The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned against three contaminated cough syrups in India after the deaths of 22 children in Madhya Pradesh. The syrups include Coldrif from Sresan Pharmaceuticals, Respifresh TR from Rednex Pharmaceuticals, and ReLife from Shape Pharma. Tests found toxic diethylene glycol (DEG) in the medicines, nearly 500 times above the safe limit. The victims, all under five, were from Chhindwara district. Following the tragedy, Tamil Nadu-based Sresan Pharmaceuticals lost its manufacturing license, and its owner was arrested. Indian authorities confirmed that none of the toxic syrups were exported. WHO said the syrups pose serious health risks. (PC: ANI)

Hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees were released by Israel and reunited with their families in Gaza and the West Bank. About 250 had been convicted of attacks on Israelis, while around 1,700 were held without charge. Families greeted them with tears, hugs, and cheers. Some prisoners looked weak and struggled to walk. Many were freed as part of an exchange after Hamas released 20 Israeli hostages. Families called the day joyful but emotional. Medics said some prisoners had faced beatings and starvation in detention. The release comes amid a ceasefire and ongoing peace talks in Gaza. (PC: BBC)

Government-owned Alliance Air launched the "Fare se Fursat" (One Route, One Fare) scheme offering fixed airfares regardless of booking date, even day-of-departure. Running pilot-phase from October 13 to December 31, 2025, the initiative primarily benefits tier 2 and tier 3 city passengers served under the UDAN scheme. Alliance Air operates short-to-medium routes using ATR 72-600 turboprops, ATR 42-600s, and one Indian-made Dornier 228. Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu emphasized making aviation "people-oriented," citing UDAN cafes offering ₹10 tea, ₹20 coffee and snacks. He praised Alliance Air's "bold step" as "Naye Bharat ki Udaan," prioritizing public service over profitability while addressing passenger airfare concerns.

The Indian Army is preparing for the first winter in Kashmir after the April Pahalgam terror attack. Troops are being redeployed, key mountain passes sealed, and the Line of Control (LoC) fence strengthened to prevent infiltration. Sources said terrorists may use multiple hideouts and local networks to avoid detection. The Army will use drones, thermal cameras, and other technology to enhance surveillance. Human intelligence on the ground will also increase. Quick Reaction Teams are being strengthened for faster responses. The move aims to maintain high alertness, improve coordination among forces, and secure the region during the challenging winter months. (PC: X)

The Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) raided over 30 places across the state to stop the illegal trade of codeine-based cough syrups. In Lucknow, officials seized syrups worth ₹3 lakh and arrested a man named Deepak Manwani. He had brought the syrups from Gujarat, Delhi, and Himachal Pradesh and sold them locally at high prices. Manwani also admitted sending supplies to Nepal and Bangladesh. FSDA said more arrests are likely. The raids follow recent child deaths in Madhya Pradesh linked to toxic cough syrups, prompting tighter action across states. (PC: ANI Video Grab)

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee described the alleged gang-rape of a second-year MBBS student in Durgapur as “shocking,” and assured that no accused will be spared. She urged private colleges to bolster campus security and questioned how the victim was wandering late at night. Authorities have arrested three suspects and are searching for others, with drones deployed in the manhunt. The victim’s father, worried about her safety in Bengal, said he would move her back to Odisha. (PC: PTI)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sparked controversy Sunday by questioning why a Durgapur medical student was "out at 12:30 AM" when commenting on her gang rape. The second-year MBBS student from Odisha was allegedly assaulted behind the hospital building Friday evening after leaving campus around 8:30 PM. Banerjee stated private medical colleges should protect students and suggested "girl students should not be allowed outside at night-time" and must "protect themselves also." Three accused have been arrested with searches ongoing. While vowing zero tolerance and strict punishment, the CM's victim-blaming remarks drew immediate criticism. Police are reviewing CCTV footage and questioning multiple individuals including college staff.

A heartbreaking incident from Chhattisgarh's Sarragondi village captured a woman in tears after a decades-old Peepal tree she nurtured for twenty years was ruthlessly cut down for alleged financial gain. The emotional scene highlights the deep bond between humans and nature, and the devastating impact of its destruction. The woman's anguish represents lost faith and emotional attachment to the sacred tree she had cared for over two decades. The incident serves as a painful reminder of society's fading connection with nature and the increasing prioritization of financial interests over environmental and emotional values. The viral moment has sparked conversations about tree protection and community bonds with nature.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sparked controversy Sunday by stating "a girl child at night-time shouldn't be allowed to come outside" while addressing the gang rape at a private medical college near hospital premises. Banerjee called the incident "shocking" and promised "no one will be excused," but shifted responsibility to the private institution rather than her government. She questioned why her administration was being singled out, citing a gang rape incident at Odisha's Puri beach nearly a month ago. "They have to protect themselves also," Banerjee said, drawing immediate criticism for victim-blaming. Her comments deflected accountability while imposing restrictions on women's freedom rather than addressing systemic safety failures.

India launched the National Red List Assessment initiative to fulfill commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity and Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh unveiled Vision 2025-2030, aiming to assess extinction risks of 11,000 species, including 7,000 flora and 4,000 fauna across diverse ecosystems. Announced at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi, the framework, prepared by Zoological and Botanical Survey of India with IUCN-India, will establish a nationally coordinated red-listing system. India, among 17 megadiverse countries, harbors 8% of global flora and 7.5% fauna despite occupying only 2.4% of world's land. The initiative targets publishing National Red Data Books by 2030 for evidence-based conservation planning. (PC: X)