Thailand and Cambodia Sign Landmark Peace Accord in Malaysia
Thailand and Cambodia signed a historic peace agreement in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, officially ending years of border tensions. The signing was attended by US President Donald Trump, who played a key role in brokering the deal, and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The accord establishes provisions for mutual border security, joint development zones, and a bilateral peace commission. Alongside the deal, the US announced a new trade agreement with Cambodia and a strategic minerals partnership with Thailand, reinforcing economic incentives for regional stability.
US Sanctions on Russian Oilfield Affect Indian Investments
ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL) is seeking legal advice after new US sanctions targeted CJSC Vankorneft, a major Russian oilfield in which a consortium of Indian state-owned firms holds a 49.9% stake. The sanctions, aimed at pressuring Russia over the Ukraine war, block entities where Russian firms like Rosneft have a 50% or greater share. While the Indian consortium's stake is just under the threshold, the move creates significant uncertainty and could complicate the repatriation of an estimated $1.4 billion in accumulated dividends.
US Escalates Trade Spat, Imposes Additional 10% Tariff on Canada
The US has imposed an additional 10% tariff on Canadian goods, escalating a trade dispute triggered by a Canadian anti-tariff advertisement featuring late US President Ronald Reagan. President Donald Trump, who called the ad a "fraud" and a "hostile act," announced the new tariffs just days after terminating trade talks. The move adds to existing high tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and autos, further straining economic relations between the two major trading partners and North American neighbors.
New York Times' Daily Puzzle 'Strands' Challenges Word Game Enthusiasts
The New York Times' word puzzle game, Strands, continues to captivate players looking for a challenge beyond Wordle. In the game, players must find themed words within a 6x8 grid of letters, culminating in the discovery of a 'spangram' that describes the puzzle's theme. Today's theme, "Fall-ing," required finding seven autumn-related words like FOLIAGE, HARVEST, and PUMPKINS, with the spangram being AUTUMN. The game offers a fresh daily test of vocabulary and lateral thinking for puzzle aficionados.
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.
Cyclone Montha Prompts Red Alert Across Coastal Andhra Pradesh
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts for at least 12 districts in Andhra Pradesh as a brewing depression in the Bay of Bengal is set to intensify into Cyclone Montha. The storm is expected to make landfall between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam on October 28 with wind speeds of 90-100 kmph, gusting to 110 kmph. Authorities are on high alert, establishing control rooms, preparing relief centres, and advising fishermen not to venture into the sea.
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.
Pakistan Warns of 'Open War' With Afghanistan if Peace Talks Fail
Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has warned of a potential "open war" with Afghanistan if the latest round of peace talks in Istanbul fails to produce an agreement. The talks, mediated by Turkey and Qatar, aim to create a lasting mechanism to enforce a recent ceasefire following deadly border clashes. Islamabad accuses Kabul of sheltering militants who launch attacks into Pakistan, a charge the Taliban denies. The heightened rhetoric signals a dangerous escalation in tensions between the two neighboring countries.
RBI Proposes Easing Bank Financing for Corporate Acquisitions
The Reserve Bank of India has released draft norms that would permit banks to finance corporate acquisitions, a move aimed at boosting strategic investment and consolidation. Under the proposal, listed companies with a strong financial track record could secure bank loans for up to 70% of the cost of acquiring a domestic or overseas firm. The guidelines stipulate strict eligibility, risk management, and valuation criteria to ensure responsible lending, potentially unlocking significant M&A activity in the Indian market.
Two Australian Cricketers Molested in Indore During Women's World Cup
Two Australian cricketers competing in the ICC Women's World Cup were stalked and one was molested by a man on a motorcycle in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The incident occurred while the players were walking from their hotel to a café. Police have arrested a suspect, identified as a man with a prior criminal record. The incident has prompted condemnation from the BCCI and Cricket Australia, raising serious concerns about the security of international athletes and casting a shadow over the tournament.
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.
Police Officer and Techie Arrested in Maharashtra Doctor's Suicide Case
A police sub-inspector and a software engineer have been arrested in connection with the suicide of a 28-year-old doctor in Satara, Maharashtra. The doctor was found dead in a hotel room, and a note written on her palm accused Sub-Inspector Gopal Badane of repeated rape and Prashant Bankar of mental harassment. Badane, who had been suspended, surrendered to police, while Bankar was arrested earlier. The case has sparked outrage and calls for justice, highlighting issues of women's safety and police misconduct.
Veteran Actor Satish Shah Dies at 74
Veteran actor Satish Shah, celebrated for his versatile and iconic comic roles in Indian cinema and television, has died at the age of 74. A graduate of the FTII, Shah's career spanned decades and included beloved performances in the sitcom "Sarabhai vs Sarabhai" and films like "Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro," "Main Hoon Na," and "Kal Ho Naa Ho." His passing has been widely mourned by the film industry and fans, who remember him as a master of comedy and a joy to watch.