India To Build 7,000 km High-Speed Rail Corridors by 2047; Mahagathbandhan Finally Reaches Seat-Sharing Agreement In Bihar; And More

India Denies Trump's Claim on Russian Oil Promise

US President Donald Trump claimed on October 16 that Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised to halt Indian purchases of Russian oil during a phone conversation, stating he didn't want to "destroy [Modi's] political career." India's Ministry of External Affairs promptly denied any such conversation occurred.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal asserted India's sovereign decision-making on energy imports, emphasizing that policies are "guided entirely" by safeguarding consumer interests in a volatile energy market.

India's Russian oil purchases have become a flashpoint in US-India relations. After the 2022 Ukraine conflict, India's imports from Russia surged from under 1 per cent to nearly 40 per cent of total crude oil purchases, making it the second-largest buyer of Russian fossil fuels after China. Washington cites these purchases as justification for imposing 50 per cent tariffs on India.

Modi's government responded diplomatically, noting ongoing discussions to deepen energy cooperation with the US while maintaining its diversified procurement strategy.

Meanwhile, an Indian delegation is currently in Washington for the sixth round of trade negotiations.

India to Build 7,000 km High-Speed Rail Corridors by 2047

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw unveiled plans to construct 7,000 km of dedicated passenger corridors by 2047 under the Viksit Bharat vision. Speaking at the International Railway Equipment Exhibition 2025 in New Delhi, he announced that the high-speed routes will operate at 320 kmph with maximum speeds of 350 kmph, powered by indigenous signalling systems.

Vaishnaw outlined next-generation upgrades including Vande Bharat 4.0, featuring enhanced passenger amenities, and Amrit Bharat 3.0 using push-pull technology for long-distance routes. The 4.0 version will introduce new trainsets undergoing testing within 36 months.

Currently, 156 Vande Bharat, 30 Amrit Bharat, and four Namo Bharat trains operate domestically, while Indian-made locomotives are being exported to Africa and Australia.

Other developments

India's Strategic Talks with China on Rare Earth Supplies

On October 16, 2025, India's MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed ongoing engagement with China to secure rare earth elements (REEs), critical for energy security and high-tech industries, while respecting international obligations including end-user certifications.

China dominates REEs, accounting for 70 per cent of global mining and processing 85-90 per cent of supplies. New export controls on 12 elements effective December 1, 2025—described by Beijing as security measures but viewed as trade leverage—require approval for exports containing trace Chinese materials, targeting semiconductors and defense applications.

For India, reliant on REE imports for EVs, renewables, and defense, diversification efforts include domestic mining and partnerships with Australia and Vietnam.

170 Maoists to Surrender in Bastar's Largest Mass Capitulation

Chhattisgarh's Bastar is set to witness its largest Maoist surrender on Friday, 17 October, with 170 guerrillas laying down arms in Jagdalpur. Home Minister Amit Shah called it a "landmark day," declaring Abujhmarh and North Bastar free from Naxal terror.

Shah reiterated the government's dual approach: welcoming surrenders while promising "wrath of forces" for armed resistance.

Karnataka to Ban RSS Activities on Government Properties

Karnataka's Cabinet has decided to issue an order preventing organisations like the RSS from using public properties, Law Minister H.K. Patil announced on October 16. The move follows IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge's October 12 letter urging Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to ban RSS activities on government premises including schools and colleges.

On October 16, he wrote again seeking disciplinary action against officials associating with RSS activities. Siddaramaiah has instructed the Chief Secretary to study Tamil Nadu's restrictions on RSS.

Kerala: Prime Accused Arrested in Sabarimala Gold-Plated Panels Case

Kerala's Special Investigation Team arrested Unnikrishnan Potti in the Sabarimala temple gold-plated panels misappropriation case. Potti, who worked as a priest's assistant in the early 2010s, reported two copper-gold overlays he donated in 2019 as missing, triggering the investigation.

The vigilance recovered the panels from his sister's house in Thiruvananthapuram. Investigations revealed TDB officials contracted Potti to restore gold-plated veneers donated by Vijay Mallya in 1998, violating temple protocols. The artefacts took 39 days to reach a Chennai factory, raising suspicions of replication and potential sale to collectors.

Seven TDB officials have been named as accused. The SIT seeks Potti's custody for further questioning.

Bihar election corner

The National Democratic Alliance completed announcing candidates for all 243 constituencies on October 16, with JD(U) releasing its final list of 44 candidates.

Congress meanwhile released its first list of 48 candidates, retaining State President Rajesh Ram and CLP leader Shakeel Ahmed Khan in their seats. The Mahagatbandhan finalised seat-sharing after prolonged negotiations, with Mukesh Sahani's VIP nearly switching sides.

Campaign Trail Developments

Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Patna for a three-day visit to strategise with alliance partners. BJP released a list of 40 star campaigners including Prime Minister Modi, Amit Shah, and five chief ministers.

Bhojpuri celebrities Pawan Singh, Manoj Tiwari, and Ravi Kishan feature prominently.

Bhojpuri singer Khesari Lal Yadav joined RJD alongside his wife.

Controversial Issues

The Election Commission defended its 1994 directive requiring dignified identity verification of burqa-clad women voters amid opposition protests.