Pakistan has offered US President Donald Trump a deal to build and run a civilian port in Pasni, Balochistan, close to India’s Chabahar port in Iran. The proposal, worth $1.2 billion, comes as Pakistan tries to reset ties with the US. Advisers to army chief Asim Munir reportedly pitched the plan, highlighting mineral wealth in the region. The port would not be used for military purposes but for trade and mining links. The offer follows a $500 million US investment in Pakistan’s minerals. India is closely watching, as the Pasni port would sit just 300 km from Chabahar. (PC: India Today)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will visit India on October 8-9. He will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and attend the Global Fintech Fest 2025 in Mumbai. The two leaders will review progress on the India-UK free trade agreement, which is expected to boost trade by $35 billion. Talks will also cover defence, technology, climate, and migration. India is likely to raise issues of terrorism, pro-Khalistan groups, and the return of fugitives. Starmer’s trip follows Modi’s visit to the UK in July, where both sides signed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. (PC: @MEAIndia X/ File)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded U.S. President Donald Trump's leadership in advancing peace efforts in Gaza. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Modi described the indications of Hamas's agreement to release hostages as a "significant step forward." He emphasized that India would continue to support all initiatives aimed at achieving a durable and just peace in the region. This development follows Hamas's partial acceptance of Trump's 20-point peace plan, which includes provisions for the release of hostages and the establishment of a transitional Palestinian administration. 

A lawsuit in US federal court challenges President Donald Trump’s $100,000 one-time H-1B visa fee. The case highlights “Phoenix Doe,” an Indian postdoctoral researcher in California, whose visa process has been paused. Her work studies genetic and epigenetic causes of vision loss to develop treatments. The lawsuit states, “Without relief, Plaintiff Phoenix will be forced to leave her postdoctoral position within four months.” Lawyers argue the fee is illegal and beyond presidential authority. The order disrupts research, innovation, and university programs. Without intervention, Doe may lose her job, delaying crucial studies and affecting future funding. (PC: HT)

Two Indian nationals, Arokkiyasami Daison (23) and Rajendran Mayilarasan (27), were sentenced to five years and one month in prison, along with 12 strokes of the cane, for robbing and assaulting two sex workers in Singapore hotels. The incidents occurred in April 2025 during their vacation. The men pleaded guilty to charges of voluntarily causing hurt while robbing the victims. They were approached by a man in Little India who connected them with the women. In separate hotel rooms, they tied up and assaulted the victims, stealing cash, jewelry, and personal items. The crimes were reported when one victim confided in another man, leading to the police being notified. (PC: The Hindu)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is on a four-nation South America tour covering Colombia, Brazil, Peru, and Chile. All these countries are led by Left-leaning governments. During his visit, Rahul shared photos of a Bajaj Pulsar in Colombia and spoke about motorcycles in student talks, reminding many of Che Guevara’s Motorcycle Diaries. His trip comes as he promotes ideas like wealth sharing and social justice at home. Analysts say the visit could help Rahul study socialist models in action. The journey also connects with India’s historic Non-Aligned Movement roots, once shaped by his grandfather, Jawaharlal Nehru. (PC: X)

Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on October 3 issued a stern ultimatum to Pakistan, declaring that ongoing state-sponsored terrorism will not be tolerated. He warned that if Pakistan wishes to retain its standing in global history and geography, it must end its backing of terror. Dwivedi added India will not show the restraint it exercised during “Operation Sindoor 1.0” if provoked again, implying that future retaliation could be much stronger. Troops have been instructed to stay ready for possible action. (PC: PTI)  

The British Museum is set to host its exclusive “Indian Pink” fundraising gala on October 18, co-chaired by museum director Nicholas Cullinan and Indian business leader Isha Ambani. The event coincides with the closing weekend of the Ancient India exhibition and aims to raise £1.6 million through sponsorships, ticket sales priced at £2,000 each, and a silent auction. Proceeds will support international collaborations and future cultural projects. The guest committee features globally renowned actors, designers, and artists, highlighting the museum’s efforts to merge art, culture, and philanthropy on an international scale. (PC: IMAGES)    

A theatre in Oakville, Ontario, has cancelled South Asian film screenings after two violent attacks. Film.ca Cinemas faced an arson attempt on September 25 and a shooting on October 2. CCTV showed suspects with gas cans trying to burn the entrance, while another suspect later fired shots at the doors. No one was injured, but the attacks caused damage. The theatre announced it would cancel screenings of Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 and said, “Out of an abundance of caution, we have made the decision that the safety of guests and our cast requires us to withdraw from screenings of South Asian films indefinitely.” Police are investigating extremist links. (PC: @FilmCaCinemas/X)

Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh on Friday gave a detailed account of Pakistan’s losses during Operation Sindoor. Speaking at the 93rd Air Force Day in Delhi, he said Indian strikes destroyed radars at four sites, command centres at two, and damaged two runways. Three hangars were also hit. Singh added that Pakistan lost at least four to five fighter jets, likely F-16s, a C-130 aircraft, one SAM system, and even a long-range AEW&C or SIGINT plane. He mocked Pakistan’s claim of downing Indian jets, calling them “manohar kahaniyan” (fascinating tales). (PC: HT Photo/Vipin Kumar)