PSU Banks May Be Shut For 5 Days Straight As Unions Call For Strike Over 5-Day Work Week Demand

India and Canada are moving towards finalising a landmark bilateral trade deal by December, aiming to achieve a 70 billion dollar push in trade. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Canada around the middle of December, coinciding with the G20 Summit timeline to conclude the negotiations. The proposed agreement marks a reset in bilateral ties, shifting focus towards energy cooperation, defence, talent mobility, and market diversification. The two nations are seeking to move past previous diplomatic friction over the Nijjar issue to build a stronger economic partnership. Discussions highlight Canada's interest in supplying energy resources like oil and uranium to India's expanding market of 1.5 billion people. However, key challenges remain, including internal resource extraction regulations in Canada and bureaucratic hurdles in India. The potential pact follows several major trade agreements signed by India since 2021, presenting a new chapter of economic collaboration between both democracies.

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.