1. Army to get first dedicated satellite by mid 2028

The Indian Army is expected to receive its first dedicated communications satellite, GSAT 7B, by mid 2028. The five tonne satellite, being developed under a ₹3,000 crore contract with NewSpace India Limited, will provide secure, round the clock communications to troops, formations and weapon systems across remote and difficult terrain. The launch has been delayed by around six months from the earlier November 2027 schedule due to technical reasons. 

2. Three suspects arrested over firing at Tiger Shroff's car

Mumbai Police have arrested three suspects in connection with the firing at actor Tiger Shroff's car in Juhu on October 18. The suspects were intercepted at Kota railway station while allegedly trying to travel towards Nepal, with two accused believed to have fired at the vehicle and the third allegedly acting as a bike taxi driver. A social media claim linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang had earlier claimed responsibility, and police are investigating the alleged connection. 

3. Rajnath Singh in Tajikistan for SCO meeting 

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is representing India at the SCO Council of Heads of Government meeting in Dushanbe on October 19 and 20. The meeting is discussing regional economic cooperation, including a proposed 2026 to 2030 action plan, digital trade, customs cooperation and artificial intelligence, while Singh is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings. 

4. Trump says Russia Ukraine peace talks making ‘great progress’

US President Donald Trump has said negotiations aimed at ending the Russia Ukraine war are making “great progress”. Trump has defended his administration's engagement with Moscow, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Russia continued striking Ukrainian energy and infrastructure targets despite a temporary energy ceasefire. 

5. Netanyahu calls for stronger ties with India

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for stronger ties with India and other countries as Israel seeks to expand its international partnerships. Presenting his security doctrine ahead of Israel's October 27 election, Netanyahu said Israel should strengthen alliances while preparing for the possibility of a future US administration taking a less favourable approach towards Israel.

6. Egypt offers military support to Saudi Arabia amid Houthi attacks

Egypt has said it is ready to provide all necessary and possible support to Saudi Arabia as Houthi attacks on the kingdom intensify. Egypt's National Defence Council said it stands with Saudi Arabia in defending its territory, resources and Islamic holy sites, while President Abdel Fattah el Sisi said Cairo would also continue diplomatic efforts to de escalate the conflict. 

Savio Rodrigues

Savio Rodrigues is a Research Analyst at Escape Velocity MediaWorks Pvt Ltd and writes for Chakra News on Defence, Geopolitics, National Security. He holds a Master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Mumbai.