MHA formally invokes MLAT with Singapore to seek cooperation in the investigation into singer Zubeen Garg’s death.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has formally invoked the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) with Singapore to seek cooperation in the investigation into singer Zubeen Garg’s death. The MLAT, a bilateral pact facilitating exchange of evidence and legal support across borders, enables India to request crucial information, documents, and testimonies from Singaporean authorities. This move underscores the seriousness of the probe as investigators pursue international leads. Officials confirmed that necessary requests have been dispatched to expedite cooperation. Zubeen Garg’s sudden demise has sparked widespread concern, with authorities now expanding the probe beyond domestic jurisdiction.
A high level meeting scheduled including Rajesh Agrawal, India’s chief negotiator for the Indo-US Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
A high-level meeting including Rajesh Agrawal, India’s chief negotiator for the Indo-US Free Trade Agreement (FTA), is scheduled, aiming to overcome the current stalemate in trade talks. These negotiations have faced significant hurdles, particularly concerning the US tariffs on Indian goods linked to India’s purchase of Russian crude oil. The US imposed a 50% tariff, split into a 25% reciprocal tariff and an additional 25% penalty, creating a deadlock in talks.
However, recent discussions between Agrawal and US officials, including Assistant USTR Brendan Lynch, have been positive and constructive. Both sides are actively pursuing measures to fast-track the negotiations with a goal to reach an early, mutually beneficial agreement. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal’s involvement at the ministerial level signals strong political will from India to resolve outstanding differences soon.
Optimism is growing, with Indian officials expecting solutions to the tariff impasse within the next 8-10 weeks. The talks focus on not just tariffs but also broader trade issues with the ambition to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.
Did Indian Diplomats shared memo with Israeli counterparts before signing a deal with the Trump Administration?
Indian diplomats engaged with their Israeli counterparts amid the announcement of a peace deal on Gaza signed by US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. PM Narendra Modi responded positively, welcoming the peace plan and endorsing the roadmap for lasting peace it proposes. The peace deal, announced following talks at the White House between Trump and Netanyahu, is a comprehensive 20-point proposal aimed at ending the nearly two-year conflict in Gaza. Key elements include an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages held by Hamas within 72 hours, a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, disarmament of Hamas, and the establishment of an international governance mechanism for Gaza excluding Hamas. The plan also envisions a transitional government under international supervision and seeks regional cooperation for stability.
PM Modi publicly welcomed Trump’s comprehensive peace plan, describing it as a “viable pathway to long-term and sustainable peace, security, and development for the Palestinian and Israeli people
Indian diplomatic interactions with Israeli counterparts occurred in the backdrop of this development, emphasizing India’s support for efforts that aim to resolve the Gaza conflict and establish a durable peace framework endorsed by key global leaders including PM Modi.
In summary, the Indian government, through PM Modi’s statement and diplomatic channels, has endorsed the peace deal brokered by Trump and Netanyahu as a significant step toward peace in the region.
Former Kerala DGP to participate in RSS rally on October 1
The former Director General of Kerala Police, Jacob Thomas will join the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as a full-time pracharak and participate in RSS Rally on October1. He is former 1985 batch IPS officer.
BUREAUCRACY
Avinash Kumar is new Chief Secretary, Jharkhand
Avinash Kumar has been appointed as new Chief Secretary, Jharkhand. He is a 1993 batch IAS officer of Jharkhand cadre.
(We said this on September 28, 2025)
R Chander recommended for MD, LIC
The name of R Chander has been recommended for the position of Managing Director (MD) of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC).
Rajeev Verma relieved to join as Chief Secretary, Delhi
Rajeev Verma, Chief Secretary of UT Chandigarh, has been relieved paving the way for joining as Chief Secretary of Delhi. He is a 1992 batch IAS officer of AGMUT cadre.
Mandip Singh Brar is also Chief Secretary, UT Chandigarh
Mandip Singh Brar has been assigned an additional charge of Chief Secretary, UT Chandigarh. He is a 2005 batch IAS officer of Haryana cadre.
944 IRS-Customs promoted to Asst Commissioner grade
As many as 944 IRS officers have been promoted to the grade of Assistant Commissioner of Customs & Indirect Taxes.
Cadre of Shailja Pandey transferred to Rajasthan
Cadre of Mrs Shailja Pandey has been transferred from Bihar to Rajasthan on grounds of marriage to IFoS officer Gaurav Garg. She is a 2021 batch IAS officer.
M Arvind appointed as Director, DPIIT
M Arvind has been appointed as Director in the Department of Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade (DPIIT). He is a 2011 batch IAS officer of Tamil Nadu cadre.
Prashant Kumar appointed as Director, Technical Support Unit, DPIIT
Prashant Kumar has been appointed as Director in the Technical Support Unit (Unit) under the Department of Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade. He is a 2011 batch IRSME officer.
Changing trend in Southern states bureaucracy
Changing trend in Southern states like Karnataka facing 15-20% officer vacancies due to central pulls, prompting calls for cadre retention quotas by December 2025.
Challenges newly appointed Delhi CS is likely to face
Rajeev Verma’s first major challenge will be the cleaning and rejuvenating the Yamuna River, a task under close watch by the centre. As the winter season is approaching fast, enforcing pollution control measures is another challenge. He also needs to focus on traffic congestion, waste management, water supply, and public transport.
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