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Global News Updates Weekly Edition – October 18, 2026

Stay informed with the latest world, India, West Bengal, sports and entertainment news in one edition.

This issue covers Iran’s proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, criticism of US President Donald Trump’s decision to delay new Russia sanctions, a reported Houthi missile strike damaging Saudi Aramco offices, and a temporary pause in a new US tariff threat against India over Russian oil purchases. The editorial examines the growing water consumption of artificial intelligence data centres and the environmental challenges of expanding AI infrastructure.

India news includes the Election Commission’s voter-list revision across 17 states and Union Territories, government measures to cap trade margins on 137 anti-cancer medicines, the Supreme Court’s ruling on Yes Bank’s AT-1 bonds, a productivity-linked bonus for railway employees, and a ₹2,563-crore contract for the GSAT-7C communication satellite.

The West Bengal section highlights the deadly Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal stampede in Kolkata, which reportedly killed 19 people and injured 25, compensation announced for victims’ families, stricter Puja safety guidelines in Siliguri, the launch of the Darjeeling District Tourism App, the introduction of Dial 112 with 900 police vehicles, a missing Class IV student found dead in Murshidabad, and the BJP’s takeover of Sonamukhi Panchayat Samiti in Bankura.

Sports & Entertainment features India’s women’s hockey team winning gold at the 2026 Asian Games, the beginning of the Asian Para Games in Japan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return to India’s international cricket setup, Google’s reported Gemini 4 Argon AI model, the theatrical release of Whalefall and the documentary Musk, Tamil music composer Deva’s reported death, and Prabhas’ upcoming film Spirit, reportedly targeting a Diwali 2027 release.