THE HEADLINES:
- Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar says decision regarding declaration of dates for Bihar Assembly elections will be taken soon; 17 new initiatives rolled out to conduct free, fair and peaceful elections in the state.
- External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar says, nature of warfare has undergone fundamental transformation in recent years; Asserts, India’s approach will be to maintain as many productive relationships as possible, ensuring strategic autonomy.
- DGCA reviews airfare trends ahead of festive season; Asks airlines to add more flights.
- Heavy rain and landslides disrupt normal life in many parts of the country; NDRF and SDRF teams launch rescue and relief operations in Darjeeling Hills.
- In Badminton, India win Women’s Singles and Men’s Double Titles at Al Ain Masters 2025 in Abu Dhabi.
- And in women’s ODI World Cup, India set target of 248 for Pakistan in Colombo.
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Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar today said that the decision regarding declaration of the dates for the Bihar Assembly elections will be taken soon, keeping all pros and cons in consideration. Talking to the media in Patna on the final day of the Election Commission’s two-day review visit to the state, Mr Kumar said that the Commission had held discussions with political parties, heard their views, and that all aspects will be taken into account while finalizing the polling schedule. Mr Kumar said that the revision of the electoral rolls is legally valid and that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) campaign was conducted under the Representation of the People Act.
The Chief Election Commissioner said that in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, voters, political parties, and all stakeholders will have a pleasant experience, as 17 new initiatives have been introduced to ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections just before the assembly elections in the state.
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar announced that webcasting will be carried out at all polling stations, marking the first time this facility will be implemented in Bihar. When voters go to cast their votes in the Assembly elections, they will see the names of candidates along with their colour photographs on the EVM, providing greater clarity. He further said that voters will now be allowed to carry their mobile phones up to the outer area of polling stations. The Chief Election Commissioner also announced that political parties will be permitted to set up polling agent booths just 100 meters away from polling stations. Dharmendra Kumar Rai, akashvani news, Patna .
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External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has said that the nature of warfare has undergone a fundamental transformation in recent years, pointing to a new era of contactless wars shaped by advanced weaponry and technology. He said this while speaking at the Kautilya Economic Conclave this evening in New Delhi.
On India’s positioning in this complex environment, Dr Jaishankar emphasised that New Delhi’s strength lies in internal capability-building. He said that India’s approach will be to maintain as many productive relationships as possible, without making them exclusive, ensuring strategic autonomy while engaging constructively with multiple global partners. On Indo-US relations, he asserted that New Delhi is actively engaged in talks with Washington to resolve the ongoing trade issues.
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The bilateral Exercise KONKAN-2025 between the Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of UK commenced today off the western coast of India. The exercise reaffirms the shared commitment of both nations to ensuring secure, open, and free seas and exemplifies the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership outlined in the India-UK Vision 2035. The exercise will be conducted in two phases from 5th to 12th October 2025.
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The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has reviewed airfare trends ahead of the festive season. The Directorate is mandated by the Ministry of Civil Aviation to keep a watch on airfares, especially during the festive season and take appropriate measures in case of a surge in prices. DGCA proactively took up the matter with airlines and asked them to augment flight capacities for the festive season by deploying additional flights to meet high demand. In response, IndiGo has informed that it has deployed 730 additional flights across 42 sectors. Meanwhile, Air India and Air India Express will run 486 additional flights across 20 sectors and SpiceJet will operate 546 more planes across 38 sectors.
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Maharashtra’s Food and Drugs Administration has issued an urgent alert following reports of the deaths of children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan linked to Coldrif Syrup. The syrup, Batch No. SR-13, manufactured in May 2025 by Sresan Pharma in Kancheepuram District, Tamil Nadu, is alleged to be adulterated with Diethylene Glycol, a toxic substance. The product’s expiry date is April 2027. The FDA has directed all licensees and the public to immediately stop the sale, distribution, or use of Coldrif Syrup, Batch No. SR-13.
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Heavy rain and landslides have disrupted normal life in many parts of the country. In Darjeeling Hills, heavy rainfall, landslides and bridge collapse incidents, so far, 23 people have died, in which five were Nepal’s citizens. The most affected area is Mirik Subdivision, where 13 people are confirmed dead. In Sukhia Pokhary’s block, 6 people have died, and one is missing.
NDRF & SDFR teams have reached Mirik and are doing rescue and relief operations. Home Ministry of Union government has declared it as National Disaster. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will be visiting the affected area of Mirik tomorrow. District administration has set up 24×7 helpline numbers. National Highway 10 has been completely blocked. National Highway 110 Siliguri-Darjeeling has also been damaged at 3 places. The SP Darjeeling Navin Prakash has issued advisory and requested the tourists and people to avoid travel if not necessary. Ashok Chaurasia, akashvani news, kurseong.
In Bihar, due to heavy rainfall in northern part of the state and neighbouring Nepal, the water levels of major rivers such as the Gandak, Kosi, Mahananda, Ganga, and others are rising rapidly. During the past 24 hours, several places in Supaul, Sitamarhi, and West Champaran districts have recorded over 300 millimetres of rainfall. The highest rainfall of 385 millimeters was recorded at Saraigarh Bhaptiyahi in Supaul district. The heavy rainfall in Nepal has increased the pressure on the Kosi Barrage at Birpur in Supaul district.
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In Nepal, heavy rain triggered landslides and flash floods blocking roads, washing away bridges and killing at least 47 people since Friday, officials said today. In landslides, at least 37 others were killed in the worst-affected eastern district of Illam. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the loss of lives and damage caused by heavy rains in Nepal is distressing. In a social media post, he said, India stands with the people and Government of Nepal in this difficult time.
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In Bhutan, a sudden flood in the Amochu River area this morning left several families and workers stranded in temporary housing and workforce camp. Despite challenging weather conditions, a coordinated rescue effort between Bhutanese authorities and the Indian Army ensured all affected individuals were brought to safety. When a Druk Air helicopter was unable to take off due to inclement weather, Bhutan sought urgent support from India. In a prompt and commendable response, two helicopters from the Indian Army were deployed. The teams airlifted stranded workers to safety and ensured they received immediate medical care.
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India Meteorological Department has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places over Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Muzaffarabad, Punjab and Uttarakhand tomorrow.
In Kerala, the Meteorological Department has issued yellow warning indicating isolated heavy rain at Pathanamthitta, Idukki and Kottayam districts. Fishermen are advised to refrain from fishing activities in the Arabian sea.
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In Jammu and Kashmir, the Directorate of School Education Jammu has ordered the closure of all government and private schools across the Jammu Division till Tuesday, in view of the forecast of heavy to very heavy rainfall across the Jammu division.
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GST Bachat Utsav, which was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and commenced on 22nd of last month, is benefiting all sections of society. Today, our correspondent brings a report on the GST reforms that will boost the economy of Jammu and Kashmir.
The new GST reforms are poised to enhance the competitiveness of Jammu and Kashmir handicrafts, agriculture, tourism, and specialty products. These reform cuts align seamlessly with J&K’s broader aspirations like industrial diversification, tourism promotion, and the upliftment of rural lives.
Handicrafts have long been the soul of J&K’s economy as well as a wellspring of large-scale employment. From embroidery, shawls, papier-mâché, wood carving, and jewellery to silken carpets, these creations not only preserve cultural identity but also secure a strong foothold in international markets. With the reformed GST rates, the sector now carries only 5 percent GST, shunned down from 12 percent. This makes iconic products such as pashmina shawls and carpets, more affordable and competitive, both in domestic and international markets.
With GST rates reduced from 12 to 5 percent, Basohli paintings will become more affordable and marketable, encouraging wider demand and supporting the livelihood of artisans. The reduction of GST rates on tourism and hotel tariffs from 12 percent to 5 percent for stays up to 7 thousand 500 rupees, travel is becoming more affordable, boosting occupancy, encouraging longer stays, increasing revenue for local businesses.
The GST cuts in Jammu and Kashmir from 12% to 5% on handicrafts, farm goods, tourism, and local products are helping reduce costs and make local industries more competitive. Nitika Gupta Akashvani News, Delhi.
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In Badminton, Indian shuttlers have won both Women’s Singles and Men’s Doubles titles at Al Ain Masters 2025 at the Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi today. In Men’s Doubles, the India duo of Hariharan Amsakarunan and Arjun Madathil Ramachandran defeated Indonesia’s Raymond Indra and Nikolaus Joaquin in the finals in straight sets 21-17, 21-18. Earlier, rising Indian shuttler Shriyanshi Valishetty won the Women’s Singles Trophy. In an All-Indian final, Shriyanshi defeated her compatriot Tasnim 15,21, 22-20, 22-20.
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In Women’s ODI World Cup game in Colombo, Pakistan Women were 58 for 3 after 21 overs, When reports last came in.
Earlier, Indian Women team set a victory target of 248 runs for Pakistan Women. Put into bat first, India made 247 all out in their allotted 50 overs.
For India, Harleen Deol top scored with 46 runs, followed by Richa Ghosh 35 and Jemimah Rodrigues 32 runs.
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In World Para Championships, India wrapped up its campaign with 22 medals, six gold, ten silver and six bronze at the World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi today. Seven Indians were in action on the final day at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Simran Sharma and Preeti Pal both clinched their second medal of this edition. Paralympic champion Navdeep bagged a silver in javelin throw while Sandeep won a bronze.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN
- Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar says decision regarding declaration of dates for Bihar Assembly elections will be taken soon; 17 new initiatives rolled out to conduct free, fair and peaceful elections in the state.
- External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar says, nature of warfare has undergone fundamental transformation in recent years; Asserts, India’s approach will be to maintain as many productive relationships as possible, ensuring strategic autonomy.
- DGCA reviews airfare trends ahead of festive season; Asks airlines to add more flights.
- Heavy rain and landslides disrupt normal life in many parts of the country; NDRF and SDRF teams launch rescue and relief operations in Darjeeling Hills.
- In Badminton, India win Women’s Singles and Men’s Double Titles at Al Ain Masters 2025 in Abu Dhabi.
- And in women’s ODI World Cup, India set target of 248 for Pakistan in Colombo.
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