The Trump administration has ended automatic extensions of US work permits, a move likely to affect thousands of Indian professionals and their families. The new rule by the Department of Homeland Security means workers must stop working if their Employment Authorisation Document (EAD) renewals are not approved before expiry. Until now, renewals were automatically extended for up to 540 days. The change impacts H-1B visa holders, H-4 spouses, and students on OPT. Officials say the move strengthens “national security,” but immigration experts warn it could cause mass job losses among Indians already facing long green card backlogs. (PC: HT)

India secured an extension of the US sanctions waiver for Iran's Chabahar Port operations until early 2026, ensuring continuity for New Delhi's crucial regional connectivity project. The waiver, expiring Tuesday, allows India Ports Global Limited to continue developing the Shahid Beheshti Terminal despite Trump's maximum pressure policy on Iran. The extension provides relief for India's humanitarian aid deliveries to Afghanistan, bypassing Pakistan, and maintaining access routes to Central Asian countries like Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. In 2024, India signed a 10-year operational contract for the terminal. The port integrates with the International North-South Transport Corridor linking India, Iran, Russia, and Central Asia. Since 2018, Chabahar has repeatedly received waivers recognizing its strategic and humanitarian value. (PC: X) 

Pakistan-Afghanistan peace talks in Istanbul collapsed after four days when Pakistan admitted permitting US drone operations from its territory. Afghan negotiators demanded written commitment to halt airspace violations and foreign drone flights, offering to prevent Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan operations in return. Pakistani delegates initially showed willingness but reversed after a phone call "likely from high command," admitting they had "no control" over US drones under a secret agreement. Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif falsely blamed India for sabotaging talks, claiming "Delhi controls Kabul." The breakdown follows a fragile ceasefire after September-October border clashes killed over 200 people. Afghanistan's Defence Minister warned any fresh airspace violations would face "reciprocal response." (PC: Hindustan Times) 

The US Department of Homeland Security ended automatic Employment Authorization Document (EAD) renewals for migrant workers effective October 30, 2025, impacting thousands of foreign employees, particularly Indians. Under the new rule, immigrants filing EAD renewals no longer receive automatic extensions, replacing Biden-era policy allowing 540-day work continuity. The Trump administration cited enhanced vetting for "public safety and national security" as justification. USCIS Director Joseph Edlow called working in America a "privilege, not a right." Immigrants must now file renewals 180 days before expiration to avoid employment lapses. The move follows Trump's September decision raising H-1B visa fees to $100,000 and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis ordering universities to prioritize American workers over H-1B visa holders. (PC: The Economic Times) 

India strongly rejected a UN report on Myanmar's human rights situation, denouncing it as "blinkered and baseless analysis." Lok Sabha MP Dilip Saikia dismissed claims by UN Special Rapporteur Thomas H Andrews linking the April 2025 Pahalgam terrorist attack to displaced Myanmar nationals in India, calling them without "factual basis whatsoever." The UN expert alleged refugees faced harassment and detention threats post-attack, despite no Myanmar nationals' involvement. Saikia urged the UN to avoid "unverified media reports" maligning India, emphasizing the nation's 200 million Muslims living harmoniously. India reiterated concerns about Myanmar's deteriorating situation affecting cross-border security, including drug trafficking and radicalization, while supporting a "Myanmar-owned" democratic peace process and continuing humanitarian operations.

Piyush Goyal, India’s Commerce and Industry Minister, announced that during his recent Brussels visit, India and the European Union (EU) have closed 10 of the 20 chapters in their free-trade agreement negotiations, with four to five more chapters near consensus. With Indian exports to the EU approximately US $82 billion last year—just below shipments to the US—the deal gains urgency amid steep tariffs imposed on Indian goods by the Donald Trump administration. Key outstanding issues include steel, automobiles, labour-intensive sectors and the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. (PC: ANI/X) 

Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held her first conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 29 2025, expressing hope for a “golden chapter” in India–Japan relations. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepen the Special Strategic and Global Partnership through cooperation in defence, technology, economic security, and talent exchange. They also discussed strengthening regional stability amid global challenges. Modi described the exchange as warm and forward-looking, emphasizing that India–Japan ties are crucial for promoting peace, prosperity, and a free, open Indo-Pacific region. (PC: ANI/AP)    

Subramanyam Vedam, an Indian-origin man who spent 43 years in a US prison for a murder he did not commit, now faces deportation. His conviction was overturned after new evidence proved his innocence. Vedam, 64, was preparing to reunite with his family when US authorities took him into federal custody over a 1999 deportation order. He legally came to the US as a baby. His lawyers are fighting to stop his deportation, arguing that decades of wrongful imprisonment should outweigh an old drug conviction. Vedam remains in an immigration detention centre as the legal process continues. (PC: X)

India is working with Thailand to bring back nearly 500 citizens who fled a cybercrime hub in Myanmar. The Indians were tricked into working at the Chinese-run KK Park compound before escaping during a military raid. Many crossed into Thailand, where they are now detained. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said India plans to send a plane to bring them home. The Indian Embassy in Bangkok is helping verify their identities and complete legal formalities. Myanmar’s KK Park is linked to global cyber scams run by Chinese gangs. Thousands from several countries have been trafficked there. (PC: India Today)

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said she is living freely in Delhi but would love to return home once fair elections are held. Speaking from exile, Hasina said she will not go back to Bangladesh under any government formed without her party, the Awami League. She called the ban on her party “unjust” and said millions of supporters would be left without a voice. The 78-year-old leader fled to India in August 2024 after student-led protests toppled her government. She denied charges of crimes against humanity, calling the trial politically motivated and unfair. (PC: NDTV)