Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has criticised the Centre over what he described as its failure to congratulate South African jurist Navanethem “Navi” Pillay on winning the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize. In a post on X, Tharoor called the alleged absence of congratulatory messages “deplorable” and said it was shameful that India had not acknowledged the Indian-origin laureate six days after her win. Pillay’s ancestors left India more than 130 years ago, migrating first to Sri Lanka and later to South Africa. Born in Durban in 1941, she grew up amid poverty and apartheid discrimination. The award also prompted celebrations among her relatives in Tamil Nadu’s Dindigul district. (PC: X)

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis vowed strict action after unidentified assailants allegedly fired multiple shots at Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff’s car in Mumbai’s Juhu area on Sunday evening. Shroff suffered minor injuries from gunpowder and glass shards, while his driver and an autorickshaw driver were injured. Fadnavis said police had identified specific individuals and were pursuing perpetrators allegedly operating from outside Maharashtra or abroad. He promised arrests and action against the masterminds, adding that a request concerning Lawrence Bishnoi had been sent and action was underway. The case has been transferred to Mumbai Police’s crime branch, and an FIR has been registered against three unidentified individuals. CCTV footage reportedly captured the shooting.

US Vice President JD Vance defended his description of H-1B visa workers as “foreign indentured servants”, saying his criticism targeted employers and the visa system rather than workers. Speaking at a CBS News town hall on October 17, he acknowledged that his “rhetoric may have been imperfect” but did not withdraw the remark. Vance also said he loved his Indian in-laws, referring to his wife, Second Lady Usha Vance, and her South Indian parents. India’s Ministry of External Affairs had described his earlier comments as “unwarranted” and “deeply offensive”. The controversy comes as the Trump administration has suspended several firms, including Indian IT companies, from a key step towards obtaining US green cards. (PC: AP)

US President Donald Trump has waived key provisions of a law that threatened tariffs of up to 100% on countries buying Russian oil, offering temporary relief to India. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Trump wants 60 days to assess the economic impact of sanctions and tariffs on global and US markets. Rubio acknowledged that India has diversified its energy sources but remains heavily dependent on Russian supplies. The waiver comes amid global energy disruptions linked to conflicts involving Iran and Russia’s war in Ukraine. Washington has not ruled out further action after reviewing the economic impact. (PC: News18)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said India cannot shift away from Russian energy overnight, explaining Washington’s decision to waive certain sanctions and tariff provisions. US President Donald Trump has allowed a 60-day review to assess the economic impact of imposing sanctions on Russia and tariffs on countries buying its energy. The measures could have exposed India and other major buyers to tariffs of up to 100% on goods exported to the US. Rubio described India as an important American partner and said global energy pressures must be considered before deciding the next steps. The waiver offers temporary relief to India.

US Vice-President JD Vance has defended his controversial description of H-1B visa workers as “foreign indentured servants”, while acknowledging that his wording may have been imperfect. Referring to his Indian in-laws, Vance said he respected immigrants who contribute to the United States. However, he argued that companies should prioritise American workers when suitable candidates are available. His remarks follow the suspension of several companies from the employment-based green card process, including Infosys, TCS, Wipro and Microsoft. India’s Foreign Ministry criticised his earlier description as “unwarranted and deeply offensive”, highlighting Indian professionals’ contributions to the US economy. (PC: News18)

Hundreds gathered at Parliament Square in London on October 17, 2026, to protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and India’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Organised by the Indian Overseas Congress Youth wing and supported by UK-based student and diaspora groups, the demonstration featured activist Dhruv Rathee as a keynote speaker. Protesters raised concerns about alleged electoral irregularities and demanded changes to the Election Commission’s leadership. A separate group supporting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government staged a counter-protest. Metropolitan Police officers kept the rival groups apart as slogans and chants intensified.

India has rejected a report by UN Special Rapporteur Gina Romero concerning alleged retaliation and stigmatisation faced by young Indians discussing mental health and gender justice. Speaking at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee, Indian diplomat Anuj Swarup criticised the report for relying on anonymous and unverified submissions. He defended constitutional protections for freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association under Article 19. Swarup also cited youth-led political movements and government engagement with young people as evidence of civic participation. India urged Romero to ensure greater accuracy, fairness and verification in future reports. (PC: Screengrab)

India has been named the first official partner country of Russian Energy Week, scheduled for October 14–16 in Moscow, as Russia seeks greater Indian investment in its oil and gas sector. The Federation of Indian Petroleum Industry will showcase ongoing and planned bilateral projects. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak highlighted cooperation in energy assets and distribution networks. Indian companies have invested billions in Russian projects, including Sakhalin-1 and Rosneft’s Vankor cluster. India imported a record 2.8 million barrels per day of Russian crude in July 2026, accounting for approximately 55.5% of its total crude imports. Both countries are exploring expanded gas supplies, LPG purchases and new hydrocarbon facilities. (PC: The Hindu)

Ankur Patel, a 31-year-old Indian-origin man in Chicago, allegedly stabbed his estranged 32-year-old wife to death in August after she began dating a former colleague and refused reconciliation. The couple, who have a daughter, separated in May, when she moved out of their Wisconsin home before relocating to Louisiana. Patel allegedly threatened his wife and her partner, sent their daughter to India without informing her, and invited his wife to Chicago. After discovering their daughter was absent, she rejected Patel’s reconciliation request, prompting the fatal attack. Patel allegedly tried fleeing to India but was arrested before boarding his flight. He faces first-degree murder charges. (PC: X)