The Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party is facing fresh allegations from the Bharatiya Janata Party that he has been allotted a “7-star luxury bungalow” spanning two acres in Chandigarh’s Sector 2 by the Bhagwant Mann government in Punjab. According to the BJP, the allotment was done under the Chief Minister’s quota and is part of a lavish lifestyle inconsistent with Kejriwal’s earlier image. AAP dismissed the allegations as “baseless” and demanded proof of allotment. (PC: India Today)

In a dramatic incident in Mumbai, filmmaker Rohit Arya held 19 people — including 17 children — hostage in his Powai studio, demanding ₹2.4 crore from the Maharashtra government for his sanitation-project work. He contacted actor Ruchita Vijay Jadhav days earlier under the guise of discussing a film, according to her Instagram post. Police ended the crisis by fatally shooting Arya when he aimed a gun at a child; the hostages were safely freed. The government later clarified it owed him nothing and alleged he had collected fees from schools in the sanitation drive. (PC: NDTV)  

Former Indian cricket captain and Congress leader Mohammad Azharuddin was sworn in as a minister in the Telangana cabinet under Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on 31 October 2025, bringing the total number of ministers to 16. His induction is viewed as a strategic move by the Congress to strengthen its appeal among minorities and urban voters in Hyderabad, particularly before the upcoming Jubilee Hills by-poll. The BJP has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission, questioning the timing of his appointment and alleging that it violates the model code of conduct. (PC: The Hindu)

India and the United States have signed a historic 10-year defence cooperation framework, strengthening their strategic and military partnership. The agreement, finalized during Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s meeting with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in Kuala Lumpur, emphasizes joint defence production, intelligence sharing, and advanced technology collaboration. Both sides hailed the pact as a milestone, underscoring that bilateral defence ties “have never been stronger.” The framework aims to enhance regional stability, counter emerging security threats, and reinforce the two nations’ shared commitment to peace and deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region.    

Cricket star Virat Kohli congratulated the Indian women’s team after their epic victory over Australia in the 2025 Women’s World Cup semi-final. India chased down a daunting 339 runs—the highest successful chase in women’s ODI history—with an unbeaten 127 by Jemimah Rodrigues. Kohli described the win as a “true display of resilience, belief and passion”, praising the side and Rodrigues for their standout performance. He applauded the “great chase by the girls” against a mighty opponent. (PC: India Today)  

At a public event, Vice-President J.D. Vance expressed his hope that his wife Usha—who grew up Hindu—might eventually adopt Christianity, while emphasising her free will in the matter. He noted that their children are being raised in the Christian faith and attend a Christian school. Usha, however, maintains her Hindu identity and cultural roots, and observers say Vance’s remarks have sparked debate about religious tolerance, interfaith marriages and cultural sensitivity in public discourse.   

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on October 31 unveiled its joint manifesto, Sankalp Patra, ahead of the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025. The manifesto focuses on employment generation, economic growth, and infrastructure development. Key promises include creating over one crore government and private-sector jobs, establishing a defence corridor, developing a world-class medical city, and setting up mega-skill centres to boost youth employment. The NDA also pledged improved connectivity, agricultural reforms, and women’s empowerment initiatives. The alliance aims to project stability and growth, highlighting “Viksit Bihar” as its core campaign vision.  

Australian captain Alyssa Healy has hinted that the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup might be her final appearance in the format after Australia’s shocking semi-final loss to India. Reflecting on the defeat, Healy admitted that the team “didn’t do themselves justice” and credited India for their composed chase led by Jemimah Rodrigues. Despite a strong campaign, Healy expressed disappointment over missed chances in crucial moments. The veteran wicketkeeper-batter, who has been a cornerstone of Australian cricket, said she will reassess her future but likely won’t feature in the next ODI World Cup. (PC: AP)    

In a tense standoff in Mumbai’s Powai area, police rescued 17 children and several adults who were held hostage inside a recording studio by aspiring filmmaker Rohit Arya. The accused had reportedly called the children for fake web series auditions over the past few days and later locked them inside. During the standoff, Arya released a video claiming he sought “moral answers,” not money, and threatened violence if interrupted. After two hours of negotiation, Mumbai Police safely rescued all hostages and arrested Arya. Investigations are underway to determine his motive and mental state. (PC: X)  

Moments after guiding India to a historic World Cup final with her unbeaten 127 against Australia, Jemimah Rodrigues couldn’t hold back tears during an emotional exchange with her father. The heartwarming scene, captured on camera, showed Jemimah folding her hands in gratitude before embracing her father in the stands. The emotional moment followed her record-breaking innings that powered India’s chase of 338 runs. Fans and teammates praised her humility and strength, calling the interaction a reflection of the sacrifices and family support behind her success. (PC: X)