From a deadly school roof collapse in Pakistan to actor Imran Khan’s legal battle over a police notice in Mumbai, several significant developments made headlines through the day. Here is a concise roundup of the key stories from India and around the world.
Peshawar School Tragedy Claims 28 Lives
At least 27 students and a teacher lost their lives after the roof of a school collapsed during classes in Peshawar, in north-west Pakistan. Rescue teams worked to pull children trapped under the rubble, while at least 20 injured students were rushed to hospitals. Authorities have ordered a formal investigation into the cause of the collapse.
Imran Khan’s Legal Challenge
Actor Imran Khan, a 43-year-old US citizen and OCI cardholder, is preparing to challenge a Mumbai police notice that directs him to leave India by October 28. The notice came after he was detained during a protest on October 10. His legal argument will rest on the claim that OCI cardholders are not prohibited from participating in demonstrations under the Immigration and Foreigners Act or its associated rules. Separately, a viral Instagram story claiming Khan was offered Rs. 15 lakh to post content against the government has been found to be unsubstantiated, with no such post appearing on his verified profile, leading many on social media to suspect it was fabricated, possibly using AI.
International And National Developments
India voiced strong concern over an alleged mass shooting plot targeting a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois, in the United States. The External Affairs Ministry condemned the reported anti-Hindu and racist threats following the arrest of 19-year-old Alexandros Paporakis by US authorities, and called for a thorough investigation and stronger protective measures for people of Indian origin.
In South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal region, a former employee of Boxer Superstore allegedly shot and killed three female colleagues at point-blank range inside the store, an incident captured on CCTV footage that later circulated widely on social media. A manhunt for the gunman is underway.
Closer home, strong winds caused scaffolding from an under-construction building to collapse in Noida, damaging more than a dozen vehicles parked near Ithum Heights, though no injuries were reported. On the diplomatic and economic front, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to meet industrialist Mukesh Ambani in Gujarat as Washington strengthens energy ties with Reliance, even as Elon Musk has criticised the move over Starlink competition in India. Meanwhile, an India-Czech business forum in Mumbai resulted in three MoUs, with more than 30 Czech firms exploring partnerships in manufacturing, aerospace, research and technology.
In sports news, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the Indian contingent that participated in the Asian Games 2026 held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, congratulating the athletes on their performance. India finished fourth overall in the medal standings with a haul of 85 medals, comprising 21 gold, 27 silver and 37 bronze.
Source: The Free Press Journal
