The Centre has rejected Elon Musk’s claim that Starlink faces hurdles in India because of “monopolistic chokeholds”, calling the allegation “baseless” and “misconceived”. The government said regulatory procedures are necessary for the telecom sector and argued that Musk’s remarks do not reflect India’s regulatory framework. Musk had alleged that monopolistic interests were creating obstacles for Starlink’s expansion in the country. The development comes as Starlink continues to work towards expanding its satellite internet services in India. The disagreement highlights the regulatory challenges surrounding the rollout of satellite-based internet services in the country. (PC: X)

The United States has proposed a USD 70,000 fee for international students participating in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme for the first time, with educational institutions required to pay USD 30,000 for each subsequent renewal. According to a PTI report cited by Times Now, the Department of Homeland Security recommended the framework to curb perceived abuses of the system. OPT allows international students to work for one year after completing studies in a related field, while STEM graduates can work for up to three years. If implemented, the proposal could significantly affect Indian students pursuing higher education in the US. The measure would place the proposed fees on educational institutions, not students directly. (PC: Times Now)

Indian-American educator and policy professional Pia Dandiya is running for the US House from Florida’s newly redrawn 22nd Congressional District in the November 3 midterm elections. Born and raised in Palm Beach County to Indian immigrant parents, Dandiya shifted her campaign from the 21st District following redistricting and will face Republican Casey Askar, a former US Marine and businessman. She began her career teaching children in Delhi slum communities before becoming a high school principal at 28. As a founding principal, she led a school where 86 per cent of students came from low-income families. A former White House Fellow and Apple employee, Dandiya campaigns on education, affordability, healthcare, childcare, veterans, reproductive rights and AI-related workforce changes. (PC: X)

Investigators probing the Visakhapatnam spying case allege that Pakistan-based intelligence operatives used social media and WhatsApp to honey-trap and blackmail civilians and naval personnel into sharing information. Annam Sai Varaprasad, a civilian driver at the naval base, was allegedly approached by a woman posing as a shipping firm employee, who gradually extracted details about his work before threatening him over sexually explicit exchanges. He allegedly shared information on naval assets and officials. A trainee sailor, Pradeep Mukharjee, was similarly allegedly trapped by an operative posing as a medical professional and forced to share facility details and WhatsApp OTPs. Authorities raided 18 locations, arrested both men, and are investigating 16 others for involvement. (PC: X)

India launched a sharp attack on Pakistan at the UN, accusing Islamabad of losing control of the terror ecosystem it allegedly created and calling for stronger international action against states that sponsor terrorism. Speaking during proceedings of the UN General Assembly’s Sixth Committee, India’s First Secretary Raghoo Puri responded to remarks by Pakistan’s Deputy Permanent Representative Usman Jadoon. Puri said Pakistan presents itself as a frontline state fighting terrorism and as a victim while masking that the “Frankenstein’s monster” allegedly created by the Pakistani state has moved from causing havoc in neighbouring countries to doing the same in Pakistan. The article’s subheading directly invokes 26/11, Pahalgam, Masood Azhar and Operation Sindoor.

The Indian government rejected Elon Musk’s allegation that “certain oligarchs” were blocking Starlink’s operations in India, calling the claim “baseless and misconceived.” The Ministry of Communications said India’s regulatory framework for satellite communication services is “fair and non-discriminatory.” Three companies offering Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite services using non-geosynchronous satellite technology have received telecom licences, while security assessments are underway before spectrum assignment. Musk had claimed unnamed business interests were maintaining a “monopolistic chokehold” on the Indian market. The government said all three licensed operators are at broadly the same regulatory stage, rejecting suggestions of discriminatory treatment. Starlink is among the three licensed companies currently undergoing security assessment in India.

Russia welcomed India’s readiness to contribute to efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov expressing gratitude for New Delhi’s willingness and proposed ideas. His remarks followed Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha’s description of India’s proposal as the “broadest” among four offers received by Kyiv from India, Turkiye, Egypt and the US. Sybiha said Ukraine was ready for an energy and Black Sea ceasefire in combination. Russian President Vladimir Putin had earlier praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ideas on finding mutually acceptable solutions, saying Modi regularly raises the Ukraine conflict during meetings. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India had intensified engagement with Kyiv and Moscow, focusing on Black Sea shipping safety, grain exports and energy supplies. (PC: Reuters)

Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as an “avatar of Vishnu” in a public tribute marking Modi’s 25 years as head of government. In an online reflection titled “An Avatar for Our Times,” Tobgay said the description was rooted in a private meeting with Modi in July 2019. He recalled telling Modi that enlightened rulers in the region had historically been regarded as divine manifestations. Although Tobgay initially wondered whether he had been carried away, he said years of observing Modi’s governance and transformative policies convinced him that his assessment was correct. Tobgay’s comments came as global figures congratulated Modi on completing 25 years in public service as head of government.

Former Serbian president Aleksandar Vucic credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with elevating India’s global standing while alleging efforts to undermine him. Speaking in a podcast clip on Wednesday, Vucic said Modi had “raised India to the heavens,” made it a power and “accomplished huge things.” His remarks came as Modi marked 25 years as head of government. Vucic, who stepped down as Serbian president last month to contest parliamentary elections, said there was a global trend of attempts to undermine leaders. Singling out Modi, he highlighted India’s growing international influence under his leadership and flagged what he described as efforts to “tear him down,” despite Modi’s achievements on the global stage.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted Swiss President Guy Parmelin 3 award-winning Indian cheeses during his state visit to India on October 5. The cheeses — Gulmarg, Konark and Yeoor — were produced by Mumbai-based Eleftheria creamery and showcased India’s growing cheesemaking tradition. Gulmarg, a Brie-style cheese, won a Super Gold award at the 2026 Mundial do Queijo do Brasil. Konark, inspired by the Sun Temple’s chariot wheel, won gold at the 2023 World Cheese Awards. Yeoor is aged for 8–9 months and made in a Gruyère-style. The gift came as India and Switzerland discussed stronger cooperation in trade, investment, mobility and technology. (PC: India Today)