Fighting between Yemen’s pro-government forces and Houthi rebels is intensifying near Bab al-Mandab, a strategic waterway linking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The conflict threatens global shipping and oil supplies, with Saudi Arabia also facing Houthi attacks. Government forces claim to have regained 85% of recently captured territory, while around 200,000 people have fled their homes since the latest escalation began in September, according to the International Organization for Migration. Hospitals in Aden are treating growing numbers of wounded fighters and civilians, including a 12-year-old boy injured in a drone strike. (PC: BBC)

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval held a phone conversation with Iranian security chief Mohsen Rezaei on Monday to discuss regional developments and bilateral relations, according to Iran’s embassy. The call came as hostilities in West Asia continued to affect shipping and Indian nationals in the region.   The discussion covered the latest regional and international developments and issues of mutual interest. However, India did not issue an official readout of the conversation.   The call followed attacks on merchant vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, with 2 Indian seafarers reported missing after a drone attack on the MT Petrol Dolphin. India has called for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the conflict. (PC: HT)

The Supreme Court registry has flagged 14 defects in a joint petition filed by Rahul Gandhi and INDIA bloc leaders challenging the Election Commission’s decisions on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The objections include a ₹220 shortfall in court fees, missing authorisations from 9 petitioners and an unclear photocopy of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge’s identity card. Other issues include missing documents, illegible text, small fonts and page-numbering errors. The petition seeks 10 forms of relief, including an independent audit of electoral rolls and a stay on the SIR. The petitioners must address these defects before the case can be listed for hearing. (PC: NDTV)

Around 100 Harvard University alumni, students, faculty members and staff have condemned the Delhi Police action against protesters during the October 10 demonstration organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and student groups. In a statement, they alleged police brutality, unlawful detention and violations of constitutional rights. The signatories demanded an immediate end to alleged abuses, protection for peaceful protesters, access to legal assistance and accountability for responsible officials. They also raised concerns over the alleged manhandling of lawyer Shadan Farasat and the detention of Harvard Kennedy School-associated Mehr Pasricha. More than 7,000 people were reportedly detained during the crackdown. (PC: India Today)

India and the United Kingdom aim to double bilateral trade to $120 billion by 2030, building on their free trade agreement (FTA). Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds announced the shared ambition during the 16th Joint Economic and Trade Committee meeting in New Delhi on Monday. Current bilateral trade stands at around $60.56 billion, covering goods and services. Both countries plan to address trade barriers, strengthen business partnerships and expand investment opportunities. Goyal also met visiting UK mayors to discuss regional cooperation in trade, investment and innovation. (PC: NDTV)

Four Pakistani terrorists, including senior Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Muhammad Faizan, were killed in a landmine blast while allegedly attempting to enter India through the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district on Monday, October 12. According to officials, the explosion occurred in the Satwal-Naki area of the Krishna Ghati sector. The other deceased were identified as Muhammad Ishtiaq, Muhammad Waqas and Muhammad Asim, all residents of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Security forces subsequently heightened surveillance along the LoC. Officials said the exact circumstances leading to the explosion are yet to be established. (PC: NDTV)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and INDIA bloc leaders have approached the Supreme Court seeking an interim stay on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Their petition lists 10 demands, including a judicial review of Election Commission decisions and an independent audit of voter lists and Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).   The plea seeks disclosure of records related to the revision, publication of deleted voters’ names with reasons, and action against officials over alleged violations. It also demands that no eligible voter be removed without proper notice and an opportunity to be heard. The Supreme Court has yet to issue directions on these demands. (PC: News18)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia struck 6 Ukrainian energy facilities after US President Donald Trump announced an immediate energy ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv. Zelensky said 33 people were injured in the attacks, which targeted energy infrastructure and other facilities. Ukraine’s state grid operator Ukrenergo reported power cuts in Kharkiv, Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia due to damage to energy equipment. The city of Izyum also faced blackouts after power grids were damaged. Zelensky accused Russia of rejecting the proposed truce, while Moscow’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Ukraine did not deserve the “respite” a ceasefire would bring. (PC: BBC)

Senior IAS officer Tukaram Mundhe has been appointed secretary of a committee investigating alleged paper leaks and irregularities in Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) examinations. The development follows an 11-day protest by aspirants in Pune demanding accountability and reforms. The five-member panel will be headed by retired judge Dilip Bhosale and is expected to submit its report within 60 days. MPSC chairman Vivek Bhimanwar has decided to go on leave until the inquiry is completed. The state government has also agreed to withdraw cases against protesters and double the number of Group C posts planned for recruitment through the 2027 examination. (PC: The Times of India)

Punjab’s final electoral roll, released on October 12, lists 2,01,00,727 eligible voters after the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). The state recorded a decline of over 13.6 lakh electors, or 6.33%, from the 2,14,61,043 voters registered before the revision began. Chief Electoral Officer Anindita Mitra said 7,97,263 new voters were added to the final list. The number of electors increased from 1.93 crore in the draft roll published in August. The revision involved checking records for deaths, migration, absent voters and duplicate entries ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly election. (PC: NDTV)