News18 Afternoon Digest: First Group Of 7 Israeli Hostages Freed, Sresan Pharma Shut Down & Other Top Stories

Last Updated:October 13, 2025, 13:29 IST

We are also covering: BJP Accuses CM Of Cover-Up, Victim-Blaming In Durgapur Rape Case

The first seven hostages have arrived in Israel, according to Israeli military. (X/@VividProwess)

In today’s afternoon digest, News18 brings you the latest updates on the release of Israeli hostages from Hamas’s captivity under Gaza peace deal, Coldrif syrup maker’s license cancellation, and other top stories

First Hostage Group Freed Under Gaza Peace Deal: Meet The 7 Israelis Released By Hamas

On Monday, October 13, seven Israeli hostages were freed by Hamas and transferred to the Red Cross in Gaza, in the first phase of the ceasefire and hostage-release deal signed between Israel and the militant group. The agreement, brokered with US and regional mediation, aims to end the war and allow for a multi-stage return of hostages, Palestinian prisoners, and humanitarian aid. Read more

Cough Syrup Deaths: Sresan Pharma Shut Down, Coldrif’s Manufacturing Licence Cancelled

Tamil Nadu-based Srisan Pharmaceuticals has been shut down and the manufacturing licence of cough syrup Coldrif has been cancelled in the wake of 22 child deaths, as per the state government. Read more

Supreme Court Rejects Plea Seeking SIT Probe Into Rahul Gandhi’s Vote Chori Allegations

The Supreme Court on Monday has dismissed a petition seeking a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s allegations of “vote chori" (vote theft) during the last general elections. Read more

‘Mamata Lied About 12.30 AM’: BJP Accuses CM Of Cover-Up, Victim-Blaming In Durgapur Rape Case

The alleged gang-rape of a 23-year-old MBBS student in Durgapur has triggered a fierce political row in West Bengal, with BJP spokesperson Amit Malviya accusing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of misleading the public about the details of the case. Read more

‘Apne Shareer Se, Dudhiya Chehre Se…’: What Did Annu Kapoor Say About Tamannaah Bhatia?

Actor Annu Kapoor has landed in controversy again after allegedly making inappropriate comments about actress Tamannaah Bhatia during a recent interview. His remarks, which included a comment about her “dudhiya badan" (milky body) and a dig at her earlier statement about children sleeping to her song Aaj Ki Raat, have been widely criticised as “lewd" and “vulgar" by social media users. Read more

Vice-Captain At Age Of 14! Vaibhav Suryavanshi Set To Create New Record In…

14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who made his Ranji Trophy debut for Bihar against Mumbai in Patna on January 5, 2025, on Sunday (October 12) was appointed as the new vice-captain of the state’s Ranji Trophy team for the upcoming 2025-26 edition. The left-handed batter will play under the leadership of Sakibul Gani. Read more

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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...Read More

The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...

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