On 15 October 2025, President Trump asserted that India has already “de-escalated” its imports of Russian oil and will stop buying it altogether, claiming Prime Minister Narendra Modi made that commitment. However, India’s government denied such discussions, stating its energy policy is driven by national interest and emphasising affordability and supply security for consumers. The claim highlights deepening diplomatic strains with the US as energy, trade and geopolitics intersect over Moscow’s war in Ukraine. (PC: AP)  

Hamas has handed over the remains of an additional Israeli captive recovered in Gaza, as part of a ceasefire agreement mediated by the United States. The Qassam Brigades, Hamas's military wing, delivered the body to the International Committee of the Red Cross at 11 p.m. local time. The Israeli government confirmed receipt and initiated a formal identification process. Hamas has stated its commitment to returning all deceased hostages but requires international assistance, including heavy machinery, to recover remains still trapped under Gaza's rubble. (PC: AP)

The U.S. military is holding two survivors aboard a Navy warship after a strike on a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean, which killed two others. The operation, part of President Donald Trump’s anti-narcoterror campaign, targeted a semi-submersible possibly linked to Venezuelan traffickers. This marks the first prisoners of war captured in the conflict. The strike coincided with a U.S. military buildup in the region, including warships, fighter jets, and a nuclear submarine. Venezuela has appealed to the UN Security Council, calling the action a violation of its sovereignty.  

Three Afghan cricketers — Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon — were tragically killed in a cross-border attack in Afghanistan’s Paktika province, near the Pakistan border, while returning home after a friendly match. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) condemned the assault, blamed Pakistan for the “cowardly act,” and announced withdrawal from an upcoming tri-series with Pakistan and Sri Lanka in protest. Former captain Mohammad Nabi and current skipper Rashid Khan expressed deep grief, calling it a heartbreaking loss for Afghan cricket and a serious violation of human rights. (PC: PTI)  

Pakistan carried out new airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Paktika province on Friday evening, breaking a two-day ceasefire between the two neighbours. Afghan officials said Pakistani jets hit targets in the Argun and Barmal districts. “Pakistan has broken the ceasefire and bombed three locations in Paktika. Afghanistan will retaliate,” a senior Taliban official told AFP. The truce, which began on Wednesday, had paused a week of deadly border clashes that killed dozens of soldiers and civilians on both sides. Earlier reports suggested both countries were considering extending the ceasefire after talks in Doha, but the new strikes ended those plans. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on Thursday for talks on the Ukraine war. Zelensky is expected to ask for long-range Tomahawk missiles to strike deep into Russian territory. Trump recently hinted he might consider the request but said after speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin, “We need them too.” The Kremlin has warned that supplying such weapons would be a major escalation. The two leaders shook hands outside the West Wing but did not respond to reporters’ questions before heading inside for their meeting.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications. The Chamber says the fee violates existing U.S. immigration laws and makes it too expensive for companies to hire skilled foreign workers. The fee was introduced to discourage replacing American workers with cheaper foreign labour but affects start-ups and small businesses most. Neil Bradley of the Chamber said the H-1B program is meant to help all U.S. businesses access global talent. The fee is set for one year but may be extended. (PC: The Hindu)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet US President Donald Trump at the White House today to request long-range missiles for Ukraine. Trump has recently hinted he may consider supplying Tomahawk missiles, which can strike deep inside Russia. The move, if approved, would mark a major shift in US policy. The Kremlin warned that such action would be seen as a “major escalation.” The meeting follows Trump’s phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which he described as showing “great progress.” Both leaders are expected to meet face-to-face soon in Hungary to discuss ending the war. (PC: BBC)

Iran has condemned Israel's ongoing attacks on southern Lebanon as a violation of the ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, established in November 2024. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei described the near-daily strikes as a "clear violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity." The recent Israeli air raids on the village of Ansar resulted in one fatality and seven injuries. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun denounced the attacks, labeling them a breach of the ceasefire. Iran also criticized France and the United States, truce guarantors, for their "inaction and appeasement" towards Israel's repeated violations .    

Sumo wrestlers have been spotted exploring London's iconic landmarks, including Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London, as they prepare for an upcoming professional tournament. Their visit to the UK capital showcases the growing international interest in sumo wrestling beyond its traditional Japanese roots. The athletes, known for their disciplined training and cultural heritage, are engaging with fans and promoting the sport's global appeal. The tournament is expected to feature top-tier sumo talent and attract enthusiasts from around the world.