Jammu & kashmir / The Economic Times
Trump has talked up his push to extend his first term Abraham Accords - the project that formalised commercial and diplomatic ties between Israel and a trio of Arab nations - as key to his plan for bringing long-term stability to the Middle East as the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza continues to hold.
An accidental explosion at Nowgam Police Station in Srinagar tragically claimed nine lives and injured 32 people on Friday. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs clarified that the blast occurred during forensic analysis of explosives linked to a terror module investigation. Authorities are cautioning against speculation as the probe into the incident is ongoing.
Al Falah University states it has no connection to two arrested doctors, key suspects in a Delhi blast, beyond their official roles. The university condemns the events and offers full cooperation to investigators. Explosives were found in rented rooms, not university property. The university reaffirms its commitment to national unity and security.
The Ministry of Home Affairs on Tuesday transferred the investigation into the Red Fort blast to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), signaling that the incident is being treated as a suspected terror attack. The explosion, which occurred on Monday evening in a slow-moving car near the Red Fort metro station, killed at least 12 people and damaged several vehicles.
US President Donald Trump has threatened legal action against the BBC. This follows the broadcast of a documentary that edited a speech he made on January 6, 2021. The BBC's Panorama program reportedly spliced quotes from his speech. Two senior BBC executives resigned over accusations of bias in the documentary's editing.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that the US faces challenges in convincing Ukraine and NATO allies to support a peaceful settlement of the Ukraine crisis. He noted that Washington assured Moscow of Kyiv's cooperation, but difficulties have arisen. Lavrov also indicated that Brussels and London are pushing Washington towards military pressure on Russia instead of political solutions.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized an open and inclusive Indo-Pacific. He stated India supports strengthening the ASEAN-led regional security architecture. These remarks were made at the ADMM-Plus conclave in Kuala Lumpur. The meeting included ASEAN nations and eight dialogue partners. Concerns over China's regional military activities were noted.
In a significant move, Justice Surya Kant has been appointed as the 53rd Chief Justice of India, as announced by the Union Law Ministry. He will officially take over on November 24, 2025, following Justice Bhushan R Gavai. Justice Kant's tenure is expected to shape the judicial landscape for the next 15 months, concluding on February 9, 2027.
In the intricate landscape of South Asian geopolitics, India is keenly observing the unfolding conflict involving Afghanistan and Pakistan. With a firm stance from the Ministry of External Affairs reinforcing support for Afghanistan's sovereignty, the narrative shifts to accusations against Pakistan. Islamabad's tendency to label its neighbors in the face of domestic challenges casts a shadow over the region.
Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party will not field him in the Bihar assembly polls, a decision Kishor stated was for the party's greater good, allowing him to focus on organizational work. He asserted that a tally of less than 150 seats would be considered a defeat, emphasizing a significant victory's nationwide impact.
Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi expressed optimism for stronger India-Afghanistan ties during his visit to Darul Uloom Deoband. He thanked the people for their warm reception and announced plans to send new diplomats to India, hoping for frequent future visits and enhanced bilateral relations.
Arvind Kejriwal has been allotted a Type-VII bungalow at 95, Lodhi Estate by the Centre after the Delhi High Court intervened. The Aam Aadmi Party confirmed the allocation, stating Kejriwal is entitled to accommodation as a national party convener. This follows a period where Kejriwal resided in a different government bungalow after resigning as chief minister.
US President Donald Trump orders Israel to halt Gaza bombing. This follows Hamas accepting parts of his peace plan. The plan aims to end the war and secure hostage release. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledges the first stage. International mediators welcome these developments. The proposal includes a ceasefire and humanitarian aid. Hamas seeks further Palestinian consultations on future governance.
The government is considering extending the tenure of parliamentary standing committees from one to two years. This move comes after lawmakers expressed concerns that the current one-year term is too short for effective contributions. A decision is anticipated following consultations with the Lok Sabha Speaker and Rajya Sabha Chairman.
India and the US are embarking on a new era of space collaboration, highlighted at a recent event in Washington DC. Officials and astronauts emphasized how joint ventures like the NASA-ISRO NISAR satellite and Axiom Mission-4 are paving the way for lunar and Martian expeditions.
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi has opposed the US proposal to impose tariffs on nations purchasing oil from Russia. Wang stated that war and sanctions are not solutions. He emphasized China's commitment to peaceful resolutions through dialogue. Wang highlighted China's responsible role in peace and security. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged G7 countries to cut off revenue funding Russia.
A commotion occurred at the circuit house. Police stopped Farooq Abdullah, ex-chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, from meeting Sanjay Singh. Sanjay Singh, an AAP Rajya Sabha member, planned a protest. The protest was against the arrest of Mehraj Malik. Mehraj Malik is the MLA from Doda. Abdullah criticized the Lieutenant Governor's actions.
Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission President, announced plans to pursue sanctions and a partial trade suspension against Israel due to the Gaza war. Despite EU divisions on the Israeli-Palestinian issue, she emphasized the urgent need to address the humanitarian crisis.
India and Japan strengthened their partnership. Japan pledged to invest 10 trillion yen in India in the next decade. This happened during a meeting between Narendra Modi and Shigeru Ishiba. Both countries will cooperate on critical minerals, defence, and technology. They aim to promote peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The partnership focuses on mutual trust and shared values.
Narendra Modi is in Japan for a two-day visit. He will meet Shigeru Ishiba, the Japanese PM. They will discuss strengthening ties. Focus will be on economic and tech cooperation. Modi aims to boost investment and AI collaboration. After Japan, Modi will visit China. He will attend the SCO summit in Tianjin.
The Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) amassed over Rs 6.43 crore in application fees from aspirants vying for 75 naib tehsildar positions. Over one lakh candidates applied, highlighting a significant unemployment crisis. The recruitment process was deferred after controversy arose over the mandatory Urdu language requirement, leaving applicants in uncertainty and sparking political debate.
Israeli strikes and gunfire in Gaza have killed at least 25 Palestinians, many sheltering in tents, as a famine grips Gaza City. The dire situation, declared by a leading food security authority, has intensified calls for a ceasefire and increased aid access.
Trump envoy Steve Witkoff, who took part in the talks Friday at a military base in Alaska, said it was the first time we had ever heard the Russians agree to that and called it game-changing. We were able to win the following concession: That the United States could offer Article 5-like protection, which is one of the real reasons why Ukraine wants to be in NATO, Witkoff told CNN's State of the Union.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Bengaluru on Sunday to inaugurate the Yellow Line of the Bangalore Metro and flag off the Vande Bharat Express between Bengaluru and Belagavi. During his four-hour trip, Modi will also virtually launch two other Vande Bharat trains, ride the metro from RV Road to Electronic City, and lay the foundation stone for Metro Phase-3.
Two Indian Army personnel were killed during the ninth day of a joint security operation in Kulgams Akhal Devsar area. Lance Naik Pritpal Singh and Sepoy Harminder Singh were honoured by the Chinar Corps for their sacrifice. One terrorist has been neutralised so far. In a separate operation, Baramulla Police discovered a terrorist hideout in the Gogaldara-Danwas forest, seizing weapons, ammunition, and medical supplies. Last month, two suspected infiltrators were killed by the Armys White Knight
Indian Army announced the launch of Operation Akhal in the Akhal area of Kulgam district, South Kashmir. Security forces have established contact with militants during the operation. A joint operation is currently in progress, according to a statement from the Chinar Corps on social media.
In a coordinated counter-insurgency operation named 'Operation Shiv Shakti,' the Indian Army successfully thwarted an infiltration attempt in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. The operation, launched by the White Knight Corps, resulted in the killing of two suspected Lashkar-e-Toiba terrorists.

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