Top News Headlines for October 8, 2025
Here's a curated roundup of today's major stories from around the world, drawing from reliable sources. Focus is on politics, international relations, economy, weather, and other key developments.
World News
- Gaza Hostage Crisis Persists: Two years after the October 7 attacks, 48 hostages—both living and deceased—remain in Gaza, highlighting ongoing humanitarian challenges amid stalled peace talks entering their third day.
- UK PM Starmer Visits India: Keir Starmer arrives in India for a two-day trip with over 100 delegates, including CEOs, to boost the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). Discussions will cover trade, fintech, and the 'Vision 2030' roadmap; he'll keynote the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai.
- India-China Direct Flights Resume: After a five-year halt due to tensions, daily non-stop flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou restart on October 26 via IndiGo, signaling cautious diplomatic thawing.
- Mount Everest Rescue Success: Around 900 hikers and staff stranded by a snowstorm on the Chinese side of Everest have been safely evacuated, state media reports.
- ICC's First Darfur Conviction: The International Criminal Court convicts Janjaweed leader Ali Kushayb of war crimes from over 20 years ago, a milestone in accountability for atrocities.
- French Government Shakeup: Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu resigns just 18 hours after formation, amid political instability.
US News
- Government Shutdown Enters Day 8: The Senate's sixth failed vote on funding bills prolongs the crisis, now in its eighth day. IRS furloughs non-essential staff immediately, citing lapsed funding; mass layoffs loom if talks stall further. Speaker Mike Johnson expresses frustration, blaming Democrats.
- Trump Targets Drug Cartels: The administration labels Latin American cartels as "unlawful combatants" in a post-9/11-style rhetoric shift, following military strikes on smuggling vessels.
- Nobel in Physiology or Medicine: Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi win for discoveries on regulatory T cells, which prevent the immune system from attacking healthy tissues.
- Weather Alerts: Tropical Storm Jerry strengthens into a hurricane nearing the Leeward Islands; a nor'easter brews for the East Coast this weekend, with heavy rain and winds expected. Scattered showers hit Montana and the Northeast.
India & South Asia
- 93rd Indian Air Force Day: Celebrations at Hindon Air Base feature parades, aerial displays, and tributes to martyrs, honoring the IAF's founding in 1932 and its role in national security.
- Salary Hike Forecast: Indian salaries expected to rise 9% in 2026, driven by strong consumption, investments, and policy support despite global uncertainties.
- Zoho Office Mandated: The Education Ministry requires Zoho Office for official use in schools and universities to promote 'Made in India' digital tools and cut foreign software reliance.
- Student Mental Health Crisis: A survey shows 3 in 5 students in major cities battling anxiety; IMD warns of delayed monsoon withdrawal and potential Cyclone Shakti over the Arabian Sea.
- US Visa Drop for Indian Students: Visas fall 44% due to tightened Trump-era immigration rules.
- EU Biometric Entry System: From October 12, non-EU citizens (including Indians) face new facial, fingerprint, and iris scans for Schengen travel.
Other Notable Stories
- Czechia Aid to Ukraine: Considering donating 30 upgraded T-72M4CZ tanks; unemployment figures released, and Prague's Flora station to close early 2026.
- Gen Z Protests Go Anime: Youth in Indonesia, Nepal, and beyond rally under One Piece's Jolly Roger flag for human rights and against corruption.
- Shackleton's Endurance Legacy: Marking 110 years since the ship's ice entrapment, new insights into Antarctic survival.