At least six people, including two children, were killed in overnight Russian drone and missile attacks on Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky said. Another 21 were injured as explosions hit Kyiv and nearby areas, damaging homes and power facilities. A couple in their 60s died when a drone struck their apartment building. Ukraine said it hit a Russian chemical plant in Bryansk using UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles. The attack came as US President Donald Trump postponed his planned summit with Vladimir Putin, citing a lack of progress. Zelensky said Russia’s renewed strikes show Moscow is not ready for peace. (PC: BBC)

Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed has questioned India coach Gautam Gambhir over the non-selection of Sarfaraz Khan. Despite strong performances in domestic cricket and a Test century against New Zealand, Sarfaraz was left out of India’s recent tours to Australia and England, as well as the India A team against South Africa A. Mohamed hinted the omission might be due to Sarfaraz’s surname. AIMIM leaders also raised concerns over his exclusion. Selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar cited injuries and team balance for some decisions, but critics say Sarfaraz’s consistent form deserved more opportunities. The debate has sparked discussion on fairness in cricket selection. (PC: India Today)

In Bengal’s Nadia district, thousands gathered in Shantipur to witness the centuries-old Bama Kali Bhasan. The 15-foot idol of Goddess Bama Kali was carried by devotees who made her “dance” to the beats of drums, chants, and glowing torches before immersion. The tradition, believed to be over 500 years old, is one of Bengal’s oldest Kali Puja rituals. Locals say the goddess’s dance shows divine energy and devotion. Videos of the event went viral, with many calling it a moving display of faith and heritage. The ritual is held every year a day after Kali Puja.

On the night of October 21, 2025, a man drove his vehicle into a security barrier near the White House at approximately 10:37 PM. U.S. Secret Service officers from the Uniformed Division immediately apprehended the driver. Following standard procedure, a bomb detection robot assessed the vehicle, which was subsequently deemed safe. The Secret Service has not disclosed the identity of the individual or provided details regarding the motive behind the incident. The investigation into the crash is ongoing. 

Francesca Orsini, a renowned Hindi scholar and Professor Emerita at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, was denied entry into India on October 20, 2025. Despite holding a valid five-year tourist visa, she was deported from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport to Hong Kong. Indian authorities cited previous visa violations as the reason for her blacklisting since March 2025. Orsini, who had arrived from Hong Kong after attending an academic conference in China, had planned to visit friends in India. Her deportation has sparked criticism from academics, including historians Ramachandra Guha and Mukul Kesavan, who condemned the move as an attack on scholarly freedom. (PC: X)

India’s Women’s World Cup hopes are hanging by a thread after three straight defeats, leaving captain Harmanpreet Kaur under pressure to spark a turnaround. India’s latest loss to England by four runs has put their semifinal chances in danger, though they remain fourth on the points table. Harmanpreet scored a gritty 70 but her leadership is being questioned as India struggle with focus and consistency. With two matches left, wins against New Zealand and Bangladesh could still secure qualification. For Harmanpreet, this is a defining moment — to rally her team or risk another lost campaign. (PC: X)

The Afghanistan Cricket Board has accused Pakistan of carrying out a drone strike that killed three Afghan cricketers in Paktika province on October 17, 2025. The cricketers were returning home after a local match when the attack occurred. The Board claims to have evidence linking Pakistan to the strike. The incident has intensified tensions between the two nations, already strained due to border disputes and militant activities. Pakistan has yet to comment on the allegations. The Afghanistan Cricket Board has vowed to seek justice for the victims. (PC: X)  

At least 35 people were injured during the traditional “Hingot Battle” held a day after Diwali in Indore’s Gautampura area. The annual event sees two local teams, Turra and Kalangi, throw burning Hingots—dried fruits filled with gunpowder—at each other in a centuries-old ritual of bravery. Despite fire brigades and ambulances being on standby, several participants suffered burns, with one critically injured. The fight was stopped early this year due to safety concerns. Critics have called for a ban on the dangerous practice, but villagers defend it as a proud symbol of heritage and courage.

India and the United States are close to finalising a long-pending trade deal that could cut US tariffs on Indian imports from 50% to 15–16%, according to a Mint report. The agreement may be announced at the ASEAN Summit during a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump. Talks cover energy and agriculture, with India expected to reduce Russian oil imports and open its market to more US corn and soymeal. In return, Washington may offer energy trade concessions. Trump said he spoke to Modi about trade and energy, calling the discussion “very positive.” (PC: HT)

European leaders, including those from the UK, France, Germany, Ukraine, and the EU, issued a joint statement on October 21, 2025, supporting U.S. President Donald Trump's call for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine. The statement advocates for halting hostilities and using the current frontlines as a basis for peace negotiations. This endorsement aligns with Trump's approach, which contrasts with Russia's demand for full control over Ukraine's Donbas region, as outlined in a recent private communique to the U.S. The diplomatic initiative faces challenges, including logistical issues and concerns over potential concessions to Russia. (PC: AP)