External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a series of bilateral meetings with foreign ministers from Canada, Argentina, Mexico, Brazil and Germany on the sidelines of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Atlanta, USA, on October 30. Discussions covered strengthening bilateral relations, trade, critical minerals, defence, nuclear cooperation and multilateral issues. He also met European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas to discuss the Ukraine conflict and the situation in the Gulf. The meetings aimed to strengthen India's international partnerships and explore greater cooperation amid ongoing global geopolitical and economic challenges. (PC: PTI)

Two foreign nationals, Alexander Maximilian Theiss (57), a German Lufthansa crew member, and Juraj Horvat (45), a Slovakian IBM project manager, died following suspected electrocution at the swimming pool of Bengaluru’s five-star Conrad Hotel on Friday evening (October 30). The incident occurred at the hotel’s third-floor swimming pool in Halasuru. An American guest and an Indian pool attendant sustained injuries while attempting to rescue the victims. Both were taken to Manipal Hospital and are reported to be out of danger. Police have registered a case and are investigating possible electrical faults and alleged safety negligence. (PC: X)

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a project worth over ₹40,000 crore to build eight Next-Generation Corvettes for the Indian Navy. The warships will be constructed by Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) and Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL). Each vessel will weigh approximately 2,000 tonnes, reach speeds of around 30 knots and feature indigenous stealth technology. Equipped for anti-aircraft, anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, the vessels will strengthen maritime security. The project will have over 70% indigenous content, with the first delivery targeted for 2030. 

Bollywood filmmaker Sanjay Gupta has passed away at the age of 59 at his Mumbai residence on October 30. Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit confirmed his death, revealing that Gupta suffered a head injury at home. Reports suggest he slipped in the bathroom, although further details remain awaited. Known for directing films such as Kaante, Shootout at Wadala, Kaabil and Zinda, Gupta built a career spanning over three decades. He was recognised for his stylised crime dramas and action thrillers depicting Mumbai’s underworld. His sudden demise has prompted condolences from members of the film industry. (PC: X)

ISRO Chairman V Narayanan revealed that India’s NVS-03 navigation satellite was operated with three pyro valves already open to avoid technical problems experienced during the failed NVS-02 mission in 2025. The decision followed extensive vibration and shock testing by a committee headed by former ISRO chief Kiran Kumar. Launched aboard the GSLV-F18 rocket on October 30, NVS-03 successfully entered its designated orbit, restoring India's NavIC navigation system to its minimum operational configuration of four satellites. ISRO plans to launch NVS-04 within five months and NVS-05 within ten months to strengthen the network. (PC: PTI)

Donald Trump’s star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame in Los Angeles has become a visible symbol of America’s political polarisation. Awarded in 2007 for his role in the television show The Apprentice, the star has repeatedly been vandalised, including attacks with a pickaxe, spray paint and physical damage. During a recent visit, protesters were seen stomping on it and expressing opposition to Trump’s policies, particularly his immigration stance. However, his supporters have also defended the star. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has refused calls to remove it, considering the stars part of the landmark’s historic fabric. 

The United States and Iran are reportedly considering a preliminary agreement that could ease tensions in the Middle East. According to the proposed framework, Iran would transfer its highly enriched uranium stockpile to an agreed third country or reduce its enrichment levels. The deal also proposes reopening the strategically important Strait of Hormuz to international shipping within seven days of an initial understanding. Direct negotiations are expected to take place in Doha, with China potentially acting as a guarantor. In return, Washington may ease sanctions and economic restrictions. However, the proposal remains preliminary, with no final agreement confirmed. (PC: ANI)

Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leader Abhijeet Dipke has publicly apologised to Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh following their dispute over the NEET paper leak protests. At his Delhi concert, Diljit criticised those who mocked his film Satluj and said nobody should teach Punjabis how to fight. The controversy began in June when Diljit declined to join student protests, saying he was an artist, not a politician. Dipke had criticised his response but later expressed regret, calling Diljit an inspiration and requesting him to forgive the misunderstanding. (PC: X)

India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan’s struggles in overseas conditions have raised concerns ahead of two major ICC tournaments. His latest setback came against New Zealand in the fourth T20I at Auckland, where he was dismissed for a three-ball duck. Across 10 T20I innings in South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia (SENA), Kishan has scored 177 runs at an average of 17.7. Overall, he has managed 192 runs in 12 international matches in these conditions. His performances could become a concern as India prepares for the 2027 ODI and 2028 T20 World Cups. (PC: ANI)

The United States cancelled the traditional G20 foreign ministers’ group photograph in Atlanta after several European representatives objected to appearing alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Diplomats, including representatives from the UK and Australia, reportedly threatened to boycott the photograph because of Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio decided to scrap the photo to avoid diplomatic controversy distracting from the discussions. The incident highlighted growing divisions among G20 members over Russia, Ukraine and international security. Despite the disagreement, the two-day foreign ministers’ meeting continued as scheduled. (PC: AFP)