Hamas said it is ready to start talks after partly agreeing to US President Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan. The announcement came as Israel carried out airstrikes across Gaza, killing six people. Trump had given Hamas a Sunday deadline to accept the plan or face “grave consequences.” He called on Israel to stop bombing to secure the release of hostages safely. Netanyahu’s office said Israel is preparing to implement the first phase of Trump’s plan and may scale back military action. About 48 hostages remain, and the conflict has killed over 66,000 in Gaza. (PC: HT)

India’s star opener Shubman Gill has been appointed ODI captain for the upcoming three-match series against Australia, beginning October 19, 2025. The BCCI made the move to groom the 26-year-old as a long-term leader ahead of the 2027 ICC World Cup. Gill, who impressed as Test captain during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in England, replaces Rohit Sharma, who is set to make a comeback after an eight-month break. Despite the leadership shift, both Rohit and Virat Kohli are expected to feature in the squad, offering experience alongside Gill’s fresh leadership approach.

Olympic legend Usain Bolt revealed that Virat Kohli would be part of his dream relay team of cricketers. Bolt, on a tour in India, said he started as a cricketer before switching to sprinting. He added that Kohli is quick on the field and would fit perfectly in his team. Bolt also chose Brett Lee and Jonty Rhodes for the team. He said his cricket coach first noticed his speed and encouraged him to try track. Bolt also named Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, Courtney Walsh, and Ambrose among his favorite cricketers, adding he would have been a cricketer if not a sprinter. (PC: India Today)

On October 4, 2025, Israel conducted airstrikes in Gaza, resulting in six deaths, just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered an immediate halt to the bombardment. The strikes targeted a house in Gaza City, killing four individuals, and another in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, killing two others. These attacks occurred following Hamas's partial acceptance of Trump's 20-point peace plan, which includes the release of hostages and a ceasefire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office indicated preparations for the plan's first stage, involving the release of Israeli hostages. Israeli media later reported that the country's political leadership had instructed the military to reduce offensive operations in the enclave. (PC: Reuters)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded U.S. President Donald Trump's leadership in advancing peace efforts in Gaza. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Modi described the indications of Hamas's agreement to release hostages as a "significant step forward." He emphasized that India would continue to support all initiatives aimed at achieving a durable and just peace in the region. This development follows Hamas's partial acceptance of Trump's 20-point peace plan, which includes provisions for the release of hostages and the establishment of a transitional Palestinian administration. 

A lawsuit in US federal court challenges President Donald Trump’s $100,000 one-time H-1B visa fee. The case highlights “Phoenix Doe,” an Indian postdoctoral researcher in California, whose visa process has been paused. Her work studies genetic and epigenetic causes of vision loss to develop treatments. The lawsuit states, “Without relief, Plaintiff Phoenix will be forced to leave her postdoctoral position within four months.” Lawyers argue the fee is illegal and beyond presidential authority. The order disrupts research, innovation, and university programs. Without intervention, Doe may lose her job, delaying crucial studies and affecting future funding. (PC: HT)

Hamas has accepted key parts of US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan. The group agreed to a ceasefire, Israel’s full withdrawal, and a prisoner exchange. Hamas said it will release Israeli hostages, both living and dead, under agreed conditions. The plan also includes humanitarian aid and rebuilding efforts, while rejecting any forced displacement of Palestinians. However, differences remain over Gaza’s future governance and Hamas’s role in it. Trump’s plan proposes a temporary Palestinian technocratic government supervised by an international body. Hamas, meanwhile, wants Gaza run by an independent Palestinian committee backed by Arab and Islamic nations. (PC: X)

Former Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi has secured the presidency of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), positioning her to become the nation's first female prime minister. In a runoff on October 4, Takaichi defeated Agriculture Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, garnering 185 votes to Koizumi’s 156. Takaichi, 64, is known for her conservative nationalist stance and a "Japan First" policy, which may strengthen ties with the U.S. but could strain relations with neighboring countries over WWII legacy issues. A parliamentary vote to confirm her as prime minister is expected on October 15. (PC: AP)

Two Indian nationals, Arokkiyasami Daison (23) and Rajendran Mayilarasan (27), were sentenced to five years and one month in prison, along with 12 strokes of the cane, for robbing and assaulting two sex workers in Singapore hotels. The incidents occurred in April 2025 during their vacation. The men pleaded guilty to charges of voluntarily causing hurt while robbing the victims. They were approached by a man in Little India who connected them with the women. In separate hotel rooms, they tied up and assaulted the victims, stealing cash, jewelry, and personal items. The crimes were reported when one victim confided in another man, leading to the police being notified. (PC: The Hindu)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is on a four-nation South America tour covering Colombia, Brazil, Peru, and Chile. All these countries are led by Left-leaning governments. During his visit, Rahul shared photos of a Bajaj Pulsar in Colombia and spoke about motorcycles in student talks, reminding many of Che Guevara’s Motorcycle Diaries. His trip comes as he promotes ideas like wealth sharing and social justice at home. Analysts say the visit could help Rahul study socialist models in action. The journey also connects with India’s historic Non-Aligned Movement roots, once shaped by his grandfather, Jawaharlal Nehru. (PC: X)