Last Surviving Member of First Mount Everest Expedition Dies at 92
Kanchha Sherpa, the last surviving member of the historic 1953 expedition that first conquered Mount Everest, has died at the age of 92. He was part of the 35-member team that enabled New Zealander Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay to reach the summit. Born in Namche Bazar, he began his mountaineering career at 19. In recent years, Kanchha Sherpa had expressed concern over overcrowding on the peak, urging climbers to respect the mountain, which is revered as a goddess by the Sherpa community.
China Files WTO Complaint Against India's Electric Vehicle Subsidies
China has initiated a formal dispute at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) against India's subsidies for electric vehicles (EVs) and batteries. Beijing alleges that India's policies, including the production-linked incentive scheme, violate WTO rules by unfairly favouring domestic manufacturers and constituting prohibited import substitution subsidies. The complaint escalates trade tensions between the two economic powers and challenges a cornerstone of India's strategy to boost domestic manufacturing and promote green energy.
Prominent Indian-American Strategist Ashley Tellis Arrested in US for Retaining Secret Documents
Ashley Tellis, a renowned Indian-American strategic affairs expert and a key architect of the India-US civil nuclear deal, has been arrested in Virginia, USA. The 64-year-old is charged with unlawfully retaining national defence information. An FBI search of the Carnegie Endowment senior fellow's home allegedly uncovered over a thousand pages of classified documents. Tellis, who previously advised the US National Security Council and State Department, faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted of the charges.
Centre to Introduce New Drug Law Following Cough Syrup Tragedies
In response to recent child deaths linked to contaminated cough syrups, the Union Government is set to introduce a new law to overhaul drug regulation. The proposed "Drugs, Medical Devices, and Cosmetics Act 2025" will grant statutory powers to the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) for stricter control over drug manufacturing, sales, and distribution. The bill aims to replace the colonial-era 1940 Act, digitize licensing, and improve coordination to ensure greater accountability and public safety.
Pakistani and Afghan Forces Clash Again at Border Amid Escalating Tensions
Fresh clashes erupted between Pakistani and Afghan forces along their northwestern border for the second time this week, escalating regional tensions. Pakistani state media accused Afghan troops of initiating "unprovoked fire" in the Kurram district, prompting a strong response that reportedly damaged Afghan military posts. The conflict follows deadly exchanges over the weekend and has led to the closure of all border crossings, disrupting trade and travel. Pakistan continues to accuse Kabul of harbouring TTP militants, a charge Afghanistan denies.
Probe Into Haryana IPS Officer's Suicide Progresses as Family Consents to Autopsy
The family of Haryana IPS officer Y Puran Kumar, who died by suicide on October 7, has consented to an autopsy after a week-long standoff. The decision followed action by the state government, which sent DGP Shatrujeet Kapur on leave—one of several senior officers Kumar accused of caste-based harassment in a detailed note. Kumar's wife, IAS officer Amneet P Kumar, stated her consent was based on assurances of a fair and transparent investigation into the grave allegations.
Prominent US-India Policy Expert Ashley Tellis Arrested for Retaining Classified Documents
The US FBI has arrested Ashley Tellis, a highly influential Indian-American foreign policy scholar, on charges of unlawfully retaining classified national defence information. Tellis, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, is accused of taking top-secret documents from a Pentagon office where he was a contractor. While not charged with espionage, the Department of Justice noted the case presents a "grave breach of trust" and has sparked shockwaves in Washington's foreign policy circles and political debate in India.
Supreme Court Allows Green Crackers in Delhi-NCR for Diwali
The Supreme Court has temporarily relaxed its ban on firecrackers in Delhi-NCR, permitting the sale and use of regulated "green crackers" for the upcoming Diwali festival. Acknowledging that illegal firecrackers are often smuggled into the region anyway, the court stated it was taking a "balanced approach" to allow for moderated celebrations while not compromising the environment. Pollution control boards have been ordered to monitor air quality levels during the festival and submit a report to the court.
Haryana IPS Officer Cremated After 9-Day Standoff Over Suicide Note Alleging Caste Bias
The body of Haryana IPS officer Y Puran Kumar was cremated following a nine-day standoff between his family and the state government. Kumar died by suicide, leaving a note that accused several senior officers of systemic caste-based discrimination and harassment. His family had refused to allow an autopsy until they received assurances of a fair probe and action against those named. The case has cast a national spotlight on allegations of entrenched casteism within India's elite police services.
Senior Maoist Leader and 60 Cadres Surrender in Maharashtra
In a major blow to the Naxal insurgency, Mallojula Venugopal Rao, alias Bhupathi, a central committee member of the banned CPI (Maoist), has surrendered in Maharashtra's Gadchiroli. Bhupathi, who carried a bounty of Rs 6 crore, surrendered along with 60 other suspected Maoists, including several high-ranking members. The group also handed over a large cache of weapons. This mass surrender represents a significant success for security forces in their campaign against left-wing extremism in the region.
India Elected to UN Human Rights Council for Seventh Term
India has been elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the 2026-2028 term, marking its seventh tenure on the 47-member body. The election, held at the UN General Assembly in New York, reinforces India's diplomatic presence on the influential Geneva-based council. The country's new three-year term will commence on January 1, 2026. India has been a member almost continuously since the council's formation in 2006, with mandatory one-year breaks after completing two consecutive terms.
Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Strained as Returned Body Is Not a Hostage
Tensions over the fragile Israel-Hamas ceasefire have intensified after the Israeli military announced that one of four bodies returned by Hamas was not that of an Israeli hostage. The exchange of hostages, both living and deceased, is a critical component of the truce. The misidentification complicates the delicate negotiations, which have already seen the release of 20 living hostages and around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, and adds further uncertainty to the agreement's stability and the fate of remaining hostages.
Government Doubles Financial Aid Under Welfare Schemes for Ex-Servicemen
The Ministry of Defence has approved a 100% increase in financial assistance for veterans and their dependents under several key welfare schemes managed by the Kendriya Sainik Board. The measure doubles the amounts for the penury grant for non-pensioners, the education grant for children, and the marriage grant for up to two daughters. The revision, funded by the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund, aims to significantly improve the social security net for India's 3.2 million ex-servicemen and their families.
Hyundai Announces ₹45,000 Crore Investment in India by 2030
Hyundai Motor India has revealed a major investment plan of ₹45,000 crore by the financial year 2030 to accelerate its growth in the country. The South Korean auto giant aims to make India its second-largest global market, targeting a revenue milestone of ₹1 lakh crore. The strategy includes 26 new product launches, featuring seven new models and a locally designed electric SUV by 2027. The investment will focus on product development, R&D, and expanding manufacturing capacity.
Bihar Election Field Set as Parties Finalise Candidates; Prashant Kishor Opts Out
The political battleground for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections is solidifying as major parties, including the BJP and JD(U), have announced their candidate lists. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has filed his nomination from his family's traditional stronghold of Raghopur. In a notable development, political strategist Prashant Kishor announced his Jan Suraaj party has decided he will not contest the election himself, choosing instead to focus on organisational work. The elections for the 243-member assembly will be held in November.