New York Times journalist Lydia Polgreen has faced criticism from Indian commentators over her October 26 opinion column, “In India, I Saw Things That Should Scare Trump.” The piece argued that protests in India should concern US President Donald Trump, suggesting young, educated Indians were increasingly willing to challenge the BJP-led central government. Critics questioned whether Polgreen’s week-long visit to New Delhi and conversations at two protest sites could support broad conclusions about the political mood of a country of 1.4 billion people. They argued that demonstrations may reflect genuine grievances without necessarily signalling a wider political shift, while limited turnout alone cannot rule out public discontent. (P C: Anand Singh, Social Media)

Pakistan’s imports from India surged 69 per cent year-on-year to $61.74 million in July–September 2026, compared with $36.55 million during the same period last year, according to State Bank of Pakistan data cited by Dawn. Pakistan reported no exports to India during the quarter, despite both countries maintaining trade restrictions imposed after the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. Experts suggest intermediary hubs such as the UAE, Singapore and Sri Lanka may facilitate shipments, although the figures do not establish whether restrictions were bypassed. Pharmaceuticals, plastics, chemicals, petroleum products and agricultural goods are among the products traded. The increase highlights continued demand amid strained bilateral relations. (PC: AP)

India is committed to strengthening global cooperation to reduce disaster risks, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, P K Mishra, said on Tuesday. Addressing a meeting of senior officials convened by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and co-chaired by India and the United Kingdom, Mishra called for stronger infrastructure, better disaster preparedness and effective financing. He highlighted the role of artificial intelligence, machine learning and early warning systems in reducing the impact of disasters. Mishra also urged countries to invest in prevention and recovery plans that address existing risks and protect lives, infrastructure and economic development.  (PC: HT)

Pakistan imported goods worth $61.74 million (around Rs 5,876 crore) from India during April–June 2026, marking a 69% rise from the same period last year, according to data cited by India Today. The increase comes despite both countries suspending trade following the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. Pakistan recorded no exports to India during the first quarter of the 2026–27 financial year. Experts suggest Indian goods may be reaching Pakistan through third countries such as the UAE and Singapore. However, the available data does not establish the exact route used. (PC: India Today)

Two Indian-origin men have been sentenced to a combined 28 years in prison after a high-speed car race in Leeds, northern England, killed a mother and her 4-year-old daughter. Hardeep Bhachu, 29, received 12 years, while Jasskamal Riyat, 37, was jailed for 16 years at Leeds Crown Court on October 26. The crash occurred on January 16, 2023, when Bhachu lost control of his Audi and struck Justyna Hulboj, 27, and her daughter Lena as they walked to school. Riyat was found guilty of racing Bhachu before the fatal collision. Both men received 6-year driving bans. (PC: NDTV)

Young Indian Americans are increasingly developing political identities distinct from those of older generations ahead of the 2026 US midterm elections. A Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and YouGov survey found that Indian Americans aged 18–29 had shifted back towards Democrats, while those over 50 moved in the opposite direction. Younger voters are prioritising affordability, healthcare, environmental issues, social justice and immigrant rights over inherited political affiliations or US-India relations. A Tufts University survey found 65 per cent of Americans aged 18–29 ranked living costs, inflation and healthcare among their top concerns, while 43 per cent reported no party affiliation. Experts highlight growing political engagement and generational diversity within the diaspora. (PC: AFP)

India has renewed its call for comprehensive United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reforms, urging permanent members to exercise veto powers with restraint rather than for “narrow political expediency”. Addressing the UN in New York, India’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, called for early, time-bound text-based negotiations covering membership categories, regional representation, Council size, working methods and veto powers. He cited 331 vetoes on approximately 200 resolutions throughout the organisation’s history and highlighted informal “de facto vetoes” that can block proposals without formal votes. Aligning with the Common African Position, India insisted that all permanent members of a reformed Council must enjoy equal rights and responsibilities, including veto powers.

Microsoft is offering voluntary buyouts to eligible employees in India, the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada as it seeks to control workforce costs while increasing investment in artificial intelligence. The time-limited programme could cover approximately 60,000 employees, more than a quarter of the company’s global workforce, Reuters reported. Microsoft said the offer applies to eligible employees at level 70 and below in participating teams across the four countries. Employees are expected to receive details of the programme within hours of the announcement. The initiative allows eligible staff to leave the company voluntarily with support, as the technology giant balances workforce expenses against its expanding AI infrastructure spending. (PC: X)

India and the United States have concluded most discussions on a proposed bilateral trade agreement and are now fine-tuning the pact, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Monday. Speaking in The Hague during a two-day official visit, Goyal confirmed progress in negotiations but did not announce a signing date or provide further details about the outstanding issues. He is accompanying a business delegation and addressed the India-Netherlands Business Forum. Goyal also highlighted India’s trade engagement, stating that the country had concluded nine free trade agreements over the past four and a half years. The latest remarks indicate continued work towards finalising the proposed India-US trade agreement. (PC: X)

American YouTuber and makeup artist James Charles has sparked mixed reactions after reviewing several Indian dishes in an Instagram video. He rated garlic naan 7/10 on its own but gave it 10/10 with butter chicken, whose gravy he compared to vodka sauce. Charles described pani puri’s water as “vinegary and sour,” awarding it 6/10, while mango lassi received 9/10. Samosa chaat scored 4/10, and lamb curry just 2/10. He ended his food trail with gulab jamun, giving the Indian sweet a perfect 10/10. While some viewers appreciated his attempt to explore Indian cuisine, others criticised his pronunciation and dish selection, suggesting regional favourites he had missed.