Bangladesh's Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed will skip the first-ever BIMSTEC home ministers' meeting in New Delhi, with a senior bureaucrat leading the delegation. This absence underscores strained India-Bangladesh ties, particularly following the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina government in August 2024 and Dhaka's request for her extradition from India.
United States special envoy Steve Witkoff engaged in high-stakes talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday in St. Petersburg. The aim of the meeting was to advance proposals to end the war in Ukraine and establish a pathway towards broader negotiations.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will host US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Mumbai on October 20 for talks aimed at strengthening the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Discussions will cover energy, trade, defence, and critical technologies. The visit also includes celebrations for the 250th anniversary of US Independence. This meeting follows earlier confusion regarding Rubio's visit and will also touch upon the India-US bilateral trade agreement, which both sides are close to concluding. The MEA clarified that hosting foreign dignitaries outside Delhi is a common practice.
Israel's parliamentary election results have led to uncertainty in government formation, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc failed to secure a majority. The situation is further complicated by allegations of electoral fraud and foreign interference, which have been refuted by election officials and the Shin Bet security agency.
IIT Hyderabad and Japan's Mie University have signed MoUs to foster academic exchanges and joint research, with a strong focus on semiconductors and digital technologies. This collaboration aims to develop skilled talent and strengthen the semiconductor ecosystem in both countries.
India has voted in favour of a UN General Assembly resolution urging the US to end its economic, commercial, and financial embargo against Cuba. The resolution, adopted on Wednesday, saw 130 countries support the call to lift restrictions that have severely impacted Cuba's economy, healthcare, and food production. The article also details a heated exchange between US and Cuban diplomats during the UNGA session.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was acquitted by a special MP-MLA court in Sultanpur on Monday in a defamation case stemming from his 2018 remarks against then BJP president Amit Shah. The court ruled that Gandhi's statement was not defamatory and the complainant, Vijay Mishra, was not an aggrieved person. Mishra's lawyer plans to challenge the verdict.
Congress MP Bimol Akoijam, dismissed from JNU following sexual harassment allegations, announced his legal team is preparing to challenge the action in court. After appearing before Delhi Police investigators, Akoijam returned to Imphal, urging peace and calm. He stated he would cooperate with the investigation but also highlighted other pressing issues in Manipur. Akoijam denies the charges, which stem from complaints by multiple female students.
A Delhi court has rescinded a Look-Out Circular (LOC) against Akash Gupta, an accused in a Rs 247-crore Punjab National Bank fraud case, stating that the seriousness of an allegation cannot be the sole reason for its continued operation. The court noted Gupta's cooperation and previous adherence to travel conditions.
Chinese President Xi Jinping called for global collaboration in artificial intelligence development, emphasising a "symphony of global collaboration" over a "solo performance" by any single nation. Speaking at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, Xi highlighted the need for ethical AI governance, shared prosperity, and addressing challenges like the widening digital divide. He also announced China's commitment to support developing countries with 5,000 AI research projects and training programmes. The event also saw 29 countries sign an agreement to establish the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO) in Shanghai.
From Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love & War featuring Ranbir Kapoor in a vintage blue convertible to classic films like Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and Dil Chahta Hai, convertibles have long been a symbol of style and luxury in Hindi cinema.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has intensified allegations of election fraud by Arab-led parties, describing suspected foreign interference as an "earthquake". The Central Elections Committee has asked the internal security agency, Shin Bet, to investigate these claims, which come amid an inconclusive election where neither Netanyahu's bloc nor the opposition secured a majority. President Isaac Herzog has called for a thorough investigation while cautioning against general suspicion of the Arab community.
The Supreme Court stated it is not inclined to completely ban firecrackers but emphasised the need for authorities to implement existing orders on the ground to combat air pollution in Delhi-NCR. The court highlighted that annual orders become a "mockery" without proper enforcement and urged serious action, public awareness campaigns, and on-ground officer presence. It also noted ongoing consultations regarding the use of Barium in firecrackers and discussed measures taken by the Delhi government and CAQM to tackle pollution, including curbs on vehicles and construction. The court reiterated its stance of finding a middle ground rather than a complete ban or round-the-clock fireworks.
Biennial polls for eight Bihar Legislative Council seats resulted in significant upsets, with five sitting MLCs, including from BJP and Congress, losing. The fledgling Jan Suraaj Party secured its first victory. BJP won three seats, Independents two, while RJD, Jan Suraaj, and JD(U) each secured one. The results highlighted infighting within the INDIA bloc and a strong performance by new political forces.
Cyclone Arnab made landfall on the Andhra coast early on Wednesday, causing widespread destruction, including uprooted trees, damaged infrastructure, and inundated low-lying areas. Five people were killed in related incidents, primarily due to electrocution and wall collapse. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has sought central assistance and outlined relief measures for affected residents and farmers.
The subtext here is that nobody else really matters to America today; only China, because nobody else can truly hurt them, points out Mihir S Sharma.
India has stated that the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) is disturbed by Chinese forces diverging from established patrolling patterns, emphasising that maintaining peace and tranquillity is essential for bilateral relations. This statement follows remarks by the ITBP Director General about ongoing confrontations. Both nations are utilising diplomatic and military mechanisms to resolve issues and improve LAC understanding. Recent high-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping have focused on rebuilding trust and respect after the 2020 Galwan clashes, including a disengagement pact for Depsang and Demchok.
Jared Kushner, former US President Donald Trump's son-in-law, has vehemently denied "outrageous and categorically false" allegations in a new book, "Princes and Thieves," which claims he accessed secret bank accounts linked to UAE, Saudi, and Israeli funds. Kushner stated on X that the author provided no evidence and that such claims never surfaced during his extensive past investigations.
The Indian government, through the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), has issued an advisory to Meta, urging the social media giant to prevent its recommendation systems from disproportionately exposing users to limited narratives and to enhance checks on content that could incite public disorder or unlawful activity. The advisory, dated October 10, also calls for Meta to provide adequate context for content related to ongoing public events and to review its content-ranking mechanisms to avoid amplifying misleading information.
'I have seen in Agra parents selling their buffalo, which is their sole source of livelihood, to buy expensive medicines to treat their child.' 'I was very moved by such cases and therefore approached the court to regulate the price of medicines in our country.'
An Additional District and Sessions Judge has been arraigned as an accused after his 17-year-old son allegedly drove a Mercedes-Benz and killed a scooterist in Kochi. The incident led to protests, a transfer of the probe to the District Crime Branch, and a debate in the Keralam Assembly, highlighting concerns over police handling and parental responsibility.
Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava highlighted the strong health cooperation within BRICS, emphasising the critical role of digital health and artificial intelligence in ensuring continuity of care. Speaking at the 16th BRICS Health Ministers' meeting, she noted shared challenges among member nations and showcased India's advancements in digital health infrastructure and AI strategy.
Pakistan has welcomed an Indian delegation's visit to Islamabad for a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting, marking the first such visit after a significant gap. The visit is seen as a positive step towards regional peace and cooperation, with Pakistan also commenting on other international and domestic issues.
Australia's cricket team is facing significant selection challenges and tough decisions regarding their line-up for the series-deciding third Test against South Africa in Cape Town, following a heavy innings defeat in the second match.
Suspended Boxing Federation of India (BFI) secretary general Pramod Kumar has requested World Boxing, IOA, and the Sports Ministry to send observers for a Special General Meeting (SGM) on October 28. BFI president Ajay Singh has declared the SGM "illegal and unconstitutional," warning of disciplinary action against attendees. The meeting aims to pass a no-confidence motion against Singh, amidst a deepening power struggle where both officials have suspended each other.
Ericsson CEO Andres Vicente emphasised the critical need for technology alignment and ecosystem collaboration to ensure security in the age of Artificial Intelligence. Speaking on Wednesday, he highlighted that AI's benefits in productivity and innovation cannot be forgone, making shared security concerns across interconnected tech layers paramount. Ericsson is actively working with partners through the Trusted Tech Alliance to establish common AI-era security understandings.
A high-level committee, formed after a deadly stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata, reviewed safety arrangements at several community puja pandals. The committee announced new measures, including prohibiting food stalls near entry/exit points and eliminating separate VIP entries, to enhance crowd management and safety during the festival.
'What is the need for collecting so much data unless they are going to be used for some other purpose?'
The Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) has urged the Indian government to deny permission to Elon Musk's Starlink for commercial satellite broadband services, citing national security concerns. The RSS-affiliated organisation highlighted issues with data bypassing Indian gateways and the potential for misuse by hostile actors, advocating for indigenous solutions.
US President Donald Trump has defended a controversial diesel deal with Russia, stating it aims to stabilise the global market despite bipartisan criticism from US lawmakers. The deal, which eases sanctions on Russian diesel shipments until April 2027, has been criticised as a "gift to our adversary" that finances Russia's war efforts and offers little relief to Americans.
Umesh Chauhan, a bystander injured during a firing incident near actor Tiger Shroff's car in Juhu, Mumbai, is in stable condition at KEM Hospital. Three suspects have been apprehended in Rajasthan, reportedly planning to flee to Nepal, and one is linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed intent to invest an additional $25 billion in India, with an ultimate goal of reaching $100 billion in investments, Union Minister Piyush Goyal announced. This comes as both nations plan to enhance cooperation in shipping, ports, energy, and emerging technologies, against a backdrop of expanding bilateral trade.
Indian telecom gear maker Signaltron and semiconductor firm Signalchip have partnered with Indonesia's sovereign research body PRT BRIN to develop and deploy advanced telecom technologies, including 4G, 5G, and future 6G, specifically tailored for Indonesia's unique archipelagic geography to connect underserved regions.
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.
Jose Mourinho joked that he and Pep Guardiola may not live to see the end of Manchester City's legal battle after the club appealed its verdict.
Both journeys teach us the importance of active humility.
Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has strongly criticised Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's decision to skip the BRICS summit in India, calling it "immature" and detrimental to Bangladesh's national interest. She argued that the absence lost opportunities for economic development and that foreign policy should not be driven by personal considerations. Hasina also highlighted the current "grave national crisis" in Bangladesh and her intention to return to restore democracy.
Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala announced plans to strengthen the state police's Cyberdome to combat cybersecurity threats and deploy indigenously developed robots for traffic management and disaster response. He emphasised the need for coordinated efforts to address growing cyber challenges and protect critical infrastructure, while also highlighting the role of the CoCoN conference in sharing knowledge.
An MP-MLA court in Sultanpur has set October 26 as the date to pronounce its verdict in a defamation case against Rahul Gandhi. The case stems from alleged objectionable remarks made by Gandhi against then BJP president Amit Shah in 2018. Gandhi is required to appear in court on the verdict day.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is on a three-day visit to India to discuss bilateral ties in energy, trade, investment, defence, and critical technologies, as well as the West Asia crisis. His visit aims to strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership amidst existing friction, with a focus on finalising a proposed bilateral trade deal.
