Supreme Court Justice Ujjal Bhuyan has strongly condemned the October 6 incident in which Advocate Rakesh Kishore attempted to hurl a shoe at Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, calling it an affront to the judiciary that “should never be forgotten.” While CJI Gavai appeared to downplay the matter in court, Bhuyan argued that it is no joking matter and pointed out that there was no apology from the perpetrator. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta also called the act “unpardonable.” Kishore’s lawyer’s licence has been suspended, and he faces criminal proceedings in Bengaluru.   

In a pivotal diplomatic push, the Taliban are urging India to formally recognize the “Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan” as their government, coinciding with Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s six-day visit to New Delhi. This is the first high-level Afghan government engagement in India since the Taliban takeover. Taliban envoy Suhail Shaheen indicated bilateral relations should be elevated via recognition. Despite this, India continues to tread carefully, balancing domestic concerns and alignment with the international community. Reconstruction, development, and security cooperation are expected to dominate talks. (PC: X)  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to congratulate them on the Gaza peace deal. Modi praised Trump’s 20-point plan that aims to end the 2-year Gaza war and secure hostage release. He said India supports peace and stronger global cooperation. Modi also discussed ongoing India-US trade talks, which had slowed after the US raised tariffs on Indian goods. Both sides agreed to review progress and stay in touch. Netanyahu thanked Modi for his support and called India a valued friend of Israel. (PC: X)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised India’s strong economic growth during his visit to Mumbai, rejecting U.S. President Donald Trump’s “dead economy” remark. Starmer congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying India is “on track to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2028.” He called India’s “growth story remarkable” and described it as “an economic superpower in the making.” Starmer also highlighted the new UK-India Comprehensive Trade Agreement as a “breakthrough moment” that will create jobs and boost trade. His comments came after Trump criticized India’s economy and its close ties with Russia earlier this year. (PC: HT)

Nadine de Klerk’s unbeaten 84 powered South Africa to a thrilling three-wicket win over India in the Women’s World Cup 2025 match at Vizag. Richa Ghosh’s stunning 94, supported by Sneh Rana’s quick 33, rescued India from 102 for 6 to a total of 251. Chasing 252, South Africa struggled early but recovered through partnerships between Laura Wolvaardt, Chloe Tryon, and De Klerk. In the tense finish, De Klerk smashed consecutive sixes to seal victory, ending India’s unbeaten run in the group stage. Despite Richa’s brilliance, South Africa’s calm chase secured a memorable triumph. (PC: BCCI )

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump to congratulate him on the success of the historic Gaza peace plan. The plan, brokered by the U.S., Israel, Egypt, and Qatar, aims to end the two-year-long Gaza war. It includes provisions for the release of hostages and prisoners and the withdrawal of Israeli forces. During their conversation, Modi and Trump also reviewed the progress in ongoing trade negotiations between India and the U.S., agreeing to stay in close touch over the coming weeks. (PC: India Today) 

After suffering a major blow from India’s Operation Sindoor, Jaish-E-Mohammed (JeM) has announced its first women’s wing, named Jamaat-Ul-Mominaat. The unit will be led by Sadiya Azhar, sister of JeM chief Masood Azhar. Recruitment started on October 8 in Bahawalpur and targets wives of members and economically weaker women at JeM centres in Pakistan. The women’s unit will focus on propaganda, recruitment, and psychological warfare, using social media and WhatsApp. Sources say this marks a shift for JeM, which previously barred women from combat roles. The unit is active online in Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of South India. (PC: HT)

After suffering a major blow from India’s Operation Sindoor, Jaish-E-Mohammed (JeM) has announced its first women’s wing, named Jamaat-Ul-Mominaat. The unit will be led by Sadiya Azhar, sister of JeM chief Masood Azhar. Recruitment started on October 8 in Bahawalpur and targets wives of members and economically weaker women at JeM centres in Pakistan. The women’s unit will focus on propaganda, recruitment, and psychological warfare, using social media and WhatsApp. Sources say this marks a shift for JeM, which previously barred women from combat roles. The unit is active online in Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of South India. (PC: India Today)

The Indian Air Force (IAF) marked its 93rd anniversary on October 8 with a unique and humorous menu card that went viral online. Named ‘Operation Kitchen,’ the menu featured dishes referencing Pakistani sites targeted during Operation Sindoor, such as Rawalpindi Chicken Tikka Masala and Muridke Meetha Pan. Social media users praised the wit, with many calling it “official trolling” and appreciating the humour. The missile strikes, carried out in May, targeted terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir in response to the Pahalgam attack. The celebration highlighted IAF’s precision, resolve, and ability to mix culture with a strong message. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer enjoyed a live performance of Arijit Singh and Ed Sheeran’s song Sapphire at a cultural event in Mumbai. Modi shared the video on X, calling it “a great example of India-UK cultural partnership.” The fusion track, blending Indian classical and Western pop sounds, quickly went viral online. Earlier, Starmer visited Yash Raj Films studio in Mumbai, welcomed by actress Rani Mukerji and producer Aditya Chopra. The visit highlighted growing ties in film, music, and trade between India and the UK under the Vision 2035 roadmap.