Two groups of people associated with Harvard University have issued contrasting statements over the Delhi protest crackdown and India’s constitutional institutions. On October 12, a group of 100 Harvard alumni condemned alleged police brutality, unlawful detention and violations of protesters’ rights. On Wednesday, another group of 44 Harvard-associated individuals expressed concern over what they called a campaign against institutions, including the Election Commission, Supreme Court and Parliament. The second letter also questioned the unauthorised use of Harvard’s name in political campaigns. The statements come amid protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and criticism of the authorities’ handling of demonstrations in Delhi. (PC: NDTV)

At least 600,000 people across Ukraine have lost electricity following overnight Russian missile and drone strikes, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday. Ukraine’s emergency service reported at least 3 deaths and 21 injuries in Kyiv. Zelensky said critical energy infrastructure in Kyiv, the surrounding region and Kharkiv was hit, despite US President Donald Trump’s claim that an energy ceasefire had begun. Ukraine’s air force said Russia launched 39 missiles and 128 drones overnight. Russia’s defence ministry said its strikes targeted energy and communications facilities used by Ukraine’s military. Moscow currently controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory. (PC: BBC)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday used a flute performance to symbolically oppose the alleged police crackdown on protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. At a press conference, flute artist Samar played ‘Vaishnav Jan To Tene Kahiye’ in response to what Gandhi described as the authorities’ use of force. Samar alleged that police detained and assaulted him. An NSUI functionary also accused police personnel of beating her during detention in Delhi, causing injuries to her legs and ear. She further alleged that another protester was assaulted. The allegations could not be independently verified, and no police response was available in the report. 

Several American politicians and public figures mistakenly shared photographs of Indian and Russian warships while wishing the US Navy on its 251st birthday on October 13. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and Congressman Tim Moore posted an image of 3 Indian Navy frigates, identified as INS Godavari, INS Brahmaputra and INS Beas. Other officials used pictures of Russian naval vessels. The errors were highlighted by Wall Street Journal journalist Dave Brown on X, drawing criticism and jokes from social media users. The incident turned a celebration of American naval power into an online discussion about identifying warships correctly. (PC: India Today)

A 35-year-old Saudi national working at OpenAI has been arrested in the United States for allegedly placing a recording device inside the company’s San Francisco office. The US Justice Department said Abdulrahman Alfozan was arrested on October 9 after OpenAI’s security team discovered the device late last month. Prosecutors allege he hid a USB device inside a television in an executive conference room. A second device was reportedly found in his unattended bag. OpenAI said there was no indication that he had accessed or stolen its AI models, source code or customer data. He faces up to 5 years in prison if convicted. (PC: NDTV)

The INDIA bloc is set to reduce its daily protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls during the festive season. The decision follows 5 consecutive protest marches in Delhi and a fresh petition in the Supreme Court. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the opposition’s campaign would continue, hinting at a possible surprise move. Leaders are considering intermittent demonstrations while maintaining pressure on the Election Commission. The alliance also plans to involve civil society groups and student organisations to expand its campaign beyond political parties.

An Air India flight from Frankfurt to Delhi was diverted to Jaipur on Wednesday after the pilot issued a hijacking alert. Flight AI 2030, operated by a Boeing 787-9, landed safely at Jaipur International Airport and was moved to an isolation bay for security checks. All passengers and crew members were evacuated safely. DGCA sources said the aircraft had transmitted code 7500, used internationally to indicate a hijacking. However, police sources said the emergency landing followed a bomb threat. Security agencies, local police and the Anti-Terrorism Squad conducted checks. The DGCA is investigating the incident. (PC: HT)

Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung cancer after undergoing successful surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung, the Vatican said. The 71-year-old underwent a 90-minute operation at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Tuesday, with no complications reported. Doctors identified the condition as lung adenocarcinoma after examining a growth detected during routine checks. The Pope is expected to remain in hospital for about a week while he recovers. His schedule has been cleared until October 20. Despite the diagnosis, the Vatican has said he showed no symptoms of infection or illness. (PC: BBC)

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka have been sent to Tihar Jail for 5 days over their entry into Jantar Mantar without authorisation. Police said they violated peace bonds and could disturb public order. Their associate, Ajinkya Shinde, was allowed to leave after signing a peace bond. Delhi Police registered a case against the 3 over trespassing, violating prohibitory orders and obstructing public servants. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke criticised the action, saying the leaders were detained for unfurling the national flag. The party alleges illegal detention and denial of access to lawyers. (PC: India Today)

India’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports remained robust in September despite disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz crisis, while Oman replaced the United States as the country’s top supplier, according to the report. The US had been India’s largest LNG source in recent months after the West Asia conflict began, but European buyers increased competition for American cargoes. Over the five-month period, US supplies totalled 3.41 million tonnes, accounting for 28.7% of India’s LNG imports. Strong demand pushed Indian importers to purchase spot-market cargoes at unusually high prices, while some Asian buyers cut imports. India also sought suppliers less dependent on Hormuz, prioritising availability over cost for several key sectors. (PC: AP)