Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country in South Asia. It is the world's fifth-most populous country with a population exceeding 220 million people, and has the world's second-largest Muslim population. Pakistan is bordered by India to the East, Afghanistan to the West, Iran to the Southwest, and China to the North, while its coastline along the Arabian Sea lies to the South. Its capital is Islamabad, and Karachi is its most populous city.
Formed in 1947 as a result of the Pakistan Movement, which sought a separate nation for Muslims from the former British Indian Empire, Pakistan is a federal parliamentary republic. It comprises four provinces: Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan, and three territories: Islamabad Capital Territory, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The country's political history has been characterised by periods of military rule, political instability, and conflicts with India. Its diverse geography ranges from the mountainous North, home to several of the world's tallest peaks, to the arid west and the fertile plains in the East.
Pakistan has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its varied and influential art and architecture. The country is also a nuclear power, having conducted its first nuclear tests in 1998.
Explore global geopolitical shifts including US Congress impact on Pakistan, Israel’s politics, West Asia conflicts, and environmental contrasts between Delhi and Beijing.
The Counter Intelligence Kashmir wing of the Jammu and Kashmir Police conducted raids across six locations in the Kashmir Valley, including Magam, Zeenkote, Mattan, Bijbehara, and Pulwama. The operations are connected to a 2023 case registered under various sections of the IPC and UAPA concerning online radicalisation and ground-level terror recruitment. Officials state the probe was launched following inputs that Pakistan-based handlers linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba and other banned outfits used social media and encrypted messaging platforms to influence youth.
A cross-border terror recruitment nexus targeting Indian youth on social media platforms like Instagram has come to light. Gangs linked to Pakistani terrorist Shahzad Bhatti have been contacting youngsters by offering financial assistance, fake passports, and logistics tasks that lead to target killings and criminal activities. Investigations revealed that operatives lure vulnerable youth on Instagram reels before shifting communications to encrypted platforms like WhatsApp and Signal. The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad arrested three operatives from Lucknow alongside apprehending a juvenile, recovering a foreign pistol and live ammunition. The suspects were operating under instructions from a Pakistani handler identified as Rana Bhai to carry out targeted killings of police and army personnel. Security agencies have intensified scrutiny after cracking down on several operatives involved in executing attacks and targeting police personnel across Punjab.
An India Today investigation reveals how a Pakistan-based terror module, the Shahzad Bhatti network, used social media platforms, particularly Instagram, to target and brainwash Indian youth aged between 18 and 25. Operatives lured young people by offering money and jobs abroad while exploiting religious sentiments through reels and controversial video content. Speaking on record to India Today, individuals approached by the network detailed how they were contacted via Instagram reels and directed to encrypted WhatsApp communications, where tasks ranging from transporting consignments to targeting specific individuals were assigned. Security agencies have linked the network to multiple subversive activities, including targeted killings of police personnel in Punjab, an attack outside the Border Security Force headquarters in Jalandhar, and a blast at a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh office in Ranchi. Central agencies launched a nationwide crackdown against the outfit, detaining and arresting suspects across multiple states following its designation as a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.
In an interview with Rajdeep Sardesai, Congress MP and Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs Dr. Shashi Tharoor evaluated the United States midterm election results, calling the verdict 'an extraordinary repudiation of President Trump and the party that has been remade in his name.' Tharoor noted that while the Democratic resurgence marks historic wins across battlegrounds, US foreign policy leeway means minimal immediate disruption to bilateral India-US engagements or ongoing trade negotiations. However, he cautioned that issues surrounding potential Graham Act sanctions, competitive trade terms, and Washington's ties with Pakistan remain key factors. Connecting the political outcome to India, Tharoor argued that domestic anti-incumbency is driven by inflation, rising living costs, graduate unemployment, and voter roll controversies, urging the Indian opposition to question whether citizens are better off under current governance.
This special broadcast of The News Today, anchored by Rajdeep Sardesai, examines the United States midterm election results after Democrats secured majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Donald Trump faces potential investigations and congressional scrutiny after Democrats seize control of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Key issues likely to face formal inquiries include unreleased Epstein files, ties to foreign deals and crypto ventures involving Pakistan, and ICE enforcement raids marked by controversial deportations and deaths. Trump will also confront pointed questions regarding constitutional violations, the weaponisation of federal agencies, the dismissal of intelligence and military officials, and military strikes against Iran.
Delhi's air quality has deteriorated sharply into the very severe category with the Air Quality Index breaching the 300 mark, triggering the enforcement of GRAP 2 and the Delhi government's winter action plan. The capital's worsening air condition has escalated a political blame game between Delhi and Punjab regarding stubble burning. While farm fire instances in Punjab have dropped from 2,600 cases by early November last year to just over 1,600 this season, farm fires continue to raise concerns alongside baseline city emissions and cross-border smoke from Pakistan. Despite advisories promoting work from home and restrictions on specific vehicle categories, a dense layer of smog persists across Delhi NCR, creating severe respiratory hazards for residents and children during the festival season.
NASA satellite images and Pakistani media reports reveal a surge in farm fires across the border in Pakistan, recording 4.2 times more crop fire detections. Till the end of October, over 30,000 farm fires were reported in Pakistan, compared to just over 1,600 cases in Indian Punjab, where border districts like Tarn Taran and Amritsar lead the tally. Northwestern winds and western disturbances are expected to carry heavy smoke across Punjab, Haryana, and the Indo-Gangetic Plains towards Delhi NCR, exacerbating air quality during the festive season. Despite measures by state governments in Punjab and Haryana, including red entries, FIRs, and equipment distribution, stubble burning on both sides of the border continues to affect Delhi NCR's Air Quality Index.
Bharatiya Janata Party leader Ravinder Raina strongly condemned National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah over his remarks suggesting Kashmir is protected by Pakistan. Speaking on the matter, Ravinder Raina asserted that "Pakistan is a murderer of people of Jammu and Kashmir" and noted that Pakistan has waged war and sent terrorists to target innocent people for over three decades. Labeling the statement derogatory and shameful, Raina said it falls under sedition charges. He questioned how Abdullah could credit Pakistan while enjoying security and benefits from India, pointing out the leader's shifting stance on terrorism and Pakistan over time.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited India to advance discussions on the India-US bilateral trade agreement, energy cooperation, and strategic security ties. During the visit, Rubio confirmed that negotiations on the trade deal are approaching conclusion, with outstanding discussions centering on reciprocal tariffs under Section 301, agricultural access, and civil nuclear cooperation under the Shanti Bill. In addition, Rubio toured the Reliance Industries oil refinery complex in Jamnagar, Gujarat, to address energy flows, heavy crude refining, and the integration of Venezuelan and US crude supplies. Strategic discussions covered technological infrastructure, satellite communications, counterterrorism cooperation, and Quad maritime domain awareness initiatives. Panelists and experts, including Michael Kugelman, Dr. Ajay Srivastava, Pramit Pal Chaudhuri, and former USIBC Managing Director Alexander Slater, reviewed diplomatic approaches to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, critical supply chain security, talent mobility, H-1B visas, and the domestic political timelines impacting bilateral commerce between New Delhi and Washington.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discusses the India-US bilateral relationship, stating that both nations are close to finalising an interim trade deal to provide continuity for businesses. Rubio addresses energy security, Washington's short-term purchase of Russian diesel, global crude oil supply, and potential refining ties linked to Reliance's Jamnagar refinery. He clarifies that updated US visa regulations apply globally and notes that relations with Pakistan will not compromise strategic ties with India. An expert panel further examines US sanctions, oil waivers, the Lindsey Graham Act, and potential trade tariffs. The bulletin also covers a political controversy in New Delhi after visual artist Rehan Vadra alleged that around 70 protest photographs were removed from his solo exhibition at Bikaner House, prompting allegations of censorship from Congress and counterclaims from the BJP. Finally, the report highlights US President Donald Trump's claim regarding Google CEO Sundar Pichai.
A debate on the prospects of an India-US trade deal features Michael Kugelman, Senior Fellow for South Asia at the Atlantic Council, and Dr Ajay Srivastava, Founder of the Global Trade Research Initiative. Kugelman notes that recent US decisions, such as pausing new Russia sanctions measures, create room for both nations to conclude talks, stating, 'I like to think there's a good chance that by the end of the year, there, there will indeed be a deal.' However, Srivastava highlights significant hurdles, notably the lack of tariff clarity following the US Supreme Court decision invalidating reciprocal tariffs and the absence of guarantees against future duties under Section 301. The discussion evaluates whether a finalised agreement would serve as a vital confidence-building measure despite ongoing geopolitical and transactional frictions.
Former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant, ITPO Chairman Javed Ashraf, India Today Group Editorial Director Raj Chengappa, and former US trade official Mark Linscott analyze India-US relations, trade negotiations, and global energy dynamics on India Today with Rajdeep Sardesai. The panel examines bilateral agreements, Section 301 tariffs, duty structures, and legislative shifts during the Donald Trump administration. Amitabh Kant outlines why India must exercise strategic patience, assess trade policy consistency, and monitor developments past US midterm elections before formalizing pacts. Javed Ashraf addresses structural changes in Washington, highlighting the asymmetry of stakes, the necessity of sunset clauses, and non-discriminatory tariffs. The experts evaluate energy security developments, including the 60-day Lindsay Graham waiver on Russian oil purchases, Venezuelan crude imports, and Marco Rubio's visit to Reliance's Jamnagar refinery. The discussion also details diplomatic challenges surrounding H-1B visas, defense cooperation, and transactional trade policies impacting bilateral ties between New Delhi and Washington.
In an exclusive interview with India Today's Raj Chengappa, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined key pillars of the India-US partnership, covering bilateral trade, energy dynamics, visa regulations, counter-terrorism, and regional stability. Addressing negotiations on a trade pact, Rubio noted, 'We're very close, and I anticipate. I can't, I can't foresee anything that will keep us from reaching agreement.' He defended temporary US purchases of Russian diesel to stabilise global prices while encouraging India to diversify crude sources toward the Western Hemisphere and ramp up domestic refining. On the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Rubio asserted that the dispute centers largely on the Donbas region and stressed that 'this war is not going to be solved militarily. This war is only going to end diplomatically.' He also clarified that recent US visa adjustments apply globally rather than targeting Indians, maintained that Washington's ties with Pakistan will not compromise anti-terror cooperation with New Delhi, and reaffirmed Quad initiatives in maritime security and resilient supply chains.
In an exclusive interview with India Today's Manjit Negi, BrahMos Aerospace CEO and Managing Director Dr. Jaiteerth R. Joshi discussed the operational impact of the supersonic cruise missile during Operation Sindoor in May 2025. He stated that the Indian Air Force launched the weapon from Sukhoi-30 fighter jets to target crucial infrastructure and ground positions, highlighting that "pinpoint precision was a very, very important fact of BrahMos missile." Dr. Joshi explained that the weapon system evades adversary radars and air defense networks while maintaining supersonic speed across all phases of flight. Addressing tri-service integration, he noted its universal compatibility across naval warships, ground platforms, and fighter aircraft. Furthermore, Dr. Joshi shared progress on indigenous technological developments, including the advanced BrahMos-NG variant configured for carriage on aircraft wings, and ongoing conceptual design work under a national program to develop a hypersonic iteration of the cruise missile.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in an exclusive interview with India Today, said Washington was well aware of tensions between India and Pakistan and was prepared to play a constructive role in preventing a wider conflict. Reflecting on the US diplomatic engagement during Operation Sindoor, Rubio declined to reveal details of his conversations with both sides, saying such disclosures could undermine future discussions. He stressed that the US would prefer to see the two countries pursue peace, business and commerce rather than go to war. Rubio, accompanied by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, also discussed tariffs, terrorism, visa policies and other key issues with India Today. Watch the full exclusive interview at 8 pm today on India Today.
In an exclusive interview, the US Secretary of State addressed key geopolitical and economic issues shaping relations between India and the United States, including tariffs, the proposed interim trade agreement, regional security, and counterterrorism. Speaking on the pending bilateral trade pact, he stated that negotiations are very close to completion with only a few items remaining, adding that any final deal would provide trade certainty and benefit both nations. Addressing concerns over Washington's ties with Islamabad, he maintained that the relationship with Pakistan does not come at the expense of India, emphasizing shared concerns regarding global terrorism and the anti-terror track record of the United States. He noted America's readiness to play a constructive diplomatic role in averting regional conflict and preventing flashpoints following events like the Pahalgam attack. The bulletin also highlighted discussions on technology cooperation, energy partnerships, the installation of a small modular reactor in India, and immigration policies.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann hit back at Union Home Minister Amit Shah following the latter's criticism of the Aam Aadmi Party government regarding the drug menace in the state. Mann alleged that narcotics enter Punjab from BJP-governed states, asserting that Rajasthan has widespread drug issues, Haryana has become a hub for gangsters, and consignments originate from Gujarat. Pointing to 3,000-kilogram drug seizures linked to Kandla port, Mann questioned the Centre's failure to halt such shipments. He further challenged Amit Shah over cross-border smuggling from Pakistan, pointing out that the Border Security Force exercises jurisdiction across a 50-kilometre range along the border, and accused the Home Minister of indulging in cheap politics only during elections.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Punjab to meet families of anti-drug activists who were attacked or killed while confronting the state's pervasive drug nexus. Shah visited locations including Gurdaspur, Sangrur, and Mansa, where he met Bhim Singh, the father of slain activist Parvinder Singh Jhota. Jhota was shot dead after confronting a chemist allegedly dealing in illicit narcotics. The visit sparked sharp focus on the state's law and order situation, cross-border smuggling via drones, and systemic police-political nexus in drug distribution. Residents in Mansa voiced severe frustration over widespread drug peddling and administrative lapses. Following mounting public pressure and the Home Minister's visit, the murder investigation was handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation with state government approval.
