National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng in Beijing during his two-day visit to China. The meeting came ahead of the 25th round of Special Representatives’ talks between Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the India-China boundary issue.   According to the Indian Embassy, Doval and Han discussed maintaining peace and tranquillity along the border and strengthening ties in economic, political and multilateral areas. Doval and Wang, the designated Special Representatives, are also expected to discuss bilateral, regional and international issues as India and China continue efforts to gradually normalise relations.

Twenty-one students were hospitalised after falling ill hours after eating a midday meal at a government school in Rajasthan’s Kota district. More than 100 students had eaten the meal, but several complained of vomiting, stomach pain and nausea around two hours later. The affected children were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, while health and education officials began an investigation into the suspected food poisoning incident. Authorities collected food samples for testing to determine the exact cause. Officials said the students were receiving medical care as the investigation continued. (PC: The Indian Express)

The US-Canada trade war escalated after President Donald Trump threatened to raise tariffs on Canadian cars, trucks and auto parts from 25% to 50% starting January 1. The move came after trade talks between the two countries collapsed, with both sides blaming each other for last-minute demands. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Trump appeared determined to damage Canada’s auto industry and vowed to respond with reciprocal tariffs. Ontario Premier Doug Ford also called for a stronger response. Businesses on both sides warned that the escalating tariff dispute could raise prices, hurt jobs and disrupt North American trade. (PC: BBC)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has assured India of continued supplies of fuel and fertilisers despite disruptions caused by the escalating crisis in West Asia. The assurance came amid concerns over global energy supplies and rising prices as the conflict affected key shipping routes. Russia remains a major supplier of crude oil and fertilisers to India, making uninterrupted deliveries crucial for the country’s energy and agricultural needs. The development highlights the close economic partnership between New Delhi and Moscow as India works to secure essential supplies and reduce the impact of the regional crisis on its economy. (PC: HT)

Mumbai faced transport disruptions on Monday as several auto-rickshaw drivers went on strike, leaving commuters struggling to find rides. The protest was linked to concerns over a compulsory Marathi language test, which drivers claimed included questions beyond the prescribed syllabus. The shortage of auto-rickshaws also increased pressure on taxis and app-based cab services such as Ola and Uber, with commuters reporting longer waiting times and limited availability. Drivers demanded changes to the examination process, arguing that the test was unfair and difficult. Authorities are expected to address the concerns as Mumbai’s transport services remain affected.

Iranian state television aired a video titled “Where to Kill Barron Trump” that allegedly tracked the movements of US President Donald Trump’s son and announced a $10 million bounty. The report said the video was produced by IRGC-affiliated media and broadcast on Channel 3. It also made claims about Barron Trump’s communications and security arrangements. The broadcast follows an earlier video targeting First Lady Melania Trump. Barron and Melania receive round-the-clock protection from the US Secret Service. The development comes amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran and renewed US economic pressure on Iran. (PC: NDTV)

Sugar prices have surged 29% in a month, prompting the Centre to tighten rules governing raw sugar imports to curb hoarding and ensure faster domestic supply. Under a revised notification issued by the Commerce and Industry Ministry, importers must now refine and sell imported raw sugar in India within two months of its arrival. The move comes as domestic prices rise amid supply and crop pressures and ahead of the festive season. The earlier provision required importers to process raw sugar within a reasonable timeframe and sufficiently ahead of October 31, allowing it to be sold domestically by then. The latest framework replaces that broader requirement with a fixed two-month deadline for processing and sale. (PC: Times Now)

Heavy rain lashed Delhi on Tuesday morning, leaving several key roads and junctions waterlogged and severely disrupting traffic across the national capital and adjoining NCR areas. The India Meteorological Department issued a red alert for Delhi and forecast more heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and lightning. Rain affected areas including Parliament Street, Connaught Place, AIIMS, ITO, RK Puram and Ferozeshah Road, with vehicles seen navigating flooded roads. The downpour also disrupted air travel at Indira Gandhi International Airport. According to Flightradar24, 18 flights were cancelled and 146 delayed. The weather comes a day after more than 250 flights were delayed and 15 diverted across Delhi-NCR as monsoon activity intensified, with further showers expected.

The Reserve Bank of India’s FCNR(B) forex swap scheme mobilised $73 billion in foreign exchange inflows, significantly exceeding the $26 billion attracted by its 2013 FCNR(B) swap scheme over nearly three months. Of the latest mobilisation, FCNR(B) deposits accounted for $65.40 billion. The strong response led the central bank to close the facility early. The scheme was aimed at mobilising foreign exchange through FCNR(B) deposits, with the scale of inflows highlighting strong participation from banks and depositors. The latest mobilisation marks a substantial increase compared with the 2013 initiative and underscores the scale of foreign exchange raised through the RBI’s latest swap facility. The RBI’s forex initiative therefore generated considerably higher inflows than its previous programme. (PC: X)

Indian Railways is moving towards introducing waterless urinals for loco pilots operating its most powerful 12,000-horsepower electric locomotives, addressing a long-standing operational challenge caused by the absence of toilets or urinals inside locomotive cabins. The initiative is particularly significant as Railways continues inducting women as loco pilots. Manufactured at the Madhepura Electric Locomotive factory in Bihar, the locomotives will come with inbuilt waterless urinals, while those already rolled out will be retrofitted. Discussions with Railways are at an advanced stage, according to a senior official of Madhepura Electric Locomotive Private Limited (MELPL). MELPL is a joint venture between Indian Railways and France’s Alstom, which holds a 74% majority stake. (PC: Express photo by Dheeraj Mishra)