Jashanpreet Singh, a 21-year-old from Yuba City, California, has been identified as the driver responsible for a fatal crash on the 10 Freeway in Ontario. The incident occurred on October 21, 2025, when Singh's Freightliner truck collided into slow-moving traffic, resulting in a fiery eight-vehicle pileup that claimed three lives and injured four others. Dashcam footage revealed that Singh failed to apply the brakes before the crash. He has been arrested on felony charges of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and DUI causing injury. Authorities confirmed Singh entered the U.S. illegally in 2022. (PC: Facebook)  

US President Donald Trump has announced new sanctions on Russia’s two biggest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil. The move came a day after he cancelled his planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump said talks with Putin “don’t go anywhere” and that it was time to act. The sanctions aim to pressure Moscow to end the war in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the move, calling it a “good signal.” Russia said it is “immune” to the sanctions. The EU also backed new energy measures, saying continued pressure is key to achieving peace. (PC: BBC)

In a thrilling encounter at the Adelaide Oval, Australia defeated India by 2 wickets in the 2nd ODI, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Chasing India’s total of 264/9, powered by Rohit Sharma’s 73 off 97 balls and Shreyas Iyer’s 61 off 77, Australia relied on half-centuries from Matthew Short and Cooper Connolly to edge past the target. Australian skipper Mitchell Marsh had opted to bowl first after winning the toss. India’s top order, including Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli, put up resistance, but Australia’s balanced batting and disciplined bowling sealed the victory with ease. 

In Kakdwip (South 24 Parganas), an idol of the goddess Maa Kali was reportedly desecrated and transported in a prison van, prompting outrage from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The BJP termed the incident an “insult to the Hindu faith” and accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) state government of shielding the perpetrators. The TMC responded by urging restraint, calling for facts to be established while investigations remain underway. The controversy has intensified political tensions ahead of the upcoming state elections. (PC: X)

In Madhya Pradesh, a festive craze has turned tragic: at least 14 children have been permanently blinded and over 120 hospitalized after playing with makeshift “carbide guns” — crude fire-cracker devices combining tin pipes, gunpowder and calcium carbide — during the Diwali celebrations. Hospitals in Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur and Gwalior are overwhelmed with eye-injury cases. The worst-affected region, Vidisha, saw these banned devices being openly sold despite a government ban issued on October 18. Doctors warn the device is not a toy but an improvised explosive causing retinal burns and potentially irreversible damage. 

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim confirmed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not travel to Kuala Lumpur for the 47th ASEAN Summit, scheduled from October 26 to 28, citing Diwali-related commitments in India. Anwar stated he “respects Modi’s decision” and acknowledged India’s continued engagement through virtual participation. Modi will address the summit online, reaffirming India’s commitment to strengthening ASEAN ties under the Act East Policy. The change means no in-person bilateral meetings, including potential interactions with regional leaders. Despite his absence, India emphasized its dedication to regional cooperation, trade, and stability through digital diplomacy. (PC: HT File)  

In a late-night encounter in Rohini, Delhi Police Crime Branch and Bihar Police killed four members of the notorious Sigma gang—Ranjan Pathak, Bimlesh Mahto, Manish Pathak, and Aman Thakur. The gang, operating from Sitamarhi with Nepal links, was involved in multiple murders and extortion cases. Police intercepted communications revealing plans to create unrest before the upcoming Bihar elections. Acting on intelligence, the joint team cornered them, leading to a fierce gunfight. All four criminals were shot dead, and several weapons were recovered from the scene. Police have tightened security ahead of the polls.  

Indian Railways will operate 1,500 special trains over the next five days to manage the heavy rush of passengers ahead of Chhath Puja. The festival will be celebrated from October 25 to 28 this year.   According to the Railways, an average of 300 special trains will run each day in addition to regular services. Between October 1 and November 30, a total of 12,000 special trains are being operated across the country. This includes 11,865 trips, with both reserved and unreserved services. The number of special trains has increased from last year’s 7,724, ensuring smoother festive travel. (PC: X)

India may sharply reduce or stop its imports of Russian oil following new sanctions by the US and Europe. Reliance Industries, the country’s top private buyer of Russian crude, plans to cut purchases. State-owned refiners are also reviewing their supply chains to comply with the restrictions.   The move comes as sanctions target major Russian energy firms, including Rosneft and Lukoil. Oil prices rose nearly 3% after news of India’s plans. Analysts say Asian demand may shift toward US crude if India reduces Russian oil imports. Indian refiners may now turn to suppliers in the Middle East and Africa. (PC: India Today)

A 21-year-old Indian man, Jashanpreet Singh, an illegal immigrant in the US, caused a crash that killed three people in Southern California. The accident happened on a San Bernardino County freeway when Singh, under the influence of drugs, slammed his truck into slow-moving traffic without braking. Several others were injured, including Singh.   Singh crossed the US southern border in 2022 and was released under the "alternatives to detention" policy. He was arrested for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. US authorities confirmed he has no legal immigration status. The crash raises concerns about illegal immigrant truck drivers in the US.