A Delhi magistrate on Monday extended the judicial custody of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das by 2 days. The duo had been sent to Tihar Jail for 5 days on October 14 after allegedly entering Jantar Mantar by scaling locked gates. The site was recently removed from the list of designated protest venues. The leaders had gathered to unfurl the national flag and raise slogans. CJP has alleged that authorities are delaying proceedings to prevent their release. The party continues to oppose the removal of Jantar Mantar as a protest site.    (PC: X)

India’s Nishad Kumar won gold in the men’s T47 long jump at the Asian Para Games 2026 on Monday, October 19, with a best effort of 7.11 metres. The victory took India’s medal tally to 11, including 4 gold medals. Nishad, a two-time Paralympic silver medallist in high jump, made an impressive start in the long jump event. Uzbekistan’s Omadbek Khasanov secured silver with 6.99 metres, while Sri Lanka’s Mohammadu Safran won bronze with 6.55 metres. Nishad’s gold added to India’s growing medal haul at the continental para-sports competition in Japan. (PC: X)  

The Lawrence Bishnoi gang is under scrutiny after 3 assailants opened fire at actor Tiger Shroff’s car in Mumbai on October 18. Two alleged gang operatives claimed responsibility on social media. US-based Anil Pandit reportedly took responsibility for the attack and is suspected of coordinating with overseas handlers. Investigators are examining encrypted messaging apps, foreign-made weapons and links between suspected handlers and local shooters. The network has also been linked to attacks targeting Bollywood celebrities, businessmen and politicians. US authorities have charged several alleged associates under Operation Hard Ball, highlighting the gang’s international reach and organised criminal operations. (PC: HT)  

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Monday, October 19, appointed former India spinner Pragyan Ojha as chairman of the senior men's selection committee. Former India spinner Ramesh Powar has also joined the five-member panel following Ajit Agarkar's exit. Ojha's appointment is based on seniority, as he has played the most Test matches among the committee members. The panel now includes Ojha, Shiv Sundar Das, RP Singh, Ajay Ratra and Powar. The Cricket Advisory Committee unanimously recommended Powar after a selection process. The BCCI also acknowledged Agarkar's contribution during his tenure, which began in July 2023.   (PC: India Today)

Anti-Indian and anti-South Asian hate speech is rising online in the United States, raising concerns about possible violence as the country approaches midterm elections. A report by the Center for the Study of Organized Hate found that hateful posts targeting South Asians on X increased by 240% between January 2024 and June 2026.   Researchers linked the rise to immigration debates, economic anxiety and hostility towards foreign workers, particularly over H-1B visas. The concerns have intensified following an alleged mass shooting plot targeting a Hindu temple in Illinois. Community leaders are urging stronger action against online hate and extremist threats. (PC: X)

Three suspects in the firing attack on actor Tiger Shroff were spotted at Surat Railway Station hours after the incident in Mumbai, CCTV footage shows. The men allegedly reached Surat by road in a Maharashtra-registered taxi after opening fire at the actor’s car in Juhu on Sunday night.   Police sources said the trio received ₹50,000 collectively as an advance for the attack. They were later intercepted aboard the Pune-Jaipur Express in Rajasthan’s Kota while allegedly trying to reach Delhi and escape to Nepal.   Shroff escaped unhurt, but 2 people were injured. Police are investigating the suspects’ roles and possible gang links. (PC: NDTV)

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said European countries refused Washington’s request to impose additional tariffs on India and China over their purchases of Russian oil. He questioned why the US should bear the burden of pressuring Moscow alone.   Speaking to NBC, Bessent said Washington had approached European allies earlier this year to seek coordinated action against buyers of Russian energy. He also accused European countries of continuing to support Russia’s economy through energy imports.   US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, meanwhile, called India an important ally and said its energy needs must be considered before imposing further economic penalties.  (PC: X)

All India Students’ Association (AISA) president Neha Bora has approached the Delhi High Court, challenging a police notice directing her to furnish a ₹10,000 personal bond and one surety to maintain peace during an inquiry.   The notice asked Bora to appear before a Special Executive Magistrate on October 19. She was detained on October 16 while heading to the Cockroach Janata Party’s ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ march and released the next day.   Bora’s petition argues that the notice is vague and unsupported by evidence of a likely breach of peace. She has sought its cancellation and protection from coercive action. (PC: HT)

French President Emmanuel Macron has rejected Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez’s resignation following widespread riots and looting across France, as protests over rising living costs and poor public services continue to fuel unrest across Europe.   At least 2,400 people were arrested in France after violent clashes damaged businesses and public buildings. Macron has ordered a review of security failures and called for new policing measures.   Protests have also spread to Italy, Portugal and Belgium, with demonstrators demanding affordable housing, higher wages and better public services. In Albania, protesters are targeting alleged corruption and unemployment, adding to pressure on European governments. (PC: India Today)

The Delhi Police is likely to seek an extension of the judicial custody of Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) co-convenors Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka as their five-day detention nears its end. The duo is expected to appear before a Special Executive Magistrate on Monday, October 19.   According to The Indian Express, police believe their release could disturb public order. Das and Ranka were arrested on October 14 for allegedly entering Jantar Mantar, a recently denotified protest site, during demonstrations over electoral roll revisions. They had demanded Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. Their custody extension will depend on the magistrate’s decision.