Elon Musk intensified his dispute with Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani on October 9, sarcastically calling him the “real boss of India” amid delays in launching Starlink’s satellite internet services. Musk accused powerful business interests of obstructing competition and argued that Starlink could improve internet access in underserved areas, benefiting students and small businesses. The Indian government rejected allegations of favouritism, stating that all satellite communication providers must meet security requirements. Starlink, Reliance Jio’s satellite venture and Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb are awaiting further regulatory clearances before commercial services can begin. Rahul Gandhi also called for fair competition. (PC: NDTV)

US President Donald Trump’s administration imposed sweeping sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC) on October 9, 2026, just hours after former ICC judge Navi Pillay won the Nobel Peace Prize for promoting international justice. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the measures aim to prevent the court from prosecuting American citizens. The sanctions could restrict financial transactions and services provided by US companies. The ICC condemned the move as an attack on international law and urged its 125 member states to defend its independence. The decision also risks worsening tensions between Washington and European allies. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump announced a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin for Russia to supply nearly five million tonnes of diesel to global markets, aiming to ease soaring fuel prices ahead of the November midterm elections. Russia is expected to deliver supplies in phases, while the US Treasury issued a temporary licence easing sanctions on certain Russian diesel shipments until April 7, 2027. The move reverses years of US pressure on Moscow over its war in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticised the decision, warning that easing sanctions could help Russia finance its war. Analysts questioned its impact on fuel prices. (PC: AFP)

Delhi witnessed heightened security on October 10 as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), along with the All India Students’ Association (AISA), prepared to protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. The demonstrators allege irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, raising concerns about electoral transparency and voter rights. Police imposed restrictions, deployed security personnel and monitored transport hubs, citing concerns over public order. Several Opposition parties were expected to support the demonstration. The Election Commission’s handling of voter-list revisions has intensified political tensions and protests nationwide. (PC: ANI)

Elon Musk has escalated his dispute over Starlink’s entry into India, sarcastically addressing Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani as “Prime Minister Ambani” and accusing him of seeking to preserve monopolistic control. In a post on X on Friday, the SpaceX and Tesla CEO argued that Starlink could connect underserved communities, expand educational opportunities and help small businesses reach global markets. He also claimed the satellite internet service had saved lives during natural disasters when other communication systems failed. The controversy began when Musk alleged that unnamed oligarchs were blocking Starlink. India’s Communications Ministry rejected claims of discriminatory regulation, saying the country’s authorisation framework was fair and non-discriminatory. Starlink’s security assessment remains underway.

Larry, the official cat of 10 Downing Street and the UK government’s Chief Mouser, is recovering at home after undergoing a minor operation to remove a cyst. A Downing Street source confirmed that Larry is doing well and has already returned to roaming the building. The source offered a light-hearted update, saying Larry was “feline much better” but taking things “one paw at a time.” The statement also expressed gratitude to the veterinary team involved in his treatment. Larry, a familiar presence at the British prime minister’s official residence, is known for his role in catching mice and has become a popular fixture of Downing Street life. (PC: X)

Mobile internet services have been suspended for 24 hours within a 4-kilometre radius of the Janpath–Kartavya Path crossing in New Delhi ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) October 10 protest. The Union Home Ministry approved the order, with the shutdown scheduled from 10 pm on October 9 until 10 pm on October 10. The restrictions cover all mobile internet services, and Delhi Police has directed Airtel, Vodafone Idea, Reliance Jio and MTNL to implement the suspension. Internet services in the rest of Delhi will remain unaffected. The protest comes amid allegations of irregularities in election-related processes, prompting authorities to impose the temporary connectivity restrictions ahead of the demonstration. (PC: PTI)

Delhi Police has prepared an extensive security and surveillance plan ahead of the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) proposed October 10 protest after denying permission for a demonstration at Jantar Mantar. More than 20,000 security personnel are expected to be deployed across the capital. Preparations reported by Friday night included barricades around Jantar Mantar, restrictions on metro station entry and exits, hundreds of cancelled trains and mobile internet suspension in parts of central Delhi. The broader plan also includes 300 cameras, 12 detention centres and extensive recording measures. Senior police officers have briefed deployed personnel, instructing them to maintain restraint and handle the situation professionally during the protest. (PC: Reuters)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office called Nobel Peace Prize winner Navi Pillay a “bigot” against Jews, accusing her of promoting false allegations against Israel over its military campaign in Gaza. In a statement posted on X on October 9, the office criticised the Nobel Committee’s decision to honour Pillay, alleging she helped legitimise what it described as a fabricated case against Israel. The statement also accused International Criminal Court prosecutor Karim Khan of using Pillay’s findings to build the case, while referring to allegations of sexual misconduct against Khan. Pillay headed the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which concluded last year that Israel was committing “genocide” in Gaza.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has reduced the number of stations facing entry and exit restrictions ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) October 10 protest from 57 to 45. The revised restrictions took effect at 9 pm on October 9 and will remain in place until 6 pm on October 10, citing security concerns. DMRC said security agencies would review the situation and further updates would follow. Interchange facilities will remain available at all affected stations except New Delhi Metro station. The revision follows Supreme Court concerns that sweeping transport restrictions could inconvenience commuters. The court directed authorities to maintain regulated Metro and railway operations rather than impose a complete shutdown. (PC: News18)