C.P. Radhakrishnan Elected as India's 15th Vice President
C.P. Radhakrishnan, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) nominee, has been elected as the 15th Vice President of India. He secured 452 first preference votes, defeating the INDIA bloc candidate Justice B. Sudershan Reddy, who received 300 votes. The election saw a high voter turnout of 98.20 percent, with 767 out of 781 Members of Parliament casting their votes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Radhakrishnan, stating his confidence that he will be an outstanding Vice President who will strengthen constitutional values and enhance parliamentary discourse. Radhakrishnan previously served as the Governor of Maharashtra and held additional charge of Jharkhand and Puducherry.
India-US Trade Talks and Bilateral Confidence
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump have expressed confidence in the resumption of India-US trade talks. PM Modi welcomed Trump's positive remarks, affirming that both nations are "close friends and natural partners" and that the ongoing negotiations will unlock the "limitless potential" of their partnership. The Prime Minister also indicated that teams from both countries are working to conclude the discussions at the earliest. This exchange signals a potential easing of trade tensions that arose after the US imposed tariffs on Indian products.
Deepening India-Italy Strategic Partnership
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, reaffirming their joint commitment to deepen the India-Italy Strategic Partnership. The leaders reviewed progress in various sectors including investment, defence, security, space, science & technology, education, people-to-people ties, and counter-terrorism. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues, including the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. PM Meloni expressed support for an early conclusion of a mutually beneficial India-EU Free Trade Agreement and India's hosting of the AI Impact Summit in 2026. Both leaders committed to promoting connectivity under the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEEC) initiative.
Nepal Prime Minister Resigns Amidst Widespread Protests
Nepal's Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned following intense anti-corruption protests across the country. The protests, led by "Gen Z" youth, were initially triggered by a government ban on several social media platforms but escalated into a broader movement against corruption and misgovernance. Deadly clashes occurred between protesters and security forces, resulting in 19 deaths and hundreds of injuries. The protests led to the torching of the federal parliament building and attacks on the homes of prominent politicians in Kathmandu. Following Oli's resignation, the Nepal Army was deployed to maintain order. Indian airlines, Air India and IndiGo, operated additional flights to Kathmandu to bring back stranded Indian pilgrims. Security was also tightened in Uttar Pradesh districts bordering Nepal.
India Condemns Violation of Qatar's Sovereignty
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani and conveyed India's strong condemnation of the violation of Qatar's sovereignty. This condemnation followed Israeli attacks on Hamas leaders in Qatar's capital, Doha. PM Modi emphasized India's deep concern over the attacks and reiterated support for resolving issues through dialogue and diplomacy, while standing firmly against terrorism.
Sports: Football Bronze and Table Tennis Hosting Rights
In football, the Indian men's team clinched a bronze medal in the CAFA Nations Cup 2025. India defeated Oman 3-2 in a penalty shootout after the match ended 1-1 in regulation time. This marks India's first-ever podium finish in the tournament. Additionally, India is set to host the 28th ITTF-ATTU Asian Table Tennis Team Championships from October 11 to 15, 2025, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. This event will also serve as a qualifier for the 2026 ITTF World Team Championships.