Israel’s cabinet is set to vote on a Gaza ceasefire deal that could begin within 24 hours of approval. The agreement, signed earlier in Egypt, includes Hamas releasing Israeli hostages and Israel freeing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. It also allows 400 aid trucks daily into Gaza for the first five days. Israeli troops will start withdrawing from parts of Gaza. US President Donald Trump called it a “major breakthrough,” while UK PM Keir Starmer welcomed it as “a moment of profound relief.” Palestinians and Israelis celebrated the deal, though experts say lasting peace remains uncertain. (PC: BBC)

Celebrity hairstylist Jawed Habib, his son Anos Habib, and an associate have been booked in 23 fraud cases in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal for running a ₹7 crore Bitcoin scam. Police said they collected ₹5–7 lakh from each investor through their FLC Company, promising returns of up to 70%. Over 38 victims have been identified. A lookout notice has been issued, and their properties may be seized if they fail to repay the money. Officers said the scam was operated like an organised gang, targeting local businessmen who mostly dealt in cash. (PC: HT)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi told UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer that “radicalism and violent extremism have no space in democratic societies” and urged action against Khalistani extremists. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said both leaders agreed such groups must not misuse democratic freedoms. He described Starmer’s visit as “a partnership for the people,” highlighting progress in trade, education, and technology. The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), UK university campuses in India, and startup collaborations were discussed. Modi also thanked the UK for backing India’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India’s partnership with the UK is key to global stability and economic growth after talks with British PM Keir Starmer in Mumbai. Both leaders praised the new trade deal and launched the Technology Security Initiative to boost cooperation in AI, defence, and critical minerals. They announced joint defence projects, including the supply of lightweight missiles and training between the Indian and Royal Air Forces. The UK also confirmed new university campuses in India. Modi and Starmer called for zero tolerance toward terrorism and stressed peace efforts in Ukraine and Gaza. (PC: X)

Palestinians celebrated in Gaza after US President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hamas had agreed to the first phase of a peace deal. The plan includes a Gaza ceasefire, Israeli troop withdrawal, and the release of hostages and prisoners. Israel said the ceasefire would begin within 24 hours of cabinet approval, expected later today. Hamas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have confirmed the agreement, brokered in Egypt. The deal will also allow hundreds of aid trucks into Gaza daily. Families of hostages in Israel and residents in Gaza both welcomed the news with joy and relief. 

Hungarian novelist László Krasznahorkai has won the 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature. The Swedish Academy praised his “compelling and visionary works” that “reaffirm the power of art.” The 71-year-old author is best known for Satantango and The Melancholy of Resistance, both adapted into films by Béla Tarr. Krasznahorkai earlier received the 2015 Man Booker International and 2019 National Book Award for Translated Literature. Known for his long sentences and dark, intense stories, he has been compared to Kafka and Gogol. He will receive the Nobel medal and diploma in Stockholm this December. (PC: The Guardian)

Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai said he was “very shocked” by Monday’s shoe attack inside the Supreme Court. Speaking in court, he called the incident a “forgotten chapter.” Justice Ujjal Bhuyan said the act was “an affront to the institution.” The attacker, 71-year-old lawyer Rakesh Kishore, was restrained by security after shouting, “Sanatan ka apman nahi sahenge.” Solicitor General Tushar Mehta called the act “unpardonable.” CJI Gavai decided not to press charges. The attack drew strong condemnation from PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi, and others. Protests were held in Maharashtra by Ambedkarite groups. (PC: HT)

Israel and Hamas agreed to a first-phase Gaza ceasefire deal ending the devastating two-year war that began with Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack. The agreement calls for immediate cessation of fighting, with Hamas releasing 48 remaining hostages (20 believed alive) starting this weekend, while Israel will free nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. President Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff, son-in-law Jared Kushner, and mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey brokered the indirect negotiations. Over 67,000 Palestinians died, mostly women and children, with Gaza's infrastructure devastated. Israeli cabinet votes Thursday on approval.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer made his first official India visit October 8-9, greeting audiences with "Namaskar doston" and thanking PM Modi for the warm welcome. The leaders reviewed progress under the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership's Vision 2035 roadmap, a ten-year plan covering trade, technology, defense, climate, health, education, and people-to-people ties. Modi emphasized the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) will create jobs, expand trade, and benefit industries in both nations. Starmer called it a "new, modern partnership" focused on future opportunities. The leaders discussed West Asia, welcoming Gaza peace plan steps, and addressed Ukraine stability and Indo-Pacific security. Both met UK university vice chancellors in Mumbai.

Indian author Amitav Ghosh emerges as a leading contender for the 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature, announced Thursday by The Swedish Academy. If victorious, Ghosh would become the second Indian Nobel laureate after Rabindranath Tagore's 1913 win for Gitanjali. According to Ladbrokes, Chinese writer Can Xue and Hungarian László Krasznahorkai lead favorites, followed by Mexican Cristina Rivera Garza and Romanian Mircea Cărtărescu. However, Nicerodds' compiled bookmaker data shows Ghosh as a top favorite. Other notable contenders include Salman Rushdie, Haruki Murakami, Margaret Atwood, Canadian poet Ann Carson, and Jamaica Kincaid. Last year's prize honored South Korean Han Kang for confronting historical traumas and exposing human life's fragility.