Navigating this geopolitical minefield requires a cold-blooded blend of immediate tactical pleading, structural domestic diversification, and aggressive collective resistance, suggests Ambassador Rajasekhar.
The US Senate has overwhelmingly approved a bill, the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which aims to punish Russia and its major petroleum product buyers, including China and India. The legislation allows the US President to impose 100 per cent tariffs on goods from the top five importers of Russian oil and gas, and also extends sanctions on Iran's energy sector. The bill, championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, now moves to the House of Representatives for further approval.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the UN General Assembly, accusing Russia of using citizens from over 40 countries, including India, to fight in its war against Ukraine. He urged these nations to prevent their citizens from being drawn into the conflict, highlighting that Ukraine has taken prisoners of war from these countries and that many have perished. Zelenskyy also called for limiting trade with Russia to cut off its war funding and criticised the weakening of sanctions.
Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) has charged Telegram co-founder Pavel Durov with facilitating terrorist activities and initiated procedures to place him on the international wanted list, according to Russian state-run news agency TASS.
Former US President Donald Trump expressed strong disapproval of Norway and the Nobel Peace Prize committee for not awarding him the prize. Speaking at a rally on Friday, Trump asserted he deserved the award multiple times for his alleged role in settling conflicts and preventing a war between India and Pakistan, while criticising the actual recipient, Navi Pillay.
Rajasthan Police's Special Operations Group has arrested four more foreign-trained medical graduates for allegedly using forged Foreign Medical Graduate (FMG) screening certificates to secure internships and registration. This brings the total arrests in the case to 33, including 28 medical graduates, former RMC officials, and middlemen. The accused reportedly paid between Rs 27 lakh and Rs 30 lakh for the fake documents and secured internships at government medical colleges. Investigators suspect over 100 beneficiaries in the racket.
Michel Arkhangelskiy, whose family fled Russia as political opponents, clinched his first major title at the Asian Games, winning the 50-metre butterfly gold for Bahrain.
India's Amruta Pujari has stormed into the women's 72kg final at the Under-23 World Wrestling Championships, while Komal secured a bronze medal in the 59kg category. Sweety and Vaishnavi Patil are also in contention for bronze through repechage, adding to Vishvajit More's earlier silver medal.
Indian Greco-Roman wrestler Vishvajit More secured a silver medal at the U23 World Championship in Las Vegas, becoming the first Indian to achieve this feat. He lost a close final to Georgia's Koba Karumidze. Komal and Diksha Malik are still in contention for bronze medals in the women's event.
An Army officer's wife has been booked in Jammu for alleged espionage, accused of using AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude to write analytical papers on sensitive national security issues for Chinese intelligence operatives. The well-qualified freelance researcher, who had an IT internship with the UN, is cooperating with investigators after being intercepted at Jammu Tawi railway station. The probe focuses on her alleged contacts with foreign nationals and the nature of the sensitive documents found on her mobile phone.
Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Ajit Kumar Mohanty announced that India's private sector is projected to invest Rs 7.5 lakh crore and contribute 30 GW towards the nation's goal of achieving 100 GW nuclear power capacity by 2047. This marks a significant policy shift, facilitated by the SHANTI Act, encouraging private participation in nuclear energy beyond the traditional public sector model. The country is also exploring Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for industrial needs and advancing its three-stage nuclear power programme, leveraging its substantial thorium reserves.
Andrea Pirlo's potential appointment as Italy's head coach is facing significant political opposition due to his commercial ties as a global ambassador for Russian betting company Fonbet, with Italian parliamentarians and football federation figures expressing concerns.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi possesses "very good ideas" for a mutual settlement of the Ukraine conflict and consistently raises the issue in their meetings. Putin also expressed appreciation for India's cultural diversity and unity, citing Modi's insights on the coexistence of various languages.
A bipartisan group of US Senators has agreed to fast-track a bill allowing the President to impose sanctions on major purchasers of oil from Russia and Iran. This legislation, known as the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, aims to restrict funding for Russia's war efforts and Iran's energy and weapons sectors, potentially impacting countries like China and India through tariffs and other restrictions.
India's Russian crude oil imports reached a five-month low in September, dropping to 1.75 million barrels per day, as Indian refiners strategically diversify their energy supplies amidst evolving geopolitical landscapes and robust domestic demand, according to ship tracking data.
A resident of Bihar's Kishanganj district, Mohammad Sadaqat, claims he was wrongly booked for a NEET paper leak protest despite being in Russia for four months. His video has gone viral, prompting the state government to announce the withdrawal of all cases related to the protests and the release of those arrested.
Marco Rubio will visit Mumbai and Jamnagar to discuss energy cooperation as S Jaishankar says India-US trade talks are nearing a landing point, with a few issues unresolved.
A Russian drone strike on a Turkish-owned civilian cargo vessel in the Black Sea resulted in the death of the ship's captain and injuries to one crew member. The vessel, carrying corn, had Azerbaijani and Indian citizens on board. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, highlighting the ongoing disruption to global food security and India's diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.
Daniil Medvedev defeated Tommy Paul 6-3 1-6 6-3 to reach the Shanghai Masters semi-finals, while Rafael Jodar made history by becoming the youngest semi-finalist after beating Casper Ruud 4-6 6-4 6-3. Medvedev will face Jodar next, with Alexander Zverev and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina contesting the other semi-final.
Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Sports Demonstration Games 2026 in Ahmedabad, emphasising the role of traditional sports in reflecting cultural identity and fostering international cooperation. The one-day event, hosted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, brought together delegations from BRICS and partner countries to showcase indigenous sporting practices like Mallakhamb, Yogasana, and Kalaripayattu from India, alongside Wushu from China and Sambo from Russia. Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi also highlighted India's rich sporting heritage and proposed initiatives for global promotion and preservation of traditional sports.
'India should not trade away its energy security for temporary tariff relief. Neither signing a trade agreement nor stopping Russian oil purchases can protect it from future US action.'
Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen defeated French Open winner Mirra Andreeva 7-5 6-4 on Sunday to become the first Chinese player to win the China Open. This victory marks Zheng's first WTA 1000 title and her first trophy of the year, following a recovery from an elbow injury.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio kick-started a three-day visit to India on Tuesday to advance bilateral ties in energy, trade and investment, defence, critical technologies, and exchange views on the West Asia crisis.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session in New York. India raised its concerns regarding the recently signed "Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026," which authorises tariffs on countries buying Russian oil and gas. Both leaders also discussed bilateral relations, regional priorities, and the situations in the Gulf and Ukraine.
The Ministry of External Affairs has issued a strong advisory warning Indian nationals against joining the Russian armed forces, citing significant mortal dangers. The MEA noted instances of individuals seeking recruitment for monetary benefits, with some even renouncing Indian citizenship. The government is actively engaged with Russia to ensure the safety and early discharge of Indians already serving, having secured the release of 139 nationals previously.
'If you listen to a rowdy in a class, he will keep on bullying you.' 'India can say do whatever you want. We will not compromise on anything.'
Mirra Andreeva crushed Nikola Bartunkova 6-2, 6-2 to reach the China Open final, setting up a title showdown with home favourite and Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen.
The US House of Representatives has advanced a bill that would empower President Donald Trump to impose 100 per cent tariffs on countries, including India, that purchase oil and gas from Russia, and also extend sanctions on Iran. The legislation, which previously passed the Senate, aims to curb Russia's energy revenue amidst the Ukraine conflict.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump held a telephone conversation to review progress in bilateral ties, covering trade, defence, and energy, against the backdrop of heightened trade friction due to the 'Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026'.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the BRICS Traditional and Indigenous Sports Demonstration Games, emphasising India's commitment to placing sport at the core of nation-building through significant investment in infrastructure and grassroots development. He highlighted India's indigenous sports like Mallakhamb, Yogasana, and Kalaripayattu, and discussed the country's ambition to host major international events, including the 2036 Olympic Games.
Delhi Police have arrested Shantaram Barku Shelke, the alleged mastermind behind a Rs 40 lakh visa fraud conspiracy that duped 41 individuals seeking overseas jobs in Russia and Israel. Shelke, proprietor of M/s SS Overseas Travels Agency, issued fake documents and evaded authorities before being apprehended in Nalasopara, Maharashtra.
India has lodged a strong protest with Russia following the killing of four Indian seafarers aboard a Guinea Bissau-flagged merchant vessel off the coast of Ukraine. The Ministry of External Affairs condemned the attack on the civilian ship, MV Golden Leo, which also left one Indian national critically injured.
Indian stock market investors are closely monitoring crude oil prices, geopolitical developments in West Asia, and the implications of the US Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, which could impose tariffs on countries, including India, that purchase Russian crude.
The US House of Representatives is debating a bill that would authorise the President to impose sanctions on Russia and steep tariffs on its oil and gas trading partners, including India and China. The bill, aimed at pressuring Russia over the Ukraine war, has faced opposition but is expected to be put to a vote.
China has strongly rejected a US bill that would impose tariffs on countries, including India, for purchasing Russian oil and gas. Beijing views the "Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act 2026" as an act of "long-arm jurisdiction" and interference in its sovereign trade relations, asserting that its economic cooperation with other nations is based on equality and mutual benefit.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has concluded its first physical protection advisory mission to Pakistan, stating that the country has established a "robust nuclear security regime" for its nuclear material and facilities. The mission, conducted from September 28 to October 9, reviewed Pakistan's legislative framework and assessed measures at a nuclear facility, noting continuous improvements and contributions to nuclear security expertise.
'We expect the Indian delegation to flag New Delhi's worries and elaborate on its standpoint on the Russia-linked tariff as well as the Section 301 investigation into overcapacity.'
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has voiced concerns over significant delays in inducting new combat jets, including the Tejas aircraft, which are impacting the Indian Air Force's depleting fighter squadron strength. He stressed the need for annual induction of 36-40 jets to address the gaps and discussed ongoing procurement plans like the MRFA deal and future strategies for combat aircraft and theatre commands.
A bipartisan group of US senators has introduced a comprehensive bill imposing extensive sanctions on Russia, with India identified as one of five countries that could incur tariffs for its continued purchase of Russian oil.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that India is set to introduce a new, more investor-friendly bilateral investment treaty (BIT) framework, which is expected to receive Cabinet approval shortly, aiming to provide sharper protection for investors from both sides.
