Bollywood stars marked Bhai Dooj by sharing warm family moments on social media. Soha Ali Khan and Saif Ali Khan celebrated with their sister Saba Pataudi, who posted family photos featuring Kareena Kapoor, Taimur, Jeh, and others. Her heartfelt caption praised her brothers and cousins for their love and support. Ektaa and Tusshar Kapoor also joined the celebration. Tusshar shared a video of Ektaa performing rituals and enjoying time with family. In a past event, Ektaa had called her family “dysfunctionally functional” but full of love. The festival celebrated sibling bonds across Bollywood households. (PC: India Today)

India stormed into the semifinals of the Women’s World Cup 2025 with a strong 53-run victory over New Zealand. Smriti Mandhana scored 109 off 95 balls, while Pratika Rawal hit 122 from 134 deliveries, guiding India to 340 for three in 49 overs. After rain interruptions, New Zealand were set a revised target of 325 in 44 overs but managed only 271 for eight. Jemimah Rodrigues added an unbeaten 76 to boost India’s total. For New Zealand, Brooke Halliday made 81 and Isabella Gaze 65. With this win, India joined Australia, England, and South Africa in the semifinals. (PC: BCCI)

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the city has successfully tested artificial rain at Burari. The project, developed by IIT Kanpur and the Delhi government, aims to reduce air pollution through cloud seeding. Experts fired special flares to form rain clouds, marking a major step in pollution control. If weather conditions remain good, Delhi could see its first artificial rainfall on October 29. The Environment Minister said the trial flight tested the system’s safety and coordination. The project has approvals from 23 departments and will continue till November with help from IITM Pune and IMD. (PC: HT)

ISRO Chief V Narayanan said that India’s first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, is 90% complete. Speaking at a science event, he shared that most key systems — including the crew escape, parachute, and environmental control systems — are ready. Before sending astronauts, ISRO will conduct three uncrewed test missions. The first test will carry Vyommitra, a female robot astronaut. The final human mission is planned for early 2027. In August, ISRO successfully tested the parachute system during an air drop trial, marking a major step toward India’s goal of sending humans to space safely. (PC: NDTV)

Russian President Vladimir Putin criticised new US sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil, calling them a “hostile act.” The sanctions aim to cut Moscow’s war funding and end the conflict in Ukraine. Putin said Russia would not bow to pressure and warned that any attack using long-range US missiles on Russian soil would bring a “very serious” response. He added the sanctions would not hurt Russia’s economy but could raise global oil prices. The US announced the move as Russia held major nuclear drills and after delaying a planned summit between Presidents Donald Trump and Putin. (PC: India Today)

NBA coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier were among over 30 people arrested in an FBI investigation into illegal gambling. Authorities said Rozier shared insider game details with bettors, while Billups was linked to rigged poker games involving organized crime. The schemes reportedly made millions through wire fraud, money laundering, and extortion. Rozier’s lawyer denied all charges, saying prosecutors relied on weak evidence. Both men are expected to appear in court. The case adds to growing worries about gambling in American sports after several players faced bans and criminal charges in recent years. (PC: AFP)

Virat Kohli raised his gloves to acknowledge fans at Adelaide Oval after being dismissed for a duck in the 2nd ODI against Australia. It was his second consecutive duck in the series, raising questions about his form and future. Many fans speculated whether the gesture hinted at retirement. Former India opener Aakash Chopra advised not to read too much into it, saying Kohli was simply paying tribute to Adelaide, a ground where he has scored 975 runs, the most by a visiting batter. India lost the match, falling 2-0 in the three-match series. (PC: X)

Myanmar’s army has regained key towns like Kyaukme and Hsipaw after weeks of fighting with ethnic insurgents. Daily air strikes, drones, artillery, and new soldiers helped the military take control fast. China supports the junta, providing drones, technology, and diplomatic backing for elections in December. The opposition, made up of local forces and ethnic militias, is divided and struggling. Thousands of civilians fled, and many were killed in the fighting. While the army now controls main trade routes, insurgents still hold parts of Rakhine and Chin States. (PC: BBC)

Despite no longer holding the official captaincy, Rohit Sharma's leadership instincts were evident during India's second ODI against Australia in Adelaide. After the 33rd over, noticing Washington Sundar's ineffective bowling plan against left-hander Cooper Connolly, Rohit approached Sundar with animated guidance, emphasizing the need for the off-spinner to bowl slower and move the ball away from the batter. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill remained engrossed in setting the field, showcasing his commitment to his role. Rohit's intervention highlighted his continued influence on the team's strategy and decision-making. (PC: JioHotstar)    

Photos shared by Indian authorities with a Belgian court show that Mehul Choksi’s designated cell at Mumbai’s Arthur Road Jail is far from a conventional prison. The cell is equipped with a television, fully functional toilet, ceiling fans, and ample natural light, giving it the feel of a boutique hotel. It also features cross-ventilation, spacious corridors, and facilities for outdoor movement. These measures aim to ensure humane detention conditions and reassure Belgian authorities as Choksi faces extradition related to the ₹13,000 crore Punjab National Bank fraud case. (PC: X)