Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, stated that Starlink's services in India must be affordable for widespread adoption and that competition would benefit consumers, despite potentially reducing Reliance Jio's profits. He criticised Reliance Jio as a 'de facto monopoly' in India, alleging that certain business conglomerates were blocking Starlink's entry.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) completing a decade, calling it a major turning point in India's digital payment journey. Launched in 2016, UPI has become the backbone of India's digital payments ecosystem, showing exponential growth in transaction volume and value, and is a key pillar of the Digital Public Infrastructure.
Nine people have been killed in fresh clashes between two communities in Manipur's hill districts of Kamjong, Ukhrul, and Kangpokpi. Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh has appealed for peace and restraint, and additional security forces have been deployed. The violence began on Friday night with the killing of a woman, leading to further attacks and exchanges of fire. This comes after earlier ethnic violence in the state that killed over 300 people.
AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey and West Bengal Minister Indranil Khan offered their perspectives on the Indian football team's 6-1 defeat against Uruguay. Chaubey highlighted the team's strong start and confidence, suggesting rain disrupted momentum, and stressed the importance of playing top-level opposition. Khan called the match a landmark moment for Indian football exposure but also criticised political interference in West Bengal's football ecosystem.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced a fresh inquiry into Mamata Banerjee's alleged "false claims" of a leg injury during the 2021 assembly poll campaign. Adhikari presented a medical report suggesting no fracture or dislocation, asserting Banerjee faked the injury, which he claims insulted the people of Nandigram. The controversy surrounds an incident in Nandigram where Banerjee sustained injuries, leading to her campaigning in a wheelchair, and her party's subsequent victory.
India remains one of the Hyundai Motor group's most important and strategic markets globally. The initiative positions India as a strategic core market for the group's growth, emerging market expansion, and next-generation automotive innovation.
Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya presented a comprehensive report card on the Sports and Labour & Employment ministries to NDA MPs, detailing India's ambitious bid to host the 2036 Olympics, targets for medal tallies, and significant growth in job creation and social security coverage over the past decade.
'There, the bodies of martyred soldiers were brought in. It was deeply distressing, as many of the bodies were in a bad state.'
The Government of Karnataka has called for enhanced collaboration with the BFSI and FinTech sectors to bolster its technology ecosystem and accelerate the adoption of innovative solutions. This initiative, discussed at an Industry Meet, aims to foster partnerships between government, industry, and academia, particularly through programmes like 'Government First', in preparation for the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2026.
The CBI has issued fresh summons to Rajbir Ghuman, OSD to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, in an alleged corruption case involving pecuniary benefits for managing postings of IAS and IPS officers. Ghuman failed to appear for questioning on Friday, leading CBI teams to paste summons on his premises. The case, registered on Tuesday following Punjab and Haryana High Court orders, also led to raids at eight locations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged for a global framework to combat cross-border cyber frauds and deepfakes, highlighting the need for governments, tech companies, telecom operators, and financial institutions to collaborate. Speaking at the India Mobile Congress 2026, Modi stressed that technology thrives on trust and that India is ready to share its expertise in tackling cyber threats. He also noted the rapid expansion of 5G and the success of digital governance initiatives like Direct Benefit Transfer.
The reference to India's 'Presidential election' appears to be a mix-up with Brazil, which held its first round of presidential elections on Sunday with 125.27 million valid votes.
Technopark-based space-tech startup HEX20 has been selected by the UAE Space Agency to develop a spacecraft for an asteroid probe, marking the first time an Indian private company has been chosen for a deep-space mission by the Gulf nation. HEX20 is contributing its expertise in developing the spacecraft bus and software for the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt, which is scheduled for launch in March 2028 to study asteroid 269 Justitia.
Bharti Airtel Chairman Sunil Mittal has called for proactive regulation of Artificial Intelligence, stating that waiting for an "accident" before implementing safeguards would be "foolish." Speaking at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum 2026, Mittal highlighted the struggle of governments to keep pace with AI's rapid growth and emphasised the need for a global regulatory framework, similar to the aviation sector, to ensure national security and responsible development.
Anti-drug activist Parvider Singh Jhota was shot dead in Mansa on October 13. His family and supporters are refusing to cremate his body until their demands for justice, including a CBI probe and resignations of top officials, are met. The incident has triggered political protests and condemnation across Punjab, with various leaders visiting the protest site and the SGPC announcing a tribute.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has moved a government resolution mandating the rendition of Tamil Thaai Vazhthu at the commencement of all government events, emphasising the state's linguistic and cultural rights amidst a Union Home Affairs Ministry advisory on Vande Mataram.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to the Indian contingent for their commendable performance at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. He praised the athletes for their determination, passion, and sporting spirit, acknowledging their role in bringing immense joy to the nation. India secured fourth place with 85 medals, and Modi expressed hope that these Games would inspire future achievements and strengthen grassroots sports.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026, articulated a vision for India's communications sector, emphasizing a global framework to combat cyber frauds and deepfakes. He called for India to become a hub for innovation and product development for the world. Industry leaders lauded his vision, highlighting India's robust digital infrastructure and its journey towards becoming a global technology leader, with a focus on trust, security, and responsible innovation.
The scenes are same; placards, viral videos, riot, police but the grievances could hardly be more different, notes Abhay Jere, ex-Vice Chairman, AICTE.
Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu announced India's ambition to produce its first indigenous civilian aircraft within two years through a joint venture. He highlighted the rapid growth of the country's aviation sector, with significant aircraft orders, planned new airports, and potential for manufacturing jet engines and Sustainable Aviation Fuel, underscoring India's increasing role in global aviation.
A 70-year-old retired IAS officer, Rakesh Agarwal, was found dead with his throat slit at his home in Bhopal. Police suspect his househelp, who has been missing since the incident. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has condemned the killing and assured swift action, while the opposition has criticised the state's law and order situation.
The Congress party is set to replace Amrinder Singh Raja Warring as the president of its Punjab unit, following organisational feedback from Sachin Pilot and persistent infighting within the state unit. The move aims to unite various factions ahead of the 2027 assembly polls, with former minister Vijay Inder Singla emerging as a frontrunner for the post.
The Mizoram government has announced a cash reward of Rs 25 lakh each for Indian women's hockey players Lalremsiami and Lalthantluangi. This recognition comes after their significant contribution to the team's gold medal victory at the 2026 Asian Games, marking a historic achievement for the state.
Former Sri Lankan president Gotabaya Rajapaksa has moved the Supreme Court seeking protection from arrest under anti-terrorism laws in connection with the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings. This appeal follows the dismissal of his previous petition by the Court of Appeal and an existing overseas travel ban.
The AIADMK suffered a significant blow in the recent Madurantakam and Dharapuram by-polls, seeing a sharp decline in its traditional vote base. The party came in a distant third in both seats, which were previously its strongholds, raising concerns about its leadership, strategy, and future in Tamil Nadu's political landscape, especially with the rise of the TVK.
Boxing Federation of India president Ajay Singh has suspended secretary general Pramod Kumar with immediate effect. The suspension is pending an inquiry into alleged financial irregularities, non-cooperation with investigations, and misuse of authority. Allegations include unauthorised work orders for broadcasting and failure to cooperate with inquiries into championship cancellations.
South African jurist Navanethem 'Navi' Pillay, of Indian origin, has been awarded the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for her lifelong dedication to advancing human rights, peace, and international law, including her significant contributions to shaping international law on genocide and sexual violence.
Pakistan and Turkiye have agreed to deploy military forces in Saudi Arabia as part of the Makkah Alliance for Defence. This decision follows recent attacks by Houthi rebels and aims to strengthen collective deterrence against threats to Saudi Arabia. The alliance, formed in August, considers an attack on one member as an attack on all.
India has officially announced its bid to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, centered around the theme "Rising Together."
Bollywood actor Imran Khan, an American national, has been issued a notice by Mumbai Police directing him to leave India by October 28 for allegedly violating immigration laws by participating in a political protest.
Tamil Nadu's ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) won bypolls in Madurantakam and Dharapuram, strengthening its minority government. Concurrently, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured emphatic victories in West Bengal's Nandigram and Muslim-majority Rejinagar, consolidating its post-TMC rule position. The BJP also established a significant lead in Assam's Nagaon Lok Sabha bypoll, and its ally AINRC retained Thattanchavady in Puducherry.
The Gauhati High Court has granted bail to singer Amrit Prabha Mahanta, an accused in the Zubeen Garg death case, against a bond of Rs 50,000. Special Public Prosecutor Ziaul Kamar stated that the grounds for bail are not yet known, but the court deemed it a fit case. The prosecution, which presented arguments for several days, cannot challenge the order but will inform the government. Mahanta is currently lodged in Haflong jail, while other accused are in Tamulpur jail. The case involves the mysterious death of singer Zubeen Garg in Singapore last year, with conflicting findings from Singapore Police and Assam authorities, who maintain it was a murder.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, YouTuber Dhruv Rathee, and actor-activist Prakash Raj joined a protest in Bengaluru, demanding the scrapping of the electoral roll revision exercise and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging widespread voter deletion aimed at disenfranchising specific groups.
The Election Commission replaced the inspector-in-charge of Nandigram police station, Ajay Kumar Mishra, with Debashis Sarkar a day before the bypoll, following complaints from opposition parties alleging Mishra's closeness to the ruling party. This move comes amidst heightened political scrutiny and concerns raised by opposition leaders regarding the fairness of the election process in Nandigram, a constituency with significant political history in West Bengal.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised the democratisation of technology to ensure no section of society is left behind, advocating for affordable and accessible digital services, especially for the Global South. He highlighted the potential of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and called for solutions to cyber fraud, global standards for emerging tech, and mechanisms to identify AI-generated content during his interaction with GSMA board members.
The flydubai near-tragedy showed how the gratuitous conflicts their governments started in West Asia have made the world unsafe for them (and unfortunate co-passengers of other nationalities), points out Kanika Datta.
Hockey India has issued a show-cause notice to the Hockey Association of Odisha (HAO), threatening to reclassify it from a permanent to an associate member due to alleged non-compliance with federation bye-laws. The notice follows an adverse report that stalled HAO's elections, citing serious deficiencies in its district units, including unelected administrative officials holding key posts and a lack of proper election documentation. HAO has two weeks to respond.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has been formally charged by a special PMLA court in an alleged 8.86-acre land fraud and money laundering case. The Enforcement Directorate is investigating the illegal acquisition and transfer of land in Ranchi's Bargain area. Soren appeared via video conferencing and denied the allegations, stating they are baseless.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu launched a mobile application for the Itanagar Municipal Corporation (IMC) to enhance garbage collection. The app allows residents to track garbage trucks in real-time, report overflowing bins with photos, and ensures accountability through before-and-after tracking, making civic services smarter and more citizen-friendly.
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'.
