Ladakh campaigners for statehood and Sixth Schedule protections held symbolic protests Saturday amid heavy restrictions. Leh administration suspended mobile internet, restricted gatherings, closed educational institutions, and deployed security forces. Campaign co-chairman Chering Dorjay was briefly confined home, with only "15 to 20" participants allowed in the silent march. Hundreds marched in neighboring Kargil demanding justice for four killed in September 24 violence during statehood protests. Dorjay criticized restrictions as "totally illegal," saying "when government is scared of its people, there is something to hide." While welcoming Centre's judicial inquiry announcement, he expressed concerns about FIR 144 incorporation and absence of Ladakhi representation among inquiry members led by retired Justice B.S. Chauhan.

Thousands across the US protested Saturday in festive "No Kings" rallies against President Donald Trump's direction for the nation. In New York's Times Square, demonstrators carried signs reading "Nothing is more patriotic than protesting" and "Resist Fascism." Similar rallies occurred in Boston, Atlanta, Chicago, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, and state capitols in Republican-led states, plus smaller venues nationwide. Protesters of all ages created a street-party atmosphere with inflatable characters and costumes. Demonstrations remained energetic yet peaceful, with police maintaining a low profile. This marked the third mass mobilization since Trump's White House return, occurring amid a government shutdown. Republicans labeled these "No Kings" demonstrations as "Hate America" rallies.

Former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak praised India's "energy and ambition" and called the India-UK partnership "hugely promising" after attending the NDTV World Summit 2025 in New Delhi. He reconnected with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, discussing AI, infrastructure, global growth, and economic resilience. Sunak stated the old global order post-Berlin Wall "no longer exists" and won't return. He emphasized the coming decade will be defined by "multipolarity and domestic capabilities," citing India as a prime example. Sunak highlighted Covid-19 as a geopolitical event exposing supply chain fragility. He noted China's non-traditional trade approach forced democracies to reconsider norms, addressing security and intellectual property concerns. Sunak served as UK's first Indian-origin PM from October 2022 to July 2024.

Afghan Taliban Deputy Minister Mawlawi Muhammad Nabi Omari issued a stern warning to Pakistan, threatening that Afghan forces could pursue Pakistani troops "up to the Indian border" if deemed invaders. Speaking amid escalating border tensions, Omari declared that once Afghan tribes declare Pakistan an invader by religious decree, Pakistani forces would find no safety. He criticized Pakistan's military regime for acting on others' wishes, referencing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's interaction with Trump. Omari also hinted at territorial claims beyond the Durand Line, suggesting lost Afghan areas may return. The warning follows recent cross-border clashes leaving dozens dead, with Kabul accusing Islamabad of violating a ceasefire. Qatar mediated talks resulted in an immediate ceasefire agreement.

In his return to international cricket during the first ODI against Australia at Perth’s Optus Stadium, Virat Kohli was dismissed for a duck after facing just eight balls. Bowled by Mitchell Starc, Kohli edged the ball to backward point, marking his first-ever ODI duck in Australia across 30 innings. Early wickets also fell for Rohit Sharma (8) and Shubman Gill (10), leaving India struggling at 25/3. The match featured debutants Nitish Kumar Reddy for India and Mitchell Owen for Australia, adding fresh talent to both sides’ line-ups. (PC: JioHotstar)    

India's Chandrayaan-2 mission has achieved a significant milestone by making the first-ever observation of the Sun's Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) effects on the Moon. Utilizing its onboard instrument, Chadrayan's Atmospheric Compositional Explorer-2 (CHACE-2), the orbiter detected a substantial increase in the total pressure of the lunar exosphere during a CME event on May 10, 2024. This enhancement, over an order of magnitude, aligns with theoretical models and provides critical insights into the Moon's fragile atmosphere and the broader impacts of space weather. These findings are pivotal for future lunar exploration and base construction.

During a recent meeting, U.S. President Donald Trump did not outright reject the possibility of supplying Ukraine with Tomahawk cruise missiles, a weapon Kyiv has long sought to bolster its defense against Russian aggression. While Trump did not commit to the request, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed cautious optimism, noting that Trump did not say "no," leaving room for potential future support. Zelensky emphasized that Russia is "afraid" of the Tomahawk missiles, which have a range of over 1,600 kilometers and are known for their precision and effectiveness. The discussion reflects ongoing deliberations within the U.S. administration about the strategic implications of providing such advanced weaponry to Ukraine. 

Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir issued a stern warning to India, stating that Pakistan’s advanced military capabilities could “shatter” India’s perceived geographic immunity. Speaking at the Pakistan Military Academy in Abbottabad, Munir said even minor provocations from India could trigger a “decisive, beyond proportions” response. He emphasized that the nuclearized environment leaves no room for war and urged India to resolve core disputes through dialogue based on equality and mutual respect. Munir also condemned India’s alleged use of proxy groups in Afghanistan, calling it a “hypocritical and heinous” strategy. (PC: AFP)

Karnataka Taluk Panchayat Development Officer Praveen Kumar KP was suspended after attending the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) centenary celebrations in Lingasugur on October 12, wearing the RSS uniform and marching in a procession. The action was taken under the Karnataka Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 2021, which require political neutrality from government employees. The suspension was issued by the Panchayat Raj Department following an inquiry. The BJP condemned the move as “illegal and unlawful,” citing court rulings that allow government servants to participate in RSS programs, and pledged legal support for Kumar to challenge the suspension. (PC: India Today)    

Florida council member Chandler Langevin faced widespread criticism after posting on social media that Indians “drain our pockets” and should be deported. In response to public outrage, the Palm Bay City Council voted 3-2 to censure him, removing him from committee assignments and requiring council approval for agenda items. Langevin defended his statements as a discussion on immigration policy and has filed a lawsuit citing First Amendment rights. The controversy has sparked debates on racial bias, freedom of speech, and immigration policies in the U.S., drawing attention from both national and international audiences. (PC: X)