A Delhi court has extended the judicial custody of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka until October 21, citing their alleged deliberate breach of peace bonds. The two leaders were sent to five-day judicial custody on October 14 after allegedly violating their undertakings and trespassing into Jantar Mantar, which has been denotified as a protest site. The court expressed concern over repeated protest calls at restricted locations and rejected assurances against repeating the alleged offences. It also rejected their fresh sureties over discrepancies in identity documents and insufficient details. Both leaders must submit written arguments and provide fresh sureties before the next hearing on October 21. (PC: News18)

India has rejected references to Jammu and Kashmir in resolutions adopted at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers’ meeting in Baghdad on October 17–18, accusing Pakistan of using the bloc to promote an anti-India agenda. The Ministry of External Affairs described the references as “malicious, biased, and false” and said the OIC had no authority to comment on India’s internal matters. New Delhi reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of India, citing post-2019 economic and infrastructure improvements. India also accused Pakistan of human rights violations in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, minority persecution and sectarian violence, questioning the OIC’s credibility and calling for reforms.

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has warned that the government could declare a state of emergency if necessary to contain violent protests and looting affecting several parts of France. According to France 24, Lecornu made the remarks on Monday after a crisis meeting, pledging to restore public order while keeping emergency measures under consideration. He indicated that localised curfews would currently be a more appropriate response to the unrest. “I am absolutely determined to restore order. If needed, I will impose a state of emergency,” he said, adding that curfews appeared better suited to the situation France might face. The headline also reports that 2,500 people have been held amid the protests. (PC: X)

At least four people have been killed in two separate incidents of violence in Manipur since the previous night, triggering protests and disrupting normal activities in Imphal. A 24-year-old man died from bullet injuries after stone-pelting and gunfire reportedly erupted during a musical event in a Meitei- and Pangal-inhabited locality. Separately, suspected tribal militants allegedly shot dead three villagers collecting firewood near Khamenlok, Imphal East, and injured three others. Protesters carried victims’ bodies to Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh’s high-security residence, prompting security forces to use tear gas and a lathi-charge. Local MLA Thokchom Lokeshor Singh demanded immediate intervention and removal of the nearby Sinai Suspension of Operations camp.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking to strengthen Israel’s security partnerships with India and Latin American nations amid concerns that a future US administration could become more hostile towards Jerusalem. Although Donald Trump’s presidency runs until at least 2029, Netanyahu has warned that a successor could reduce military assistance to Israel or support international sanctions and an arms embargo. He argued that Israel should cultivate alternative alliances to counter potential shifts in Washington’s policy. The move reflects Israeli concerns about long-term reliance on American support and the possibility that future US leadership could adopt a tougher approach towards Israel, prompting Jerusalem to diversify its strategic partnerships. (PC: X)

Violent protests across France have left historic buildings and businesses damaged, with fires destroying much of Limoges town hall and engulfing Lyon’s tourist office. In Paris, protesters set vehicles and kiosks alight, smashed shopfronts and looted stores. In Marseille, demonstrators broke into the city hall and damaged a bust of Marianne, a symbol of the French Republic. The protests began over rising fuel prices, living costs and declining public services, although most demonstrators were peaceful. Authorities have acknowledged difficulties controlling the unrest. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has authorised local mayors to introduce partial curfews to protect residents and businesses. (PC: BBC)

Eight Indian-American candidates are contesting key races ahead of the US midterm elections on November 3, 2026. The candidates are seeking positions in Congress, state legislatures, governorships and local offices across the country. Prominent names include Republican Vivek Ramaswamy, who is running for Ohio governor, and Democratic lawmakers Ro Khanna and Pramila Jayapal, who are seeking re-election to the House of Representatives. Other candidates include Amish Shah in Arizona, Pia Dandiya in Florida and Saritha Komatireddy in New York. The elections will determine control of Congress and serve as a major political test for President Donald Trump. (PC: X)

A Catholic priest in Ecuador died after a large crucifix fell on him during a livestreamed Mass, moments after he spoke about death and the value of life. Father Patricio Alfredo Sanchez Molinari was conducting the service at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Guayaquil on Saturday. The crucifix mounted behind the altar suddenly detached from the wall and struck him on the head. Worshippers rushed to help and called an ambulance, but he was declared dead that day. The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his death. The cause of the crucifix falling remains unclear. (PC: India Today)

Mumbai Police arrested 3 men accused of firing at Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff’s car within 24 hours of the attack. The incident took place around 7 pm on Sunday as Shroff was leaving a football club in Mumbai. The attackers fled on a motorcycle, later abandoned near Andheri West railway station. Investigators formed around 20 special teams and tracked the suspects using technical inputs. After learning they were travelling by train towards Rajasthan, Mumbai Crime Branch alerted Rajasthan Police. Kota Police detained the 3 men aboard the Pune-Jaipur Superfast Express on Monday. Police said they planned to escape to Nepal. (PC: NDTV)

A stampede at the Chorbagan Sarbojanin Durga Puja pandal in north Kolkata killed 19 people and injured 35 on October 17. The tragedy occurred during heavy rain as a large crowd gathered at the venue. Reports point to overcrowding, limited entry and exit routes, inadequate crowd management and an announcement warning of a possible pandal collapse as factors behind the panic. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari ordered an investigation into the incident, including the role of organisers and security personnel. Seven people have been arrested, while questions remain over safety arrangements and emergency response.   (PC: India Today)