The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for a developing cyclone over the southwest Bay of Bengal, expected to intensify and move toward the Andhra Pradesh coast by Tuesday. Coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and south Odisha are likely to face heavy to very heavy rainfall, strong winds, and rough sea conditions. The IMD has placed 13 Andhra districts under red alert, urging fishermen to stay ashore. Schools in vulnerable areas have been shut, and disaster management teams are on standby to handle possible flooding and storm damage. (PC: IMD)  

A 22-year-old law student, Abhijeet Singh Chandel, was brutally attacked in Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur after arguing over a medicine’s price. Police said the attackers split open his stomach with a cleaver and chopped off two fingers. Three men, including shop owner Amar Singh Chauhan, have been arrested, while one accused is on the run. The victim’s mother alleged the attackers are “well connected with police” and managed to file a false extortion case against her son. “Instead of arresting those behind the attack, police booked my son,” she said. The student remains in hospital after a major surgery. (PC: ANI/ Representative)

Madhya Pradesh minister Kailash Vijayvargiya sparked anger after saying the molestation of two Australian women cricketers in Indore was “a lesson for them.” The players were allegedly stalked and one molested by a man on a motorcycle. The accused, Akil Khan, has been arrested. Vijayvargiya said, “Players must keep in mind that when they leave their place, local authorities should be informed because there is a huge craze for cricketers in India.” Opposition leaders slammed his remark, calling it “disgusting” and “shameful.” The Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association said it was “deeply pained” by the disturbing incident. (PC: The Week)

The US and China have agreed on the framework of a trade deal ahead of the Trump-Xi meeting in South Korea this week, said US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The deal includes a “final agreement” on TikTok’s US operations and a delay in China’s rare earth export controls. Bessent said he does not expect the 100% tariff on Chinese goods to take effect. China will also resume large soybean purchases from the US. Beijing said both sides reached a “basic consensus” to address key concerns. The two leaders will finalise the deal during talks later this week. (PC: Reuters)

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli shone in India’s 9-wicket win over Australia in the Sydney ODI. Rohit smashed 121 not out, while Kohli scored an unbeaten 74, sharing a match-winning century stand. Former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar backed both stars for the 2027 ODI World Cup, saying, “Whether they score runs or not, with their experience, they’ll be certainties in the squad.” Rohit called the stand “a fantastic partnership after a long, long time,” adding that it helped steady the innings after Shubman Gill’s wicket. The duo’s strong form has reignited faith in their continued dominance in Indian cricket. (PC: AP)

Peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan have reached a deadlock after Islamabad accused the Taliban of taking an “illogical” stance on key security issues, reports said. The second round of talks in Istanbul came after the October 16 ceasefire that ended recent deadly clashes. Pakistan reportedly demanded stronger action against cross-border militants, but the Taliban refused to cooperate. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif warned of an “all-out war” if talks fail. Turkey is mediating to ease tensions. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said he is ready to help resolve the Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict, calling both sides “great people.” (PC: Reuters)

A 20-year-old Indian-origin woman was raped in a “racially aggravated” attack in Walsall, UK, according to a report. Police said the suspect is a white man in his 30s with short hair and dark clothing. The West Midlands Police have released CCTV footage of the attacker and launched a public appeal for information. Community groups said the victim is a Punjabi woman, sparking concern after a similar racially motivated rape of a British Sikh woman nearby last month. Officers are recovering evidence, speaking to witnesses, and increasing patrols. Police urged anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage to come forward. (PC: westmidlands.police.uk)

New claims have emerged in the Maharashtra doctor’s suicide case. The doctor’s cousin alleged that her postmortem was delayed until 6 am and done without the family present. He also said she faced pressure to make false postmortem reports and fitness certificates under police and political influence. The 29-year-old doctor had accused police officer Gopal Badane of rape and her landlord’s son Prashant Bankar of harassment in a note found on her hand. The cousin now claims there may be another suicide note. Both accused have been arrested, while BJP leader Ranjitsinh Naik Nimbalkar has been given a clean chit. (PC: PTI/Representative)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington’s growing relationship with Pakistan will not harm its historic ties with India. Speaking ahead of the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, Rubio called India a “deep, historic, and important” partner. His comments came amid reports of increased US-Pakistan engagement after President Trump’s meeting with Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir. Rubio said India’s concerns are understood, but the US is working to maintain balance in the region. He also noted India’s interest in diversifying energy sources and said the US aims to strengthen strategic and trade relations without compromising ties with any country. (PC: India Today)

Direct flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou, China, resumed on Sunday after nearly five years. IndiGo Airlines operated the first flight with 176 passengers on board an A320 neo aircraft from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. Flights were suspended in early 2020 due to COVID-19 and the eastern Ladakh border tensions. The resumption follows recent diplomatic initiatives and will strengthen business, tourism, and people-to-people ties. Airport officials held a small ceremony to mark the occasion. The daily non-stop flights are expected to boost convenience for travelers and reinforce Kolkata’s role as a major international aviation hub in eastern India. (PC: HT)