Modi pitches India as reliable global partner
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has positioned India as a dependable economic partner amid growing global uncertainty.
Speaking at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in New Delhi on Oct 13, he warned that trade, technology and supply chains were increasingly being weaponised.
India offered stability and reliability despite disruptions caused by conflicts, tariffs and competition over critical resources, Modi said, reported Bloomberg.
India-US trade deal moves closer to agreement
India and the United States are nearing a breakthrough in trade negotiations, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar indicated.
Officials are working to resolve outstanding differences before final approval, reported India Today.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to visit India from Oct 17 to 20 for strategic discussions, including energy-related engagements in Mumbai and Jamnagar, as both countries seek closer economic ties.
Thirteen children die in Bihar boat tragedy
Thirteen children drowned after an overcrowded boat capsized in the Ganges in Bihar’s Vaishali district on Oct 13.
Villagers used mobile phone torches to search for victims in darkness, rescuing six people. Two children remained critically injured.
Witnesses said the vessel was overloaded and in poor condition. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy, reported AFP.
Sunil Mittal challenges Musk over satellite internet approvals
Bharti Enterprises chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal has questioned Elon Musk’s claims that powerful business interests are obstructing Starlink’s entry into India.
Speaking at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum, Mr Mittal said Eutelsat OneWeb had sought approval five years ago and was still waiting. Its infrastructure was already ready, he added.
Starlink also awaits regulatory clearances before beginning commercial operations.
India was let down during pandemic, says minister Goyal
India’s push for self-reliance intensified after other countries failed to supply essential medical equipment during the Covid-19 pandemic, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said.
Addressing the Bloomberg New Economy Forum on Oct 14, he criticised disruptions involving protective equipment, testing kits and vaccines.
The experience prompted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative to strengthen domestic manufacturing and reduce import dependence.
Air India flight diverted following hijacking alert
An Air India flight from Frankfurt to Delhi was diverted to Jaipur following a suspected hijacking alert on Oct 14.
Flight AI2030 reportedly transmitted the internationally recognised emergency code 7500 before landing at 9.45am. Security personnel inspected the Boeing 787-9 aircraft and passengers’ luggage in an isolation bay.
Authorities subsequently cleared the aircraft, according to DGCA sources cited by Hindustan Times.
Hyundai announces major investment in Pune plant
Hyundai Motor India plans to invest 110 billion rupees (S$1.16 billion) in its Pune manufacturing facility to increase annual production capacity by nearly 90 per cent by 2030.
The announcement follows parent Hyundai Motor Group’s commitment to invest US$15.5 billion in India through 2032.
The expansion reflects growing demand in the world’s third-largest automobile market and manufacturers’ efforts to strengthen local production, reported Reuters.
Two detained over videos targeting Siddaramaiah
Bengaluru’s Central Crime Branch has detained two people for questioning over allegedly defamatory videos targeting former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah, reported India Today.
Police registered a case following his complaint and began tracing social media accounts involved in circulating the material.
Separately, a Bengaluru court granted an interim injunction restraining 42 media organisations and digital platforms from publishing or sharing two disputed videos.
Punjab anti-drug activist’s alleged killer arrested
Police have arrested Ashwani Kumar, a medical store owner accused of murdering Punjab anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota.
Kumar was detained in Rajasthan’s Salasar during a joint operation by Punjab and Rajasthan police.
Mr Jhota was shot dead in Mansa district after confronting Kumar over alleged drug sales while broadcasting live on Facebook. An alleged accomplice was arrested earlier, reported PTI.
Three students killed in Kerala Mini Cooper crash
Three young people died after a speeding Mini Cooper allegedly struck their scooter near Nedumbassery in Kerala’s Ernakulam district.
The victims, Devika, 21, Gopika, 22, and Ijaz, 21, were travelling towards the airport.
Police arrested 19-year-old driver Suhail Sajeev and registered a culpable homicide case. He is accused of driving under the influence of alcohol.
Death sentence for couple in Meerut murder
A Meerut court sentenced Muskaan Rastogi and her lover Sahil Shukla to death for murdering merchant navy officer Saurabh Rajput.
District Judge Arvind Kumar Mishra delivered the sentence after 126 hearings and testimony from 22 witnesses.
The pair were convicted of killing Rajput and concealing his dismembered remains inside a blue plastic drum filled with concrete and sand.
Congress MP rejects harassment allegations
Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam has denied sexual harassment allegations following his dismissal from Jawaharlal Nehru University.
Describing the proceedings as a politically motivated “witch hunt”, he pledged to challenge the decision legally.
At least 11 students had lodged complaints against him. Delhi Police registered a case, while Bharatiya Janata Party women parliamentarians urged President Droupadi Murmu to seek his suspension.
Mizoram aims to become Christmas tourism destination
Mizoram is seeking to establish itself as a major Christmas holiday destination, Tourism Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar told NDTV.
Speaking at Mizoram Travel Fest 2026, he said tourist arrivals had increased following improved railway connectivity to Aizawl.
The state hopes to attract visitors through its scenic landscapes, cultural heritage and community-based tourism initiatives designed to benefit local residents.
Indian salaries projected to rise 9.1 per cent
Salaries in India are expected to increase by an average of 9.1 per cent in 2027, according to Aon’s Annual Salary Increase and Turnover Survey.
The projection is slightly above the 9 per cent rise recorded in 2026.
Covering more than 1,200 organisations across 45 industries, the study cited strong domestic consumption, investment and demand for skilled employees.
India bans specific power bank model on flights
India’s aviation regulator has prohibited passengers from carrying the MOBIKINS MK-PB-04 power bank on flights operating to, from or within the country.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation issued the directive following a fire incident aboard an IndiGo flight travelling from Delhi to Chennai.
The restriction applies specifically to this model and does not constitute a general ban on power banks.
