A Swedish court rejected the deportation of Eritrean refugee Yazied Mohamed, 18, convicted of raping a 16-year-old girl, ruling the act "did not last long enough" to qualify as an "exceptionally serious crime." The September 2024 incident occurred when Mohamed grabbed the victim's phone, dragged her into a Skellefteå tunnel, and sexually assaulted her while she walked home from McDonald's. Initially acquitted for "lack of evidence," Mohamed received three years imprisonment and ordered to pay 240,000 kronor (£17,500) damages. The Alto Norrland Court of Appeals stated that while rape often justifies refugee deportation, each case requires individual evaluation based on nature and duration. Swedish law permits deportation only for exceptionally serious crimes threatening public safety.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli delivered a memorable farewell in Sydney, with the SCG packed despite the dead rubber. Rohit scored an unbeaten 121 marking his 33rd ODI century while Kohli remained 74 not out as their 168-run partnership secured India's victory. The crowd, dominated by Indian supporters, gave standing ovations with "Here for Ro-Ko" banners everywhere. Kohli faced retirement speculation after consecutive ducks in Perth and Adelaide, making his first run in seven months significant. Rohit, who shed 11 kilograms for his comeback, finished with an ODI average of 90.80 in Sydney. Both legends, who endured disappointing Test farewells earlier, left Australian soil with the send-off they deserved.

Former CIA officer John Kiriakou, who led counter-terrorism operations in Pakistan for 15 years, advised Islamabad that it would gain nothing from war with India, warning Pakistan would lose any conventional conflict. Recalling the 2001 Parliament attacks, Kiriakou stated the CIA believed the nuclear-armed nations would go to war. He emphasized no benefit exists in constantly provoking India. In a shocking revelation, Kiriakou disclosed that during his 2002 Pakistan deployment, he learned unofficially that the Pentagon controlled Pakistan's nuclear arsenal. He doubts this information was shared with India due to Pakistan's public stance on controlling its own nuclear weapons. The State Department reportedly urged both nations to avoid nuclear escalation.

Cyclone Montha is developing over the Bay of Bengal and expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm before making landfall near Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, on the evening or night of October 28. The India Meteorological Department reports the depression will strengthen progressively becoming a deep depression by October 26, a cyclonic storm by October 27 morning, and a severe cyclonic storm by October 28 morning. The system will cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam with wind speeds of 90-100 kmph, gusting to 110 kmph. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected across Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal. Simultaneously, another depression over the Eastcentral Arabian Sea may bring heavy rain to Goa, Konkan, Gujarat, and Kerala. (PC: X) 

Two Australian women cricketers were molested in Indore on Thursday while walking to a cafe from their hotel. The accused, Aqeel Khan, followed them on a bike, touched one player inappropriately, and fled. Police arrested him soon after, tracing his motorcycle number. Opposition leaders slammed the Madhya Pradesh government for failing to protect women. Congress chief Jitu Patwari said, “Such filth cannot be ignored at any cost in the country’s cleanest city.” The BJP said strict action would be taken and new laws introduced to ensure women’s and foreign nationals’ safety. (PC: India Today)

An Air India flight from Nagpur to Delhi returned shortly after take-off on October 24 following a bird-hit. The crew decided to return to Nagpur as a safety measure. The aircraft landed safely and was grounded for maintenance checks, leading to the flight’s cancellation. All passengers were safe and were given meals and assistance at the airport, the airline said. Air India explained that the inspection required extra time for repairs. The airline also announced that from October 26, 60 of its 180 daily domestic flights will shift to Delhi Airport’s Terminal 2 due to expansion work at Terminal 3. (PC: NDTV)

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli produced a batting masterclass in Sydney, leading India to a 9-wicket win over Australia. Rohit scored an unbeaten 121, while Kohli made 74 not out, sharing a 164-run partnership to chase 237 with 11.3 overs left. Their superb show also signaled intent to play in the 2027 World Cup. Earlier, fast bowler Harshit Rana took four wickets as Australia were bowled out for 236. The Sydney crowd gave an emotional farewell to the two legends, chanting “Thank you, Rohit” and “Thank you, Virat.” The win helped India avoid a 3-0 series whitewash. (PC: BCCI)

Children in Gaza are dying while waiting for medical evacuation. Three-year-old Zain Tafesh died from leukemia, and eight-year-old Saadi Abu Taha died from cancer. Hospitals are struggling after two years of war, with doctors unable to give proper treatment. The World Health Organization says 15,000 patients need urgent help. Israel has kept Gaza’s Rafah crossing closed until Hamas meets ceasefire terms. WHO and EU countries have urged Israel to allow patients to travel for treatment, especially to hospitals in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. Doctors warn that without faster action, more children will die. (PC: BBC)

Rohit Sharma achieved a remarkable career milestone by registering his 50th international century, equalling the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s record for India. The landmark knock came in a key match, underscoring Sharma’s consistency across formats—Tests, ODIs and T20Is. His feat not only places him among the elite globally but also highlights his longevity and adaptability in international cricket. While celebrating the milestone, many noted Sharma still has room to write his own chapter in the record books rather than merely replicating past greats. (PC: BCCI)  

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert in several districts of Odisha amid reports that a low-pressure system over the southwest Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm by Monday. Heavy to very heavy rainfall with thunderstorms and gusty winds of 30-40 km/h have been forecast for three days starting Monday. The state government has mobilised relief supplies, placed all key departments on high alert, and asked district collectors to remain vigilant. (PC: PTI)