US President Donald Trump’s agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin to import Russian diesel has sparked criticism over Washington’s double standards towards India. After imposing steep tariffs on Indian goods and threatening additional levies against countries purchasing Russian energy, Trump has now approved Russian diesel supplies to the US to address soaring fuel prices. The deal comes amid energy market disruptions caused by the US-Iran conflict and ahead of America’s November midterm elections. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticised the agreement, arguing that Russian energy revenues could prolong the war. Critics say the move weakens US credibility on sanctions. (PC: India Today)

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk intensified his criticism of Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani over delays in launching Starlink satellite internet services in India. In a sarcastic post on X, Musk addressed Ambani as “Prime Minister Ambani,” alleging that powerful business interests were restricting competition. He argued that Starlink could improve internet access for underserved communities, helping students access education and small businesses reach global markets. The Indian government rejected claims of preferential treatment, citing pending regulatory and security requirements. Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia maintained that India would not allow monopolies in the satellite communications sector.

Delhi Police detained Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke and leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport on October 10, 2026, ahead of their planned protest at Jantar Mantar. The demonstration seeks Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Delhi witnessed extensive security arrangements, barricading and restrictions on public transport ahead of the protest. Police also detained other demonstrators attempting to reach the venue. The detentions intensified tensions surrounding the protest and raised concerns about the right to peaceful assembly.

Gujarat Police detained several activists and placed others under house arrest ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on October 10, 2026. The demonstration demands the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral irregularities. Activists alleged that police pressured them to sign undertakings promising not to travel to Delhi. Among those affected was Students’ Federation of India leader and Gujarat High Court advocate Satyesha Leuva. The Gujarat High Court Advocates’ Association supported her and questioned the police action. Meanwhile, Western Railway cancelled the Swarna Jayanti Rajdhani Express, citing operational reasons. 

YouTuber and political commentator Dhruv Rathee was detained by Delhi Police at his residence in Gurugram’s Sector 56 on October 10, 2026, ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) planned protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. The demonstration aims to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in electoral roll revisions. The detention came amid heightened security measures, police barricading and restrictions across Delhi-NCR. Authorities had denied permission for the protest, citing public safety and law-and-order concerns. Around 200 protesters were reportedly detained as police sought to prevent the demonstration from proceeding. (PC: X)

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) activist Abhijeet Dipke vowed to continue the October 10 protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, declaring he was prepared to go to jail. He demanded Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Dipke claimed that more than 13 crore votes had been deleted, allegedly threatening citizens’ voting rights. He criticised heightened security measures and restrictions imposed ahead of the demonstration. Despite the denial of police permission, CJP leaders urged supporters to participate peacefully, insisting their movement aimed to protect democracy and ensure free and fair elections. (PC: ANI)

Elon Musk intensified his dispute with Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani on October 9, sarcastically calling him the “real boss of India” amid delays in launching Starlink’s satellite internet services. Musk accused powerful business interests of obstructing competition and argued that Starlink could improve internet access in underserved areas, benefiting students and small businesses. The Indian government rejected allegations of favouritism, stating that all satellite communication providers must meet security requirements. Starlink, Reliance Jio’s satellite venture and Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb are awaiting further regulatory clearances before commercial services can begin. Rahul Gandhi also called for fair competition. (PC: NDTV)

US President Donald Trump’s administration imposed sweeping sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) on October 9, 2026, just hours after former ICC judge Navi Pillay won the Nobel Peace Prize for promoting international justice. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the measures aim to prevent the court from prosecuting American citizens. The sanctions could restrict financial transactions and services provided by US companies. The ICC condemned the move as an attack on international law and urged its 125 member states to defend its independence. The decision also risks worsening tensions between Washington and European allies. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump announced a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin for Russia to supply nearly five million tonnes of diesel to global markets, aiming to ease soaring fuel prices ahead of the November midterm elections. Russia is expected to deliver supplies in phases, while the US Treasury issued a temporary licence easing sanctions on certain Russian diesel shipments until April 7, 2027. The move reverses years of US pressure on Moscow over its war in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticised the decision, warning that easing sanctions could help Russia finance its war. Analysts questioned its impact on fuel prices. (PC: AFP)

Delhi witnessed heightened security on October 10 as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), along with the All India Students’ Association (AISA), prepared to protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. The demonstrators allege irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, raising concerns about electoral transparency and voter rights. Police imposed restrictions, deployed security personnel and monitored transport hubs, citing concerns over public order. Several Opposition parties were expected to support the demonstration. The Election Commission’s handling of voter-list revisions has intensified political tensions and protests nationwide. (PC: ANI)