We begin with a look at the latest developments from India and around the world. These headlines reflect significant shifts in politics, policy, sports, and the global economy.
National News
Karnataka's Free Bus Scheme Enters International Records
Karnataka's 'Shakti' scheme, which provides free bus travel for women in state-run non-premium buses, has been listed in the International Book of Records. The scheme was recognized for providing free bus travel to the highest number of women passengers, following its earlier entry into the Golden Book of World Records.
BJP Minority Body Seeks Bharat Ratna for RSS Founder
The chief of the BJP's Minority Morcha has formally called for the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour, to be awarded to the founder of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Keshav Baliram Hedgewar.
PM Warns on Demographic Change
The Prime Minister stated that demographic change is a bigger and more potent threat to social harmony in the country than border infiltration, urging a focus on stabilizing population dynamics.
NDA Blames Administration for Karur Stampede
An eight-member NDA fact-finding committee, which visited Karur, subtly placed the blame for the deaths at the Vijay rally on the local administration and organizers. The panel called for a probe to be headed by a sitting Supreme Court judge, expressing dissatisfaction with the state government's current inquiry.
Supreme Court Judge Stresses Mindset Change for Mediation
A Supreme Court judge called for a fundamental mindset change in the government's approach to alternative dispute resolution, urging that mediation be viewed as a priority and not just a formality.
International News
Netanyahu Apologises to Qatar
The White House released photos confirming that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued an apology to Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. The apology was for an Israeli air strike in Doha that violated Qatari sovereignty and resulted in the death of a Qatari security guard.
Trump Seeks Nobel Peace Prize Recognition
Former US President Donald Trump asserted that it would be a "big insult" to the United States if he did not receive the Nobel Peace Prize, claiming credit for resolving multiple international conflicts during his term.
US Government Shuts Down
The US federal government has officially entered a shutdown after the Senate failed to pass a critical funding bill before the new fiscal year deadline. Essential services will continue, but hundreds of thousands of non-essential workers are expected to be furloughed or work without pay.
Ex-NSA Bolton Criticises Trump on India Oil Stance
Former US National Security Advisor John Bolton stated that Donald Trump lost the "bigger picture" by targeting India over its purchase of Russian oil, arguing it undermined broader strategic goals.
Houthis Claim Attack on Dutch Ship
The Houthis militant group claimed responsibility for an attack on a Dutch-flagged ship in the Gulf of Aden, escalating maritime security risks in the region.
6.9 Magnitude Quake Hits Philippines
An earthquake of 6.9 magnitude struck the Philippines, leading to the death of at least 22 people. A tsunami alert that was issued immediately after the quake has since been lifted.
Trump Issues Ultimatum to Hamas on Gaza Peace
Donald Trump stated that he is giving Hamas a short window of "3 or 4 days" to accept his proposed Gaza peace plan, warning of a "sad end" if they refuse.
Sports News
Abhishek Sharma Breaks World Record
Indian opening batsman Abhishek Sharma has broken the world record for the most runs scored in a single T20I Asia Cup edition, surpassing the previous records held by Mohammad Rizwan and Virat Kohli, following his recent heroic performances.
Saim Ayub Rises Despite Asia Cup Performance
Despite being dropped from the Test squad for recent poor form, Pakistan's Saim Ayub surprisingly achieved the ranking of the No. 1 T20I all-rounder in the world.
Afridi Calls for PCB Chief Resignation
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief, Mohsin Naqvi, to resign amidst ongoing controversies within the board.
PCB Chief Apologises to BCCI
PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi issued an apology to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) following the recent Asia Cup trophy row which caused diplomatic tension in the cricket world.
Harmanpreet Confident of World Cup Win
Indian Women's Cricket Captain Harmanpreet Kaur expressed strong confidence that the team is "under no pressure" and is ready to win the upcoming Women's World Cup.
Rinku Hooda Bags Gold at Para Athletics
Javelin thrower Rinku Hooda secured India's second gold medal at the World Para Athletics Championships, showcasing an exceptional performance.
Business News
India-EFTA Pact Kicks In
India's free trade agreement with the four-nation European Free Trade Association (EFTA) bloc (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) has officially kicked in today. The pact secures a $100 billion investment commitment over 15 years, aiming to create 1 million jobs and make products like Swiss watches and chocolates cheaper for Indian consumers.
Govt Approves DA Hike
The government has approved a 3% hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) for central government employees. The arrears for this increase are scheduled to be paid out in October.
GST Collections Rise
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections for the month of September have shown robust growth, rising by 9.1% year-on-year to reach ₹1.89 lakh crore.
DGCA Proposes Easing Wet Lease Rules
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has proposed easing rules for wet leasing of aircraft. This move is intended to help airlines like IndiGo and its rivals effectively tackle the ongoing aircraft shortage.
RBI Proposes Framework for Acquisitions
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed a new enabling framework that would allow banks to finance acquisitions by Indian corporates, facilitating major corporate restructuring and growth.
Rural Inflation Expected to Ease
The RBI's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) stated that rural inflation is expected to ease as consumer confidence improves across the country.
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