Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (VNSGU) in Surat, Gujarat, is installing specialised spring-loaded ceiling fans in student hostels to reduce suicide risks. The university ordered 375 fans worth ₹8.42 lakh, with 268 reportedly installed across boys’ and girls’ hostels. The fans feature a safety mechanism that releases under excessive weight, causing the unit to lower and reducing the risk of it being used for hanging. The initiative follows concerns over student suicides and official safety guidelines. University counsellors stressed that physical safeguards must be accompanied by accessible mental health support, counselling and efforts to address academic pressure. 

France will deploy approximately 70,000 police officers nationwide on Saturday to prevent renewed violence during planned protests. The demonstrations began with students demanding better school conditions but have expanded amid growing anger over the rising cost of living. Last weekend’s unrest involved looting, arson and clashes with police. President Emmanuel Macron met student representatives, who urged continued protests until the government presents concrete solutions. Authorities have imposed restrictions on demonstrations in several cities and announced the closure of major Paris museums, including the Louvre. The unrest comes months before France’s next presidential election. (PC: Reuters)

The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested 33-year-old Mohammad Hasan Abu Sarmad Akhtar in Mumbai’s Mahim area over suspected links with the banned terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Investigators allege that his mobile phone contained inflammatory social media posts and audio clips featuring JeM chief Masood Azhar. The accused, reportedly working as a Rapido rider and perfume seller, is also being investigated over suspected contact with Pakistani intelligence operatives. Authorities are examining his online activities and digital evidence to establish the extent of his alleged involvement. The investigation is ongoing. (PC: PTI)

A 25-year-old woman from Telangana, Nallamala Akshitha, died in Albany, New York, reportedly due to a suspected cardiac arrest. The daughter of businessman Nallamala Anand, she had moved to the United States for higher education and recently completed her Master of Science (MS) degree. According to reports, Akshitha had secured a job and was preparing to begin her professional career. She reportedly collapsed while walking outside her residence after dinner. Her brother, Akshay, rushed her to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared her dead. Her family is arranging to bring her remains back to India. (PC: India Today)

The United Nations’ Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage has provisionally set aside $21.6 million for Nepal following devastating floods on August 26, 2026. The decision, taken on October 22, includes $20 million in potential assistance and $1.6 million for oversight costs. The disaster killed around 1,500 people, left thousands missing and caused extensive damage to infrastructure. Nepal estimates reconstruction needs at approximately $4.7 billion. This marks the fund’s first response to a specific climate-related disaster, highlighting growing calls for faster international climate finance for vulnerable countries. (PC: File)

French President Emmanuel Macron has condemned a suspected racist terrorist attack in Trappes and nearby La Verrière, west of Paris, on October 23, 2026. A gunman opened fire at three locations, including a petrol station, medical centre and children’s playground, killing one person and injuring five others, including a 12-year-old girl. The suspect, identified as Kevin T., was arrested within 20 minutes. Police recovered a submachine gun and tear gas from his vehicle, while investigators discovered suspected booby traps at his home. France’s anti-terrorism prosecutors are investigating whether racism or religious hatred motivated the attack. 

Final opinion polls ahead of Israel’s October 27, 2026, parliamentary election indicate that neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc nor the opposition is projected to secure a clear majority. Surveys by Israeli broadcasters place Netanyahu’s coalition at around 50 seats, while the opposition bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot is projected to win between 52 and 56 seats. A party or coalition needs 61 seats in the 120-member Knesset to form a majority government. The results suggest potential political deadlock, making smaller parties and coalition negotiations crucial to determining Israel’s next government. 

Around 500 protesters from student, youth, women’s, farmers’ and civil society organisations marched through central Delhi on October 23, 2026, demanding the withdrawal of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Demonstrators attempted to march towards the Election Commission of India headquarters but were stopped by police. Authorities said around 20 protesters were detained and later released, while organisers claimed more were detained. Activists, including Yogendra Yadav and Annie Raja, joined the demonstration. Farmers’ groups also organised protests nationwide, demanding electoral transparency and protection of voting rights. (PC: The Hindu)

Indian squash player Anahat Singh’s impressive campaign at the 2026 Silicon Valley Open ended with a semifinal defeat against Malaysia’s Sivasangari Subramaniam in Redwood City, California. The 18-year-old Indian lost 5-11, 11-6, 11-4, 11-7 after winning the opening game. Sivasangari recovered strongly to win the next three games and secure her place in the final. Despite the loss, Anahat achieved a major milestone by reaching her maiden PSA Gold-level semifinal. Earlier, she defeated Egyptian stars Nour El Sherbini and Salma Hany, marking a significant breakthrough in her international squash career. (PC: PTI)

US President Donald Trump has threatened another round of military strikes against Iran, describing it as “another little Epic Fury” if Tehran fails to reach an agreement with Washington. Speaking at a Florida rally, Trump said the conflict could end through a deal or further military action. Iran responded with a warning against renewed attacks, reportedly considering targeting undersea communication cables in the Gulf to disrupt internet connectivity. The escalating tensions come amid ongoing conflict, diplomatic uncertainty and rising security concerns across the Middle East. (PC: NDTV)