US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s second visit to Bharat in months signals a pragmatic approach to strained bilateral relations, according to a Firstpost opinion article. Speaking to Network18 Editor-in-Chief Rahul Joshi, Rubio explained his visits to Mumbai and Jamnagar, highlighting their financial, industrial and energy significance. He described the long-awaited Bharat-US trade agreement as “incredibly close”, with technical details remaining and completion anticipated within weeks. Rubio acknowledged tensions over Russian oil, sanctions, tariffs and strategic differences, defending President Donald Trump’s decision to delay additional punitive measures. He also criticised Iran’s threats to commercial shipping and explained Washington’s continued engagement with nuclear-armed Pakistan, while opposing terrorism worldwide.

Elon Musk reportedly ordered speed restrictions on a version of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network used by Ukraine amid its war with Russia, according to a Wall Street Journal report published Tuesday. Citing US officials and people familiar with the matter, the report said the restrictions were imposed on Ukrainian equipment last week, leaving some drones virtually inoperable and potentially weakening Kyiv’s ability to counter Russian attacks. Two sources told the newspaper that Musk and US President Donald Trump discussed the decision shortly after the slowdown became public. One source also claimed Musk had spoken with several senior Trump administration officials, including Trump, before implementing the restrictions. SpaceX had not commented in the supplied report. (PC: X)

Delhi Police has transferred a second case against jailed Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) co-convenors Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka to the Crime Branch, bringing two cases against the leaders under the specialised unit’s investigation. Sources told PTI on Tuesday that the latest transfer follows the relocation of another case concerning their alleged entry into the Jantar Mantar area. According to Delhi Police, Das, Ranka, Ajinkya Shinde and 11 other CJP members reached the site on October 13, allegedly trespassing through private premises. Jantar Mantar has been denotified as a designated protest site. The latest development marks an expansion of the Crime Branch’s investigation into cases involving the CJP leaders. (PC: X)

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has alleged that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was detained for nearly three hours at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport after returning from Paris and was issued a ₹50,000 challan. AAP Punjab media in-charge Baltej Pannu claimed officials delayed Mann over luggage checks and alleged that they faced pressure from higher authorities. The party linked the incident to alleged obstacles imposed by the Centre on Mann’s foreign visits. Mann had travelled to Paris to promote Punjab’s products at an international food trade exhibition. Airport authorities reportedly attributed the fine to undeclared items in his luggage. (PC: ANI)

Mumbai Police sources reportedly revealed that Salman Khan was the original target in the recent firing incident linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. According to Hindustan Times, the shooters allegedly conducted reconnaissance near Khan’s Bandra residence but abandoned the plan because of stringent security arrangements. They reportedly shifted their focus to Tiger Shroff after learning through social media that he regularly played football in Juhu without police protection. Three suspects were arrested in Kota, Rajasthan, and police are investigating the alleged conspiracy. Security outside Khan’s residence has also been strengthened following the incident. (PC: PTI)

India and the United States are close to finalising a long-pending bilateral trade agreement, with US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing optimism about an early breakthrough. During his October 20–21 visit to India, Rubio met External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in Mumbai to discuss trade, energy security, defence, technology and regional developments. Rubio said only a few issues remained unresolved and hoped an announcement would follow soon. Trump also indicated that both countries were nearing an agreement. Discussions additionally focused on diversifying India’s oil imports and expanding energy cooperation. However, the deal has not yet been officially signed. (PC: PTI)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the India-US trade deal could be finalised within weeks, with 99% of the work completed. In an interview with The Indian Express, Rubio said negotiations had narrowed to a few words and phrases. He described bilateral ties as positive and a key feature of Washington’s foreign policy. Addressing concerns over US relations with Pakistan and China, Rubio said ties with other countries would never come at India’s expense. He also said the Trump administration’s tariffs and tighter visa policies were not specifically directed at India, seeking to reassure New Delhi amid trade tensions. (PC: X)

Delhi’s air quality is expected to deteriorate to the ‘poor’ category from Wednesday and remain there until Friday, according to the Air Quality Early Warning System. The city recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 179 on Tuesday, placing it in the ‘moderate’ category. An AQI between 201 and 300 is classified as poor by the Central Pollution Control Board. The worsening air quality comes as temperatures fall and weather conditions become less favourable for dispersing pollutants. Stubble burning in neighbouring states could also contribute to rising pollution levels as the winter pollution season approaches. (PC: NDTV)

Delhi Police detained 10–12 students and activists associated with the Krantikari Yuva Sangathan (KYS) on Tuesday after they burned a 20-foot effigy of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar at Sangam Park near Model Town. The protest was organised during Dussehra to highlight alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Police said the group had not obtained permission for the demonstration and was protesting near a residential area. KYS members claimed the action was an expression of dissent and alleged that activists were detained illegally. Police said all those detained were released within a few hours. (PC: HT)

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has approached the Delhi High Court challenging the continued detention of its leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka. The party has sought an urgent hearing, including a possible night hearing, arguing that their detention violates their fundamental right to liberty. The move follows a Special Executive Magistrate’s decision to extend their judicial custody by 2 days, taking it to 7 days. The leaders were detained after allegedly entering Jantar Mantar, which is no longer a designated protest site, during a demonstration. CJP has challenged the legality of the custody extension.