Rohit Arya, a self-proclaimed filmmaker who held 19 people hostage, including 17 aspiring child actors at his Mumbai studio Thursday, died from bullet injuries during a police standoff. The children, approximately 15 years old, had arrived for auditions at RA Studio in Powai's L&T building area. Before his death, Arya released a chilling video threatening to burn the studio unless allowed to "talk to certain people" and ask questions, claiming no financial demands. He stated he took hostages instead of attempting suicide, wanting "simple moral and ethical" conversations. Police swiftly rescued all hostages safely. Joint Commissioner Satyanarayan confirmed everyone's safety. Arya appeared mentally unstable, authorities said, investigating his motives behind this dramatic incident.

US Vice President JD Vance publicly expressed hope that his Indian-origin wife, Usha Vance, will eventually convert to Christianity during a Turning Point USA event at University of Mississippi Wednesday. "I hope eventually my wife comes to see it the same way," Vance told 10,000 attendees, citing his belief in Christian gospel. However, he respected her free will, stating it wouldn't cause problems if she declined. Usha, raised in a non-religious Hindu family, previously revealed their interfaith household arrangement on Meghan McCain's podcast. The couple sends their three children Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel to Catholic school, allowing each child to choose baptism. JD converted to Catholicism after their children's births, prompting discussions about raising kids in faith while Usha remains Hindu.

India continues engaging with the United States to conclude the Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed Thursday. This follows recent US trade deals with China, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asian nations during APEC and ASEAN summits. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal assured talks progress cordially but emphasized no agreement until farmers', fishermen's, and MSME sectors' interests are protected. The BTA aims boosting bilateral trade from $191 billion to $500 billion by 2030, with October-November 2025 deadline for the first tranche. Five negotiation rounds completed, despite Trump's 50% tariffs on India and 100% levy on branded pharmaceuticals. Trump praised India for reducing Russian oil purchases, calling New Delhi "very good" on the issue.

India launched Trishul, a massive 12-day tri-service military exercise along the Pakistan border Thursday, its first war games since Operation Sindoor six months ago. The exercise deploys special forces, Rafale and Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets, T-90 battle tanks, BrahMos missiles, warships, and attack helicopters across Gujarat and Rajasthan, focusing on Kutch region. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh warned Pakistan against claiming Indian territory near Sir Creek, threatening responses that would alter "history and geography." NDTV reports Trishul sends a clear message: India stands ready to defend its territory and resume Operation Sindoor if necessary. Pakistan responded by shutting most airspace sectors. The exercise involves Army Para SF commandos, Navy MARCOS, and Air Force Garud units, running until November 10.

An Indian-origin woman confronted US Vice President JD Vance at University of Mississippi over the Trump administration's restrictive immigration policies. She challenged Vance's stance on limiting legal immigrants, questioning how authorities could betray those who came "by the book" after spending their youth and wealth pursuing the American dream. "How can you tell us we don't belong here anymore?" she demanded, receiving loud applause. Vance defended stricter vetting to protect America's "social fabric," arguing against accepting millions annually despite individual contributions. The woman also questioned how Vance's interfaith marriage to a Hindu woman shaped his views. Vance cited Christian beliefs while respecting his wife's free will. The viral exchange highlights growing tensions over legal immigration policies.

A hostage crisis erupted in Mumbai's Powai area Thursday when studio employee Rohit Arya held 15-20 children captive, threatening their lives. The suspect released a disturbing video message demanding to speak with "certain people," warning the children would be harmed otherwise. Mumbai Police responded with swift action, successfully rescuing all children unharmed. Arya has been detained and is currently in police custody undergoing interrogation. Authorities are working to establish his motive while investigating potential mental health concerns that may have triggered the incident. The dramatic rescue operation concluded without casualties, though the incident has raised serious questions about security protocols and employee screening at public facilities hosting children.

Twenty children were rescued after being held hostage at an acting studio in Mumbai’s Powai on Thursday. The accused, identified as Rohit Arya, appeared mentally unstable and was carrying a gun-like weapon. Police said the children, aged around 15, had come for an audition at RA Studio. The situation caused panic in the area before police and fire brigade teams broke in and rescued the children. Arya, who demanded to speak with former Maharashtra minister Deepak Kesarkar, has been detained. All the children are safe and have been reunited with their families. Police are probing his motive. (PC: HT)

India has asked the US for more information on 26/11 Mumbai terror accused Tahawwur Rana through the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty. The NIA said new evidence was found after questioning Rana, who was extradited from the US in April this year. Investigators believe he may be linked to other terror plots across India. Rana, a close associate of David Headley, is accused of helping plan and support the 2008 Mumbai attacks that killed 166 people. He is now in Tihar Jail under judicial custody, and his voice and handwriting samples have been collected for further probe. (PC: The Indian Express)

India confirmed that the US has given a six-month exemption from sanctions on Iran’s Chabahar Port. The move applies from October 29, the Ministry of External Affairs said. The port is key for India’s trade and aid to Afghanistan. India signed a 10-year deal last year to invest $370 million in Chabahar. Talks between India and the US on a major trade deal are also continuing. The MEA said India is studying the impact of new US sanctions on Russian oil firms and will act based on its energy needs and market conditions. (PC: NDTV)

A man was arrested on Thursday after taking at least 20 children hostage at an acting studio in Mumbai’s Powai. Police said the suspect, identified as Rohit Arya, appeared mentally unstable and claimed he wanted to speak to former Maharashtra education minister Deepak Kesarkar. Arya had released a video threatening to “set everything on fire” if his demands were not met. A joint police and fire brigade team rescued all the children safely after breaking into the studio. Officers recovered a weapon-like object from the man, who is now in custody as investigations continue. (PC: HT)