Bangladesh's interim government withdrew plans to appoint music and physical education teachers in primary schools following Islamist pressure labeling the move "un-Islamic." The Ministry of Primary and Mass Education confirmed removing these posts from recruitment rules issued last August. Hardline groups including Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolon Bangladesh, and Hefazat-e-Islam denounced the appointments as an "anti-Islamic agenda" threatening children's faith. Islami Andolon chief Syed Rezaul Karim warned music education would make children "unruly and faithless." Critics say Muhammad Yunus's interim administration repeatedly bows to Islamist demands, including backing down on women's reform proposals after violence threats. Analysts warn Bangladesh slides toward religious rigidity, eroding secular Bengali cultural identity reminiscent of Taliban-style educational policies. (PC: Mint & AP News)

Hamas has given the Red Cross a coffin it says contains the body of an Israeli hostage in northern Gaza, the Israeli military said on Tuesday. The remains will be sent to Tel Aviv for identification. Earlier, Hamas’s armed wing claimed it found the body of an Israeli soldier in Gaza City’s Shejaiya area. Israel had allowed Hamas members and Red Cross staff to search for remains there. The move comes under a US-brokered ceasefire deal that required Hamas to return all hostages. Israel has accused Hamas of delaying the recovery of bodies, saying the group is not cooperating fully. (PC: Reuters)

At least 40 people have died and hundreds of thousands have been displaced as Typhoon Kalmaegi tore through the central Philippines. The storm flooded entire towns in Cebu, the hardest-hit island, with many deaths caused by drowning. Strong winds and heavy rains swept away cars and homes. A military helicopter helping in rescue operations crashed in Mindanao, killing six crew members. Nearly 400,000 people have been evacuated from affected areas. Governor Pamela Baricuatro called the flooding “unprecedented.” Although the typhoon has weakened, it continues to bring heavy rain and strong winds as it moves toward the South China Sea. (PC: AFP via Getty Images)

Pakistan’s China-built Hangor-class submarines will join the Navy fleet by 2026, Admiral Naveed Ashraf said. The project is part of an eight-submarine deal signed with China in 2015. Four submarines are being built in China and four in Pakistan to boost local shipbuilding skills. The first was launched in 2024, with more to follow soon. Admiral Ashraf praised China as a trusted defence partner, noting strong cooperation in shipbuilding, training, and technology. He said the partnership also includes advanced frigates, joint naval drills, and work on unmanned systems, helping strengthen Pakistan’s maritime security and regional presence. (PC: NDTV)

At least seven climbers, including five foreigners and two Nepalis, were killed after an avalanche struck Nepal’s Yalung Ri mountain in Dolakha district. The group was climbing near the base camp when the avalanche hit on Monday morning. Eight people were rescued and taken to Kathmandu for treatment, while five bodies are still buried under deep snow. Poor weather has slowed rescue efforts. Those killed include climbers from Italy, Canada, Germany, and France. The team was training for a climb to Dolma Khang peak. Autumn is a busy season for mountaineering in Nepal but also risky for avalanches. (PC: BBC)

US President Donald Trump has endorsed Andrew Cuomo in the New York City mayoral race, warning voters against Democrat Zohran Mamdani. Trump said on Truth Social, “You must vote for Cuomo. Mamdani is not capable.” He added it would be “hard” to send federal funds to New York if Mamdani wins, calling him a “communist.” Mamdani dismissed the remarks as “a threat, not the law.” Cuomo, running as an Independent, said Trump’s post was “not an endorsement, but opposition to Mamdani.” Polls show Mamdani leading, with Republican Curtis Sliwa trailing far behind in the three-way contest. (PC: BBC)

A senior Pakistani official responded to President Trump's claims that Pakistan has conducted nuclear tests, stating the country "will not be the first to resume nuclear tests." Trump, in a CBS News 60 Minutes interview, alleged that Pakistan, Russia, and China have been testing nuclear weapons, defending his announcement that the United States would conduct its own tests. China has denied these allegations. North Korea remains the only nation confirmed to have conducted nuclear detonations since the 1990s, with China's last test in 1996 and Pakistan's in 1998. Pakistan maintains a unilateral moratorium on nuclear testing despite not being a CTBT signatory. Trump's STRATCOM nominee contradicted his claims, stating neither China nor Russia conducts nuclear explosive tests.

New York City’s mayoral race is in its final stage, with voting set for November 4. A RealClearPolitics poll average shows Democrat Zohran Mamdani leading by 14.7 points over independent Andrew Cuomo. Republican Curtis Sliwa trails far behind. Mamdani, backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, has gained support for his plans on free childcare, rent freeze, and public transport. More than 734,000 people voted early, four times the 2021 figure. Current mayor Eric Adams is not running after earlier controversies. The winner will lead the country’s largest city for the next four years.

A devastating avalanche on Nepal's Mount Yalung Ri killed five foreign climbers and two Nepali guides Monday, with five others injured at the base camp situated at 4,900 meters altitude. Deteriorating weather conditions and snowstorms prevented rescue helicopters from reaching the site, forcing ground teams to proceed on foot. Four injured climbers were evacuated to nearby villages as search operations continue. Mount Yalung Ri, standing at 5,600 meters, is considered ideal for beginner climbers. The tragedy occurred during autumn climbing season when hundreds visit Nepal's smaller peaks between monsoon rains and winter onset. Authorities haven't confirmed victims' nationalities. Nepal, home to eight of the world's 14 highest peaks, faces ongoing concerns about climber safety. (PC: X)

Police are investigating if Anthony Williams, 32, accused of stabbing passengers on a Cambridgeshire train, is connected to other knife attacks. Williams faces 11 charges of attempted murder, two for carrying knives, and one for causing harm. One possible link under probe is the stabbing of a 14-year-old in London on Friday. The BBC obtained an image of Williams in a barber’s shop the night before the train attack. A train worker remains in critical but stable condition. Footballer Jonathan Gjoshe was also injured. Huntingdon Station, closed since Saturday’s attack, has now reopened as police continue their inquiries. (PC: BBC)