India has moved up to ninth place globally in forest area, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation’s 2025 Global Forest Resources Assessment. The country also ranks third in annual forest growth, with a gain of 1.91 lakh hectares per year. India’s total forest area now stands at 72.7 million hectares, about 2% of the world’s forests. Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav credited the rise to government initiatives like the “Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam” campaign and community participation. The FAO report shows that Asia is the only region with overall forest growth, led by China and India. (PC: X)

Cyclone Montha intensifies toward Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, prompting highest alert levels and mass evacuations. Kakinada Port received Great Danger Signal No. 10, the maximum cyclone warning as landfall approaches Tuesday. Waves between 2-4.7 meters threaten the Nellore-Srikakulam coastline, with extremely heavy rainfall forecast October 27-29. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan reviewed preparations from RTGS command center. In Odisha, CM Mohan Charan Majhi confirmed 11,396 people evacuated to 2,000+ disaster relief centers across eight southern districts, targeting "zero casualties." Schools and anganwadis closed until October 30 in nine districts, with 153 rescue teams including NDRF and ODRAF deployed. Tourist access restricted statewide.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) signed an MoU with Russia's PJSC-UAC in Moscow on October 27 to manufacture the SJ-100 civil commuter aircraft in India marking the first complete passenger aircraft production since the AVRO HS-748 project (1961-1988). The twin-engine, narrow-body SJ-100, currently operated by 16 commercial airlines with over 200 units produced, will support India's UDAN scheme for short-haul connectivity. HAL holds manufacturing rights for domestic customers, addressing India's projected need for 200+ regional jets over the next decade, plus 350 aircraft for Indian Ocean and international tourist routes. The collaboration promises local manufacturing growth, private industry participation, and employment generation across aviation sectors.

A cloud-seeding trial was carried out over parts of Delhi on Tuesday to help clear the city’s toxic air. The aircraft, which flew from Kanpur, has returned after completing the first test. Officials said rain is not expected before 5 pm as cloud moisture is below 20 percent, making rainfall unlikely. A second attempt may be made if weather permits. The Delhi government and IIT Kanpur have planned five trials between October and November at a cost of ₹3.21 crore. The project aims to reduce pollution levels after Delhi recorded its worst post-Diwali air in five years. (PC: NDTV)

A US Air Force crew, known as “Hurricane Hunters,” flew into the eye of Category 5 Hurricane Melissa to collect data. Their stunning video showed the rare “stadium effect,” where clouds curve outward, creating a calm eye. Melissa is set to make landfall in Jamaica as the strongest storm since records began in 1851. At least six people have died across Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica. Winds of over 250 km/h and a 13-foot storm surge threaten Kingston. Power outages and landslides are reported. The storm will move toward Cuba and the Bahamas later tonight.

Prince Andrew hosted Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell and Harvey Weinstein at Royal Lodge in Windsor during his daughter Beatrice’s 18th birthday in 2006. The event took place two months after Epstein was wanted in the US for sex crimes. A photo verified by the BBC shows the trio in fancy dress at the royal home. The visit raises new questions about Andrew’s ties to Epstein and how he funds his lifestyle. The prince has denied any wrongdoing and said he was unaware of Epstein’s legal troubles at the time. Buckingham Palace has not commented on the matter. (PC: BBC)

Cyclone Montha has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm and is expected to make landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast by tonight. Heavy rain and strong winds are lashing parts of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu. Over 22 NDRF teams and 5,000 rescue workers have been deployed for relief operations. Several flights and trains have been cancelled, and thousands of residents have been evacuated from coastal and low-lying areas. Flood alerts have been issued along Tamil Nadu’s Palar River. Officials have advised people to stay indoors and avoid coastal zones as the storm nears landfall. (PC: HT)

Canadian police have launched a manhunt for 27-year-old Manpreet Singh, accused of killing Indian-origin woman Amanpreet Saini. Saini’s body was found with serious injuries in a park in Lincoln, Ontario, on October 21. Police said Singh, a resident of Brampton, fled the country soon after the murder. Authorities believe it was a targeted attack, with no threat to the public. Singh’s family is from Punjab, and he is suspected to have escaped to India. Canadian officials have reached out to Indian authorities for help in locating him. Saini, originally from Punjab’s Sangrur district, had been living in Toronto. (PC: NDTV)

A 6.1-magnitude earthquake hit western Turkey late Monday, causing several damaged buildings to collapse in the town of Sindirgi, Balikesir province. Officials said at least 22 people were injured, mostly from falls and panic. No deaths have been reported so far. The quake struck at 10:48 p.m. local time at a depth of six kilometers and was felt across Istanbul, Bursa, and Izmir. Authorities opened mosques, schools, and sports halls to shelter residents afraid to return home. The area had also been hit by a similar quake in August. Turkey lies on major fault lines, making quakes frequent. (PC: HT)

India captain Suryakumar Yadav has confirmed that Shreyas Iyer is stable and out of danger after his injury in Sydney. Iyer was moved out of the ICU and shifted to a private room. He suffered a spleen injury after landing hard while taking a catch during the ODI against Australia. Yadav said Iyer is now replying to messages and under medical observation. Doctors have advised rest for several weeks. BCCI officials said Iyer’s recovery is going well, though he will remain under supervision. He is expected to miss upcoming matches while focusing on full recovery. (PC: India Today)