Evening news brief: India says ties with Saudi Arabia rooted in mutual sensitivities amid Riyadh-Islamabad defence pact; ​​​singer Zubeen Garg passes away at 52 & more stories

The sudden death of Assamese singer Zubeen Garg in a Singapore diving accident left fans and leaders grieving. The MEA said India’s partnership with Saudi Arabia has “deepened,” even as Riyadh signed a defence pact with Pakistan.

In Delhi high court, jailed separatist Yasin Malik claimed former PM Manmohan Singh thanked him after he met Hafiz Saeed in 2006 at the IB’s request. Rahul Gandhi’s call to Gen Z to stop “vote theft” drew sharp BJP reactions, while Congress strategist Sam Pitroda sparked controversy by saying he “felt at home” in Pakistan.Zubeen Garg, Assamese cultural icon, dies in Singapore accident Singer and cultural icon Zubeen Garg passed away at 52 after a tragic scuba diving accident in Singapore, where he was set to perform at the North East Festival. Despite rescue efforts and treatment at Singapore General Hospital, he was declared dead in the ICU around 2.30 pm IST. Widely regarded as the voice of Assam, Garg rose to national fame with Bollywood hits like Ya Ali from Gangster and sang across multiple languages. His sudden demise has left fans and colleagues across the Northeast and India in shock.

Leaders, celebrities, and admirers, including Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, actor Adil Hussain, and singer Vishal Mishra, paid heartfelt tributes. Read full storyIndia says ties with Saudi Arabia rooted in mutual sensitivities amid Riyadh-Islamabad defence pactMinistry of external affairs on said India and Saudi Arabia share a “wide-ranging strategic partnership” that has “deepened considerably” in recent years. Responding to queries on Riyadh’s newly signed defence pact with Islamabad, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated: “We expect that this strategic partnership will keep in mind mutual interests and sensitivities.”

The remarks came after Saudi Arabia and Pakistan announced a “Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement” earlier this week.

While details remain limited, the pact combines Riyadh’s financial strength with Pakistan’s military capabilities, sparking speculation over potential nuclear implications. Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif clarified that nuclear weapons were “not on the radar,” but noted the framework could be extended to other Gulf nations. Read full storyYasin Malik claims Manmohan Singh thanked him after 2006 meeting with Hafiz SaeedJailed JKLF chief Yasin Malik has told the Delhi high court that former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressed "gratitude" to him after he met Lashkar-e-Taiba founder and 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed in Pakistan in 2006. In an affidavit filed on August 25, Malik claimed the meeting was held at the request of Indian intelligence officials as part of a backchannel peace initiative.

He alleged his talks with Saeed and other militant leaders were later “distorted” to frame him under UAPA.

Malik, serving a life sentence since 2022, made the statement as the NIA presses to enhance his punishment to death in a terror-funding case. The court has sought his reply by November 10. Read full storyRahul Gandhi’s Gen Z call on ‘vote theft’ draws sharp BJP attack, sparks political rowLeader of opposition Rahul Gandhi’s call to Gen Z to “protect the Constitution, defend democracy, and prevent vote theft” triggered a fierce backlash from the BJP and its allies on Friday.

The Congress leader’s remarks came after Nepal’s Gen Z-led protests toppled a government and elected its first woman interim prime minister via Discord. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey hit back, saying Gen Z was against dynasty and corruption and would “drive Rahul Gandhi out.

” Kangana Ranaut also slammed him, accusing him of wanting to replicate Nepal’s model in India. JD(U)’s Neeraj Kumar added that unlike Nepal or Bangladesh, India’s democracy does not tolerate “dictatorial ideas.” Read full story Sam Pitroda’s ‘felt at home in Pakistan’ remark sparks BJP backlashIndian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda has stirred controversy with his remarks advocating a neighbourhood-first policy and calling Pakistan “like home” due to a “common gene pool.” Speaking to IANS, Pitroda said he felt at ease in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal, stressing the need for peace and harmony despite terrorism concerns. The BJP slammed Pitroda, accusing the Congress of being soft on Pakistan.

Party spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said, “Rahul Gandhi’s blue-eyed boy & Congress Overseas chief Sam Pitroda says he ‘felt at home’ in Pakistan.

No wonder UPA took no tough action even after 26/11.” He also questioned Pitroda’s closeness to a “terror nation” after the recent Pahalgam attack. Pitroda, a longtime Gandhi family aide, has faced repeated controversies, including remarks on China and inheritance tax. Read full story