External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the world is entering an “age of flux” marked by conflicts, tariff volatility and geopolitical uncertainty, describing the situation as “choppy waters” while expressing confidence that India will meet the challenges. Speaking at the Kautilya Economic Conclave in New Delhi, Jaishankar highlighted pressures involving energy, food and fertilisers, along with conflicts and other frictions. He said India’s experience, including during the Covid pandemic and conflicts, showed its ability to overcome challenges. Jaishankar discussed a global order moving towards multipolarity, UN gridlock, non-market practices, dialogue and diplomacy for resolving conflicts, and India’s role in articulating Global South concerns about maritime safety, food, fuel, fertiliser and finance.

Pakistan’s federal government is considering imposing governor’s rule or a state of emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) begins a long march to Islamabad. PTI Chief Minister Sohail Afridi launched the march from Lakki Marwat on October 4, demanding the release of jailed party founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The march began after negotiations between PTI and the federal government ended in deadlock. Led by Afridi, the protesters reached Karak district late Sunday, around 256 kilometres from Islamabad. Federal authorities have accused the PTI of “facilitating terrorists” and criticised the provincial government over terrorism and security cooperation. Government sources told Dawn that the imposition of emergency was “imminent”.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday called Rahul Gandhi’s allegations over Form 6 “misleading.” Gandhi had accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of changing the form without approval during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). The ECI said the SIR order for Bihar was issued with the unanimous approval of the Commission. It also said the Supreme Court had upheld the order. However, the Supreme Court said it had not approved any modified Form 6. Chief Justice Surya Kant said the court would examine records to find who made the changes. Form 6 is used for first-time voter registration.  

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said society may have to accept some negative effects of AI because the technology could bring major benefits. In a podcast, he said some bad outcomes may be part of AI’s growth. The article discusses possible job losses as companies use more AI. It also raises concerns about AI risks, including cyberattacks, weapons and harmful technology. At the same time, it argues that AI could create greater wealth and improve lives. The debate highlights a key question about the future of AI. Should society accept some risks and losses in exchange for its possible long-term benefits?  

Delhi Police officer Vivek Bhagat has been promoted to Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, days after a woman journalist accused him of molestation during a Jantar Mantar protest. The protest was held on October 3 over alleged irregularities in the electoral roll revision process. Delhi Police said the complaints of sexual harassment by three women journalists have been sent to the Crime Branch for an impartial inquiry. No FIR has been registered so far. Officials said Bhagat’s promotion is part of a routine, time-bound process. Eleven other DANIPS officers were also promoted. The Crime Branch will record statements and examine evidence.  

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said India and the US have reached a “plateau” in trade deal talks. She said it would be “very very difficult” for either country to give or take more. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Sitharaman called the proposed agreement “hard and rigorously negotiated.” India and the US have been discussing a wider Bilateral Trade Agreement since February 2025. The two countries aim to increase bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. Talks continued through 2026, but no final deal has been reached. Tariffs, market access and the trade imbalance remain key issues.  

A British Airways flight from London to Chicago declared an emergency over Ireland on Monday. Flight BA295 sent the 7700 emergency signal, used for serious situations. The Boeing 777 had been flying at about 37,000 feet before descending to around 9,000 feet in about 9.5 minutes. The aircraft then turned back towards London Heathrow. Flight-tracking data showed the plane circling over the Bristol Channel as Heathrow prepared for an emergency landing. The aircraft was also reported to be dumping fuel to reduce its weight. The reason for the emergency has not been confirmed. Further details are awaited.  

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday accused Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of changing Form 6 “illegally and unilaterally.” Form 6 is used by people to register as voters for the first time. His remarks came after the Supreme Court said it had not approved the changes made to the form. The court has asked the Election Commission to provide records about the changes. It also issued notices to the Centre and the Election Commission. The court did not order Kumar’s suspension. Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also criticised voter deletions under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.

A Russian drone attack on a Turkish-owned cargo ship in the Black Sea killed its captain on Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said. The ship was carrying corn and had Indian and Azerbaijani citizens among its crew. Eleven crew members were rescued, with one injured. The fate of one person was still being checked. Zelensky condemned the attack and accused Russia of targeting civilian vessels. Separately, a Russian drone strike hit an Indian-owned pharmaceutical warehouse in Ukraine’s Sumy region on Sunday. A 52-year-old worker was killed and three others were injured. The Ukrainian embassy in Delhi also condemned the attack.  

The Supreme Court on Monday clarified that the “modified” Form 6 used for new voter registration has not been approved by the court. Chief Justice Surya Kant said the bench would examine the issue after reviewing the relevant records and determine who amended the form. The Election Commission has maintained that Form 6 was not amended, but an additional declaration was added for voters during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The declaration requires new voters to link their details with records of parents or grandparents. The issue has emerged amid allegations that CEC Gyanesh Kumar took decisions without the other Election Commissioners’ involvement. (PC: NDTV)