India has refuted U.S. President Donald Trump's assertion that Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to halt purchases of Russian oil. Trump claimed Modi assured him the decision would be gradual, but Indian officials clarified no such conversation took place. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, India has been one of the largest buyers of discounted Russian oil, prompting U.S. tariffs on Indian imports over concerns of funding Russia’s aggression. India maintains its focus on energy security and economic interests, highlighting the need for diverse, stable energy sources. (PC: AP)  

Russian content creator Iuliia Aslamova sparked Internet debate by revealing she pays her Bengaluru house help over Rs 45,000 monthly. Aslamova defended the salary, emphasizing loyalty, professionalism, and growth rewards. After interviewing 20 candidates, she hired a nanny, implementing corporate-style incentives including 10% annual hikes, KPI systems, and 1.7x salary increases for full-time work. She now provides driving license training for her employee. Aslamova argued loyalty stems from respect and opportunity, not exploitation. The viral post divided opinions as supporters praised her professional ethics while critics claimed excessive salaries distort market rates, making domestic help unaffordable for others. Some noted the amount exceeds tech fresher salaries at major IT companies.

Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif sparked controversy claiming India "could play dirty at the border," asserting Pakistan is prepared for a "two-front war" amid Afghanistan tensions. Responding to provocations questions, Asif stated, "There are strong possibilities," confirming strategies exist but remaining secretive about details. Previously, he accused Afghanistan's Taliban government of "fighting a proxy war" for India, alleging "Kabul is fighting a proxy war for Delhi." His remarks followed a 48-hour ceasefire agreement between Islamabad and Kabul after deadly cross-border skirmishes killed dozens. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of harboring Pakistani Taliban (TTP) terrorists—claims Kabul denies. The statements ignore Pakistan's documented history of sponsoring terrorism regionally. (PC: X)

On October 16, 2025, two masked gunmen opened fire at Zamindar Bar & Grill in Brampton, Canada. A video circulating online shows the assailants, dressed in black, shooting multiple rounds before fleeing. Goldy Dhillon, an associate of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, later claimed responsibility via social media, stating the attack was a warning to the restaurant owner for disrespecting their group. This incident coincided with the third attack on comedian Kapil Sharma’s Caps Café in Surrey, also attributed to the Bishnoi gang, highlighting a pattern of gang-related extortion targeting Indian businesses in Canada.   

India has strongly backed Afghanistan after deadly clashes with Pakistan. “Three things are clear – Pakistan hosts terrorist organisations, blames neighbours for its failures, and opposes Afghanistan’s sovereignty,” said EAM spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. The conflict began last week when Pakistan launched air strikes inside Afghanistan, including Kabul. The fighting killed 40 Afghan civilians and several soldiers on both sides. A 48-hour ceasefire was agreed on Wednesday. India also said it will soon upgrade its diplomatic mission in Kabul from a technical mission to a full embassy. Taliban minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said Afghanistan will send diplomats to India soon. (PC: HT)

India has denied US President Donald Trump’s claim that Prime Minister Modi assured him India would stop buying Russian oil. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said no such conversation or call happened. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India prioritizes the interests of its consumers amid a volatile energy market. Trump had said during a press briefing that Modi promised to stop oil purchases from Russia. India’s purchase of Russian oil has been under scrutiny since August after Trump imposed additional tariffs, raising total penalties to 50 percent. PM Modi said he will protect farmers’ livelihoods despite costs. (PC: X)

Delhi and nearby cities are facing massive traffic jams ahead of Diwali. Key roads like Ring Road, Outer Ring Road, Mathura Road, Aurobindo Marg, Barapullah Elevated Road, DND Flyway, and Delhi-Meerut Expressway are heavily congested. Commuters report being stuck for hours with little movement. Delhi Police have canceled leaves for all traffic staff to manage the situation. Social media is filled with posts and memes showing frustration over the jams. Residents say the traffic is worse than usual, calling it “chaotic” and “poorly planned.” Authorities are urging people to plan their travel carefully during the festival rush. (PC: HT)

   India rejected US President Donald Trump’s claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured him India would stop buying Russian oil. The Ministry of External Affairs said there was no phone call between the two leaders. Trump had said during a media briefing that Modi promised to cut Russian oil imports, calling it a “big step.” India said its energy decisions are guided by consumer interests, stable prices, and secure supplies. India continues to import Russian oil while diversifying its energy sources. The dispute comes amid US pressure and tariffs on Indian goods. (PC: India Today)

India's MEA responded Thursday to Pakistan blaming New Delhi for Afghanistan border tensions, stating it's Islamabad's "old practice" to blame neighbors for internal failures. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal outlined three clear points: Pakistan hosts terrorist organizations and sponsors activities, habitually blames neighbors for its own failures, and is infuriated by Afghanistan exercising sovereignty over its territories. India reaffirmed full commitment to Afghanistan's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence. The statement follows deadly clashes erupting twice weekly along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, killing dozens of troops and civilians. Both countries agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire, each claiming the other requested it. Fighting intensified after Afghanistan launched revenge strikes following a Kabul attack blamed on Pakistan.

Amid escalating Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions, India's MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal outlined three clear positions: Pakistan hosts terrorist organizations and sponsors activities, habitually blames neighbors for internal failures, and resents Afghanistan asserting sovereignty over its territory. India reaffirmed unwavering commitment to Afghanistan's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence while closely monitoring the situation. Jaiswal announced India's technical mission in Kabul will transition into a full-fledged embassy soon, marking a significant diplomatic upgrade. The statement comes as cross-border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan continue following Pakistani airstrikes and Afghan retaliation. India's position emphasizes support for Afghan autonomy while directly criticizing Pakistan's longstanding practice of harboring terrorist groups and deflecting responsibility onto neighboring nations.