The Israeli military reported the death of 5 soldiers in southern Lebanon on Saturday. This brings the total number of Israeli soldiers killed in Lebanon to 37 since ground operations began on September 30. Hezbollah began firing rockets at Israel on October 8, 2023, in support of Hamas, following an attack by the Palestinian group. Israel then escalated its airstrikes on Lebanon, later launching ground attacks. According to official data, at least 1,615 people in Lebanon have died since September 23, but the real number could be higher due to incomplete data.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the India-China troop disengagement in Ladakh will take time. Speaking in Mumbai, he explained that the first step at Depsang and Demchok is complete, with both armies moving back to their bases. The next step, de-escalation, will happen once India confirms China's cooperation. Jaishankar hopes to restore the 2020 status along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Tensions rose after the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. Last week, Prime Minister Modi discussed border peace with President Xi Jinping at the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia.

A LocalCircles survey reveals that 18% of families in Delhi-NCR plan to burn firecrackers this Diwali, even as air quality in the capital worsens. Out of 10,526 respondents, 55% oppose cracker usage due to pollution, while 19% said they like crackers but cannot access them in their cities. Meanwhile, 9% have already acquired firecrackers, and another 9% plan to find ways to obtain them. The survey, involving validated LocalCircles members, highlights citizens' growing awareness of air pollution, yet a significant portion remains committed to continuing the firecracker tradition.

Actor Vijay, at his first political rally in Tamil Nadu’s Villupuram, introduced his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and outlined its ideologies. Vijay emphasized secularism, equality, social justice, and promoting Tamil as the administrative language in courts. He called for removing the Governor’s post and highlighted inspirations like Periyar, Ambedkar, and Velu Nachiyar for TVK’s vision. TVK’s manifesto aims to create equal opportunities for women, conduct caste-based census, eliminate religious and caste-based discrimination, and establish a two-language policy. Expressing his sense of duty, Vijay stated, “What will I do for the people who made my life?”

Bollywood star Salman Khan continues to face death threats from gangster Lawrence Bishnoi due to the 1998 blackbuck case. Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait advised Salman to visit a temple and ask for forgiveness. Tikait warned that Bishnoi, whom he called a “bad man,” might harm Salman despite being in jail. The threats resurfaced after politician Baba Siddique was murdered, with Bishnoi’s gang claiming responsibility. Bishnoi’s gang considers blackbucks sacred to their community, and Salman’s involvement in the case has sparked anger. Authorities have increased security around the actor to ensure his safety.

Former cricketer Manoj Tiwary has criticized captain Rohit Sharma and coach Gautam Gambhir after India’s Test series loss to New Zealand, ending an 18-series home winning streak. Tiwary pointed to decisions made in the rain-hit opener in Bengaluru, where India chose to bat first. He questioned the team’s selection choices, noting the exclusion of Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel. Tiwary warned that these choices could lead to “cracks in the dressing room.” India now hopes to recover in the third Test starting November 1 before a crucial five-Test tour in Australia that may impact their World Test Championship hopes.

At least 35 people were hurt in a truck attack at a bus stop near Tel Aviv, which Israeli police are treating as a “terror incident.” The attack comes amid increased tension in the region, with Israel launching strikes on Iranian military sites. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned against overreacting to the strikes. Meanwhile, in southern Lebanon, eight people died, and 25 were injured after an Israeli airstrike targeted Sidon. Hostilities between Israel and the Lebanese group Hezbollah have intensified in recent weeks, adding to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

On Sunday, more than 50 Indian flights, including those from Akasa Air, IndiGo, and Vistara, received bomb threats, adding to over 350 similar hoaxes in the past two weeks. The threats were mainly issued via social media. Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said the government plans to ban those responsible for these threats from flying. He also mentioned stricter penalties and support from international and law enforcement agencies to curb such incidents. The IT Ministry has urged social media platforms to remove false information promptly, as officials work to trace those behind the threats.

At least 10 people were hurt, two critically, in a stampede at Mumbai’s Bandra Terminus early Sunday. The incident happened as hundreds of people tried to board the moving Gorakhpur-bound Antyodaya Express. With Diwali and Chhath celebrations near, crowds flocked to the station to travel home. Many unreserved passengers rushed to grab seats, causing chaos. Videos on social media show injured passengers and a hectic scene. Opposition leaders criticized Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, saying he focuses too much on the bullet train project instead of local rail safety. Injured people were taken to Bhabha Hospital.

During his 115th Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi warned citizens about “digital arrest” scams, emphasizing that no government agency contacts individuals via video call for arrests. He advised using the cyber helpline 1930 if contacted by fraudsters impersonating officials. Modi also announced national celebrations for the 150th anniversaries of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and tribal leader Birsa Munda, urging citizens to participate. With World Animation Day approaching, he highlighted India’s growing animation industry and its collaboration with global studios like Disney and Warner Brothers, aiming to position India as an animation powerhouse.