1. India expands Mongolia footprint with defence attache, energy cooperation
2. US Seeks India’s Support in Rare Earth Trade War Against China
3. India Elected to UN Human Rights Council for 2026-28 Term
4. General Naravane’s Memoir Delayed: “Ball is in Publisher’s and MoD’s Court”
5. BJP releases first list of 71 candidates for Bihar Assembly polls

What Else

1. Pakistan Army Destroys Taliban Tanks in Retaliatory Strikes Near Kurram Border
2. Pakistan Nears IMF Staff Deal Amid Reform Push and Global Outreach
3. Punjab Police Seize Millions in Raid on TLP Chief Saad Rizvi’s Residence
4. Lahore Police Ordered to Conceal Identity Amid TLP Clashes and Uncertainty Over Saad Rizvi
5. China Detains Zion Church Pastors Amid Crackdown on Online Preaching
6. US-China Trade Tensions Escalate Over Soybean Dispute
7. Ashley Tellis: A Career in Foreign Policy Marred by Controversy

India expands Mongolia footprint with defence attache, energy cooperation

• India and Mongolia have bolstered their strategic partnership with several key agreements, marking 70 years of diplomatic ties and 10 years of strategic cooperation.
• The PM highlights common Buddhist bonds between Mongolia and India and says India will start issuing free e-visas for Mongolian citizens
• PM Modi and Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa signed 10 agreements, including on defence, geological exploration, and energy cooperation.
• Key Agreements:
• Defence Cooperation: India will appoint a defence attaché in Mongolia and provide training for Mongolia’s border security forces.
• Energy Cooperation: India will support a $1.7 billion oil refinery project in Mongolia, expected to be completed by 2028, marking India’s largest infrastructure project abroad.
• Cultural Exchange: India will send holy relics of Buddha’s disciples to Mongolia and provide a Sanskrit teacher to the Gandan Monastery to support Buddhist studies.
• Digital and Technological Development: Both nations plan to enhance cooperation in digital technology, including a project to digitize one million ancient manuscripts.
• Economic Cooperation: India and Mongolia aim to increase bilateral trade, with Mongolia seeking Indian expertise to boost wool exports.
• Visa Policy: India will provide free e-visas to Mongolian citizens.
• Discussions:
• Uranium Procurement: India has expressed interest in procuring uranium from Mongolia, with discussions to be taken up in the coming months.
• Mining and Energy: Both nations discussed cooperation in mining and energy, including oil and gas exploration.
• Regional Stability: The agreements align with India’s Act East Policy and Mongolia’s Third Neighbour Diplomacy, reinforcing both nations’ commitment to regional stability.
• Other Developments:
• Cultural Events: Mongolia and India will celebrate 70 years of diplomatic ties, with cultural events showcasing Mongolian culture, including a photography exhibition and a performance by the traditional Morin Khuur instrument.
• Business Forum: A Mongolia-India Business Forum will be held to boost trade and investment between the two nations. (more, more)
• [India and Mongolia have upgraded to a strategic partnership, enhancing cooperation in defence, energy, and infrastructure. This partnership helps counterbalance China’s influence in Central Asia, thereby promoting regional stability. It fosters a strong, democratic neighborly relationship.]

US Seeks India’s Support in Rare Earth Trade War Against China

• The US is looking to India as a potential ally in its trade war with China, particularly on the issue of rare earth minerals.
• US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent accused China of “pointing a bazooka at the supply chains and the industrial base of the entire free world” with its export controls on rare earths.
• The US has imposed 100% additional tariffs on China over this issue. Bessent expects substantial global support from allies, including India, in this matter.
• India, which faces 50% US tariffs on its exports, is in a delicate position, having recently attempted to reset ties with China after border clashes.
• Despite this, ongoing trade talks between India and the US are progressing well, with a team of senior officials set to visit the US later this week to discuss a bilateral trade agreement (more)

India Elected to UN Human Rights Council for 2026-28 Term

• India has been elected to the UN Human Rights Council for the seventh time, securing a seat for the 2026-28 term.
• India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish, expressed gratitude to the delegations for their overwhelming support, highlighting India’s commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms.
• The Human Rights Council is responsible for promoting and protecting human rights globally, addressing human rights violations, and providing recommendations for improvement.
• With this election, India reaffirms its dedication to multilateralism and dialogue in addressing global challenges.
• Other newly elected members include Angola, Chile, and Italy. India’s tenure on the council will begin on January 1, 2026.
• This achievement reflects India’s commitment to working with the global community to address pressing issues, including sustainable development, climate change, and human rights (more)

General Naravane’s Memoir Delayed: “Ball is in Publisher’s and MoD’s Court”

• Former Army Chief General M M Naravane’s memoirs, “Four Stars of Destiny,” have been pending government approval for over a year.
• The book contains sensitive information about military operations and govt policies, including details about the 2020 India-China border clashes and the Agnipath recruitment scheme.
• Naravane stated that his job was to write the book, and it’s up to the publisher to obtain permission from the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
• “The ball is in the publisher’s and MoD’s court,” he said, adding that he has moved on and enjoyed writing the book.
• Key Revelations in the Memoir:
• Late-night conversation with Defence Minister: Naravane revealed that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh told him to “do whatever you had to do,” effectively giving the Army carte blanche to respond to Chinese troop movements in eastern Ladakh’s Rechin La pass.
• Agnipath recruitment scheme: The Army proposed retaining 75% of short-term recruits long-term, but the final model retained only 25% after four years, contradicting the government’s narrative that the scheme originated from the armed forces. (more)

BJP releases first list of 71 candidates for Bihar Assembly polls

• The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has released its first list of 71 candidates for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections.
• The elections will be held in two phases, on November 6 and 11, with counting scheduled for November 14.
• The BJP will contest on 101 seats as part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which has finalized its seat-sharing arrangement. Here are the key points:
• NDA Seat-Sharing Arrangement: BJP: 101 seats; Janata Dal (United) (JDU): 101 seats; Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas): 29 seats; Rashtriya Lok Morcha: 6 seats; Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular): 6 seats;
• Notable BJP Candidates: Renu Devi – Bettiah; Tarkishore Prasad – Katihar; Ramkripal Yadav – Danapur; Nitin Nabin – Bankipur; and Vijay Kumar Sinha – Lakhisarai
• The NDA will face opposition from the INDIA bloc, led by Tejashwi Yadav of the RJD, and a new player, Jan Suraaj, led by Prashant Kishor.

[Neighborhood]

Pakistan Army Destroys Taliban Tanks in Retaliatory Strikes Near Kurram Border

• Fresh clashes erupted along the Pak-Afghan border as Pakistan Army launched retaliatory strikes against Afghan Taliban and TTP militants following unprovoked firing in the Kurram sector.
• Security sources confirmed the destruction of six Taliban tanks, multiple posts, and a militant training camp in Naeem.
• Visuals showed flames from destroyed tanks, and Taliban fighters reportedly fled, with some raising white flags in surrender.
• A key commander of the group dubbed “Fitna al-Khawarij” was killed.
• The strikes followed an earlier attack on October 11–12, where over 200 Taliban fighters were killed and 23 Pakistani soldiers martyred.
• ISPR reported significant damage to Taliban infrastructure and urged the Afghan regime to dismantle terrorist groups operating from its soil.
• Pakistan has since closed border crossings with Afghanistan.
• The military operations continue with full force to neutralize threats and restore regional security amid rising tensions and cross-border hostilities. (more)
• [It’s hard to believe the Afghan Taliban would remain passive after suffering such heavy losses—six tanks destroyed, camps obliterated, and commanders killed. Their silence feels unnatural, raising doubts about what’s being withheld or misrepresented.]

Pakistan Nears IMF Staff Deal Amid Reform Push and Global Outreach

• Pakistan is close to finalizing a staff-level agreement with the IMF, unlocking a $1.24 billion payout under its $8.4 billion loan programme.
• Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, attending IMF–World Bank meetings in Washington, confirmed constructive talks on benchmarks and reforms.
• The IMF projects 3.6% GDP growth for 2025–26, below Pakistan’s 4.2% target, but notes improving stability.
• Aurangzeb announced plans for a green Panda bond and a $1 billion international bond sale, alongside renewed privatization efforts, including PIA and power firms.
• The IMF forecasts inflation at 6%, unemployment at 7.5%, and a current account deficit of 0.4% of GDP.
• Aurangzeb met global financial leaders to promote climate resilience, digital transformation, and private investment.
• He praised overseas Pakistanis and invited US investors to explore opportunities in energy, agriculture, and IT.
• The visit aims to sustain reform momentum, attract financing, and reinforce Pakistan’s position as a regional investment hub (more)

Punjab Police Seize Millions in Raid on TLP Chief Saad Rizvi’s Residence

• Punjab Police, in coordination with FIA and NCCIA, recovered Rs144.4 million in cash, over Rs63.4 million in gold and jewellery, and foreign currency worth Rs2.5 million during a raid on TLP chief Saad Rizvi’s residence.
• The haul included 1,922 grams of gold, 898 grams of silver, luxury watches, and currencies from India, UK, Canada, Saudi Arabia, and UAE.
• The raid is part of a broader crackdown following violent clashes in Muridke, where TLP’s Gaza March defied Section 144 and led to deadly confrontations with law enforcement.
• Rizvi’s whereabouts remain confirmed—he is safe and not in custody, according to Punjab Police, despite viral claims.
• The recovered assets are under investigation for financial irregularities and undeclared donations.
• The crackdown triggered scattered protests across Punjab and Karachi, but by Monday night, motorway traffic resumed and unrest subsided.
• Heavy police deployment continues in Muridke and key Lahore intersections. (more)
• [The way Pakistani media is downplaying the TLP protest amounts to a tacit admission that something is being deliberately concealed]

Lahore Police Ordered to Conceal Identity Amid TLP Clashes and Uncertainty Over Saad Rizvi

• Amid escalating unrest in Lahore, police have been instructed to avoid wearing uniforms or carrying identification off-duty to prevent targeting by TLP supporters.
• The directive follows deadly clashes in Muridke, where one police officer and five others were killed, though TLP claims higher casualties.
• A terrorism case has been registered against TLP leaders under multiple serious charges, including murder and arson.
• Confusion surrounds the whereabouts of TLP chief Saad Rizvi, with supporters alleging he was injured and taken away, while authorities remain silent.
• Eyewitnesses report widespread destruction, including torched vehicles and market stalls. Hospitals received over 150 gunshot victims, but no bodies were officially handed over.
• Police regained control of GT Road after a limited counter-operation.
• The concealment order underscores deteriorating law and order and rising tensions, as protests continue nationwide in solidarity with Gaza.
• The lack of clarity over Rizvi’s condition fuels speculation and deepens public mistrust. (more)

China Detains Zion Church Pastors Amid Crackdown on Online Preaching

• Chinese authorities have detained over 20 pastors from Zion Church, one of the country’s largest underground Christian networks, in the most significant crackdown since 2018.
• Pastor Jin Mingri, founder of the unofficial “house church,” was arrested in Beihai on charges of “illegal use of information networks,” following new regulations banning unauthorized online preaching and foreign religious ties.
• His daughter, Grace Jin, expressed concern over his health and lack of legal access.
• The crackdown coincides with rising China-US tensions and follows President Xi Jinping’s pledge to enforce strict religious laws and promote the Sinicisation of faith.
• Zion Church, with 5,000 worshippers across 50 cities, expanded during the pandemic via Zoom sermons.
• Supporters fear the arrests aim to dismantle the church’s growing influence. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the detentions, calling for immediate release.
• The move highlights China’s tightening grip on religious expression beyond state-sanctioned institutions. (more)

US-China Trade Tensions Escalate Over Soybean Dispute

• US President Donald Trump has accused China of an “Economically Hostile Act” by refusing to buy US soybeans, instead purchasing them from Argentina.
• Trump warned that the US is considering terminating business with China related to cooking oil and other trade elements as retribution.
• The move comes amid rising trade tensions between the two nations, with China introducing special port fees for US ships arriving in Chinese ports.
• The fees, starting at $56 per net ton, were imposed in response to the US decision to impose additional port fees on Chinese ships.
• China has also announced tighter controls on rare earth exports, prompting Trump to threaten an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods.
• Beijing has called on Washington to “correct its wrongdoings” and demonstrate sincerity in trade discussions (more)

Ashley Tellis: A Career in Foreign Policy Marred by Controversy

• Ashley J. Tellis, a renowned foreign policy scholar and defense strategist of Indian origin, has been arrested and charged with unlawfully retaining classified national defense information. Tellis, 64, served on the National Security Council as special assistant to President George W. Bush and senior director for strategic planning and Southwest Asia.
• He also played a key role in negotiating the US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement as senior adviser to the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs.
• Charges: Unlawful retention of classified national defense information, violating 18 USC § 793(e)
• Potential Penalties: Up to 10 years in prison, $250,000 fine, and forfeiture of materials
• Background: Tellis is a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and holds a Top Secret security clearance
• Investigation: Authorities found over 1,000 pages of classified documents at his home, and are examining his interactions with Chinese officials (more)
• [Tellis has expressed concerns about India’s foreign policy, particularly its alignment with Russia, and has advocated for a more nuanced approach to US-India relations.]