October 15: Who and what made news today? Here's a quick wrap before you hit the hay

Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban have agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire starting Wednesday evening, following days of cross-border air and ground fighting that left more than a dozen civilians dead and around 100 wounded along the volatile frontier. In sports, Ahmedabad, India, has been recommended as the proposed host city for the 2030 Commonwealth Games, marking the 100th anniversary of the event. The final decision will be made at the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow on 26 November 2025. In politics, the FBI arrest of Indian-American strategist Ashley Tellis in the US has ignited a political dispute in India, with parties accusing each other over his alleged role in influencing both past and present governments. Here's a quick roundup of the day's most talked-about stories. Catch up before you turn in!

48-hour ceasefire after Pakistan airstrikes inside Afghanistan kill civilians

Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban administration have agreed to a temporary 48-hour ceasefire beginning at 6 pm (Pakistan Standard Time) on Wednesday, following days of intense air and ground fighting that left more than a dozen civilians dead and around 100 wounded along the volatile frontier, as per the reports by Reuters. READ HERE

India set to stage Commonwealth Games 2030, Ahmedabad recommended as host city

The Executive Board of Commonwealth Sport has confirmed its recommendation of Ahmedabad, India, as the proposed host city for the 2030 Commonwealth Games. The 24th edition of the Commonwealth Games will mark the 100 years since the multi-sport spectacle was first held in Ontario. Ahmedabad will now be put forward to the full Commonwealth Sport membership, with a final decision to be made at the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow on 26 November 2025, a statement from Commonwealth Sport said. READ HERE

Why Ashley Tellis arrest by FBI has sparked political war in India

The arrest of Ashley Tellis, an Indian-American geopolitical strategist, by the FBI in the US sparked off a political slugfest across seven seas in India. While some suggested that he worked with both the Congress-led UPA and the NDA, the BJP alleged that he was part of the "anti-India" force and "celebrated by the Opposition". READ HERE

FIR filed against Puran Kumar's wife, 3 others in ASI suicide case

An FIR has been registered at the Rohtak Sadar police station in connection with the suicide of Haryana police officer Sandeep Kumar, according to sources. The FIR names four people, IPS officer Y Puran Kumar’s gunman Sushil, Kumar’s wife P Avneet Kaur, Bathinda Rural MLA Amit Ratna, and one other person. READ HERE

Taliban display pants of Pak soldiers, Afghans vow to join Mujahideen

It's no longer an Afghan-Pakistan border clash. It's war that needed a ceasefire. Pakistani airstrikes in Kabul and Kandahar on Wednesday killed at least 15 Afghan civilians and injured over 100. This came after the Taliban, in a counterattack, seized border outposts in Spin-Boldak. The symbol of which became the pants of Pakistani soldiers who abandoned their posts. READ HERE

Amazon plans major layoffs, up to 15 per cent of HR staff and more could be fired

Amazon is once again planning for a major layoff wave. The company is said to be preparing to slash up to 15 per cent of staff in its human resources division, known internally as the People eXperience and Technology (PXT) team. According to multiple sources cited by Fortune, the HR unit will be the hardest hit, though other parts of Amazon’s vast consumer business may also see job losses. READ HERE

Violence outside Assam jail as fans attack those arrested over Zubeen Garg's death

Tension gripped Assam's Baksa district on Wednesday as violent protests broke out outside the District Jail following the arrival of five accused who have been arrested in the death case of legendary singer Zubeen Garg. The unrest began after fans protesting outside the jail attacked the vehicle carrying the five people arrested over the singer's death arrived at the prison. READ HERE

Bengaluru doctor arrested for wife's murder using anaesthetic drug Propofol

Bengaluru police have arrested Dr Mahendra Reddy, a general surgeon, for the murder of his wife, Dr Kruthika M Reddy, a dermatologist, by administering the anaesthetic drug Propofol, a substance restricted to operation theatre use. READ HERE

After backlash, Tamil Nadu to stall anti-Hindi bill banning hoardings, songs, movies

The Tamil Nadu government has decided to stall the proposed bill banning the imposition of Hindi in the state, following widespread backlash, said sources. An emergency meeting with legal experts was reportedly held last night to discuss the proposed legislation. READ HERE

What happened is unbearable, leaving Bengal soon: Durgapur rape survivor's father

The father of the 23-year-old medical student who was sexually assaulted last week announced his intention to leave West Bengal, stating that what happened to his daughter is “unbearable.” Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, the survivor’s father demanded justice and expressed his deep disappointment. READ HERE

- Ends