Hamas has mobilized approximately 7,000 security forces to reassert control over Gaza areas recently vacated by Israeli troops, appointing five new military-background governors. The mobilization, issued via calls and texts, aims to "cleanse Gaza of outlaws and Israeli collaborators." Tensions escalated after two elite Hamas members were killed by Dughmush clan gunmen in Gaza City's Sabra neighborhood. Hamas surrounded 300 Dughmush fighters, killing one and kidnapping 30 others. The deployment raises concerns about Gaza's post-war governance, potentially complicating President Trump's peace plan requiring Hamas disarmament. Experts warn Gaza faces civil war risks due to widespread looted weapons, frustration, and chaos among the exhausted population. (PC: BBC & Reuters)

A pro-Palestine rally in Pakistan turned deadly after Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) claimed police killed 11 supporters during their march toward Islamabad to protest outside the US embassy against Israel's Gaza actions. Violent clashes erupted Saturday when 10,000-15,000 TLP workers resumed marching from Lahore's Azadi Chowk. Authorities reported at least 40 injured policemen. Confrontations intensified between Shahdara and Muridke, with protesters using commandeered government cranes to breach police blockades. TLP chief Saad Rizvi led the "million march," stating 20 others sustained bullet wounds. Punjab Police hasn't confirmed casualty claims. Over 200 TLP supporters were arrested, and mobile internet services were suspended in affected Lahore areas.

The father of the RG Kar rape-murder victim criticized the West Bengal government following Friday's alleged rape of a 23-year-old medical student near Durgapur's private medical college campus. He questioned the administration's failure to protect doctors and challenged NCRB data labeling Kolkata as India's safest city. "They are doctors, first-class citizens, and the government cannot ensure their safety. Those unable to protect them should resign," he stated. The Durgapur victim from Odisha's Jaleswar was allegedly abducted by unknown men and raped in a nearby forest after her friend fled. Police have registered an FIR and launched investigations. Last year's RG Kar case saw Sanjay Roy sentenced to life imprisonment. (PC: X)

Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand announced a three-nation tour visiting India, Singapore, and China from October 12-17. In New Delhi, she'll meet External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal to establish strategic cooperation frameworks covering trade diversification, energy transformation, and security. Anand will also visit Mumbai to engage with Canadian and Indian firms on investment and job creation. This visit marks improved diplomatic relations after recent tensions over the Nijjar case. In August 2025, both nations appointed new high commissioners, signaling a thaw. India, projected to become the world's fourth-largest economy, was Canada's seventh-largest trading partner in 2024, with bilateral trade reaching $33.9 billion.

Britain deployed two Royal Air Force aircraft on a 12-hour joint mission with US and NATO forces near Russia's border Thursday, responding to recent Russian drone and aircraft incursions into NATO airspace. Defence Minister John Healey called it a "substantial joint mission" sending a "powerful message of NATO unity" to Putin. An RC-135 Rivet Joint surveillance aircraft and P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol plane flew from the Arctic past Belarus and Ukraine, supported by US Air Force KC-135 refuelling. The operation followed Russian incursions into Poland, Romania, and Estonia's airspaces. Healey emphasized the mission provides valuable intelligence boosting operational awareness. Earlier this month, EU leaders backed plans strengthening defences against Russian drones. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump claimed Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, called him saying she accepted it "in honour" of him because he "really deserved it." Trump said he helped Venezuela during disasters, saving "millions of lives." The president expressed disappointment at not receiving the prize for ending "seven wars," including conflicts in Armenia-Azerbaijan, Kosovo-Serbia, Israel-Iran, Egypt-Ethiopia, and Rwanda-Congo. Israeli PM Netanyahu also endorsed Trump for the Nobel Prize. The Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded Machado for promoting democratic rights in Venezuela and fighting for peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy, calling her a "brave champion of peace."

The Indian government clarified it had no involvement in Friday's Taliban press conference in Delhi where women journalists were barred, sparking widespread outrage. Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi addressed an all-male presser after meeting External Affairs Minister Jaishankar to discuss bilateral trade and security cooperation. Opposition leaders sharply criticized the government, with Rahul Gandhi accusing PM Modi of being "too weak" to stand up for women, calling his Nari Shakti slogan empty. Priyanka Gandhi and Trinamool's Mahua Moitra condemned the "shameful" incident. The Taliban, known for suppressing women's rights in Afghanistan, has imposed severe restrictions barring women from education, employment, and public spaces, prompting UN alarm. (PC: X)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged US President Donald Trump to broker a Ukraine peace deal during their "positive and productive" Saturday phone call. Zelenskyy congratulated Trump on the Gaza ceasefire, stating if war can be stopped in one region, "surely" the Russian war can end too. He informed Trump about Russia's recent attacks on Kyiv's energy system and discussed strengthening Ukraine's air defense with concrete agreements underway. Zelenskyy appreciated Trump's willingness to support Ukraine. Relations between the leaders have warmed significantly since their February White House meeting. Trump called Zelenskyy "brave" and praised Ukraine's fight against the Russian invasion ongoing since 2022, maintaining continued support. (PC: ABC News)

US Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor revealed that President Donald Trump considers Prime Minister Narendra Modi "a great and personal friend" after their meeting in Delhi on Saturday. Gor, a Trump inner-circle member, is on a six-day India visit with Deputy Secretary Michael Rigas to meet senior functionaries. He called the Modi meeting "incredible," discussing defence, trade, and technology. PM Modi expressed confidence Gor's tenure will strengthen the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Gor also met External Affairs Minister Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. The visit, occurring before Gor formally presents credentials in January, aims to restore bilateral relations to even keel amid recent strains, with India being America's strategic partner.

US Ambassador-designate Sergio Gor called his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi "incredible," discussing trade, critical minerals, and defence during his six-day Delhi visit. The meeting comes amid strained India-US relations following President Trump's 50% tariffs on Indian exports, including additional 25% duties for Russian crude oil purchases. India condemned the move as "unfair, unjustified and unreasonable." PM Modi welcomed Gor, expressing confidence his tenure will strengthen the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Both leaders held a framed photo of Modi and Trump's joint address. Gor, accompanied by Deputy Secretary Michael Rigas, earlier met External Affairs Minister Jaishankar. Recent Modi-Trump phone conversations have raised hopes for positive trade deal negotiations. (PC: X)