Trump Slams Iran At UNGA, Masoud Pezeshkian Speech Awaited In New York

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. The meeting comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's planned visit to the United States in December to attend the G20 summit in Florida, where a bilateral meeting between PM Modi and President Donald Trump is scheduled. Both nations remain focused on addressing key issues, including trade negotiations. Dr Jaishankar is also expected to address the UNGA in the coming days.

Questions have been raised regarding the use of a chartered flight following the expiry of a three-year helicopter contract. The discussion also addressed concerns over ministers travelling abroad and the sponsorship of those trips. It was noted that ministers across the country travel overseas by invitation from various organisations without state funds being spent, enabling them to gain knowledge and engage with the large diaspora.

A heated debate unfolds over the Veeramani POCSO case and allegations of administrative delay and political interference in Tamil Nadu. Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) spokesperson Felix Gerald alleges that there was an 'institutional cover-up' under the previous DMK government, questioning why a closure report was initially filed and why a five-month delay occurred before fresh arrests and asset trails were uncovered. In response, political analyst Sushil Rajkumar argues that TVK leaders are politicising the sensitive case ahead of upcoming by-elections and questions the ruling party's handling of allegations against its own functionaries. Senior journalist Sandhya Ravishankar terms the issue a systemic failure within the police department rather than purely partisan politics, pointing out that crucial progress in the investigation came only after judicial intervention. The panellists examine the money trail, the role of senior police officials, and the accountability of the administration.

Frequent and unannounced power outages across Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, Trichy, and Tirunelveli, have triggered widespread public anger and street protests amid heatwave conditions. Chief Minister Vijay visited the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board headquarters to review power demand, distribution challenges, shortage of over 600 substations, and aging transformers requiring replacement ahead of anticipated demand surges. Meanwhile, demands have emerged for a white paper regarding peak-hour power purchases at high prices and the cancellation of renewable energy licenses, questioning measures taken to meet state power requirements.