US President Donald Trump has claimed that the Strait of Hormuz is “totally ours” as attacks on ships in the strategic waterway reached a record high in October, according to Times Now. Trump told reporters that Washington could seize Iran’s oil or take the entire country, while weighing whether to end the conflict or allow it to “wither.” Meanwhile, Iran has continued warning vessels against crossing the strait without coordinating with its authorities. The escalation raises concerns about maritime security along a crucial global oil transit route. Trump’s assertion of US control comes amid heightened tensions and continued threats to commercial shipping navigating the strategically significant passage. (PC: Reuters)

A tanker carrying Russian diesel is heading to New York in what could become the first Russian petroleum-product shipment imported by the United States since former President Joe Biden banned such imports in 2022. According to Reuters, the Malta-flagged Agioi Fanendes loaded 40,000 metric tons of ultra-low sulphur diesel at Russia’s Primorsk port on October 22 and is expected to arrive on November 7. President Donald Trump announced the arrangement to curb rising fuel prices ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. Russia has pledged additional shipments, including 500,000 metric tons in November. The buyer and seller remain unidentified, while Moscow says exports will continue steadily. (PC: AFP)

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said India has become Europe’s third-largest arms exporter over the past year, citing a Bloomberg report and demand linked to the “Rearm Europe” initiative. India’s defence exports have reached a record ₹38,424 crore, approximately €3.6 billion, he said. The country now exports defence products to more than 80 nations, including ammunition, artillery shells, small arms, helmets and bulletproof jackets. Singh highlighted the expansion of India’s defence industrial base, which includes around 840 licensed companies and 17,000 small and medium enterprises, including startups. He also said domestic defence sales have reached approximately €17 billion, while India prioritises locally designed, developed and manufactured equipment. (PC: X)

Anilkumar Bolla, a 29-year-old tech professional from Telangana based in Abu Dhabi, won 100 million dirhams (₹240 crore) in The UAE Lottery in October 2025. A year later, he has purchased properties in India and the UAE, cars for himself and his brother, high-end watches, an iPhone 17 Air and gold jewellery for his mother. He also bought farmland for his father, who is passionate about organic farming. Despite travelling to Bali, Thailand and Amsterdam, Bolla says the initial excitement of sudden wealth has faded. He continues to value family time and is exploring business opportunities, emphasising humility, disciplined spending and long-term wealth management. (PC: News 18)

Ravi Tamta, a Bachelor of Arts graduate from Uttarakhand’s Almora district, has developed a prototype electric flying vehicle after 13 years of self-directed learning and experimentation, despite having no formal engineering education. His single-seater vehicle, named HAPIDA SKYNeX, completed a test flight in August 2026, according to India Today. Tamta acquired technical knowledge through online resources and hands-on experiments, with support from his family. His journey highlights how independent learning can enable people without conventional technical qualifications to pursue ambitious innovations. However, developing aviation technology also requires attention to safety and engineering standards. Tamta’s project challenges conventional assumptions about who can innovate and where technical learning can begin. (PC: X)

The Delhi High Court on Friday rejected AISA president Neha Bora’s petition challenging a show-cause notice issued by a Special Executive Magistrate, requiring her to execute a bond assuring that she would maintain peace. Justice Subramonium Prasad announced the decision in open court, observing that “sufficient safeguards” were in place. However, the court also issued certain directions, including that Bora must be provided with all relevant material. A detailed order has not yet been made public. Bora approached the High Court on Monday to challenge the notice. During Thursday’s hearing, her counsel argued that Delhi Police had not supplied the material underlying the proceedings or explaining why authorities apprehended a possible breach of peace. (PC: The Indian Express)

Pakistan’s LPG shortage has worsened following the suspension of imports through two key crossings with Iran, pushing the price of a 12-kg cylinder to Rs 7,000–10,000 or more in some areas. According to traders cited by Reuters, prices rose from Rs 4,500 to Rs 7,000 in Balochistan, reaching Rs 7,500 in Lahore and Rs 8,200 in Skardu, while parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported prices exceeding Rs 10,000. Pakistan closed the Gabd-Rimdan and Taftan crossings on October 17 over security and smuggling concerns. The Pakistan LPG Association estimates daily imports from Iran at around 7,000 tonnes. Traders warn shortages and prices could worsen as winter approaches. (PC: Reuters)

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said disturbances along the India-China border occur periodically when Chinese forces deviate from established patrolling patterns. Responding on Friday, October 23, 2026, to a question about Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Director General Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor’s remarks, the ministry reiterated that maintaining peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) is essential for the overall development of bilateral relations. Kapoor had discussed the capabilities of the ITBP’s newly raised Shaurya commando unit during face-offs with Chinese People’s Liberation Army troops at multiple locations in Arunachal Pradesh. The MEA said both countries continue diplomatic and military engagement to resolve outstanding issues and prevent border misunderstandings.

Bomb threats targeting actor Amitabh Bachchan’s Mumbai residence, singer Diljit Dosanjh’s concert venue and the Mumbai mayor’s office triggered heightened security on Friday, October 23, 2026. According to police, an email sent to Mayor Ritu Tawde and Deputy Mayor Sanjay Ghadi threatened a grenade attack on a school on October 31, Bachchan’s Juhu residence between October 31 and November 27, and an attack during Dosanjh’s November 27 concert. The email reportedly referenced Khalistan. A separate handwritten bomb threat was found on tissue paper in a women’s toilet at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. Searches found no suspicious objects, and flight operations continued uninterrupted as police examined CCTV footage. (PC: PTI)

Nepal Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle described India-Nepal relations as exceptionally close, saying the neighbours were “joined at the hip” despite occasional difficulties. Speaking at the NDTV World Summit on October 23, 2026, Wagle highlighted their shared geography, cultural ties and India’s assistance during Nepal’s 2015 earthquake and recent flash floods. He recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s offer of support to Nepal’s Prime Minister Balen Shah following the floods in August. Wagle said Nepal’s new leadership wanted stronger relations with India, adding that Shah would visit India soon. He also advocated greater regional integration, citing the European Union, and said India’s economic growth could create opportunities for Nepal and its neighbours. (PC: X)