Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif faced repeated questions from journalists about Lashkar-e-Taiba founder Hafiz Muhammad Saeed during his visit to the United Nations headquarters in New York, but did not respond to the queries. Sharif was in New York for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly when reporters approached him as he entered the UN premises. Journalists questioned the Pakistani leader about his government's position on individuals accused of involvement in terrorism and asked when Islamabad would take action against Hafiz Saeed.
The prime minister did not answer the questions and continued into the UN headquarters. Reporters raised the issue again as Sharif left the venue. He was asked whether his government intended to prosecute Saeed, the founder of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Sharif again declined to comment and walked past the media. Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, who is from Pakistan's Punjab province, is the founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba, an organisation designated as a terrorist group by several countries. He has long been associated with the November 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, in which more than 160 people were killed. India has designated Saeed as a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
The issue has gained renewed attention following developments in India's investigation into the April 22, 2025, terror attack in Pahalgam. The National Investigation Agency has alleged that the attack was part of a conspiracy involving Pakistan-based members of Lashkar-e-Taiba. In a supplementary chargesheet filed before the designated court, the agency named Hafiz Muhammad Saeed as an accused in the case.
The development has further intensified India's criticism of Pakistan over alleged activities of terror networks operating from its territory. New Delhi has repeatedly called for stronger action against individuals accused of planning, supporting or facilitating cross-border terrorism. The questions directed at Sharif came shortly after India delivered a strong response to Pakistan at an international UN forum. Exercising India's right of reply at the United Nations Human Rights Council, Indian diplomat Kshitij Tyagi criticised Islamabad over what New Delhi described as its focus on territorial claims and cross-border terrorism.
Tyagi said Pakistan should focus on addressing its economic and domestic challenges instead of pursuing territorial ambitions or activities that, according to India, contribute to instability in neighbouring countries. He also referred to Pakistan's dependence on external financial assistance and argued that confrontation with neighbouring states would not resolve its economic problems. India also raised allegations concerning the human rights situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Tyagi referred to protests in the region and alleged that Pakistani authorities had responded with force while restrictions affected access to essential supplies, including food, fuel and medicines.
The Indian diplomat further referred to allegations involving civilian deaths and arrests of students in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. According to India's position at the UNHRC, Pakistan had responded to some of these concerns through procedural objections rather than addressing the allegations directly. The latest exchanges at the United Nations come amid continuing tensions between India and Pakistan over terrorism, Kashmir and human rights. Both countries have continued to present sharply contrasting positions on these issues at international forums.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Defence News.
The United States and India should step up efforts to finalise a “historic” trade agreement aimed at reducing trade barriers and keeping tariffs as low as possible, US-India Business Council (USIBC) President and former Ambassador Atul Keshap said, according to a statement issued by the organisation. Keshap urged both governments to maintain momentum in the negotiations, saying a reciprocal trade agreement could build on the record investments made during 2026 and create new opportunities for businesses in both countries.
He said a deal could provide immediate economic benefits by supporting manufacturing, expanding access to consumer markets and strengthening cooperation in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. According to Keshap, completing the agreement would also give greater stability and predictability to the broader economic and strategic relationship between India and the US.
The USIBC called on New Delhi and Washington to use the progress achieved during the year to reach an agreement that reduces trade restrictions and limits tariffs. The council said such a pact would consolidate the progress made in the negotiations and provide businesses with greater certainty. Keshap also said members of the USIBC remain committed to strengthening commercial ties between the two countries. The council said its members are ready to work with both governments to expand cooperation between the US economy and India's rapidly growing economy.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday that India and the US had largely completed the negotiations on the trade agreement. However, he indicated that India wants to ensure that the final arrangement provides its exporters with a competitive position in the American market.
Speaking at the 13th Annual Forum 2026 India 3.0, Goyal said the agreement was close to completion and that the remaining task was to secure terms that would allow Indian businesses to compete effectively with exporters from other countries. The US continues to be India's largest export destination. According to figures cited by Reuters, India's merchandise exports to the American market increased to USD 42.79 billion between April and August, compared with USD 40.39 billion during the same period last year.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
Political pressure on Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar intensified on Friday after the Congress put up posters in the national capital demanding his removal, amid a growing dispute over the functioning of the Election Commission and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The Delhi Congress OBC wing displayed posters at the ITO intersection carrying the message, “Gyanesh Hatao, Chunav Aayog Bachao” (Remove Gyanesh, Save the Election Commission).
The campaign came a day after Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi called for Kumar’s resignation following a report by The Indian Express concerning the functioning of the Election Commission and alleged objections raised by Election Commissioners over certain decisions, including those linked to the SIR exercise.
Gandhi has alleged that concerns raised within the poll panel were being disregarded and has questioned the credibility of the electoral process. The Congress leader also criticised Kumar during a press conference in New Delhi and demanded his resignation. The Election Commission has rejected the suggestion that internal differences indicate a lack of consensus in its decision-making. Responding to the report, the poll body said decisions taken over the past year were unanimous and that differences in views and observations are part of normal institutional deliberations.
The BJP has criticised Gandhi’s allegations. BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari accused the Congress leader of making political claims after failing to gain public support through democratic means. The Congress has expanded its campaign against the Chief Election Commissioner through multiple channels. The Indian Youth Congress launched an online petition on Thursday seeking Kumar’s removal following the Indian Express report. The petition, titled “Gyanesh, It’s Done Bro”, also seeks an investigation into the electoral process and voter rolls, the release of electoral records and internal objections, and legal action against those found responsible for any wrongdoing.
The youth wing said the campaign was intended to take the debate over electoral transparency and accountability beyond social media and encourage greater public participation, particularly among young people. A separate legal challenge has also been filed before the Kolhapur Bench of the Bombay High Court against Gyanesh Kumar and the Election Commission. The petitioners have sought the withdrawal of 14 administrative orders and changes that they allege were introduced unilaterally by the poll panel.
The petition also seeks a halt to the ongoing SIR exercise in Maharashtra and calls for the restoration of names removed from electoral rolls during the process. The petitioners have further sought postponement of upcoming elections until fresh voter lists are prepared and approved. The developments add another layer to the ongoing political dispute over the Election Commission, electoral rolls and the SIR process. While opposition parties have raised concerns about the poll body's functioning, the Election Commission has maintained that its decisions have been taken through established institutional processes and that differing views during deliberations are normal.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor and Lieutenant General Vikrant Suresh Deshpande, General Officer Commanding of the 10 Corps, witnessed a major joint firepower demonstration by Indian and US Army personnel at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan as part of Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026. The demonstration highlighted the growing operational cooperation between the two militaries, with troops conducting coordinated drills involving artillery, military aviation, air-defence systems and battlefield surveillance capabilities in the challenging desert environment.
The Indian Army showcased several of its key combat systems during the exercise, including the indigenous Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher, M777 ultra-light howitzers and the Dhanush artillery system. The Indian contingent also employed AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, L70 air-defence guns and Swathi weapon-locating radars as part of the integrated demonstration.
The US Army, meanwhile, deployed the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS, along with the Mobile Low, Slow, Small Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Defeat System, known as M-LIDS. The combined display brought together a range of capabilities designed to support coordinated operations across different combat domains.
Military officials said the exercise provided an opportunity for personnel from both countries to practise planning, coordination and execution of complex combined-arms operations. Such training also enables the two forces to develop a better understanding of each other's equipment, operational procedures and tactical approaches.
Ambassador Sergio Gor later shared his observations about the exercise on X, expressing admiration for the joint drills conducted by Indian and American troops. He said watching the two forces train together demonstrated the strength of the bilateral defence partnership, particularly in areas such as trust, readiness and interoperability. Gor also said he was proud of the results achieved through the combined efforts of the Indian and US Army personnel.
The US ambassador had announced his arrival at the Mahajan Field Firing Range and said he was looking forward to witnessing troops from both countries train together under realistic battlefield conditions. He described Yudh Abhyas as India's largest bilateral defence exercise with a partner nation. The 22nd edition of Exercise Yudh Abhyas officially began on September 15 at the Auli Foreign Training Node in Uttarakhand. The opening ceremony was attended by Major General Amaresh Gunjan, General Officer Commanding of the 14 Infantry Division, and Colonel Benjamin Jackman, Commander of the 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division of the US Army.
Around 600 soldiers from each country are taking part in this year's exercise, with training activities being conducted across both the mountainous terrain of Auli and the desert environment of Rajasthan. The diverse locations allow the participating troops to train under significantly different operational conditions. The Indian Army's Additional Directorate General of Public Information said the exercise is focused on enhancing interoperability through comprehensive and integrated training. The drills cover a broad range of activities, including small-arms firing, artillery engagements, long-range weapon operations and specialised attack helicopter missions.
The participating units are also carrying out coordinated tactical manoeuvres, practising standard battle operating procedures and conducting combined-arms operations. These activities are aimed at strengthening mutual understanding and improving the ability of the two forces to operate together during complex missions.
The ongoing exercise also gives soldiers from both countries practical exposure to each other's methods of operation while encouraging greater professional familiarity and battlefield coordination. Training in both high-altitude and desert environments further expands the scope of the joint engagement. Exercise Yudh Abhyas has become an important platform for regular military cooperation between India and the United States. The 2026 edition, with its focus on multi-domain operations and training across varied terrains, continues the long-standing engagement between the two armies and seeks to further strengthen their ability to work together in demanding operational situations.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Indian Defence News.
US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace is expected to present a six-month recovery programme for Gaza worth $2.45 billion at a meeting of its members on Wednesday, according to a report by Axios. The proposed initiative reportedly outlines funding for temporary shelters, clearing debris, repairing hospitals, supporting economic recovery and deploying a multinational security force in Gaza. Axios cited a copy of the plan while reporting the details. Reuters said it was not immediately able to independently verify the report.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.
Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers unveiled Treasury’s 40-year economic projections as part of the Albanese government’s second Intergenerational Report. The report highlights several long-term challenges facing Australia, including shifting geopolitical conditions, the rapid growth of artificial intelligence and a significant demographic change, with deaths expected to exceed births within the coming decades. In an interview with Guardian Australia political editor Tom McIlroy and economics editor Patrick Commins, Chalmers discussed the outlook for the Australian economy and explained why he believes Labor’s policy plans can help the country adapt to an increasingly uncertain future.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
Friends of exiled Russian opposition activist Igor Rogov were stunned when he was accused of having ties to the Kremlin. They struggled to believe that the young campaigner they knew could have secretly been working as an undercover agent.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
As AI leaders worldwide call for a more measured pace of development, what could a potential slowdown mean for companies such as Plaud, which is expanding its presence in Singapore? Could tighter controls or a shift in the global AI landscape affect the company’s growth plans in the country? Daniel Martin explores these questions in a conversation with Megumi Yoshinaga, Head of APAC Marketing at Plaud.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
Oil markets are coming under renewed strain after attacks disrupted Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline, an important alternative route to the Strait of Hormuz. With Brent and WTI crude prices climbing above US$100 per barrel and fuel costs continuing to rise, concerns are growing over the resilience of global oil supplies. Susan Ng speaks with Jaime Brito, Executive Director of Refining and Oil Markets at Dow Jones Energy, about the potential impact of a prolonged disruption on Singapore and wider Asian markets.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
