Former Indian ambassador to the US, Meera Shankar, criticized Washington's charges against ex-RAW official Vikash Yadav for allegedly orchestrating a failed plot to assassinate Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Yadav faces charges of murder-for-hire and money laundering by the US Department of Justice. Shankar suggested that this move is a pressure tactic by the US, warning India against covert operations on American soil. The Indian government confirmed that Yadav is no longer in service. Shankar stressed the importance of India providing concrete evidence against Khalistani extremists to US authorities.

The UAE has introduced a new visa-on-arrival policy for Indian citizens holding valid visas or residency from the US, UK, or EU. This policy allows a 14-day stay, which can be extended. Travelers can also choose a non-extendable 60-day visa. The Indian mission in the UAE shared the update, which aims to boost tourism. Travel agents expect a 10-17% rise in business as more Indian travelers will now opt to stay in the UAE for a few days while transiting to other countries. The move comes as the busy travel season approaches.

Delhi’s Environment Minister, Gopal Rai, has announced 13 pollution hotspots where air quality has worsened, with the AQI exceeding 300. Areas like Narela, Bawana, and Okhla are among the most affected. To combat this, the government has formed a committee led by MCD officials to tackle local pollution sources. Dust has been identified as a major cause, and 80 mobile anti-smog guns will be used to control it. The committee will send daily reports to a ‘Pollution War Room’ to monitor the situation, as air pollution worsens with winter approaching.

King Charles and Queen Camilla have arrived in Australia for their first tour as monarchs. The nine-day visit will celebrate the nation’s culture and heritage. Their arrival in Sydney was marked by a light show at the Opera House, featuring images from past royal tours. This trip is King Charles’s 17th visit to Australia and his first since being diagnosed with cancer. Despite his treatment, he paused it to attend the tour. The royal couple’s presence has sparked debate, with some calling for Australia to have its own head of state.

A Delhi court granted bail to AAP leader Satyendar Jain, arrested on May 30, 2022, by the Enforcement Directorate on money laundering charges. Jain, a former Delhi minister, had been in jail for 18 months. Special Judge Vishal Gogne cited the delay in trial and prolonged incarceration as reasons for the bail. Jain was accused of laundering money through four companies linked to him. He was granted bail on a bond of ₹50,000 with two sureties. Fellow AAP leader Manish Sisodia praised the judiciary, condemning the charges as baseless and politically motivated.

Following the death of Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar, killed by Israeli forces, speculation rises on who will succeed him. Mohammed Sinwar, Yahya's brother and a senior commander in Hamas’ military wing, is among the top contenders. Others include Mahmoud al-Zahar, a Hamas founder, and Khaled Mashal, former political office leader. Sinwar's successor will shape Hamas' direction and the future of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Yahya Sinwar's leadership style, marked by hardline stances, was significant in escalating tensions, and his death leaves questions about potential ceasefire negotiations.

South Korea’s spy agency reports that 1,500 North Korean troops have already arrived in Russia to support its war effort in Ukraine, with numbers potentially reaching 12,000. This follows Ukrainian President Zelensky's claim that 10,000 North Korean soldiers could be involved. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has called for international action, warning of a "grave security threat." The report also alleges North Korea has supplied Russia with millions of shells, missiles, and anti-armour rockets. Concerns persist over how these troops will integrate into Russia's forces due to language and combat experience issues.

Reliance Jio has lost 10.9 million users in the second quarter following an increase in its recharge plan tariffs. However, Jio’s 5G subscriber base grew by 17 million, bringing the total user base from 130 million to 147 million. Despite the decline, Jio said the loss would not impact its business significantly. The company emphasized its focus on expanding the 5G network and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) services to connect more households. Jio acknowledged the loss but stated that the tariff changes follow a typical trend of users switching to other operators.

Niall Horan has expressed his devastation over the death of his former One Direction bandmate, Liam Payne, following a tragic accident. Payne suffered "extremely serious injuries" after falling in the courtyard of the CasaSur Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Reports indicate that he was in the city to attend Horan's concert earlier this month. In an emotional Instagram statement, Horan reflected on their recent meeting, saying, "I feel so fortunate that I got to see him recently." He added that he did not know their farewell would be permanent, calling the news "heartbreaking."

Somy Ali, ex-girlfriend of Bollywood star Salman Khan, has reached out to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi for a Zoom call, generating media attention. On October 17, 2024, Ali posted a direct message on Instagram requesting Bishnoi’s phone number to discuss certain matters. Bishnoi is currently incarcerated at Sabarmati Central Jail. The interaction is notable given the context of ongoing threats against Salman Khan from Bishnoi's gang. Ali and Khan dated in the 1990s, and this unexpected communication has raised questions about her intentions and its potential impact on the situation involving Khan.