Punjab's political controversy over drug trafficking has intensified after Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia raised allegations concerning police involvement in the illegal 'chitta' (heroin) trade. The controversy has drawn attention to the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government and its handling of Punjab's drug crisis. Majithia has repeatedly questioned the government's actions against drug trafficking and alleged political misuse of investigations. The latest allegations have triggered renewed political exchanges between the ruling AAP and opposition leaders. However, the specific police-related allegations require independent verification and should not be treated as established facts. 

Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman held separate telephone conversations with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and defence ministers from Canada, Germany and Spain on October 30. The discussions focused on strengthening defence cooperation, regional security and coordinating responses to Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia. The minister also discussed bilateral military relations and efforts to maintain regional stability. During his conversation with Canada's Defence Minister David McGuinty, he expressed condolences over the deaths of Canadian military personnel in a fire at an Alberta military base. The talks come amid rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthi group. (PC: X)

A helicopter returning from Badrinath in Uttarakhand reportedly went missing after losing contact while flying near Joshimath on October 30. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of the aircraft and its occupants. Authorities are expected to coordinate search and rescue operations to locate the missing helicopter and establish the circumstances surrounding its disappearance. Further details regarding the helicopter's operator, number of passengers, crew members and possible cause of the communication failure are awaited. The incident highlights the challenges of helicopter operations in Uttarakhand's mountainous Himalayan terrain, particularly in unpredictable weather conditions. 

A glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) occurs when water suddenly escapes from a glacial lake, potentially causing severe downstream flooding and damage. The reported incident involving Shintaphu glacial lake in Bhutan has affected the Gasa Tshachu hot springs, a popular natural attraction in the Gasa district. The flood also damaged sections of the Punakha-Gasa highway, while two Bailey bridges may have been washed away. Bhutanese authorities confirmed no reported casualties because the affected area had been evacuated beforehand. The flood triggered alerts in India's West Bengal and Assam, particularly along the Sankosh River. More than 10,000 people were evacuated from vulnerable areas of Alipurduar district as a precaution. Authorities deployed disaster-response teams and monitored river levels amid concerns over downstream flooding. (PC: The Hindu)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 30 accused Opposition parties of spreading rumours about potential LPG and fertiliser shortages amid the ongoing West Asia conflict. Addressing a gathering in Bhildi, Gujarat’s Banaskantha district, he alleged that some people find happiness when India faces difficulties and use crises to damage his government’s reputation. Modi said claims that households would struggle to obtain cooking gas and farmers would lack fertilisers were intended to create panic. He reiterated his commitment to public service and highlighted the government’s efforts to protect farmers and citizens from the conflict’s economic impact. (PC: HT)

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a project worth over ₹40,000 crore to build eight Next-Generation Corvettes for the Indian Navy. The warships will be constructed by Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) and Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL). Each vessel will weigh approximately 2,000 tonnes, achieve speeds of around 30 knots and feature an indigenous stealth design. They will support anti-surface, anti-submarine and anti-air warfare, maritime surveillance and coastal defence. With over 70% indigenous content, the project will strengthen India's naval capabilities and domestic defence manufacturing. The first warship is expected by 2030. (PC: India Today)

Mumbai Police’s Crime Branch has arrested the 12th accused, identified as Aman, from Rohna village in Haryana’s Sonipat district in connection with the October 18 firing incident involving Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff. Investigators suspect Aman transferred money received from an alleged Lawrence Bishnoi gang operative to another accused, Kunal, potentially to finance the weapon used in the attack. Police are examining suspicious bank transactions and financial links to establish his role. The firing occurred outside a football club in Mumbai’s Juhu area. Tiger Shroff escaped unharmed, while his driver and a bystander sustained injuries. MCOCA provisions have been invoked against the accused.

US Army Lieutenant General Brett Sylvia has reportedly admitted to sharing classified information about the Iran war and Russia-Ukraine conflict with journalists over approximately a year. According to an internal investigation report reviewed by Axios, Sylvia disclosed sensitive details to two reporters from separate media organisations. He was dismissed by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth from his senior Pentagon planning position after allegedly failing multiple polygraph tests. The investigation reportedly found that he used encrypted messaging and private meetings to communicate with journalists. The Pentagon has referred the case to the Justice Department for possible legal action. (PC: Reuters)

The United States has reportedly deployed 10 military cargo aircraft to Israel, amid growing preparations for a possible military strike against Iran. According to Israeli broadcaster KAN, the aircraft landed at Ovda and Nevatim air bases in southern Israel, with additional US planes reportedly sent to Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The deployment comes as Washington strengthens regional air defences and replenishes military supplies. US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper has also reportedly briefed President Donald Trump on potential military options against Iran. However, Washington has not confirmed the deployments, and no final attack decision has been announced. 

Legendary British actor Sir Patrick Stewart has died at the age of 86 at his home in Los Angeles. His death was announced through a statement shared on his social media accounts, revealing that he had been battling Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia. Stewart was globally recognised for playing Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men franchise. His remarkable six-decade career also included acclaimed Shakespearean theatre performances. Knighted in 2010, he received several prestigious awards. Fellow actors, including Hugh Jackman and Ian McKellen, have paid tribute to his extraordinary legacy. (PC: BBC)