West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee described the alleged gang-rape of a second-year MBBS student in Durgapur as “shocking,” and assured that no accused will be spared. She urged private colleges to bolster campus security and questioned how the victim was wandering late at night. Authorities have arrested three suspects and are searching for others, with drones deployed in the manhunt. The victim’s father, worried about her safety in Bengal, said he would move her back to Odisha. (PC: PTI)

Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi defended his earlier press conference in India—where no women journalists were present—as a scheduling “technical issue,” not deliberate exclusion. He said the guest list was limited due to short notice and insisted there was no intention to offend. Muttaqi also addressed women’s education, asserting that although some restrictions exist, declaring female learning “haram” has never occurred—rather, its implementation is postponed. The controversy provoked strong criticism from Indian politicians, media bodies, and activists. (PC: NDTV)  

The Taliban has alleged that Pakistan is providing refuge to ISIS militants and claimed responsibility for killing 58 Pakistani soldiers and injuring 30 others in retaliatory attacks along the Afghanistan–Pakistan border. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid demanded that Islamabad expel ISIS operatives, calling them a threat to regional peace. The clashes occurred near the Durand Line, with both nations trading accusations over civilian casualties. Afghan forces said they halted operations following mediation requests from Qatar and Saudi Arabia, while Pakistan labelled the attacks “unprovoked.”  

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sparked controversy Sunday by questioning why a Durgapur medical student was "out at 12:30 AM" when commenting on her gang rape. The second-year MBBS student from Odisha was allegedly assaulted behind the hospital building Friday evening after leaving campus around 8:30 PM. Banerjee stated private medical colleges should protect students and suggested "girl students should not be allowed outside at night-time" and must "protect themselves also." Three accused have been arrested with searches ongoing. While vowing zero tolerance and strict punishment, the CM's victim-blaming remarks drew immediate criticism. Police are reviewing CCTV footage and questioning multiple individuals including college staff.

Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav scripted history on Day 3 of the second Test against West Indies, becoming the fastest left-arm wrist spinner to claim five five-wicket hauls in Test cricket. Kuldeep achieved the milestone in just 15 Tests, shattering England's Johnny Wardle's record of 28 matches. He delivered a match-defining performance with figures of 5-82, bowling out West Indies for 248 at Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium. His clinical spell, featuring guile, variations, and drift, helped India secure a commanding 270-run first-innings lead. India enforced the follow-on, leaving West Indies facing an uphill battle. Kuldeep's devastating googly dismissed Jayden Seales for his fifth wicket. (PC: Sports Tak)

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned Afghanistan's border provocations, vowing "every act of aggression will be met with strong and effective response." Sharif praised Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir's leadership, stating Pakistan Army destroyed several Afghan posts and forced retreat. Afghanistan claims killing 58 Pakistani soldiers and capturing 25 army posts in overnight retaliatory operations, responding to alleged territorial violations. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the situation is under control. Pakistan hasn't confirmed casualties. Sharif accused Afghanistan of harboring terrorist organizations 'Fitna-tul-Khawarij' and 'Fitna-tul-Hindustan,' demanding the interim government prevent its territory from being used for attacks. The escalation follows Afghan accusations of Pakistani bombing in Kabul. (PC: Aaj Tak)

Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan celebrated his 83rd birthday by continuing his cherished tradition of greeting fans outside his iconic Mumbai residence 'Jalsa.' The veteran actor, known for his decades-long Sunday ritual of meeting admirers, stepped out to acknowledge the crowds gathered to wish him on his special day. Fans from across the country congregated outside Jalsa to catch a glimpse of the megastar and offer birthday wishes. Bachchan's gesture of personally greeting well-wishers reflects his enduring connection with his audience spanning over five decades in Indian cinema. The tradition has become a cultural phenomenon, with hundreds regularly gathering outside his Juhu bungalow every week.

A heartbreaking incident from Chhattisgarh's Sarragondi village captured a woman in tears after a decades-old Peepal tree she nurtured for twenty years was ruthlessly cut down for alleged financial gain. The emotional scene highlights the deep bond between humans and nature, and the devastating impact of its destruction. The woman's anguish represents lost faith and emotional attachment to the sacred tree she had cared for over two decades. The incident serves as a painful reminder of society's fading connection with nature and the increasing prioritization of financial interests over environmental and emotional values. The viral moment has sparked conversations about tree protection and community bonds with nature.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sparked controversy Sunday by stating "a girl child at night-time shouldn't be allowed to come outside" while addressing the gang rape at a private medical college near hospital premises. Banerjee called the incident "shocking" and promised "no one will be excused," but shifted responsibility to the private institution rather than her government. She questioned why her administration was being singled out, citing a gang rape incident at Odisha's Puri beach nearly a month ago. "They have to protect themselves also," Banerjee said, drawing immediate criticism for victim-blaming. Her comments deflected accountability while imposing restrictions on women's freedom rather than addressing systemic safety failures.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a last-minute invitation from US President Donald Trump and Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to attend the Gaza peace summit in Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday, October 13. The invitation was extended on October 11, sources told The Indian Express. However, the Prime Minister's Office hasn't confirmed Modi's participation yet. The international summit aims to end the Gaza Strip war, strengthen peace and stability efforts in the Middle East, and establish regional security. Egypt's statement emphasized opening "a new page of regional security and stability." The summit represents a significant diplomatic initiative involving global leaders to address the ongoing Middle East conflict. (PC: X)