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.
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.
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.
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.
India to Launch RBI-Backed Central Bank Digital Currency
Union Minister Piyush Goyal announced that India will introduce its own digital currency, which will be backed by a Reserve Bank of India guarantee. The move is aimed at simplifying and speeding up transactions, reducing the use of paper currency, and ensuring full traceability. Goyal contrasted this with private cryptocurrencies, stating that while they are not banned, they are heavily taxed to discourage use due to their lack of sovereign backing and inherent risks.
UK Prime Minister to Visit Mumbai as City Unveils New Airport and Metro Line
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will visit Mumbai for high-level talks with PM Narendra Modi, focusing on the India–UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The visit coincides with the inauguration of major infrastructure projects in the city. PM Modi will inaugurate Phase 1 of the ₹19,650 crore Navi Mumbai International Airport, India's largest greenfield airport, and a new 33.5-km underground metro line. These projects are set to significantly enhance Mumbai's transportation network and economic capacity.
World Bank Raises India's 2025-26 GDP Growth Forecast to 6.5%
The World Bank has revised its GDP growth forecast for India for the 2025-26 fiscal year upward to 6.5% from 6.3%, citing strong domestic consumption and investment. In its latest South Asia Development Update, the bank stated that India is expected to remain the world's fastest-growing major economy. However, it cautioned that US tariffs could impact future growth, downgrading its forecast for the 2026-27 fiscal year to 6.3% from a previous estimate of 6.5%.
Navi Mumbai International Airport's First Phase Inaugurated
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Phase 1 of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), India's largest greenfield airport project. Built at a cost of approximately ₹19,650 crore, the airport is designed to ease congestion at Mumbai's existing airport and establish the city as a global multi-airport hub. The lotus-inspired design features advanced sustainability and transit systems. The airport is projected to eventually handle 90 million passengers and 3.25 million metric tonnes of cargo annually.
Israel Marks Solemn Two-Year Anniversary of October 7 Hamas Attack
Israel is commemorating the second anniversary of the October 7 Hamas-led attack, the deadliest day in the nation's history, which killed 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages being taken to Gaza. The anniversary is marked by memorial events across a divided country, with many bereaved families blaming the government for security failures. The solemn occasion comes as the devastating war in Gaza grinds on and indirect peace talks between Israel and Hamas, centered on a new US proposal, resume in Egypt.
Landslide in Himachal Pradesh Crushes Bus, Killing at Least 15
At least 15 passengers were killed after a massive landslide struck a private bus in Himachal Pradesh's Bilaspur district on Tuesday evening. The bus, carrying over 30 people, was en route from Marotan to Ghumarwin when it was buried under debris in the Bhalughat area. The incident followed several days of intermittent heavy rains in the region. Police and district administration officials launched immediate rescue operations. The Chief Minister expressed grief over the tragedy and directed officials to expedite relief efforts.
Actor Vijay's Party Appeals to Supreme Court for Independent Karur Stampede Probe
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), the political party founded by actor C. Joseph Vijay, has approached the Supreme Court seeking an independent probe into the Karur stampede that killed 41 people. The party is challenging a Madras High Court order that established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) composed of state police officers. TVK argues that an impartial investigation, potentially led by a former Supreme Court judge, is necessary, citing the High Court's own reservations about the state police's conduct.
Public Health Alert Issued as Contaminated Cough Syrups Linked to Child Deaths
A public health crisis is unfolding as at least 14 children have died in Madhya Pradesh, allegedly after consuming a contaminated batch of Coldrif cough syrup. An investigation revealed the syrup contained toxic Diethylene Glycol, leading to kidney failure. A doctor has been arrested and an FIR filed against the Tamil Nadu-based manufacturer. The events have triggered nationwide alerts, with states like Karnataka and Telangana issuing urgent advisories against the indiscriminate use of cough syrups for children and launching testing drives.
Bihar Assembly Elections to be Held in Two Phases on November 6 and 11
The Election Commission of India has announced the schedule for the Bihar Assembly elections, with polling for the 243 seats to be held in two phases on November 6 and 11. The counting of votes is scheduled for November 14. This will be the first election in the state following a controversial Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. With 7.43 crore eligible voters, including 14.01 lakh first-timers, the polls are a major political event for the nation.