After protests in Leh on September 24 that left four dead and dozens injured, the Apex Body Leh (ABL) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) pulled out of the scheduled October 6 talks with the Centre. The central government had been planning to propose constitutional safeguards for Ladakh under Article 371, which would afford certain protections without granting full autonomy under the Sixth Schedule—demanded by Ladakh groups. The ABL and KDA remain steadfast in seeking statehood, Sixth Schedule status, job reservations, and dual Lok Sabha seats. (PC: PTI)

Pole Chandrasekhar, a 28-year-old student from Hyderabad, was tragically shot dead at a gas station in Denton, near Dallas, Texas. He had moved to the U.S. in 2023 to pursue a Master’s in Data Analytics and was working part-time. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and police have launched an investigation. His grieving family has urged Indian and Telangana authorities to assist in repatriating his body. The Indian Consulate in Houston has offered full support and is coordinating with U.S. officials. (PC: X)

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel has accepted an “initial withdrawal line” in Gaza and pledged a ceasefire would begin “immediately” once Hamas confirms agreement. The plan also includes a large-scale hostage exchange and phased Israeli pullback. Israel’s military was ordered to pause strikes and shift to defensive posture, preparing to enact phase one of the peace plan. Hamas has expressed conditional acceptance of some terms, but has yet to fully agree to disarm. (PC: The Hindu)    

A paediatrician from Chhindwara, Dr. Praveen Soni, has been arrested after prescribing Coldrif cough syrup, which caused the deaths of 11 children. The Madhya Pradesh government filed a case against Srisan Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer, after lab tests revealed 48.6% diethylene glycol, a deadly toxic substance. Authorities have banned Coldrif and suspended other products from the company. Several children who initially had mild cold symptoms developed kidney failure and died, prompting a state-wide crackdown on contaminated medicines and tighter monitoring of pharmaceutical quality standards.  

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he hopes to announce the release of hostages held in Gaza “in the coming days.” He said both diplomatic and military pressure brought progress. Netanyahu warned that Hamas “will be disarmed and Gaza demilitarised — the easy way or the hard way.” The comments came after Hamas accepted a US peace plan proposed by President Donald Trump. Trump warned Hamas to “move quickly or else all bets will be off.” Hamas still seeks talks on some parts of the plan. “I feel hope that I can hug my son again,” one mother said. (PC: X)

Chandrashekar Pole, a 27-year-old student from Hyderabad, was shot dead by miscreants at a gas station in Denton, Texas, where he worked part-time. He had gone to the US for higher studies after completing his BDS degree in India. Former Telangana minister T Harish Rao said the student was from LB Nagar and urged the government to bring his body home. Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy offered full support to the family. The Indian Consulate in Houston said it was helping the family and following the police investigation. Local authorities in Texas are probing the incident. (PC: India Today)

Cyclone Shakhti has intensified into a ‘severe’ storm over the Arabian Sea, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Saturday. The cyclone is moving west-southwest at around 15 kmph and is expected to weaken from Monday. IMD warned of thunderstorms and lightning in Mumbai, Pune, and nearby areas, with rough sea conditions and wind speeds up to 100 kmph near Gujarat and Maharashtra coasts. Fishermen have been advised not to enter the sea until Tuesday. However, officials said there is no direct threat to India’s west coast. Light rainfall may continue in Mumbai and Thane till October 8. (PC: X)

Actor Rhea Chakraborty said she finally got her passport back after five years following the Bombay High Court’s order. The 33-year-old actor shared a photo on Instagram holding her passport and wrote, “Patience was my only passport for the past 5 years.” Rhea had surrendered her passport after being arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau in a drug case linked to actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s death in 2020. She was later granted bail. Known for “Sonali Cable” and “Jalebi,” Rhea was last seen in “Chehre” (2021) and recently appeared in “MTV Roadies: Karm Ya Kaand.” (PC: The Hindu)

The Supreme Court will hear on October 6 a plea by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali Angmo, seeking his release. Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) and sent to Jodhpur Central Jail for allegedly inciting violent protests in Ladakh on September 24. Four people were killed and 80 injured during the clashes. Angmo said she has no information about his health or the reasons for his detention. She accused the Ladakh police of “misusing power” and working with an “agenda.” Her plea also challenges the Centre’s handling of the unrest and demands his immediate release. (PC: HT)

Pakistan’s interior minister and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief Mohsin Naqvi will receive the Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Excellence Gold Medal for his “courageous stance” during the Asia Cup trophy controversy. The issue began after India defeated Pakistan in the final and refused to take the trophy from Naqvi, who had earlier shared a controversial post. Naqvi then took away the trophy himself, sparking mockery online. He later said he never apologised to the BCCI and did nothing wrong. The award ceremony will be held in Karachi, with Bilawal Bhutto invited. The BCCI plans to raise the issue at ICC’s November meeting. (PC: Mint)