US and China Hold High-Stakes Talks to Avert Trade War Escalation
Top economic officials from the U.S. and China are meeting in Kuala Lumpur to prevent an escalation of their trade war. The talks aim to resolve disputes over China's new export controls on rare earth minerals and expanded U.S. technology blacklists. A successful outcome is seen as crucial for salvaging a planned meeting between Presidents Trump and Xi Jinping at the upcoming APEC summit in South Korea, where they could potentially agree on interim tariff relief and other measures.
India Slams Pakistan at UN Security Council, Demands End to Repression in PoK
At a UN Security Council meeting, India strongly rebuked Pakistan, stating that democracy and constitutionalism are "alien concepts" to Islamabad. India's Permanent Representative, P. Harish, called on Pakistan to end grave human rights violations in the territories it illegally occupies, where he said the population is in open revolt against military repression and exploitation. He reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and its people exercise their rights within India's democratic framework.
IMF Projects Indian Economy to Grow at 6.6% in FY26, Outpacing China
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected that the Indian economy will grow at 6.6% in the 2025-26 fiscal year, making it one of the fastest-growing major economies. The upward revision is attributed to strong economic performance in the first quarter. This growth rate is set to surpass China's projected 4.8% growth. The IMF noted that strong domestic consumption is a key driver for India, while warning that global growth is expected to slow slightly in 2026.
FATF Warns Pakistan that Greylist Exit Does Not Grant Immunity from Scrutiny
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has cautioned Pakistan that its removal from the 'greylist' in 2022 does not mean it is immune from global scrutiny over terror financing and money laundering. FATF President Elisa de Anda Madrazo stressed that all jurisdictions, including those delisted, must remain vigilant. The warning comes amid reports of Pakistan-based terror groups using digital wallets to fund their activities, a risk highlighted in recent FATF reports and India's own national risk assessment.
Thailand's Queen Mother Sirikit Dies at 93
Thailand’s Queen Mother Sirikit, a beloved and influential royal figure, has died at the age of 93. The wife of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, she was widely revered for her dedication to rural development, environmental protection, and the preservation of traditional Thai crafts. Her birthday was celebrated annually as Mother's Day in Thailand. Largely absent from public life since a stroke in 2012, she passed away in a Bangkok hospital after suffering a blood infection.
Speeding Car Kills Five Pedestrians in Agra
Five people were killed and two others injured in Agra after a speeding car lost control, hit a road divider, and ran over pedestrians standing on the roadside. The victims, identified as Babli (33), Bhanu Pratap (25), Kamal (23), Krishna (20), and Bantesh (21), were declared dead at the hospital. The driver has been arrested, and police have seized the vehicle while investigating whether he was intoxicated or driving recklessly at the time of the accident.
At Least 12 Killed as Bus Catches Fire After Collision in Andhra Pradesh
A bus travelling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru caught fire after colliding with a motorcycle near Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, resulting in at least 12 fatalities, including the biker. The fire reportedly ignited when the motorcycle was dragged under the bus. Many passengers were trapped as the bus door jammed due to a short circuit, and the vehicle was quickly engulfed in flames. Authorities have launched an investigation, and financial aid has been announced for the victims' families.
National Conference Wins 3 of 4 Seats in J&K's First Rajya Sabha Polls as UT
In Jammu and Kashmir's first Rajya Sabha elections since becoming a Union Territory, the ruling National Conference (NC) won three of the four seats, while the BJP secured the fourth. The results followed expected lines based on party strength in the assembly. The BJP's victory for the fourth seat, however, prompted NC leader Omar Abdullah to allege that some independent MLAs who had pledged support to his party had cross-voted or deliberately invalidated their ballots, helping the BJP candidate.
Cyclone Likely to Form Over Bay of Bengal by October 27, IMD Warns
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm by October 27. The system is expected to bring heavy to extremely heavy rainfall to coastal districts of Odisha and parts of West Bengal from October 27 to 29. State authorities have been put on alert, with Odisha's Disaster Management Minister confirming that the government is fully prepared to handle any eventuality.
Calcutta High Court Lifts Protection Against FIRs for BJP's Suvendu Adhikari
In a significant development, the Calcutta High Court has lifted a 2022 order that had granted West Bengal's Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, protection from the registration of new FIRs without the court's permission. While lifting the protection, Justice Jay Sengupta also quashed 15 existing FIRs against the BJP leader. The decision removes a legal shield for Adhikari and could open the door for state police to pursue new cases against him ahead of upcoming elections.
Journalist Hacked to Death in Prayagraj; Main Accused Arrested After Encounter
A 54-year-old journalist, Lakshmi Narayan Singh, was hacked to death in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The main accused, identified as Vishal, was arrested late Thursday night following a police encounter in which he sustained leg injuries. According to police, preliminary investigations suggest a personal dispute between the victim and the accused. The attack has raised concerns over the safety of journalists in the region. Police are searching for other individuals involved in the murder.
Delhi May Attempt First Artificial Rain on October 29 to Tackle Pollution
The Delhi government has announced plans to conduct the city's first-ever artificial rain experiment on October 29, provided meteorological conditions are favorable. The initiative, developed in collaboration with IIT Kanpur, will use cloud seeding to induce rainfall as a novel scientific method to combat the capital's severe air pollution. Experts have previously noted that while innovative, the technique is expensive, has a limited area of effect, and offers only temporary respite from poor air quality.
Defence Ministry Clears Weapons Procurement Worth ₹79,000 Crore
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved proposals to procure military hardware worth ₹79,000 crore. The acquisitions are intended to boost the capabilities of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Key items include Nag anti-tank missiles and high-mobility vehicles for the Army, and amphibious warfare ships (Landing Platform Docks) and advanced torpedoes for the Navy, furthering India's focus on modernising its armed forces and promoting indigenous manufacturing.
India Limits Power to Order Online Content Takedowns After Spat with X
Following a legal battle with Elon Musk's X, the Indian government has revised its IT rules, reducing the number of officials authorized to issue online content takedown orders. The power is now restricted to senior bureaucrats and police officials of a certain rank. The move is seen as an attempt to introduce more accountability after X challenged the previous policy, where thousands of officials could demand content removal, arguing it stifled free speech. Orders must now also be reasoned and are subject to review.
Suspected IED Blast Damages Railway Track in Assam, Disrupting Train Services
A suspected improvised explosive device (IED) detonated on a railway track in Assam's Kokrajhar district, disrupting train services across Lower Assam and parts of north Bengal. The midnight blast damaged about three feet of the track, forcing an overnight suspension of operations and detaining at least eight trains. While there were no casualties, the incident has prompted heightened security measures and an investigation by state police, railway authorities, and intelligence agencies to apprehend the perpetrators of this act of sabotage.