Finance
European Council Approves New Strategic EU-India Agenda With Efforts To Conclude FTA
The European Council approved a “New Strategic EU-India Agenda” that sets priorities for the decade and signals efforts to conclude a free trade agreement (FTA) with India. The agenda aims to deepen collaboration in trade, connectivity, defence, technology and supply-chains. As negotiations resume, both sides face key hurdles like agricultural access and services liberalisation. This step marks a renewed push for a stronger EU-India partnership. (ORF Online)
Sports
Afghanistan U19 Team To Tour India For Tri-Series In November
The Afghanistan Under‑19 cricket team is set to tour India in November for a tri-series, providing an opportunity for emerging Afghan talent to compete and for India to host upcoming youth internationals. The tour aims to strengthen cricketing ties and develop the next generation of players. Preparations are underway and venues are being finalised for the high-stakes youth competition.
Health
Study Finds Disparities In Cancer Research In India Since 2001 Despite Economic Growth
A recent study highlights that, despite India’s economic expansion, significant disparities remain in cancer-research investments, regional access and output since 2001. The gaps in clinical trials, funding and geographic spread mean that many regions are underserved. The findings raise concerns about equity in health research and call for stronger policy intervention to ensure balanced development across states and communities.
World
Afghanistan Dismisses Pakistan’s Claims, Says India Ties Are Independent
Afghanistan’s Defense Minister Mawlawi Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid strongly rejected Pakistan’s accusations linking India to regional instability. Calling the allegations “illogical and baseless,” he emphasized Afghanistan’s sovereign foreign policy stance and its right to build relations with any nation independently. Mujahid reiterated Afghanistan’s desire for peaceful coexistence with neighboring Pakistan and underscored the importance of mutual respect and adherence to the Doha peace agreement.
India
Indian Army To Deploy ‘Pup Tents’ For Soldiers In Icy Border Zones
The Indian Army will soon introduce lightweight “pup tents” for soldiers stationed along icy border territories to enhance mobility and comfort. The new portable shelters are designed for extreme cold and altitude, replacing older, bulkier models. Army officials said the compact tents will boost efficiency in deployment and reduce logistical burdens during rapid movements across frozen terrain.
World
India Upgrades Its Kabul Technical Mission To Full Embassy Status
India has officially upgraded its technical mission in Kabul to a full-fledged embassy, signaling a renewed diplomatic presence in Afghanistan for the first time since 2021. The move follows External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s meeting with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, reflecting India’s aim to deepen engagement despite not formally recognizing the Taliban regime. The embassy will now oversee humanitarian, development, and trade initiatives.
Offbeat
Indian Techies Face Diwali Chaos Amid Amazon Cloud Outage
An Amazon Web Services (AWS) outage caused chaos for Indian tech workers celebrating Diwali, disrupting thousands of services reliant on AWS infrastructure. Many professionals shared funny and frustrated posts online, saying they were called into emergency work shifts. The outage led to temporary shutdowns in e-commerce, fintech, and OTT platforms across India, sparking conversations about overreliance on cloud systems.
India
INDIA Hits Back At JMM As Tribal Votes Become Decisive In Bihar Constituencies
INDIA coalition parners and JMM are locking horns over tribal-dominated seats along the Bihar-Jharkhand border, which could decide outcomes in at least five constituencies. The rift emerged after JMM exited the INDIA bloc, accusing Congress and RJD of betrayal. Analysts say tribal influence in these border zones can shift the political balance ahead of the Bihar Assembly polls scheduled later this year.
India
Foreign Terror Cells Emerge As Jammu Grapples With 120 Anti-Terror Ops Daily
Security forces in Jammu are executing nearly 120 anti-terror operations a day amid rising infiltration attempts by foreign militants. Officials described the situation as the region’s toughest in years, with Pakistani groups increasing cross-border movement. Forces have strengthened coordination under Operation Sarp Vinash to counter sleeper cells across Rajouri and Poonch districts.
Lifestyle
Creative Twist: Turn Leftover Diwali Sweets Into Festive Cocktails
Got too many Diwali sweets? Mixologists are turning leftover laddoos and barfis into creative festive cocktails. From rum-laced rasgulla shakes to rose-gulab martinis, these fusion experiments are trending across Indian bars and homes. Experts say it’s the perfect way to reduce food waste while celebrating with playful innovation.