Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) has initiated an online jihadi training course titled "Tufat al-Muminat" aimed at recruiting women into its newly formed women's wing, Jamat ul-Muminat. The 40-minute daily sessions, scheduled to commence on November 8, will be conducted by Masood Azhar’s sisters, Sadiya Azhar and Samaira Azhar. Participants are required to pay a fee of 500 PKR (approximately 156 INR) to enroll. The course aims to indoctrinate women into jihadist ideology, with teachings focusing on religious duties and the concept of martyrdom. This development underscores the group's efforts to expand its operational base by involving women in its activities. (PC: NDTV)    

On October 22, 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) proposed extending special provisions to Ladakh under Article 371 of the Indian Constitution. This move aims to address local demands for greater autonomy and protection of land, jobs, and cultural identity. Article 371 allows for decentralised governance and administrative autonomy, and is currently applicable in 12 states. However, Ladakh civil society groups, including the Apex Body Leh and the Kargil Democratic Alliance, continue to advocate for inclusion under the Sixth Schedule, which would grant more extensive self-governance powers. The MHA has not yet provided specific timelines for implementing these provisions. (PC: The Hindu)

On October 22, 2025, India's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology proposed new regulations requiring artificial intelligence (AI) and social media platforms to clearly label AI-generated content. The draft rules mandate that visual media be marked with a label covering at least 10% of the display area, and audio content should have a marker during the first 10% of playback. Platforms must also obtain user declarations on whether uploaded content is AI-generated and implement technical measures to ensure compliance. The government emphasized the need for metadata traceability and transparency to combat the spread of deepfakes and misinformation, which pose risks to public trust and electoral integrity. The public and industry stakeholders have until November 6 to submit feedback on the proposal. (PC: Reuters)

In a significant joint operation by Delhi and Bihar Police, four members of the infamous Ranjan Pathak gang were gunned down during an encounter in Rohini, Delhi, on October 23, 2025. The deceased—Ranjan Pathak (25), Bimlesh Mahto (25), Manish Pathak (33), and Aman Thakur (21)—were wanted for multiple murders and armed robberies in Bihar. Acting on intelligence that the gang was planning a major crime ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, police laid a trap. When intercepted, the gang members opened fire, leading to a retaliatory shootout. All four were declared dead at Dr. BSA Hospital. Police are investigating possible links to other criminal networks.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to skip traveling to Kuala Lumpur for the ASEAN Summit scheduled from October 26 to 28 due to pressing domestic commitments, including upcoming state elections and festive events. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will represent India at the summit in person, highlighting New Delhi’s continued engagement with Southeast Asian partners under the Act East Policy. Modi is likely to join select sessions virtually, reinforcing India’s strategic partnership with ASEAN on trade, security, and regional stability amid growing Indo-Pacific cooperation and geopolitical challenges. (PC: ANI)

President Trump announced new U.S. sanctions targeting Russia’s leading oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil, citing Moscow’s refusal to end the war in Ukraine. Simultaneously, Trump reiterated that he spoke with India’s Narendra Modi, who reportedly pledged that India will “not buy much oil” from Russia—though Indian officials denied any such call. The sanctions mark a major shift in U.S. policy: the Treasury declared readiness to take further action and urged allies to join in isolating Russia economically. (PC: File)

On 22 October 2025, the national capital’s air-quality readings showed a stark contrast: CPCB reported an AQI of approximately 351, while IQAir’s measurement soared past 1,100. The explanation lies in differing methodology — CPCB’s index is capped at 500, uses reference-grade monitors and Indian standards, while IQAir draws on lower-cost sensors, global standard conversions and reports raw values beyond 500. Both readings are technically correct within their frameworks, but the discrepancy has sparked public confusion and highlights the challenge of interpreting air-quality data. (PC: NDTV)

President Droupadi Murmu made history on 22 October 2025 by offering prayers at the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala, becoming the first woman head of state to do so. She is only the second President of India to visit the shrine after V. V. Giri. Arriving at Pamba on the morning, she carried the traditional ‘irumudikkettu’ bundle, climbed the 18 sacred steps (‘Pathinettam padi’), and followed all customs with humility and devotion. Her visit during a four-day tour of Kerala carries deep symbolism, reflecting both respect for tradition and inclusive national leadership. (PC: X)    

The United States has imposed new sanctions on Russia’s largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, to block funds supporting the war in Ukraine. The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control said the move targets both firms and several subsidiaries. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the sanctions aim to push Russia toward a ceasefire and peace talks. All US property and transactions linked to the companies are now frozen. The US said peace depends on Russia’s willingness to negotiate. Washington also urged allies to join in the sanctions as part of President Trump’s diplomatic effort to end the war. (PC: X)

India face Australia in the second ODI at Adelaide on Thursday, looking to level the series after losing the opener in Perth. All eyes are on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who struggled in the first match. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said both stars are in good form and confident of a comeback. India’s record in Adelaide is strong, with nine wins in 15 ODIs. Rain and a damp pitch may help Australia’s pace attack, led by Starc and Hazlewood. Alex Carey and Adam Zampa return for Australia, boosting their balance as India aim to fight back. (PC: X)