Russia to take 70,000 Indian skilled workers this year, Jaishankar tells panel

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

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

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.

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.

Demonstrations are intensifying in Delhi and Mumbai, with protesters calling for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation over perceived electoral roll issues. Approximately 700 individuals were detained in Delhi at Jantar Mantar. Meanwhile, thousands defied police orders to gather at Shivaji Park in Mumbai. Protests also spread to other cities, including Ahmedabad, Lucknow, and Patna, highlighting a growing movement.

A panel of five former judges is being formed to review the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision. The Lawyers Association for Constitution emphasizes the panel's independence in assessing the review's validity and impact. Senior lawyers are expected to provide strategic legal advice to the panel throughout the process. The Election Commission has also initiated a drive to identify and re-enrol excluded eligible voters.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat highlighted Bharat's identity rooted in its languages, faiths, and cultures during a recent address. He emphasized the need for youth to be educated about Indian traditions while integrating global knowledge. Bhagwat referred to responses from an interfaith meeting, emphasizing universal truths shared by various philosophies. He encouraged passing on Bharat's identity and values to future generations.

Pargat Singh has been chosen as the new president of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee. He replaces Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, who resigned amid party factional tensions. With the 2027 assembly elections approaching, Congress seeks to unify its internal divisions. Singh’s political experience as an MLA and former minister provides valuable legislative insights. His association with sports also aims to engage a younger voter base effectively.