Amidst intense global attention, the 2025 Nobel Committee announced Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado as the recipient of the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize. This comes after an aggressive campaign by US President Donald Trump, who has been vocal about his resentment towards his predecessors receiving the honour. The Committee praised Machado as a brave and committed champion of peace who has been working to keep democracy thriving in the midst of growing darkness.
Tensions are rising between Afghanistan and Pakistan after the recent failed airstrike on the TTP chief, reportedly carried out by Pakistan without coordination with the Afghan government. With the TTP leader now in the custody of the Afghan Taliban, the Afghan foreign minister's visit to New Delhi has further strained relations between the two countries. Meanwhile, the US and China have quietly backed Pakistan's counter-terrorism campaign, seeing Pakistan's stability and the insurgency as a threat to their respective interests in the region. However, this has prompted a response from the Afghan government, who have rejected Pakistan's narrative and positioned India as a stabilising force in the region.
Amir Khan Muttaqi's six-day trip to India includes a visit to the renowned Darul Uloom Deoband Islamic seminary, a significant religious and diplomatic gesture. His visit challenges Pakistan's claim to being the main protector of Deobandi Islam and primary supporter of the Taliban, as Muttaqi's presence in India highlights the Taliban's ties to South Asia beyond Pakistan. The visit also signals a potential shift in Taliban diplomacy and closer collaboration between India and Afghanistan in various areas, including development of the Chabahar port in Iran.
In a controversial decision, Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi held a press conference in New Delhi on Friday, barring women journalists from attending despite being informally invited. The move sparked widespread backlash on social media, highlighting concerns over the country's current stance on women's rights. This incident comes after Muttaqi's talks with India's EAM Jaishankar on a range of issues, including development and bilateral ties, demonstrating the delicate diplomatic situation between the two nations.
The International Day of the Girl Child is a moment to recognize and celebrate the many ways in which girls are making a positive impact around the globe. In India, several campaigns and initiatives are working to ensure that girls' voices are heard and their rights and needs are acknowledged. From addressing issues of early marriage and reproductive choices, to promoting education and empowerment, these efforts are empowering girls to reach their full potential.
In a move likely to heighten tensions between the world's two largest economies, President Trump announced plans to impose an additional 100% tariff on all Chinese imports and implement strict export controls on US-made critical software starting November 1. This comes as part of the ongoing trade war between the US and China. Meanwhile, a "coroner's case" is being pursued in Singapore for the death of Indian singer Zubeen Garg during a yacht outing, leading to speculation and concerns.
On 11 October each year, the International Day of the Girl is observed to celebrate and amplify the voices and actions of girls around the world. This year's theme, "The girl I am, the change I lead," highlights the leadership of girls in the face of challenges and calls for their recognition. With concrete steps being taken in many countries to empower girls and promote their education and safety, this day serves as a reminder to see girls for their limitless potential.
In a surprising move, the Taliban foreign minister held a news conference at the Afghan embassy in India on Friday, but no women journalists were present. Sources say participation was limited to a small number of male reporters, with the final call made by Taliban officials. This exclusion of women raises questions about the Taliban's stance on women's rights, as well as India's engagement with the new regime in Afghanistan. At the press conference, the minister appeared relaxed and claimed that people are satisfied with the current system, but critics remain skeptical about the Taliban's track record on women's rights.
In a high-level meeting between India and Afghanistan's foreign ministers, a firm commitment to countering terrorism and strengthening bilateral cooperation was reiterated. Both sides condemned all forms of terrorism and expressed a desire to foster peace and stability in the region. India also offered humanitarian aid and assistance in infrastructure projects, as well as deepening economic ties and collaborating on hydroelectric projects to meet Afghanistan's energy and agricultural needs.
Kabul was the site of a targeted strike allegedly carried out by Pakistan, targeting a high-value Pakistani militant hiding in eastern Kabul. Despite the strike, the militant, Noor Wali Mehsud, remains unscathed and has confirmed his safety via a voice message. This incident has resulted in heightened tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, as well as the potential for a major internal crisis within the TTP. The timing, occurring during a visit by Afghanistan's Foreign Minister to India, suggests possible retaliation for recent accusations made by Pakistan's defence minister.