Venezuelan Opposition Leader Wins Nobel Peace Prize, Drawing US Rebuke
The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado for her long struggle for democracy against the country's authoritarian government. The Norwegian Nobel Committee praised her as a unifying figure who has inspired millions despite facing threats and being forced into hiding. The decision drew sharp criticism from the White House, which had advocated for US President Donald Trump, with a spokesperson stating the committee "proved they place politics over peace."
Supreme Court Gives Centre Four Weeks to Respond on J&K Statehood
The Supreme Court has granted the central government four weeks to file its response to petitions seeking the restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir. During the hearing, the Centre cited ongoing security concerns, including the recent Pahalgam attack, as factors requiring consideration before a final decision is made. The court's directive follows its December 2023 verdict upholding the abrogation of Article 370, where it had urged that statehood be restored at the earliest.
Government Opens Senior Public Sector Bank Roles to Private Sector Candidates
In a major policy reform, the government has opened senior leadership positions in public sector banks (PSBs) to professionals from the private sector. According to new guidelines, one of the four Managing Director posts at the State Bank of India and Executive Director roles at other nationalized banks will now be open to external candidates. The move aims to bring in diverse experience but has been opposed by bank unions, who argue it alters the public character of these institutions.
US Sanctions Over 50 Entities, Including Indian Nationals, for Iran Oil Trade
The United States has imposed sanctions on more than 50 companies and individuals, including Indian nationals, for their alleged involvement in facilitating Iran's oil trade. This move is part of Washington's broader effort to curtail Iran's revenue from petroleum sales. The inclusion of Indian entities in the sanctions list highlights the international reach of the enforcement action and could create diplomatic and economic challenges for the individuals and firms targeted in India.
Owner of Pharma Firm Linked to 24 Child Deaths Arrested
G. Ranganathan, owner of Tamil Nadu-based Sresan Pharmaceuticals, has been arrested in connection with the deaths of 24 children in Madhya Pradesh. The children died of kidney failure allegedly after consuming Coldrif cough syrup, manufactured by his company, which was found to be contaminated with over 46% diethylene glycol (DEG), a toxic chemical. Ranganathan was arrested in Chennai by a Madhya Pradesh Special Investigation Team and has been remanded to 10-day police custody in Chhindwara.
Supreme Court Hints at Relaxing Delhi-NCR Firecracker Ban for Diwali
The Supreme Court has hinted at relaxing the absolute ban on firecrackers in the Delhi-National Capital Region for the festive season, reserving its order on allowing the use of certified green crackers. During the hearing, the bench noted that a complete ban was not practical. The Solicitor General proposed allowing green crackers for a two-hour window on Diwali and for limited periods on other festivals. The decision comes amid the annual debate balancing traditions with severe air pollution concerns.
Two Personal Security Officers Arrested in Zubeen Garg Death Investigation
Two personal security officers (PSOs) assigned to protect popular Assamese singer Zubeen Garg have been arrested in connection with his death in Singapore last month. The arrests bring the total number of people detained in the case to seven. Assam Police suspended the officers after questioning revealed suspicious financial transactions amounting to lakhs of rupees through their bank accounts. Garg, a cultural icon in Assam, died on September 19 while participating in a festival in Singapore.
Rolls-Royce to Collaborate with Indian Navy on First Electric Warship
British engineering firm Rolls-Royce has announced its intention to partner with the Indian Navy to design and develop the country's first all-electric warship. Citing its expertise in integrated hybrid-electric and full-electric propulsion systems, such as the MT30 turbine used in the UK's aircraft carriers, the company aims to support India's naval modernisation and self-reliance goals. This collaboration marks a significant technological step for the Indian Navy, moving towards more sustainable and advanced naval power.
NITI Aayog Proposes Decriminalising Minor Tax Offences for Trust-Based System
Government think-tank NITI Aayog has released a working paper calling for a modern, trust-based tax framework. A key recommendation is to decriminalise minor and procedural tax-related offences, reserving imprisonment for cases involving clear fraud or wilful evasion. The paper suggests removing mandatory minimum imprisonment for most offences and relying more on civil penalties. The proposed reforms aim to reduce litigation, enhance ease of doing business, and foster a fairer relationship between taxpayers and the administration.
Israel and Hamas Agree to First Phase of US-Brokered Peace Plan
Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a US-brokered peace plan, marking a major breakthrough in the two-year war. The agreement, announced by former US President Donald Trump, involves a pause in fighting, the release of all hostages held by Hamas, and the withdrawal of Israeli troops to an agreed-upon line. Hamas stated the deal will also allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza. India welcomed the development, expressing hope it will pave the way for lasting peace.
Israel and Hamas Agree to Ceasefire Deal; US to Deploy Monitors
Israel’s Cabinet has approved the first phase of a US-brokered peace plan, pausing the two-year war in Gaza. The agreement includes the release of remaining Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops. To support the deal, the United States is deploying approximately 200 troops to establish a civil-military coordination centre in Israel. The centre will facilitate humanitarian aid and monitor the ceasefire, though no US troops will enter Gaza itself.
Manufacturer of Toxic 'Coldrif' Cough Syrup Arrested After 20 Child Deaths
G. Ranganathan, owner of Sresan Pharmaceuticals, has been arrested in Chennai in connection with the deaths of at least 20 children in Madhya Pradesh. The children died after consuming Coldrif cough syrup, which was found to contain dangerously high levels of the toxic industrial chemical diethylene glycol. The arrest was made by a Madhya Pradesh police team, and Ranganathan faces charges including culpable homicide. The syrup has now been banned in at least eight states and union territories.
Afghan Foreign Minister Arrives in Delhi for First High-Level Visit Since Taliban Takeover
Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi arrived in New Delhi for a six-day visit, marking the first high-level trip from Kabul since the Taliban seized power in 2021. Muttaqi, who received a UN Security Council travel ban exemption for the visit, is scheduled to hold talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval. India has not formally recognised the Taliban government but maintains a "technical team" in Kabul, engaging on issues of humanitarian aid and security.
Owner of Pharma Firm Linked to Child Deaths Arrested in Chennai
The owner of Sresan Pharma, the company that manufactured the toxic Coldrif cough syrup, has been arrested in Chennai. The arrest follows the deaths of at least 20 children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, allegedly after consuming the syrup. Laboratory tests confirmed the product contained dangerously high levels of diethylene glycol (DEG), a toxic industrial chemical. The proprietor, Ranganathan Govindan, faces charges including culpable homicide not amounting to murder and adulteration of drugs.
New York Attorney General Letitia James Indicted on Federal Bank Fraud Charges
New York Attorney General Letitia James, who led a high-profile civil fraud case against Donald Trump, has been indicted on federal charges of bank fraud and making false statements to a lending institution. The U.S. Justice Department's probe relates to allegations of mortgage fraud. The indictment has drawn criticism from Democrats, including New York's governor, who called it a "weaponization of the Justice Department," while the Trump administration maintains it is a matter of criminal acts and breaches of public trust.