Palestinian artists from Gaza and the West Bank held a shared art exhibition connected by live video to overcome travel restrictions. The event showcased their work and highlighted Palestinian life, culture, and hopes despite ongoing challenges.
Key Facts
The exhibition was organized by Falasteen Collective, started in 2025 by Palestinian artists and cultural workers.
It included art from young Palestinians aged 15 to 30 from Gaza, the West Bank, Jerusalem, and other areas.
The event took place simultaneously in Bethlehem in the West Bank and Gaza’s Bureij refugee camp, linked by a live video feed.
Original artworks from Gaza could not travel due to Israeli movement restrictions, so reproductions were used in Bethlehem.
Around 170 artists applied to the competition, with nearly 60% from Gaza.
The art displayed included paintings, photographs, and drawings about Palestinian daily life, loss, and traditions.
The event aimed to provide a platform for Palestinian youth to express themselves freely and connect with others despite political obstacles.
Organizers and participants emphasized unity by sharing art across separated Palestinian communities.
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A new study found that groundwater in the Upper Colorado River Basin is disappearing faster than in the Lower Basin during a recent drought. This is surprising because the Upper Basin usually has more water from snow. The study highlights the need to manage both surface and underground water together to protect the river.
Key Facts
The Colorado River provides water to seven U.S. states and supports farms, power, and wildlife.
It has faced a long drought, causing major reservoirs like Lake Mead and Lake Powell to drop to record low levels.
Researchers tracked groundwater changes from 2004 to 2023 using satellites and water data.
From 2020 to 2022, the Upper Basin lost about 4.6 trillion gallons of groundwater, nearly twice the 2.5 trillion gallons lost in the Lower Basin.
Groundwater loss in the Upper Basin closely matched surface water shortages, while in the Lower Basin groundwater dropped before surface water did.
Human water use may be the main cause of groundwater loss in the Lower Basin.
The findings suggest that both surface water and groundwater must be managed together to sustain the Colorado River.
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A school roof collapsed in Peshawar, Pakistan, killing at least 29 people, including 28 students and one teacher. More than 20 others were injured, some seriously, and rescue teams are still searching for survivors amid difficult conditions.
Key Facts
The roof fell at Al-Khair Education Centre, a private school in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
All children affected were aged 13 or younger.
Lady Reading Hospital declared an emergency to treat the injured.
Rescue efforts were slowed because heavy machinery could not reach the crowded school area.
About 350 students attend the school.
Authorities started an investigation to find out why the roof collapsed.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister expressed condolences and said protecting children’s safety is a priority.
Rescuers and local people are using simple tools like buckets to clear debris and find survivors.
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Russian officials reported a drone attack that caused a fire at an oil refinery near Moscow, which they believe was carried out by Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine will stop respecting a ceasefire on hitting Russian energy sites that was previously announced by President Trump.
Key Facts
A Russian oil refinery near Moscow caught fire after a reported drone attack.
The attack also damaged a warehouse and vehicles in the Ryazan region.
Russia suspects Ukraine carried out the drone strike.
President Zelensky said Ukraine is no longer observing the ceasefire on energy targets.
President Trump had announced a truce on hitting energy sites between Russia and Ukraine.
Zelensky said Ukrainian energy sites continue to be bombed by Russia despite the truce.
Zelensky expressed frustration about U.S. restrictions on intelligence sharing and satellite services.
Zelensky said he felt "betrayed" by President Trump regarding the ceasefire situation.
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A school roof collapsed in Peshawar, Pakistan, killing at least 34 children and one female teacher. Rescue workers pulled children from the rubble, and many others were injured. Officials said the building was weak and overloaded, and the school owner was arrested.
Key Facts
The collapse happened at 8:48 am local time at al-Khair school in Peshawar.
At least 34 children, mostly under 13, and one female teacher died.
About 45 children were injured; three were in critical condition.
The roof of the upper floor fell onto classrooms below, crushing two floors.
The building was weak and had extra construction on the roof causing the collapse.
The school owner was arrested, and an investigation is underway.
The school served low-income families and was in a crowded, poor neighborhood.
Pakistan spends less than 1% of its GDP on education, leading many families to rely on low-cost, poorly maintained private schools.
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A tanker called Wine Trader caught fire and had explosions off the coast of Romania near the Danube River. Eight of the twelve crew members are missing, and there are unconfirmed reports that drones may have caused the attack.
Key Facts
The tanker Wine Trader is registered in San Marino.
The fire and explosions happened about 13 nautical miles (24 km) east of the Danube River mouth at Sulina.
Eight out of twelve crew members are missing after the incident.
Nearby ships reported the tanker might have been hit by two drones.
The Black Sea coast has seen several drone attacks recently.
Russian drones were detected near the area close to Ukraine's Snake Island on the night before the fire.
Two merchant ships were attacked by drones off Bulgaria’s coast earlier this week, with one sinking.
Bulgaria suspects Russia of carrying out the drone attacks and has summoned the Russian envoy.
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Singer Kelly Clarkson visited a Brooklyn store called Art of Play and wanted to buy a mechanical bird that sings and dances. The store said the bird on the wall is not for sale because it is fixed there, but offered Clarkson a similar bird for $15,000.
Key Facts
Kelly Clarkson visited Art of Play, a boutique store in Brooklyn.
She wanted to buy a mechanical bird that sings and dances, seen on the store's wall.
Clarkson said she felt the staff looked at her as if she could not afford the bird.
The bird on the wall has a price tag of $15,000 (about £11,000).
Art of Play said the bird on the wall is permanently attached and not for sale.
An employee told Clarkson she could buy an identical bird for $15,000.
Clarkson's visit to the store lasted about five minutes.
The story became popular on social media after Clarkson’s complaint.
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Indian authorities have ordered actor Imran Khan to leave India by 28 October after he joined a protest in Mumbai asking for changes to the election system. Khan, an American citizen with an Overseas Citizen of India card, plans to challenge the order in court.
Key Facts
Imran Khan is the nephew of Bollywood star Aamir Khan and an American citizen.
He holds an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, which lets people of Indian origin visit and stay in India, but does not allow voting or running in elections.
Khan joined a protest on 10 October in Mumbai demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over vote fraud allegations.
The protest was organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a youth-led group seeking election reforms.
Police said Khan violated laws by protesting as a non-Indian citizen and issued a notice for him to leave India by 28 October.
Khan’s lawyer said no law stops OCI holders from protesting and said they will challenge the notice in the Bombay High Court.
Khan was briefly detained during the protest and posted a photo from a police van on Instagram.
The protest movement has led to large demonstrations and calls for the election chief’s resignation ahead of key state elections.
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Senegal has increased arrests and punishments against LGBTQ+ people, detaining more than 320 people since February 2024 under laws that criminalize same-sex relations. The government raised prison terms and fines, leading to fear, reduced legal help, and fewer people seeking HIV tests and treatment.
Key Facts
Over 320 LGBTQ+ individuals have been arrested in Senegal since February 2024.
Senegal’s parliament doubled the maximum prison sentence for consensual same-sex relations to 10 years in March 2024.
The law also punishes promoting or supporting LGBTQ+ people with up to seven years in prison and large fines.
At least 84 people were charged with “voluntary HIV transmission” based only on their HIV status.
Police made arrests using information from seized phones, third-party reports, and private raids.
Lawyers are reluctant to defend LGBTQ+ people due to fear of prosecution.
HIV clinics have seen fewer patients, as people avoid testing and treatment due to stigma and fear.
Personal details, including HIV status, have been leaked by police, putting individuals at risk of violence and social rejection.
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A 19-year-old man in a Chicago suburb was arrested after police found he planned a mass shooting potentially targeting a Hindu temple. The suspect expressed white supremacist views and had weapons and ammunition when police searched his home.
Key Facts
Alexandros Paporakis, 19, from Palatine, Illinois, was arrested for allegedly planning a mass shooting.
Police recovered a rifle, multiple loaded magazines, hundreds of rounds of ammo, and body armor at his home.
Paporakis shared a document with white supremacist ideas and threats against Indians and South Asians.
He reportedly told a coworker he identified as a white supremacist and wanted to kill Indian people.
Authorities believe the planned attack might have targeted a Hindu temple in Aurora, Illinois.
FBI is helping police investigate this case.
Paporakis faces felony charges including making a terrorist threat and illegal weapon possession.
His next court hearing is set for late October.
Hate crimes against South Asians have increased in the U.S. in recent years.
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Elon Musk suggested that the US government controls limits on the speed of Starlink internet used by Ukraine’s military and may have imposed recent restrictions. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy criticized this move, saying it hurts Ukraine’s defense, while US officials have denied cutting intelligence support. The issue highlights Europe’s dependence on US satellite technology for Ukraine’s defense.
Key Facts
Elon Musk said Starshield satellites are owned by the US government, which controls any limits on their use.
Starlink, a commercial internet service owned by SpaceX, is used by Ukraine but limited to civilian and defensive purposes.
Ukraine says restrictions on Starlink slow down their defense capabilities against Russia.
President Zelenskyy expressed feeling “betrayed” by President Trump related to access to Starlink.
President Trump denied that his administration stopped sharing intelligence with Ukraine.
Europe relies heavily on US satellite systems like Starlink and the Space-Based Infrared System for military communications and missile warnings.
There are no ready alternatives in Europe to replace Starlink’s satellite internet for Ukraine’s military drones yet.
European satellite company Eutelsat’s shares rose amid hopes it could benefit from tensions between the US and Ukraine.
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A woman in Perth, Australia, has been charged with poisoning a co-worker’s lunch curry using snail pellets containing a toxic chemical. The victim ate some of the curry, noticed green granules, and felt numbness in her tongue. The accused was arrested and will appear in court in November.
Key Facts
The incident happened in February in Perth’s southern suburbs.
The poisoned curry was brought to share with colleagues during a morning tea break.
Snail pellets contained metaldehyde, a poisonous substance, which was put into the curry.
The victim noticed the green pellets when she went to eat more at lunchtime and felt numbness after tasting it.
The accused is a 43-year-old woman who allegedly accessed a chemical shed and a staff lunchroom.
Police said the accused and victim were in a personal relationship.
The accused was charged with intentionally harming someone’s life, health, or safety.
She is due to appear in Armadale magistrates court on November 5.
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Russia’s Pacific Fleet fired cruise missiles from a nuclear-powered submarine, hitting a target 1,200 kilometers away. These missile tests took place during military drills near the Kuril Islands, which Japan also claims.
Key Facts
Russia used a nuclear-powered submarine to launch cruise missiles.
The missiles hit a target 1,200 kilometers (about 745 miles) away.
The missile test was part of military exercises in the Pacific Ocean.
The drills happened near the Kuril Islands, a group of islands disputed between Russia and Japan.
Japan protested the Russian military exercises near these islands in August.
The Kuril Islands have been a point of tension between Russia and Japan for years.
The missile tests signal ongoing military activity in the region by Russia.
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A federal judge ordered the U.S. State Department to reopen the lottery for the 2027 Diversity Visa (green card) program after the department failed to start registration on time. The department must now open registration for at least 30 days and process entries until all 55,000 visas are given or the year ends.
Key Facts
A federal judge named Jinsook Ohta issued a preliminary injunction to reopen the 2027 Diversity Visa lottery.
The State Department, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, must open the registration by midnight Eastern time on Thursday.
Registration must remain open for at least 30 days.
The Diversity Visa program gives 55,000 green cards annually to people from countries with low immigration rates to the U.S.
The Trump administration, in its second term, delayed opening the lottery and has tightened many immigration programs.
The lawsuit was filed by Red Eagle Law against the State Department for not opening the registration on time.
The government argued that a late registration would break program rules, but the judge required reopening anyway.
The Diversity Visa winners still have to meet all immigration requirements to get a green card.
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Pope Leo XIV underwent surgery to remove a cancerous part of his right lung. The Vatican reported that he slept well and had breakfast as he recovers in a hospital in Rome.
Key Facts
Pope Leo XIV is 71 years old.
He was diagnosed with lung cancer.
He had surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung.
The operation took place this week.
The pope is recovering at Gemelli University Hospital in Rome.
The Vatican said he slept well after the surgery.
He is following his normal diet during recovery.
The recovery is expected to take about one week.
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An Indian woman, Muskan Rastogi, and her boyfriend, Sahil Shukla, were sentenced to death for murdering her husband, Saurabh Rajput, in Uttar Pradesh. The husband’s body was found in a large blue plastic drum, giving the case its name, and the couple tried to hide the crime by sending fake messages from Rajput’s phone.
Key Facts
Muskan Rastogi (26) and Sahil Shukla (28) were convicted of murder on 30 September by a court in Meerut city, India.
The murder took place in March 2025 in Uttar Pradesh.
The victim, Saurabh Rajput, was Rastogi’s husband and worked in London.
Rajput’s body was found inside a blue plastic storage container, called a drum locally.
Rastogi and Shukla had been classmates and developed a relationship while Rajput was away.
They tried to cover up the murder by sending messages from Rajput’s phone to his family.
Rastogi confessed after being taken to the police by her parents.
The couple’s death sentences must be confirmed by a high court, and they can appeal.
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The Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board in Indian-administered Kashmir has proposed that all mosques deliver the same Friday sermon across the region. This plan faces strong opposition from local Muslim leaders who say it interferes with religious freedom in Kashmir.
Key Facts
The Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board wants uniform Friday sermons in mosques across Kashmir.
The board is led by Darakshan Andrabi, linked to the Hindu-majority Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Kashmiri Muslim scholars have criticized the proposal, calling it interference in religious matters.
Andrabi said a committee of senior Muslim scholars will approve the sermons, not government officials.
The scholars were not told who would be on the approving committee.
Kashmir’s special autonomous status was removed by the Indian government in 2019.
Since 2019, Jammu and Kashmir is governed directly by the Indian federal government in New Delhi.
Changes to religious endowment laws replaced local rules with laws that apply across India.
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World timekeepers are meeting near Paris to decide whether to stop adding leap seconds, which are extra seconds added to clocks to keep time aligned with Earth's slowing rotation. Since leap seconds cause problems for computers and financial systems, the meeting will discuss ending them as early as 2027.
Key Facts
Leap seconds were first added in 1972 to keep atomic time aligned with Earth's rotation.
Earth’s rotation is not perfectly steady and is gradually slowing down, causing time discrepancies.
There have been 27 leap seconds added so far, with the last one in 2016.
Leap seconds create technical problems for companies like LinkedIn, Reddit, and Meta, causing crashes and errors.
The International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) voted in 2022 to stop leap seconds by 2035.
Russia prefers delaying removal of leap seconds until 2040 due to its satellite system needs.
The current meeting will debate ending leap seconds as early as 2027 and consider if atomic clocks are still the best way to measure a second.
Leap seconds are added either on June 30 or December 31 to adjust clocks globally.
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