Asianet Newsable

Climate Shocks Push More Girls Toward Early Marriage As Families Struggle To Cope Worldwide

Vaishnav Akash — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 16:12:05 +0530

Climate-related disasters are increasingly affecting the lives of girls and young women, with new findings suggesting rising links between environmental crises, early marriage, unintended pregnancies and gender-based violence.

The issue has gained renewed attention as policymakers and climate negotiators gather for international meetings in the Pacific region, where communities are confronting the growing impacts of rising temperatures, extreme weather and sea-level rise.

According to a new assessment by Plan International, climate events such as droughts, floods, cyclones and prolonged heatwaves are disrupting essential services that many girls rely on, while also increasing financial pressure on households already facing difficult conditions.

The report is based on interviews with 5,000 girls and young women aged 15 to 24 across Bangladesh, Kenya, Peru, Senegal and Zimbabwe.

Researchers found that climate-related disruptions are affecting education, healthcare access and family stability, creating conditions that can increase risks for adolescent girls.

Among the survey participants, one in ten reported experiencing an unintended pregnancy following a climate-related event. Additionally, one-third said unintended pregnancies had become more common within their communities after such incidents.

The findings point to wider social consequences of climate change that extend beyond environmental and economic impacts.

Researchers noted that girls are often among the most vulnerable groups when households face prolonged financial stress, crop losses, displacement or disruptions to public services.

The report was released ahead of the International Day of the Girl Child, observed annually on October 11.

Economic Stress Linked To Social Risks

One of the strongest themes identified in the study was the pressure climate-related events place on family livelihoods.

Nine out of ten respondents said environmental disruptions were creating serious challenges for their family's health, stability and ability to meet basic needs.

The report also highlighted concerns surrounding child marriage.

According to the findings, prolonged droughts appear particularly associated with increases in early marriages and informal unions. Researchers suggested that as families lose agricultural income, livestock and other sources of support over extended periods, some may view marriage as a coping mechanism during financial hardship.

The issue was especially notable in regions repeatedly exposed to climate-related stress. Violence against women and girls also emerged as a concern.

Overall, 28 per cent of respondents reported seeing increases in such violence following climate events. The figure was substantially higher in Zimbabwe, where many survey participants linked worsening environmental conditions with greater social and economic strain.

The findings contribute to a growing body of research examining how climate pressures intersect with broader development and gender issues.

Health And Climate Concerns Gain International Attention

The report coincides with wider discussions about climate impacts on health taking place ahead of COP31.

Climate officials and health experts have increasingly highlighted how extreme temperatures affect vulnerable populations, including pregnant women.

Recent discussions have drawn attention to research linking prolonged heat exposure during pregnancy with increased risks of complications, including premature birth, low birth weight and other maternal health challenges.

Pacific nations hosting pre-COP climate discussions have also emphasized the broader consequences of climate change for vulnerable communities.

Countries throughout the region continue to confront threats from rising seas, higher temperatures and environmental changes affecting livelihoods and infrastructure.

Officials from climate-vulnerable nations have called for stronger international support, particularly in areas related to adaptation and resilience.

According to recent estimates referenced during climate discussions, developing countries require significantly more funding for adaptation measures than is currently available.

For many communities, addressing climate impacts increasingly involves more than protecting infrastructure or managing environmental risks.

The latest findings suggest that climate disruptions are also influencing social outcomes, healthcare access and opportunities for young people.

As governments prepare for the next round of global climate negotiations, advocates argue that the needs of girls and young women should be considered more directly within adaptation and resilience strategies.

The report concludes that climate events are not only reshaping landscapes and economies but also affecting family decisions and life outcomes in ways that can have long-term consequences for future generations.

Narges Mohammadi Opens Up About Prison Injuries, Solitary Confinement And Separation From Her Children

Vaishnav Akash — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 15:52:04 +0530

Iranian human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi has spoken about the physical and psychological impact of her imprisonment, describing serious injuries, prolonged solitary confinement and ongoing medical complications that continue to affect her health.

Mohammadi, 54, said she suffered severe physical violence during her arrest in December 2025 and later required multiple hospital examinations after experiencing symptoms including dizziness, nausea and vomiting.

According to her account, she sustained repeated blows to the head and body during the arrest. She said the injuries left significant bruising and resulted in medical concerns that required two brain CT scans while she was in detention.

Despite her condition, Mohammadi said she was transferred directly to a solitary confinement cell, where she remained isolated while dealing with the aftermath of her injuries.

The activist also claimed that requests for an independent medical assessment of her condition were not accommodated.

Her comments have renewed attention on her long-running legal and health struggles, which have made her one of the most internationally recognized figures in Iran's human rights movement.

Mohammadi was temporarily released from prison in May 2026 for medical treatment after reportedly being found unconscious following a cardiac arrest.

She now says the possibility of returning to prison remains a major concern because of her current health condition.

According to Mohammadi, years of imprisonment have contributed to ongoing complications involving her heart, lungs and nervous system, requiring continued treatment and rehabilitation.

The activist believes another period of incarceration could pose serious risks to her wellbeing.

Years Of Imprisonment Leave Lasting Impact

Mohammadi's latest account forms part of a much longer history of arrests, trials and imprisonment.

Since becoming one of Iran's most prominent rights advocates, she has experienced numerous arrests and multiple periods of solitary confinement.

She was detained again in December 2025 while attending a memorial gathering for human rights lawyer Khosrow Alikordi in Mashhad.

Two months later, a court handed down a new sentence that included additional prison time and internal exile.

The physical effects of detention, however, are only part of the story she describes.

Mohammadi also spoke extensively about the psychological consequences of prolonged isolation.

She characterized solitary confinement as a form of extreme hardship that affects an individual's perception of reality and sense of self.

According to her account, the absence of social interaction and isolation from the outside world created significant emotional challenges during detention.

Those experiences are explored in her recently published memoir, which recounts her years of activism, imprisonment and personal sacrifice.

Family Separation Remains Her Deepest Struggle

While Mohammadi said she rarely questioned her commitment to human rights advocacy, she admitted that separation from her children remained the most painful aspect of imprisonment.

She reflected on the impact that repeated arrests had on her twins, Ali and Kiana, who witnessed several of those detentions while growing up.

The activist said periods of isolation often led her to think about whether her responsibilities as a mother should have taken priority over her public work.

Those concerns, she explained, created some of the most difficult moments during imprisonment.

Even so, she maintains that her commitment to human rights efforts remains unchanged.

Mohammadi also expressed alarm about Iran's broader situation, citing concerns over executions, political repression and economic difficulties affecting ordinary citizens.

She argued that many people face growing pressure from both social and economic challenges while seeking greater freedoms and opportunities.

Despite the continued possibility of legal action and further detention, Mohammadi said she intends to remain in Iran and continue her advocacy.

She also voiced optimism about the country's younger generation, especially women and young people, whom she described as increasingly aware of their rights and determined to pursue change.

HRW slams Bangladesh's ongoing crackdown on political, civil rights

Asianet News Central — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 15:31:01 +0530

The mass arrests of attendees at a small left-wing party’s meeting in Dhaka on September 26 is the latest incident in the Bangladesh authorities’ ongoing assault on civil and political rights, Human Rights Watch (HRW), a US-based human rights organisation, said in a statement on Tuesday.

Police took around 290 supporters of the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal into custody after members of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s youth wing, Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, claimed the gathering was a “secret” meeting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League, which is banned. A court remanded 27 of those arrested to custody because it was alleged they had chanted “Joy Bangla” (Victory to Bengal), a slogan associated with the Awami League, it said.

A Cycle of Political Repression

The Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal was part of a 14-party alliance, led by the Awami League, that governed Bangladesh from 2009 until 2024, when it was toppled by student-led protests in which hundreds were killed by security forces. The current ruling party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, faced severe repression under the Awami League government. Since being elected in February, it has targeted its own perceived opponents with arbitrary detention, and hundreds of Awami League members are currently in jail, mostly without charge. Police have repeatedly raided alleged gatherings of Awami League supporters. On September 26, the same day as the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal meeting, police in Barisal detained 12 Awami League activists for allegedly holding a “secret” meeting to “plan sabotage”; two days later, 15 were arrested in Dhaka under the 2009 Anti-Terrorism Act on similar allegations. In both cases, those detained said they had gathered to mark Hasina’s birthday.

HRW Condemns New Government's Actions

"During Hasina’s authoritarian rule, there were widespread and grave rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, torture, and the arbitrary detention of political opponents. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party came to power promising to restore human rights and the rule of law. Instead, the new government has arbitrarily detained perceived opponents and rolled back human rights safeguards the interim government proposed", the statement said.

"International human rights law guarantees freedoms of expression and association for all. Past violations of those rights committed when the Awami League was in power cannot justify the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s current violations of the same rights. Bangladeshi history is rife with examples of where such repression can lead", it added. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

India, US explore avenues to further bolster strategic defence ties

Asianet News Central — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 15:01:04 +0530

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh held talks with Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the United States Pacific Command, in New Delhi on Tuesday, with both nations exploring avenues to further bolster bilateral defence and strategic ties while exchanging viewpoints concerning regional and global affairs.

Following the meeting, sharing an update on X, the Ministry of Defence stated, “Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh met with Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the US Pacific Command, who is on a visit to India. During the meeting, both sides discussed strengthening India-US defence and strategic cooperation and exchanged views on regional and global issues.”

Paparo's Engagements with Indian Leadership

On Monday, Admiral Paparo met several Indian defence chiefs during his ongoing visit, highlighting the profound importance underpinning the US-India Major Defence Partnership, according to US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor.

“Honoured to host Admiral Samuel Paparo in India. One of America’s most consequential military leaders, Admiral Paparo commands U.S. Pacific Command, the nation’s oldest and largest geographic combatant command, overseeing approximately 400,000 military and civilian personnel across a region spanning roughly half the globe,” Ambassador Gor stated on X.

“Admiral Paparo joined India’s Chief of Defence Staff, General N. S. Raja Subramani, Chief of the Army Staff, General Dhiraj Seth; Vice Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit; Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, Air Marshal Tejinder Singh; and other senior Indian defence officials for an evening highlighting the growing strength, ambition, and importance of the U.S.-India Major Defence Partnership,” he added.

Meeting with External Affairs Minister

Earlier, Admiral Paparo also met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to confer on advancing mutual security collaboration and maritime coordination.

“Glad to meet Commander of the US Pacific Command, Admiral Samuel J. Paparo. Discussed advancing our security partnership and maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific,” EAM Jaishankar posted on X.

Visit to Consolidate Defence Alliance

Admiral Paparo landed in New Delhi on October 3 for a six-day official visit aimed at consolidating the defence alliance connecting the two countries. The Admiral's discussions with Indian officials centred on shared security objectives, encompassing the adoption of digital transformation and cutting-edge technologies, preserving regional strategic stability, enhancing defence energy resilience, and navigating a fiercely competitive technological ecosystem.

“From emerging technology to maritime security, the United States and India are building a defence partnership equipped to meet the challenges of the future,” the US Embassy in India said in a statement. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Harivansh, Tanzania Speaker discuss parliamentary cooperation at IPU

Asianet News Central — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 14:31:08 +0530

Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh held a meeting with Tanzania National Assembly Speaker Mussa Azzan Zungu on Tuesday on the sidelines of the 153rd International Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Arusha, Tanzania, focusing on further enhancing parliamentary cooperation, capacity building, and skill development between the two nations.

During the meeting, the Deputy Chairman extended his congratulations to Mussa Azzan Zungu for successfully hosting the 153rd IPU. Detailing the engagement on social media, the Indian High Commission in Tanzania posted on X, "Shri Harivansh, Hon’ble Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Mussa Azzan Zungu, Hon’ble Speaker of the National Assembly of Tanzania, on the sidelines of the 153rd International Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Arusha, Tanzania."

The High Commission added, "Discussion took place on further deepening parliamentary cooperation, capacity building, and skill development. Hon. Deputy Chairman congratulated the Speaker of Tanzania on successfully hosting the 153rd IPU."

Indian Delegation's Participation in IPU

Harivansh arrived in Arusha on Sunday to head a parliamentary delegation participating in the 153rd IPU Assembly and associated sessions. Upon their arrival, the Indian High Commission in Tanzania posted on X, "Hon. Shri Harivansh, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha and Shri Sasmit Patra, Hon’ble MP of Rajya Sabha was warmly received by H.E. Shri Bishwadip Dey, High Commissioner of India to Tanzania, upon their arrival in Arusha, Tanzania."

The mission further noted, "Hon’ble Deputy Chairman is leading a parliamentary delegation attending the 153rd International Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Tanzania. The visit symbolises a landmark success in strengthening parliamentary cooperation."

According to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat, the IPU Assembly will bring together parliamentarians from across the world for discussions on the theme “Enhancing good governance and empowering communities through inclusivity, trust and opportunities for all.”

Delegation Composition and Agenda

The Indian delegation features Harivansh alongside Lok Sabha MPs Anurag Thakur, Aparajita Sarangi, Sanjay Jaiswal, Kamaljeet Sehrawat, Lata Wankhede, Bijuli Kalita Medhi, and N. K. Premachandran, as well as Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra.

The Secretariat confirmed that the delegation will participate in a wide range of meetings, panel discussions and workshops on issues of contemporary global relevance, and articulate India’s perspectives on these matters. Deputy Chairman Harivansh will participate in the Governing Council, the General Debate, the debate on the emergency item and the hearing with candidates for the position of IPU President.

The Indian delegation's itinerary includes taking part in discussions covering democracy, human rights, global peace, sustainable development, and women's involvement. Further areas of engagement span science, technology, counter-terrorism, physical and mental health, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, the future of work, maritime security, climate action, and the preservation of mountain and ocean habitats.

Commitment to Parliamentary Diplomacy

Emphasising the significance of the visit, the Rajya Sabha Secretariat stated, “The participation of the Indian Parliamentary Delegation reflects India’s continued engagement with the IPU and its commitment to parliamentary diplomacy, multilateral dialogue and cooperation among parliaments on issues affecting global peace, development, democracy and the empowerment of communities.”

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Thailand Floods Worsen: 31 Deaths, 3.5 Million Hit | Bangkok Under Flood Threat | World News

Asianet Newsable English — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 14:07:38 +0530

Thailand is battling widespread flooding after weeks of heavy rain, with 31 deaths reported and more than 3.5 million people affected. Flooding continues across multiple provinces, while Bangkok and low-lying areas remain vulnerable. Authorities are racing to drain floodwaters and provide relief as fresh thunderstorms and heavy to very heavy rain threaten several parts of the country. Officials are also warning of possible flash floods, landslides and renewed waterlogging.

Tukaram Mundhe Makes The New York Times Front Page as ‘Rock Star’

Deevika NM — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 12:37:39 +0530

Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has taken his reputation for strict enforcement to the international stage, with The New York Times featuring him on its front page and calling him a “rock star.” The prominent feature has drawn fresh attention to the IAS officer’s campaign against food safety violations across Maharashtra.

The New York Times carried the headline “In India, a Food Inspector Is a Rock Star”, accompanied by the strap, “Diners revere him and owners fear him.” Its report described Mundhe as “a food safety celebrity”, focusing on how his high-profile inspections have transformed what is normally routine regulatory enforcement into something closely followed by the public.

Mundhe, who is often referred to as “IAS Singham”, has gained a following for his uncompromising approach to food safety. Since taking charge as Maharashtra FDA commissioner earlier this year, his department has conducted surprise inspections at restaurants, food shops, warehouses and quick-commerce dark stores. Several establishments have faced temporary closures or licence suspensions following inspections.

"Proud" Moment for Maharashtra

"Liberal Leftist" New York Times has featured IAS Tukaram Mundhe on front page under headline, “In India, a Food Inspector Is a Rock Star”

He deserves Ramon Magsaysay Award next.

Earlier, IRS Arvind Kejriwal had received this prestigious award. https://t.co/zwprxNIiAO

— BhikuMhatre (@MumbaichaDon) October 6, 2026

The crackdown has extended to well-known food brands. Outlets of Domino’s and Pizza Hut were temporarily shut following inspections that reportedly found cockroaches and expired products in their kitchens. Mumbai’s established food businesses have also faced action, while inspections at quick-commerce dark stores operated by Blinkit and Zepto reportedly uncovered alleged food safety violations, including expired products and pests.

The international attention follows earlier coverage of Mundhe’s work by the BBC and reflects more than his growing personal popularity. His strict enforcement has also sparked a wider conversation about how visible, consistent government action can influence public trust and make ordinary regulatory duties more meaningful to citizens.

Mundhe responded to the New York Times feature on X, stressing that the recognition was less important than the work itself. He wrote:

“Good governance is not about making headlines. It is about making a difference.”

Good governance is not about making headlines. It is about making a difference.

Food safety is ultimately about protecting people, upholding standards and building public trust.

When enforcement is fair, fearless and consistent, institutions earn credibility and citizens begin to believe that the system works.

The New York Times captures one such story from Maharashtra.

#TukaramMundhe #GoodGovernance #PublicTrust #FoodSafety #PublicService #NYTimes

— Tukaram Mundhe (@Tukaram_IndIAS) October 5, 2026

He added that food safety is ultimately about “protecting people, upholding standards and building public trust.” Mundhe further said that “when enforcement is fair, fearless and consistent, institutions earn credibility and citizens begin to believe that the system works.”

His final message was that the New York Times had captured “one such story from Maharashtra.”

For Mundhe, therefore, the “rock star” tag may have come from an international newspaper, but his response suggests that his focus remains on enforcement, food safety and public service rather than fame.

British Airways Flight To Chicago Drops 28,000 Ft, Declares Emergency, Returns To Heathrow

Deevika NM — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 12:09:03 +0530

A British Airways flight travelling from London to Chicago declared an emergency after making a dramatic descent of nearly 28,000 feet over Ireland, forcing the aircraft to abandon its transatlantic journey and return to London Heathrow. The incident occurred on Monday, October 5, and was tracked through flight-monitoring data.

The Boeing 777-200ER, operating as BA295, departed from Heathrow Terminal 5 at around 11:50 am local time and was scheduled to fly to Chicago O'Hare International Airport. The flight had an expected duration of approximately eight hours and 40 minutes.

British Airways Plane Makes Sudden 28,000-Ft Descent

According to flight-tracking data, the aircraft climbed to roughly 37,000 feet before making a rapid descent while flying over Ireland. It eventually reached an altitude of around 9,000 feet. The crew also transmitted 7700, the internationally recognised transponder code used to alert air traffic controllers to a general emergency.

The precise cause of the emergency was initially unclear. British Airways later said the aircraft had experienced a “technical issue.” The airline did not indicate that the incident involved a security threat or hijacking.

After the emergency was declared, the aircraft turned around and headed back towards London. Flight-tracking data showed the plane spending several hours circling over the Bristol Channel and surrounding areas, apparently reducing its fuel load before landing. The aircraft eventually returned safely to Heathrow at around 5 pm, several hours after departing.

Passengers Safe As Flight Returns To Heathrow

British Airways confirmed that the aircraft landed safely and that passengers were able to leave the plane normally.

In a statement, the airline said: “The safety of our customers and crew is always our top priority, and the aircraft landed safely after our highly-trained pilots returned to Heathrow following a technical issue.”

The airline added: “Customers disembarked the aircraft normally and our teams are working to get their travel plans back on track as quickly as possible.”

The incident comes amid heightened attention on aviation emergencies after several high-profile incidents involving passenger aircraft. However, there is currently no indication that the British Airways flight faced a deliberate attack.

The aircraft's return to Heathrow meant passengers had to abandon their planned journey to Chicago, with the airline working to arrange alternative travel. The cause and circumstances surrounding the technical problem remain under review.

Israel Nearly Shot Down Flydubai Plane Carrying 150 Israelis After Cockpit Attack: Report

Deevika NM — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 11:57:48 +0530

A Flydubai passenger flight carrying more than 150 Israelis came dangerously close to being shot down by Israel after a shocking cockpit attack left authorities fearing the aircraft could have been hijacked, according to a CBS News report cited by multiple outlets. Israeli sources with direct knowledge of the incident told CBS that fighter jets were scrambled and a long-established emergency protocol was activated after the aircraft suddenly plunged thousands of feet.

Flydubai Plane Plunges 14,000 Feet After Cockpit Attack

The incident involved Flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30 with 182 people on board, most of them Israeli nationals. The aircraft was approaching Israel when its Omani co-pilot, identified as Hamam al-Hammami, allegedly attacked Captain Smit Machchhar and attempted to take control of the aircraft.

The plane reportedly plunged around 14,000 feet, prompting the Israeli Air Force to try contacting the cockpit. When there was no response, Israel activated a pre-established procedure designed for a potential “9/11-style” scenario. A command centre was established, fighter jets were scrambled and Israeli airspace was closed.

According to CBS sources, if the aircraft had continued towards Israel, Israeli fighter pilots would have attempted to visually inspect the cockpit and cabin. If authorities concluded that the plane had been hijacked, remained silent and posed a threat to a high-value target, the decision to shoot it down could ultimately have rested with the Prime Minister.

Passengers Overpower Co-Pilot, Plane Lands In Saudi Arabia

The situation changed when the aircraft turned towards Saudi Arabia, around 400 miles from Israel. Israeli fighter jets were subsequently recalled, while Saudi Arabia also scrambled aircraft. The Flydubai plane eventually made an emergency landing in Tabuk.

Captain Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door after fighting off the attacker. Israeli passengers and Flydubai staff then overpowered the co-pilot, while two off-duty pilots travelling on the aircraft helped regain control of the plane.

Israeli officials have said the co-pilot allegedly told investigators that he had planned the attack before joining Flydubai and intended to crash the aircraft at Ben Gurion Airport. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are examining whether the incident was a lone-wolf attack.

The episode has since triggered renewed scrutiny of airline crew vetting and aviation security, particularly the potential threat posed by insiders with access to aircraft cockpits.

Nepal Home Minister Sudhan Gurung to visit Delhi for BIMSTEC meeting

Asianet News Central — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 11:00:58 +0530

Nepal Home Minister Sudhan Gurung will visit the Indian capital, New Delhi, next week to attend the BIMSTEC Home Ministers' meeting, three sources privy to the visit told ANI. It will be the Home Minister’s first foreign visit since assuming office.

Inaugural BIMSTEC Home Ministers' Meeting

As per the source from the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, the invitation was extended to the Nepal side via the Foreign Ministry last week. As per Nepali officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nepal Home Minister will fly to Delhi on October 12 for the first meeting of Home Ministers of BIMSTEC. “He will be attending the meeting on October 13,” an official from the Foreign Ministry confirmed to ANI.

Along with Nepal, Home Ministers of other BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) nations will also participate in the meeting. It will be the very first meeting of Home Ministers from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand, all the BIMSTEC member nations, since its establishment in 1997. “On the sidelines of the meeting, the Nepali Home Minister is also expected to call on his Indian counterpart,” an official from Nepal’s Home Ministry confirmed to ANI.

Focus on Security and Counter-Terrorism

During the Fourth BIMSTEC Summit held in Kathmandu in 2018, the leaders had agreed to hold the Home Ministerial-level meeting. It was also outlined during the summit that the meeting will focus on strengthening cooperation and coordination among law enforcement, intelligence and security agencies.

Along with the aim of the meeting at the time, it was determined to continue with the BIMSTEC National Security Chiefs meetings as part of promoting cooperation and coordination on counter-terrorism and transnational crimes. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

German Air Force joins Tarang Shakti 2026 with advanced Airbus A400M

Asianet News Central — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 10:01:01 +0530

Amid the vast, sun-drenched expanses of Rajasthan, the skies over the Jodhpur Air Force Station have transformed into a bustling aerial theatre. Setting a striking tone for international military cooperation, the German Air Force is participating in the ongoing multinational air combat Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026, featuring the prominent deployment of an advanced Airbus A400M military aircraft.

German Captain on Tarang Shakti Experience

Speaking to ANI, German Air Force Captain Maurice Berns said, "I'm a First Officer on the A400M, and I am participating in this year's edition of Tarang Shakti. It's been a great experience so far. Tarang Shakti teaches us, as transport aircraft crew, a lot of new things, and especially working with Indian people and the Indian Air Force is a great new experience."

Captain Berns further noted, "This time the exercise is a little bit bigger than the last edition. This time Germany is participating with the A400M, and we are participating in large force engagements, which means that we, as a transport aircraft, are being involved in big fighter jet exercises."

Highlighting the capabilities of the aircraft and the value of the drills, he added, "This time, the A400M is participating, the transport aircraft, the backbone of the German Air Force National Fleet, and it's a heavy cargo airplane capable of doing a lot of tactical missions and also logistics missions."

On the operational takeaways, Captain Berns stated, "For the German Air Force, flying in India is a great learning experience. We got to know a lot about the planning of the Indian Air Force, gained a lot of insights into how to fly and operate in these big exercises, and also increased the interoperability between Indian and German fighter jets and transport airplanes."

US F-35s Expand Multinational Footprint

Expanding the multinational footprint of the drills, the skies over Jodhpur witnessed the roar of US Air Force F-35A Lightning II fighter jets on Sunday as the advanced stealth aircraft took off for joint training operations during Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026, underscoring the growing scale of multinational air operations being conducted alongside the Indian Air Force.

The F-35As, assigned to the US Air Force's 13th Fighter Squadron at Misawa Air Base, Japan, are participating in the operational phase of the multilateral exercise, which brings together air forces from seven Friendly Foreign Countries under the theme "Power in Partnership".

'Power in Partnership' Exercise

Visuals from the exercise show the F-35A Lightning IIs taking off for a joint training flight at Jodhpur Air Force Station last week, operating alongside aircraft and personnel from the Indian Air Force and several friendly foreign countries.

According to the Ministry of Defence, the Indian Air Force commenced the operational phase of Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur following the inaugural ceremony. Seven Friendly Foreign Countries, Australia, the United States of America, the United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, are participating in the exercise, with foreign aircraft deployments including the F-35 Lightning II, Rafale, F-16, A400M, MRTT, C-130, C-130J and KC-30A.

Enhancing Interoperability and Professional Interaction

In addition to flying operations, the exercise provides participating air forces with opportunities for professional interaction among aircrew, mission planners and operational support personnel, with an emphasis on interoperability, mutual learning, aerospace safety and enhanced understanding of operational procedures.

The ministry noted that the exercise provides participating forces an opportunity to operate together, share experiences and gain a better understanding of each other's capabilities and operating philosophies. The 2026 edition builds on the inaugural edition of Tarang Shakti held in 2024, with participating contingents operating alongside the IAF and employing frontline combat platforms and support elements across a range of missions, while several other Friendly Foreign Countries participate as observers.

Beyond flying operations, the exercise features a range of professional, cultural and outreach activities, including a dedicated seminar, an industrial tour, the Sekhon Marathon, heritage tours and yoga sessions. The US Air Force also released visuals showing airmen assigned to the 13th Aircraft Maintenance Unit conducting routine maintenance on a US Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 13th Fighter Squadron during Tarang Shakti 26 at Jodhpur Air Force Station.

Demonstrating India's Defence Capabilities

The ministry stated that Exercise Tarang Shakti 2026 provides the IAF an opportunity to demonstrate its operational capabilities, professional standards and institutional ethos, while highlighting India's growing indigenous aerospace and defence capabilities in support of regional peace, security and stability. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Piyush Goyal meets Blackstone, Neuberger Berman to boost investment

Asianet News Central — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 07:30:32 +0530

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has stepped up his engagement with global business leaders during his visit to the United States, holding a series of meetings with senior executives from leading investment, financial services and consumer companies to explore opportunities for deeper investment and partnerships with India. Goyal held meetings with senior representatives of Blackstone, Neuberger Berman and The Estée Lauder Companies, with discussions spanning investment opportunities, financial and wealth management, manufacturing, sourcing and India's growing beauty and personal care market.

Meeting with Blackstone Leadership

During his meeting with Blackstone President and COO Jonathan Grey and Prakash Melwani, Chairman of Blackstone's International Private Equity business, Goyal discussed ways to deepen the company's investment and partnership with India. Sharing details of the meeting in a post on X, Goyal said, "Held a productive meeting with Mr. Jonathan Gray, President & COO of Blackstone along with Mr. Prakash Melwani, Chairman of Blackstone's International Private Equity business. Discussed opportunities to deepen Blackstone's investment and partnership in India and explored avenues across key sectors. I look forward our continued engagement and stronger collaboration."

Discussions with Neuberger Berman

Goyal also held talks with Neuberger Berman Chairman and CEO George Walker, along with Anthony Tutrone, Global Head of Neuberger Markets; Andrew Komaroff, COO; and Zain Naqi, Managing Director. The discussions focused on strengthening investment linkages with India and partnerships in financial and wealth management. "Held a productive meeting with Mr. George Walker, Chairman & CEO of Neuberger Berman, along with Mr. Anthony Tutrone, Global Head of Neuberger Markets; Mr. Andrew Komaroff, COO; and Mr. Zain Naqi, Managing Director. Discussed opportunities to deepen investment linkages with India and strengthen partnerships across financial and wealth management. With resilient macroeconomic fundamentals and deepening capital markets, India offers unmatched scale and long-term value creation for global institutional investors," Goyal said in another post.

Exploring Opportunities with Estée Lauder

The Commerce and Industry Minister also met Stéphane de La Faverie, President and CEO of The Estée Lauder Companies, in New York, with the discussion centred on expanding the company's presence in India. Goyal said the talks covered greater manufacturing and sourcing from India, as well as opportunities linked to the country's growing beauty and personal care market. "Held a meeting with Mr. Stéphane de La Faverie, President & CEO of The Estée Lauder Companies in New York. Discussed opportunities for the company to further strengthen its presence in India through greater manufacturing, sourcing from India & leveraging the country's growing beauty & personal care market," he said.

The engagements are part of Goyal's visit to the US, during which he attended the G20 Trade Ministers' Meeting. His meetings with global investors and business leaders come as part of his engagements in the US, with discussions focused on expanding investment linkages, strengthening partnerships and exploring opportunities for greater business engagement with India. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Spain's PM Pedro Sánchez calls snap election after housing bill defeat

Asianet News Central — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 07:30:31 +0530

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called an early general election for November 29 after his government suffered a parliamentary defeat over two housing measures, amid mounting political pressure, a worsening housing crisis, migration challenges and corruption cases involving figures close to his Socialist Party (PSOE), Euronews reported.

According to Euronews, the announcement follows a weekend of consultations by Sánchez with ministers and senior members of the PSOE, as the prime minister weighed whether to continue governing until the end of the parliamentary term or seek a fresh mandate.

Defeat on Housing Measures

The decision came after Spain's lower house rejected two government-backed housing decrees on Friday. Despite last-minute negotiations aimed at securing sufficient parliamentary support, the measures failed to pass, Euronews reported.

The defeated decrees formed part of the government's response to Spain's growing housing crisis, which has emerged as a key political challenge for Sánchez's administration.

A Fragile Government

The prime minister's decision also comes against the backdrop of increasing pressure on his coalition government, which has struggled to maintain support in the Spanish Congress because of its fragile parliamentary majority.

The government has been forced to negotiate its legislative agenda on a vote-by-vote basis with its parliamentary partners and has suffered several defeats in Congress, making it increasingly difficult to advance its policies, as reported by Euronews.

Other Mounting Pressures

Migration and Security

At the same time, a migration crisis in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta has added to the political strain. At the end of July, tens of thousands of migrants crossed the border from Morocco, placing unprecedented pressure on the enclave in North Africa.

The Spanish government subsequently deployed additional resources and, weeks later, declared a "situation of interest for national security" for the first time in Spain's democratic era. The government's handling of the situation has triggered criticism from the opposition.

The conservative People's Party (PP) and far-right Vox have accused the government of responding too slowly and have questioned its policy towards Morocco, Euronews reported. Sánchez, however, has defended the actions of Spain's security forces and his government's response to the migration situation.

Corruption Allegations

Political pressure has also intensified over several corruption cases and other legal proceedings involving individuals in the prime minister's political circle.

The combination of parliamentary defeats, the housing crisis, migration pressures and corruption cases has further complicated the government's efforts to maintain its fragile majority and continue governing through the remainder of the parliamentary term.

Against this backdrop, Sánchez's decision to call an early election on November 29 puts Spain's political future before voters following a period in which his government has increasingly struggled to secure parliamentary backing for its legislative agenda. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

US Pacific Command chief Admiral Paparo visits India to boost defence ties

Asianet News Central — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 04:30:57 +0530

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor hosted US Pacific Command chief Admiral Samuel Paparo in the national capital as part of the Admiral's India visit aimed at advancing the US-India Major Defence Partnership.

US Envoy Hosts Top Military Leader

Gor hosted the dinner at Roosevelt House during Paparo's October 5 to October 8 visit to India, according to a media note issued by the US Embassy.

In a post on X, Gor said he was "honoured" to host Admiral Paparo, acknowledging him as one of "America’s most consequential military leaders".

Admiral Paparo commands America's oldest and largest geographic combatant command, with approximately 400,000 military and civilian personnel across a region spanning roughly half the globe.

"Honoured to host Admiral Samuel Paparo in India. One of America’s most consequential military leaders, Admiral Paparo commands U.S. Pacific Command, the nation’s oldest and largest geographic combatant command, overseeing approximately 400,000 military and civilian personnel across a region spanning roughly half the globe," Gor said in his post.

High-Level Military Gathering

Gor said the gathering brought together senior military leadership from both countries to highlight the importance of the bilateral defence partnership.

Paparo was joined by Chief of Defence Staff General NS Raja Subramani, Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth, Vice Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff Air Marshal Tejinder Singh and other senior defence officials at the dinner.

Strengthening Defence and Economic Ties

According to the US Embassy, the evening highlighted "the growing strength, ambition, and importance of the US-India Major Defense Partnership".

The US Embassy also stated Paparo was recently featured on the cover of TIME Magazine in a profile examining his role in maintaining American military strength in the Pacific and building deterrence in the region.

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte, who is visiting India with a delegation of business and industry leaders, also attended the dinner.

The US Embassy said Gianforte's participation underscored the economic dimension of the relationship and the expanding role of American states, businesses and innovators in deepening bilateral trade and investment.

"Together, the evening reflected the breadth of a U.S.-India relationship whose defense and economic foundations continue to grow stronger," the US Embassy said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

UN Security Council 'gridlocked', needs urgent reform: S Jaishankar

Asianet News Central — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 04:30:23 +0530

UN 'Gridlocked and Irrelevant'

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar has described the United Nations as "largely irrelevant" to decision-making on major global issues, citing a "gridlock" in the UN Security Council and calling for reforms to make the world body more representative. Speaking during a discussion at the 5th Kautilya Economic Conclave in the national capital on Monday, Jaishankar said the UN's effectiveness had been affected by the inability of the Security Council to reach decisions on major international crises.

"Where the UN is concerned, it's obvious to everybody by now that the UN is gridlocked, that if you look at the big issues of the day, whether you look at the conflict in the Gulf, whether you look at the conflict in Ukraine, whether you look at other issues in Africa, or whether you look at COVID, actually the United Nations has been largely irrelevant to the decision-making," Jaishankar said. He attributed much of the problem to the deadlock in the Security Council, while also arguing that its composition no longer reflects the wider international community. "And a lot of it is because the Security Council is gridlocked and the Security Council no longer represents the entirety of the global interest. The UN started with 51 members; it's got almost four times that number today. So, if you have grown four times and you want to keep the old board of management, it's not going to work. It's common sense," he added.

Resistance to UN Reform

Jaishankar also said some countries were resisting reform of the UN while invoking Africa's interests, despite what he described as a clear African position on the issue. "Now, the problem is there are a few players, a few countries who are resistant to the reform of the UN, and they are using the name of Africa. They're using Africa's interest as an argument to block the reform of the UN. And the irony is Africa actually now has a clear position. Africa has actually come to the intergovernmental negotiations and indicated what they would like to see; they've laid out their position," he said.

The External Affairs Minister stressed that the objective should be to reform the UN rather than bypass it, while acknowledging the organisation's role in international affairs. "We need to see whether we will continue to watch, in a sense, the irrelevance or, I would say, ineffectiveness of the UN. And it's an important question because we need the UN. The UN has done a big service to the international community. Our job must be to fix the UN, not to work around the UN; the UN itself has to help with that process," Jaishankar said.

India's Push for UNSC Reforms

India is actively advocating for reforms to the UN Security Council as part of its broader push for comprehensive reforms of the United Nations. New Delhi has engaged in intergovernmental negotiations on reforms of the UNSC and has been working with other countries through the G4 grouping of India, Japan, Brazil and Germany, as well as the L.69 Group, a cross-regional grouping of developing countries from Asia, Africa and Latin America, to build support among UN member states for expanding the Security Council.

India has also been engaging with countries of the Global South as part of its efforts on UNSC reform. Reforming the Security Council would require amendments to the UN Charter. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

WATCH: Shanghai SWAT Female Officer Politely Turns Down Tourist’s Overfriendly Advance, Video Goes Viral

Hrishikesh Damodar — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 02:44:29 +0530

A Shanghai SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) female officer has drawn the attention of tourists and locals alike, sparking a viral video across Chinese social media platforms that showcases both her professional composure and athletic pedigree.

Tourists from around the world travelled to Shanghai just to catch a glimpse of the internet-famous cop, turning her post into a popular photo stop where admirers line up for a snapshot with the city's coolest guardian. SWAT officer’s look and striking presence have made her a fan favorite online.

Since Shanghai SWAT officers are known for their rigorous training standards and high visibility in major commercial hubs, they often become local landmarks in their own right, combining elite tactical readiness with everyday community engagement.

Also Read: 'You'll Fall At My Feet And Beg': Youths Clash With Cop In Greater Noida, Video Sparks Outrage

SWAT Female Officer’s Polite Response To Tourist Goes Viral

As the viral SWAT female officer, reportedly identified as Qian, became a centre of attention among tourists in Shanghai, China, she encountered an overly enthusiastic foreign tourist who attempted to put his arm around her for a photo, prompting a masterclass in calm, professional boundary-setting.

In a video that went viral on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), a tourist was seen approaching the SWAT female officer just like everyone else and attempted to pull her in close by placing his arm around her shoulder, crossing the boundary of standard public interaction.

Instead of losing her calmness and demeanour, the viral cop politely asked the tourist to keep his distance and declined physical contact with a composed, professional gesture. Rather than creating a scene, the SWAT officer handled the situation with absolute grace and posed for a picture, maintaining an approachable yet strictly professional demeanour.

Dude had the balls to grab the arm of a female SWAT officer in Shanghai like she was his wife after asking for a photo.

The officer put him in his place in the nicest way she could have.

Writer: Mhedi

https://t.co/COoucmqN6r

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) October 4, 2026

The SWAT female officer also clicked pictures with tourists, who especially came to Shanghai to experience the city’s vibrant energy and catch a memorable moment with the country's most talked-about law enforcement officer.

The female officer has joined the Shanghai Public Security Bureau, transitioning from her decorated career as a national-level sprinter, securing a prestigious silver medal, into an exemplary career, where her elite discipline and lightning-fast reflexes continue to command respect on and off the field.

Tourist’s Interaction With Shanghai SWAT Officer Sparks Debate

The viral video of a tourist interacting with the Shanghai SWAT officer has sparked a debate on social media, especially on X (formerly Twitter), with netizens and users divided over his overfriendly approach and the officer’s calm response.

Taking to their X handles, many users praised the officer for maintaining her composure while politely asking the tourist to respect her personal space, with some calling her response calm and professional and others criticising the tourist for getting too familiar with the officer.

Several users criticised the tourist’s behaviour, with some saying he should have maintained a respectful distance and followed the officer’s request. A section of users also debated whether the woman was part of a specialised SWAT unit or a public-facing police team.

@MarioNawfal Love how she corrected him gently not in a harsh way

— Moniflexera (@Moniflexera1) October 5, 2026

@MarioNawfal Maybe he thinks cops are like those Chinese girls in photos that you can just hug however you want!

— John Miller (@Babyoxpf) October 5, 2026

@MarioNawfal She allowed you to take photos with her at first, because Chinese police officers are friendly to ordinary members of the public. Later, however, she gave you a reminder, as you had touched her police badge. For Chinese police, any disrespect toward the police force.

— Price (@Xu06832545) October 5, 2026

@MarioNawfal Nobody got put in their place. She's a cop. She can't have her range of motion limited like that. Friendly Americans are friendly. Imagine that.

— JoeGardenFromTV (@JoeGardenFromTV) October 4, 2026

@MarioNawfal don't think she's swat. she's one of those chinese public police swat officer. she's meant to be in the public to be seen by the foreigners. but she won't be repelling down a building the breach a bank robbery terrorism case

— bo reddude (@BoReddude005) October 4, 2026

@MarioNawfal touching a swat officer like that is insane but the real lesson is he got off easy compared to what a male officer wouldve done

— Lucy (@lucybunnyxox) October 4, 2026

@MarioNawfal She should have been more aggressive with that fool. What a clown.

— Andy froemel (@FroemelAndy) October 4, 2026

@MarioNawfal Should have politely declined the picture once she asked him to remove his hand.

— MemesX (@lipsreadbyai) October 4, 2026

@MarioNawfal What a creep. These creeps are crawling around Asia.

— Vice Premier (@straycat911911) October 4, 2026

@MarioNawfal bet he learned his lesson real quick

— immoderately (@immoderately) October 4, 2026

European men are still very touchy. 20 years ago in Italy, some random ass limo driver wanted a photo with my wife and his hands started wandering. I had to step in and shove him the fk away

— Andrew Chia (@Andrew_Chia01) October 4, 2026

The SWAT officers are reportedly tasked with balancing intense public scrutiny with high-profile tourism support, acting as both frontline guardians and informal ambassadors during peak travel seasons like the National Day holiday.

This viral cop has become the centre of attention, seemingly because of her striking combination of elite professional composure, approachable public engagement, and an impressive athletic background that has captured the imagination of millions online.

Also Read: Viral Video: Giant Wave Engulfs Cargo Ship in Terrifying Ocean Encounter! (WATCH)

India-Switzerland ties to deepen post-EFTA deal, says Prez Murmu

Asianet News Central — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 02:30:31 +0530

Murmu: Switzerland an 'important trade and investment partner'

President Droupadi Murmu said Switzerland is an "important trade and investment partner" for India, highlighting opportunities to deepen bilateral economic ties following the implementation of the India-European Free Trade Association Trade and Partnership Agreement. The President made the remarks on Monday while hosting Swiss Confederation President Guy Parmelin at a banquet at Rashtrapati Bhavan as part of the latter's three-day visit to the country. The Swiss President arrived in India on Monday as part of his visit from October 5 to October 7.

Welcoming Parmelin to India, the President said the two countries enjoy warm and cordial relations based on shared values of democracy and the rule of law, while cooperation spans trade and investment, science, technology and innovation, culture and people-to-people contacts.

Murmu noted that following the implementation of the "historic India-European Free Trade Association Trade and Partnership Agreement", there are greater opportunities for expanding bilateral trade and investment. She also highlighted the presence of Swiss companies in India, particularly in the infrastructure sector, where they have a notable presence in the construction of roads, railway bridges and tunnels.

Murmu said Swiss companies can also explore opportunities in emerging areas such as clean and green technology and Artificial Intelligence.

The President further noted that important agreements had been signed during Parmelin's visit to promote cooperation in migration and mobility, research, and technology transfer.

The two leaders also agreed that close cooperation between India and Switzerland can bring immense benefits to the people of both countries and expressed confidence that this visit will contribute to further strengthening relations between the two countries.

PM Modi, Swiss President discuss partnership across key areas

The banquet was also attended by Vice President CP Radhakrishnan. "Hon’ble Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan attended the banquet hosted by Hon’ble President Smt. Droupadi Murmu in honour of the President of the Swiss Confederation, H.E. Mr. Guy Parmelin at Rashtrapati Bhavan today," the Vice-President said in a post on X.

Earlier in the day, Parmelin held talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House, with the discussions covering a broad range of areas aimed at taking the India-Switzerland partnership forward.

"In our talks today, President Guy Parmelin and I discussed ways to take the India-Switzerland partnership forward across key areas like: Trade and investment, especially in the wake of the India-EFTA agreement. Defence production. Nuclear energy. Infrastructure and mobility. Science, technology and innovation. Opportunities for students and professionals," PM Modi said in a post on X.

The Prime Minister said the two sides also discussed deeper cooperation in health, clean energy, space, Yoga and Ayurveda.

The Swiss President's visit, which began on Monday and runs through October 7, is centred on strengthening bilateral engagement across commerce, investment, scientific advancement, technological innovation and workforce mobility.

During the banquet, Murmu also noted that regular high-level exchanges between India and Switzerland have continued to provide momentum to bilateral relations, while expressing confidence that closer cooperation would benefit the people of both countries. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

US downplays threat link to bomber withdrawal from UK: Marco Rubio

Asianet News Central — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 02:30:27 +0530

Bomber Withdrawal a 'Regular Rotation', Says Rubio

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has dismissed suggestions that the withdrawal of American long-range bombers from the UK's RAF Fairford was linked directly to a security threat, saying the movement of military assets was part of regular rotations and redeployments.

Speaking to reporters on Monday (local time) at Joint Base Andrews ahead of his departure for Iceland, Greece and Portugal, Rubio said the US Department of War was "constantly reallocating resources where they need to be", while also pointing to routine rotations. "The Department of War is constantly reallocating resources where they need to be. There are regular rotations that happen as well," Rubio said.

When asked whether there was a threat, Rubio said the US had documented what happened the previous week, referring to the alleged Iranian plot targeting the UK airbase, but cautioned against directly linking it to the movement of the bombers. "We’ve documented what happened last week. I wouldn’t directly tie that to the move that was made," Rubio said. "The only reason why you guys are focused on how many planes are at Fairford is because of the threat that happened last week, but it’s not unusual to see rotations happen and movement of assets to different parts of the world based on exercises, redeployments, people changing out and new people coming in, new planes coming in, old planes going out," he added.

Conflicting Reports on 'Unspecified New Threat'

The remarks came after the United States moved all long-range bombers deployed at RAF Fairford back to their home stations in the US following an unspecified new threat, according to CNN, citing a US official. The development came amid an ongoing investigation into an alleged Iranian plot targeting the UK airbase.

The US official told CNN, "We can acknowledge now that all U.S. bombers that were deployed to RAF Fairford have redeployed to their home stations in the United States." The official did not provide details about the nature of the threat or explain why the aircraft were moved.

A source familiar with the matter described the latest threat as a "real world incident", according to CNN. The source also said it was unusual for the US military to return the bombers to their home stations rather than deploy them to another base in the region.

Arrests Made in Connection with Alleged Plot

RAF Fairford has been used to deploy US B-1 bombers involved in the war against Iran and serves as an operating location for US Global Strike Command, which is responsible for managing long-distance strikes. The relocation came days after British authorities arrested several individuals in connection with an alleged Iranian plot targeting the airbase where the US aircraft had been stationed.

British police arrested five men on September 27 on suspicion of terror and explosives offences near RAF Fairford. The men, identified as British nationals aged between 23 and 25 from the London area, were later released on bail. Police confirmed that no explosives were found in three vans at the scene.

A 25-year-old British-Iranian dual national was also arrested on Thursday in connection with the alleged plot. Iran has denied involvement in the incident and described the accusations as baseless. Tehran also summoned the British ambassador in Tehran following the allegations.

US Expresses Confidence in British Security

Asked whether the US continued to have confidence in British security at RAF Fairford, Rubio said Washington had confidence in the security of all its bases. "We have confidence in the security of all of our bases, because all of our bases are theoretically – could be threatened at any moment, and that’s why there’s so much security built around them," Rubio said.

"And with the Brits, we’ve worked very closely for a very long time, including on this investigation, and they couldn’t be more cooperative," he added. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Pakistan to deploy forces amid Houthi attacks

Asianet News Central — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 01:30:25 +0530

Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan have agreed to activate collective defence measures under the Mecca Defence Alliance and move towards the swift deployment of forces and military capabilities to Saudi Arabia amid ongoing attacks by Houthi rebel groups from Yemen targeting the Kingdom.

The decision was taken at an emergency meeting of the Political and Defence Strategic Committee of the Mecca Defence Alliance held in Riyadh, where the three countries discussed security developments and threats facing the Kingdom. "The Emergency Meeting of the Strategic Political and Defense Committee under the Makkah Alliance for Defense reaffirmed the solidarity and unity of our countries in confronting the heinous attacks against the Kingdom and the holy sites. The committee agreed to activate collective deterrence measures within the framework of the Alliance in response to the attacks and all those responsible for them," Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud said in a post on X.

Joint Statement on Swift Deployment

The meeting comes against the backdrop of ongoing attacks by the Houthi rebel group targeting Saudi Arabia as part of a broader conflict in West Asia. According to the joint statement issued after the meeting, the committee decided on the "immediate transition to the practical implementation of collective defense commitments" and agreed to take the necessary measures to provide the forces and military capabilities previously agreed upon and "to swiftly deploy them in the Kingdom". The deployment, the statement said, will take place "in accordance with the approved arrangements and the national legislation of the member states", with the objective of enhancing military readiness, integration and the collective capacity of the three countries to confront threats.

Alliance Appoints First Secretary-General

The meeting also marked an institutional step for the alliance, with the committee appointing retired Pakistan Army Lieutenant General Numan Mahmud as its first Secretary-General for a three-year term.

Strong Condemnation of Houthi Attacks

The three countries also strongly condemned an alleged attempt by the rebel group to target the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, along with ongoing attacks targeting cities, civilian facilities and economic installations in Saudi Arabia.

The statement reaffirmed the three countries' "categorical rejection of any aggression or threat to the security of the Kingdom and the safety of its territories."

Commitment to Collective Security

The committee also reviewed the outcomes of political and military consultations held ahead of the emergency meeting and endorsed the recommendations presented to it, stating that the Mecca Defence Alliance represents a commitment to collective defence and a unified position in confronting threats. "The member states affirmed that the security of each member state is an indivisible part of the collective security of the three states," the statement said. It added that translating the Mecca Agreement on Collective Defence into practical measures would "enhance the effectiveness of deterrence".

The latest meeting therefore moves the alliance from its stated collective-defence commitments towards practical implementation, with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye agreeing to arrangements for the provision and swift deployment of military capabilities in the Kingdom. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Viral Video: Chinese Husband Allegedly Catches Wife With Another Man! (WATCH)

Indrakshi Samanta — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:27:02 +0530

A viral account from China has drawn attention after claiming that a husband who suspected his wife of infidelity devised a plan to confirm his doubts. According to the story circulating online, he allegedly told his wife that he would be away from home for a long period before unexpectedly returning with police officers.

Viral Video: Giant Wave Engulfs Cargo Ship in Terrifying Ocean Encounter! (WATCH)

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A post shared by DeshSutra (@deshsutra)

Viral Video: 20-Year-Old Allegedly Forced To Marry 67-Year-Old In Bangladesh! (WATCH)

The account claims that upon reaching the house, the husband allegedly forced open a bedroom door and discovered his wife with another man. The confrontation was reportedly presented as confirmation of the suspicions that had led him to make the unusual plan.

The incident allegedly resulted in the couple moving toward divorce proceedings. However, claims circulating alongside the story that the husband automatically escaped alimony obligations and kept all marital property should not be taken as established fact.

Under Chinese divorce law, decisions involving the division of marital assets and other financial matters can depend on several factors, including the couple’s circumstances, children and the reasons behind the breakdown of the marriage. Chinese law also recognises cohabitation with another person as a circumstance that can be considered in divorce proceedings.

The viral story has therefore attracted attention online, but specific claims about its legal outcome should be treated with caution unless supported by verified details from the case.

Viral Video: Giant Wave Engulfs Cargo Ship in Terrifying Ocean Encounter! (WATCH)

Indrakshi Samanta — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:04:10 +0530

A terrifying scene unfolded in the middle of the ocean when a gigantic wave suddenly rose in front of a massive cargo ship. The enormous vessel appeared almost tiny as the towering wall of water moved toward its bow before crashing over the front of the ship.

Viral Video: 20-Year-Old Allegedly Forced To Marry 67-Year-Old In Bangladesh! (WATCH)

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A post shared by Vayam Bharat (@vayambharat)

Viral Video: Little Girl Pleads With Man To Spare Her Mother! (WATCH)

The powerful wave completely covered the vessel’s bow for several seconds, creating a dramatic sight that highlighted the immense force of the sea. The footage showed the ship struggling against the massive surge as water swept across its front.

Despite the intensity of the wave, the cargo ship managed to push through the rough conditions and continued its journey across the ocean. The incident left viewers stunned by the sheer scale of the wave and the vulnerability of even the largest vessels when faced with powerful natural forces.

The dramatic footage serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the ocean. While modern cargo ships are built to withstand challenging conditions, the vastness and power of the sea can still create moments that appear overwhelming. The incident also offers a striking glimpse into how quickly weather and ocean conditions can change, turning an ordinary journey into a frightening encounter.

WATCH: Car Narrowly Avoids Train During New Zealand's Green Party Rail Safety Press Conference

Hrishikesh Damodar — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 23:18:29 +0530

In two contrasting ways, New Zealand’s Green Party’s press conference immediately pivoted from a political policy announcement into a real-time manifestation of the very crisis the politicians were addressing in Auckland.

In a video that went viral on social media, Green Party co-leaders Chloe Swarbrick and Marama David were addressing the media about the importance of having level crossing safety and the urgent need to remove dangerous intersections along the Western Line in Morningside.

As Swarbrick highlighted the major infrastructure pledge to eliminate dangerous rail level crossings on Auckland’s Western Side, a car raced past active warning lights and lowered barrier arms, narrowly avoiding a collision as an oncoming passenger train blasted its horn right behind the podium.

Also Read: Wig-Wearing Serial Bike Thief Nabbed in UP After CCTV Exposes Clever Disguise

‘That’s Incredibly Dangerous’

As the New Zealand General Elections are set to take place on November 7, Green Party leaders Chloe Swarbrick and Marama David began campaigning for safer infrastructure and increased public awareness, emphasising that the blatant disregard for safety regulations puts countless lives at risk every single day.

As Swarbrick and Marama were addressing the reporters in Morningside, a car suddenly drove across the level crossing despite the warning lights, alarms, and lowered barrier arm, narrowly avoiding an approaching train. The Green Party leaders and the reporters were left stunned by the coincidence.

Speaking to reporters, Swarbrick pointed to the near-miss as a real-time example of the danger posed by level crossings, saying:

“That is a case in point as to why we need to remove these level crossings. It's like you set that up. That's incredibly, incredibly dangerous,” she added.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 9News (@9news)

As several leaders across all parties in New Zealand take up issues concerning road safety, public welfare, education, infrastructure, and broader public safety frameworks, authorities continue to stress that upgrading rail infrastructure remains an essential step in preventing accidents caused by driver error and compromised crossings.

Why New Zealand’s General Elections 2026 are Crucial

New Zealand is gearing up for what is shaping up to be one of the most high-stakes general elections in recent history. As voters head to the polls on November 7, the major political parties, including National, Labour, and the Green Party, are sharply focused on core issues that directly affect netizens every day.

National Party is currently a majority party in New Zealand, leading a three-party coalition government alongside ACT and New Zealand First, which together hold 68 of the 123 seats in Parliament. The coalition government is headed by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, with the three parties holding a clear majority in the House.

However, in the latest 1New Verian poll conducted in late September, National and Labour were tied at 28%, while the Green Party surged to 16%, its highest-ever result in the poll. The result potentially highlights how close a contest could be in the upcoming New Zealand General Elections in November,

In New Zealand, native Māori are protesting against Islamic immigration, tearing down a jihadist flag while performing the traditional Haka.

“New Zealand is a Christian nation!

The jihadists are not welcome here!” https://t.co/JjsrQ5OT6r

— Khan Fatima (@Khan_Fatimaa1) September 4, 2026

The latest issues being raised by the public are the economy, high prices, and low wages; the rising cost of living, housing affordability, and low wage growth remain front and centre for voters. Reportedly, youth unemployment has affected roughly 180,000 young New Zealanders, making it one of the focal points in the upcoming election.

Moreover, healthcare, education, climate change, and infrastructure are also expected to remain key issues during the election campaign, with parties attempting to appeal to voters through their respective policy priorities.

Also Read: What Is Sangli Well Mystery: Petrol-Like Liquid Raises Leak Fears In Maharashtra Village

Israel restored security, economy after Oct 7 attacks: Ambassador

Asianet News Central — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 23:01:11 +0530

Marking the third anniversary of the October 7 terror attacks, he stated that his country has successfully restored national security, brought displaced citizens back to their homes, and revived its economy, while establishing strategic buffer zones in Gaza, South Lebanon, and Syria. Speaking with ANI ahead of the anniversary as Israel commemorates the victims, Ambassador Azar highlighted both the national reflection and the broader geopolitical shifts across the region.

A Moment of National Reflection

"Three years after the events, we can surely say that Israel has restored security in our country. Our communities in the south and also in the north are back home. Our economy has recovered. We're doing pretty well, but there are traumas. Today, in Israel, we commemorate the Hebrew date in our calendar for October 7, and we are lowering our flag. We are sitting with the bereaved families, listening to the stories of those who lost their loved ones, and discussing again what happened and what we can do in the future to prevent that from happening. This is a moment of reflection for us," Ambassador Azar said.

Geostrategic Security and Political Plans

Outlining the current security architecture and political roadmaps for the region, the envoy emphasised that Israel is actively working on long-term political plans for both Gaza and Lebanon. "At the geostrategic level, what we can say is that Israel is now secure. We have a buffer zone in the Gaza Strip, we have a buffer zone in South Lebanon, and a buffer zone in Syria. We are working on a political programme both to get rid of Hamas in the Gaza Strip through the Board of Peace and to have Hamas renounce its weapons and appoint a government that will seek a future for Palestinians in Gaza free from the hijacking of Hamas," he noted.

Diplomatic Progress with Beirut

Detailing the diplomatic progress with Beirut, he added: "We have peace negotiations with Lebanon that have advanced pretty well. We have had about five or six rounds, and now we have a path in which we are going to keep sitting in the buffer zone until the Lebanese army is ready and capable enough to restore sovereignty without Hezbollah being present adjacent to our border..."

Pressure on Hamas to Disarm

Addressing delays in finalising a permanent peace agreement for Gaza, Ambassador Azar pointed directly to Hamas's refusal to surrender its weapons, warning that Israel will push forward militarily if diplomatic efforts fail. "The main reason we are stuck is that Hamas is refusing to disarm. We will continue putting pressure on Hamas militarily, not just diplomatically, because we know that Hamas not only conducted the most terrible and atrocious terrorist attack in Israel's history, but they also do not look after the interests of the population of the Gaza Strip," Ambassador Azar stated.

"They are ready to continue the suffering of the population just for them to stay in power. And this is something that is very difficult to overcome. But I think we have the resilience, endurance and consistency that we need to continue putting pressure together with the international community until they change course. And if they don't, we will have no choice but to finish the job militarily, which we prefer not to do."

Economic Rebound and Regional Stability

Highlighting Israel's economic rebound and its desire for regional stability, the envoy pointed to strong economic growth figures while calling on Iran-backed groups to accept the new reality. "We have very clear political paths both when it comes to Gaza and Lebanon, and Israel is interested in stabilisation. Our economy is booming now. We have grown 15% in the first quarter and 7% in the second quarter," Ambassador Azar said. "Israelis want to go back to their lives. We have zero interest in resuming the conflict. But at the end of the day, in order for diplomacy to win the day, we'll have to have the members of the Iran axis come to terms with reality."

Alignment with Gulf Partners

Concluding on regional diplomatic relations, the Ambassador noted growing alignment with Arab partners in the Gulf regarding regional security. "When it comes to relations with other countries, I think that we have much more understanding at this point with many countries in the Gulf regarding the necessity to safeguard the security of the region," he said.

Hamas militants killed 1,200 people in Israel on October 7, 2023, and took more than 250 hostages in a savage attack. It triggered a brutal retaliation from Israel which Gaza's health ministry says has killed more than 65,000 people, most of them women and children.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

PM Modi, Swiss President talk Ukraine; Bern lauds India's peace stand

Asianet News Central — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 23:01:03 +0530

Highlighting India's steadfast position on global conflicts following bilateral delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swiss President Guy Parmelin, Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Sibi George, stated that New Delhi continues to advocate for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. Outlining India’s firm diplomatic stance, the MEA Secretary (West) emphasised New Delhi's commitment to peaceful conflict resolution and commended Bern's ongoing international peace initiatives.

"Both leaders discussed the ongoing conflict situation in the world, and India's position is very clear. As far as the Ukraine situation is concerned, we stand for a diplomatic solution. We also appreciate the role being played by Switzerland in finding a diplomatic solution to the matter," he affirmed. Detailing the Swiss leadership's response to India’s diplomatic messaging, Secretary George revealed that President Parmelin expressed strong appreciation for Prime Minister Modi’s continued advocacy for global peace and an immediate end to hostilities.

"I am very happy to mention that the Swiss President was highly appreciative and thankful to Prime Minister Modi for his position, particularly the message that he conveyed that it is not an era of war, and it's an era of peace, and also on the recent position that the war has to end was highly appreciated," he said. Switzerland has leveraged its historic diplomatic neutrality to act as an institutional host and facilitator for these talks. While Russia initially rejected Swiss mediation due to Western sanctions, Switzerland successfully utilised its good offices to host broad international security meetings in Davos (January 2024), the high-level Bürgenstock Summit (June 2024) to build global consensus, and ultimately the direct trilateral negotiations in Geneva (February 2026).

Swiss President Lauds India as a Stabilising Force

Earlier in the day, Swiss President Guy Parmelin confirmed that broad-ranging talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi covered pressing geopolitical crises, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, alongside UN multilateral reforms. Addressing a joint press briefing in the national capital, President Parmelin framed the growing alignment between New Delhi and Bern as a stabilising force amid a "very difficult period" marked by international conflict, economic volatility, and global fragmentation.

Highlighting institutional freedom, academic exchange, and the press as vital pillars of global governance, the Swiss leader emphasised that both nations share core democratic values that must be nurtured. "India, as the world’s most populous democracy, and Switzerland, as one of the oldest democracies, share fundamental values," President Parmelin stated. "We highlighted the importance of civil society, academia, the position of the media, and the democratic aspect."

Reflecting on the escalating international flashpoints, Parmelin noted that diplomatic convergence between the two nations is critical to navigating complex geopolitical shifts, positioning Geneva as a neutral platform to drive dialogue. "The numerous hotspots of conflict, notably the war in Ukraine, were also subjects of discussion," Parmelin revealed. "Furthermore, we touched upon the United Nations and multilateral reforms, as well as the role of Geneva as a premier platform for multilateral diplomacy."

India's Active Peace Brokerage Acknowledged

His remarks come as India has stepped beyond traditional advocacy to actively broker peace and operational agreements between Moscow and Kyiv. India's active mediation efforts have been acknowledged by key figures on both sides of the war.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha confirmed that India has formally stepped forward to help resolve the conflict, offering what Kyiv considers "the most comprehensive" peace proposal currently under evaluation. Similarly, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts to bring an end to the conflict, noting that the Indian leader has "good ideas" for a peaceful resolution.

Prime Minister Modi has consistently reiterated India's principled, humanitarian approach to the crisis, maintaining that dialogue remains the only viable path to lasting peace. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

India's strategic autonomy an 'enormously valuable asset' for Europe

Asianet News Central — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 23:00:37 +0530

Calling India a trusted international partner whose foreign policy independence offers high reliability, Munich Security Conference (MSC) Foundation Council President Wolfgang Ischinger stated that India's strategic autonomy represents an "enormously valuable asset" for Europe, while emphasising that New Delhi plays a central role in Europe's Indo-Pacific strategy.

Speaking with ANI during his visit to India following high-level strategic discussions with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and ahead of meetings with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the veteran diplomat praised the deepening partnership between India, Germany, and the broader European Union. Highlighting the foundational strength of mutual reliability in international relations, the former German ambassador to the US praised India's non-aligned stance and diplomatic credibility. "From a European point of view, we are interested in finding partners that offer a degree of reliability. And the degree of autonomy which India has enjoyed, as a country that is not part of any alliance, is for us an enormously valuable asset. We know that if you have the word of India, you can rely on that. And trust, as I learned early on in my career, trust is the currency of diplomacy. So India, I think for us, is a trusted partner, and that's the basis for future, even—even more far-reaching cooperation."

Expanding Economic and Tech Cooperation

Commenting on the bilateral economic momentum following recent trade agreements between India and Europe, Ischinger noted that while trade figures have grown dramatically, the partnership holds vast potential across high-technology and scientific sectors. "Well, once again, the trade agreement between India and the European Union is the biggest and most far-reaching one that Europe has ever concluded with anyone. So this is an almost historic step. The—the point to make is that we should not stop here, but we should try, going forward, we should try to build on this economic and financial relationship," Ischinger said. "There are so many other areas: in science, in education, I mentioned artificial intelligence, including security. India has an enormous interest in, you know, maritime security in the Indo-Pacific. We have an enormous interest in maritime security in our part of the world. We have a lot to offer each other. So let's not stop our ambition of building on this relationship at the—with the issue of trade. We can go far beyond that going forward."

Detailing specific areas of convergence, particularly in emerging technology and artificial intelligence, Ischinger pointed to India's vast pool of software talent as a natural complement to European capabilities. "There are so many converging interests. Let me give you just one example: the current challenge of how to deal with the future of artificial intelligence is one area where Indian interests—India with a huge number of, you know, software engineers and companies that are active in this area—converge with those of Europe. So, in other words, we can work together on a huge number of areas: in science, in biology, in technology, in raw materials, etc., etc. There is really no limit to the European-Indian relationship."

India's Central Role in the Indo-Pacific

When asked about India's role in Europe's Indo-Pacific strategy, Ischinger reaffirmed New Delhi's pivotal position while backing India's long-standing bid for permanent membership on the United Nations Security Council. "A central one. A central one," Ischinger asserted regarding India's role in the Indo-Pacific. "Clearly, India is on the way. India should have been, India should be, of course, a permanent member of the Security Council of the United Nations. It's a pity, it's a shame that that reform step has not been taken. So, from our point of view, India is, as far as Asia, Asia-Pacific, Indo-Pacific is concerned, our primary partner in more than just one respect."

Concluding his remarks, the MSC President expressed hope that senior Indian ministers would participate in the upcoming Munich Security Conference in Germany to engage with global decision-makers on critical international security issues. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Thai Consul-General Racha Aribarg visits Buddha Vihar in Kanchipuram

Asianet News Central — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 23:00:36 +0530

Thai Consul-General Visits Kanchipuram's Buddha Vihar

Consul-General of the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Chennai, India, Racha Aribarg visited the Buddha Vihar temple in Vaiyavoor, under the Kancheepuram Corporation limits, offered prayers and distributed rice to Buddhist devotees.

During his visit, Aribarg offered special prayers at the temple and paid respects to the sacred relics of Buddha enshrined there. The temple is currently undergoing construction as part of efforts to establish a new shrine. He also distributed rice as a donation to Buddhist devotees who had gathered at the Vihar and received blessings from Buddhist monk Bhikkhu Buddha Prakasam. He interacted with the monk and other members of the Buddhist community.

Speaking on the occasion, the Thai Consul General expressed happiness over offering prayers at the Vihar and welcomed the initiative to establish the new temple. R. Thirunavukkarasu, president of Buddha Vihar and a member of the District Minority Welfare Committee, Vihar treasurer Gauthaman and several Buddhist devotees participated in the event.

Promoting Trade and Investment

Earlier on Tuesday, Racha Aribarg, Consul-General of Thailand in Chennai, participated in the “Namaste Asia 2026: South India Meets Asia” seminar, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Southern Region, in Chennai, under the theme “South India & Southeast Asia: Driving Manufacturing & Supply Chain Partnerships.” During the “Diplomatic Perspectives” session, Consul-General Racha shared his views on the opportunities and potential for the Thai private sector to promote trade and investment cooperation between Thailand and various states in South India, Thai Consulate General in General stated. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Lula to meet allies, plan strategy for runoff against Bolsonaro

Asianet News Central — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 22:00:50 +0530

Lula's Runoff Strategy Meeting

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of the Workers’ Party (PT) is set to hold a meeting with political allies in Brasília on Monday, October 5, to discuss his campaign strategy for the presidential runoff against Liberal Party (PL) candidate Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, as reported by Brasil 247.

According to Brasil 247, the meeting is likely to be held in the afternoon and could bring together politicians who contested Senate and state governor elections in the first round. The development follows Lula’s second-place finish in the vote count reported by g1, a Brazilian news portal.

Focus on Abstainers

As the campaign moves into the runoff phase, Lula has indicated that his team will focus on reaching voters who stayed away from the first round. More than 33.3 million voters abstained in the October 4 election, representing 21.07 per cent of the electorate. Lula has identified this group as an important constituency for the next phase of his campaign as he seeks to broaden his support ahead of the runoff.

Speaking about the upcoming contest, Lula described the second round as a direct race between the two candidates. “I am very good in knockout rounds. In a tête-à-tête. Then we will see what projects the country has,” Lula said.

The Brasília meeting is expected to centre on the campaign’s next phase, including efforts to coordinate political allies and strengthen support across different states. The participation of candidates who contested Senate and gubernatorial races could help the PT consolidate its political network ahead of the final vote.

Bolsonaro's PL Gains in Congress

Meanwhile, Bolsonaro’s PL has strengthened its position in Congress after electing 19 senators, according to g1. The result gives the party a significant presence in the legislature as the presidential race enters its concluding stage.

Runoff Confirmed After Tight Race

Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court confirmed on Sunday that a second round would be required after 96.78 per cent of ballot boxes had been counted. At that point, Flávio Bolsonaro had secured 47.39 per cent of valid votes, while Lula had received 44.74 per cent. As counting continued, the difference between the two candidates narrowed, although Bolsonaro remained ahead in the figures available at the time.

Lula da Silva and the Bolsonaro faction maintained a tight grip on Brazilian politics by capturing more than 92% of Sunday's vote. Because no candidate crossed the 50% majority mark, Brazil's presidential election race is headed to a runoff on October 25.

Victory in the final round will come down to swaying the 7.82% of voters who backed eliminated candidates and mobilising non-voters. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

EXPLAINED | France Student Protests: Over 500 Schools Shut; What’s Behind the Unrest?

Gargi Chaudhry — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 21:35:32 +0530

A growing student protest movement is disrupting schools across France, with high school students taking to the streets to demand better educational facilities, more teachers and improved learning conditions.

The demonstrations, which began in the Paris region in September, have now spread to several parts of the country. School blockades, rallies and clashes with police have disrupted classes, with hundreds of schools facing full or partial closures.

French authorities said up to 500 schools could remain closed or partly closed as security concerns continue. Education Minister Édouard Geffray said dozens of schools had been damaged and education staff had been injured since the protests began.

Why Are French Students Protesting?

At the heart of the demonstrations are complaints about the condition of France's public high schools, known as lycées. Students have raised concerns over teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, inadequate school infrastructure and a lack of support staff. Some students say absent teachers are not being replaced, leaving them without lessons for extended periods.

Overcrowding has also emerged as a major grievance, with students describing classrooms packed with around 35 pupils. Others have complained about poorly maintained buildings, insufficient toilets and uncomfortable classroom temperatures during heatwaves.

Students have also criticised long school schedules and the pressure associated with the country's university admissions system, Parcoursup.

How Did The Protests Begin?

The movement began in September at the Saint-Exupéry high school in Créteil, a suburb southeast of Paris. Students initially joined teachers who were protesting staff shortages and inadequate resources.

The demonstrations subsequently spread through the Paris region before reaching cities including Marseille, Lyon, Lille, Strasbourg and Tours. Students have used school blockades and street demonstrations to draw attention to their demands.

Social media has also played a major role in the movement's rapid expansion. Videos showing demonstrations, burning barricades and police using tear gas have circulated widely, helping students share their experiences and mobilise others.

When Did The Protests Turn Violent?

What started largely as school blockades has increasingly involved clashes between demonstrators and police. Some protesters have thrown stones, bottles and other objects, while fires have been reported outside schools. Police have responded with tear gas and other crowd-control measures.

French authorities say thousands of people have been arrested since the unrest began, many of them minors. Officials have also reported injuries among students, school staff and police officers. The police response has itself become a point of controversy. Critics have accused officers of using excessive force against teenage protesters, while the government has condemned attacks on police and damage to public property.

What Are Students Demanding?

The protesters are primarily calling for more resources for public education.

Their demands include:

More teachers and support staff
Smaller class sizes
Better-maintained school buildings
Improved classroom conditions
More resources for schools in disadvantaged areas
Changes to academic pressure and the university admissions system

Students and education advocates have also highlighted inequalities between schools serving wealthier communities and those in lower-income areas.

Why Has The Issue Become Political?

The student movement comes at a politically sensitive time in France, with presidential elections approaching. The government has acknowledged that some student complaints are legitimate but has accused far-left groups of exploiting or infiltrating the demonstrations and contributing to violence.

The left-wing France Unbowed (LFI) party has rejected those accusations. Its representatives have defended students' right to protest while calling for demonstrations to remain peaceful. The unrest has therefore developed into more than an education dispute, becoming part of a wider political debate over government spending, public services and the future of France's education system.

What Happens Next?

Student organisations have called for further nationwide demonstrations on October 6, raising concerns that disruptions could continue. The government has said it wants schools to return to normal while responding to students' concerns. Education authorities have announced measures including discussions with students and efforts to speed up teacher recruitment.

With hundreds of schools already affected, the coming days will determine whether the protests remain focused on education reforms or develop into a broader confrontation over France's public services and political direction.

India-Switzerland partnership sees progress under TEPA, says MEA Secy.

Asianet News Central — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 21:30:58 +0530

MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George on Monday detailed the expanding economic, educational, and diplomatic partnership between India and Switzerland, highlighting significant progress under the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA). Responding to a question from ANI during a media briefing on the state visit of the President of Switzerland, Secretary George addressed the execution roadmap for the multi-billion-dollar trade deal and emphasised that ground-level progress is already visible beyond formal policy frameworks. He noted that Indian businesses have also built a major footprint in Switzerland.

$100 Billion Investment and TEPA Progress

"On the investment projects, there was this agreement to have an investment to the tune of 100 billion dollars in the next 15 years. You know, this is a commitment. These commitments create an important framework, but the real value is in the actual investment. I'm very happy to report that there is significant progress in that direction," he said.

Swiss Corporate Footprint in India

Providing a detailed breakdown of the existing industrial ecosystem, Secretary George highlighted how Swiss enterprises are utilising India for manufacturing, innovation, and international exports, while reaffirming the long-term employment creation targets under the trade pact. "There are more than 340 Swiss companies present in India with a subsidiary, with a joint venture, two liaison offices, and with 110 companies setting up manufacturing and 30 companies operating their R&D centres in India, and 74 companies using India as an export hub for other markets. So, there is a growing partnership which would bring in huge investment, as envisaged in the TEPA, in the coming months and years. This would also envisage creating at least 1 million jobs in India," he said.

Indian Investment in Switzerland

Emphasising that bilateral economic engagement is a two-way street, the MEA Secretary pointed out the substantial investment presence Indian corporate houses have built across key sectors in Switzerland. "There is Indian investment in Switzerland as well. I am told that there is, to the tune of 9 billion dollars, investment in the last several years, and over 150 Indian companies have established subsidiaries in Switzerland, including IT companies, pharma companies, life sciences, even automobile," he added.

Cooperation in Higher Education

Turning to higher education cooperation, Secretary George stated that India has invited Swiss academic institutions to establish physical presence in the country amid ongoing higher education reforms. "We have invited Swiss universities. A large number of foreign universities are opening their campuses in India. Swiss universities have also been invited to take a look at this. Education is a very important area of cooperation between India and Switzerland," he observed.

Expanding on academic cooperation and skill development, Secretary George revealed that New Delhi has formally encouraged Swiss higher education institutions to set up offshore campuses in India as part of broader education sector reforms. "So, education is a very important area of cooperation between India and Switzerland. In fact, the Honourable President is accompanied by the state secretary in charge of education, who is also, you know, the—the President himself is the—is in charge of the education ministry. So, it's an important topic of discussions."

Bilateral Talks and Diplomatic Outcomes

Concluding his response on diplomatic and global governance matters, Secretary George noted, "As far as today's meetings are concerned, I would like to say that multilateralism was discussed, and the importance of strengthening multilateralism was discussed, and we will continue to have further discussions on how do we take this forward."

This comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swiss President Guy Parmelin held bilateral talks on Monday as the latter arrived in New Delhi on a three-day State visit at the invitation of PM Modi. The discussions resulted in six key outcomes, including the Migration and Mobility Partnership (MMP), offering multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) noted that President Parmelin is travelling alongside a prominent delegation consisting of senior officials and corporate executives, marking his maiden State visit to India and his second journey to the nation this year, following his participation in the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi in February 2026. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

"Nothing Comes Close To Indian Hospitality": Man Compares $600-A-Night US Hotel Breakfast With Indian Hotels

Keerthika MV — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 21:03:44 +0530

Indian and Asian hotels are known for offering elaborate breakfast spreads, particularly at luxury properties, where guests can choose from a wide range of freshly prepared dishes, live counters, regional specialities, continental options, Asian cuisine, desserts and beverages. For many travellers, breakfast at a five-star hotel is not merely a meal but an experience, with the sheer variety often becoming one of the highlights of a hotel stay.

However, an entrepreneur's recent experience at a luxury hotel in the US has sparked a discussion on social media about the differences in breakfast offerings across countries. Vineeth K, who shared his experience on X, said he was staying at a JW Marriott in the US, where the property costs around $600 per night. Despite the premium room rate, he was surprised by what he described as a relatively limited breakfast spread compared with what guests often get at luxury hotels in India and other Asian countries.

JW Marriott Breakfast Experience Sparks Debate

Sharing pictures of the breakfast, Vineeth K compared the experience with luxury hotels in India and Asia. He pointed out the variety typically available at Indian and Asian hotels, including fresh food, live cooking counters, Asian dishes, continental choices, desserts and several other options.

According to him, the contrast was particularly noticeable at the US property, where having Starbucks in the coffee section was considered a premium breakfast offering. He said that while food preferences naturally vary from country to country, guests paying a premium price for a hotel may reasonably expect a certain level of variety and dining experience.

Vineeth also acknowledged that the experience could be different at more expensive properties, saying he agreed that the breakfast experience was better at hotels costing more than $1,000 per day.

Indian and Asian hotels have really spoiled us when it comes to food, especially breakfast.

The variety, the number of options, the fresh food, live counters, Asian dishes, continental choices, desserts. You name it, and they have it.

Now, look at this.

We are staying at a JW Marriott in the US. The property costs around $600 per night. And this is what the breakfast looks like. The difference is huge. Here getting Starbucks in the coffee section is termed as a premium breakfast.

In India and many Asian countries, breakfast at a luxury hotel is an experience in itself. You walk in, look at the spread, and wonder where to even start.

Here, at a similar price point, the options are surprisingly limited. I agree that it’s better above $1000/Day

Of course, food preferences differ across countries, and I understand that. But when you pay this much for a hotel, you naturally expect a certain level of variety and experience.

Travel really makes you appreciate the little things you often take for granted back home.

— Vineeth K (@DealsDhamaka) October 3, 2026

Indian And Asian Hotel Breakfasts Offer Wide Variety

In India and several Asian countries, breakfast at luxury hotels often includes a combination of regional and international dishes. Guests may find Indian specialities alongside Asian cuisine, continental breakfast options, fresh juices, bakery items, desserts and live counters where food is prepared to order.

For many travellers, this variety is an important part of the overall hotel experience. Vineeth's post highlighted how travellers can become accustomed to such elaborate spreads and notice the difference when staying at hotels in other countries.

Social Media Users Share Their Hotel Breakfast Experiences

The post prompted several users to share similar experiences from hotels in the US and elsewhere. One user said the breakfast buffet at a Marriott property in Austin included a limited selection, with made-to-order dishes available at an additional cost.

"Similar experience at Marriot in Austin. Breakfast buffet includes boiled eggs, fruits, bread, oats and cold meat. Anything you order to be prepared is chargeable."

@DealsDhamaka Similar experience at Marriot in Austin. Breakfast buffet includes boiled eggs, fruits, bread, oats and cold meat. Anything you order to be prepared is chargeable

— NAV (@nav_says) October 5, 2026

Another user agreed with the comparison and listed some of the breakfast items commonly found at US hotels.

"Agreed, most of the breakfast menu at any US hotels are limited to scrambled eggs, roasted potatos, ham, breads, salads, boiled eggs (frozen), cereals with milk. The food in Indian hotels are itself an experience!"

@DealsDhamaka Agreed, most of the breakfast menu at any US hotels are limited to scrambled eggs, roasted potatos, ham, breads, salads, boiled eggs (frozen), cereals with milk.

The food in Indian hotels are itself an experience!

— Vignesh/விக்னேஷ் (@HelloWorldPrgmr) October 4, 2026

Travellers Say Breakfast Influences Hotel Choices

For some travellers, breakfast has become an important factor when choosing a hotel. One user said they specifically consider breakfast options before booking accommodation and suggested that travellers look beyond major hotel chains in the US.

"As breakfast is my main meal of the day I carefully pick hotels based on breakfast. The main chains in the US are largely skippable. Either book the Four Seasons or look for the best option outside the hotel."

@DealsDhamaka As breakfast is my main meal of the day I carefully pick hotels based on breakfast. The main chains in the US are largely skippable. Either book the Four Seasons or look for the best option outside the hotel

— unmoglich (@astanafes) October 4, 2026

Another user highlighted the reputation of Indian luxury hospitality based on their own travel experiences.

"Nothing comes close to Indian 5-star hospitality. I have travelled the world and everything else is a meh in front of Indian 5-star hospitality."

Hotel Breakfast Experience Varies Across Countries

The discussion has highlighted how expectations around hotel breakfasts can differ significantly depending on the country and the type of property. While Indian and Asian luxury hotels are often associated with extensive breakfast buffets and a wide selection of freshly prepared food, hotel breakfast formats in other countries may be more limited or structured differently.

Ultimately, food preferences and dining expectations vary among travellers. However, the viral discussion shows that breakfast can play a significant role in how guests perceive the overall value and hospitality of a luxury hotel stay.

Maldives needs India for safety and security, says Mohamed Nasheed

Asianet News Central — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 20:30:27 +0530

The former president of the Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed, on Monday highlighted how India has an important role in maintaining security in the Indo-Pacific region, with island nations like the Maldives also looking towards India to ensure the prosperity of all. "Well, you know, all of us have roles, but we have different roles. For our safety and security, we need India", Former Maldives President Nasheed told ANI.

Mohammad Nasheed is in Bangladesh to attend "Bay of Bengal Conversation", a three-day conference organised by Centre for Governance Studies (CGS), a think tank. He spoke at a session titled “New Strategic Middle”. He also shared his views on climate change at the conference. On the sidelines of the event, he talked with ANI about India’s role in this region.

India's Role in Regional Security and Prosperity

The former Maldives President was asked about the advantages or impact of India's security presence in the Indian Ocean, to which he responded, "Well, you know, I have always found that I can say whatever to any Indian official, and they listen. We are a very, very small country, but they still listen. And I think it is, you know, your own security and your own safety—how much are you willing to spend on it? I mean, how much can the Maldives spend on military? Not a lot. How much can any of us spend on the military? So, I think it's far better to have a combined effort and try to see that South Asia and the Indian Ocean remain peaceful."

"India is very rapidly developing, and we have to be able to plug into that development. Again, that's for the prosperity of our own people", he added.

On President Muizzu's Policy Shift

While Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu came to power with an ‘India Out’ campaign, but now he has begun working with India again on various issues. When asked about this shift in policy, Mohamed Nasheed commented, "When you want to come into government, you know, you can go on saying anything. But once you are in government, you realise that you can't say all these things, and you have to align to a new dispensation. So, I don't think it's possible for us to live without India. So, we must realise this and recognise that."

Praise for Bangladesh

Former President of Maldives also commented about Bangladesh saying, "Oh, I love Bangladesh, and I feel I am at home here. It's always my home. I really, really like your country. And I must also mention, you know, we have a lot of Bangladeshi people in the Maldives, and they built our country to become—we have become a middle-income country through the hard work of your people. So, I must thank you." he said.

'Please Patch-Up': Nasheed on India-Bangladesh Ties

Commenting on India-Bangladesh relations, Nasheed claimed that both the countries need to “patch-up”. “Well, I could go on and on, but basically, please patch up", he told ANI.

Indian Diplomat Addresses Controversy

Nasheed’s comments come a day after the Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi stated that former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina's arrival in New Delhi two years ago was “unexpected”, emphasising that the Indian military played no role in flight arrangements. Trivedi also spoke at the Bay of Bengal Conversation in Dhaka, where he addressed queries regarding her legal status and ongoing extradition discourses.

Addressing demands concerning her legal status and extradition, Trivedi stated, "Hasinaji was not brought to India by the Indian Air Force or the Indian Army." (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Spain Flood Crisis | Barcelona | 2 Dead After Torrential Rain Batters Catalonia | World News

Asianet Newsable English — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 20:23:55 +0530

Massive floods have battered Barcelona and parts of Catalonia after torrential rain triggered widespread flooding, river surges and major travel disruptions. Two people have died and one remains missing, while emergency teams carry out rescues across affected areas. Roads, rail services and schools have also been disrupted as authorities continue assessing the damage.

India-EFTA TEPA to boost trade, says Swiss President Guy Parmelin

Asianet News Central — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 18:01:33 +0530

Switzerland expects the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) to provide a significant boost to bilateral trade in the coming years, with strong interest from Swiss companies since the pact entered into force, Swiss President Guy Parmelin said in an interview with ANI.

Positive Assessment of TEPA Implementation

Assessing the implementation of TEPA, which came into force in October 2025, the Swiss President said it has the potential to create conditions for a deeper and lasting economic relationship between the two countries, encouraging long-term investment, employment, innovation and sustainable growth.

“I assess the implementation of the agreement very positively. Interest by companies in the TEPA has been very strong since it entered into force,” the President said.

Focus on Investment and Job Creation

The Swiss President said the agreement’s strong focus on investment could create a “win-win situation”, with Switzerland bringing specialised technologies, innovation capabilities and a long-term investment approach, while India offers scale, a dynamic economy, a highly skilled workforce and an increasingly important role in global value chains.

Under TEPA, EFTA countries – Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein – have committed to facilitating USD 100 billion in investments in India over 15 years, with the potential to generate one million direct jobs.

On the progress towards the investment commitment, the Swiss President said Swiss companies have made or planned investments across sectors including transportation and logistics, financial services, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, as well as technology and electronics.

“This effort by the private sector has been supported by over 150 promotion activities undertaken by Switzerland and the other EFTA States since 2024,” the President said.

Deepening Bilateral Ties Beyond Trade

The Swiss President also highlighted the broader potential of the India-Switzerland economic relationship, saying bilateral ties have become “closer and dynamic” and can be further deepened through trade and investment, research and innovation, and sustainable development.

“TEPA is not only a prime example of this close collaboration but also an important foundation for the years to come,” the President said.

The comments come during the Swiss President’s visit to India, with the two countries seeking to further strengthen their economic and strategic partnership.

The Swiss President also said Switzerland sees India as a key partner as it prepares to host the next AI Summit in Geneva in June 2027, and expressed hope that people-to-people ties would continue to grow alongside economic cooperation. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

India-Switzerland alignment a stabilising force: President Parmelin

Asianet News Central — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 18:01:22 +0530

Swiss President, PM Modi Discuss Ukraine War, UN Reforms

Invoking the shared democratic heritage of the world’s oldest and largest democracies, Swiss President Guy Parmelin on Monday confirmed that broad-ranging talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi covered pressing geopolitical crises, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, alongside UN multilateral reforms.

Addressing a joint press briefing in the national capital, President Parmelin framed the growing alignment between New Delhi and Bern as a stabilising force amid a "very difficult period" marked by international conflict, economic volatility, and global fragmentation.

Shared Democratic Values

Navigating Geopolitical Shifts

Describing the current geopolitical climate as an era of high volatility, the Swiss President stressed the necessity of driving mutual diplomatic and economic breakthroughs. "We are living through a very difficult period. It is therefore all the more vital to foster more win-win situations in the international arena," Parmelin urged. The Swiss leader noted that on all major international issues, including ethical AI governance and multilateralism, the two countries observed "numerous convergences" during high-level exchanges.

India's Peace Proposal Gains Traction

Parmelin concluded by revealing that both leaders have instructed official working groups to "work very quickly and intensively" to finalise solutions to pending bilateral issues, marking a distinct push for fast-tracked diplomatic engagement. His remarks come as India has stepped beyond traditional advocacy to actively broker peace and operational agreements between Moscow and Kyiv.

India's active mediation efforts have been acknowledged by key figures on both sides of the war. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha confirmed that India has formally stepped forward to help resolve the conflict, offering what Kyiv considers "the most comprehensive" peace proposal currently under evaluation. Speaking at a press briefing, Sybiha disclosed that Kyiv is reviewing four distinct international proposals—including submissions from Turkey, Egypt, and the United States. "We have four proposals. The most comprehensive is India's proposal. For the first time, India has signalled its willingness to play a role," Sybiha stated, as reported by RBC-Ukraine. Similarly, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts to bring an end to the conflict, noting that the Indian leader has "good ideas" for a peaceful resolution. Prime Minister Modi has consistently reiterated India's principled, humanitarian approach to the crisis, maintaining that dialogue remains the only viable path to lasting peace. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

CTA remembers Tibetan writer Gudrup who self-immolated in 2012

Asianet News Central — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 18:00:31 +0530

CTA Remembers Tibetan Writer Gudrup

The Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) has remembered Gudrup, a 43-year-old Tibetan writer and blogger who died after self-immolating in protest in Driru, Nagchu, Tibet, on October 4, 2012.

In a post on X, the CTA’s Department of Information and International Relations (DIIR) recalled Gudrup, who wrote under the pen name “Youth of the Snow Realm”. The post also shared an image commemorating him as part of its series remembering Tibetan self-immolators.

According to the CTA, Gudrup had studied in Dharamshala, India, before returning to Tibet in 2005. It said he dedicated his writings to Tibet’s history, its people and their right to live in freedom.

The CTA said that during his final moments, Gudrup called for “Freedom for Tibet” and for the return of the Dalai Lama to Tibet. It also quoted him as saying, “Wherever We Go, We Have No Freedom.”

According to the CTA account, Tibetans who found Gudrup took him to a county hospital following the self-immolation. The administration alleged that Chinese authorities subsequently took him into custody and that his body was not returned to his family. The CTA said it was honouring Gudrup’s memory by recalling his appeal for Tibetans to unite for equality and freedom and urging the international community to “uphold the truth” about Tibet.

The Broader Context of Self-Immolation Protests

Self-immolation has remained one of the most extreme forms of protest reported among Tibetans since 2009, with cases involving monks, nuns and laypeople across Tibetan areas of China. According to the International Campaign for Tibet, 159 Tibetans had self-immolated inside Tibet and China as of July 2026, with 127 known to have died.

The issue has been linked by Tibetan exile groups to concerns over religious freedom, cultural identity and political rights under Chinese rule. China, meanwhile, has maintained tight controls over information and access to Tibetan areas, making independent verification of individual cases difficult. The issue remains a major point of contention in discussions over Tibet and China’s policies toward Tibetan communities. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Deisseroth, Hegemann, Nagel win 2026 Nobel Prize for optogenetics

Asianet News Central — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 18:00:30 +0530

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences on Sunday (local time) awarded the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine jointly to Karl Deisseroth, Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel for their discoveries concerning light-gated ion channels and optogenetics.

According to a press release issued by the Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet, the prize recognises discoveries that laid the foundation for optogenetics, a method that makes it possible to show how nerve cells shape memories, feelings and behaviours in the living brain.

Deisseroth is associated with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Stanford University in the US, while Hegemann is affiliated with Humboldt University of Berlin and Nagel with the University of Würzburg, both in Germany.

The Journey to Discovery

According to the press release, the work began with Hegemann's efforts to understand how the single-celled alga 'Chlamydomonas' is able to swim towards a light source.

In the early 2000s, Hegemann and Nagel discovered channelrhodopsin, an algal protein with unique properties that is located on the surface of the cell. When exposed to blue light, channel-rhodopsin opens a channel through which charged ions can flow into the cell, generating an electrical impulse. The researchers found that introducing the protein into other cells could make those cells sensitive to light.

Deisseroth subsequently introduced the gene for channel-rhodopsin into nerve cells from rats. By illuminating the cells with blue light, he was able to trigger nerve signals. He published the breakthrough in 2005 and, two years later, demonstrated that the light-controlled switch could operate in the brains of living mice.

'Mapping the Brain': The Impact of Optogenetics

The Nobel Assembly said this method, now known as optogenetics, has rapidly gained global impact and has enabled researchers to identify neural circuits associated with specific memories, feelings and behaviours relevant to neurological and psychiatric disorders.

“Optogenetics provides opportunities for mapping the brain in a way that we could once only dream of,” Per Svenningsson, Chair of the Nobel Committee for Physiology or Medicine, said, according to the press release.

Researchers are also using optogenetics in attempts to restore sight in people with visual impairment.

Prize and Laureate Details

The prize carries an award of 12 million Swedish kronor, which will be shared equally among the three laureates.

Deisseroth was born in 1971, Hegemann in 1954 and Nagel in 1953.

The prize-winning discoveries were made at the Max Planck Institute for Biochemistry in Martinsried and the Max Planck Institute for Biophysics in Frankfurt, according to the release.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

HIV Medicine And Testing Shortages Spread Across Countries As Funding Pressures Disrupt Healthcare Access

Vaishnav Akash — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 17:12:27 +0530

Supply shortages affecting HIV prevention, testing and treatment services are becoming increasingly visible across several countries, according to a new assessment that highlights growing pressure on healthcare providers following recent reductions in international aid funding.

The findings come from a survey conducted by the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), which gathered responses from 40 member associations operating in different parts of the world. The assessment found that many organizations providing HIV-related healthcare are experiencing difficulties maintaining consistent access to essential medical products.

According to the survey, more than half of responding organizations reported running out of at least one key HIV-related product during the past year. The shortages have affected a range of services, including testing, prevention and treatment.

The report also found that at the time the survey was conducted, 40 per cent of participating organizations had completely exhausted supplies of at least one product, while 60 per cent reported critically low stock levels.

Among the products experiencing the greatest strain were HIV rapid diagnostic tests and pre-exposure prophylaxis, commonly known as PrEP, a medication used to reduce the risk of acquiring HIV.

Healthcare providers say these shortages are beginning to affect service delivery in communities that depend heavily on regular access to testing and prevention tools.

The findings have intensified concerns about whether recent funding reductions could undermine progress made over many years in expanding HIV care and prevention programs.

Testing And Prevention Supplies Face The Greatest Pressure

The survey identified HIV rapid diagnostic tests as the most severely affected product category.

Nearly every participating organization offers HIV testing services, yet a significant number reported either low supplies or complete stock depletion. As a result, numerous providers indicated that maintaining uninterrupted testing services has become increasingly difficult.

PrEP supplies also emerged as a major concern.

Both oral and injectable forms of the medication experienced shortages among several responding organizations. Healthcare professionals noted that interruptions in prevention services can create additional challenges for people who rely on consistent access to medication.

The survey further indicated that supply concerns extend beyond testing and prevention products.

Organizations operating across the Arab world, Asia and Oceania, Europe, the Americas and the Caribbean reported varying levels of difficulty accessing other HIV-related items, including condoms and antiretroviral medicines.

Experts involved in the assessment emphasized that many healthcare networks already possess the infrastructure, workforce and community relationships needed to deliver services effectively. However, they warned that gaps in supply chains are making those efforts more difficult.

Funding Concerns Raise Questions About Future Progress

The shortages come against the backdrop of broader concerns about global HIV financing.

According to figures cited in the report, an estimated 40.9 million people were living with HIV worldwide last year. During the same period, there were approximately 570,000 AIDS-related deaths and 1.2 million new HIV infections recorded globally.

Public health organizations have increasingly warned that financial pressures could slow or reverse progress achieved over recent decades.

The report notes that HIV responses in many countries experienced disruption following aid reductions implemented in recent years. Funding challenges have affected procurement systems, service continuity and the ability of organizations to maintain sufficient inventories of critical health products.

Earlier assessments from international agencies also raised concerns that reduced financial support could contribute to a resurgence of HIV-related challenges if essential services become harder to access.

Healthcare providers responding to the survey stressed that reliable supplies remain fundamental to prevention and treatment strategies.

They warned that shortages do not remain isolated to individual clinics but can affect broader community health outcomes when testing, treatment and prevention services become less available.

The latest findings therefore serve as an indicator of pressures currently emerging across parts of the global HIV response network.

‘I’d Stomp On Your Head’: Flydubai Co-Pilot’s Shocking Posts Target Women

Deevika NM — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 16:04:32 +0530

What Happened On The Flydubai Flight?

The social media history of Hamam al-Hammami, the Omani co-pilot accused of attacking the captain of a flydubai flight bound for Tel Aviv, has come under scrutiny after a review of his past posts allegedly revealed violent and hateful views towards women.

Al-Hammami, 29, is accused of attacking Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar inside the cockpit during the flight last week. The incident reportedly caused the aircraft to enter a steep descent.

Despite being injured, Captain Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing crew members and passengers to intervene and restrain the co-pilot. The Boeing 737, carrying 182 people, was subsequently diverted to Saudi Arabia and landed safely.

What Did His Social Media Posts Say?

The controversy has now widened following scrutiny of an X account using the name “Pilot Hamam al-Hammami” and the handle @PilotHamam.

An analysis of more than 2,000 posts published between November 2021 and August 2022 allegedly found repeated comments advocating violence against women, severe punishments and other hateful views.

The account reportedly contained biographical details that appeared to correspond with Al-Hammami, including references to his Omani nationality, his life in Muscat and his Syrian mother.

In one exchange with a woman, the account allegedly wrote: “I'd stomp on your head, wipe the floor with you, make you an example to others, and then divorce you :).”

Posts Targeting Women

In another discussion involving a man complaining that his wife had spoken negatively about him to her boss, the account reportedly responded: “Yes, but first you have to stomp on her head, make her life miserable and make her taste the bitterness of what she did.”

Another post appeared to compare violence against women with Russia's invasion of Ukraine. It said: “He gave her a preemptive slap so she would redefine her boundaries, just as Russia slapped Ukraine to adjust its borders :).”

The account also reportedly criticised a man for not physically assaulting his wife, calling him a “coward and a scoundrel” and suggesting another man would have “stomped on her head and made her an example to others.”

In another exchange from August 2022, the account allegedly told a woman: “Shut up and get lost. Marry a Syrian if the Saudi isn't good enough for you.”

It reportedly went on to describe violence as an “appropriate way” to deal with women it disapproved of.

References To Severe Punishments

The posts allegedly included references to Islamic law and calls for severe punishments.

In one post, the account reportedly argued that a person accused of blackmailing women deserved execution instead of a prison sentence. It also referred to punishments including being “killed or crucified” or having hands and feet cut off.

The account reportedly described women it disapproved of as “cheap meat devoured by anyone and everyone.”

Questions Over His Background

The revelations have emerged alongside questions about Al-Hammami's alleged extremist views.

Reports have said he was previously barred from flying in Oman because of concerns over extremist tendencies, although he was later moved to an administrative position at Oman Air. He subsequently worked for other airlines before joining flydubai.

Al-Hammami had also studied aviation management remotely at Buckinghamshire New University in the UK and graduated in 2023.

The university has said its later suspension from sponsoring international students was related to historic recruitment issues and was not connected to Al-Hammami or the flydubai incident.

Investigation Continues

The ownership and authenticity of every social media account attributed to Al-Hammami have not been independently established. It also remains unclear whether all the posts were personally written by him.

The investigation into the alleged cockpit attack, his online activity and possible extremist motivations is continuing.

Cockpit Axe Attack: 5 Big Questions Haunting Flight FZ1073

Girish Linganna — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 16:03:02 +0530

A plumber who learnt about aeroplanes from television may have helped save an aircraft full of people. Yaniv Hayoun, 50, was among the passengers who rushed into the cockpit of flydubai Flight FZ1073 and overpowered a co-pilot who had turned on his own captain. Hayoun says he then grabbed the controls and pulled them back, copying what he had seen on Air Crash Investigation, a Canadian television programme in which experts examine how plane crashes happen. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who described him as a plumber, later met him at the airport and asked how he knew what to do before another pilot took over. The reply was disarming: "I watch Air Crash Investigation, Mr Prime Minister."

It is a story of rare courage. Yet many on social media wonder how a man with no known flying experience could steady an aircraft in mid-air. That doubt is one of five questions which, as Al Jazeera has reported, people online, aviation experts and enthusiasts are raising about the incident and about some of the official explanations.

The flight left Dubai International Airport on Wednesday at 7:05am (03:05 GMT). About two and a half hours later, at around 05:35 GMT, co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami attacked Captain Smit Machchhar, according to media reports. The United Arab Emirates prosecutor general said the weapon was the crash axe, an emergency tool kept inside the cockpit. Machchhar, covered in blood, still managed to open the cockpit door, and that single act let passengers come to his rescue. The aircraft, which had begun descending steeply, later made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.

The second question concerns that descent. Flightradar24, a website that tracks aircraft in flight, shows the plane dropped more than 5,180 metres (approximately 17,000 feet) in less than two minutes. Passengers panicked, but publicly available information mentions no injuries. Compare this with an Air India flight in August, which dropped only about 90 metres (300 feet) in turbulence and left at least 17 passengers hurt.

A flight instructor recreated the fall in a flight simulator, a machine that copies real flying conditions on the ground. He found the plane would have been moving faster than the speed its body is designed to handle safely. When it was pulled out of the dive, it would also have felt strong negative G-force. This is the force that lifts people and loose objects upward, like the floating sensation when a fast lift suddenly moves down. Bags, phones and other unsecured items, he said, could have been thrown around the cabin.

The third question is about a prayer. According to The Times of Israel, Machchhar spoke to Netanyahu on Saturday and said al-Hammami had asked for time to pray. Four or five minutes later, the captain received "a big blow" to the back of his head. The early-morning Islamic prayer in the UAE that Wednesday was at 04:51am, hours before the attack, so the timing, as Al Jazeera's account points out, did not match the usual prayer schedule. He may, however, have been offering a different, personal prayer.

The fourth question is the most troubling: why was al-Hammami flying at all? He is reportedly an Omani citizen. On Friday, The Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed sources, reported that Omani authorities had earlier stopped him from flying in the country over concerns about his ideological views. On Saturday, CNN, citing a regional diplomatic source, said he had also been removed from flight training over similar concerns and later given another position. Two people familiar with the matter said he was removed from a job at Oman's national airline last year for the same reason. How he came to fly this flydubai route remains unclear.

The fifth question is for Israel. It has no official diplomatic relations with Oman, and Netanyahu had earlier said people from such countries were generally not allowed to operate flights to Israel. Yet Haaretz reported on Saturday that officials had received the names of the crew and passengers in advance, with the Omani co-pilot on the list. Security sources told the newspaper that two agencies check and monitor foreign crews arriving in Israel: the Security Department of the Ministry of Transport and Road Safety, and the intelligence agency Mossad.

Netanyahu said on Friday that Israel was investigating whether someone had directed the attack, warning that anyone involved would pay a "heavy price". Investigators are still trying to learn why it happened. Until they do, serious questions about aircraft security will remain, alongside the memory of a wounded captain who opened a door and of strangers who walked through it.

(Girish Linganna is an award-winning science communicator and a Defence, Aerospace & Geopolitical Analyst. He is the Managing Director of ADD Engineering Components India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany.)

‘I’m Going To Shoot Up The Sheriff’s’: US Woman Uses Claude As Diary, Gets Arrested

Shweta Kumari — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 15:43:36 +0530

A US woman’s attempt to use an AI chatbot as a personal diary reportedly took a dramatic turn after one of her entries allegedly contained a threat to attack a sheriff’s office, triggering an alert that eventually led to her arrest. The woman, identified as 30-year-old Carli Michelle Heller from Bonita Springs, Florida, was reportedly using Anthropic’s Claude chatbot to document her everyday thoughts. However, on September 26, she reportedly wrote about planning an attack on the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

“I’m going to shoot up the sheriff’s right the now,” the message read, according to the arrest report, as reported by WINK News.

The following day, at around 1.07am, another message was reportedly sent from the same Claude account. Heller allegedly referred to having a new gun and wrote: “This is 100% last chance I’m done. I got a new gun today. you.”

The alleged threats prompted Anthropic’s safety systems to flag the conversation. The matter was subsequently escalated to a human review team, which, according to the arrest report, contacted law enforcement over the messages.

Following the alert, deputies went to Heller’s home in Bonita Springs and detained her without incident. An intelligence detective with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office later took charge of the investigation.

Heller has been charged with making a written threat of violence.

How did Anthropic alert the police?

AI chatbots such as Claude and ChatGPT are designed to be helpful and conversational and are private to an extent. However, they also use safety systems designed to detect potentially harmful or prohibited content.

When a conversation raises serious concerns, automated systems can flag it for further review. Human safety teams may then assess the content and determine whether additional action is warranted.

Anthropic’s policies prohibit using its products to facilitate or promote violence or intimidation. The company also has procedures for responding to government and law-enforcement requests.

In limited emergency situations involving a risk of death or serious physical injury, Anthropic says it may disclose user information to law enforcement.

However, this does not mean every disturbing or troubling conversation with an AI chatbot is automatically reported to police. Such intervention can depend on the nature and seriousness of the alleged threat and the company’s applicable safety and emergency procedures.

In Heller’s case, the alleged threatening messages were first detected by Anthropic’s automated safety measures. Given the nature of the messages, the conversation was reportedly escalated to a human review team, which then contacted law enforcement, according to the arrest report.

‘You're Monetising Hate’: Indian Man Slaps Canadian YouTuber Over Racist Slurs In Vietnam Store (WATCH)

Shweta Kumari — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 15:31:02 +0530

A Canadian YouTuber was slapped by an Indian man during a livestream at a 7-Eleven store in Vietnam after a heated confrontation erupted over alleged racist remarks and filming without consent. YouTuber John Ly, who goes by JohnWhatsGoingOn online, was livestreaming from Saigon when he began recording two Indian men inside the convenience store. The men repeatedly objected to being filmed and asked him to stop, but John allegedly refused and continued recording them while using expletives.

The confrontation quickly grew tense as one of the men confronted the YouTuber over the recording. “This is not New Delhi,” John told one of the men, who was shopping inside the store.

“You know where I am from. Keep the camera away,” the man replied, questioning John about privacy laws and demanding that he stop filming.

WATCH: Indian men confront and slap a racist Canadian streamer in Vietnam after he passed racist remarks and filmed them up close on a live Kick stream while his chat posted “F*** INDIA” and “dirty Indian.” https://t.co/od9ABGN9OB

— Beats in Brief ️ (@beatsinbrief) October 4, 2026

“You’ve been here all day, making content. You don’t know [expletive],” the man said as John continued pointing his camera at him. He then asked the YouTuber to put the camera away and speak to him directly.

The situation escalated further when the second Indian man stepped in. “You are f***ing racist,” he told John before pushing him. As the two men demanded that the YouTuber leave the store, John responded, “I know where you work. I know your restaurant.”

“Keep the camera away,” the men repeatedly told him as John was pushed towards the exit. Despite the confrontation turning increasingly aggressive, the YouTuber continued smiling and recording the exchange.

“You are monetising hate,” one of the men told him before another man slapped John.

Rather than ending the broadcast, the YouTuber continued livestreaming the confrontation. As the heated exchange continued inside the store, John said, “No one likes Indians out here,” before appearing to leave the premises.

The footage has since gone viral across social media, triggering a fierce debate over the confrontation and the events that led to the physical altercation.

A Kochi-Built Robot Ordered by the Indian Navy Meets Six World Leaders and the Region Takes Notice

Ashu Maan — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 15:04:42 +0530

At the BRICS Business Forum in New Delhi on 11 September, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the grouping could help take the innovations of India's more than 200,000 startups to global markets. His message was to "Make in India, Innovate with India, and Scale for the World". A day later, six leaders toured a pavilion where one of those startups, EyeROV, was showing an underwater robot.

What the product inspects defines it. EyeROV's TROUT product sheet lists undersea communication cables, ports and offshore energy installations as its targets and calls the vehicle dual-use technology. The company says dams, bridges, ports and offshore installations are hard to reach underwater, and that its robots help operators examine them, gather data and plan maintenance.

EyeROV offers inspection of oil and gas assets for corrosion, leaks and structural faults, as well as hydropower tunnels and penstocks. Its client list includes ONGC, BPCL, NHPC, Tata Power, Adani and Maersk. It holds an ISO 45001:2018 certificate covering the design, development, manufacture and servicing of its robotic systems, and says it has completed more than 150 projects for over 80 clients.

Vehicles can be bought outright, or the company can carry out the inspection itself as a service. Founder Johns T Mathai says 75 per cent of customers are government bodies and public sector units.

The company's pitch to overseas buyers rests on price as well as performance. EyeROV describes its offer as safer, more efficient and cost-effective, and says its entire technology stack is developed in India. The engineering record backs that up: TROUT carries a 4K camera with 10x optical zoom, a dual-frequency multibeam sonar, an ultrasonic thickness gauge and a three-degree-of-freedom arm, and the Indian Navy ordered it in a ₹47-crore contract announced on 30 September 2025.

Abroad, EyeROV says it has completed more than 100 deployments across India, West Asia, the Asia-Pacific and Europe.

The BRICS networks are meant to shorten the road to buyers. At the forum, Modi announced a BRICS Incubator Network, a BRICS MSME Portal and a BRICS Startup Innovation Fund. He also proposed that 100 BRICS startups a year be helped into other member markets, with 1,000 new business partnerships annually. Business-to-business matchmaking at Bharat Innovates was arranged with FICCI, CII and ASSOCHAM. The BRICS members account for 49.5 per cent of the world's population and 26 per cent of global trade, which gives the platform considerable reach.

EyeROV also has funding to support its plans. It raised ₹13 crore in February 2026 in a round co-led by AWE Funds and Unicorn India Ventures, with the money earmarked for research, new products and international expansion.

In its 17 September release, the company says it is widening its presence across international markets. With leaders from several BRICS nations having seen the robot first-hand, the next announcement of a buyer, country or order is the one to watch.

Designed and built in India by Kochi-based IROV Technologies Pvt Ltd, the EyeROV Trout is a military-grade remotely operated vehicle (ROV) made for deep-water exploration, autonomous navigation and advanced payload integration. It works across defence and civilian roles, including search and rescue, offshore research and maritime inspection, from undersea cables and ports to offshore energy installations. Its standing is reinforced by a ₹47-crore Indian Navy contract and an iDEX DISC 7 SPRINT win, and it is able to perform non-destructive testing on ship hulls and submerged structures.

Visual tools include a 4K H265 camera with 10x optical zoom and a Full HD wide-angle camera that tilts through 90°. A 3-DoF robotic arm with a grabber, rope cutter and recovery jaws handles manipulation, while dual-frequency multibeam imaging sonar, DVL/USBL positioning and an ultrasonic thickness gauge provide sensing. The i-Control Hub software projects camera feeds, sonar and position data onto S63 Electronic Navigation Charts and supports auto-depth, auto-heading, station keeping, GPS waypoint navigation, geofencing, return-to-home and subsystem self-tests.

Pilots work from a 21.5-inch IP65 display that stays readable in sunlight, along with a programmable 5-axis, 15-button joystick.

About the author: Ashu Mann is an Associate Fellow at the Centre for Land Warfare Studies. He was awarded the Vice Chief of the Army Staff Commendation card on Army Day 2025. He is pursuing a PhD in Defence and Strategic Studies. His research focuses include India-China territorial dispute, great power rivalry, and Chinese foreign policy.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not reflect the views or stance of the organization. The organization assumes no responsibility for the content shared.

India, Switzerland ink MoUs; PM Modi hails historic EFTA trade deal

Asianet News Central — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 14:00:28 +0530

India and the Swiss Confederation on Monday exchanged several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of the Swiss Confederation Guy Parmelin at Hyderabad House in the national capital.

PM Modi Hails Historic India-EFTA Trade Deal

Delivering a joint press statement following delegation-level talks, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the growing momentum in bilateral relations, particularly following the implementation of the historic Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). "First of all, I appreciate his commitment to India-Switzerland relations. In October last year, with his personal support, we implemented a historic trade and economic partnership agreement between India and the European Free Trade Association. This is India's first FTA with any economic bloc in Europe," PM Modi said.

"This is also an ambitious blueprint of investment, innovation, jobs and mutual prosperity. With this, we will realise 100 billion dollars investment and 10 lakh direct jobs in India in the next 15 years," the Prime Minister added.

Expanding Commercial Engagements

Underlining steps taken to expand commercial engagements, PM Modi further said, "We have taken several important decisions to enhance market access for India's exports in Switzerland, and to further facilitate investment between the two countries. This will increase the export of India's agriculture, pharma, textile, and engineering goods to Switzerland. At the same time, we will attract new Swiss investment in India's important sectors such as biotech, life sciences, banking, insurance, food processing, and sustainability."

Strengthening People-to-People Ties

The Prime Minister also highlighted the signing of key agreements aimed at facilitating cross-border movement for young professionals and scholars, terming interpersonal connections the foundation of the bilateral partnership. "People-to-people ties are the greatest strength of our partnership. With the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement and Young Professionals Agreement signed today, many new opportunities will open up in Switzerland for Indian students, researchers, professionals, and youth," PM Modi said.

Swiss President's State Visit to India

Enduring Diplomatic Relations

During the course of the visit, President Parmelin will likewise meet with President Droupadi Murmu, who is slated to host a ceremonial banquet in his honour. The diplomatic engagement acquires distinct prominence given that President Parmelin is set to attend the second India-EFTA Prosperity Summit on October 7, signalling the inaugural anniversary of the operationalisation of TEPA.

Emphasising Switzerland's critical standing as an economic collaborator, the MEA noted that among EFTA member states, Switzerland functions as India's primary trade and investment partner, underscoring the enduring connections linking both nations and the necessity of maintaining consistent high-level dialogues. “India and Switzerland share longstanding friendly relations. This visit will further strengthen bilateral relations, building upon the regular high-level exchanges and deepening cooperation in new areas of mutual interest,” the MEA stated. The diplomatic undertaking transpires against a background of continuous high-level interactions between New Delhi and Bern, noting that the most recent State visit executed by an Indian President to Switzerland occurred in 2019, whereas Prime Minister Modi undertook official journeys to Switzerland in 2016 and 2018. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

PM Modi holds talks with Swiss President Parmelin to boost ties

Asianet News Central — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 13:30:55 +0530

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Swiss President Guy Parmelin held a delegation-level meeting at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Monday. Earlier in the day, President Parmelin commenced his official engagements by attending a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, accompanied by his wife, Caroline Parmelin.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also called on the visiting Swiss leader. Detailing the engagement in a post on X, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated, “Pleased to call on President Guy Parmelin @ParmelinG of the Swiss Confederation, visiting India on a State Visit. Deeply appreciate President Parmelin’s sentiments towards deepening our partnership, building on the promise of India-EFTA TEPA. Confident that his meeting with PM @narendramodi will further our engagement across a wide range of domains.”

Visit a 'Stepping Stone' for Partnership

Marking the formal commencement of his itinerary, President Parmelin received an official ceremonial reception at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he was greeted cordially upon arrival by President Droupadi Murmu alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Addressing members of the press following the welcome ceremony, President Parmelin remarked, “The visit is an excellent opportunity to emphasise the importance that both Switzerland and India attach to this relationship.” He further noted that diplomatic ties connecting India and Switzerland are anchored upon “shared democratic values as well as on trust and mutual respect”.

“My visit is a stepping stone towards further growth, deepening and strengthening of our close, broad and long-standing partnership. I am pleased and honoured that we have the chance to exchange views on matters of bilateral and global importance,” the Swiss head of state stated.

Commemorating India-EFTA TEPA

The India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) constitutes an expansive free trade pact established between India and the four European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member nations, comprising Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Having been formally signed on March 10, 2024, the accord officially took effect on October 1, 2025.

“It is the right moment to celebrate how far we have come together, but even more importantly, to shape our joint future,” President Parmelin observed.

Focus on Bilateral Collaboration

During the course of the visit, President Parmelin will likewise meet with President Droupadi Murmu, who is slated to host a ceremonial banquet in his honour.

The diplomatic engagement acquires distinct prominence given that President Parmelin is set to attend the second India-EFTA Prosperity Summit on October 7, signalling the inaugural anniversary of the operationalisation of TEPA.

The diplomatic undertaking transpires against a background of continuous high-level interactions between New Delhi and Bern, noting that the most recent State visit executed by an Indian President to Switzerland occurred in 2019, whereas Prime Minister Modi undertook official journeys to Switzerland in 2016 and 2018. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Swiss President Parmelin holds talks with PM Modi, pays tribute to Gandhi

Asianet News Central — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 13:01:26 +0530

Swiss President Guy Parmelin on Monday held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House, continuing his high-level engagements in New Delhi. Earlier in the day, President Parmelin attended a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, accompanied by his wife, Caroline Parmelin. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also called on the visiting Swiss leader.

Detailing the engagement in a post on X, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated, “Pleased to call on President Guy Parmelin @ParmelinG of the Swiss Confederation, visiting India on a State Visit. Deeply appreciate President Parmelin’s sentiments towards deepening our partnership, building on the promise of India-EFTA TEPA. Confident that his meeting with PM @narendramodi will further our engagement across a wide range of domains.”

Deepening a 'Long-standing Partnership'

Building upon these warm diplomatic exchanges, Swiss Confederation President Guy Parmelin stated on Monday that his visit serves as a “stepping stone” towards fortifying the “close and long-standing partnership” binding the two countries. Marking the formal commencement of his itinerary, President Parmelin received an official ceremonial reception at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he was greeted cordially upon arrival by President Droupadi Murmu alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Commemorating India-EFTA TEPA

“I am especially glad that my stay in India will enable us to commemorate the first anniversary of the entry into force of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, TEPA,” he added. The India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) constitutes an expansive free trade pact established between India and the four European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member nations, comprising Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Having been formally signed on March 10, 2024, the accord officially took effect on October 1, 2025.

“It is the right moment to celebrate how far we have come together, but even more importantly, to shape our joint future,” President Parmelin observed.

Focus of the State Visit

Having touched down in India on Monday to undertake a three-day State visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Modi, the Swiss leader's high-level itinerary centres on enhancing bilateral collaboration across commerce, investment, scientific advancement, technological innovation and workforce mobility. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) noted that President Parmelin is travelling alongside a prominent delegation consisting of senior officials and corporate executives, marking his maiden State visit to India and his second journey to the nation this year, following his participation in the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi in February 2026.

MEA Highlights Strong India-Switzerland Relations

“India and Switzerland share longstanding friendly relations. This visit will further strengthen bilateral relations, building upon the regular high-level exchanges and deepen cooperation in new areas of mutual interest,” the MEA stated. The diplomatic undertaking transpires against a background of continuous high-level interactions between New Delhi and Bern, noting that the most recent State visit executed by an Indian President to Switzerland occurred in 2019, whereas Prime Minister Modi undertook official journeys to Switzerland in 2016 and 2018. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Four killed as US military strikes suspected drug boat in Caribbean

Asianet News Central — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 13:00:24 +0530

Four individuals were reported killed after the United States military carried out an operation targeting a vessel allegedly engaged in narcotics smuggling within the Caribbean Sea on Sunday, marking a continuation of ongoing military actions directed by the administration against regional trafficking.

According to a statement issued by the United States Southern Command on X, officials "executed a lethal, kinetic strike on a go-fast vessel operating along established narco-trafficking routes in the Caribbean." The military attributed the action to what it termed "confirmed intelligence" linking the boat to illicit drug activities, while referring to the deceased individuals as "narco-terrorists". Specific details regarding the underlying intelligence were not disclosed.

Broader Military and Diplomatic Efforts

Sunday's operation follows a series of maritime strikes conducted by the US military in the eastern Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean. Official figures indicate that cumulative operations since September 2025 have resulted in at least 235 fatalities across 70 separate engagements targeting individuals the administration designates as "narcoterrorists". In parallel with maritime operations, diplomatic efforts are underway to expand counter-narcotics across land across multiple Latin American partner nations. During a visit to Panama in August, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stated that Colombia, Guatemala, and Honduras had consented to allow the US to conduct joint military operations against criminal networks on their territories, though Guatemala subsequently disputed the claim. Similar joint missions between Ecuadorian and US forces were launched in March.

'Armed Conflict' Justification

President Donald Trump has maintained that the United States is currently engaged in an "armed conflict" with regional drug cartels, justifying the military escalation as essential for curbing the influx of narcotics into the country and reducing fatal overdoses among Americans. However, the administration has provided limited documentation to substantiate specific allegations regarding those targeted in the operations.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Egypt: Shopkeeper Races to Catch 5-Year-Old Falling From Balcony, CCTV Captures Dramatic Rescue

Gargi Chaudhry — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 12:35:47 +0530

A young Egyptian man has been hailed on the internet for his split-second intervention after catching a five-year-old boy who fell from a balcony in Giza. The dramatic rescue was captured on security camera and quickly went viral on social media, with the footage showing the man rushing towards the falling child and catching him just before he could hit the ground.

This incident occurred on September 29 in the Ard El-Lewa area of Giza, Egypt. When a youngster unexpectedly falls from a building above, the incident is captured on security camera footage from the neighbourhood. The clip shows people going through a congested street. When he heard people screaming and shouting, the guy, who has been named as shop owner Ahmed Ragab, was in the vicinity of his establishment. As he turned his attention to the structure, he became aware that a youngster was in imminent danger.

Within seconds, the five-year-old fell from the balcony. Ragab immediately sprinted towards the child and positioned himself underneath him. In a split-second move, he managed to catch the boy in his arms before he could strike the ground.

Because the street was narrow and full of people, there wasn't much time to react. This made the timing of the rescue even more dramatic.

In the video that was taken after the rescue, Ragab can be seen holding the infant and simultaneously staring back toward the balcony. After that, he goes away with the youngster and then seems to lean against a mattress that has been placed nearby, as if he is overcome by the rush of adrenaline.

Watch Viral Video

A little boy was miraculously saved by a shop owner in a densely populated Egyptian neighborhood. https://t.co/y4Pc7aJFLq

— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) October 4, 2026

CCTV Footage Goes Viral

Since then, the security camera footage has gone viral online, highlighting Ragab's prompt response. From the youngster abruptly descending from above to Ragab running from the vicinity of his business and making the vital catch, the entire scene is captured in real time on camera. The dramatic video has gone viral as an illustration of how a regular bystander may act quickly in a life-threatening situation.

Ragab stated in a another interview that he was still unable to provide an explanation for how he was able to manoeuvre around quickly enough to make the grab. In addition, he stated that even if the identical circumstance occurred one hundred times, he was not certain that he would be able to repeat the same timing.

Ragab was obviously unsettled once the immediate danger had gone, as the adrenaline of the moment gave way to the awareness of what could have occurred if he had not interfered. The fear that he had experienced during the rescue had subsided.

Ragab talked about what happened and said that he was out shopping when he heard the noise. He said that everything happened so fast that he didn't have time to think about whether or not he could catch the child. Ragab explained that he only did what he did because he couldn't watch a child fall and not try to help them. He later said that he didn't understand how bad what had happened until the boy was safe.

Swiss President's India visit a 'stepping stone' to fortify relations

Asianet News Central — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 12:00:29 +0530

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday called on Swiss Confederation President Guy Parmelin, who is currently undertaking a State visit to India.

A 'Stepping Stone' for Partnership

Focus on India-EFTA Trade Pact

“It is the right moment to celebrate how far we have come together, but even more importantly, to shape our joint future,” President Parmelin observed.

High-Level Diplomatic Itinerary

Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi and President Parmelin are scheduled to hold bilateral discussions to assess advancements in cooperation spanning diverse sectors, encompassing trade, investment, science, technology, innovation, mobility, cultural exchange and interpersonal engagement, alongside conferring on regional and global affairs and multilateral cooperation.

During the course of the visit, President Parmelin will likewise meet with President Droupadi Murmu, who is slated to host a ceremonial banquet in his honour.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Swiss President's India visit a 'stepping stone' for partnership

Asianet News Central — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 11:31:06 +0530

Swiss Confederation President Guy Parmelin stated on Monday that his visit to India serves as a “stepping stone” towards fortifying the “close and long-standing partnership” binding the two countries. President Parmelin received an official ceremonial reception at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. Upon reaching the presidential estate, the visiting dignitary was greeted cordially by President Droupadi Murmu alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Strengthening a Long-standing Partnership

Addressing members of the press following the ceremonial welcome, President Parmelin remarked, “The visit is an excellent opportunity to emphasise the importance that both Switzerland and India attach to this relationship.” He further noted that diplomatic ties connecting India and Switzerland are anchored upon “shared democratic values as well as on trust and mutual respect”.

Commemorating India-EFTA Trade Pact

“It is the right moment to celebrate how far we have come together, but even more importantly, to shape our joint future,” President Parmelin observed.

High-Level Diplomatic Itinerary

The Swiss leader touched down in India on Monday to undertake a three-day State visit, honouring an invitation extended by Prime Minister Modi. The high-level diplomatic itinerary centres on enhancing bilateral collaboration across commerce, investment, scientific advancement, technological innovation and workforce mobility.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) noted that President Parmelin is travelling alongside a prominent delegation consisting of senior officials and corporate executives, marking his maiden State visit to India and his second journey to the nation this year. The Swiss President journeyed to India in February 2026 to take part in the AI Impact Summit conducted in New Delhi.

Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi and President Parmelin are scheduled to hold bilateral discussions to assess advancements in cooperation spanning diverse sectors, encompassing trade, investment, science, technology, innovation, mobility, cultural exchange and interpersonal engagement. Additionally, both leaders will confer regarding regional and global affairs, which includes collaboration across multilateral platforms.

During the course of the itinerary, President Parmelin will likewise meet with President Droupadi Murmu, who is slated to host a ceremonial banquet in his honour. Furthermore, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar will pay a call on the Swiss President.

The diplomatic engagement acquires distinct prominence given that President Parmelin is set to attend the second India-EFTA Prosperity Summit on October 7. The occasion will signal the inaugural anniversary of the operationalisation of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA).

Enduring Bilateral Ties

The diplomatic undertaking transpires against a background of continuous high-level interactions between New Delhi and Bern. Historical records show that the most recent State visit executed by an Indian President to Switzerland occurred in 2019, whereas Prime Minister Modi undertook official journeys to Switzerland in 2016 and 2018.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

How Yamaha is bringing Japan's KAIZEN, skill development to India

Asianet News Central — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 11:00:48 +0530

2027 is the 75th anniversary year of diplomatic relations between India and Japan. Yamaha Motor is a global motorbike supplier adapting to each country's market. Its contribution to India has continued for a long time. In 2017, Yamaha Motor launched the Japan-India Institute for Manufacturing. It aims to realise PM Modi's policy of “Make in India” and “Skill India”. It means the penetration of Japan's style of skill development and company regulation management in the production scene. Its achievement was highly evaluated by PM Modi during the summit with Japan's PM Sanae Takaichi, “India learned KAIZEN from Japan.”

Fostering 'Make in India' and 'Skill India'

The motorbike giant has developed in the vast Indian market, producing in Indian factories.

A New Venture: The 'Never Selling Motorbike Business'

On the other hand, Yamaha Motor launched the “Never selling motorbike business” in 2021. It means a vehicle rental business based on cooperation with platform partners. President of MOTO Business Service India Masaharu Kobayashi says, “Our service is vehicle rental and operating service. Apart from the production and sales of motorbikes, Yamaha Motor intends to develop new business focusing on local necessity. Currently, we develop in 13 states and have already got the licence for an additional six states.” Through platform partners, our vehicles are provided to users, vehicle rental companies, taxi companies, delivery businesses, employee transportation services and so on.

IoT-Powered Maintenance and Data Collection

After rental, those vehicles are monitored for their running situation by an IoT system. In addition, after rental, 20 staff check the vehicle situation every month. Maintenance service covers four check points, periodic maintenance service based on running distance, GPS IoT device service checking where and how the vehicle is, vehicle off-road check covering accidents or halts to work, and vehicle inspection, which is an unannounced check. The purpose of precise maintenance service is to get data that includes which car is appropriate for which kind of service and which kind of driving keeps the vehicle's value for resale.

A Data-Driven Future

President Masaharu Kobayashi emphasises, “The Indian mobility market is huge. So, motorbike business does not conclude by selling. The necessity of the market should be grasped by digital data.” Yamaha Motor's business policy is harmonising with local necessity through the incorporation of advancing technology. The contribution of Yamaha Motor foresees a convenient and comfortable Indian society. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Swiss President Parmelin in India to bolster ties, meets PM Modi

Asianet News Central — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 10:30:31 +0530

Swiss Confederation President Guy Parmelin received a grand ceremonial welcome in the national capital on Monday, marking the commencement of his three-day State visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

As part of the welcome, the Swiss leader received a ceremonial Guard of Honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan, with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi in attendance. Having arrived in India on Monday, the high-profile visit is scheduled to run from October 5 through October 7, with the diplomatic engagement centred on bolstering bilateral ties spanning commerce, investment, scientific advancement, technological innovation and workforce mobility.

Bilateral Discussions on the Anvil

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), President Parmelin travels alongside an influential delegation featuring senior officials and business leaders. This itinerary marks his inaugural State visit to the South Asian nation, as well as his second arrival in the country over the course of the year, following a previous stay in February 2026 to attend the AI Impact Summit hosted in New Delhi.

Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi and President Parmelin will meet to review progress in bilateral cooperation across a wide range of areas, including trade and investment, science, technology and innovation, mobility, culture and people-to-people contact. Additionally, both leaders will exchange views on regional and global developments, including cooperation in multilateral fora.

The MEA said, “On October 5, Prime Minister Modi and President Parmelin will hold bilateral discussions to review progress in bilateral cooperation across a wide range of areas including trade and investment, science, technology and innovation, mobility, culture and people-to-people contact. They will also exchange views on regional and global developments including cooperation in multilateral fora.”

High-Profile Meetings and EFTA Summit

Building upon these engagements throughout the course of his visit, President Parmelin will also meet President Droupadi Murmu, who will host an official banquet in his honour. Furthermore, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will call on the Swiss President.

Spotlight on Trade and Economic Partnership

The diplomatic mission carries heightened prominence given that President Parmelin will participate in the second India-EFTA Prosperity Summit on October 7. The event will mark the first anniversary of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) coming into force.

In connection with this milestone, the MEA highlighted Switzerland's importance as an economic partner, stating that among the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries, Switzerland is India's largest trade and investment partner. The ministry also underlined the longstanding ties between the two countries and the importance of regular high-level exchanges in taking the relationship forward.

A History of High-Level Exchanges

This diplomatic undertaking unfolds against the backdrop of sustained high-level engagement between India and Switzerland. Historical records indicate that the last State visit of the President of India to Switzerland took place in 2019, while Prime Minister Modi paid official visits to Switzerland in 2016 and 2018. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Flydubai Omani Co-Pilot Planned 9/11-Style Crash, Kill Smit Machchhar; UAE Seeks Death Penalty

Deevika NM — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 10:26:55 +0530

Co-Pilot Allegedly Planned 9/11-Style Attack on Israel

The Omani co-pilot accused of attacking the captain of Flydubai Flight 1073 allegedly had a detailed plan to hijack the aircraft and crash it into Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, according to reports cited by Israeli Hebrew-language media. Hamam al-Hammami, who is under arrest in the United Arab Emirates, reportedly told investigators that he planned to kill Indian Captain Smit Machchhar before continuing the flight towards Tel Aviv.

According to Ynet, quoted sources said al-Hammami intended to fly normally after killing the captain so that he could obtain the required landing clearances without immediately raising suspicion. He allegedly planned to crash the aircraft into a building or another plane at Ben Gurion Airport in what was described as a 9/11-like attack.

The reports said he had also considered alternative targets. If crashing at the airport was not possible, al-Hammami allegedly planned to hit a skyscraper in Tel Aviv or one of the US military bases in Jordan.

Ynet reported that al-Hammami attacked Machchhar while the aircraft was flying over Jordan and approaching Israel. He allegedly believed waiting until the final stage of the journey would prevent others from understanding what was happening in time to stop him.

The plan was ultimately disrupted when Machchhar, despite being injured, fought back, sent distress signals and opened the cockpit door. Crew members and passengers then restrained the co-pilot, while two off-duty pilots took control and safely landed the aircraft in Saudi Arabia.

Also Read: Flydubai Vetting Row: How Omani Pilot Flagged Over Extremism Got Into Tel Aviv-Bound Cockpit

‘I Planned It Even Before I Was Accepted’: Co-Pilot’s Alleged Confession

Further details about the alleged plan have emerged from Israeli media reports. Sources cited by Channel 12 said al-Hammami had initially intended to carry out the attack in July but delayed it at the last moment because he had become friends with one of the crew members.

Reports also said he had flown to Ben Gurion Airport several times after joining Flydubai. During a June trip to Israel, he allegedly focused on gathering information and planning the attack.

According to a Channel 13 report, al-Hammami had allegedly decided to join Flydubai specifically because of its flights to Tel Aviv. He reportedly told investigators: “I looked into which airline flies to Tel Aviv. That's why I chose Flydubai. I planned it even before I was accepted.”

The reports indicate that the alleged plan therefore predated his employment with the airline.

Meanwhile, Captain Machchhar, who is receiving treatment at a hospital in Abu Dhabi, recently spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the attack. Machchhar said al-Hammami had asked to pray minutes before striking him with a crash axe.

Initially, the captain thought the aircraft itself had been hit. Recalling the repeated blows, he said: “The blows kept coming. I realised that it's not the aircraft, it's the other guy who was in the cockpit with me.”

Jet Plunged 16,000 Feet After Attack, Security Questions Emerge

An account published by Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera claimed that after attacking Machchhar, al-Hammami switched off the aircraft’s engines and pushed the rudders forward. The action reportedly caused the aircraft to plunge 16,000 feet in less than a minute, with the plane almost reaching the speed of sound.

The incident has also raised questions over how al-Hammami was able to serve as a commercial airline pilot. Officials have reportedly said Oman had barred him from flying because of concerns about his extremist views.

Al-Hammami, 29, is an Omani citizen with an Omani father and Syrian mother. He had reportedly lived in Syria during the civil war and posted online messages supporting al-Qaeda.

Regional officials told the Associated Press that Emirati authorities had shared information about passengers and crew, including their nationalities. Israeli officials, however, said no red flags had been raised regarding anyone on the flight.

The Shin Bet said Israel’s Transportation Ministry was responsible for vetting passenger lists from foreign flights. Transportation Minister Miri Regev said on X that security agencies were responsible for flight security and that her ministry had not received a passenger list or warnings.

Dvir Rubenstien, head of aviation security at the Transportation Ministry, told Army Radio that the ministry relies on local security checks and lacks the tools or ability to conduct checks on every passenger on every flight.

UAE Seeks Death Penalty For Omani Co-Pilot

According to a report by Ynet, the United Arab Emirates is seeking the harshest possible punishment for Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami over the alleged cockpit attack on Flydubai Flight FZ1073, with the death penalty reportedly being considered. A senior Emirati source cited by Ynet said al-Hammami is expected to face the death penalty, while Israeli intelligence officials are reportedly in the UAE assisting with the investigation. The UAE has described the September 30 incident as an attempted terrorist attack after al-Hammami allegedly attacked Indian Captain Smit Machchhar inside the cockpit and attempted to take control of the aircraft.

Also Read: Flydubai Co-Pilot Hamam Alhamami Identified: Oman Flying Ban, Syria Links And ‘Extremist Views’ Emerge

Realtor arrested at LAX for surveilling Taiwan president's son for China

Asianet News Central — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 09:30:50 +0530

The Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested a California real estate agent at Los Angeles International Airport on Sunday following disclosures to CBS News from law enforcement sources that she had allegedly surveilled the US-based son of Taiwan’s president.

Wanying “Heather” Zhang, 34, was taken into custody by federal law enforcement officials at LAX prior to boarding a scheduled flight destined for Shanghai, China, facing formal charges of acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign government.

Edric Ding, Zhang’s husband and a fellow realtor at the same firm, told CBS News during a telephone interview on Sunday that “I don’t know anything yet”, while declining to offer further remarks. It remained undetermined whether Zhang had secured legal representation.

Details from the Criminal Complaint

According to a criminal complaint submitted to a federal court by an FBI counterintelligence investigator stationed in Los Angeles, Zhang and an accomplice allegedly travelled to Seattle, Washington, during September 2025 to photograph the suburban dwelling belonging to relatives of a high-ranking Taiwanese official.

Law enforcement sources told CBS News that the alleged target was Ting-Yu Lai, the son of Taiwanese President Ching-Te Lai. Ting-Yu, an engineer in his 30s, completed his higher education at US institutions and shares a young US-born son with his wife, Hsiao Chen, based on Taiwanese media reports. He currently maintains employment with the Dutch multinational electronics company Philips.

“If the PRC [People’s Republic of China] wish to obtain leverage over the President of Taiwan during any potential conflict, the location and pictures of the close relatives of a high-ranking Taiwanese government official, including pictures of their homes and cars, could be useful to the PRC”, FBI Special Agent Kevin Holt wrote in the October 3, 2026, criminal complaint.

Taiwan has remained at the centre of high geopolitical tensions for decades, with the island maintaining that it is independent, while the Chinese government claims it is part of China. Furthermore, Taiwan is strategically located along major shipping routes and is home to manufacturing facilities producing some of the world’s most advanced semiconductor chips.

The complaint alleges that Zhang and a man identified only as “Individual 1” flew from Las Vegas to Seattle on September 1, 2025. The pair then rented a black Nissan Rogue and drove to the residence they were allegedly targeting. Images from a neighbour’s security camera included in the complaint allegedly show the two “appearing to film” Ting-Yu, his wife and their child as they arrived home that evening. CBS News said it matched the images to an address near Seattle owned by Ting-Yu.

According to the complaint, Zhang allegedly sent messages to a Chinese government handler through the Chinese messaging app WeChat. She wrote, “Saw him. Young male. It’s that young one”, and “I am videorecording”, before sending two licence plate numbers. The FBI said the messages were obtained through a search warrant for Zhang’s iCloud account.

Recruitment and Mission

“Zhang was in contact with at least two people whom she appeared to acknowledge worked for the PRC government”, Holt wrote. The complaint alleges that Zhang was introduced to one of the Chinese government officials in June 2025 by a classmate from Beijing’s University of International Relations. Holt said the university has close ties to China’s Ministry of State Security.

During a June 2025 trip to Changsha, China, Zhang allegedly booked a private room where she met the government official and received the surveillance mission, according to Holt’s affidavit. She later sent a message to the official saying, “I can take care of this thing”, the complaint said.

On August 26, 2025, Zhang allegedly wrote, “I will be busy with work in L.A. this week. I will probably go to Seattle next week”, while the official replied, “Ok. Thank you for your hard work”, according to the complaint.

Zhang is a licensed California realtor with JC Pacific Capital Inc., with her Zillow profile listing 130 sales and listings across Los Angeles and neighbouring counties.

Profile of the Alleged Target

Ting-Yu earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, in 2012. He then obtained a master’s degree in Bioengineering Innovation and Design from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore in 2013, followed by a PhD from the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Washington, according to a profile from one of his academic publications.

Taiwanese television news station SETN reported that Ting-Yu met his Taiwanese wife while studying for his doctorate. They married in 2018 and had a child in the United States in 2020, according to Taiwan’s national news agency CNA.

Broader Context of Chinese Operations in the US

Chinese government agents have previously been accused of spying on and harassing Chinese dissidents and pro-democracy activists in the United States. Federal prosecutors said Shujun Wang, 75, infiltrated a Chinese pro-democracy group in Queens, New York, and provided information about it to China’s Ministry of State Security for 17 years. He was convicted in 2024 of acting as a covert foreign agent.

Two people were arrested in April 2023 over their involvement in an unofficial Chinese police station in Manhattan that was allegedly established to monitor Chinese dissidents.

The Justice Department has also warned about a Chinese security operation known as Operation Fox Hunt, which seeks to repatriate wanted Chinese nationals around the world and targets opponents of the Chinese government. New York-based Quanzhong An, whom prosecutors described as a leader of the US wing of Operation Fox Hunt, was sentenced in March 2025 after allegedly harassing a Chinese dissident in an effort to bring the person back to China.

In California, former Arcadia Mayor Eileen Wang was charged in May with acting as a Chinese agent. She admitted to receiving payment to promote Chinese government propaganda in the United States, including publishing an essay on her blog denying “forced labour” in China. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

US Coast Guard suspends search for 6 missing in Nantucket plane crash

Asianet News Central — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 09:30:22 +0530

The US Coast Guard has suspended the active search operations for the six individuals travelling on board the medical aircraft that went down off the Nantucket coastline, officials announced. In an official statement released on Sunday (local time), officials stated, “The Coast Guard has suspended its search Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026, for the six passengers aboard the missing medical transport aircraft off the coast of Nantucket.”

According to the same statement, the Coast Guard, alongside collaborating partner agencies, covered 4,445 miles throughout approximately 66 hours of searching. Rear Admiral Matthew Lake, who serves as Commander of the Northeast District, stated, “Suspending a search is not an easy decision.” He added, “We express our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones affected by the tragedy and our gratitude for our partner agencies who helped support search efforts.”

Search Efforts and Debris Field

Earlier during the day, Coast Guard teams continued scanning the waters, searching for the six people alongside the aircraft's flight recorder. Officials indicated that locating the jet's black box could present significant challenges, considering how “extensive” the resulting debris field proves to be. Lake stated, “In the debris we've identified at this point, there is no indication that we found a black box.”

While authorities refrained from disclosing the precise dimensions of the debris field, Kastriot Kastrati, who acts as the search and rescue mission coordinator for the US Coast Guard's northeast district, explained that the sheer size and quantity of debris have rendered it “very difficult to get into the details of what's there.”

Lake noted that the debris field lay approximately 32 kilometres away from the Nantucket coastline, where local water depths range between 24 and 28 metres. Fragments originating from the Gulfstream G100 twinjet appeared floating across the ocean waters on Saturday evening.

The Fateful Flight

The aircraft, carrying six occupants, was journeying from Bermuda's L.F. Wade International Airport towards Boston Logan International Airport when it abruptly vanished from Federal Aviation Administration radar screens shortly prior to its planned 1:25 am arrival. (ANI)

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Why Maldives Has Entered The Chagos Islands Dispute And Challenged Longstanding Claims To Sovereignty

Vaishnav Akash — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 09:21:07 +0530

The Chagos Islands dispute, long centered on competing claims by the United Kingdom and Mauritius, has entered a new phase after the Maldives formally asserted that it holds the strongest claim to the archipelago.

Under President Mohamed Muizzu, the Maldives has become the first government in the country's history to officially claim sovereignty over Chagos, placing itself alongside the two longstanding claimants and adding a fresh layer to one of the Indian Ocean's most sensitive territorial issues.

The position represents a significant shift from previous Maldivian governments, which generally focused on maritime boundary concerns rather than ownership of the islands themselves.

The Chagos archipelago occupies a strategically important location in the central Indian Ocean and includes Diego Garcia, home to a major joint British-American military facility.

For decades, sovereignty disputes were primarily confined to the United Kingdom and Mauritius. Britain administered Chagos as part of colonial Mauritius before separating the islands in 1965 and creating the British Indian Ocean Territory. Mauritius has consistently maintained that the separation violated decolonization principles and that sovereignty should belong to Port Louis.

International legal developments have increasingly favored Mauritius. In recent years, both the International Court of Justice and the United Nations General Assembly supported the view that Mauritius' decolonization process was incomplete and that British administration should end.

Subsequent negotiations between Britain and Mauritius produced an agreement recognizing Mauritian sovereignty while allowing continued operation of the military base on Diego Garcia through a long-term arrangement.

It is against this backdrop that the Maldives has advanced its own case.

What Is The Basis Of The Maldives' Claim?

The Maldivian government argues that historical evidence supports its position regarding Chagos.

Officials have pointed to a sixteenth-century document linked to Sultan Hassan IX that allegedly referred to islands identified in the Maldives as Foalhavahi, which the government associates with Chagos.

The administration has also cited traditional accounts, references to old gravestones said to contain Dhivehi script and the geographic proximity between the Maldives and the archipelago.

However, the claim differs from previous Maldivian foreign policy positions.

For more than six decades after independence, successive governments did not formally seek Chagos sovereignty. Instead, Malé's primary concern involved maritime boundaries and fishing rights, particularly where exclusive economic zones overlapped.

The current policy therefore represents a substantial departure from earlier diplomatic approaches.

Government leaders have stated that they oppose any transfer of sovereignty involving Chagos until the Maldivian position is fully considered.

President Muizzu has raised the matter directly with British officials and has sought discussions regarding the issue through diplomatic channels.

How Did The Issue Become A Political Debate?

The roots of the current policy can be traced to domestic political developments in the Maldives.

Debate intensified ahead of the 2023 presidential election after it became public that then-President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had recognized Mauritian sovereignty over Chagos in correspondence with Mauritian authorities.

That decision generated criticism from political opponents, who argued it weakened Maldivian interests during broader maritime boundary discussions.

The issue became intertwined with election politics and wider debates over national sovereignty.

Opposition figures claimed previous governments had failed to adequately defend Maldivian territorial interests, while supporters of a stronger position on Chagos argued the issue required renewed attention.

Following his election victory, Muizzu adopted that position as official government policy.

His administration withdrew support for the earlier recognition of Mauritius' claim, created a dedicated office to oversee territorial issues and announced plans to present evidence supporting the Maldives' position in relevant international forums.

Where Does The Dispute Stand Now?

Despite the policy shift, the Maldives has yet to secure meaningful international backing for its sovereignty claim.

Britain continues to view Chagos primarily as an issue involving the United Kingdom and Mauritius. Mauritius, meanwhile, remains committed to its own claim and has not accepted the Maldivian position.

Diplomatic relations between Mauritius and the Maldives have also been affected by the dispute.

For now, the immediate impact appears greater in domestic politics than in international diplomacy. The issue aligns with President Muizzu's broader narrative of defending national sovereignty and challenging decisions made by previous administrations.

However, the wider legal and diplomatic framework surrounding Chagos remains largely unchanged.

While the Maldives has successfully inserted itself into the conversation, international recognition continues to focus primarily on the longstanding dispute between Britain and Mauritius.

Israel bars UK Green Party leader after anti-Zionist policy vote

Asianet News Central — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 06:30:27 +0530

UK Green Party Adopts Anti-Zionist Stance

The UK Green Party has voted to formally adopt an anti-Zionist position at its 2026 conference, prompting Israel to bar the party's leader, Zack Polanski, from entering the country. The motion passed by 1,022 votes to 813, according to a Green Party press release issued on Sunday, defines Zionism as an ethnonationalist political project and states that anti-Zionism should not be equated with antisemitism. Zionism is a nationalist movement that emerged in Europe in the late 19th century, seeking to establish and support a Jewish homeland.

The policy also reaffirms the party's support for Palestinian liberation, the right of return, Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS), and a full arms embargo against Israel. It further backs the right to self-determination and calls for the establishment of a single democratic state throughout historic Palestine.

Party Defends 'Deeply Felt' Decision

A Green Party spokesperson said the decision followed a "serious and deeply felt debate" among its membership. “This has been a serious and deeply felt debate within our membership. Our members value the ability to bring forward and decide party policy, and conference has now made its decision,” the spokesperson said.

The party said its position was rooted in its opposition to racism and its stated support for equality, justice and human rights. “The Green Party is an anti-racist party and has consistently opposed the illegal occupation of both Palestinian and Syrian land, called for an end to arms sales to the Israeli government and spoken out fearlessly about the devastating situation in Gaza and the West Bank. Those positions remain central to our approach. So too does our deeply held commitment to equality, justice and human rights for all and opposition to racism in all its forms,” the spokesperson added.

Israel Condemns Move as 'Antisemitic,' Bars Party Leader

Following the adoption of the policy, Israel's Foreign Ministry accused the Green Party of legitimising armed struggle against Israel. "Today, the Green Party in Britain adopted a resolution equating Zionism with racism, legitimising armed struggle against Israel, and calling for the establishment of a Palestinian state “from the river to the sea” - meaning the destruction of the State of Israel," the Israeli Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The ministry said it considered the resolution antisemitic under the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition and accused it of denying Jewish self-determination. "The resolution constitutes a clear antisemitic text according to the IHRA definition, as it denies the Jewish people’s right to self-determination," it said.

Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar subsequently decided to bar Green Party leader Zack Polanski from entering Israel, according to the ministry. "Therefore, as a first step, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has decided this evening to declare Green Party leader Zack Polanski barred from entering Israel. The decision has been coordinated with the relevant authorities," the statement added. (ANI)

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IDF eliminates Hamas commander, terrorist in separate Gaza strikes

Asianet News Central — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 05:00:34 +0530

IDF Strikes Hamas Operatives in Khan Younis

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Sunday (local time) said that it eliminated a commander in Hamas' military wing and a terrorist from the group's observation unit in separate strikes in the Khan Younis area of the Gaza Strip.

In a statement on Telegram, the IDF said it struck the Khan Younis area earlier on Sunday and eliminated Muad Gamal Abu Nuseira, a commander in Hamas' military wing. "Earlier today (Sunday), the IDF struck in the Khan Younis area in the Gaza Strip and eliminated Muad Gamal Abu Nuseira, a commander in Hamas’ military wing," the IDF said.

It stated that in a separate strike on Saturday, it eliminated Mahmoud Ibrahim Dib Alyan, whom it described as a terrorist in Hamas' observation unit. "Yesterday (Saturday), in an additional strike, the IDF eliminated Mahmoud Ibrahim Dib Alyan, a terrorist in Hamas’ observation unit," the statement read.

According to the IDF, Alyan was recently identified as advancing activities against IDF troops in the area of the Yellow Line and working to restore Hamas' capabilities, which it said was in systematic violation of the ceasefire agreement. "Recently, the terrorist was identified advancing terrorist activities against IDF troops in the area of the Yellow Line and working to restore Hamas’ capabilities, in systematic violation of the ceasefire agreement. The terrorist was eliminated in an aerial strike," the IDF said.

The IDF said steps were taken before the strikes to mitigate harm to civilians, including the use of precise munitions and aerial surveillance. The IDF added that troops under the Southern Command remain deployed in the area in accordance with the agreement and would continue operations against what it described as immediate threats. "IDF troops under the Southern Command are deployed in the area in accordance with the agreement and will continue to operate to remove any immediate threat," the statement said.

Strike on Nukhba Terrorist Linked to October 7

Earlier, the IDF said it had also struck in the Khan Younis area and eliminated Saqr Nabil Musa Qaisi, whom it described as a Nukhba terrorist in Hamas. The IDF said Qaisi had infiltrated Israeli territory during the October 7 massacre and alleged that he also served as director of the Turkish organisation Deniz Feneri, which presents itself as a humanitarian aid organisation.

"The terrorist infiltrated Israeli territory during the October 7th Massacre. Alongside his activities within the Hamas terrorist organisation, the terrorist served as the director of the Turkish organisation Deniz Feneri, which presents itself as a humanitarian aid organisation but in practice maintains ties with senior figures in the Hamas terrorist organisation's leadership and with elements within the Turkish leadership," the IDF said.

The IDF further alleged that Qaisi worked to employ terrorists and provide financial support to Hamas terrorists through his role in the organisation. "As part of his role in the organisation, the terrorist worked to regularly employ numerous terrorists and provide financial support to Hamas terrorists. The organisation and its senior figures present their activities as humanitarian efforts but in practice promote fundraising to support the Hamas terrorist organisation," it said.

The IDF described the alleged activity as an exploitation of the humanitarian sphere to support Hamas' military activities. The IDF said Qaisi had advanced activities against its troops and Israeli civilians during the war and had worked to restore Hamas' capabilities, which it described as a violation of the ceasefire. "Recently, and throughout the war, the terrorist advanced terrorist activities against IDF troops and Israeli civilians and worked to restore the organisation's capabilities, in systematic violation of the ceasefire. The terrorist was eliminated in order to remove the threat he posed," it stated.

The IDF said it continues to focus efforts on disrupting financing capabilities supporting Hamas' military activities. (ANI)

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Iran: Strait of Hormuz to stay closed until US meets 7 conditions

Asianet News Central — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 04:30:27 +0530

Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said that the strategic Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States meets seven conditions based on the 14-point June Memorandum of Understanding, as tensions between Tehran and Washington continue to escalate amid the West Asia conflict. Ghalibaf made the remarks in his speech at the Iranian Parliament, saying that the US had recently put forward proposals through a mediator, but that Iran's position remained clear.

Ghalibaf says US 'desperate', rejects unilateral demands

"The Americans have also become desperate in the face of the Iranian nation's resistance and resistance. The Americans, who say otherwise in the media, have recently put forward some proposals through a mediator," Ghalibaf said.

Ghalibaf said Iran would not accept what he described as unilateral demands from Washington and linked the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to the fulfilment of seven conditions. "But they must realise that the era of wasting time and dictating unilateral demands is over and the position of the Islamic Republic of Iran is completely clear and definite, and the Strait of Hormuz will not be opened until our seven conditions based on the Islamabad Memorandum are met," he said.

Collapsed MoU and Renewed Conflict

The remarks come amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States following the collapse of a 14-point MoU signed in June, aimed at ending hostilities between the two sides and creating a pathway for further negotiations, particularly on Iran's nuclear programme.

Under the framework, a roadmap aimed at securing a final agreement within 60 days was announced, with the US and Iran agreeing to establish a High-Level Committee to provide political oversight of the mediation process. Chief negotiators from both sides were to regularly report to the committee while leading working groups focused on nuclear issues, sanctions, and a monitoring and dispute resolution mechanism to support implementation of the MoU.

The collapse of the MoU in July renewed the conflict in West Asia, with the United States striking Iranian military and civilian assets, while Iran also targeted American bases across the Gulf in retaliatory strikes. (ANI)

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Jaishankar on India's global footprint, diaspora welfare with diplomats

Asianet News Central — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 03:00:25 +0530

Jaishankar Interacts with Young Diplomats

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted India's growing global footprint, strategic autonomy, diaspora welfare and the evolving India-Africa partnership while interacting with young diplomats participating in the Raisina Forum for Future of Diplomacy 2026. In a post on X on Sunday, Jaishankar said he interacted with the young diplomats and discussed several issues, including India's growing trade, development and HADR partnerships, the rise of a global workforce, mobility of skilled professionals and the responsibilities involved in ensuring diaspora welfare.

"Delighted to interact with the young diplomats participating in the Raisina Forum for Future of Diplomacy 2026. Discussed among other things: India’s growing global footprint characterised by our growing trade, development and HADR partnerships," EAM said in a post on X.

He further highlighted the changing nature of the global workforce and the need to address the welfare of Indians working abroad, and also underlined the importance of strategic autonomy for countries in dealing with the current international environment. "The rise of a global workforce and greater mobility of skilled professionals. And the growing responsibilities for ensuring diaspora welfare, including of seafarers. The imperative of strategic autonomy for countries to deal with the contemporary global landscape," the post added.

Evolving India-Africa Partnership

On India's engagement with Africa, the External Affairs Minister highlighted the changing nature of the partnership, including greater transfer of technology, capabilities and experience. "The emerging nature of India - Africa partnership characterised by greater technology, capabilities and experiential transfer," Jaishankar said, highlighting India's efforts towards promoting peace and its advocacy of dialogue and diplomacy.

Challenges in the Social Media Era

The EAM also pointed to the challenges faced by countries in conducting foreign policy in the era of social media. "Challenges of conducting foreign policy in the social media era," he said.

Cooperation Among Emerging and Middle Powers

Earlier, Jaishankar also addressed the issue of cooperation among emerging and middle powers, stressing the changing global landscape and the growing relevance of such partnerships.

In a post on X, Jaishankar said he spoke at the MLM New Delhi on emerging and middle power (EMP) cooperation and thanked Munich Security Conference Chairman Wolfgang Ischinger. "A pleasure to speak at the #MLMNewDelhi today on emerging and middle power (EMP) cooperation. Thank Ambassador Wolfgang Ischinger, Chairman of the Munich Security Conference," Jaishankar said.

He said emerging and middle powers from both the Global South and Global North share a common objective of becoming more relevant in the international system and also pointed to the factors shaping the debate around emerging and middle powers, including changes in the role of the US, China's rise, sharper competition and greater interdependence. "EMPs are from Global South & Global North, united in their goal of being more relevant. They are conscious of what they bring to the table. The changing landscape which drives the EMP debate is of a repositioning US, rise of China, shaper competition and greater interdependence," EAM Jaishankar said on X.

He said the approach of emerging and middle powers involves reducing risks, diversifying partnerships and pursuing cooperation based on specific agendas. The EAM added that these developments were contributing to a more multipolar international order characterised by multi-alignment and smaller groupings. "EMPs’ approach is to de-risk & to diversify, and pursue agenda-based cooperation. The resulting outcome is of multipolarity, multi-alignment and small groups," it added.

Jaishankar further said emerging and middle powers could develop a broad-based agenda that would contribute to reforming the multilateral system. "EMPs can develop a broad-based agenda that will contribute to reformed multilateralism," he said. (ANI)

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Iran slams 'fake expulsion' report, says diplomats left US on schedule

Asianet News Central — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 03:00:21 +0530

Iran Refutes 'Expulsion' Claims

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi slammed reports that Iranian diplomats were "kicked out" of the United States following the United Nations General Assembly, saying that all Iranian diplomats who attended the UNGA, except one who had departed earlier, left the country as scheduled.

Araghchi made the remarks in a post on X while sharing a screenshot of a report that claimed two members of Iran's delegation to the UN General Assembly had been "kicked out" of the US after allegedly failing to comply with a US State Department order to leave the country. "All Iranian diplomats who attended UNGA, except one who departed earlier, left as scheduled," Araghchi said. He further criticised the reported characterisation of the departures, saying that taking pride in an alleged diplomatic "expulsion" was inappropriate. "Taking pride in fake diplomat "expulsion" is inappropriate for the head of any diplomatic corps. It oozes of desperation and defeat and is inconsistent with UN host nation obligations," the post read.

US Official's Account of Departures

Araghchi's remarks came after Axios reported that two members of Iran's delegation to the United Nations General Assembly in New York were "kicked out" of the United States on Saturday after allegedly failing to comply with a US State Department order to leave the country, citing a US official. According to Axios, the two Iranian diplomats had been asked to leave the United States several days earlier but remained in New York, prompting the US administration to issue a fresh demand for their immediate departure.

"Secretary Rubio means business. Two more members of the Iranian delegation were found still in New York long after the UN General Assembly had passed. They have now been kicked out of the country," the US official told Axios. The US official said the State Department on Monday directed the Iranian mission to the UN to ensure that its entire delegation left the country immediately. However, two members of the delegation remained in New York despite the order. The Iranian mission to the UN was informed on Friday that US authorities were aware the two diplomats were still in the city, even after they had been instructed to leave, the official said. Iran was again told that the two diplomats needed to depart immediately, Axios reported.

According to the US official, one of the Iranian diplomats left New York on Friday night, while the second departed on Saturday morning.

Strained US-Iran Ties

The development comes amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, with diplomatic efforts to end the war facing difficulties and concerns over the prospect of renewed combat in West Asia. The action marks the latest indication of strained ties between Washington and Tehran, with the US administration taking action against Iranian diplomatic personnel who, according to the US official, did not comply with its directive to leave the country. The US official said the two diplomats' continued presence in New York after the State Department's initial order led to the renewed demand for their immediate departure. (ANI)

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India-Indonesia trade: More needs to be done, says Indonesian envoy

Asianet News Central — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 02:00:26 +0530

Special Envoy of the President of Indonesia for International Trade and Multilateral Cooperation Mari Elka Pangestu highlighted the significant untapped potential in trade and investment between India and Indonesia, saying more needs to be done to realise the opportunities between the two countries.

Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of the 5th Kautilya Economic Conclave (KEC 2026) here on Sunday, Pangestu said that closer partnerships between countries in the region are important amid global uncertainties and a changing world. "I appreciate the Kautilya Conference very much. It brings people from many countries and many regions together to talk about very important issues. We talked a lot about how the world is in flux; because of all the uncertainties, resilience means that we need to have closer partnerships within our region and with all the different countries that are here, including India and Indonesia, including India and ASEAN. We talk a lot about perhaps the lack of potential being realised between trade with India and Indonesia and how much more we need to do for trade and investment," Pangestu said.

About Kautilya Economic Conclave 2026

Her remarks come as the 5th Kautilya Economic Conclave is being held from October 3 to October 5 in New Delhi under the theme "Resilience in an Age of Flux". The three-day gathering brings together senior policymakers, economists, academics, financial experts and international thought leaders to discuss contemporary economic and policy challenges.

The 5th edition of KEC has brought together more than 180 policymakers, economists, academics, financial experts and international thought leaders, including over 80 international participants from around 30 countries. Participants are contributing to plenary sessions, interactive discussions and focused roundtables.

Conclave History and Format

The Conclave is an initiative of the Institute of Economic Growth (IEG), organised in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, Government of India. First convened in 2022, the Kautilya Economic Conclave has grown into a forum for dialogue on economic and policy challenges. Earlier editions of the Kautilya Economic Conclave were held under the themes "Redefining the Future" (2022), "Navigating a World on Fire" (2023), "The Indian Era" (2024) and "Seeking Prosperity in Turbulent Times" (2025). The three-day Conclave features plenary sessions, interactive parallel sessions and invitation-only closed-door roundtables. The roundtables focus on issues including attracting foreign direct investment and mobilising domestic capital for long-term investment, providing opportunities for focused exchanges among policymakers, economists, investors and practitioners. (ANI)

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Hero pilot Smit Machchhar recovering well, in good spirits: Envoy

Asianet News Central — Sun, 04 Oct 2026 23:30:27 +0530

Community Support and Recovery Update

Expressing gratitude for the overwhelming outpouring of support from the community, Indian Ambassador to the UAE Deepak Mittal reaffirmed that injured pilot Captain Smit Machchhar is "recovering well and in good spirits" following his extraordinary bravery during a mid-air incident. The Ambassador's statement came in response to a special prayer gathering organised at the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, where priests and devotees assembled to honour Captain Machchhar's heroic actions during the cockpit attack by his co-pilot on the flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

In a message posted on social media, the BAPS Hindu Mandir shared, "Prayers for Captain Smit Machchhar. Swamis and devotees at the BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi, came together in prayer for Captain Smit Machchhar, honouring his remarkable courage and bravery. Our prayers are with you, Captain Smit." https://x.com/AbuDhabiMandir/status/2106723152600715277

Acknowledging the temple's gesture and providing an update on the pilot's condition, the Indian Ambassador to the UAE responded, "Prayers continue to flow in for good health of Capt Smit. He is recovering well and in good spirits. Embassy remains in touch with the local authorities and the family and extending all possible assistance." https://x.com/d_mittal73/status/2106729462490689861?s=20

The Indian Embassy in the UAE continues to monitor Captain Machchhar’s recovery closely while coordinating with local authorities to ensure his well-being and offer all necessary support to his family.

Global Leaders Praise Pilot's Heroism

Earlier on Saturday, UAE Deputy Prime Minister Hamdan bin Mohammed met flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar in hospital and expressed "appreciation and praise" for his heroic actions. Calling the UAE a "nation of life", the Deputy Prime Minister expressed pride in Captain Machchhar being part of the "story of our nation."

Subsequently, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, who displayed extraordinary courage and helped save lives after being attacked by his Omani co-pilot aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv during the September 30 terrorist attack, and praised his courage and composure during the confrontation inside the cockpit.

Netanyahu Extends Special Invitation

During the conversation, Netanyahu invited Captain Machchhar and his "dear friend" Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a celebratory flame on Israel's next Independence Day, calling the Indian pilot "a true hero of the brave peoples of India and Israel" and "a hero of the entire world".

"I want to invite you and my dear friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to light a celebratory flame on our next Independence Day. You are a true hero of the brave peoples of India and Israel, and you're a hero of the entire world. I wish you a very speedy and complete recovery," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said during their telephonic conversation.

Pilot Recounts Terrifying Attack

Captain Machchhar, recounting what happened inside the cockpit, said the flight was proceeding normally when the co-pilot, who wanted to pray, suddenly attacked him. The confrontation triggered a steep descent, with the aircraft dropping approximately 16,000 feet within two minutes before a hijacking distress signal was transmitted.

Describing his condition after the initial blows, Captain Machchhar said he attempted to stop the attacker, but his vision became severely blurred. "I did try to stop him, but because of his initial blows, my vision was almost like nothing. And I was completely blurred out. And at that point, the next feeling that I had was that the aircraft was sharply going down," Captain Machchhar said.

"My memory is still in bits and pieces right now, but this is what I remember out of that time," he added.

Netanyahu said he had heard from Israeli passengers about what transpired during the incident and praised the pilot and those who assisted him. The Israeli Prime Minister also conveyed his regards to Captain Machchhar's wife and wished the pilot a speedy recovery.

The security incident occurred on September 30 aboard the Flydubai flight operating from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The Omani co-pilot, identified as Hamam al-Hammami, attempted to carry out a "terrorist attack” as he stabbed Captain Machchhar inside the cockpit in an attempt to bring down the aircraft. Despite sustaining severe injuries, Captain Machchhar resisted the attacker and managed to unlatch the cockpit entry.

Captain Machchhar is now being hailed as a hero for his actions during the incident, while Netanyahu's invitation for the Indian pilot and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to light a celebratory flame on Israel's next Independence Day adds further recognition to the brave deed by the Indian pilot. (ANI)

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French Minister Benjamin Haddad in India to boost EU strategic ties

Asianet News Central — Sun, 04 Oct 2026 23:01:37 +0530

Benjamin Haddad, Minister Delegate for Europe of France, is on a three-day visit to India until Tuesday. According to the Embassy of France in India, this visit takes place as the European Union expands its strategic partnerships and invests in its competitiveness to ensure its strategic autonomy.

High-Level Meetings and Dialogues

On October 4 and 5, Minister Haddad will participate in the Munich Leaders Meeting, organised by the Munich Security Conference, speaking at the sessions on "The Mother of All Deals and Her Offspring: The Next Generation of Trade Agreements" and "(More) Need for Speed: Middle Powers in the Global Tech Race," the Embassy stated.

On October 6, Minister Haddad will take part in the France-India 1.5 Track Dialogue, jointly organised by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and the French think tank Foundation for Strategic Research (Fondation pour la recherche stratégique). He will also speak at the Raisina Forum for the Future of Diplomacy, in the session "The Atlantic Unravelling: Who Secures the West?", and meet with French, European and Indian actors of the relationship.

Boosting Strategic Ties

Ahead of the visit, Minister Haddad said, "At a time of unprecedented momentum in EU-India ties, I am delighted to visit New Delhi to engage in dialogue on global issues with thought leaders, think tanks and Indian civil society. Over the course of the last decades, the France-India Special Global Strategic Partnership has paved the way for closer cooperation between the European Union and India, which I look forward to strengthening."

The Embassy noted that during the course of this trip, Minister Haddad will also visit two major French companies present in India: Schneider Electric and Airbus. (ANI)

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Ukraine ready for US-proposed trilateral talks with Russia by October

Asianet News Central — Sun, 04 Oct 2026 23:01:27 +0530

Confirming Ukraine's readiness to engage in diplomatic talks, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that US negotiators have proposed holding a trilateral meeting with Ukraine and Russia at the technical level by the end of October. Speaking during a joint press conference in Kyiv alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine remains open to dialogue aimed at ending the war.

"Yesterday, I spoke with the American negotiating team. Today, the American side is in contact with both Ukraine and Russia and is proposing a trilateral meeting at the technical level by the end of October. Yesterday, I confirmed to them that our side is ready to support holding such a meeting by the end of October. There is no new information here. We are open to the United Arab Emirates or another country proposed by the American side," Zelenskyy wrote in a post on X. He added, "I know they will propose this to the Russian side as well, or may have already done so. We will wait for the response. We respond positively to negotiations."

Zelenskyy Details Widespread Russian Attacks

The announcement follows a wave of heavy Russian drone and missile strikes targeting critical civilian infrastructure across Ukraine. Zelenskyy detailed the widespread damage and casualties resulting from overnight attacks across multiple regions.

"This morning, the Russians once again struck the Pivnichnyi Bridge in Kyiv with a drone. They attacked an ordinary pharmaceutical warehouse in Sumy with drones. Tragically, one person was killed. My condolences to the family and loved ones. In Dnipro, they struck a communications facility. Six people were injured as a result of these attacks," Zelenskyy wrote in a post on X.

Describing the relentless scale of the aerial assault, he added, "Overnight, the Russians launched 135 attack drones against Ukraine, more than 50 of them jet-powered. Kyiv, the Dnipro, Kharkiv, Donetsk, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia regions came under attack. And among the main targets of these terrorists, as always, are ordinary residential buildings, critical infrastructure – everything that makes up normal everyday life. There are power outages in some communities. Our services are working at the impact sites."

Call for Accountability Amid Escalating Attacks

Highlighting the weekly volume of incoming strikes, Zelenskyy called for international accountability for Moscow's ongoing escalation. "It is important that Ukraine is not left alone against this terror. This week alone, the Russians have used more than 1,900 attack drones, 1,700 aerial bombs, and 25 missiles against Ukraine. More than 800 of the drones were jet-powered, and Russia must be held accountable for this escalation," he noted.

Trump Urges Settlement Amid Staggering Casualties

Earlier last week, US President Trump said that he wants Russia and Ukraine to “settle” (the war), amid staggering casualty counts, following a recent bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Speaking to Fox News, Trump emphasised the death toll in the Russia-Ukraine war, which has been going on since 2022. “Reached agreements on many of the subjects. I want him to settle with Putin, and I want Putin to settle with him. Last month, 25,000 people died. Months before that, 32,000 people died, mostly soldiers… What a shame," the US President said.

India Steps Up as Active Peace Broker

Meanwhile, India has stepped beyond traditional advocacy to actively broker peace and operational agreements between Moscow and Kyiv, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar disclosed during the Munich Leaders Meeting, revealing ongoing discussions on critical issues such as grain and energy exports, Black Sea shipping safety, and potential "non-attack possibilities."

Addressing the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe, Jaishankar outlined New Delhi’s evolving role from urging diplomacy to directly facilitating negotiations on key operational concerns between the warring parties. "We have been advocating it for many years, and in recent months we have got a little bit more involved beyond advocacy," he added. "We have conversations with both Russia and Ukraine in this regard. We are trying to be helpful, starting with the Black Sea safety of shipping issue, but going beyond that to cover some immediate concerns which both of them have on grain exports, energy exports, non-attack possibilities. Those are ongoing conversations right now."

Kyiv and Moscow Acknowledge New Delhi's Efforts

Speaking at a press briefing, Sybiha disclosed that Kyiv is reviewing four distinct international proposals—including submissions from Turkey, Egypt, and the United States. "We have four proposals. The most comprehensive is India's proposal. For the first time, India has signalled its willingness to play a role," Sybiha stated, as reported by RBC-Ukraine.

Similarly, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts to bring an end to the conflict, noting that the Indian leader has "good ideas" for a peaceful resolution.

Prime Minister Modi has consistently reiterated India's principled, humanitarian approach to the crisis, maintaining that dialogue remains the only viable path to lasting peace. (ANI)

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Nepali Congress rift widens as Deuba skips 15th General Convention

Asianet News Central — Sun, 04 Oct 2026 23:01:17 +0530

Nepal’s former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, along with a panel of leaders from the Nepali Congress, skipped the opening ceremony of the 15th General Convention of the party as the intra-party rift continues to widen.

A New Leadership Amidst Deepening Rift

The General Convention of the oldest party of the Himalayan Nation is being held nearly 8 months after the special convention held in January this year before the election. It is the party’s first regular national convention since December 2021. At the January special convention, Gagan Kumar Thapa became the party president, which was convened by over 54 per cent of party delegates, replacing Sher Bahadur Deuba’s leadership. The Election Commission officially recognised Thapa’s committee on January 16, and the Supreme Court upheld that recognition on April 17, though the court agreed in August to review its decision.

While the Thapa-led establishment is conducting the regular convention to fulfil statutory requirements, Deuba’s camp continues to boycott the process and has called a rival gathering for December 7 to 9.

“Few of our friends are angry with us, they’re not satisfied and have skipped the event. If anyone asks you after you return from here- today, we had kept a seat vacant for Sher Bahadur Deuba. We had the expectation that he would come to inaugurate the opening session; there isn’t much to complain about it,” Gagan Kumar Thapa, the party president, said while addressing the opening ceremony. Further adding, “But if anyone would ask if we kept his honor or not, respected him enough or not- it is not the times we knocked on his door every day. It should be measured through our works- whether we could level up his party or not, broadened the impact or not, that is the true essence of honoring him and we will always stand firm on it."

Thapa indicated that the Nepali Congress should move forward with the new leadership while clearly reviewing issues from the past. He said the party should make efforts to include everyone within its ranks and develop a clear position regarding leaders who have left the party.

The Legal and Statutory Dispute

The oldest party’s second special convention was held in Kathmandu from January 11 to 14 after representatives who made up more than half of the party’s delegates signed a demand for it. 54 percent of representatives attended, while only about 30 members of Deuba’s central committee took part. The gathering elected Gagan Thapa president and formed a new central working committee.

Under the party statute, a committee elected at a special convention is interim. It must hold a regular convention within a year to keep its mandate, following the provision that the party is convening the 15th General Convention. For this, conventions have been held in wards and constituencies across the nation.

Clause 17 of the Nepali Congress statute allows a special general convention if at least 40 per cent of elected convention representatives sign a request. The Election Commission relied on that rule in January when it recognised Thapa’s leadership. The Thapa side reads the statute to mean that a committee elected at a special convention is interim, and that a regular convention held within a year secures its legitimacy. That puts the outer deadline in mid-December.

The Deuba side disputes the special convention itself. A president must win a majority of valid votes, and a second round is held if nobody crosses that line. The statute amended in January also changed who can be a delegate. A leader now needs a ward recommendation and a constituency election, instead of automatic entry as a central committee member. It reserves at least 21 central committee seats for people under 35 and sets quotas for experts, workers, diaspora, persons with disabilities and minorities.

Rival Camps and Pending Court Review

The argument over when to hold the regular convention ran for months before the Gen Z protests of September 2025. Last October, Deuba handed the acting presidency to Purna Bahadur Khadka. A group led by the then general secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma gathered signatures for a special convention, and a request backed by 54.58 percent of delegates reached party headquarters. Deuba’s side opposed it, arguing that the regular convention timetable was already moving.

The special convention went ahead in January. Hours before it elected Thapa, Deuba’s committee suspended Thapa, Sharma and Farmullah Mansoor. The Election Commission recognised the new leadership on January 16, and the Supreme Court upheld that recognition on April 17. In August, the court agreed to review its own ruling. Since then, the party has operated as two camps, each running its own process and each claiming the statute.

Upon getting recognition from the Election Commission, the Thapa-led committee issued tickets for the March election. The Deuba side challenged the decision in the Supreme Court. On April 17, a bench upheld the recognition. Deuba and Khadka then asked for a review, and in early August a full bench led by Chief Justice Manoj Kumar Sharma allowed the review petition. Petitions asking the court to stop the Thapa-led convention were rejected, so preparations went ahead. The review itself is pending. No hearing date had been listed.

Each side reads the situation differently. Deuba’s camp says leadership remains open until a final decision, and argues that proceeding risks contempt. Along with this, the faction has announced its own 15th General Convention in Kathmandu from December 7 to 9. (ANI)

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BJP, Congress extend greetings to Nepali Congress for its convention

Asianet News Central — Sun, 04 Oct 2026 23:00:44 +0530

Indian Parties Extend Goodwill

BJP Expresses Solidarity and Support

India’s Bharatiya Janata Party and Indian National Congress have sent messages of congratulations and goodwill to the Nepali Congress as it inaugurates its 15th General Convention. India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party President Nitin Nabin congratulated Gagan Kumar Thapa and the Nepali Congress on the organisation of the convention, which started on Sunday. In a letter dated September 26, Nabin thanked Thapa for inviting him to the inaugural session and extended his wishes to the party’s leadership and members. Nabin said he was confident the convention would further strengthen the Nepali Congress and contribute to Nepal’s democratic journey. Referring to Nepal’s recent natural disasters, he expressed solidarity with those affected. “India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji stands firmly with Nepal and remains committed to supporting on ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts. The BJP values its longstanding engagement with the Nepali Congress and looks forward to further strengthening our party-to-party ties,” Nabin wrote.

INC Highlights Shared Democratic History

Indian National Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the convention was an important occasion to deliberate on democratic values, civil liberties and social justice associated with the party’s founder, the late BP Koirala, as well as on strengthening democratic institutions. “The Indian National Congress and the Nepali Congress share a long and close history of mutual understanding, solidarity and cooperation in the cause of democracy,” Kharge said in his message. “I greatly value these ties and the enduring relationship between our two parties and our two countries.”

Kharge said he had sent Vivek Tankha to represent him at the convention. He said personal commitments had prevented him from attending in person and expressed hope that relations between the two Congress parties would grow stronger.

Nepali Congress Convention Details

The convention, which began Sunday, will continue until October 8. The convention, which was delayed by two days due to rainfall, is being attended by around 7,700 general convention representatives from across the country and abroad. Party President Gagan Kumar Thapa inaugurated the convention.

According to the convention schedule, there will be closed sessions on October 5 and 6. The election process is scheduled for October 7 and 8. The Election Committee has scheduled the registration of candidacies from 2 pm to 6 pm on October 5 at the City Hall. (ANI)

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India's NPT stance different from signatory Iran's: Jaishankar

Asianet News Central — Sun, 04 Oct 2026 22:30:30 +0530

Jaishankar on NPT, West Asia Conflict's Economic Fallout

Drawing a sharp line between India’s stance on nuclear non-proliferation and Tehran's international commitments, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasised that while India reserved its rights as a non-signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Iran is bound as a signatory state. Addressing the Munich Leaders Meeting on the economic fallout from the escalating West Asia conflict, Jaishankar warned that deeply volatile energy markets directly threaten the daily lives, employment, and domestic budgets of ordinary citizens worldwide.

Addressing the diplomatic nuances surrounding Iran's nuclear posture, Jaishankar clarified India's distinct standing under international agreements: "On the Iran issue, India was a country that did not sign the NPT and reserved its rights. Iran signed the NPT. The situation is very different. For us, the concern is more immediately on the energy and trade disruptions which have happened as a consequence of this conflict," said Jaishankar.

India is one of only four UN member states that never signed the NPT (alongside Pakistan, Israel, and South Sudan) and retains a recognised non-NPT nuclear weapons capability with a non-first-use policy. In contrast, Iran signed the NPT in 1968 and ratified it in 1970 as a Non-Nuclear Weapon State (NNWS), subjecting its facilities to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards.

Highlighting how volatile supply lines in West Asia hit home for energy-dependent nations, Jaishankar pointed to the real-world impact on ordinary citizens. "Energy markets are deeply unsettled. This is people's kitchens, jobs, and their livelihoods, and these are all on the line for us because we were primarily dependent on that part of the world."

India imports over 85% of its crude oil requirements. Disruptions along Persian Gulf shipping routes or volatile crude prices directly translate into domestic inflation, elevated fuel costs, and increased pressure on household budgets.

He urged an immediate return to established legal principles to restore trade and supply corridors. "What we want to see today is a restoration of that uninterrupted flow of energy, trade, and mobility, because we are paying the price in many ways for conflicts in which we have no part and are often very distant from us. We also hope that whatever emerges is in consonance with international law."

Trump Warns Iran of 'Easy or Hard Way'

Earlier on Saturday (local time), US President Donald Trump said that Washington will take a decision on Iran, stating that the outcome would come either the "easy way or the hard way", while asserting that Iran has been "decimated".

"We have a decision that I'll make about Iran. Iran's been decimated. So the only question is, it'll either be the easy way or the hard way. We'll have it the easy way or the hard way," Trump said to reporters outside the White House.

Trump's remarks came as he continued to withhold details of his forthcoming actions concerning Iran, while saying that the situation was progressing favourably and that Iran was not doing well. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump, when asked about his upcoming strategy regarding Iran, initially suggested that revealing his plans would generate significant headlines. "If I told you, you'd have a major story, right? But you'll see. Working out very well. Iran is not doing well," Trump said. The US President did not provide further details about potential administration measures or a timeline for his next steps.

Iran Vows to Manage US Sanctions

On the other hand, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said that Tehran "adopted a new arrangement" to manage what he described as special conditions, as the United States intensifies economic pressure and sanctions targeting Iran's financial and commercial networks.

In a post on X, Pezeshkian accused its adversaries, particularly the US, of seeking to cut off the Islamic Republic's vital economic lifelines to pressure its people. He further noted that despite the mounting pressure, public support and government measures had prevented those objectives from being achieved.

"The government has adopted a new arrangement to manage these special conditions. The enemy's plan in recent months has been to cut off the country's vital arteries with the aim of pressuring the noble people of Iran. Economic pressure has intensified, but by the grace of God, with the accompaniment of the people and the measures taken by our colleagues in the government, we have not allowed the enemy's objectives in the economic war to be realised," the post read. The latest measures form part of a wider US sanctions regime targeting Iran's economy, including its energy, shipping, technology, gold and digital-asset sectors. (ANI)

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US policy shifts are structural, not temporary: Jaishankar's warning

Asianet News Central — Sun, 04 Oct 2026 22:00:55 +0530

US Policy Changes Are Structural: Jaishankar

Highlighting that the adoption of state-backed industrial policy was initiated under US President Donald Trump and carried forward under his successor Joe Biden, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasised that fundamental shifts in American foreign policy are not merely temporary administrative behaviours, but deep-seated structural changes. Speaking at the Munich Leaders Meeting on the long-term strategic trajectory of Washington, Jaishankar cautioned against viewing American policy changes solely through the lens of individual presidencies.

"On the question of the United States, some of it may be passing or may be limited to a particular administration. But there are deeper changes going on in the United States," Jaishankar observed. He highlighted the persistence of key economic and trade policies as evidence of this deeper strategic realignment, noting how industrial policy shifted from an unconventional approach to a bipartisan staple in Washington.

"Many policies which President Trump initiated in his first administration continued under Biden," he explained. "I mean, the very idea of the United States having an industrial policy, which historically Americans were very uncomfortable with, actually persisted under Biden."

Jaishankar concluded by stressing the need for global powers to adapt to both short-term political nuances and fundamental systemic trends in Washington. "It is important here to distinguish the more structural trends from the behavioural ones and take both of them seriously," he noted.

India-US Trade Deal Nears Final Phase

His remarks come as the negotiations on the bilateral trade agreement between India and the United States are nearing their final phase, though a final announcement is not imminent, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said on Thursday (local time).

Responding to a question from ANI at the 2026 G20 Trade Ministers Meeting, Greer said talks were in the "short strokes", an American expression for the final stretch of a task. "I think we're toward the end of it," he said.

Greer said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump had a "very constructive call" on Wednesday morning, US time, and may speak again soon to assess progress. "My sense is that the President and the Prime Minister may have another call very soon on this just to assess progress and where we are," he told ANI.

He cautioned against expecting a quick announcement, but said both sides had mapped out the core issues. "I don't think there's something imminent, but we truly have identified the universe of items that are sticking points, and we're working diligently toward them," Greer said.

Goyal, Greer Hold Constructive Talks

Describing his meeting with Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Greer said, "We had a very constructive conversation, Minister Goyal and myself. Our staff is meeting right now, since they're in the country and we're here. We are continually trying to finish the trade deal with India."

Goyal met Greer on Wednesday on the sidelines of the G20 Trade Ministers' Meeting in Milwaukee. Sharing details on X, Goyal said he "had a productive discussion with USTR Greer towards early conclusion of a mutually beneficial interim agreement under the India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement".

The meeting coincided with a phone call between Modi and Trump, in which the leaders reviewed progress across trade, defence, energy, critical technologies and other areas of mutual interest.

Ahead of the visit, the Commerce Ministry said Goyal would engage bilaterally with his US counterpart "to advance a balanced and mutually beneficial India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) and finalise an interim deal in line with the Joint Statement of 7 February 2026".

India and the US announced the finalisation of the framework for the first phase of the BTA in February, but subsequent shifts in the US tariff landscape have prolonged negotiations.

On September 24, Goyal said the deal was "done and dusted" and would be executed once the US gives India the right competitive advantage over its rivals in the American market. India's main competitors there include China, Bangladesh and ASEAN member states. (ANI)

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Iran reviews US diplomatic response amid tanker attack in Hormuz Strait

Asianet News Central — Sun, 04 Oct 2026 21:00:34 +0530

Iran is currently assessing a response from the United States regarding a diplomatic proposal put forward during United Nations meetings in New York City. The proposal, originally outlined by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, was conveyed to Washington through diplomatic intermediaries in an effort to address ongoing regional tensions.

Confirming the latest development, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that Tehran is evaluating the terms delivered by the third-party channels, Al Jazeera reported. “These views are currently under review in Iran. If the Islamic Republic of Iran’s final response is prepared, the necessary steps will be taken through the appropriate channels,” said Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi.

Tanker Attacked in Strait of Hormuz

Earlier in the day, a commercial tanker transiting the strategic Strait of Hormuz was struck by an unidentified projectile on Sunday, sustaining damage to its engine room. According to an advisory issued by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the vessel's captain confirmed the strike, which directly targeted the ship's engine department.

Despite the impact, maritime authorities confirmed that all crew members on board are safe. Additionally, no environmental contamination or oil spills have been reported in the immediate aftermath of the incident. Relevant maritime security authorities have launched an investigation into the attack.

Meanwhile, UKMTO has advised all commercial vessels navigating the region to exercise heightened caution and promptly report any suspicious maritime activity.

US-Iran Negotiations Continue via Mediators

On the other hand, a US official told CNN on Monday (local time) that US President Donald Trump is willing to give Iran sanctions relief and release frozen funds as part of a final deal, but only if Tehran offers “concrete progress” on the nuclear issue, as mediators sought to bring both countries back to the negotiating table.

The United States is having “positive and constructive discussions through the mediators,” the official said, while noting that there would be no deal unless nuclear issues were addressed. Trump on Saturday (local time) rejected Iran’s latest proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, calling it “unacceptable.” On Sunday (local time), Trump told Axios that he expected more talks with Iran to take place this week. The US official said Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were leading the talks on the US side.

Trump, however, disputed the suggestion that he had “offered” Iran any concession, saying on Truth Social on Monday that he “offered them nothing!”

According to the official, Iran has indicated that it is flexible on nuclear issues, but the two sides have not reached an agreement on the timing of the commitments.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Monday (local time) that Tehran had held further indirect talks with the United States through Qatari mediators in New York, as reported by Al Jazeera. He said Iran was awaiting an official response from Washington, “hopefully” expected by Tuesday.

Details of Hormuz Proposal and US Reaction

Speaking to reporters, Araghchi said articulating Iran’s stance on regional tensions and the critical security situation in the Strait of Hormuz was the focal point of his visit during last week’s United Nations General Assembly session. According to Al Jazeera, the Iranian foreign minister reiterated that Tehran had put forward a fair and logical plan to resolve the crisis and reopen the vital shipping lane, provided specific conditions were met.

Last week, on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly, Araghchi outlined a seven-day proposal under which Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz if certain conditions were met by Washington. Iran said the proposal was conveyed through intermediaries and linked the reopening of the waterway to measures including an easing of US military pressure. However, on Sunday (local time), US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said Washington had rejected the proposal, claiming Tehran had sought sanctions relief and access to “billions in frozen assets” before negotiations on its nuclear programme. (ANI)

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Jaishankar outlines India's trajectory for high growth, innovation

Asianet News Central — Sun, 04 Oct 2026 19:30:25 +0530

Asserting that India is poised for decades of high economic growth, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar outlined a forward-looking trajectory for the country's global standing, highlighting how India’s human-centric vision for artificial intelligence and the expansion of platforms like BRICS signal a structural shift in international diplomacy.

India's Unique Growth Trajectory

Speaking on where India will stand over the next five to ten years, Jaishankar emphasised that emerging and middle powers will see distinct growth trajectories, with India uniquely positioned to sustain rapid long-term expansion due to its demographic strength and innovative development path. "Some powers are more middle, and some are upper middle... Some of the powers have considerable and realistic potential even in the near short medium term to grow very rapidly. In the case of India, because we have decades of high growth ahead of us, and we have all said and done, a demography that will sustain that growth," Jaishankar stated while taking queries at the Munich Leaders Meeting.

He noted that India does not need to follow traditional industrialisation models, advocating instead for contemporary solutions suited to a rapidly shifting global landscape. "I would even argue, a world that is much more creative, where many new possibilities are there, so that we don't necessarily have to tread the earlier path of industrialisation. The orthodox path will have to devise something much more contemporary for what awaits us. Among the middle powers, some will peel off, some will stay put, some may drop down a bit. That is the reality. That will be part of the evolution of the global order," he explained.

Human-Centric Vision for Technology and AI

Turning to technology governance, Jaishankar cited India's approach to artificial intelligence as a primary example of leveraging technology for social equity and public welfare, pointing to the vision showcased during the AI Impact Summit hosted in February this year in New Delhi. "On AI, our position was very amply demonstrated at the AI Impact Summit that we did in February this year... In this country, we have actually used the digital capabilities today to bring about a massive governance and social transformation," he remarked.

"People perceive AI also as something which must become accessible, affordable, and used for a certain socio-economic purpose... It is a sort of AI for humanity; develop user cases which are relatable to people's needs. That is the kind of vision that we have."

Need for AI Governance and Safety

He further stressed the imperative for policy oversight and safety frameworks in emerging domains, noting, "There is also a concern about the safety and security issues that arise. This is too major an issue to leave it to the market, so to speak."

Growing Influence of BRICS in Global Diplomacy

Elaborating on the growing influence of plurilateral platforms in this evolving architecture, Jaishankar highlighted the rising interest in BRICS as proof of a changing global mindset seeking broader, more diverse diplomatic engagements. "The BRICS goes through this: how weighty is it, will it work, does it make a difference, etc. Over a period of time, we have shown it does," Jaishankar noted. "The fact that so many countries want to join BRICS, we doubled the membership, and we could have quadrupled it without difficulty, does show today that people want to have different conversations. They want to have other players in the room. They want to do their own thing. The challenge for BRICS now is to develop a deeper and deeper agenda, to fit with the growing space," he added.

The BRICS Summit was held in New Delhi from September 12 to 13. The BRICS Summit brought together leaders of the expanded 11-member grouping in New Delhi under India's chairship. The summit was held under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” India's hosting of the summit came as the grouping continued to expand and address issues across economic cooperation, development, technology and global governance. The summit also sought to build consensus among its increasingly diverse membership. (ANI)

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India-EU FTA a 'game changer', says Jaishankar, outlines wider agenda

Asianet News Central — Sun, 04 Oct 2026 18:30:31 +0530

Welcoming a major expansion of India-EU ties, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar affirmed that a prospective Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union will act as a "real game changer," as he outlined a vast bilateral agenda spanning technology, defence, space, and climate action to address the global void left by a shifting international order.

Responding to former German Ambassador Wolfgang Ischinger on whether scope exists for a wider partnership with the EU, Jaishankar responded affirmatively, pinpointing strategic sectors driving deeper integration at the Munich Leaders Meeting.

Strategic Sectors for Deeper Integration

"Yes, absolutely. If one looks, for example, at technology, innovation, emerging domains, not just emerging players, something like advanced manufacturing, semiconductors. These are areas where a partnership can increase," Jaishankar stated. "If you look at the AI debate, there is a considerable degree of convergence between the European thinking on AI and the Indian thinking on AI. I would argue that even in areas like life sciences, that is the case... The Global Capability Centres are also becoming a bridge today between our economies and our corporates without actually the physical mobility which is involved in this kind of knowledge-driven activity," he added.

He pointed to strategic autonomy in space and defence as key focal points for mutual collaboration between India and European partners. He commended the growth of Indian startups as they partner with foreign industries. "Another area is space. Europe today realises that it must have its own space capabilities. That ambition has always been there in India. When I look at many of the loads in our space launchers, we are today really expanding our capability to do space launches on a much more globally competitive and significant basis, and creating infrastructure for that," he noted.

"Even in an area like defence, Europe has a determination today to rebuild its defence industry. But defence is not static... We are finding it very interesting that many of our startups today have found partners abroad, but then so have many of our orthodox industries. Our defence exports are growing very rapidly," he added.

Shaping the World and UN Reform

Jaishankar emphasised that while bilateral cooperation must serve immediate strategic ends, it must also address global governance, including necessary reforms to international bodies. "Yes, absolutely, there is a wider agenda in terms of India-Europe, but there is a wider agenda also about how we shape the world because we limit it to a narrow benefit or make it too transactional. Then we are missing out on what is actually going to affect all of us, which is the nature of the world... What we need is a better UN. The idea is not to throw away the UN, but to fix the UN," he observed.

FTA: A 'Game Changer' for Bilateral Ties

Highlighting the transformative potential of a trade deal, Jaishankar argued that an FTA with the EU would catalyse broader economic and regulatory alignment across the board. "With the European Union, having an FTA makes you a serious partner. It is a real game changer in how you perceive each other," he said. "Many other things which are not directly trade-related will happen because there will be comfort created by the FTA, the ability of businesses, regulatory bodies, and bureaucracy to know each other. I expect the FTA to actually have almost like a cascading impact through the entirety of our relationship with Europe."

Climate Action and Clean Energy Goals

Turning to environmental sustainability, he identified European expertise as pivotal to achieving India's clean energy goals. "When it comes to, when it comes to climate, we certainly seek international cooperation and collaboration, not only as a G2G, frankly, often as a B2B... A big part of it will also be to attract this huge European renewable energy capacity to get them to come into India... We have very ambitious renewable targets because we feel the pressure of climate change. Europe will be a crucial factor because Europe has the technology and the business expertise... When I laid out what could be an emerging middle power agenda, frankly, in my mind a lot of it was really an India-Europe agenda," he explained.

A Multipolar World and Shared Responsibility

Concluding his remarks, Jaishankar observed that as the legacy architecture underwritten by the United States recedes, rising powers must step up to take responsibility in an increasingly multipolar order. "The current system was significantly underwritten by the United States. That underwriting is diluting. There are gaps which have emerged... As our economy grows, our standing grows, our responsibility and contributions also have to grow," he said. "Where global goods are concerned, we can't speak of a multi-polar world for everything else and say we remain unipolar for certain things. If it changes, it changes as a whole, and it is changing as a whole. There will have to be more India-EU conversations."

Background on India-EU FTA Negotiations

The India-EU FTA negotiations have been a key component of efforts to deepen economic ties between the two sides, with the agreement expected to provide greater market access and strengthen trade and investment flows. The India-EU FTA was jointly announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on January 27 this year during the 16th India-EU Summit in New Delhi. The announcement followed the resumption of negotiations in 2022 after years of discussions aimed at establishing a comprehensive and balanced trade partnership between India and the European Union.

The proposed agreement assumes significance amid growing economic ties between the two regions. In 2024-25, bilateral trade in goods between India and the EU stood at USD 136.54 billion, with India's exports to the bloc valued at USD 75.85 billion and imports at USD 60.68 billion. Trade in services between India and the European Union reached USD 83.10 billion in 2024. (ANI)

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Jaishankar on US-China rivalry, advocates 'Goldilocks scenario'

Asianet News Central — Sun, 04 Oct 2026 18:00:33 +0530

Against the backdrop of sharpening geopolitical competition between the United States and China, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has advocated for a "Goldilocks scenario" in global power dynamics. Speaking at the Munich Leaders Meeting, Jaishankar highlighted how emerging and middle powers must navigate an increasingly fractured global order through self-reliance, strategic hedging, and pragmatic partnerships rather than rigid alliances.

Setting the context for the current international landscape, Jaishankar pointed to a fundamental realignment driven by two primary forces: a shifting posture by Washington and the rapid expansion of Chinese influence. "The landscape today is primarily marked by a radical repositioning of the United States... a posture of choice [where] it has deliberately become a lonelier power," Jaishankar observed. "The second feature of the landscape is, of course, the rise of China... And we are looking at very sharp competition."

The 'Weaponisation of Leverage'

This intense rivalry has transformed the global economy, leading to what Jaishankar described as the "weaponisation of leverage." In an interconnected world where supply chains, purchasing power, and production dominate strategic interests, he argued that the nation with the greatest command over multiple factors holds the upper hand. "The question in an interdependent world is: who leverages what? In any transaction, does the supplier have leverage? Does the consumer have leverage? Do you get leverage by dominating production? Do you get leverage by having a great market share or having purchasing power?" Jaishankar remarked.

Advocating a 'Goldilocks Scenario'

To prevent the international system from destabilising under this dual-power friction, Jaishankar proposed a middle-path approach. "The answer is the player with greater command over various factors; one with greater commitment and determination is the player who is able to leverage better. Where the world is concerned, particularly in the context of US-China rivalry, I think we are looking at what is often called the Goldilocks scenario. You don't want it to be too hot; you don't want it to be too good; you want it somewhere in between at the right temperature," he remarked.

The Role of Middle Powers

To maintain balance, Jaishankar emphasised that emerging and middle powers across both the Global South and Global North are reassessing their roles. Rather than seeking strict alignment or waiting for full ideological consensus, these nations are driven by a growing self-awareness and a push toward self-reliance, a concept central to India's own Atmanirbhar vision. "What unites the emerging and middle powers, differentiated as they may be, is a growing self-awareness of their interest. All of them, in a way, are becoming more self-reliant," he noted. "It's a term, 'Atmanirbhar', very much in vogue in India as well. Many of them today are driven by this calculation: what is it that they bring to the table when they participate in any discussion or negotiation."

Through flexible groupings like BRICS and agenda-specific coalitions, Jaishankar noted that a new architecture is gradually taking shape—one where middle powers collectively leverage their voices to stabilise a volatile multipolar world.

Convergence of Emerging Powers

"What do we mean by emerging powers, and what are they emerging from? And the answer is not that simple because there are countries that are emerging from colonisation whose economies are growing. India is a good example of that. But there are also countries which are emerging from what has been the comfort of an alliance structure till now. So one category of emerging countries you can say are from the Global South, and one category is from the Global North. Both are emerging in different ways, and what is common between them is the desire to be more relevant, to make a greater impact, and that really is a point of convergence," he stated.

Strategic Hedging and a New Architecture

Jaishankar emphasised that middle powers are increasingly focusing on strategic hedging and pragmatic partnerships rather than seeking strict alignment or identical worldviews. "Today, most of them (emerging and middle powers) are focused on diversifying and de-risking in every sense of the term, not just their economy or their security, but also building more resilient supply chains," he explained. "In many ways, they are working out new arrangements. They are developing agenda-based cooperation. The operating principle for emerging and middle powers should be, and perhaps is already, a reasonable degree of convergence. The days when you have to have an identity of views or a very strong congruence of interest, I think that's too high a bar today. If you have enough touch points, that is good enough for countries to work together. In this process of de-risking, diversifying, and hedging, slowly a new architecture is coming into place," he added.

Earlier, Jaishankar referred to “radical repositioning of the United States” due to which it has in a way “deliberately become a lonelier power” and said the sharp competition in the global landscape is not limited to the US and China has led to " weaponisation of any leverage that any country has”.

"No one in the room would disagree with the fact that the landscape today is primarily marked by a radical repositioning of the United States. A repositioning which is a posture of choice and, in a way, it has deliberately become a lonelier power. The second feature of the landscape is, of course, the rise of China. China, which sees itself as a unique country, is, in a way, both its self-perception and, in many ways, also the reality. And we are looking at very sharp competition,” he said. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Jaishankar calls on middle powers to pool resources, reshape world

Asianet News Central — Sun, 04 Oct 2026 17:30:33 +0530

Against the backdrop of an increasingly fractured geopolitical landscape and shifting global alliances, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has articulated a comprehensive multi-sector blueprint aimed at empowering "emerging and middle powers." Addressing the opening session of the Munich Leaders Meeting 2026 in New Delhi, Jaishankar called on non-superpower states to pool diplomatic, economic, and technological resources to collectively reshape global decision-making on the evolving dynamics of international governance.

"There is today a substantial agenda for emerging and middle powers to cooperate," he noted. "The world is changing, its agenda is changing, the landscape is changing, the architecture is changing." Rather than relying solely on traditional superpowers to navigate global crises, Jaishankar advocated for middle powers to proactively coordinate across critical sectors, spanning conflict resolution, supply chain resilience, high-tech manufacturing, healthcare, global connectivity, climate action, and defence reform.

A Comprehensive Agenda for Cooperation

He encouraged non-superpower nations to back each other’s diplomatic initiatives and pool operational resources to mitigate conflicts and global tensions. "What could be the agenda for emerging and middle powers? I would share my thoughts in terms of a few ideas," Dr. Jaishankar said.

International Peace and Security

"One would be international peace and security: if there are conflicts, frictions, tensions, other than the biggest countries, can other nations pool their resources, back each other's diplomacy up, try to do something out there."

Economic Alignment and Pacts

Jaishankar called for leveraging bilateral and plurilateral economic pacts—citing the long-negotiated India–EU engagement framework as an example of sustained economic alignment. "A good example is what happened this year between India and the European Union, where we had almost 25 years of negotiation. But there are, in different domains, I would argue, enough causes for middle and emerging and middle countries to come together," he said.

While formal negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) officially began in 2007 (and were paused in 2013 before restarting in 2022), high-level trade dialogues, strategic partnerships, and structural institutional engagements between India and the EU date back to the late 1990s and early 2000s, fitting the ~25-year timeline of continuous trade framework discussions.

Strategic Autonomy in High-Tech Sectors

Jaishankar further highlighted building strategic autonomy in critical technologies, noting that leadership in sectors like semiconductors and advanced machinery is not exclusive to global giants. Medium and smaller nations can dominate niche high-tech sectors like semiconductor chips. Key global technology bottlenecks are held by non-superpowers. For instance, Taiwan (TSMC) dominates advanced semiconductor fabrication, while the Netherlands (ASML) holds a global monopoly on EUV lithography machines required for advanced chipmaking.

"Supply chain resilience is one... You don't have to be the biggest country in the world to dominate the world of chips or to even dominate machine production," he said.

Enhancing Global Health Security

Jaishankar also addressed global health security through diversified pharmaceutical manufacturing (such as Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients) and facilitating the seamless movement of skilled talent to balance demographic disparities. He added, "You can have an area like health. Today, health security warrants a much more diversified production of APIs and pharmaceuticals. The reality of the world is that where there is demand is not where there are demographics. And how do you level that out? That is best done through a flow of talent and skills. And you can see, even in the field of advanced manufacturing today."

Global health security relies on diversifying Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) production. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed severe global vulnerabilities due to over-concentration in API supply chains (primarily centralised in China). India and other middle powers have actively pushed for supply-chain diversification to ensure global health resilience.

Key Structural Pillars for the Future

Expanding on key structural pillars, the External Affairs Minister identified global connectivity, defence reform, climate initiative, and space technology as critical functional arenas for these nations. "Connectivity is an important agenda for emerging and middle powers. So, indeed, is climate action and sustainability... the circumstances have made it even more urgent," he observed.

"In a field like defence, because the old producers and consumers, the old systems, the orthodoxies are changing. A smarter defence comes into being... Space is again an area which has seen some dramatic transformations." (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Brazil's general election: Lula seeks 4th term against Flávio Bolsonaro

Asianet News Central — Sun, 04 Oct 2026 17:30:25 +0530

More than 158 million Brazilian voters are heading to the polls on Sunday, October 4, for the country’s general elections, with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva seeking a fourth, non-consecutive presidential term against Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro. Voters will elect the president and vice-president, governors, senators, federal deputies and state or district deputies. Voting is scheduled from 8 am to 5 pm Brasília time across the country.

Lula vs. Bolsonaro: A Tight Race

Lula, of the Workers’ Party (PT), is seeking another term in office, while Flávio Bolsonaro is contesting the presidency for the Liberal Party (PL). Recent polling has shown Lula with a narrow lead ahead of the first round, while projections for a possible runoff indicate a closely contested race, as per reports of Brasil 247. If no presidential candidate secures more than 50% of the valid votes, a second round will be held on October 25. The same runoff mechanism applies to gubernatorial races where no candidate obtains the required majority.

Largest Election in Brazil’s History

According to Brasil 247, the 2026 election is the largest in Brazil’s history, with 158.7 million people eligible to vote. Around 86% of the electorate is subject to mandatory voting, while voting is optional for 14%. Nearly 89% of registered voters have biometric records, which are used to facilitate identification at polling stations.

Electronic Voting and Security

Electronic voting remains central to the process, with hundreds of thousands of voting machines deployed across polling locations. Authorities have also coordinated security and logistical arrangements to support voting nationwide.

Awaiting the Outcome

The election campaign officially ended ahead of Sunday’s vote, with candidates and parties subject to electoral rules governing campaigning and political activity. The results will determine Brazil’s political leadership and representation at federal and state levels for the next term.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianetnews Editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Shifting US posture, China's rise define global landscape: Jaishankar

Asianet News Central — Sun, 04 Oct 2026 17:01:18 +0530

Shifting Global Dynamics: US and China

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday highlighted the shifting dynamics of global geopolitics, identifying a shifting American posture and the rise of China as the two defining pillars of today's international landscape.

Speaking at the the Munich Leaders Meeting here, Jaishankar referred to “radical repositioning of the United States” due to which it has in a way “deliberately become a lonelier power” and said the sharp competition in the global landscape is not limited to US and China is but has has led to “weaponization of any leverage that any country has”.

"No one in the room would disagree with the fact that the landscape today is primarily marked by a radical repositioning of the United States. A repositioning which is a posture of choice and, in a way, it has deliberately become a lonelier power. The second feature of the landscape is, of course, the rise of China. China, which sees itself as a unique country that is in a way both its self-perception, in many ways, also the reality. And we are looking at very sharp competition,” he said. “That competition today, not limited to these two countries, has led to a weaponization of any leverage that any country has. And that competition coexists with the complexity of interdependence," he added.

Cooperation Among Emerging and Middle Powers

Jaishankar said the emerging and middle powers will have interstate cooperation and also with the US and China. “Amongst the emerging and middle powers, to the extent that they don't have direct clashes of interest, they have an interest in strengthening their interstate cooperation, but it is also natural that they would have cooperation with the US and China. Let's look at some examples of this kind of cooperation... One is the Quad... In the field of connectivity, we have the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, the International North–South Transport Corridor, and the polar route, the Northern Sea Route,” he said.

Jaishankar said BRICS is an example of various parties who feel that their collective voice is much stronger than the individual ones.’ “The International Solar Alliance or the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, both of which India initiated and which have been very successful... So you have this situation where a number of countries, not necessarily the leading countries... they come together where their interests require them to do so: they find working arrangements, develop an agenda, develop organizations, develop habits of cooperation, and this is today's evolving global order," he said.

The Rise of Multipolarity

Jaishankar also referred to accelerated emergence of multipolarity. “...The idea that countries will have relationships with players which may not always be easy to harmonize, but nevertheless are a reality, is a compulsion for countries. It's a sort of strategy of advancing by hedging. One will then have to look at what the consequences of this are for multilateralism, which is already under visible pressure because the main multilateral body, the United Nations, is very visibly gridlocked. Finally, the fact that a resulting outcome of this would be the kind of small groups," he said. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)