Israel and Hamas have started indirect talks in Egypt’s Sharm El-Sheikh on Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan. The talks aim to secure the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and an end to the war. Egypt and Qatar are mediating between both sides. Hamas has partly accepted the plan but not agreed to disarm or step aside from Gaza’s rule. Israel hopes for a hostage release soon. The plan includes aid for Gaza and discusses a possible Palestinian state. Fighting continues in Gaza as both sides face pressure to reach a lasting peace deal. (PC: BBC)

The Election Commission of India announced that Bihar will vote in two phases on November 6 and 11, with results on November 14. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said the 243-member Assembly’s term ends on November 22. Polling dates were set after the Chhath festival. Over 7.43 crore voters, including 14 lakh first-timers, will take part. The ruling NDA, led by Nitish Kumar, will face the Mahagathbandhan of RJD, Congress, and Left parties. Security forces will be deployed early. Voters’ photos on EVMs will appear in colour for the first time to ensure clarity and transparency. (PC: India Today)

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke on Monday to discuss Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan and Iran’s nuclear programme. The two leaders also talked about stabilising Syria and finding a negotiated solution with Tehran, Russian media reported. Netanyahu wished Putin ahead of his birthday during the call. The discussion came as ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas resumed, with both sides showing interest in Trump’s proposed roadmap involving prisoner exchanges. Putin and Trump had earlier met in Alaska to discuss the Ukraine war and nuclear arms limits under the 2010 New START treaty. (PC: HT)

US President Donald Trump has announced new limits on international student enrollment, capping it at 15% in American universities. A government memo, titled “Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education,” says no more than 5% of students can come from any one country. Universities that fail to meet these rules may lose federal funding. The policy affects top institutions already exceeding the cap, forcing them to cut existing international classes. Experts say the move could reshape the US’s global education role and hurt opportunities for foreign students, including many from India studying under the Student Visa Exchange Program. (PC: X)

Indian-origin teenager Grace O’Malley-Kumar has been awarded the George Medal, one of the UK’s highest civilian honours, for bravery. The 19-year-old medical student died in June 2023 while trying to save her friend, Barnaby Webber, during a knife attack in Nottingham. Both were killed by attacker Valdo Calocane, who was later detained in a high-security hospital. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Grace’s courage showed “the very best of who we are.” Her parents, both doctors, will receive the medal. Grace’s family has created a foundation in her name to support youth through sport, education, and mental health programs. (PC: India Today)

Rescuers in Tibet are racing to save more than 200 hikers stranded near Mount Everest after a sudden blizzard hit the region. Over 350 people have been rescued so far, according to Chinese state media. The storm struck as China began its eight-day national holiday, trapping tourists in deep snow. A camper said he had to clear snow from his tent every 10 minutes, while guides called the snowfall “unusually heavy.” In nearby Nepal, the same storm caused floods and landslides, killing at least 40 people. Officials say all stranded hikers have been contacted and rescue efforts continue. (PC: BBC)

Israel deported Greta Thunberg and 170 other activists detained after a flotilla carrying aid to Gaza was stopped last week. About 470 people were aboard over 40 boats. Israel said deportations were legal and accused the flotilla of spreading lies. The activists were sent to 17 countries, including Greece, Sweden, the US, and the UK. The move comes ahead of indirect Gaza peace talks in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. Key issues include hostage release, Hamas disarmament, future Gaza governance, and Israeli withdrawal. Meanwhile, Israeli strikes continue, killing 21 Palestinians in 24 hours, as negotiations aim to implement Trump’s peace plan. (PC: BBC)

The death toll in North Bengal floods and landslides rose to 28, with several people still missing. Continuous heavy rainfall has stranded thousands of tourists in hill areas. North Bengal Development Minister Udayan Guha said the toll may rise. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called the floods "man-made" and announced ₹5 lakh compensation and a home guard job for one family member of each deceased. The worst-hit areas include Mirik, Sukhiapokhri, Jorebunglow, and Nagrakata. Rescue teams, led by the NDRF, are clearing over 40 landslide sites. Relief camps provide food, water, and medicine. Heavy rains may continue. (PC: HT)

The Bar Council of India has suspended lawyer Rakesh Kishore after he tried to throw a shoe at Chief Justice BR Gavai in the Supreme Court. The suspension bars him from practicing in any court or tribunal in India. Kishore shouted about Sanatan Dharma during the incident and was immediately detained. Chief Justice Gavai continued the hearing calmly. The Bar Council will issue a show cause notice, and Kishore must respond in 15 days. Leaders, including Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, Kapil Sibal, and Sonia Gandhi, condemned the act as unacceptable and a threat to the Constitution. (PC: India Today)

A 60-year-old man in Sydney fired up to 50 bullets from his apartment into a busy street, injuring one person critically. Police stormed the apartment in Croydon Park and arrested the suspect, who was later taken to a station. The victim, a man in his 50s, underwent emergency surgery after being shot in the neck and chest. Fourteen others were treated for minor injuries or shock. Police said the suspect had no criminal or terror links and no known mental health history. Firearms charges are expected. Such mass shootings are rare in Australia. (PC: Al Jazeera)