India's passport slipped to 85th position in the 2025 Henley Passport Index, granting visa-free access to 57 countries, down from 59 last year. Singapore leads globally with access to 193 destinations, followed by South Korea and Japan, showcasing Asia's travel dominance. The US dropped to 12th rank, its lowest-ever position, falling outside the top 10 for the first time in two decades. Americans access 180 destinations visa-free, but the US offers reciprocal access to only 46 countries, ranking 77th in openness. Among neighbors, Pakistan ranks 103rd (31 destinations), Bangladesh 100th (38), Nepal 101st (36), and Bhutan 92nd (50). Afghanistan remains weakest globally with 24 destinations. (PC: Pinterest)

Ashley Tellis, a 64-year-old Indian-origin foreign policy expert, has been arrested in the US for allegedly keeping over 1,000 pages of top-secret defence documents at his home. The US Justice Department charged him with unlawful retention of national defence information. Tellis has worked with the US government for years, including the National Security Council under George W. Bush, and is currently with the Department of Defense. FBI reports say he was seen printing classified papers and meeting Chinese officials. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. His lawyer said they will present evidence at the hearing. (PC: BBC)

Israel claimed one body handed over by Hamas doesn't match any hostage, risking the fragile Gaza ceasefire signed two days ago in Egypt. The Israeli military examined the body at the National Institute of Forensic Medicine before making this assertion. Meanwhile, Gaza forensic experts began identifying 45 Palestinian bodies Israel returned to the Red Cross without identification. Humanitarian aid resumed after a two-day break, with 400 trucks carrying food, fuel, and medical supplies entering Gaza on Wednesday. Israel transferred additional Palestinian bodies to Gaza, with three trucks arriving at Nasser hospital in Khan Younis. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported 19 bodies brought to hospitals over 24 hours, including 16 recovered from rubble. (PC: X)

The Afghan Taliban released black-and-white drone footage showing strikes on Pakistani border outposts amid escalating deadly conflict. The video displayed a drone dropping ordnance, likely a mortar round, onto a rectangular structure identified as a Pakistani outpost, exploding on impact. Pakistan's military reported repelling attacks on two major border posts, claiming 20 Taliban fighters killed near Spin Boldak. The Afghan Taliban said 15 civilians died with dozens wounded, plus two-three fighters killed. Afghan tanks rolled toward the Pakistan border battlefield. Violence intensified after last week's Kabul explosions blamed on Pakistan. Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif stated attempts to convince Taliban to stop supporting TTP have failed.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday warned that anyone trying to disturb peace during Diwali celebrations will be jailed without delay. He said, “If anyone tries to disrupt the joy and enthusiasm of this festival, the bars of the jail will be waiting for them.” The Chief Minister urged people to celebrate peacefully and maintain harmony. He added that in the last eight years, all festivals in the state have been celebrated peacefully. Referring to past clashes, Adityanath said his government will take strict action against those who try to create trouble during the festive season.

Fresh clashes between Pakistani forces and Taliban fighters along the volatile border killed dozens overnight Tuesday, intensifying hostilities between former allies. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid claimed Pakistan initiated violence in Spin Boldak district, killing 15 civilians and injuring over 100, including 80 women and children. Taliban fighters allegedly seized Pakistani weapons and a T-55 tank procured from Serbia. Pakistan's military reported repelling attacks on two major border posts, killing approximately 30 Taliban fighters, with 20 more near Spin Boldak. With Afghanistan denying Pakistani ministers entry for talks, Islamabad requested Qatar and Saudi Arabia to mediate. This marks the worst violence since Taliban's 2021 power seizure, coinciding with Taliban foreign minister's maiden India visit.

Thousands gathered at Trafalgar Square in London on October 12 to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights. The event, called Diwali on the Square 2025, featured colourful performances, food, and cultural activities. Over 200 dancers opened the celebration with vibrant classical, folk, and Bollywood routines. The festival also included sari and turban tying, yoga, and children’s games. London Mayor Sadiq Khan attended and shared photos, wishing happiness to Hindu, Sikh, and Jain communities. The event, organised by the Mayor’s office and the Diwali in London Committee, highlighted unity and the triumph of light over darkness. (PC: X)

Operation Sindoor, India’s recent military action, has become a strong showcase of India’s indigenous defence power. The operation proved the effectiveness of locally made weapons like the Akash missile, D-4 anti-drone system, Nagastra-1, and BrahMos missiles in real combat. The success has drawn global attention, with France showing interest in India’s long-range Pinaka rocket systems and counter-drone technology. Defence experts say this could help India become a major arms exporter under the Atmanirbhar Bharat programme. Operation Sindoor not only strengthened India’s defence image but also turned into a powerful sales pitch for homegrown military systems. (PC: Economic Times)

The Indian women’s cricket team visited the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain on October 15 to seek blessings after two back-to-back World Cup defeats. Led by Harmanpreet Kaur, the players attended the Bhasma Aarti and offered prayers for better performance ahead of their next match against England in Indore on October 19. India lost their last two games to South Africa and Australia, putting pressure on their semifinal hopes. The team currently stands third on the points table with four points from four matches and must win upcoming games to stay in contention for the knockout stage.

The Israeli military said on Wednesday that one of the four bodies returned by Hamas on Tuesday is not that of a hostage. The bodies were handed over as part of the ceasefire deal brokered by US President Donald Trump. After forensic tests, Israeli officials found that one body did not match any of the known hostages. So far, Hamas has returned eight bodies and 20 living hostages. Israel urged Hamas to return all remaining deceased hostages as agreed. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would not stop its efforts until every hostage, living or dead, is brought back. (PC: HT)