India-Canada Eye Historic $70 Billion Trade Pact As PM Modi Set To Visit

The death of 20-year-old student Sahil Wakhure at IIT Bombay has triggered widespread campus protests and divided the institute community. The deceased student's parents have staged protests alleging severe caste-based harassment, threats, and slurs, demanding the arrest of invigilator Professor Surya Narayan Dula and Director Shirish Khedare. In response, the IIT Bombay faculty forum strongly defended Professor Dula, stating he was merely discharging his duties after reporting exam malpractice and that no evidence of caste bias exists. The investigation has been transferred to the Mumbai Crime Branch, which is seeking technical assistance to unlock the student's phone and recording statements from examination hall witnesses and friends. The report also highlights government data submitted in the Lok Sabha revealing 45 student suicides across 23 IITs between 2020-21 and 2024-25, spanning various social categories.

A speech delivered at the United Nations General Assembly addressed major international foreign policy challenges, focusing primarily on the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and broader geopolitical developments. The address called for the complete economic isolation of Iran until it abandons its nuclear ambitions and ceases regional hostility, while leaving open the possibility of a negotiated agreement following the United States midterm elections. The speech also outlined potential enforcement actions concerning Russian energy exports, specifically mentioning the possible use of the Lindsey Graham sanctions bill to impose significant tariffs on countries importing oil from Russia, including India and China. Additionally, the address covered global security concerns, categorising Western hemisphere cartels alongside terror outfits, highlighting strategic interests in Greenland, and noting upcoming bilateral meetings at the White House.

During the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Donald Trump delivered a speech targeting Iran, prompting members of the Iranian delegation to stage a walkout. Trump stated that the United States would hit Iran hard unless a deal is reached, though he indicated any agreement is unlikely before the US midterms. Meanwhile, discussions took place on the sidelines between US and Iranian delegations through mediators. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff noted progress in the mediation, though no major breakthroughs emerged. Officials confirmed that Donald Trump will not be meeting directly with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, leaving negotiations to aides on the sidelines.

During the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Donald Trump held a meeting and joint press conference with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on the sidelines of the summit. The interaction between the president and the mayor, whom Trump had previously referred to as a communist lunatic, prompted widespread reactions and discussions across social media platform X as users reacted to their unexpected rapport.