External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar criticized the UN and Pakistan at the organization's 80th anniversary event, stating "all is not well" as debates become "increasingly polarized" and work "visibly gridlocked." He condemned Pakistan's Security Council attempts to protect The Resistance Front (TRF), the terror outfit claiming responsibility for the Pahalgam attack. Jaishankar questioned multilateralism's credibility when "sitting Security Council members openly protect" terror organizations and victims are equated with perpetrators in "global strategy", an apparent reference to India-Pakistan hyphenation. Pakistan attempted removing TRF references from UNSC statements condemning Pahalgam. Despite criticizing the UN's failures on terrorism, development, and SDG Agenda 2030, Jaishankar affirmed commitment to multilateralism and supporting the flawed institution during crisis.

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal confronted UK Trade Minister Chris Bryant at Berlin Global Dialogue over US sanctions targeting Russian oil firms Rosneft and Lukoil, questioning why India was singled out when Germany and Britain sought exemptions for their Rosneft subsidiaries. India's Nayara Energy, controlled by Rosneft, faces sanctions alongside other Russian firms as Western powers pressure Moscow over Ukraine. Goyal highlighted that UK "probably already got exemption" while Germany seeks exemption citing its Rosneft subsidiaries under government trusteeship since 2022. Bryant acknowledged Germany's subsidiary exemption, prompting Goyal to ask why India's subsidiary wasn't similarly treated. The UK issued special licenses for German Rosneft subsidiaries under state control, while Indian refiners face pressure to abandon discounted Russian crude.

An 83-year-old British woman, Olena Byko, set a remarkable record with a 117-metre bungee jump at Rishikesh's Shivpuri Bungee Jumping Centre on October 13, capturing hearts across social media. The viral video shows Byko dancing and appearing completely relaxed before her fearless leap, displaying extraordinary energy and excitement. Social media users praised her "leap of courage," celebrating her as proof that age presents no barrier to adventure. Comments highlighted her graceful arm movements, comparing her to "a ballerina in flight" and noting she was "in her own world enjoying." The inspiring footage has made her a role model for younger generations, demonstrating living life to the fullest at any age.

Indian doctors in the US are alarmed over Donald Trump administration's proposed H-1B visa fee hike to $100,000 for new applicants, fearing it will worsen rural healthcare shortages. Nearly 25% of US doctors are foreign-trained, with 64% serving underserved rural areas that American graduates avoid. While the White House clarified existing visa holders remain unaffected with possible "national interest" exemptions, unclear guidance creates anxiety. Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, first Indian-origin AMA president, warns fees could devastate smaller hospitals. Over 50 medical organizations urged Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to reconsider, arguing immigrant physicians fill critical care gaps rather than displacing American doctors in communities desperately needing medical services. 

India and the United States are on the verge of concluding a long-anticipated trade agreement, with negotiations advancing to the legal drafting phase. Both nations have resolved most outstanding issues, leaving only a few non-tariff barriers to address. A senior Indian official noted that common ground has been established on nearly all contentious points. Despite progress, the deal awaits final political approval. The official deadline for the initial phase of the Bilateral Trade Agreement remains set for fall 2025, as previously agreed upon by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump. (PC: Business Standard)

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar warned that the UN’s decision-making no longer aligns with contemporary global needs, arguing that the institution remains rooted in a 1945 worldview. He pointed out increasing polarization in UN debates and obstacles in reforming the body, which hamper its credibility and effectiveness. While reaffirming India’s commitment to peace and security, Jaishankar insisted that meaningful reform is imperative for the UN to reflect a multipolar 21st-century reality instead of maintaining outdated power structures. (PC: PTI)  

A viral video showing a distressed man from Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj claiming he's held against his will in Saudi Arabia has prompted response from the Indian Embassy. The man, speaking in Bhojpuri with a camel backdrop, alleges someone named Kapil holds his passport and threatens him. "I will die; I need to go to my mother," he pleads, urging viewers to share the video to reach the Prime Minister. The embassy is attempting to locate him but lacks crucial details like location, contact number, or employer information. Officials contacted UP authorities and Delhi lawyer Kalpana Shrivastav, who shared the video garnering 140,000 views, requesting more information at cw.riyadh@mea.gov.in to facilitate rescue efforts.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal firmly stated India won't sign a bilateral trade agreement with the US under pressure or artificial deadlines. Speaking at Berlin Global Dialogue, he emphasized national interest would guide the decision despite ongoing negotiations and existing US tariffs. "We don't do deals in a hurry or with a gun to our head," Goyal declared. Any agreement must protect farmers, fishermen, and MSMEs. The US has imposed 50% tariffs on certain Indian exports, partly penalizing India's Russian crude purchases & duties India calls "unfair and unjustified." Despite tensions, talks progress cordially. The proposed pact aims to boost bilateral trade from $131.84 billion to $500 billion by 2030, with first-tranche finalization targeted for fall 2025. (PC: Deccan Chronicle)

Two houses in Edmonton caught fire Monday night due to fireworks from a Diwali celebration. Teena Andrews, whose house was affected, said, “I am Indian but today totally ashamed. This is not culture, this is carelessness.” She and her husband are still in shock. Police charged three men with arson and warned fireworks cannot be used without a permit. Community members also said Diwali does not require fireworks. Officials urged everyone to celebrate safely and responsibly. The names of those charged have not been released.

Peterborough City Council in the UK plans to sell the property of Bharat Hindu Samaj Mandir, the city’s only Hindu temple, raising concern among local Hindus. Founded in 1986, the temple serves over 13,000 people across eastern England and hosts festivals, after-school clubs, cultural education, health programs, and soup kitchens. Temple trustees offered up to £1.3 million to buy the site, but the council plans to auction it. MP Bob Blackman urged the Mayor to protect the temple, calling it vital to the community. Residents say the sale would be a huge loss and seek an alternative solution. (PC: India Today)