India successfully demonstrates its first free-space quantum-secure communication link for over 5.5 km

In a groundbreaking trial, Indian startup QNu Labs, in collaboration with BISAG-N and IIT Gandhinagar, successfully tested free-space quantum key distribution. This trial established a secure quantum communication channel over a considerable distance, boasting a quantum bit error rate of under 5%. With the integration into BISAG-N’s Vedic Kavach platform, secure key sharing and end-to-end message encryption are now possible, paving the way for advancements in India’s secure communica

S Jaishankar stated that India aims to mediate in the Russia-Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. India has recently proposed ideas addressing issues like grain and energy exports to both nations. Jaishankar emphasized America's changing global position and the implications of China's rise on international relations. India is also facing domestic repercussions due to the ongoing conflict, including commercial shipping disruptions.

Justice Ujjal Bhuyan condemned the extensive deletion of voter names from electoral rolls due to the special intensive revision process. He emphasized that such actions undermine the core principles of the Indian Constitution and disenfranchise millions of citizens. Bhuyan highlighted that the right to vote is essential for free and fair elections in India. He urged that no citizen should be denied the right to vote without due process.

Aasima Jan works diligently in north Kashmir, focusing on menstrual health awareness to help girls stay in school. She began her efforts after witnessing the stigma around menstruation affecting attendance rates among female students. Monthly sessions in villages educate families about menstrual hygiene and encourage open discussion about the topic. Aasima also distributes sanitary pads, highlighting their importance for health and hygiene.

During the Munich Leaders Meeting in New Delhi, S Jaishankar elaborated on India's potential to rise swiftly in the global power arena within the next decade. He pointed out the country's robust growth trajectory and advantageous demographic trends. Additionally, Jaishankar contrasted the significant influence held by the United States and China with that of current middle powers, recognizing the complexity of evolving global power dynamics.

During the Munich Leaders Meeting in New Delhi, S Jaishankar elaborated on India's potential to rise swiftly in the global power arena within the next decade. He pointed out the country's robust growth trajectory and advantageous demographic trends. Additionally, Jaishankar contrasted the significant influence held by the United States and China with that of current middle powers, recognizing the complexity of evolving global power dynamics.

The suo motu case, titled "In Re: 135-Yr-Old Library 8.5 Lakh Books– And No Room In The New Central Vista Plan", was registered on October 3. The concerns centre on where the library and its vast collection would be housed if Shastri Bhawan is demolished. Reports said the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and the Central Public Works Department were still looking for suitable space for the library.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar briefed a parliamentary committee on India's engagement with Russia and Ukraine. He highlighted bilateral trade expansion and India's aim to send skilled workers. The minister discussed India's diplomatic efforts to facilitate dialogue for ending the Ukraine conflict. Additionally, he noted the government's initiatives to release Indian nationals in the Russian military. Jaishankar emphasized India's commitment to secure economic interests and safeguard Ind

Akhilesh Yadav, president of the Samajwadi Party, encouraged leaders to express seat-sharing concerns privately. Tensions arose after Shiv Pal Singh Patel criticized Congress' demand for 150 seats in upcoming elections. Patel emphasized that Congress should receive a more realistic allocation based on their previous performance. Uttar Pradesh Congress president Aradhana Mishra stated that top leadership will decide the seat allocation.

High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi addressed the extradition request for Sheikh Hasina from Bangladesh, stating that the matter is under legal review, preventing a set timeline for her repatriation. He clarified that India had no involvement in her arrival, citing the dire circumstances in Bangladesh. As relations between India and Bangladesh grow increasingly strained, the new Bangladeshi government remains resolute in pursuing Hasina's extradition.

Manickam Tagore, the president of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee, celebrated the significant inclusion of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in the INDIA alliance. The assembly was pivotal in calling for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar due to discrepancies in electoral rolls. Notable participants, Aadhav Arjuna and Maria Wilson, emphasized the urgency of the issue, with protests planned across Tamil Nadu to amplify their demand for accountability.

Ukraine has expressed readiness to explore India's comprehensive proposal for ending the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. During recent communications, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha emphasized the importance of India's mediation role. India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar affirmed continuous engagement with both Kyiv and Moscow regarding potential solutions. Ukraine is open to discussing limited ceasefire arrangements around energy infrastructure and safe Black Sea shipping.

Congress has overhauled its Uttar Pradesh unit ahead of the 2027 UP assembly election, appointing three-time MLA Aradhana Misra Mona as state president and Imran Masood as working president. The Congress reshuffle brings Brahmin, Muslim, OBC, Dalit and women representation into its leadership team, signalling a push to rebuild its organisation, expand its social base and strengthen its position in talks with Samajwadi Party.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has launched its “First in the World Challenge”, inviting researchers to develop breakthrough vaccines, drugs, therapeutics, diagnostics and other health technologies that have never been thought of, tested or tried anywhere in the world. The initiative will offer up to Rs 8 crore for a single project, depending on how advanced the proposed innovation is.