NASA's Crew-8 mission has begun its 34-hour return to Earth after six months aboard the International Space Station. The SpaceX Dragon capsule, carrying NASA astronauts Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt, Jeanette Epps, and Russian cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin, undocked from the ISS at 2:40 am (IST) on Thursday. Their return had been delayed by poor weather conditions. The crew is expected to splash down near the Florida coast at around 1 pm (IST) on Friday. This marks the end of their mission, which involved various scientific experiments and maintenance activities during their time in space.

Cyclone Dana is set to make landfall near Bhitarkanika and Dhamra, Odisha, on the night of October 24, with wind speeds of 100-120 km/h. The Indian Meteorological Department warns of heavy rainfall across 14 districts, including Jagatsinghpur and Balasore. The Odisha government is on high alert, preparing 5,000 shelters and planning to evacuate around 1 million people from vulnerable areas. Emergency teams, including the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force and National Disaster Response Force, have been deployed to assist in the evacuations and manage the disaster response.

In a pivotal meeting on October 23, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held their first bilateral talks in over five years during the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia. Modi emphasized that "border peace should remain our priority" and highlighted the recent agreement for disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Both leaders agreed to enhance communication and explore solutions to the boundary question. Xi reaffirmed the importance of India-China relations, expressing pleasure in the renewed dialogue. The meeting marks a significant step in addressing long-standing tensions between the two nations.

At least 4 people were killed and 14 wounded in a terror attack on Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS) near Ankara on October 23, 2024. Gunmen armed with assault rifles breached the facility, detonating explosives and opening fire. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the attack while Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that two attackers were killed. Eyewitness reports suggest hostages may have been taken. TUSAS is crucial to Turkey's defense sector, and although no group has claimed responsibility, NATO condemned the attack, affirming solidarity with Turkey and its fight against terrorism.

Birmingham Airport, the UK's seventh busiest, was evacuated for several hours on October 23, 2024, following reports of a suspicious vehicle. West Midlands Police initiated a partial closure as a precautionary measure. Passengers were advised against traveling while those inside terminals were evacuated. Authorities prioritized safety, stating, “We apologise for any inconvenience... safety was our number one priority.” After a thorough search by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, the vehicle was deemed safe and no longer suspicious. Operations are gradually returning to normal, with passengers encouraged to check flight information from their airlines.

Zimbabwe made history by setting the highest total in T20 cricket, scoring 344 for 4 against Gambia in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier. Sikandar Raza smashed Zimbabwe’s first T20I century in just 33 balls, finishing unbeaten on 133 with 15 sixes. Zimbabwe also set records for most sixes in an innings (27) and won by the biggest margin ever in T20s, beating Gambia by 290 runs. Gambia was bowled out for 54. Raza’s century is the second-fastest in T20I history, matching Namibia's Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, contesting the Wayanad Lok Sabha bypoll, declared assets worth over Rs 12 crore in her affidavit submitted to the Election Commission of India. Her husband, Robert Vadra, declared assets amounting to nearly Rs 65 crore. Together, the couple’s net worth is Rs 78 crore, with combined liabilities exceeding Rs 10 crore. Priyanka’s income sources include rent, bank interest, and investments. Robert’s income comes from business and similar channels. Priyanka expressed her gratitude to Wayanad residents for their support as she campaigns for herself for the first time.

Bhubaneswar’s Biju Patnaik International Airport will suspend flight operations for 16 hours starting October 24 at 5 PM, due to Cyclone Dana. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts that the cyclone, with wind speeds up to 120 km/h, will make landfall between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra Port in Odisha by Friday morning. Authorities are taking precautionary measures to ensure safety, as strong winds and heavy rains are expected. The airport will resume operations on October 25 at 9 AM. Travelers are advised to check flight schedules and stay updated on weather conditions.

Gisèle Pelicot, 71, took the stand in a high-profile French mass rape trial, in which her ex-husband is accused of drugging and allowing men to rape her over a decade. Pelicot spoke about the pain and betrayal she felt, expressing her desire for women to no longer feel shame after rape. She became a feminist icon for waiving her anonymity and demanding an open trial. While some defendants deny knowing she was unconscious, Pelicot's testimony aims to shift societal shame onto perpetrators. The trial has sparked protests in several French cities.

German Ambassador Philipp Ackermann highlighted India’s ability to engage both Russia and Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict. Ahead of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s visit to India, Ackermann stated, "India is in a very good position to listen to both sides." Scholz and Prime Minister Modi are expected to co-chair the Intergovernmental Consultations (IGC) on October 25. Modi has engaged with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the BRICS summit, emphasizing peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy. Ackermann welcomed India's involvement in seeking a resolution.