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)

Hamas is demanding Israel include prominent Palestinian prisoners, including Marwan Barghouti and Ahmad Saadat, in a prisoner-release list as part of a Gaza ceasefire deal. Israel's justice ministry published 250 names but excluded seven high-profile prisoners serving sentences for deadly attacks. Twenty Israeli hostages are expected for release Monday under the Trump-brokered deal ending the two-year Gaza war. Barghouti, serving five life sentences, remains the most popular Palestinian leader in opinion polls. US envoy Steve Witkoff promised raising the exclusion issue with Netanyahu, but Israel firmly refused. Hamas also wants prisoners from the previous Gilad Shalit exchange excluded from the 250-count. The ceasefire's first phase began Friday with partial Israeli withdrawal. (PC: X)

A 20-year-old second-year medical student from Odisha was allegedly gang-raped by three unidentified men in Durgapur, West Bengal, on Friday night. The victim was outside her college campus for dinner when attackers snatched her phone, dragged her to a wooded area, and assaulted her while threatening consequences. Police launched an investigation after her family filed a complaint, reviewing CCTV footage and collecting forensic evidence. The National Commission for Women deployed a team to meet the survivor. Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi urged Mamata Banerjee's intervention. BJP leaders attacked the West Bengal government, invoking RG Kar Hospital memories, calling the state unsafe for women. TMC responded, urging against politicizing women's safety issues.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US ambassador-designate Sergio Gor in New Delhi on Saturday amid ongoing tensions over Washington's 50% tariffs on Indian exports. Gor, accompanied by US Deputy Secretary Michael J Rigas, is on a six-day India visit following his recent Senate confirmation. The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral ties and easing recent strains in the relationship. Jaishankar discussed India-US relations and their global significance, wishing Gor success in his new role. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also held productive exchanges with Gor about the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. The US Embassy emphasized deepening the ambitious strategic partnership for a safer, stronger, more prosperous relationship between both nations. (PC: X)

Head coach Gautam Gambhir expressed unwavering support for Test captain Shubman Gill, praising the 25-year-old's exceptional composure during India's challenging England tour. Gambhir recalled telling Gill he was being thrown into "deep sea" when appointed captain, but the youngster responded brilliantly, scoring 754 runs including four centuries. Despite facing unfair criticism about his appointment, Gill demonstrated remarkable leadership through the intense five-Test series that ended 2-2. Gambhir emphasized he would absorb all criticism for Gill as long as the captain remains transparent and honest. Now elevated to ODI captaincy replacing Rohit Sharma, Gill has scored 966 Test runs this year, leading India's charts while preparing for potential 2027 World Cup leadership. (PC: Facebook)

Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister, Maulana Amir Khan Muttaqi, visited Darul Uloom Deoband in Uttar Pradesh on October 11, 2025, marking his first trip to India since the Taliban's return to power in 2021. During his visit, he received a 'Sanad' (certificate) from the seminary, granting him the title 'Qasmi,' acknowledging his academic connection to the institution. The visit reflects the Taliban government's efforts to strengthen religious, educational, and diplomatic ties with India. Muttaqi expressed hope for enhanced India-Afghanistan relations and future diplomatic exchanges.    

A second-year MBBS student from Odisha was gang-raped near a private medical college in Durgapur, West Bengal, on the night of October 10, 2025. The survivor had gone out with a friend, who allegedly misled her and brought her to a secluded area where the assault occurred. West Bengal Police have registered a case, questioning the friend and other suspects linked to the incident. The state health department has requested a report from the private college. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with calls for swift justice and stricter safety measures for students.

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi expressed deep sorrow over the death of Haryana IPS officer Y. Puran Kumar, allegedly by suicide. In a letter to his wife, Amneet P. Kumar, Sonia condemned the "prejudiced and biased attitude" of those in power, stating that even senior officials are deprived of social justice. The officer's death has drawn national attention to caste-based discrimination within the police force. An FIR has been filed, and a Special Investigation Team is probing the matter. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability. (PC: PTI)

Tensions flared in Lahore and Islamabad after thousands of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) protesters attempted a “Gaza solidarity” march toward the U.S. Embassy. Security forces used tear gas, baton charges, and live fire—a protest leader claimed 11 people were killed and over 50 wounded. Authorities responded by blocking roads, erecting barricades, and suspending mobile internet services in key districts. The unrest reflects rising domestic anger over the Israel-Hamas conflict and Pakistan’s deepening internal political fissures. (PC: India Today)