THE HEADLINES:-
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi calls for early review of ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement to unlock full economic potential; Stresses the need for unity in fight against terror.
- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to represent India at 20th East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia today.
- Andhra Pradesh and Odisha brace for cyclone Montha’s landfall tomorrow; Schools closed and beach activities suspended.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah to inaugurate India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai today.
- Four-day long Chhath Puja enters its third and most auspicious day today, known as Sandhya Arghya.
- In cricket, last league match of ICC Women’s World Cup between India and Bangladesh called off due to rain in Navi Mumbai.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi and ASEAN leaders jointly reviewed the progress in the ASEAN-India relations and discussed initiatives for strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. In his address, the Prime Minister reiterated India’s support for ASEAN Unity, ASEAN Centrality, and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. He complimented ASEAN on adoption of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
He emphasised that early review of the ASEAN-India FTA can unleash the full economic potential of our relationship for the benefit of our peoples and further strengthen regional cooperation. Mr Modi also said that terrorism is a serious challenge to global peace and security, and stressed the importance of unity in the fight against terrorism.
During his address, the Prime Minister announced extended support for implementation of the ASEAN-India Plan of Action to implement the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2026-2030). He also Proposed to organise the Second ASEAN-India Defence Ministers’ Meeting and the Second ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise for a secure maritime environment.
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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will represent India at the 20th East Asia Summit at Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia today. The East Asia Summit will provide an opportunity to deliberate on the challenges to peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and also exchange views on regional and international developments.
Dr Jaishankar met Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and exchanged views on the evolving global and regional landscape while exploring new avenues to deepen India-Singapore cooperation. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, where both ministers participated in high-level regional diplomatic engagements.
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Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan attended the swearing-in ceremony of the new President of Seychelles, Dr. Patrick Herminie yesterday. Mr Radhakrishnan, who is on a two-day visit to Seychelles, also met the Prime Minister of Mauritius Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam. They reflected on the strong and enduring bonds rooted in shared history and culture between both countries. They also discussed ways to further strengthen India-Mauritius bilateral relations.
The Vice-President also addressed the members of the Indian diaspora in Seychelles. He also highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision.
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The 8th Session of the International Solar Alliance Assembly will begin today at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. 124 countries will participate in the four-day event and over 40 Ministers from across the globe will attend the session. The event will bring the global community together to deepen cooperation and accelerate solar adoption for a brighter and sustainable future. Our correspondent reports that the member countries will review the progress, address challenges, and align actions towards one vision – affordable solar energy for all.
The Solar Alliance will take forward the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi of harnessing the power of solar energy. India has achieved 50 per cent of its total installed electricity generation capacity from non-fossil fuel sources five years ago, ahead of its target. India is the 3rd world largest Solar Producer and world 2nd largest market for renewable energy growth. More than 20 lakh households have already been benefiting from solar power on their rooftop under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Yojana. The International Solar Alliance is an international organisation with 124 Member and Signatory countries. It works with governments to improve energy access and security worldwide and promote solar power as a sustainable transition to a carbon-neutral future. It also promotes the use of solar energy in the agriculture, health, transport, and power generation sectors. Akshit from Akashvani News, from Delhi.
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Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal will visit Brussels in Belgium today on a two-day visit to hold high-level discussions with Maros Sefcovic, Executive Vice-President and European Commissioner for Trade of the European Union. The visit comes at a crucial stage in the ongoing India-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations, as both sides intensify efforts to conclude a comprehensive, balanced, and mutually beneficial trade agreement at the earliest.
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Andhra Pradesh and Odisha are bracing for cyclone Montha’s landfall tomorrow. It is likely to make a landfall on Andhra’s coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam near Kakinada.
At least five Andhra districts of Kakinada, East Godavari, Konaseema, Eluru and West Godavari were on their toes with a slew of contingency measures. These included evacuations from vulnerable zones, school closures and advisories to fishermen not to venture into sea. In Kakinada, officials started moving people from Hope Island to safer zones. Schools will be closed from October 27 to 31 in anticipation of heavy rain.
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate India Maritime Week, 2025 in Mumbai today. The five-day event, being organised by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways in partnership with Indian Ports Association, will showcase India’s vision for sustainable maritime growth, trade expansion, and blue economy development.
The IMW will be inaugurated by Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah, who will be joined by Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Gujarat Bhupendra Patel, Chief Minister of Goa Dr. Pramod Sawant and Chief Minister of Odisha Mohan Charan Majhi. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shantanu Thakur are going to attend the IMW 2025 today. After the India Maritime Week event, Union Minister Amit Shah distribute the state-of-the-art Deep-Sea Fishing Vessels at Mazagon Dock in Mumbai. Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis and Union Minister of State (Cooperation) Murlidhar Mohol will be present on the occasion. Prarthna, Akashvani News, Mumbai.”
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The four-day long Chhath Puja entered its third and main day today, known as Sandhya Arghya. Sandhya Arghya is dedicated to the setting sun. The sacred moment signifies gratitude for the light, warmth, and energy the sun provides throughout the day.
On this day, families gather at riverbanks or water bodies, carrying the soop or bamboo basket filled with traditional prasad like Thekua, sugarcane, fruits and lit diyas. Devotees wade into the water and offer Arghya to the setting sun, praying for the prosperity and well-being of their children and family.
In Bihar, millions of devotees and worshippers will offer arghya or sacred water offering to the setting sun.
In view of the large gathering, extensive security arrangements have been made at 78 ghats along the Ganga. The ghats have been barricaded, and teams of divers and the NDRF and SDRF have been deployed for safety.
Tomorrow morning, with the offering of arghya to the rising sun, the four-day Chhath Mahaparv will conclude. Meanwhile, a large number of devotees have gathered for worship at famous Sun temples across the state.
In view of the Bihar Assembly elections, voter awareness messages are also being displayed at various Chhath ghats, urging people to participate enthusiastically in the upcoming polls. Dharmendra Kumar Rai, Akashvani News, Patna.”
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President Droupadi Murmu today extended her greetings to all the countrymen on the occasion of Chhath Puja. In a social media post, President Murmu said that this festival is an opportunity to worship Lord Surya and Chhathi Maiya and to express gratitude towards Mother Nature.
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The GST Bachat Utsav kicked off on 22nd September as the Narendra Modi government slashed GST rates in many sectors, benefitting citizens across the country. Today, our correspondent brings a report on how the new GST rates on food items are helping the common man.
The Next Generation GST Reforms have provided significant relief to citizens by reducing taxes on essential food items. Under the new tax structure, pizza bread, khakhra, and chapati have been made tax-free, which earlier attracted a 5 percent tax. Similarly, paratha and parotta, previously placed in the 18 percent tax slab, have also been exempted. To ease the tax burden on the common man, the government has further reduced GST on soups, broths, chocolates, cocoa products, as well as tea and coffee extracts. All of these items now attract only 5 percent GST under GST 2.0. Talking exclusively to Akashvani News, Vice Chairman of the CII North Bengal Zonal Council and a tea factory owner, Satish Mitruka, welcomed the reduction in GST rates.
This rationalization aims to improve the affordability of food, ensure daily nutrition, encourage consumption and provide economic relief to families. Saklen Akhtar, Akashvani News.
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And now, news from the world of sports:
The last league stage match of ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 between India and Bangladesh got washed out due to heavy rain in Navi Mumbai last night. Chasing a revised target of 126 in a 27-over-a-side game, India were cruising along nicely at 57 for no loss in 8.4 overs when another spell of shower forced the umpires to call off the contest. Earlier, Indian bowlers restricted Bangladesh to 119 for 9 in a rain-hit game. India have already qualified for the semifinals.
At Asian Youth Games, Indian weightlifter Priteesmita Bhoi established a new World Record, in Bahrain yesterday. Competing in the girls’ 44kg event, she successfully lifted 92kg in the Clean and Jerk.
India reaffirmed its regional athletic dominance by emerging as the overall champion in the 4th South Asian Senior Athletics Championships 2025, which concluded in Ranchi yesterday. The Indian contingent topped the medals tally with 20 gold medals and a total of 58 medals, followed by Sri Lanka, with two silver and four bronze medals. Aishwarya Rai Nigam, Sports desk, Akashvani News, Delhi.”
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TODAY’S NEWSPAPERS HEADLINES :-
- Virtually participating in the India-Asean summit Prime minister Modi declares this partnership as a robust foundation for global stability and development. The Asian Age quoting the PM states ‘2026 as the year of maritime co-operation’.
- Describing Chhath Puja as an epitome of Unity in his Mann ki Baat yesterday, the Prime Minister said the goverment is working on putting the festival on UNESCO’s list of intangible Cultural Heritage, says The Tribune.
- “India turning world’s beauty spot” with Japanese luxury beauty brand Shiseido is the latest to join the queue of International brands deciding to make in India, states The Economic Times.
- The first ever pan-India National Household Income Survey slated to begin in February, reports The Indian Express.
- And finally, Articulating public reverence for the ancient Indian scripture ‘Bhagvad Gita’, the Chinese scholars notes it as a ‘nectar of wisdom’ for modern world , cites The Pioneer.
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN:-
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi calls for early review of ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement to unlock full economic potential; Stresses the need for unity in fight against terror.
- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to represent India at 20th East Asia Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia today.
- Andhra Pradesh and Odisha brace for cyclone Montha’s landfall tomorrow; Schools closed and beach activities suspended.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah to inaugurate India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai today.
- Four-day long Chhath Puja enters its third and most auspicious day today, known as Sandhya Arghya.
- In cricket, last league match of ICC Women’s World Cup between India and Bangladesh called off due to rain in Navi Mumbai.
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