Gaza Ceasefire Talks Underway Amidst October 7th Anniversary
Indirect negotiations between Israeli and Hamas delegations have commenced in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, on October 6, 2025, aimed at securing a ceasefire in Gaza and facilitating a prisoner-hostage exchange. These critical talks are taking place on the eve of the two-year anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, an event that led to the deaths of over 1,200 people and the taking of 251 hostages, triggering the ongoing conflict. Reports suggest that the first round of discussions concluded in a "positive atmosphere" and are expected to continue. The negotiations are focused on the initial phase of a ceasefire, including a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces and the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The United States, through President Donald Trump, has urged negotiators to accelerate efforts to end the conflict. Meanwhile, the two-year anniversary of the October 7th attack is being marked globally with numerous memorial events and, in some areas, protests.
WHO Warns of E-cigarette Surge Despite Tobacco Use Decline
The World Health Organization (WHO) released a new report on October 6, 2025, revealing a continued decline in global tobacco use, with the prevalence falling from 26.2% in 2010 to 19.5% in 2024. While acknowledging progress in tobacco control efforts, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus cautioned against the tobacco industry's aggressive promotion of new nicotine products, particularly e-cigarettes, targeting young people. The report highlighted an alarming statistic: over 100 million people worldwide are now vaping, including 86 million adults and at least 15 million adolescents aged 13-15. The prevalence of e-cigarette use among adolescents is reportedly nine times higher than among adults in many countries. The WHO is urging governments to implement stronger regulations on e-cigarettes and other nicotine products to protect future generations.
Nobel Prize in Medicine 2025 Awarded for Immune System Discoveries
The Nobel Prize in Medicine for 2025 has been jointly awarded to Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Shimon Sakaguchi for their pioneering discoveries related to the immune system. Their work focused on identifying the immune system's "security guards" and has significant implications for understanding and treating various diseases. This prestigious award recognizes their fundamental contributions to medical science.
India's EAM Highlights Global Volatility at Aravalli Summit
India's External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, speaking at the Aravalli Summit at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi on October 7, 2025, emphasized that the world is experiencing increased competition and reduced compactness. He noted that India must strategize and continue its rise amidst this volatile global landscape. Jaishankar underscored the scale of geopolitical change, remarking that India's ascent is occurring in an exceptionally turbulent era compared to historical global order shifts.
Dubai Hosts 11th World Green Economy Summit (WGES) 2025
The 11th World Green Economy Summit (WGES) 2025 is being held in Dubai, focusing on accelerating global green transformation. The summit features around 80 international speakers and addresses key themes such as renewable energy, the circular economy, and accountability in sustainability pledges. The Global Alliance on Green Economy (GAGE) also unveiled its 2024ā25 portfolio of flagship initiatives at the event.