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Hungarian writer László Krasznahorkai, whose philosophical, bleakly funny novels often unfold in single sentences, won the Nobel Prize in literature Thursday for his "compelling and visionary oeuvre that, in the midst of apocalyptic terror, reaffirms the power of art.” Several works including his debut, “Satantango” and “The Melancholy of Resistance,” were turned into films by Hungarian director Béla Tarr. The Nobel judges praised his “artistic gaze which is entirely free of illusion, and which sees through the fragility of the social order combined with his unwavering belief in the power of art," Steve Sem-Sandberg of the Nobel committee said at the announcement.  “László Krasznahorkai is a great epic writer in the Central European tradition that extends through (Franz) Kafka to Thomas Bernhard, and is characterised by absurdism and grotesque excess," the Nobel judges said. Other books include “The Melancholy of Resistance,” a surreal, disturbing tale set in a small Hungarian town, and “Baron Wenckheim's Homecoming,” the sprawling saga of a gambling-addicted aristocrat. He has also written several books inspired by his travels to China and Japan, including “A Mountain to the North, a Lake to the South, Paths to the West, a River to the East,” published in Hungarian in 2003.

Israel and Hamas sign Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal

Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas signed an agreement on Thursday to cease fire and free Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, the first phase of US President Donald Trump's initiative to end the war in Gaza. Israelis and Palestinians alike rejoiced after the deal was announced, the biggest step yet to end two years of war in which over 67,000 Palestinians have been killed, and return the last hostages seized by Hamas in the deadly attacks that started it. Officials on both sides confirmed they had signed the deal following indirect talks in the Egyptian beach resort of Sharm el-Sheikh. Under the deal fighting will cease, Israel will partially withdraw from Gaza and Hamas will free all remaining hostages it captured in the attack that precipitated the war, in exchange for hundreds of prisoners held by Israel. Fleets of trucks carrying food and medical aid would be allowed to surge into Gaza to relieve civilians, hundreds of thousands of whom have been sheltering in tents after Israeli forces destroyed their homes and razed entire cities to dust.

Personnel of the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force (IAF) celebrated the 93rd Air Force Day at the picturesque advanced landing ground (ALG) at Mechuka in Arunachal Pradesh's Shi-Yomi district, a defence official said on Thursday. Defence PRO Lt Col Mahendra Rawat said the celebration showcased the seamless coordination and strong bond that exists between the two premier wings of the Indian armed forces. The event held on Wednesday highlighted the significance of synergy in operations and the importance of mutual trust and cooperation in safeguarding the nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity, he said. A ceremonial display and interactive session between the soldiers and air warriors symbolised the strength of joint efforts in ensuring operational readiness in the strategically vital region, the official said.

The Karnataka cabinet on Thursday approved one day of menstrual leave for women working in various sectors, including garments and Information Technology, the government said. "The cabinet today approved at least one-day leave for working women in various sectors, right from garments to Information Technology," State Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil told reporters after the meeting. The cabinet also approved several major proposals across labour, infrastructure, urban development, education, social welfare and tourism sectors. It cleared the Karnataka Labour Welfare Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which enhances financial assistance under six existing labour welfare schemes, including educational incentives for organised workers and their dependents.