A senior Pakistani official responded to President Trump's claims that Pakistan has conducted nuclear tests, stating the country "will not be the first to resume nuclear tests." Trump, in a CBS News 60 Minutes interview, alleged that Pakistan, Russia, and China have been testing nuclear weapons, defending his announcement that the United States would conduct its own tests. China has denied these allegations. North Korea remains the only nation confirmed to have conducted nuclear detonations since the 1990s, with China's last test in 1996 and Pakistan's in 1998. Pakistan maintains a unilateral moratorium on nuclear testing despite not being a CTBT signatory. Trump's STRATCOM nominee contradicted his claims, stating neither China nor Russia conducts nuclear explosive tests.

Amol Muzumdar coached India's women's cricket team to their maiden World Cup title in 2025, ending a 47-year drought. Despite never playing for India, Muzumdar is a domestic cricket legend who scored over 11,167 runs in 171 first-class matches with an average of 48.13, including 30 centuries. He made history by scoring 260 on his Ranji Trophy debut for Mumbai in 1993/94. Despite captaining Mumbai to Ranji Trophy, West Zone to Duleep Trophy, and Mumbai to Vijay Hazare Trophy victories in 2006, he never received an India call-up. Muzumdar realized that year he wouldn't be selected regardless of performance. He previously coached Netherlands and Rajasthan Royals before joining India women's team in 2023.

A 36-year-old Indian national, Adarsh Behera from Odisha's Jagatsinghpur district, has been kidnapped by Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Al Fashir, located 1,000 kilometers from Khartoum. Behera, who moved to Sudan three years ago to work at Sukarati Plastic Factory, was abducted from the city recently captured by RSF after an 18-month siege. He is married with two sons aged eight and three. Sudan's ambassador to India, Mohammed Abdalla Ali Eltom, has pledged cooperation to secure his safe return, though described the situation as "unpredictable." The RSF, notorious for atrocities, has allegedly taken him to their stronghold in Nyala. Sudan's civil war has killed 150,000 and displaced 12 million people.

After leading India to its first-ever Women’s World Cup title, captain Harmanpreet Kaur shared a heartfelt post on social media. She posed with the trophy wearing a T-shirt that read, “Cricket is a gentleman’s [struck off] everyone’s game.” Harmanpreet wrote, “Some dreams are shared by a billion people. That’s why cricket is everyone’s game.” India defeated South Africa by 52 runs in the final at Navi Mumbai. The team celebrated the historic victory with a lap of honour as former stars Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami joined in the emotional celebrations. (PC: Instagram)

US authorities confirmed that Indian-origin driver Jashanpreet Singh was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs during a fatal crash in California that killed three people. The 21-year-old from Yuba City now faces charges of grossly negligent homicide and reckless driving. Eyewitnesses said Singh’s truck sped into stopped vehicles, causing a deadly multi-car collision. He remains in custody without bail. Officials said Singh entered the US illegally in 2022. This is the second such case involving an Indian-origin truck driver in recent months, raising concern over reckless driving incidents across the United States. (PC: India Today)

India has sent relief material and medicines to Afghanistan after a powerful earthquake hit the northern provinces of Balkh, Samangan, and Baghlan. External affairs minister S Jaishankar spoke to Afghan foreign minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi to offer condolences and support. He said more consignments of medicines will reach soon. The quake killed at least 20 people and injured over 640. The Taliban government thanked India for donating over 16 tonnes of medicines and diagnostic kits to help fight diseases like malaria and dengue. India said it will continue its humanitarian support to the Afghan people. (PC: X)

Before the Women’s World Cup final, India coach Amol Muzumdar delivered a powerful “Kabir Khan-like” message to his team. He urged the players to block out outside noise and “write their own story” in the next seven hours. His words, similar to Shah Rukh Khan’s famous speech in Chak De India, motivated the team to stay focused. India went on to beat South Africa by 52 runs, lifting their maiden World Cup title. Muzumdar praised the players’ hard work, calling the win a “watershed moment” for Indian cricket and said the team truly made every Indian proud. (PC: NDTV)

New York City’s mayoral race is in its final stage, with voting set for November 4. A RealClearPolitics poll average shows Democrat Zohran Mamdani leading by 14.7 points over independent Andrew Cuomo. Republican Curtis Sliwa trails far behind. Mamdani, backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, has gained support for his plans on free childcare, rent freeze, and public transport. More than 734,000 people voted early, four times the 2021 figure. Current mayor Eric Adams is not running after earlier controversies. The winner will lead the country’s largest city for the next four years.

BJP West Bengal delivered a viral jab at Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's congratulatory post for India's Women's World Cup victory. After Banerjee praised the team on X, writing "the entire nation is incredibly proud," BJP retweeted with "OMG they were playing till 12! But you had told them to be home by 8!" referencing her controversial advice urging women not to venture out late following assault incidents. The comment quickly went viral with memes and witty reactions. Banerjee's earlier statement came after an Odisha student's gang rape in Paschim Bardhaman district, when she advised female boarders to follow hostel rules. The final ended at 12:30 a.m., with India defeating South Africa by 52 runs.(PC: BCCI & CNBC TV18)

A devastating avalanche on Nepal's Mount Yalung Ri killed five foreign climbers and two Nepali guides Monday, with five others injured at the base camp situated at 4,900 meters altitude. Deteriorating weather conditions and snowstorms prevented rescue helicopters from reaching the site, forcing ground teams to proceed on foot. Four injured climbers were evacuated to nearby villages as search operations continue. Mount Yalung Ri, standing at 5,600 meters, is considered ideal for beginner climbers. The tragedy occurred during autumn climbing season when hundreds visit Nepal's smaller peaks between monsoon rains and winter onset. Authorities haven't confirmed victims' nationalities. Nepal, home to eight of the world's 14 highest peaks, faces ongoing concerns about climber safety. (PC: X)