Indian benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty, closed significantly higher, with the Sensex rallying 1,233 points and the Nifty climbing to 23,440.80. This surge was primarily fuelled by a sharp increase in Reliance Industries' share price following strong quarterly earnings and a notable decline in crude oil prices.
'If the temperature remains very high, which is likely to be the case because of El Nino, it may lead to a shortfall in wheat production.' 'If that happens, we will be in a very, very difficult situation as far as food security is concerned.'
The US announced a 60-day pause on sanctions against Russia and tariffs on other countries, including India, to analyse the global economic impact. This decision, made via an executive order by Trump, has drawn significant criticism from both Republicans and Democrats, who had previously passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act. US officials stated the waiver allows for assessment of global energy pressures and European allies' refusal to impose secondary sanctions on Russian oil buyers.
East Bengal FC secured a 2-1 victory over Ho Chi Minh City Women's FC in their AFC Women's Champions League Group B opener. Ugandan striker Fazila Ikwaput scored both goals, including a penalty, making East Bengal the first Indian club to register multiple wins in the tournament's group stage. The team defended resolutely to hold onto their lead despite a second-half goal from the Vietnamese side.
Gold futures experienced their seventh consecutive daily decline, falling to Rs 1.5 lakh per 10 grams, driven by escalating military exchanges between the US and Iran which have pushed oil prices higher and intensified concerns over inflation and potential interest rate hikes.
While remaining cautious of the unpredictability of a bruised Trump administration, New Delhi, and other world capitals, could go slow on the investment pledges made to stave off tariffs.
Reigning MotoGP champion Marc Marquez secured a dominant victory at the Malaysian Grand Prix, his first win there since 2018. This win significantly extends his championship lead to 44 points over rival Jorge Martin, who was absent due to injury. Marquez now stands poised to potentially clinch his eighth world title at the upcoming Qatar Grand Prix.
Flight disruptions between India and Saudi Arabia are continuing, with Akasa Air extending its service suspensions to Jeddah until November 18 and Riyadh until November 30. This follows similar suspensions by Air India and Air India Express until November 14, all due to the prevailing security situation and attacks on infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. The Indian Embassy has advised nationals to remain vigilant and is assisting affected travellers.
Indian wrestlers faced a challenging day at the World Wrestling Championships in Astana, with most failing to advance past the pre-quarterfinal stage. Despite some promising starts, including a strong comeback by Nikhil, key athletes were eliminated, though Manisha Bhanwala is set to compete for gold later.
India's Pranav Soorma secured a gold medal with an Asian record in the men's discus throw combined F51/52/53 event at the Asian Para Games in Nagoya on Tuesday. Compatriot Ram Ratan Singh also earned a silver medal in the same event. The placings were determined using the Raza Point System, which accounts for different classifications among athletes.
Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi has been handed a five-year prison sentence by a Tehran court, alongside asset confiscation and bans on travel and social media, adding to his ongoing legal battles with Iranian authorities.
Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) withdrew Rs 34,843 crore from Indian equities in October, marking the second consecutive month of heavy outflows due to concerns over crude oil prices, global interest rates, and corporate earnings. However, a notable shift occurred towards the end of the month, with FPIs turning net buyers and infusing approximately Rs 6,300 crore between October 26-30.
Malicious cyber activity has disrupted technology at water and wastewater facilities in at least seven US states, forcing utilities to revert to manual operations, with authorities actively probing whether Iranian-linked hackers are responsible.
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.
Indian para-athletes Sandeep and Haney delivered stellar performances at the Asian Para Games in Nagoya, securing gold medals and setting new world records in the men's 400m T64 and men's javelin throw F37/38 events respectively. Their achievements, alongside silver medals for Nimisha Chakkungalparambil and Parmod Bijarnia, propelled India's total medal tally to 100 in the ongoing Games.
As Israel prepares for parliamentary elections on Tuesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a critical test of his leadership amidst the fallout from the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, the ongoing Gaza war, and significant domestic challenges.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif clarified that the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the US and Iran does not include provisions regarding Tehran's ballistic missile programme. This statement followed talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, with Sharif emphasising Iran's right to its defence capabilities and Pakistan's role as a mediator in the US-Iran peace process.
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.
The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) is undergoing a significant modernization drive, establishing drone platoons, developing a new 'Strike' course for Galwan-like situations, and constructing underground infrastructure along the Line of Actual Control. This strategic shift, announced by DG Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor, aims to counter China, identified as India's 'biggest adversary,' by embracing modern warfare techniques learned from recent global conflicts.
Democrats are projected to gain control of both the US House of Representatives and the Senate in the 2026 midterm elections, marking a significant shift in the balance of power and delivering major victories in traditionally Republican states like Texas, Kansas, and Iowa.
On September 18, 2026, Tehran witnessed a large military march featuring the feared-by-Iranian civilians Basij militia. Female members carried missile mockups and banners while coffins with images of US President Donald John Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were displayed.
The American military's air-defence missile inventories, including Patriot and THAAD interceptors, are significantly depleted due to the ongoing five-month confrontation with Iran. A CSIS assessment reveals a steep drop in reserve stocks, raising concerns about the US's capacity to maintain Middle East operations and address other global security challenges. This depletion could force the US and its allies to take higher operational risks.
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.
Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty experienced a significant drop in early trade, primarily due to a sell-off in IT stocks, a surge in crude oil prices, and investor caution ahead of the US Federal Reserve's policy decision.
India has advised its nationals to postpone travel to Iran and urged those already there to consider leaving due to increasing instability and conflict in the region. The advisory from the Indian Embassy in Tehran highlights heightened caution and the need to monitor the security situation.
India is navigating a complex diplomatic landscape, attempting to balance its 'forever honeymoon' with the Israel-UAE-Bahrain axis against its historical ties with Iran, as evidenced by recent high-level visits and evolving geopolitical realignments in the Middle East, observes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.
The US military has lost at least 45 MQ-9 Reaper drones during the conflict with Iran, representing a quarter of its fleet and a significant financial blow. These losses, some due to communication failures, raise questions as India recently signed an agreement to procure 31 of these drones.
Indian women's kabaddi captain Pushpa Rana led her team to a record-extending fourth Asian Games gold medal, defeating a strong Iranian side 37-34. Rana highlighted the team's reliance on their raiders and the pressure of maintaining India's dominance in the sport.
Israel is set to hold parliamentary elections on Tuesday, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vying to retain power. The election is a critical test of his leadership, influenced by the government's handling of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, subsequent wars, and ongoing legal challenges. Opposition leaders, including Gadi Eisenkot and Naftali Bennett, are challenging his right-wing coalition, but opinion polls suggest a fragmented outcome with no clear majority. Key issues include security, accountability for the October 7 attack, military service exemptions for ultra-Orthodox men, and judicial reforms.
India has invited all 10 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member nations, including Pakistan, to the inaugural Civilisational Dialogue Forum in New Delhi from November 20 to 22. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had announced this initiative earlier, aiming to strengthen cultural ties and mutual understanding among SCO countries. The forum will also address the collective fight against terrorism, a key concern for India.
Shrishti Arora secured a bronze medal for India in the women's 10m air pistol SH1 event at the Asian Para Games in Nagoya. This marks India's fourth shooting medal at the Games, following earlier successes by Manish Narwal, Mona Agarwal, and Avani Lekhara.
Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei will not attend his father, former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's, funeral due to security concerns stemming from Israeli threats. This decision follows a sharp warning from Iran's Foreign Minister to the United States, urging it to control Israel after its Defence Minister reportedly marked Khamenei for death. The incident highlights escalating tensions and ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate hostilities in West Asia.
A controversy has erupted over the selection of the Indian polo team for the upcoming World Cup Zonal Playoffs, with a dropped player alleging irregularities and questioning the inclusion of an athlete who previously tested positive for cocaine. The coach defended the player's selection, stating his ban had ended, while an IPA executive committee member confirmed a panel had decided against allowing the player to represent India internationally for two years, making his inclusion puzzling.
India's men's and women's Kabaddi teams successfully defended their gold medals at the Asian Games, both defeating Iran in their respective finals. The men's team secured their ninth gold with a 40-34 victory, while the women's team clinched their fourth gold with a 37-34 win, showcasing strategic play and composure under pressure.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) asserted full control over the Strait of Hormuz, claiming two oil tankers turned back after a fire, and warned countries supporting the US against interference in the strategic waterway.
The Indian men's blind football team began its Asian Para Games campaign with a 0-2 loss against South Korea in Nagoya. South Korea's Jang Yeongjun scored both goals. India is set to play hosts Japan next on Saturday.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for missile and drone strikes on US military installations in Bahrain, describing the operations as the second phase of its retaliatory campaign. This announcement follows US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirming its own large-scale offensive targeting Iranian military infrastructure.
Israel has implemented new aviation security directives, barring pilots and cabin crew from countries without diplomatic ties, including Pakistan, from entering its airspace. This follows a hijacking attempt last month on a flight to Israel, where Indian Captain Smit Machchhar was injured while thwarting the plot. The restrictions affect over two dozen nationalities and have prompted airlines like Air France and United Airlines to adjust crew assignments.
United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned that Iranian airlines could be effectively shut out of international travel from Wednesday, September 23, as Washington threatens secondary sanctions against foreign companies that continue providing services to Iran's carriers.
