The White House has included the India-US interim trade agreement among 127 promises that President Donald Trump claims to have fulfilled during his second term. The report, titled ‘President Trump’s Second Term: Promises Made, Promises Kept, Results Delivered’, was released on Monday, the final day of campaigning ahead of the US midterm elections. It highlights the administration’s claimed achievements across trade, the economy, immigration, national security, energy and foreign policy. On trade, the White House said Trump had secured new and improved agreements with major partners, including India, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan, China, South Korea and several Southeast Asian countries.

The United States has reportedly carried out a limited strike on Iran’s Qeshm Island near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, according to The Wall Street Journal, citing US officials. The attack took place on Monday, November 2, amid growing tensions between Washington and Tehran. Iranian state media reported several explosions on the island. The strikes reportedly targeted Iranian threats to US assets and were part of limited military operations in recent weeks. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump signalled hope for a diplomatic settlement, saying Iran wanted an agreement and that a deal “could happen”. He also ruled out immediate further strikes. (PC: India Today)

Pakistan has suffered an estimated USD 40 billion in economic losses since trade with India was suspended in 2019, according to Pak-India Business Council Chairman Noor Muhammad Qasuri. He urged both countries to restore commercial ties, highlighting potential benefits for businesses, investment and regional cooperation. Qasuri said Pakistani industries have faced higher transportation and sourcing costs for essential goods. The pharmaceutical sector could save USD 2–3 billion annually through imports of Indian raw materials, while the textile industry has incurred an estimated additional USD 5 billion in cotton sourcing expenses. He also cited opportunities for cheaper imports of petroleum, agricultural and industrial products from neighbouring India, alongside calls to revive domestic cotton production. (PC: Money Control)

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved an India-made generic version of lenacapavir, the only twice-yearly injection to prevent HIV, potentially expanding affordable access in 120 low- and middle-income countries. Developed by Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories through an agreement involving Unitaid, the Clinton Health Access Initiative and Wits RHI, the drug is expected to cost USD 40 per person annually. Unlike daily preventive pills, the injection requires less frequent administration and nearly eliminated new infections in two major studies. The FDA approval is tentative because the original drug remains patent-protected. Generic supplies could reach some countries within weeks, subject to local regulatory approvals and funding. Testing for HIV is required before each injection. (PC: iStock)

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has announced plans to establish Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRROs) in every State capital by 2027. The Union government said five new FRROs have been set up since 2025, including two in 2026. The expansion follows directions from Union Home Minister Amit Shah amid a rise in foreign nationals visiting India for tourism, medical treatment and education. According to the Ministry, the initiative aims to improve access to immigration and consular services, strengthen regulatory compliance and support efforts to attract international visitors. The move forms part of a broader plan to strengthen India's institutional framework for managing foreign nationals entering and staying in the country. (PC: X)

Yemen’s Houthi group on Monday claimed it had targeted Saudi Arabia’s Dammam airport with two drones. According to Reuters, the Iran-aligned group also said it launched drones towards an early-warning radar in Jizan and a military transport aircraft at Jizan airport. Saudi Arabia had not confirmed the claims at the time of the report. The alleged targeting comes days after an attack on Dammam airport killed two people and injured eight others, including an Indian national among the fatalities. The airport reopened the following day, while Riyadh airport remained closed for some time. The report did not provide details of any damage or casualties from the latest claimed drone operation. (PC: Reuters)

The Bombay High Court questioned actor Imran Khan’s participation in protests against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, observing that he is an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder and is not directly affected by the exercise. A bench led by Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi said he could not behave like an Indian citizen and had no right to participate in the protests. The court was hearing Khan’s challenge to a “Leave India Notice” issued by the Mumbai Foreigners Regional Registration Office over his alleged participation in protests against the Chief Election Commissioner. The court extended interim protection against the notice until December 7. The hearing took place on Monday. (PC: X)

Two brothers, Bhagwan Singh and Pritam Singh, have been arrested for allegedly shooting dead a 19-month-old male cheetah, KNG-22, in Madhya Pradesh. The STF said the brothers were hunting near Nitanwas village in Sheopur district when the animal was shot. Bhagwan Singh was arrested on October 31; information from his interrogation led to his brother’s arrest. Investigators recovered a licensed double-barrelled country firearm from a forest area in Morena district. A case has been registered under the Wildlife Protection Act. KNG-22, born to cheetah Nirva, was found injured on October 25 and died on October 27 after treatment. Five pellets were recovered from his body. The STF said it found no evidence linking the killing to illegal wildlife trade or an organised crime network. (PC: The Indian Express)

Ten Indian-origin candidates are contesting various positions in the November 3 US midterm elections, including governor, state attorney general and mayor of Los Angeles. Indian-Americans currently hold six seats in the US Congress, but the community could lose two of them in this election. In Los Angeles, Kerala-born city councillor Nithya Raman is challenging incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, both Democrats. A UC Berkeley–Los Angeles Times poll puts the two candidates at 40% each. The city's non-partisan electoral system allows the top two candidates to face each other in a runoff if no one secures a majority. Raman's campaign reflects the expanding geographic and political reach of Indian-origin candidates. (PC: Times Now)

China's new export restrictions on heavy construction equipment could affect India's ambitious infrastructure plans, particularly projects near the Himalayan border. The restrictions cover tunnel-boring machines, which are essential for building underground railway lines, highways and metro networks. China controls around 70% of the global tunnel-boring machine market, making India heavily dependent on its supplies. The new rules, set to take effect later this month, also cover specialised equipment and spare parts. India plans to invest $9.6 billion in tunnel construction over the next 5 years. The restrictions could push India to develop domestic manufacturing and reduce its dependence on Chinese machinery. (PC: NDTV)