Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not attend the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Kuala Lumpur in person, but will instead participate virtually, news reports have confirmed.

The gathering, slated for October 26-28, is expected to host leaders of the ASEAN bloc and key partners including the United States and China.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim revealed that Modi informed him of his decision to join the summit remotely due to India’s Deepavali celebrations.

Modi later posted on X that he looked forward to “joining the ASEAN-India Summit virtually” and deepening the ASEAN-India comprehensive strategic partnership. Meanwhile, the Congress party questioned whether the decision signals avoidance of a bilateral meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, who is expected to attend the Malaysian meeting.

India’s absence from Kuala Lumpur removes the possibility of a high-profile Modi–Trump encounter on the summit sidelines, complicating expectations of progress in India-U.S. trade talks.

The leadership change in participation also raises questions about India’s visibility in the ASEAN forum during a key period of regional diplomacy.

India has historically dispatched its prime minister to the ASEAN-India Summit, underscoring the importance it attaches to Southeast Asian ties.

The decision to forego an in-person presence this year is thus unusual and comes amid deepening international focus on India’s strategic engagements in the region.

Indian External Affairs Ministry officials cited scheduling conflicts as the reason for the change in format.

The summit comes at a time of heightened activity in the Indo-Pacific. Washington is expected to use the event as a platform to advance its strategic initiatives in the region, while Southeast Asian nations are seeking deeper alignment with India on trade, security and connectivity.

The shift to a virtual format by the Indian leader coincides with speculation over the U.S.’s recent 25 percent punitive tariffs on Indian goods and New Delhi’s balancing of its energy ties with Russia.

Modi’s announcement also underscores the impact of domestic considerations in shaping India’s diplomatic calendar.

Deepavali, the Hindu festival of lights, falls in the same period and is being cited as the official reason for Modi’s decision.

Analysts suggest that behind the scheduling explanation lie complex diplomatic dynamics, including sensitivities around a potential Modi–Trump meeting and India’s position on Russian oil imports.

Malaysia, which holds the ASEAN chairmanship this year, had extended a formal invite to Modi for the summit gatherings.

As confirmed by Anwar Ibrahim, Modi communicated his decision in a call with the Malaysian leader and conveyed best wishes for Malaysia’s chairmanship and upcoming summits. External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar is expected to represent India on the ground in Kuala Lumpur while the prime minister participates online.

With key items on the agenda—including regional trade architecture, emerging Indo-Pacific partnerships and maritime security—the reduced stature of India’s delegation has drawn political commentary at home. Opposition voices suggested the move may carry wider strategic implications for India’s role in the ASEAN process and its engagement with the U.S.

As the summit unfolds, the focus will fall on whether India’s virtual participation impacts its influence in regional discussions and how New Delhi uses the platform to reinforce its ASEAN ties despite an altered mode of engagement.

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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned on Wednesday that legislative efforts by Knesset members to extend Israeli law over the occupied West Bank could jeopardize President Donald Trump’s recently brokered cease-fire deal in Gaza.

Rubio made the remarks before departing for Israel, citing concerns that such a move may destabilize the fragile truce and broader diplomatic roadmap.

Rubio said the preliminary parliamentary vote—a narrow 25-24 approval to apply Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank—was “something that we… think might be counter-productive” at this stage.

He reiterated that the White House does not support annexation right now, and warned that it could undermine the peace deal the U.S. is seeking to build with regional partners.

The warnings come amid intensified U.S. diplomatic activity in the region after two years of war between Israel and Hamas, during which the cease-fire process has been hit by repeated violations and spikes in violence.

Rubio’s trip follows a visit by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and underscores Washington’s urgent effort to shore up the deal and prevent escalation.

Annexation of the West Bank is viewed as a significant red line by multiple Arab states, including the United Arab Emirates, which has warned that formal Israeli sovereignty over the territory would undermine normalization efforts and wider regional stability.

Analysts say Rubio’s intervention signals that the U.S. is aligning closer with Gulf concerns as it presses ahead with a post-war stabilization strategy.

Within Israel, the bill put forward by opposition lawmakers—and backed by far-right settlement advocates—has heightened tension within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, as he seeks to balance nationalist pressures with U.S. diplomacy and Gulf relationships.

The narrow vote reflects deep divisions over how far and when sovereignty should be expanded.

While acknowledging that Israel is a democracy and the Knesset will make its own decisions, Rubio stressed the timing is critical.

He warned that any unilateral annexation could jeopardize the implementation of the U.S.-backed framework for Gaza, which hinges on hostages’ release, prisoner swaps, phased troop withdrawals, and the creation of a Palestinian force supported by Arab nations.

Rubio added that, though “every day there’ll be threats to it,” he believes the peace process remains ahead of schedule and that the fact the truce has held signals a window of opportunity.

The United States is reinforcing its role as mediator, stressing that annexation at this juncture would risk undermining momentum and isolating Israel diplomatically.

As Rubio prepares to meet Israeli leaders, the issue of Palestinian statehood and annexation looms large.

The outcome of this visit may define not only the fate of the Gaza agreement, but also the future of Israeli–Gulf ties and Washington’s credibility as a Middle East peace broker.

Also Read: Tamil Nadu Rains: IMD Downgrades Alert to Yellow

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday, October 23, 2025, downgraded the earlier cyclone-related red alert to a yellow alert, even as Tamil Nadu continues to experience heavy rainfall from the northeast monsoon.

The yellow alert covers Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, and Ranipet districts, where isolated areas are expected to receive intense rainfall throughout the day. Other regions, including Thiruvallur, Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari, Thenkasi, Theni, Dindigul, and the hilly areas of Coimbatore, are likely to witness light to moderate showers, the IMD said.

The persistent rains have caused significant disruption across the state. Schools in Dharmapuri district were closed as a precautionary measure, while the Mettur Dam in Salem has reached full capacity.

The inflow at the dam stands at 36,484 cusecs per day, while around 35,741 cusecs are being released, prompting authorities to monitor downstream areas closely. Waterlogging and traffic disruptions have been reported in major cities, particularly in Chennai, where residents are being urged to exercise caution.

In response to the ongoing monsoon, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin inspected the Integrated Command and Control Center at Ripon Buildings in Chennai and visited several flood-affected areas alongside senior officials of the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC).

He directed authorities to address public grievances promptly and ensure relief reaches those affected. Under the guidance of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, the GCC has organized 106 kitchens across the city to provide food to approximately 1.46 lakh residents impacted by the rains.

While the weakening of the low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal may bring temporary relief, the IMD has advised residents to remain vigilant as heavy showers continue across the state.

Meanwhile, AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami visited Cauvery Delta districts, including Thanjavur, where paddy fields have been submerged. He inspected paddy storage facilities and interacted with farmers to assess the impact of the rain on crops.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, coordinating relief and emergency measures. Residents are urged to follow official updates, avoid unnecessary travel in waterlogged areas, and take precautions during the ongoing monsoon.

Also Read: Bihar Elections: Tejashwi Yadav CM Face For Mahagathbandhan Alliance

Tejashwi Yadav has been officially named the Chief Ministerial candidate for the Mahagathbandhan alliance in the upcoming 2025 Bihar Assembly elections.

The announcement was made on October 23, 2025, during a joint press conference in Patna, led by Congress leader Ashok Gehlot, who serves as the All India Congress Committee’s senior observer for the Bihar polls. The event also featured key leaders from alliance partners, including RJD, Congress, VIP, and CPI(ML).

Yadav, the leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, has been a prominent figure in state politics. His selection as the CM face aims to present a unified opposition front against the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Gehlot emphasized the alliance’s commitment to addressing issues such as youth unemployment, farmer distress, and women’s empowerment, framing the election as a pivotal moment for Bihar’s future.

In addition to Yadav’s nomination, VIP Chief Mukesh Sahani was introduced as one of the deputy CM candidates. Gehlot indicated that another deputy CM nominee would be announced in due course. This move reflects the alliance’s strategy to balance representation among its diverse constituents.

The press conference also highlighted the alliance’s unity and readiness for the electoral challenge. Gehlot called on the NDA to declare their CM candidate, suggesting that the opposition’s clarity on leadership contrasts with the ruling coalition’s ambiguity.

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The Orionid meteor shower, one of the year’s most anticipated celestial events, dazzled observers across the United States on Tuesday night. Known for its bright, fast-moving meteors, the shower occurs annually as Earth passes through dust and debris left behind by Halley’s Comet.

This year’s peak coincided with a new moon, providing dark skies ideal for viewing. Meteor enthusiasts reported seeing up to 20 shooting stars per hour, some leaving luminous trails, or “trains,” that lingered for several seconds. The radiant point, near the Orion constellation, made the meteors appear to streak outward from the famous hunter’s belt, creating a spectacular visual effect.

Experts recommend watching the Orionids from midnight to dawn, when meteor activity is at its highest. Ideal viewing conditions include locations away from city lights, with eyes allowed 20–30 minutes to adjust to darkness. No special equipment is required, making the event accessible to casual skywatchers as well as seasoned astronomers.

The Orionid meteor shower was beautiful to watch for sky gazers as it showed a rare connection to Halley’s Comet, the famous visitor that graces our skies roughly every 76 years. For those who witnessed this spectacle, it was the best chance to witness the cosmic dance of debris and light, a fleeting reminder of the vast universe beyond.

This year’s show also coincided with the appearances of Comet Lemmon and Comet SWAN, visible in the northwest and southern skies, respectively, providing an extra treat for stargazers.

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The Antwerp Court of Appeal in Belgium ruled in favor of extraditing fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksi to India, rejecting his claims of political persecution and unfair trial. Choksi, arrested in Antwerp on April 11, 2025, faces charges related to the alleged ₹13,000 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case.

The court found that the offenses cited by Indian authorities—criminal conspiracy, cheating, forgery, and corruption—are punishable under both Indian and Belgian law, satisfying the principle of dual criminality required for extradition.

However, it excluded one charge, “causing the disappearance of evidence,” as it is not recognized under Belgian law.

Choksi had argued that his extradition would violate his right to a fair trial under Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights, citing concerns about the independence of the Indian judiciary and the conditions in Indian prisons.

The court dismissed these claims, stating that he did not provide substantial evidence to support them. It also rejected his assertion that he was the subject of a political trial.

The court further noted that the alleged crimes occurred between December 31, 2016, and January 1, 2019, and that the statute of limitations had not expired in either India or Belgium.

It also found no evidence to support Choksi’s claim that the extradition request was politically motivated or that he would face mistreatment upon return to India.

Choksi has 15 days to appeal the decision to the Belgian Supreme Court. If the ruling stands, it will mark a significant step in India’s efforts to bring him to trial for his alleged role in the PNB fraud case. The Indian government has assured Belgian authorities that Choksi will be held under judicial supervision and provided adequate medical care upon extradition.

Also Read: Severe Rainfall Hits Tamil Nadu and Kerala

Ukraine was hit overnight by a barrage of Russian drone and missile strikes, killing six civilians, including two children, in Kyiv. The sudden attack left several injured and communities reeling.

The attacks targeted residential areas and critical energy infrastructure in cities like Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Odesa, causing widespread power outages.

Intense rainfall lashed parts of Tamil Nadu and Kerala as a well-marked low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal intensified into a depression. The system moved northwestward, bringing heavy downpours across coastal and interior regions of both states and prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue multiple alerts.

In Tamil Nadu, the northeast monsoon triggered widespread flooding and infrastructure strain. Several districts, including Chennai, Tiruvallur, and Ranipet, experienced extremely heavy rainfall, with totals exceeding 20 cm in isolated areas.

Major reservoirs like Chembarambakkam and Poondi saw a sharp rise in inflows, leading authorities to open floodgates to manage water levels and reduce flood risks. The Chembarambakkam reservoir, a key drinking water source for Chennai, recorded an inflow of 2,170 cubic feet per second, with water discharged into the Adyar River.

Southern districts such as Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga, and Kanyakumari reported heavy rainfall, waterlogging, and disruptions to daily life, while the Vaigai Dam approached full capacity, prompting flood alerts for multiple districts.

Kerala also faced severe rainfall, with red alerts issued for Idukki, Palakkad, and Malappuram districts, anticipating rainfall exceeding 20 cm within 24 hours. Educational institutions in these areas were closed as a precaution, while orange alerts were declared for other districts, including Kozhikode, Wayanad, and Kottayam. Residents were urged to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow local authorities’ guidance to ensure safety.

Authorities in both states warned of continued heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across southern India, with potential travel disruptions, power outages, and localized flooding. Residents are advised to stay indoors during heavy rains and monitor updates from official sources to mitigate risks.

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