropriate forum to examine the matter. Das and Ranka later sought permission to withdraw their pleas, which the court allowed, leaving them to pursue other legal remedies.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government has approved tougher security measures that could make parents financially responsible for damage caused by their minor children. The move follows violent protests in Milan, where demonstrators looted shops, damaged property and clashed with police. Under the new decree, parents may have to pay for damage to public or private property caused by their children. The measures also introduce penalties of up to 5 years in prison and fines of up to €20,000 for violent participation in demonstrations. The government says the rules aim to strengthen public safety and hold offenders accountable. (PC: News18)

London City Airport turned part of its runway into a race track on October 17, as around 5,000 runners took part in Nike’s After Dark Tour London 10K. The sold-out nighttime event allowed participants to run on a stretch normally used by aircraft, with views of the London skyline. The race began and ended at Silverworks Island in the Royal Docks, passing through waterfront areas before reaching the runway. Airport officials said the event took place outside operating hours and did not affect flights. The evening also featured live DJs, athlete hosts and a performance by British singer Pink Pantheress.

Delhi Police have arrested 4 people for their alleged role in supplying weapons to the shooters involved in the firing incident near actor Tiger Shroff’s car in Mumbai on October 18. The accused, identified as Kunal, Sumit, Radha and Babita, were allegedly linked to a module connected to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Investigators said Radha and Babita carried a pistol concealed in a bag from Delhi to Mumbai and handed it over to the accused. The 4 were arrested in Delhi and Haryana before being handed over to Mumbai Police. Three alleged shooters were arrested separately in Rajasthan’s Kota. (PC: NDTV)

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday declined to hear Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka’s plea challenging a 2-day extension of their judicial custody. The leaders withdrew their petition after Justice Subramonium Prasad questioned whether they had approached the correct court. The judge said they should first challenge the Special Executive Magistrate’s order before the sessions court. Their custody was extended on October 19 over concerns about public peace following protests at Jantar Mantar. The case stems from CJP demonstrations demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities in electoral roll revision. (PC: HT)

Authorities have imposed Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across Delhi-NCR after air quality deteriorated to the ‘poor’ category following Dussehra celebrations.   Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) rose from 179 on October 20 to 244 by 2 pm on October 21, prompting the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to activate pollution-control measures. The rise followed effigy burning and firecrackers during the festivities, alongside seasonal weather changes that can trap pollutants.   Stage 1 measures include stricter dust control, road cleaning, action against waste burning and closer monitoring of construction activities. Authorities will review conditions to prevent further deterioration. 

US President Donald Trump opposed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s reported plan to strike Iran earlier this month, the Financial Times reported, citing 3 people familiar with the matter.   According to the report, Israel’s military had prepared strikes for the weekend of October 10 targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, government sites and civilian infrastructure, including energy plants. Trump reportedly rejected the plan to avoid reigniting the conflict with Tehran ahead of the US midterm elections on November 3.   The report highlights differences over the timing of possible military action as tensions between Washington, Israel and Iran continue. (PC: News18)

North Korea has released images of leader Kim Jong Un visiting a garment and footwear exhibition, following unverified social media claims that he had died from a brain haemorrhage.   The photographs, published in the state newspaper Rodong Sinmun, showed Kim inspecting footwear and clothing and speaking with officials. The apparent public appearance came after US-based Chinese dissident Wanjun Xie alleged that Kim had fallen into a coma and was taken to Beijing for treatment. He also claimed that Kim had died, but provided no verifiable evidence. North Korean state media's report offered a public indication of Kim's activities amid the rumours. (PC: NDTV)