US death row inmate Christa Pike is conscious and speaking after surviving a failed lethal injection in Tennessee last week, her lawyers said. Pike, 50, remains in hospital receiving critical medical care and is still handcuffed and shackled to her bed. An anaesthesiologist advising her legal team said she can communicate in a basic way but appears to have no memory of the execution attempt. Pike survived 2 injections of pentobarbital on September 30. Experts described her recovery as unprecedented. Tennessee authorities have not said whether another execution will be attempted. Governor Bill Lee has suspended executions in the state for the rest of 2026. (PC: BBC)

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were detained by Delhi Police on Wednesday while INDIA bloc MPs were travelling to Jantar Mantar to protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Police stopped three buses carrying the leaders on Ashoka Road. Rahul Gandhi was taken into a police van, while Priyanka Gandhi lay on the road holding a copy of the Constitution before women police personnel removed her. The detention came after Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge hosted an Opposition lunch meeting. The Opposition is demanding Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities linked to the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision exercise. 

Indian Oil field officer Mahesh Shelke was allegedly stabbed to death while carrying out an official operation to seal a petrol pump in Ambachondi village, Maharashtra’s Hingoli district. Police said Shelke and his team were at the outlet around 4:30 pm on Tuesday when an argument reportedly broke out with family members of the pump owner and others present. The dispute allegedly turned violent, and Shelke was stabbed seven times with a knife, killing him at the scene. Police have formed a team to trace the prime accused. Indian Oil condemned the killing and offered support to Shelke’s family. (PC: X)

A four-storey residential building collapsed in Delhi’s Seemapuri area on Wednesday, October 7, prompting an immediate search and rescue operation. The Delhi Fire Service received a distress call around 3:30 pm and rushed fire tenders and rescue personnel to the site. Officials said several people were feared trapped under the debris, although the exact number remained unclear. Emergency teams began removing rubble and searching for survivors. Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the collapse or provided a final casualty figure. The incident remains under investigation, with rescue operations continuing and further details expected from officials.

Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar has warned that Israel, India and other democracies could face a new wave of radical Islamist terrorism. In an interview with India Today, Azar said terrorist groups were developing capabilities faster than governments and urged stronger vigilance. He pointed to alleged Hamas activity in Pakistan and Bangladesh and claimed Hamas had influenced regional militant organisations. His remarks came amid the investigation into the flydubai incident, in which Indian captain Smit Machchhar and passengers stopped the co-pilot from allegedly attempting to crash the aircraft. Azar praised their actions for preventing a potentially major disaster. (PC: India Today)

Newly appointed India women’s captain Smriti Mandhana paid tribute to Harmanpreet Kaur following her decision to step down as captain across all formats. Mandhana praised Harmanpreet’s 10-year leadership journey, calling it “fantastic” and highlighting the former captain’s contribution to Indian women’s cricket. Harmanpreet’s tenure included India’s historic maiden Women’s ODI World Cup triumph in 2025 and two consecutive Asian Games gold medals. She also led India in 155 T20Is, 51 ODIs and five Tests. Mandhana said the team would aim to achieve more success together. Harmanpreet will continue representing India as a player under the new leadership. (PC: ANI)

Former India batter Suresh Raina has welcomed Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to the Indian T20I squad, describing the veteran pacer’s comeback as thoroughly deserved. The 36-year-old Bhuvneshwar has been recalled nearly four years after his last international appearance in November 2022. His consistent performances in recent IPL seasons, including playing a key role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s back-to-back title-winning campaigns, helped earn him another opportunity with India. Raina praised Bhuvneshwar’s discipline, hard work and resilience throughout his career. The experienced seamer will feature in India’s five-match T20I series against New Zealand beginning October 22. (PC: AP)

Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi forces attacked Aden International Airport with ballistic missiles and explosive-laden drones on Wednesday, escalating fighting with Saudi-backed government forces. One missile landed near the runway shortly before a Cairo flight was due to arrive, forcing authorities to divert the aircraft to Jeddah. No casualties were immediately reported. The Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted a Houthi ballistic missile launched toward Riyadh and vowed to target its launch platform. The attacks came as Saudi-backed Yemeni forces launched a counteroffensive to retake territory near the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait and Red Sea coast, threatening renewed regional instability. 

Around 300 INDIA bloc MPs are set to protest at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Earlier, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge hosted a lunch for Opposition MPs at Sagar Ratna in central Delhi. Rahul Gandhi said the leaders decided to continue their protest after they were not allowed to meet the Election Commission on Tuesday. The Opposition has accused the poll panel of electoral irregularities and raised concerns over voter-list revisions. Delhi Police have deployed personnel and strengthened security around central Delhi as the protest is expected to draw a large gathering.

A Liberian-flagged oil tanker caught fire in the Black Sea off Russia’s resort city of Sochi after reportedly being attacked by naval drones on Tuesday evening. Russia’s Transport Ministry said crude oil was burning openly in the sea, creating a huge blaze and a thick cloud of black smoke visible from the coastline. All 23 crew members, who were Indian nationals, were rescued, with no casualties reported. Russian authorities temporarily restricted access to beaches and coastal areas. Ukraine has not officially claimed responsibility for the attack. The incident comes amid escalating Russian and Ukrainian strikes against maritime and energy targets.