India and China have reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining “active and in-depth dialogue” through both military and diplomatic channels to manage tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The latest meeting focused on the western sector of their disputed border and aimed to strengthen coordination to avoid misunderstandings and preserve peace in the region. Although major issues remain unresolved, the step reflects a cautious thaw and a shared interest in preventing escalation of friction. 

Peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Istanbul ended abruptly after disagreements over US drone strikes launched from Pakistani territory. The Taliban delegation accused Islamabad of enabling American drones to violate Afghan airspace, while Pakistan claimed limited control over such operations. Despite mediation efforts by Turkey and Qatar, the dialogue failed to resume. The breakdown marks a major diplomatic setback, heightening regional tensions and fears of renewed border clashes. Analysts warn the fallout could undermine counterterrorism cooperation and regional peace efforts. (PC: NDTV)

A powerful cyclonic storm, Cyclone Montha, made landfall along the eastern Indian coast between Machilipatnam and Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh late on October 28, bringing sustained winds of about 90-100 km/h with gusts up to 110 km/h. Red alerts were issued across Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, and over 50,000 people were evacuated to relief camps. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected through October 30 in coastal Andhra, Odisha and parts of Tamil Nadu, with landslide risks in hilly terrain. Authorities have activated control rooms, suspended trains and flights, and urged residents to stay indoors until the worst passes. (PC: The Hindu)  

Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Delhi’s Environment Minister, said the trial of cloud seeding was carried out even though atmospheric moisture was only around 10–15 %, well below the typical 50 % needed for effective rainfall. The trial performed by IIT Kanpur involved two aircraft sorties dispersing a total of about 7–8 kg of seeding mix, covering areas including North Karol Bagh, Mayur Vihar and Khekra. The report noted only a trace drizzle in nearby Noida and Greater Noida and a modest drop in pollution levels at some stations. Sirsa said nine to ten more such trials are planned as efforts ramp up ahead of Delhi’s winter pollution peak. (PC: PTI)

Israel carried out new airstrikes on Gaza after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the military to launch “powerful” attacks. The strikes hit Gaza City, Deir al-Balah, and Khan Younis, killing at least three people and injuring dozens, according to Hamas’s Civil Defence. Explosions were also reported near al-Shifa Hospital. Hamas denied involvement in a shooting on Israeli troops in Rafah and said it remains committed to the ceasefire. The escalation has raised fears that the fragile truce could collapse, with both sides accusing each other of breaking the agreement and delaying the return of Israeli hostages’ remains.

Cyclone Montha made landfall on Tuesday evening along the Andhra Pradesh coast near Kakinada, bringing heavy rain and strong winds of up to 110 kmph. One woman died after a tree fell on her house in Konaseema district, while a boy and an auto driver were injured. Several districts, including Kakinada, Krishna, and East Godavari, faced power cuts and falling trees. The state government suspended vehicle movement in seven districts overnight and warned farmers of crop damage. Over 3 crore alert messages were sent to residents, and rescue teams were kept ready with machinery to clear roads. (PC: NDTV)

New York City mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani is facing criticism after saying his aunt feared riding the subway in a hijab following the 9/11 attacks. Social media users accused him of fabricating the story after learning his only aunt lived in Tanzania in 2001. Mamdani later clarified he was referring to his father’s cousin, Zehra, who has since passed away. Families of 9/11 victims called his remarks “insensitive” and “offensive.” US Vice President JD Vance also criticised him for “downplaying the tragedy.” Mamdani said his words aimed to highlight the fear and Islamophobia faced by Muslim New Yorkers after 9/11. (PC: India Today)

Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest storms ever to hit the Caribbean, made landfall in southern Jamaica on Tuesday. The Category 5 storm brought winds up to 300 kmph, heavy rain, and massive flooding. Prime Minister Andrew Holness warned of “catastrophic damage” and urged residents to stay indoors. Power outages and communication failures have hit large parts of the island, and more than 800 shelters have been opened. At least three people have died in Jamaica, and four others were killed in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Rescue operations will begin once conditions improve. (PC: BBC)

An Indian man, Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli, was arrested in the US after allegedly stabbing two teenagers with a metal fork on a Lufthansa flight from Chicago to Germany. Court documents say he attacked a 17-year-old passenger in the shoulder and then stabbed another in the back of the head. He also slapped a female passenger and tried to hit a crew member. The flight was diverted to Boston, where he was taken into custody. Usiripalli, who entered the US on a student visa, now faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of assault. (PC: X)

The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the 8th Pay Commission. The panel will revise the salaries of nearly 50 lakh central government employees and 69 lakh pensioners. Former Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai will head the commission, with Professor Pulak Ghosh as member and Pankaj Jain as member-secretary. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the commission will submit its report within 18 months. The revised pay is expected to take effect from January 1, 2026. The 8th Pay Commission follows the 7th Pay Commission implemented in 2016. (PC: HT)