India and China resumed cross-border trade through the historic Shipki La pass in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur district on Saturday, ending a nearly six-year suspension imposed in 2020 following the Covid-19 pandemic and border tensions. The seasonal trade route, open until November 30, operates under a traditional barter system, with approved Indian exports including spices, tea, grains and handloom products, while Tibetan imports include pashmina, raw wool, yak hair and herbal products. A new Chhuppan Trade Mart has been inaugurated to facilitate customs and trader registration. The reopening is expected to boost local employment, transport and tourism while supporting ongoing diplomatic engagement between India and China.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari assured exiled Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasrin of her safety during her return to Kolkata after 19 years, saying the “days of threats are over” and inviting her to visit the state whenever she wished. Speaking at an event at Rabindra Sadan, Adhikari said her security would be his responsibility and described her return as a sign that both the government and the system had changed. Nasrin, exiled from Bangladesh in 1994, left Kolkata in 2007 after violent protests over her writings. She said returning to Kolkata was her dream and added that history would remember both those who shut the door and those who opened it.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Friday spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and urged that attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers be avoided. He said India condemns attacks on commercial vessels by any party. Jaishankar also expressed India's concern over the ongoing conflict in West Asia and said the country supports dialogue and diplomacy. Since the conflict began earlier this year, 16 Indian nationals, including 10 seafarers, have died in the region, while 75 others have been injured. India has also taken steps to improve support and emergency assistance for seafarers working in conflict zones.

India on Friday urged the international community to scrutinise Pakistan's actions in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The Ministry of External Affairs said Pakistan used "ruthless force" against protesters, leaving more than 40 civilians dead since July 27. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal claimed militants once trained by Pakistan had "turned their guns inwards" against the Pakistani state. He also said people in PoJK had sought an independent investigation into the violence. "We urge that the international community should scrutinise Pakistan's actions," Jaiswal said. India also reiterated that the entire region of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India.

An Indian-origin immigration lawyer in the United States is facing a civil penalty of more than $470,000 (over Rs 4 crore) for allegedly filing fraudulent asylum applications. The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) accused Suraj Raj Singh of preparing 118 fake documents across 54 immigration cases. Officials alleged that several applications contained identical language and copied claims of persecution. The case is part of the Trump administration's crackdown on asylum fraud. Legal proceedings are underway, and authorities will decide whether to impose the proposed civil penalty after completing the investigation. (PC: NDTV)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level Cabinet Committee on Security meeting on Thursday to review the impact of the West Asia conflict. He asked ministries to work together to protect India's supply chains and ensure the safety of Indian citizens and seafarers in conflict zones. The meeting also reviewed fuel, fertiliser and energy supplies. Officials said India has enough stocks of major petroleum products, and refineries are operating at full capacity. Modi also stressed the need to expand renewable energy and reduce dependence on imported fuel. Senior ministers and top officials attended the two-hour meeting in New Delhi.

The Indian government informed Parliament that 16 Indian nationals have been killed and 75 others injured in the ongoing West Asia conflict since February. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said the victims include 10 Indian seafarers caught in regional hostilities, while several others were injured in attacks and related incidents. He also clarified that 12 additional Indian nationals died in a separate explosion and fire at Qatar's Ras Laffan Gas Facility, an incident unrelated to the conflict. The government said it is closely monitoring the situation, providing consular assistance, and working to ensure the safety of Indian citizens in the region. (PC: AP)

Commercial satellite images have shown that China has deployed at least 12 J-20 stealth fighter jets at two airbases near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India. Images captured by Vantor show 8 J-20 "Mighty Dragon" aircraft at Hotan airbase in Xinjiang and 4 more at Damxung airbase in Tibet. Defence sources said the deployment reflects China's growing military presence along the border rather than a temporary move. The development comes as India continues to strengthen its border defences, while tensions between the two countries remain despite ongoing military and diplomatic talks since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. (PC: India Today)

A man from Bihar's Kishanganj district has claimed he was wrongly named in an FIR linked to the NEET paper leak protests despite living in Russia for the past 4 months. Mohammad Sadaqat made the claim in a video shared on social media, saying he was not present during the July 25 protest in Bahadurganj and sought a fair investigation. PTI could not independently verify the video's authenticity. The development comes as the Bihar government announced the withdrawal of all cases related to the NEET protests and ordered the release of those detained during the demonstrations. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump has suggested changes to a Russia sanctions bill that could allow tariffs of up to 100% on India and other countries buying Russian energy. He said the bill should also give him powers to impose tariffs on Iran if needed. The bill has cleared a key vote in the US Senate and will move through more stages before becoming law. If passed, it could affect India, China and other major buyers of Russian oil. The proposed law may also impact India-US trade talks, as both countries are working on a bilateral trade agreement. (PC: Reuters)