THE HEADLINES:
- New Labour Codes come into effect promising better wages, safety and social security for workers.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi calls the move most progressive since Independence; Says reforms will help in building future-ready workforce ecosystem and drive economic growth of the nation.
- Prime Minister Modi arrives in Johannesburg to attend G20 Summit in South Africa.
- Home Minister Amit Shah reiterates government's commitment to deport every single infiltrator; Urges people to support SIR of Election Commission to strengthen democracy.
- Fifteen people killed in a gas explosion at a factory in Pakistan's Faisalabad.
- And in Cricket, second and final Test between India and South Africa to begin in Guwahati tomorrow.
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The Central government today announced the implementation of four new labour codes aimed to simplify and streamline the existing, decades-old labour laws in the country. The Code on Wages, 2019, the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, the Code on Social Security, 2020 and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 has come into effect from today. In a social media post, Labour and Employment Minister, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya said, these reforms are not just ordinary changes but Government’s Guarantee of Dignity for Every Worker in the country.
"Labour and Employment ministry said that over the past decade, India has expanded social-security coverage, rising from 19 percent of the workforce in year 2015 to more than 64 percent in 2025. It stated that the implementation of the four Labour Codes marks the next major step in this trajectory, further widening the social-security net and embedding portability of benefits across states and sectors.
The Ministry said that the four new labour codes will guarantee timely minimum wages for all workers, appointment letters for the youth, equal pay and respect for women, social security for 40 crore workers and gratuity for fixed-term employees after one year of employment. These reforms will also ensure free annual health check-ups for workers above 40 years of age, double wages for overtime, full coverage health security for workers in hazardous sectors and guarantee of social justice for workers as per international standards AMAN YADAV, AKASHVANI NEWS, DELHI."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hailed the implementation of four labour codes. In a social media post, the Prime Minister said, these codes will help in building a future-ready ecosystem that protects the rights of workers, strengthening the economic growth of the nation. He called the decision as one of the most comprehensive and progressive labour-oriented reforms since Independence.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached Johannesburg in South Africa to attend the three-day G20 Leaders’ Summit. He was accorded a warm and ceremonial welcome at Air Force Base Waterkloof.
In a social media post, the Prime Minister said, he is looking forward to productive discussions with world leaders on key global issues. He said, India’s focus during the summit will be on strengthening cooperation, advancing development priorities, and ensuring a better future for all.
The Prime Minister will participate in all the sessions of the Summit and present India’s key priorities, including Global South concerns, sustainable development, climate action, energy transition and reforms in global governance.
On the sidelines of the G20 Summit, the Prime Minister will meet South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and several other world leaders. He will also participate in the India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) leaders' meetings. More from our correspondent covering Prime Minister's visit:
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi was welcomed with vibrant traditional dance performances by members of the Indian diaspora at the Sandton Sun in Johannesburg. The venue echoed with enthusiastic chants of the Prime Minister’s name as the community gathered to greet him. PM Modi also interacted warmly with members of the diaspora, many of whom shared their joy and excitement at meeting him.
Prime Minister Modi is currently holding a bilateral meeting with his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese, followed by an interaction with Naspers Group Chairman Mr. Koos Bekker. Later, he will meet officers posted at the Indian High Commission and Consulates in South Africa. A meet-and-greet with heads of prominent community organisations and Indian-origin tech entrepreneurs is also scheduled for the evening. Asonuo, Akashvani News, Johannesburg."
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A leading South African digital publication, IOL News has praised the strong, historic ties between India and South Africa. Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership at this year’s G20 Summit, the report notes India’s key role in securing Africa’s permanent G20 membership and shaping global expectations during its G20 presidency. The coverage also traces bilateral relations back to Mahatma Gandhi’s activism in Durban and India’s unwavering support for the anti-apartheid struggle, describing today’s partnership as an extension of this shared legacy.
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Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw held discussions with companies in Singapore today. In a social media post, Mr Vaishnaw said that Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association (SSIA) is partnering with India to support the country’s semiconductor projects. Mr Vaishnaw also held discussions on skilling of technicians and engineers for semiconductor projects with officials and industry bodies.
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Home Minister Amit Shah has termed the Election Commission's ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) as the purification of the voter list. He cautioned political parties opposing the voter list revision and favouring illegal infiltrators.
Addressing the BSF’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations in Bhuj, Gujarat, the Minister asserted the government's strong resolve to deport every single infiltrator from the country. He appealed to the public to fully support the SIR to strengthen democracy.
Later, the home minister addressed party workers at the inauguration of 'Shri Kamalam' district party office in Morbi.
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The Election Commission has said, more than 50 crore 43 lakh enumeration forms have been distributed among electors since the launch of SIR Phase two from 4th of this month in nine States and three Union territories. The large-scale revision of the electoral rolls will conclude with the publication of the final voter list on 7th February next year.
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In Pakistan, 15 people have been killed and several injured after a gas explosion at a factory near Malikpur area in Faisalabad. According to the rescue authorities, a building and nearby structures collapsed after the boiler of the factory exploded early this morning. The Faisalabad commissioner's office said, all bodies have been recovered from the rubble.
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A Tejas fighter jet of the Indian Air Force has crashed during the Dubai Air Show in UAE today. According to the Indian Air Force, the incident has resulted in fatal injuries to the pilot. IAF has regretted the loss of life saying that it stands firmly with the bereaved family. A Court of Inquiry has been constituted to ascertain the cause of the accident. The incident occured when the fighter jet was participating in the air show.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed grief at the loss of an Indian Air Force pilot in Tejas crash in Dubai Air Show. Extending condolences to the bereaved family, Mr Singh said that the nation stands firmly with the family of the pilot in this tragic hour.
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan has also expressed regret at the incident and said, armed forces firmly stand with the bereaved family in this time of grief.
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Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr L Murugan today launched the the fifth edition of Creative Minds of Tomorrow (CMOT) 2025 on the sidelines of the International Film Festival of India in Panaji Goa.
"125 rising stars are gearing up for an intense 48-hour filmmaking challenge to take their ideas from script to screen. Creative Minds of Tomorrow is a platform for India’s most talented and budding young filmmakers, discovering the new era's directors, actors, and storytellers. Union Minister Dr L Murugan hailed it an initiative that connects the nation's emerging creators to global producers and creative networks. He underlined its importance not just for filmmaking but shaping India’s creative future. Dr Murugan urged the participants to relish the high-pressure experiences to sharpen their skills, bringing out their very best.
Creative Minds of Tomorrow is not just a festival event, it is a whirlwind of creativity, collaboration, and cinematic magic. With Nikhil, Adarsh for Akashvani News, Panaji."
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The GST Bachat Utsav started on 22nd of September as the Narendra Modi government slashed GST rates in many sectors, benefiting citizens across the country. Our correspondent brings a report on how the next generation GST reforms are boosting the economy of Tamil Nadu.
"The new GST reforms are providing big relief for Tamil Nadu’s farmers, artisans and industries. In the textile and handloom sector, GST on low-value apparel, embroidery work and zari has been reduced from 12 percent to 5 percent, making traditional garments and silk products more affordable. Similarly tax rates on coir mats, ropes and geo-textiles have been cut from 12 percent to 5 percent, helping women-led cooperatives of the state. Furthermore the GST on processed fish has been reduced from 12 percent to 5 percent, benefiting coastal communities. The new reforms are aimed at strengthening rural livelihoods and boosting Tamil Nadu’s position as an industrial hub. With Ishani, and Samarth, Priya Mondal for Akashvani News, Delhi."
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In Men's Cricket, the second and final test between India and South Africa will be played in Guwahati from tomorrow. The match will begin at 9 AM. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will captain India in the second Test at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium as regular skipper Shubman Gill was ruled out due to a neck injury sustained in the first game at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. South Africa had defeated India by 30 runs in the first Test.
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In T20 Cricket, Bangladesh A handed India A a shocking super over defeat in Doha to enter the final of Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025. Chasing a target of 195 runs, India A finished at 194 for 6 in 20 overs, taking the contest into a Super Over. Bangladesh A had also scored 194 for six wickets in 20 overs. Earlier, India A won the toss and opted to field.
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India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast cold wave conditions over West Madhya Pradesh tomorrow. The weather agency also predicted heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and lightning tomorrow in parts of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Kerala, Mahe, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal.
Meanwhile, the air quality in Delhi-NCR continues to be in the very poor category. The Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 360 at 8 PM.
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Benchmark domestic equity indices, the Sensex and the Nifty, snapped their two-day winning streak today.
" The Sensex shed 401 points, to close at 85 thousand 232, while the Nifty dipped 124 points, to settle at 26 thousand and 68. Both the indices ended around half a per cent down after a choppy trading session. The broader market indices at the Bombay Stock Exchange also close in negative territory. The Mid-Cap index as well as Small-Cap index, both dropped 1.3 per cent each. In the forex market, the rupee today depreciated by 79 paise, closing at a record low of 89 rupees and 49 paise against the US dollar. Gouran Dhawan Lal for AKASHVANI News."
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:-
- New Labour Codes come into effect promising better wages, safety and social security for workers.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi calls the move most progressive since Independence; Says reforms will help in building future-ready workforce ecosystem and drive economic growth of the nation.
- Prime Minister Modi arrives in Johannesburg to attend G20 Summit in South Africa.
- Home Minister Amit Shah reiterates government's commitment to deport every single infiltrator; Urges people to support SIR of Election Commission to strengthen democracy.
- Fifteen people killed in a gas explosion at a factory in Pakistan's Faisalabad.
- And in Cricket, second and final Test between India and South Africa to begin in Guwahati tomorrow.
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