A Pakistani airstrike in Paktika province killed three Afghan cricketers, Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon, igniting national outrage. The Afghanistan Cricket Board condemned the “cowardly attack” and pulled out of a tri-nation series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The strike violated a fragile ceasefire amid ongoing peace talks in Doha.
Trump urged Ukraine and Russia to “stop where they are” and end the war following his meeting with President Zelenskyy. His call signals a push for a ceasefire rather than continued fighting, reflecting growing impatience with the prolonged conflict and hinting at pressure on Ukraine to halt its efforts to reclaim lost territory.
India plans to spend ₹65,400 crore by 2035 to procure around 1,100 engines for fighter jets, including Tejas and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft. SV Ramana Murthy highlighted the need for indigenous engine development, testing infrastructure, private sector participation, and international partnerships to strengthen India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem.
US President Donald Trump reiterated that India will soon stop buying Russian crude, framing it as part of efforts to pressure Moscow to end the Ukraine war. He claimed Prime Minister Modi informed him of the decision, though Indian officials stated they were unaware of any such conversation, highlighting conflicting accounts between the two leaders.
US President Donald Trump said it’s premature to supply Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles, expressing hope for peace with Russia instead. Hosting President Zelensky at the White House, Trump said he aimed to end the war without needing such weapons. His remarks came ahead of a planned summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest.
IndiGo has placed a firm order for 30 more Airbus A350-900 aircraft, doubling its wide-body order to 60. The airline also partnered with Rolls-Royce for Trent XWB-84 engines. CEO Pieter Elbers said the move reflects IndiGo’s confidence in Indian aviation and supports its long-haul expansion to connect India with more global destinations.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy met US President Trump at the White House, seeking Tomahawk missiles to strike deep into Russia. Trump praised Zelenskyy but emphasized diplomacy ahead of his surprise summit with Putin in Budapest. Ukraine fears US hesitation could weaken its position as the war drags into its fourth year.
US President Donald Trump called current tariffs on Chinese goods “not sustainable” ahead of his expected meeting with President Xi Jinping. He hinted at potential 100% tariffs if talks fail but expressed hope for a fair deal. The ongoing trade war continues to rattle global markets and raise economic concerns.
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his official residence in New Delhi. They discussed various issues, including development cooperation and the welfare of Indian fishermen. The meeting highlighted the commitment to strengthening bilateral ties between India and Sri Lanka.
A judicial probe has been officially announced into the violent clash in Leh on September 24, which tragically left four civilians dead and nearly 90 injured. The investigation will be headed by former Judge Justice B.S. Chauhan. Authorities seek a thorough inquiry to uncover the causes and ensure justice and accountability.
French police detained four suspects linked to a plot targeting exiled Russian activist Vladimir Osechkin, known for exposing abuses in Russian prisons. The investigation is led by France’s counter-espionage and counterterrorism agency, DGSI. Authorities continue probing the case under the national anti-terror prosecution office’s supervision.
Congress MP Akhilesh Prasad Singh confirmed Tejashwi Yadav as the chief ministerial face of the Mahagathbandhan ahead of Bihar’s assembly polls. Despite ongoing seat-sharing tensions within the alliance, leaders remain united against the BJP-JD(U) front. Bihar will vote in two phases on November 6 and 11, with results on November 14.
LoP Rahul Gandhi paid heartfelt tribute to legendary Assamese singer Zubeen Garg at his cremation site in Sonapur on the outskirts of Guwahati. He offered a traditional ‘gamosa’ and a floral wreath at the memorial platform. Gandhi’s emotional gesture honored Garg’s rich musical legacy and deep-rooted cultural bond with Assam.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticized RJD for giving a poll ticket to Mohammad Shahabuddin’s son, Osama Shahab, questioning its commitment to Bihar’s security. Speaking at a rally in Saran, he said such choices expose RJD’s priorities. Shah asserted the NDA will win with its biggest majority in two decades.
October 17 marks the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, observed to raise awareness about global poverty and promote efforts to eliminate it. The day honors the struggles of the poor, encourages solidarity, and emphasizes the importance of human rights. It calls on govt’s and individuals to work collectively toward an equitable world.