Wreckage of Russia’s advanced S-70 Okhotnik stealth drone was found near Kostyantynivka, Ukraine, after it was reportedly destroyed by a Russian Su-57 jet. The incident marked the first known combat use of the S-70, a heavy unmanned aerial vehicle designed to work with Su-57 jets. Ukrainian forces believe the drone lost control due to jamming, prompting its destruction to prevent capture. Analysts say the crash offers Ukraine valuable insights into the drone’s capabilities. Despite its failure, the event signals Russia's continued efforts to innovate on the battlefield.

A former IRGC Quds Force officer revealed on Iranian state television that an Iranian company had purchased 5,000 pagers for Hezbollah, 3,000 of which were activated, leading to simultaneous explosions across Lebanon. The pagers, according to the officer, were delivered without undergoing security checks, resulting in deadly blasts that killed 37 people and injured nearly 3,000. However, an hour after the revelation, the state channel retracted the statement, claiming it could not be confirmed. Hezbollah’s internal communication network, which relies on pagers, was also reportedly disrupted.

India has condemned the theft of a silver, gold-plated crown from the Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple in Bangladesh’s Satkhira, calling it part of a "systematic pattern of desecration." The crown, gifted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2021, was stolen during the Durga Puja celebrations. In a statement, India’s Ministry of External Affairs urged Bangladesh to ensure the safety of Hindu minorities and their places of worship. The ministry also condemned a petrol bomb attack at a Durga Puja mandap in Dhaka, which injured 20 people.  

The leaders of France, Italy, and Spain have condemned "unjustifiable" Israeli attacks on the United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon. In a joint statement, they expressed outrage at Israel's actions, accusing it of violating international humanitarian law. French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the need for these attacks to cease immediately. The Israeli military confirmed that its actions had inadvertently injured two UN peacekeepers while engaging Hezbollah fighters. The recent violence has resulted in numerous casualties and significant displacement, with over 2,100 killed in the ongoing conflict, according to the Lebanese government.

For the first time in 50 years, parts of the Sahara Desert experienced severe flooding after two days of torrential rainfall in southeastern Morocco. The village of Tagounite recorded over 100mm of rain in just 24 hours. NASA satellite images showed Lake Iriqui, a dry lake bed for half a century, refilled by the floods. The rare event, driven by an extratropical storm, highlights the growing impact of global warming. Meteorologists warn that such extreme weather events could become more frequent, posing serious challenges for the region's climate.

A viral video by Pakistani influencer Dheeraj Mandhan captures the vibrant Navratri celebrations in Karachi, Pakistan. The clip shows locals joyously participating in Garba and Dandiya, surrounded by Navratri decorations, and a large photo of Goddess Durga. Mandhan, experiencing the festival for the first time, describes it as "magical and mesmerising." The celebrations occur in an area dubbed "Mini India," where a mandir, masjid, gurudwara, and church coexist. The video, viewed over 127,000 times, has sparked positive reactions from viewers, praising the cultural unity showcased in the festival. [Video Courtesy : Brut India]

Iran was struck by severe cyberattacks targeting its nuclear facilities and various sectors, including fuel distribution, transportation, and municipal networks. Nearly all branches of Iran’s government—judiciary, legislature, and executive—were impacted, according to the ex-secretary of Iran’s Supreme Council of Cyberspace. The attacks come amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, with Israel preparing a strong response following a 200-missile barrage from Iran. Iran remains on high alert, vowing to defend its sovereignty. The United States also expanded sanctions against Iran’s petroleum sector due to recent missile strikes.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi slammed the central government after the Mysuru-Darbhanga Bagmati Express collided with a stationary goods train near Chennai, injuring 19 passengers. Drawing comparisons to the Balasore accident that claimed nearly 300 lives, Gandhi said, "No lessons learned. Accountability starts at the top." Restoration efforts are ongoing, with Tamil Nadu’s Deputy Chief Minister confirming no casualties and relief measures for passengers. Udhayanidhi Stalin emphasized proactive steps to prevent future accidents, while Rahul Gandhi demanded stricter accountability for railway safety.

For the first time, Durga Puja was celebrated at New York City’s Times Square on October 5-6. Organized by the Bengali Club USA, the event brought together both Indians and Americans. Many attendees wore traditional outfits and enjoyed cultural performances. Videos of the festivities, including crowds singing the Bengali song Dhak Baja Kashor Baja, went viral on social media. People expressed their excitement at seeing Bengali culture showcased in the heart of New York. The celebration marked a significant moment for the Bengali community in the U.S., uniting people through tradition and joy.

Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena and Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) will hold separate Dussehra rallies in Mumbai on Saturday, ahead of the Maharashtra assembly elections. Shinde’s rally will be at Azad Maidan, while Thackeray’s will be at Shivaji Park. Both leaders aim to show their strength, with Shinde expecting around 2 lakh supporters. Teasers released by both factions highlight their political messages, with Shinde criticizing Congress ties and Thackeray targeting the BJP. The rallies hold deep significance for Shiv Sena, a tradition started by Bal Thackeray in the 1960s.