India to Develop 'Bodyguard Satellites' to Protect Space Assets
India is launching a new strategic initiative to develop 'bodyguard satellites' designed to identify and counter threats to its orbiting spacecraft. The plan was reportedly accelerated after a dangerously close approach by a neighboring country's satellite earlier this year highlighted vulnerabilities. The project aims to create a defensive shield in space, potentially using LiDAR technology to detect threats and allow time for evasive manoeuvres, marking a significant step in bolstering India's national security and space-based capabilities.
Indian and US Foreign Ministers to Meet in New York Amid Trade Tensions
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is scheduled to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. The talks are set against a backdrop of fresh trade tensions, following the US imposition of steep tariffs on Indian exports over its energy trade with Russia. Discussions are expected to cover the trade dispute, cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, and global security challenges, with both nations seeking to stabilize economic and strategic ties.
Two Senior Maoist Leaders with ₹80 Lakh Bounty Killed in Encounter
In a major blow to the Naxal insurgency, security forces killed two top CPI (Maoist) Central Committee members in an encounter in the Abujhmad forest along the Chhattisgarh-Maharashtra border. The slain leaders, Katta Ramachandra Reddy and Kadari Satyanarayana Reddy, each carried a bounty of ₹40 lakh. They were reportedly masterminds behind numerous major attacks, including the 2010 Tadmetla ambush. Security forces recovered an AK-47, an INSAS rifle, and explosives from the site.
Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Discuss Trade, Defence in New York
Amid high-level UN sessions, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York to discuss critical bilateral issues. The talks focused on trade, defence, energy, and critical minerals. This was their first in-person meeting since the US imposed new tariffs on India related to Russian oil purchases and introduced a steep H-1B visa fee, highlighting the importance of sustained dialogue to navigate the complex relationship and advance mutual interests.
Trump and Musk Signal Reconciliation at Public Memorial
U.S. President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk were seen together at a memorial service for conservative activist Charlie Kirk, signaling a public reconciliation. This was their first notable public interaction since Musk's tense departure from a government advisory role, which was followed by sharp criticism of the administration. The friendly-appearing reunion between the two influential figures has sparked speculation about their renewed political and professional relationship after months of public estrangement.
Supreme Court Seeks Delhi Police Response on Bail Pleas in 2020 Riots Case
The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Delhi Police regarding the bail petitions of activists Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, and three others accused in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case. The petitioners, who have been incarcerated for over five years under the stringent UAPA law, challenged a Delhi High Court order that had denied them bail. The apex court has listed the matter for its next hearing on October 7, marking a key development in the high-profile case.
Mysuru Dasara Festivities Inaugurated by Booker Prize Winner Banu Mushtaq
The renowned 11-day Mysuru Dasara, Karnataka's official 'state festival', commenced with an inauguration by International Booker Prize-winning author Banu Mushtaq. The writer launched the festivities by showering flowers on the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari atop the Chamundi Hills. The grand celebration, which showcases Karnataka's rich cultural heritage and royal traditions, is expected to draw large crowds and will culminate with the 'Vijayadashami' procession on October 2.
Afghan Teenager Survives Flight to Delhi Hidden in Plane's Landing Gear
A 13-year-old Afghan boy was discovered at Delhi's IGI Airport after making a perilous two-hour journey from Kabul hidden inside the landing gear compartment of a KAM Airlines aircraft. The boy, a native of Kunduz, told officials he stowed away out of "curiosity." After being apprehended by airline staff, he was questioned by security forces. Following a thorough inspection of the aircraft, the teenager was safely repatriated to Afghanistan on the same flight later that day.
UK, Canada, and Australia Formally Recognise Palestinian Statehood
In a significant diplomatic shift, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia have formally recognised a Palestinian state. The coordinated announcements came ahead of the UN General Assembly and despite opposition from the United States and Israel. The move is intended to revive prospects for a two-state solution to the long-standing conflict. Other Western nations, including France, are expected to follow suit, signalling growing international pressure to resolve the crisis and address what some leaders called a historic injustice.
US President Threatens Afghanistan with "Bad Things" Over Bagram Air Base
US President Donald Trump has issued a threat to Afghanistan, demanding the return of the Bagram Air Base and warning of unspecified severe consequences if the Taliban-controlled country does not comply. Trump stated he is actively "trying to get it back," citing its strategic proximity to China. The threat, made on his Truth Social platform, escalates rhetoric surrounding the former linchpin of the US war effort in Afghanistan, which was evacuated during the chaotic 2021 withdrawal.
Major GST Overhaul Takes Effect, Slashing Rates on Hundreds of Goods
A new two-tier Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure came into effect today, resulting in price reductions for approximately 375 items, from kitchen staples to electronics. Under the reforms, most goods in the 12% slab will move to 5%, while 90% of items in the 28% slab will now be taxed at 18%. In a national address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi framed the rollout as a "GST savings festival," stating the changes will accelerate growth and increase the ease of doing business.
US Administration Cancels Annual Food Insecurity Survey
The Trump administration has cancelled the US Department of Agriculture's annual Household Food Security Report, a survey conducted for three decades to measure hunger and food insecurity. The administration claimed the report had become "overly politicised" and its data was "rife with inaccuracies." The move follows the 2023 report which showed the highest level of food insecurity since 2014 and comes amid major reforms to the US food assistance program, which critics say will cut off access for millions.
Trump's Proposed $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee May Backfire, Think Tank Warns
A U.S. proposal to raise H-1B visa fees to $100,000 per worker will likely hurt the American economy more than India, according to the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). The think tank argues that the exorbitant fee would make hiring on-site talent prohibitive, forcing U.S. firms to accelerate offshoring work to India. This could lead to fewer H-1B petitions, slower innovation in the U.S., and ultimately benefit India by encouraging the return of top tech talent.
Taliban Government Rejects US President's Bid to Retake Bagram Air Base
The Taliban government has rejected a suggestion by U.S. President Donald Trump that American forces could retake the Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan. A Taliban spokesperson stated that Afghanistan's sovereignty is paramount and urged the U.S. to adhere to the Doha Agreement, which prohibits interference in the country's internal affairs. The statement comes four years after the chaotic U.S. withdrawal that left the strategic military facility under Taliban control, and dismisses any possibility of a renewed U.S. military presence.
Two Detained in Connection with Deadly Ambush on Assam Rifles Convoy in Manipur
Manipur police have detained two individuals in connection with a recent ambush on an Assam Rifles convoy that resulted in the death of two soldiers and injured five others. The attack occurred in the Nambol Sabal Leikai area. Following a massive security operation, a van suspected to have been used by the assailants was also recovered about 10 km from the ambush site. The investigation is ongoing to identify all individuals involved in the deadly attack.