Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina refuses to apologize for the deadly crackdown on protests that toppled her government last year, despite prosecutors seeking the death penalty for crimes against humanity. In a rare interview with The Independent, Hasina rejected allegations she ordered lethal force against student protesters, blaming "breakdowns in discipline among security forces" for up to 1,400 deaths. Living in exile in India after 15 years of iron-fisted rule, she called the International Crimes Tribunal proceedings a "sham trial" driven by political vengeance. Hasina defended fleeing Bangladesh last August as acting "out of necessity," insisting she remains committed to "restoring democracy" despite her Awami League party being banned from contesting February 2026 elections. (PC: The Independent) 

Hurricane Melissa's death toll reached at least 32 across the Caribbean, with devastating impacts in Haiti, Jamaica, Cuba, and the Bahamas. Haiti reported 28 deaths, including 25 in Petit-Goâve after swollen rivers burst banks. Jamaica confirmed four deaths in St. Elizabeth Parish, with three additional fatalities during storm preparations. The Dominican Republic reported one death. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness described damage as "unprecedented," noting 80-90% of roofs between Treasure Beach and Black River were destroyed. Essential infrastructure including hospitals, courthouses, and historic buildings were wiped out. Cuba faced "significant damage" as Category 3 landfall cut off 140,000 people. The storm weakened to Category 1 but continues producing dangerous flooding and winds across the Bahamas.

Pakistan-Afghanistan peace talks in Istanbul collapsed after four days when Pakistan admitted permitting US drone operations from its territory. Afghan negotiators demanded written commitment to halt airspace violations and foreign drone flights, offering to prevent Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan operations in return. Pakistani delegates initially showed willingness but reversed after a phone call "likely from high command," admitting they had "no control" over US drones under a secret agreement. Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif falsely blamed India for sabotaging talks, claiming "Delhi controls Kabul." The breakdown follows a fragile ceasefire after September-October border clashes killed over 200 people. Afghanistan's Defence Minister warned any fresh airspace violations would face "reciprocal response." (PC: Hindustan Times) 

The US Department of Homeland Security ended automatic Employment Authorization Document (EAD) renewals for migrant workers effective October 30, 2025, impacting thousands of foreign employees, particularly Indians. Under the new rule, immigrants filing EAD renewals no longer receive automatic extensions, replacing Biden-era policy allowing 540-day work continuity. The Trump administration cited enhanced vetting for "public safety and national security" as justification. USCIS Director Joseph Edlow called working in America a "privilege, not a right." Immigrants must now file renewals 180 days before expiration to avoid employment lapses. The move follows Trump's September decision raising H-1B visa fees to $100,000 and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis ordering universities to prioritize American workers over H-1B visa holders. (PC: The Economic Times) 

India strongly rejected a UN report on Myanmar's human rights situation, denouncing it as "blinkered and baseless analysis." Lok Sabha MP Dilip Saikia dismissed claims by UN Special Rapporteur Thomas H Andrews linking the April 2025 Pahalgam terrorist attack to displaced Myanmar nationals in India, calling them without "factual basis whatsoever." The UN expert alleged refugees faced harassment and detention threats post-attack, despite no Myanmar nationals' involvement. Saikia urged the UN to avoid "unverified media reports" maligning India, emphasizing the nation's 200 million Muslims living harmoniously. India reiterated concerns about Myanmar's deteriorating situation affecting cross-border security, including drug trafficking and radicalization, while supporting a "Myanmar-owned" democratic peace process and continuing humanitarian operations.

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping met face-to-face Thursday at the APEC Summit in Busan, South Korea marking their first encounter in six years since the 2019 G20 Summit in Osaka. Trump expressed optimism about signing a trade deal, calling Xi a "tough negotiator" with whom he shares a "great relationship." Xi acknowledged differences between the nations are normal, stating China's development aligns with making "America great again." The bilateral meeting, attended by senior officials including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, addressed tariffs, fentanyl trafficking, and technology exports. Since January, escalating tariffs have reignited trade tensions, with discussions aimed at restoring economic stability between the world's largest economies.

Piyush Goyal, India’s Commerce and Industry Minister, announced that during his recent Brussels visit, India and the European Union (EU) have closed 10 of the 20 chapters in their free-trade agreement negotiations, with four to five more chapters near consensus. With Indian exports to the EU approximately US $82 billion last year—just below shipments to the US—the deal gains urgency amid steep tariffs imposed on Indian goods by the Donald Trump administration. Key outstanding issues include steel, automobiles, labour-intensive sectors and the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. (PC: ANI/X) 

Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held her first conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 29 2025, expressing hope for a “golden chapter” in India–Japan relations. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepen the Special Strategic and Global Partnership through cooperation in defence, technology, economic security, and talent exchange. They also discussed strengthening regional stability amid global challenges. Modi described the exchange as warm and forward-looking, emphasizing that India–Japan ties are crucial for promoting peace, prosperity, and a free, open Indo-Pacific region. (PC: ANI/AP)    

Israel said on Wednesday that it was still committed to the Gaza ceasefire, even after overnight airstrikes killed at least 104 people. The strikes followed an attack in which Palestinian militants reportedly killed an Israeli soldier. Israel called it a “clear violation” of the truce and said it would respond to any breach. Gaza officials reported civilian deaths in Bureij, Gaza City, and Khan Younis. The US-brokered ceasefire began on October 10 after two years of war. President Donald Trump said the truce was “not at risk,” though Hamas denied breaking the agreement. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet in Busan on Thursday after six years. The meeting, taking place during the APEC summit, comes amid renewed trade tensions. Talks are expected to focus on tariffs, rare-earth exports, and China’s plans to limit mineral sales. Trump said he may lower tariffs if China helps stop the export of chemicals used in fentanyl. The leaders may also discuss TikTok’s future in the US. Several trade agreements between the two countries expire next month, adding urgency to the talks. (PC: NDTV)