The United Kingdom’s Carrier Strike Group, led by aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, began Exercise Konkan with the Indian Navy in the Western Indian Ocean on October 5. The four-day drill includes ships, submarines, and aircraft from both nations. For the first time, British and Indian carrier groups — HMS Prince of Wales and INS Vikrant — are training together. The exercise aims to build strong defence cooperation and improve sea and air operations. After the drill, UK ships will visit Mumbai and Goa to celebrate closer military ties and showcase the growing UK-India partnership.

A doctor in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara district has been arrested after 14 children died from consuming contaminated Coldrif cough syrup. The doctor, identified as Praveen Soni, allegedly prescribed the syrup to several children treated at his clinic in Parasia. Police have also filed a case against Sresan Pharmaceuticals, a Tamil Nadu–based company that made the syrup. Tests showed the medicine contained high levels of diethylene glycol, a toxic chemical used in antifreeze. The Madhya Pradesh government has banned the sale of Coldrif across the state, and authorities are checking other districts for its supply. (PC: Representative/ PTI)

At least six people have died in Darjeeling district following a devastating landslide in Mirik, triggered by continuous heavy rainfall. The Dudia Iron Bridge, a vital link between Mirik and Kurseong, collapsed, isolating these towns from each other. Additionally, a landslide at Hussain Khola along National Highway 110 near Kurseong severed the crucial route connecting Siliguri to Darjeeling. The region remains under a red alert, with the India Meteorological Department forecasting extremely heavy rainfall in sub-Himalayan West Bengal until Monday morning.    

Former Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) zonal director Sameer Wankhede has refuted claims that Aryan Khan was made a "bali ka bakra" (scapegoat) in the 2021 Cordelia cruise drugs case. In a recent interview, Wankhede defended the arrest, stating that possession of drugs isn't always necessary for an arrest under the law. He also addressed allegations of leaking his conversations with Shah Rukh Khan, asserting that such actions are not his habit and that he doesn't need to engage in such behavior. Wankhede emphasized that everything was done strictly by the book during the investigation. 

Cricketer Kapil Dev recently had the honor of pinning the stripes on IndiGo's new pilot, Captain Ananya Agarwal, marking a significant milestone in her aviation career. The ceremony took place at the airline's training facility, where Captain Agarwal was officially inducted into the cockpit crew. The event underscores IndiGo's commitment to promoting diversity and empowering women in aviation. Kapil Dev, celebrated for leading India to its first Cricket World Cup victory in 1983, expressed pride in supporting women professionals across various fields. The occasion was attended by senior IndiGo officials and aviation industry leaders. (PC: X)    

Sanae Takaichi has made history by becoming the first woman to lead Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). A former Economic Security Minister and a staunch conservative, Takaichi secured the LDP presidency by defeating Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi in a runoff vote. Her victory positions her to become Japan’s first female prime minister, as the LDP holds a majority in the lower house of parliament. Takaichi is known for her hawkish stance on China and her admiration for former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. She is also a regular visitor to the Yasukuni Shrine, a site associated with Japan's wartime militarism, which has drawn criticism from neighboring countries. Her leadership marks a significant shift in Japan's political landscape, highlighting the increasing influence of women in Japanese politics. (PC: AP)

An Air India Boeing 787-8 flight from Amritsar to Birmingham made a safe landing after its emergency Ram Air Turbine (RAT) deployed mid-descent on Saturday. The incident happened during flight AI117’s final approach to Birmingham. Air India said all electrical and hydraulic systems were working normally, and passengers and crew were safe. The aircraft has been grounded for detailed checks, and the return flight to Delhi was cancelled. The RAT system is a small fan that provides emergency power if an aircraft loses main engine power. Air India said passenger safety remains its top priority. (PC: Reuters)

Ladakhi education reformer and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has called for an independent judicial inquiry into the killing of four people during protests in Leh on September 24. The protests turned violent as people demanded statehood and implementation of the Sixth Schedule. Wangchuk, detained under the National Security Act, sent his message from Jodhpur Central Jail through his brother and lawyer. He said he would remain in jail until a fair probe is ordered. Wangchuk also urged Ladakhis to continue their peaceful struggle and expressed full support for the Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance’s demands. (PC: HT)

Police have been given extra time to question four people arrested after the terror attack at a Manchester synagogue on Thursday. Three men remain in hospital after a car and knife attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation. The attacker, 35-year-old Jihad al Shamie, was shot dead by police. He was on bail for an alleged rape. Two men, aged 30 and 32, and two women, aged 46 and 61, are being held on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts. Police said the investigation is moving quickly. Two men, Adrian Daulby and Melvin Cravitz, were killed while stopping the attacker. (PC; PA)

At least 6 people died after a bridge collapsed in Darjeeling’s Mirik area following heavy rain and landslides. The Dudia Iron Bridge, which connects Mirik and Kurseong, broke apart, cutting off key roads. Landslides were also reported near Hussain Khola on National Highway 110. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for North Bengal, warning of extremely heavy rain in Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, and Alipurduar till Sunday. Rivers like Teesta and Mal are flowing above danger levels, causing flood-like conditions. Several areas in Jalpaiguri’s Malbazar have been submerged under water. (PC: India Today)