Afghanistan's Interim Foreign Minister Arrives in Delhi for High-Level Talks
Afghanistan’s Interim Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, has arrived in New Delhi for an eight-day visit, marking a significant diplomatic engagement between India and the Taliban regime. Muttaqi is scheduled to hold talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. Discussions are expected to cover counter-terrorism, trade, and humanitarian aid. The visit, facilitated by a UN travel ban waiver requested by India, signals a pragmatic shift in New Delhi's stance towards Kabul.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Meets PM Modi in Mumbai to Boost Trade
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai during his first official visit to India. Starmer is leading the UK's largest-ever trade mission to the country to strengthen economic partnerships. A key focus is the UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA), signed in July 2024, which aims to boost annual bilateral trade by £25.5 billion. During the visit, Starmer also announced that three major Indian studio films will be shot in the UK.
Sri Lankan Navy Detains 30 Indian Fishermen and Seizes Four Trawlers
The Sri Lankan Navy has detained 30 Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu and seized their four trawlers, alleging they were poaching in Sri Lankan territorial waters. The fishermen, who had set out from Rameswaram, were apprehended in the Palk Bay. Fishermen's associations have strongly condemned the recurring incidents and urged the Indian central government to intervene immediately to secure the release of the fishermen and their boats. The issue remains a persistent source of diplomatic friction between the two nations.
Hungarian Author László Krasznahorkai Wins 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature
The 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature has been awarded to Hungarian novelist and screenwriter László Krasznahorkai. The Swedish Academy praised him "for his compelling and visionary oeuvre that, in the midst of apocalyptic terror, reaffirms the power of art." Krasznahorkai, 71, is celebrated for his philosophical and often bleakly humorous novels, such as 'Satantango' and 'The Melancholy of Resistance', which frequently unfold in long, complex sentences and explore themes of chaos, decay, and transcendence.
BRS Leaders Placed Under House Arrest Ahead of Bus Fare Hike Protest
Several senior Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leaders, including K.T. Rama Rao, were placed under house arrest in Hyderabad on Thursday. The police action was taken to prevent them from participating in the party's 'Chalo Bus Bhavan' protest against a recent hike in state-run RTC bus fares. BRS leaders condemned the move as undemocratic, stating they had only planned to peacefully travel by bus to submit a memorandum demanding a rollback of the fare increase, which they argue burdens common citizens.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Visits India to Bolster Post-FTA Trade
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Mumbai for his first official visit to India, aimed at capitalizing on the landmark Free Trade Agreement signed in July. Accompanied by a 125-member business delegation, Starmer will meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss expanding bilateral ties. The visit seeks to "turbocharge" trade, with the FTA expected to cut tariffs, increase market access for British goods, and help achieve the goal of doubling bilateral trade by 2030.
Bangladesh Tribunal Issues Arrest Warrants for Former PM Sheikh Hasina
A tribunal in Bangladesh has issued arrest warrants for ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and several others on charges of crimes against humanity. The cases accuse them of overseeing enforced disappearances, torture, and detention of political opponents in secret facilities during her Awami League government's tenure. Hasina fled to India in August 2024 after resigning amidst mass student-led protests that toppled her regime. The court has set a date of October 22 to produce the accused.
Pakistan Defence Minister Warns 'Chances of War with India are Real'
Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that the "chances of war with India are real," citing recent statements from Indian political and military leaders. In a television interview, he said that while he does not want escalation, the risks are undeniable and claimed Pakistan would achieve a "better result than before" in any conflict. The comments follow a period of heightened rhetoric from both sides regarding cross-border security and counter-terrorism operations, increasing regional tensions.
Indian National Captured in Ukraine After Allegedly Fighting for Russia
Ukrainian military forces claim to have captured a 22-year-old Indian national who was allegedly fighting for the Russian army. In a video released by Ukraine’s 63rd Mechanised Brigade, the man said he was serving a prison sentence in Russia for drug charges and was offered a military contract as an alternative. India's Ministry of External Affairs stated it is verifying the report. The incident highlights the ongoing issue of Indian citizens being recruited into the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
BJP Confirms Nitish Kumar as NDA's Chief Ministerial Face for Bihar Polls
The Bharatiya Janata Party has confirmed that incumbent Nitish Kumar will be the chief ministerial face for the National Democratic Alliance in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. The announcement comes as seat-sharing negotiations continue within the ruling coalition. Meanwhile, the opposition Mahagathbandhan is also finalising its strategy, with the Congress party clearing an initial list of 25 candidates for its traditional strongholds. The two-phase election is scheduled for November 6 and 11, with results on November 14.
Cricketer MS Dhoni Earns Drone Pilot Certification
Legendary Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni has added a new skill to his repertoire, becoming a certified drone pilot. Dhoni announced he had completed the DGCA-approved training program with Garuda Aerospace, a company in which he is also an investor and brand ambassador. The company's CEO praised Dhoni's focus and quick learning during the training. Known for his love of machinery, the honorary Lieutenant Colonel in the Territorial Army has now officially mastered flying unmanned aerial vehicles.
Odisha to Restore Rabindranath Tagore's Seaside Home as a Museum
The Odisha government has announced plans to restore 'Pather Puri', the historic seaside residence of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore in Puri, and convert it into a museum. The building, where Tagore is believed to have penned several memorable poems, had fallen into disrepair. The initiative aims to preserve the significant cultural landmark and celebrate the poet's deep connection to Odisha. Once complete, the museum is expected to become a major literary and cultural attraction in the historic temple town.
Canadian PM Praises Trump for Mediating Supposed India-Pakistan Peace Deal
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney lauded former US President Donald Trump for bringing peace between India and Pakistan during a bilateral meeting. Carney referred to a May 2025 agreement to cease hostilities, which he credited to Trump's mediation. The statement is diplomatically significant as India has consistently maintained that the de-escalation was a result of direct talks between the two countries' military operations directors without any third-party intervention, a stance it has reiterated.
Supreme Court Orders EC to Provide Details on 3.66 Lakh Excluded Bihar Voters
The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission of India to furnish details of 3.66 lakh voters who were excluded from the final electoral roll in poll-bound Bihar. The order came during a hearing on petitions from opposition parties challenging the state's Special Intensive Revision exercise. Raising concerns about transparency and due process, the court has asked the poll panel to provide the information by October 9, just weeks before the state's assembly elections are held in November.
NIA Charges Eight More in Narco-Terror Case Linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a supplementary chargesheet against eight more individuals in a major narco-terror case. The investigation concerns the 2020 smuggling of 500 kg of heroin from Pakistan to Gujarat, with proceeds allegedly used to finance the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror group. The NIA described a transnational conspiracy masterminded by operatives in Italy, Australia, and India, involving multiple countries and the use of hawala channels to fund terrorism. A total of 26 people have now been arrested.