At least 7 patients died after a fire broke out in the ICU of Sawai Man Singh Hospital in Jaipur on Sunday night. Families said hospital staff fled as smoke filled the ward. The fire, suspected to be caused by a short circuit, spread quickly on the second floor. Firefighters took nearly 2 hours to control it. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma ordered an inquiry into safety lapses. Doctors said most victims were in critical condition. Families alleged there were no fire extinguishers or water to fight the flames. Prime Minister Modi and former CM Ashok Gehlot offered condolences. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump said he believes the hostages in Gaza will be freed “very soon” as peace talks begin in Egypt. Hamas has accepted parts of a 20-point US peace plan, including releasing hostages and allowing Palestinian technocrats to govern Gaza. However, it has not agreed to disarm. Israeli strikes in Gaza continued, with 65 more deaths reported. Trump said the deal would benefit Israel and the Arab world. Israeli and Hamas delegations are set to meet separately with mediators from the US, Qatar, and Egypt to discuss a ceasefire and hostage release. (PC: BBC)

At least 23 people, including seven children, died after heavy rain triggered landslides in Darjeeling, West Bengal, on Sunday. Homes collapsed, roads were blocked, and many areas remain cut off. In Nepal, 52 people died in floods and landslides caused by nonstop rain. A flood alert was issued in Bengal after Bhutan’s Tala Dam began overflowing. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will visit affected areas and announced compensation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah expressed grief and promised help. The IMD issued a red alert for more rain in Darjeeling and Kalimpong as rescue work continues. (PC: X)

India defeated Pakistan by 88 runs in the Women’s World Cup 2025 at Colombo, extending their record to 12-0. Batting first, India scored 247 runs, with Richa Ghosh making 35 not out. Pakistan bowler Diana Baig took 4 wickets for 69 runs. In reply, Pakistan were bowled out for 159 in 43 overs. Sidra Amin scored 81, but her effort went in vain. Deepti Sharma and Kranti Goud led India’s bowling attack. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur praised the team’s effort but said there is “room to improve.” India now lead the points table and will next face South Africa. (PC: India Today)

The Odisha government imposed a 36-hour curfew and suspended internet services in parts of Cuttack after clashes during Durga Puja idol immersion. Violence began late Friday when locals objected to loud music at Dargah Bazaar. Stones and bottles were thrown, injuring at least six people, including a police officer. Police arrested six suspects and are reviewing CCTV footage. On Sunday, fresh clashes injured more officers and journalists. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad called a 12-hour bandh on Monday. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi urged peace and warned that those involved in the violence would face strict action. (PC: HT)

At least five people were killed after Russia launched over 50 missiles and 500 drones across Ukraine on Sunday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. The strikes hit several regions, including Lviv, Zaporizhzhia, and Chernihiv, damaging energy facilities and leaving thousands without power. Four people died in Lviv and one in Zaporizhzhia. Poland scrambled fighter jets to protect its airspace during the attacks. Zelenskyy urged the US and Europe to speed up air defence aid, calling for stronger protection against “aerial terror.” Russia has not commented on the strikes, which come as winter nears and power cuts worsen. (PC: AP)

The Election Commission has introduced 17 new reforms for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections to improve transparency and efficiency. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said these steps will later be applied across India. Bihar will have fewer than 1,200 voters per booth and 100% webcasting at all polling stations. Colour photos and larger fonts will appear on EVM ballots, and voters must deposit phones outside booths. Booth officials will carry ID cards, and postal ballots will be counted earlier. The reforms aim to make voting easier, safer, and more transparent ahead of elections due before November 22. (PC: PTI)

Crucial peace talks between Hamas and Israel will begin in Egypt on Monday, aiming to end the Gaza war. The US and Israel are pushing for the quick release of hostages under a 20-point peace plan. Hamas has agreed to some parts of the plan but wants more discussions. Israeli air strikes continued in Gaza on Sunday, killing at least 65 people, despite US calls to stop bombing. Leaders from Egypt, the US, and Qatar will attend the talks. The discussions are seen as a major chance to reach a ceasefire after nearly two years of conflict. (PC: Reuters)

The Union Health Ministry held an emergency meeting after 14 children died in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan from a toxic cough syrup named Coldrif. Tests showed the syrup contained diethylene glycol, a harmful chemical. Officials ordered stricter checks on drug manufacturing and warned non-compliant companies of licence cancellation. States were told to avoid unnecessary cough syrup prescriptions for children. Experts called the contamination “criminal negligence.” The Tamil Nadu-based manufacturer’s licence has been cancelled, and legal action has begun. Health authorities are now testing more samples and tightening safety rules to prevent future tragedies. (PC: NDTV)

Former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez was arrested at a hospital in Indianapolis after being stabbed in a downtown incident. Police said Sanchez faces three charges — battery, unlawful entry of a vehicle, and public intoxication. The stabbing happened near Senate Avenue and West Washington Street around 12:30 a.m. on October 4. Locals expressed shock over the incident. Sanchez, now a Fox Sports commentator, was in the city for Sunday’s Colts vs. Raiders game. He retired from the NFL in 2019 and is married to actress Perry Mattfeld. (PC: AP)