Thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv on Monday to await the release of hostages held in Gaza. US President Donald Trump said “the war is over” as he traveled to Israel for the handover. According to Israeli media, the exchange is expected to start around 08:00 local time. Hamas must return 48 hostages, including 20 believed to be alive, by noon. In return, Israel will free 250 Palestinian prisoners and over 1,700 detainees. Trump will meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before flying to Egypt for a peace summit with global leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. (PC: BBC)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee faced criticism after commenting on the alleged gangrape of a medical student in Durgapur. She said, “How did she come out at 12:30 AM?” and suggested colleges should restrict women from going out at night. The incident involved a second-year student from Odisha, who was reportedly attacked while stepping out with a classmate. Three accused have been arrested, and the survivor is in stable condition. Mamata added that rape cases must be condemned everywhere. Opposition leaders called her remarks insensitive, accusing her of shifting blame onto the victim instead of focusing on the perpetrators. (PC: News18)

Israel has prepared special hospital rooms to receive 20 hostages being freed from Gaza under Donald Trump’s peace plan. Each room is bright and clean, with a bed, small fridge, bottled water, and even a teddy bear, creating a calm space for recovery. Medical teams at Rabin Medical Center in Petah Tikva are ready to provide immediate care if needed. The rooms aim to offer comfort after long captivity in dark tunnels. Families will reunite with the hostages once they are stable, marking a crucial step in the ongoing peace process and hostage exchange. (PC: Israeli Government)

A US vlogger, Jay, was surprised to see an Indian woman, Princey, working on her laptop outdoors at 9 PM. He approached her during a riverside walk and asked about her work. Princey calmly said she works for a pharmaceutical company and late-night work is usual for her. The interaction, shared on Instagram by @jaystreazy, went viral with over four lakh views. Viewers praised her focus, discipline, and calm confidence. Many also reflected on India’s demanding work culture. The vlogger’s respectful approach and the woman’s dedication made the clip widely appreciated online.

Russia has expressed deep concern over reports that the US may supply Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov warned that long-range missiles, some capable of carrying nuclear warheads, could trigger serious escalation. President Vladimir Putin said using Tomahawks would involve direct US military participation, marking a “new stage” in the conflict. Tomahawks can strike deep inside Russia, including Moscow. US President Donald Trump said he would decide after knowing Ukraine’s plans. The war in Ukraine, Europe’s deadliest since World War II, has heightened tensions with the West. Moscow calls it a “hot” conflict with serious risks. (PC: Reuters)

Pakistan and Afghanistan have seen heavy clashes along their border after Pakistan carried out airstrikes against Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on October 9. Taliban forces claimed they killed 58 Pakistani soldiers and injured 30, while Pakistan said its forces killed over 200 Taliban and TTP militants. Both sides accused each other of unprovoked attacks. Civilian casualties were reported in Afghanistan from mortar strikes. The escalation comes during Taliban Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s India visit. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed a strong response, while experts, including Zalmay Khalilzad, called for negotiations to prevent further escalation. (PC: India Today)

4 people were killed and at least 20 injured in a mass shooting early Sunday at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island in South Carolina, United States. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office said deputies arrived to find several people with gunshot wounds, while others ran to nearby buildings for safety. Four victims remain in critical condition at local hospitals. The identities of the victims have not been released. U.S. Representative Nancy Mace expressed heartbreak over the tragedy, calling it a “devastating act of violence.” Authorities are investigating the cause of the shooting and searching for suspects. (PC: Representative Image/ AFP)

State-run Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL) will unveil the prototype of its new light-weight Bharat tank by late 2026. The Chennai-based company said the design and development phase will finish by the end of 2025. Weighing around 25 tonnes, the Bharat tank will have strong firepower and high mobility, making it ideal for use in border and high-altitude areas. The project supports the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat goal for self-reliance in defence. AVNL, which already makes Arjun, Bhishma, and Ajeya tanks, showcased five advanced models at the recent AeroDefCon 2025 in Chennai. (PC: The Week)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has received an invitation from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to attend the Gaza Peace Summit in Sharm El Sheikh, co-chaired by US President Donald Trump. The Ministry of External Affairs said Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh will represent India. Leaders from over 20 countries, including the UK, France, Italy, and Spain, will join the summit to push for peace in Gaza. The meeting follows Israel’s ceasefire and hostage release deal. However, Hamas has refused to join the talks, objecting to disarmament terms in Trump’s peace plan. (PC: X/@BJP4India)

Israel has confirmed that 20 hostages held in Gaza will be released early on Monday as part of Donald Trump’s peace plan. Government spokeswoman Shosh Bedrosian said all hostages will be handed over to the Red Cross and taken to Israeli-controlled areas before reuniting with their families. In return, Israel will release 250 convicted Palestinians and 1,700 detainees once all hostages are confirmed safe. Medical teams are ready to treat any rescued hostages needing care. The ceasefire remains in place, and aid trucks have begun entering Gaza to deliver food and supplies to civilians. (PC: Reuters)