MTV's remaining music channels MTV Music, MTV 80s, MTV 90s, MTV Live, and Club MTV will cease broadcasting across UK and Europe by year-end 2025. Paramount Global confirmed the shutdown as part of global restructuring. Launched in 1981 with "Video Killed the Radio Star," MTV revolutionized pop culture through decades, introducing Madonna, Nirvana, and Beyoncé before social media existed. The network pioneered shows like "Yo! MTV Raps" and TRL, building generational identity. However, YouTube, TikTok, and streaming platforms rendered scheduled music television obsolete. MTV pivoted to reality shows like "Geordie Shore," migrating music to spin-off channels now being silenced. Former VJ Simone Angel called it heartbreaking, noting MTV once united global musical conversations.

Pakistan's military crackdown on Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) protesters resembles its 2007 Lal Masjid incident, raising fears of renewed violence. Armored vehicles dispersed crowds marching toward Islamabad, killing dozens. TLP chief Saad Hussain Rizvi was shot and wounded on October 14. Field Marshal Asim Munir's "hard state" approach contrasts predecessor General Bajwa's diplomacy. The 2007 Lal Masjid operation killed over 1,000 civilians, spawning Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan insurgency that claimed 70,000 lives. Pakistan faces simultaneous challenges: hostile India post-Operation Sindoor, angry Afghan Taliban, insurgencies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Baluchistan, and economic crisis requiring $7-billion IMF support. TLP, Pakistan's fourth-largest party, protests Gaza situation while Munir courts US relations.

The Supreme Court has allowed the sale and use of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR from October 18 to 21. Fireworks can be burst only between 6-7 am and 8-10 pm. The court said this is a temporary measure to balance festive celebrations and environmental protection. Only certified green crackers with QR codes will be allowed, and smuggled or fake products are banned. Authorities will monitor air and water quality during this period. The court aims to protect clean air while respecting public sentiment and supporting the livelihood of the firecracker industry. (PC: HT)

India and Brazil, facing Trump's harshest 50% tariffs, are deepening ties to triple their $12-billion bilateral trade. Government officials and business executives meet in New Delhi this week, exploring partnerships in agribusiness, biofuels, and defense. Economists warn Trump's policies could reduce both nations' growth by one percentage point. Vice President Geraldo Alckmin leads Brazil's delegation, including Petrobras and Vale executives, targeting coffee and ethanol markets. Both countries depend heavily on US trade as Brazil exports 12% to America, while India ships nearly 20%. Despite strengthening bonds through BRICS leadership, experts note they cannot fully replace US markets as they sell similar products and rely on China differently.

At least 16 people died in a fire at a garment factory in Dhaka’s Mirpur area, Bangladesh. The blaze started around midday and took three hours to control. Sixteen bodies were burned beyond recognition. A nearby chemical warehouse continued to burn, storing materials like bleaching powder, plastic, and hydrogen peroxide, which worsened the fire. Officials said victims likely died from toxic gas inhalation. Relatives are still searching for missing workers. Authorities are investigating the factory and warehouse operations. Large fires are common in Bangladesh due to poor safety standards, and previous incidents have caused many deaths. (PC: BBC)

MTV will shut music channels in the UK and Ireland by December 31, 2025, including MTV 80s, 90s, Club MTV, MTV Music, and MTV Live. The move comes as viewers shift to YouTube, TikTok, and Spotify. MTV HD will continue reality shows. Fans took to social media to share memories and express sadness. One said, “I remember when MTV actually played music. 80s MTV was the best.” Another wrote, “RIP MTV! After 40 years, music channels are gone.” The closure marks the end of an era in pop culture and music TV. (PC: NDTV)

Clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan have intensified along Khyber Pakhtunkhwa border, with Pakistani state media reporting "unprovoked firing" by Afghan troops. Pakistani forces responded, reportedly destroying Afghan tanks and military posts, marking the second cross-border exchange this week. PTV News quoted security sources saying Afghan Taliban and Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan opened fire in Kurram sector. Taliban posts suffered heavy damage with tanks catching fire. Over the weekend, Kabul claimed killing 58 Pakistani soldiers, retaliating for alleged territorial violations. Pakistan reported 23 soldier casualties while claiming 200+ Taliban deaths. Tensions escalated after Taliban accused Pakistan of airstrikes in Kabul and eastern markets. Pakistan hasn't acknowledged these allegations.

Over 500 students were stranded for nearly 12 hours in a massive traffic jam on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad National Highway in Maharashtra's Palghar district. Twelve buses carrying students from Classes 5-10 and college students from Thane and Mumbai were trapped near Vasai from 5:30 pm Tuesday until early Wednesday morning. Children returning from a school picnic near Virar remained without food or water for hours. The gridlock resulted from heavy vehicle diversion due to Ghodbunder highway repairs in Thane, overloading the Mumbai-Ahmedabad route. Local social organizations distributed water and biscuits. Parents blamed poor planning and coordination. The last stranded bus reached its destination by 6 am Wednesday.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday allowed temporary sale of green firecrackers in Delhi-NCR, setting specific date and time restrictions. A bench comprising Chief Justice BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran ruled that bursting green firecrackers would only be permitted from October 18-21, between 6 pm-10 pm. Sales will be allowed from October 18-25. The court cited industry concerns and noted the existing ban showed limited impact on air quality except during COVID-19. Police will patrol to ensure only QR-coded products are sold, with violation notices for offenders. E-commerce firecracker sales remain prohibited. The court questioned the blanket ban's effectiveness since 2018, seeking balanced approach. 

India is preparing to send humanitarian aid to Gaza after the recent ceasefire. Relief will include medicines, food, tents, blankets, baby formula, and women’s sanitary items. Officials are also planning to help rebuild Gaza’s water systems, sanitation, and remove rubble left by Israeli airstrikes. Around 83% of Gaza City’s buildings were destroyed, and UN reports say the rubble is massive. India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, attended the Sharm el-Sheikh peace summit. India supports the peace plan led by President Trump and emphasizes dialogue and a lasting two-state solution for Israel and Palestine. (PC: The Indian Express)