Rajnath Singh Warns Pakistan On Sir Creek; Terror Attack In Manchester Leaves Two Dead; And Other News

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Putin Warns US Against Pressuring India to Stop Buying Russian Oil

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned the United States against pressuring India to halt Russian oil purchases, asserting New Delhi would "never allow themselves to be humiliated by anyone."

Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Group in Sochi, Putin said India faces losses of $9-10 billion whether it stops buying Russian oil or faces US sanctions. "So why refuse if it also carries domestic political costs? I know Prime Minister Modi, he will also not make any such decisions," Putin stated.

He praised Modi as a "balanced, wise, and nationally oriented" leader, adding that India would gain prestige as a sovereign nation by maintaining energy ties with Russia.

Putin's remarks followed US President Donald Trump's call for Europe, India, and China to stop purchasing Russian oil to cut Moscow's war funding in Ukraine. Putin warned that reducing Russian energy supplies would push oil prices above $100 per barrel, hitting the global economy hard.

Describing India-Russia relations as a "privileged strategic partnership," Putin stressed the importance of resolving trade and payment issues through BRICS or other channels, while blaming NATO countries for directly fighting Russia in Ukraine.

Rajnath Singh Warns of Decisive Response to Any Pakistan Misadventure in Sir Creek

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday warned that any Pakistani misadventure in the Sir Creek sector would invite a response strong enough to "change both history and geography."

Speaking at a Dussehra event in Bhuj, Gujarat, Singh said, "India has made several attempts to resolve the issue through dialogue, but Pakistan's intentions remain unclear. The recent expansion of its military infrastructure near Sir Creek reveals these intentions."

Sir Creek is a 96-km tidal estuary in uninhabited marshlands separating Gujarat from Pakistan's Sindh province. The decades-old dispute centers on maritime boundary demarcation, with Pakistan claiming the entire creek based on a 1914 resolution, while India invokes the thalweg principle placing the boundary along the navigable channel's middle.

Since 2019, Pakistan has rapidly expanded military presence with new Creek Battalions, coastal defence boats, and surveillance systems.

Singh emphasized India's military readiness, stating, "In 1965, the Indian Army demonstrated it could reach Lahore. Today, Pakistan must remember that one route to Karachi passes through the creek."

Other developments

UK: Man Named 'Jihad' Attacks Synagogue In Manchester; Two Dead

A terrorist attack at a Manchester synagogue on Yom Kippur killed two Jewish people and injured three others, with police identifying the attacker as Jihad Al-Shamie, a 35-year-old British man of Syrian descent.

Al-Shamie drove a car at people outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue before attacking bystanders with a knife. He was shot dead by police at the scene after wearing what proved to be a non-viable explosive device.

Greater Manchester Police declared it a "terrorist incident" and arrested three people—two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s—on suspicion of terrorism-related offenses.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who returned early from a Denmark summit, condemned the attack and promised "additional police assets" at synagogues nationwide. Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis called it the "tragic result" of an "unrelenting wave of Jew hatred."

Rahul Gandhi Attacks Modi Govt in Colombia, Calls Democracy Under Threat

Congress MP and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Thursday accused the NDA government of mounting a "wholesale attack" on India's democratic system, calling it a "major risk" to the nation.

Speaking at EIA University in Colombia, Gandhi said, "India has strong capabilities in engineering and healthcare, but there are structural flaws. The biggest challenge is the attack on democracy taking place in India."

Emphasizing India's diversity with multiple religions, traditions, and 16-17 major languages, he stated that democratic space is essential for different cultures to thrive. "Currently, there is a wholesale attack on this democratic system, and that is a major risk," he added.

Gandhi also attacked the BJP-RSS partnership, calling "cowardice" the heart of their ideology.

He said the ideology involves avoiding stronger opponents while attacking weaker ones.

Uttar Pradesh Suspends Internet in Bareilly for 48 Hours Amid Friday Prayers Security Concerns

Uttar Pradesh authorities suspended mobile internet, broadband, and SMS services in Bareilly district for 48 hours starting 3 pm Thursday, as security was intensified across four districts of the Bareilly division on Dussehra and ahead of Friday, a special day for prayers for the minority community.

Home Secretary Gaurav Dayal ordered the suspension until 3 pm Saturday, citing concerns that social media platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and WhatsApp could be misused to spread rumours and incite communal tension. The step aims to maintain peace and public order.

Police, PAC, and RAF personnel were deployed on the streets, with drone surveillance overhead, following tensions that erupted on September 26. About 2,000 people had gathered outside a mosque in the Kotwali area after Friday prayers, leading to a confrontation with police and stone-pelting incidents.

The unrest was triggered after authorities cancelled a protest over the "I Love Muhammad" poster row called by cleric Tauqeer Khan. Police have filed multiple FIRs and arrested Khan and over 60 others in connection with the violence.

The administration increased security to prevent any fresh disturbances during the festive period.

Over 300 Intellectuals Demand Legal Action Against Vijay Over Karur Stampede

Over 300 writers, poets, intellectuals, and activists on Thursday issued a joint statement urging the Tamil Nadu government to bring actor and TVK president Vijay before the law for the Karur rally stampede that killed 41 people.

The statement criticized Vijay for making attendees wait over seven hours without adequate food, water, or toilet facilities, and for forcing them to follow his campaign vehicle without seeing him—factors contributing to the tragedy.

Signatories, including retired Madras High Court Justice K. Chandru, retired IAS officer M.G. Devasahayam, and writers Perumal Murugan and Imayam, blamed Vijay's supporters for spreading conspiracy theories absolving him of responsibility.

They alleged Vijay's earlier rallies in Tiruchy, Ariyalur, and other cities foreshadowed the disaster, with cadres flouting traffic rules, damaging property, and acting without discipline. "Vijay enjoyed their excesses and normalized the behavior," the statement said.

The intellectuals criticized his post-tragedy response, alleging his video explanation lacked remorse and aimed to escape accountability by blaming the government, calling for an inquiry into security lapses.

You’re all caught up—until next time.