Vikas Kohli, brother of Indian cricket star Virat Kohli, dismissed recent media reports alleging that Virat and his wife Anushka Sharma handed him a General Power of Attorney to manage their Gurugram property. Taking to Instagram, Vikas condemned the “misinformation and fake news,” sarcastically wishing “good luck” to those spreading it. The reports had suggested that Virat authorized Vikas to oversee maintenance or potential sale of the residence, fueling speculation about the couple’s move to the UK. Vikas clarified that no such legal transfer or decision had occurred. (PC: X)  

Indian endurance athlete Mann Sharma has established a new world record by completing 42.195 km entirely via broad burpees over nine consecutive days. The unprecedented "Burpee Marathon" was officially ratified by the World Book of Records, London, surpassing the prior mark of just 5.1 km by more than eight times. Held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, representatives from the record-body presented the certificate and medal to Sharma, citing this as the first-ever burpee marathon in history. Alongside physical achievement, Sharma’s attempt also aimed to raise awareness and funds for education and social causes. (PC: NDTV)  

In a key development in the Zubeen Garg death case, the court has remanded two accused—Shekhar Jyoti Goswami, a band member, and Amritprabha Mahanta, a singer—to 14 days’ judicial custody. Their arrest follows ongoing investigations by the Assam CID into the mysterious circumstances surrounding Garg’s death. Tensions flared outside Baksa District Jail, where supporters clashed with police, leading to property damage and injuries. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has urged the public to maintain peace and avoid politicising the case. Meanwhile, a judicial inquiry has been ordered to thoroughly examine the events leading to Garg’s death. (PC: PTI)  

A Bengaluru private engineering college student allegedly raped her senior inside the men's washroom on campus on October 10. The 21-year-old fifth-semester accused, known to the seventh-semester victim, called her multiple times during lunch break to meet near the architecture block's seventh floor. He allegedly forcibly kissed her, followed her to the sixth floor, dragged her into the washroom, locked the door, and raped her while confiscating her phone. Post-assault, he allegedly called asking if she needed a pill. After confiding in friends and parents, she filed a complaint October 15 at Hanumanthanagar police station. The accused was arrested, charged under Section 64 (rape), and remanded to judicial custody.

Vice President CP Radhakrishnan's Chennai residence received a bomb threat via email sent to the DGP's office, prompting immediate response from bomb disposal squad and sniffer dogs. The threat was declared a hoax after thorough searches found no explosives. This incident continues a disturbing pattern affecting prominent Tamil Nadu personalities including politicians and actors over recent days. Previous hoax threats targeted the Chief Minister's residence, Raj Bhavan, Madras High Court, and public figures like actress Trisha. All reported cases proved false, creating what authorities call a "menace" in the state. Law enforcement intensified investigations following strict protocols but perpetrators remain unidentified despite the repeated false alarms. 

Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma issued notification restricting firecracker use to two hours from 8pm to 10pm on October 20 during Kali Puja and Diwali, complying with Supreme Court, Calcutta High Court, and West Bengal Pollution Control Board orders. For Chhath Puja, firecrackers permitted 6am-8am on October 28. Only authorized green firecrackers allowed during specified periods. Violators face prosecution under existing law. Officers-in-charge directed to ensure compliance vigilance. However, Kolkata Police's noise-level testing initiative at Tala Park failed Wednesday when invited pollution-monitoring agencies like National Environmental Engineering Research Institute, Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation, and West Bengal Pollution Control Board didn't appear. Official Baji Bazar at Shahid Minar Maidan runs October 14-20.

Former Australian PM Tony Abbott declared the 21st century belongs to India, predicting its Prime Minister could become "leader of the free world" in 40-50 years at NDTV World Summit 2025. Abbott called India a crucial "democratic counterweight" to China's hegemonic ambitions, citing three key advantages: democracy, rule of law, and English language. He criticized Trump's 25% tariff on India for Russian oil purchases while China, who is buying more escaped similar treatment. Abbott warned against underestimating China's Taiwan aggression, stating "weakness is provocative." He suggested Ukraine's invasion wouldn't have occurred if NATO membership existed. Abbott criticized historical US tilt toward "military dictatorship" Pakistan over democratic India during Cold War.

Singapore Police Force confirmed no foul play suspected in singer Zubeen Garg's death investigation, urging public against spreading unverified speculation. The 52-year-old died during a yacht outing while performing at Singapore's North East India Festival last month. Investigations under Singapore's Coroners Act 2010 may take three more months before findings reach the State Coroner, who'll determine if a Coroner's Inquiry is necessary. Singapore police shared autopsy report and preliminary findings with India's High Commission on October 1 upon request. Five arrests made in India include event organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta, manager Siddharth Sharma, suspended APS officer Sandipan Garg (cousin), and two PSOs including Nandeswar Bora. (PC: The New York Times)

US singer Mary Millben defended PM Modi against Rahul Gandhi's allegations that Modi was "frightened of Trump" regarding Russian oil policy. Millben stated Modi "understands the long game" and his US diplomacy is strategic, asserting leaders prioritize national interests. She sharply criticized Gandhi, claiming he lacks leadership acumen and suggested he return to his "I hate India tour." The controversy erupted after Trump claimed Modi promised stopping Russian oil imports, a claim India's MEA firmly rejected, stating no telephonic conversation occurred. India emphasized safeguarding consumer interests in volatile energy markets through diversified sourcing. Russia's Ambassador supported India, confirming energy cooperation "remains aligned with national interests."

India faces crucial Women's World Cup semifinal qualification battle after four matches as two wins, two losses left them precariously positioned. With Australia already qualified and England, South Africa advancing strongly, India competes in a three-horse race for two remaining semifinal spots against New Zealand. The simplest path: winning all three remaining matches (England, New Zealand, Bangladesh) guarantees 10 points and semifinal berth. Winning two matches, particularly beating New Zealand, suffices mathematically without NRR calculations. Even losing to England Sunday won't eliminate India if they defeat New Zealand. However, losing both England and New Zealand matches creates dependency on Pakistan and England beating New Zealand. The India-New Zealand clash becomes essentially a winner-takes-all contest. (PC: NDTV & Hindustan Times)