AFSPA Extended for Six Months in Parts of Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh
The Union Home Ministry has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, or AFSPA, for another six months in several areas of Manipur, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh, effective October 1. The notification declares these regions as 'disturbed areas' due to the prevailing law and order situation. The controversial law, which grants sweeping powers to armed forces, will remain in force across all of Manipur except for 13 police station areas, as well as in nine districts of Nagaland and specific districts of Arunachal.
Pakistani PM and Army Chief Meet US President at White House
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir met with US President Donald Trump at the White House, signaling a significant warming of relations between the two countries. The meeting, which occurred on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, is the first visit by a Pakistani PM to the White House under the Trump administration. The discussions come as the two nations have reportedly reached a trade agreement, a development with notable geopolitical implications for the South Asia region, including India.
Telangana Reserves 42% of Local Body Seats for Backward Classes
The Telangana government has issued an order reserving 42% of seats and positions in rural and urban local bodies for Backward Classes (BCs). This significant policy decision follows recommendations from a dedicated commission and is based on findings from the state's recent Socio-Economic, Educational, Employment, Political, and Caste (SEEEPC) Survey. The government stated the move is necessary to address the inadequate political representation of BCs, who constitute over 56% of the state's population, and aims to ensure social justice.
India Calls NATO Chief's Remarks on Modi-Putin Call 'Entirely Baseless'
India's Ministry of External Affairs has strongly refuted claims by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte that Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Russian President Vladimir Putin to question his Ukraine strategy following new US tariffs. The ministry spokesperson described Rutte's statement as "factually incorrect and entirely baseless," asserting that no such conversation took place. India called for greater responsibility in public statements from NATO leadership and reiterated that its energy import policies are guided by national interest and economic security.
Supreme Court Allows Green Cracker Manufacturing in Delhi-NCR, Maintains Sales Ban
Ahead of the Diwali festival, the Supreme Court has partially modified its ban on firecrackers in the Delhi-National Capital Region. The court will now permit the manufacturing of certified 'green crackers' within the NCR to protect the livelihoods of workers in the industry. However, it clarified that the absolute ban on the sale and storage of these crackers within the region remains in effect due to persistent air pollution concerns. The court emphasized the need for a balanced approach.
'Amar Singh Chamkila' and Star Diljit Dosanjh Earn International Emmy Nominations
The biographical film 'Amar Singh Chamkila' has become India's sole entry at the 2025 International Emmy Awards, securing two major nominations. The Netflix movie, directed by Imtiaz Ali, is nominated for Best TV Movie/Mini-Series. Its lead, actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh, earned a nomination for Best Performance by an Actor for his portrayal of the iconic Punjabi folk singer. The recognition marks a significant achievement for Indian cinema and storytelling on a prestigious global platform.
US Urges India to Cease Russian Oil Imports Amid Tariff Pressure
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright publicly called for India to stop buying discounted Russian oil, stating it funds the war in Ukraine. This highlights growing friction, as the Trump administration recently imposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods over this issue. While the US claims it doesn't want to punish India, the move underscores a significant diplomatic and economic challenge for New Delhi, which maintains its imports are vital for its energy security and are governed by market dynamics.
India Conducts First-Ever Rail-Based Test of Agni-Prime Missile
India has successfully test-fired its next-generation Agni-Prime ballistic missile from a train-based mobile launcher for the first time. This capability places India in a select group of nations able to launch strategic weapons from its rail network. The system enhances the missile's mobility and survivability, as it can be moved quickly across the country with reduced visibility compared to road-based launchers, allowing for faster reaction times. The Agni-Prime missile has a range of up to 2,000 km.
Defence Ministry Signs ₹62,370 Crore Deal for 97 Tejas Mk-1A Jets
The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract worth ₹62,370 crore with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to procure 97 additional Tejas Mark-1A fighter jets for the Indian Air Force. This is the largest-ever order for indigenous military hardware and brings the total number of Mk-1A jets on order to 180. The deal is a significant boost for India's self-reliance ('Aatmanirbharta') initiative and is critical for replenishing the IAF's dwindling combat squadron strength as it phases out its aging MiG-21 fleet.
India Enhances Strategic Mobility with Agni-Prime Missile Rail-Based Test
India has successfully test-fired its next-generation Agni-Prime ballistic missile from a rail-based mobile launcher for the first time. The missile, with a range of up to 2,000 km, can now be transported across the country's rail network, significantly enhancing strategic mobility and reducing reaction time. This development marks a key advancement in the country's nuclear deterrent capabilities, allowing for greater operational flexibility and survivability of its strategic assets.
White House Directs Agencies to Draft Mass Firing Plans for Shutdown
In an escalation of a potential US government shutdown, the White House Office of Management and Budget has instructed federal agencies to prepare for mass firings, not just temporary furloughs. The memo directs agencies to plan for a 'reduction in force' for programs whose funding would lapse. This aggressive tactic raises the stakes in the ongoing budget standoff in Washington, marking a significant departure from how previous shutdowns have been handled and creating deep uncertainty for the federal workforce.
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy Sentenced to Prison
A Paris court has sentenced former French President Nicolas Sarkozy to five years in prison after finding him guilty of criminal association related to illegal campaign financing by Libya for his successful 2007 presidential bid. In a surprising move, the court ordered that he be incarcerated even if he appeals the verdict. The conviction of a former head of state from a major Western power marks a significant moment in French politics and law, despite Sarkozy being cleared of several other charges.
US Sanctions Two Indians, Pharmacy for Trafficking Fentanyl Pills
The U.S. Department of the Treasury has sanctioned two Indian nationals, Sadiq Abbas Habib Sayyed and Khizar Mohammad Iqbal Shaikh, along with Shaikh's India-based online pharmacy, for supplying counterfeit prescription pills laced with fentanyl to the United States. The action freezes their U.S. assets and prohibits business dealings with them. U.S. authorities stated the network distributed hundreds of thousands of fake pills, highlighting a growing concern over India-based operations in the global illicit drug trade.
Karnataka High Court Allows Caste Survey with Conditions
The Karnataka High Court has refused to halt the state's ongoing Social and Educational Survey, popularly known as a caste survey. However, the court imposed strict conditions, ruling that participation must be entirely voluntary and that enumerators must clearly inform citizens of this. It also ordered that all data collected must be kept confidential and cannot be shared with any party, including the state government. The ruling is a key legal development in a politically sensitive and widely watched policy initiative.
Azim Premji Rejects CM's Plea to Open Wipro Campus for Traffic
Wipro founder-chairman Azim Premji has declined a request from Karnataka's Chief Minister to allow public traffic through the company's Sarjapur campus in Bengaluru to alleviate congestion on the Outer Ring Road. In a letter, Premji cited legal, governance, and security challenges, noting the campus is a private property and a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) with strict access norms. Instead, he proposed that Wipro would help fund a comprehensive scientific study by urban transport experts to find a sustainable solution.