Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being “scared” of US President Donald Trump. Speaking at a rally in Bihar’s Darbhanga, Gandhi said Modi must publicly deny Trump’s claim that he stopped the India-Pakistan conflict. Trump recently said he used trade pressure to push both countries towards a ceasefire after India’s Operation Sindoor in May. India has rejected any third-party role, saying the ceasefire was reached directly between Indian and Pakistani military officials. Gandhi urged Modi to clarify the truth, saying, “If Trump is lying, say it clearly in Parliament.” (PC: ANI)

A 68-year-old Indian-origin businessman, Darshan Singh Sahsi, was fatally shot on 27 October outside his home in Abbotsford, British Columbia. He had emigrated from Rajgarh village near Doraha in Punjab, India in 1991, and later became President of textile-recycling firm Canam International. The Lawrence Bishnoi gang’s associate Goldy Dhillon posted on social media that the killing followed Sahsi’s refusal to pay an alleged extortion demand and purported involvement in drug trade. Canadian investigators describe it as a targeted attack; no arrests have been announced yet. 

At least 81 people, including women and children, were killed in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza on Tuesday night, hospital officials said. The attacks came after Israel accused Hamas of breaking the ceasefire by killing an Israeli soldier in Rafah. Hamas denied the claim, saying Israel violated the truce first. Hospitals in Gaza City, Khan Younis, and Deir al-Balah reported dozens of deaths and many critically injured. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the strikes, while US President Donald Trump defended Israel’s response, saying it had the right to act. The US-brokered ceasefire now faces near-total collapse. (PC: Xinhua via IANS)

President Murmu completed a 30-minute flight in a Rafale jet at the Ambala Air Force Station, becoming the first Indian President to fly in two fighter aircraft. She was pictured standing with Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh — a woman Rafale pilot who had previously been falsely claimed by Pakistan to have been shot down and captured during Operation Sindoor — thus publicly dispelling the misinformation. Singh, who joined the IAF in 2017 and qualified on the Rafale in 2020 after flying the MiG-21 Bison, was felicitated earlier this month for earning her Qualified Flying Instructor badge. (PC: X)

Former US President Donald Trump said in South Korea that the United States and India will soon sign a long-awaited trade deal. Trump praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him “the nicest-looking guy” and said both leaders share a strong friendship. The deal has faced delays due to disputes over tariffs, Russian oil imports, and access to India’s farm markets. Reports suggest both sides have agreed to reduce tariffs and limit oil imports from Russia. Trump also repeated his claim of helping stop an India-Pakistan conflict, though India has denied his role in any ceasefire. (PC: NDTV)

Hurricane Melissa, a Category 3 storm, struck eastern Cuba near Chivirico early Wednesday, bringing fierce winds and heavy rain. The storm caused major damage across the Caribbean, killing seven people — three in Jamaica, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic. More than half a million Cubans lost power as homes, hospitals, and roads were hit by flooding and fallen trees. Authorities warned of deadly landslides and storm surges up to 12 feet. The disaster deepened Cuba’s ongoing economic crisis, marked by shortages of fuel, food, and electricity. Emergency aid efforts are now underway. (PC: The Indian Express)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi began his Bihar election campaign in Muzaffarpur with a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. He said PM Modi would “dance for votes” and accused him of ignoring real issues like unemployment and poverty. Gandhi also alleged that the BJP controls Nitish Kumar like a “remote” and warned of attempts to “steal votes” in the state. He urged people to support the Grand Alliance for an inclusive government. Gandhi promised to create jobs, boost local industries, and make Bihar a global centre of education. (PC: India Today)

Cyclone Montha weakened into a deep depression on Wednesday after making landfall in Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday evening. Heavy rains and strong winds hit several districts, killing two people and damaging large areas of farmland. A woman died in Konaseema district after a tree fell on her. The Andhra Pradesh government said crops in 38,000 hectares were destroyed and horticulture crops in 1.38 lakh hectares were damaged. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu directed officials to restore normal life quickly and visit affected areas. The IMD issued orange alerts for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. (PC: HT)

Arpita Patra, a professor at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), has climbed the highest volcanic peaks of four continents. Her latest success came on October 24, when she summited Pico de Orizaba in Mexico, the tallest volcanic peak in North America. Earlier, she scaled Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa, Mt. Elbrus in Europe, and Mt. Giluwe in Oceania. Prof. Patra began her mountaineering journey in 2024 and trained daily with a four-hour fitness routine. She said climbing Pico de Orizaba was her most difficult and fulfilling climb so far. (PC: The Hindu)

At least 33 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza on Tuesday night, the Hamas-run Civil Defence said. Israel said the strikes followed Hamas attacks that killed an Israeli soldier and violated the US-brokered ceasefire. Hamas denied any role, calling the strikes a “clear violation” of the deal. The attacks hit homes and schools in Gaza City, Bureij, and Khan Younis. US President Donald Trump said the ceasefire “remains in place” but added Israel had the right to “hit back.” Rescue teams in Gaza are still searching for missing people under the rubble. (PC: BBC)