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.
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%.
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.
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.