Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) conveners Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das were sent to five days of judicial custody on Tuesday following the Jantar Mantar incident, triggering reactions. The two leaders allegedly entered the protest site without authorisation and raised the national flag. Police said protesters had entered by jumping over locked gates. The action came a day after Jantar Mantar was removed from Delhi’s designated protest venues. Opposition leaders accused the Narendra Modi government of “dictatorship,” describing the developments as an “unofficial emergency.” Meanwhile, US singer Mary Millben expressed support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, praising his leadership. The custody decision has intensified debate over protest rights and the government’s response.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has described India-US relations as a strategic “partnership, not an alliance”, saying countries must reassess their engagement with Washington as its global approach changes. His remarks come amid differences between New Delhi and Washington over trade, tariffs and other bilateral issues, even as both continue cooperating on shared interests. Jaishankar said the shift in US policy was not directed at any single country and required governments to reconsider their relationships with Washington. His comments precede US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s scheduled five-day India visit beginning October 17, during which energy cooperation and broader strategic ties are expected to feature prominently on the agenda.

Pakistan’s Indus River System Authority (IRSA) has projected a 22% irrigation water shortage in Punjab and Sindh during the Rabi season, threatening the cultivation of wheat, barley, mustard and gram. Islamabad has repeatedly accused India of undermining Pakistan’s water rights after New Delhi placed the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance. However, the report attributes the projected shortage to Pakistan’s domestic water-management challenges rather than India’s treaty decision. Inadequate storage capacity, reduced river inflows and delays in infrastructure projects have been identified as contributing factors. The shortage raises concerns about agricultural production and food security as Pakistan enters a crucial crop-growing season. (PC: X)

Katie Zacharia, US President Donald Trump’s newly appointed White House press secretary, delivered her first briefing on October 13, 2026. Lasting just 14 minutes, the appearance included questions from only three media outlets, all generally sympathetic to Trump. Zacharia relied heavily on scripted remarks highlighting the administration’s achievements and stumbled over her words during the briefing. She also announced that US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle had been asked to resign following allegations of misconduct. Trump praised Zacharia’s performance, while media observers criticised the limited questioning and raised concerns about transparency and her professional credentials. 

Pope Leo XIV was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on October 13, 2026, for lung surgery following medical concerns. According to reports, doctors identified a growth during medical examinations, prompting further investigation and treatment. The Vatican provided updates on the pontiff’s condition and medical care. His hospitalisation led to adjustments in his scheduled public engagements as he focused on recovery. The development has drawn international attention, with Catholics worldwide expressing concern about the Pope’s health. Further details regarding his diagnosis, recovery timeline and future engagements depend on official medical updates from the Vatican. (PC: AFP)

A new poll by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reveals that most Americans believe President Donald Trump has prioritised his personal financial interests over the country since returning to office in 2025. The survey found that 56% believe he has prioritised his own business interests “a lot,” while 54% say the same about his friends’ and family’s businesses. Only 23% believe he has strongly prioritised the country as a whole. Additionally, 41% believe Trump has acted illegally to profit from his presidency, while 18% consider his actions unethical but not illegal. (PC: Reuters)

Indian women’s hockey captain Salima Tete has urged authorities to improve mobile connectivity and drinking water facilities in her native village, Barki Chhapar, in Jharkhand’s Simdega district. Despite leading India to a historic Asian Games gold medal on October 2, 2026, her village continues to lack basic infrastructure. Poor network coverage prevents residents from making calls, accessing the internet and receiving important messages. Tete submitted a letter to the district administration requesting urgent action. Her father has even offered land for a mobile tower, but the issue remains unresolved, highlighting rural India’s persistent digital divide. 

A Saudi-led coalition launched airstrikes on an oil facility in Al-Sabaha, near Yemen’s Houthi-controlled capital, Sanaa, on October 13, 2026. The attack followed an evacuation warning urging civilians to leave the area. Videos circulating online showed thick black smoke rising from the facility after explosions. The coalition accused the Houthis of using oil installations and underground fuel depots to support military operations. Houthi officials warned of retaliation against strategic Saudi targets, including Riyadh’s airport and Aramco facilities. The strikes mark a further escalation in regional tensions, raising concerns about civilian safety and energy supplies. 

At least 11 people, all reportedly minors, died after an overcrowded boat carrying around 15–20 passengers capsized in the Ganga River near Raghopur in Bihar’s Vaishali district on October 13, 2026. The passengers were travelling to attend a post-funeral feast when the accident occurred amid strong river currents and rising water levels. Seven people were rescued, while search operations continued for missing passengers. Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary announced compensation of ₹4 lakh for each deceased person’s family, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ₹2 lakh in assistance from the PMNRF.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit India from October 17 to 22, 2026, marking his second official visit this year. After visiting Uzbekistan, he will travel to Mumbai and Jamnagar to meet senior Indian officials and business leaders. Discussions will focus on strengthening strategic ties, expanding energy cooperation, and promoting commercial investment. The visit comes amid ongoing trade negotiations and disagreements over tariffs and Russian energy imports. Both countries aim to deepen economic cooperation and address regional and global challenges. The meetings are expected to play an important role in advancing bilateral relations. (PC: Reuters)