Evening news wrap: France’s Louvre museum hit by shocking jewellery heist, Rajnath Singh hails BrahMos missile & more | India News

A shocking heist hit Paris’s world famous Louvre Museum, forcing its closure after thieves armed with chainsaws stole Napoleon-era jewellery from the Apollo Gallery. Authorities are investigating, and the museum remains shut. US President Donald Trump responded to nationwide “No Kings” protests with an AI-generated video showing him as a fighter-jet pilot dropping mud on crowds, a day after organisers claimed over seven million Americans took part in demonstrations across all 50 states.Israeli prime minister Netanyahu is set to hold an emergency security meeting after the fragile Gaza ceasefire, brokered by the US, was thrown into jeopardy when Hamas attacked Israeli troops in Rafah, prompting retaliatory airstrikes by the IDF. The 256 Delhi-bound Air India passengers stranded in Milan since Friday will finally fly home on a special October 19 flight, in time for Diwali after their original AI138 flight was cancelled on October 17 due to a technical issue.

A shocking heist hit Paris’s Louvre Museum, forcing its closure after thieves armed with small chainsaws broke in through the Seine-facing facade and escaped with jewellery from the Apollo Gallery, including pieces linked to Napoleon and the Empress. Police said the robbers used a goods lift to access the room, and the value of the stolen items is being assessed. France’s culture minister confirmed an investigation is underway. The Louvre remains shut for now. Read full story

Defence minister Rajnath Singh hailed the BrahMos missile as a symbol of India’s technological prowess and self-reliance, citing its “pinpoint accuracy” during Operation Sindoor. Singh said the supersonic missile, with its advanced guided system and traditional warhead, combines speed, power, and precision, making it a backbone of the Armed Forces. He also emphasized India’s emergence as a global defence partner. Read full story

The fragile Gaza ceasefire teetered as Hamas fighters attacked Israeli troops in Rafah, prompting retaliatory airstrikes by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Reports said militants fired an anti-tank missile at Israeli engineering vehicles, while an IED explosion injured several soldiers. In response, the IDF targeted Hamas positions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to hold an emergency security meeting with defence minister Israel Katz and IDF chief of staff Lt-Gen Eyal Zamir. Read full story

The 256 Delhi-bound passengers of Air India stranded in Milan since Friday will finally fly home in time for Diwali. Air India announced a special flight on Sunday, Oct 19, to operate the return journey, instead of the earlier alternate arrangements that would have seen them travel from Monday or after the festival. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner (VT-ANN) had faced a technical issue on landing in Milan, cancelling the original AI138 flight on Oct 17. The special flight, AI-138D, will depart Milan at 1900 hrs local time and arrive in Delhi on the morning of Oct 20. Read full story

US President Donald Trump responded to nationwide “No Kings” protests with an AI-generated video showing him as a fighter-jet pilot dropping mud on crowds. The 19-second clip on Truth Social features Trump flying a jet marked “King Trump” over a scene resembling Times Square, targeting protesters and influencer Harry Sisson, a vocal critic. The video comes a day after organisers said over seven million Americans participated in demonstrations across all 50 states, which Republicans dismissed as “Hate America” rallies. Read full story