India will “very soon” impose specific regulations to combat deepfakes and misuse of AI, IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced at the NDTV World Summit 2025 in Delhi. He emphasised that merely passing a law will not suffice — the country’s approach will combine legal measures with technical solutions to detect and deter deepfake threats. India’s strategy differs from the EU’s by prioritising innovation alongside societal protection, with efforts already underway at institutions like Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur to develop deepfake-detection tech exceeding 90 % accuracy. (PC: NDTV)  

The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) announced the withdrawal of the national cricket team from the upcoming tri-nation series in Pakistan featuring Pakistan national cricket team and Sri Lanka national cricket team after three Afghan domestic players—Kabeer Agha Argon, Sibghatullah Zirok and Haroon—were killed in an alleged Pakistani airstrike in the Urgun district of Paktika province. The ACB described the attack as a “cowardly act … carried out by the Pakistani regime” and said five others died and seven were wounded. The move follows heightened military tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan and underscores how sport has become entangled in geopolitics and cross-border violence. (PC: ACB)

On 15 October 2025, President Trump asserted that India has already “de-escalated” its imports of Russian oil and will stop buying it altogether, claiming Prime Minister Narendra Modi made that commitment. However, India’s government denied such discussions, stating its energy policy is driven by national interest and emphasising affordability and supply security for consumers. The claim highlights deepening diplomatic strains with the US as energy, trade and geopolitics intersect over Moscow’s war in Ukraine. (PC: AP)  

India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that the recently publicised Operation Sindoor—while a small‐scale strike—is only a “trailer” to much larger potential actions, and that not a single inch of Pakistani territory lies beyond the missile capabilities of the BrahMos cruise‐missile system. The remarks were made during the flagging off of the first batch of BrahMos missiles from the new manufacturing unit in Lucknow’s BrahMos Aerospace facility. Singh emphasised India’s growing defence‐industrial base, indicating the unit alone will generate ₹3,000 crore turnover and ₹5,000 crore GST annually. 

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has proposed a new digital ID system called the ‘Brit Card,’ modeled on India’s Aadhaar program, during his visit to Mumbai. The initiative aims to streamline access to public services and tackle illegal employment by providing a secure, government-backed identification method. Unlike Aadhaar, it will not initially use biometric data. However, the proposal has drawn criticism over privacy risks, potential government overreach, and data security concerns. Opposition parties and public surveys indicate declining support for digital IDs, raising questions about the initiative’s implementation and costs.   

Hamas has handed over the remains of an additional Israeli captive recovered in Gaza, as part of a ceasefire agreement mediated by the United States. The Qassam Brigades, Hamas's military wing, delivered the body to the International Committee of the Red Cross at 11 p.m. local time. The Israeli government confirmed receipt and initiated a formal identification process. Hamas has stated its commitment to returning all deceased hostages but requires international assistance, including heavy machinery, to recover remains still trapped under Gaza's rubble. (PC: AP)

The U.S. military is holding two survivors aboard a Navy warship after a strike on a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean, which killed two others. The operation, part of President Donald Trump’s anti-narcoterror campaign, targeted a semi-submersible possibly linked to Venezuelan traffickers. This marks the first prisoners of war captured in the conflict. The strike coincided with a U.S. military buildup in the region, including warships, fighter jets, and a nuclear submarine. Venezuela has appealed to the UN Security Council, calling the action a violation of its sovereignty.  

Afghanistan has withdrawn from the upcoming tri-nation T20I series involving Pakistan and Sri Lanka, scheduled for November 2025, following a deadly airstrike by Pakistan in Paktika province. Three Afghan cricketers—Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon—were killed when Pakistani forces targeted a gathering of civilians returning from a friendly match in Sharana. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) condemned the attack as a “cowardly act” by the Pakistani regime. Captain Rashid Khan and other top players expressed outrage, supporting the ACB’s decision to pull out of the series. (PC: NDTV)    

U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured him that India would halt purchases of Russian oil, calling it a “big step” toward ending the Ukraine war. (news18.com) The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) promptly denied the assertion, stating no such conversation occurred. India emphasized that its energy import decisions are made to protect domestic interests amid a volatile energy market. The MEA also noted that the current U.S. administration is exploring avenues to deepen energy cooperation with India. (PC: AP)

A court in Antwerp, Belgium, has rejected Mehul Choksi’s appeal against extradition, upholding India’s request and deeming his prior arrest valid. Choksi, accused in a ₹13,000 crore bank fraud tied to Punjab National Bank, had claimed Antiguan citizenship and renunciation of Indian nationality. Indian authorities had given assurances to Belgium about his detention conditions. Though this is a major legal victory for India, Choksi still may appeal in higher courts, delaying his return. (PC: AP)