Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has advised caution regarding the recent Saudi-Pakistan defence pact, emphasizing the importance of trusting India's diplomatic efforts. He acknowledged the agreement as a continuation of a long-standing relationship, while also noting some concerning elements, particularly the mutual defence clause. The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that it will closely study the agreement’s implications.

Kolkata faced immense disruption as torrential overnight rainfall led to widespread flooding, paralyzing the city. Public transport, including trains and Metro services, was suspended, and streets became submerged, stranding vehicles. Tragically, at least three people died due to electrocution in the rain-affected areas. The IMD has warned of continued heavy rainfall in several South Bengal districts.

The Karnataka High Court has temporarily suspended the state government's order that capped cinema ticket prices at Rs 200. This decision follows petitions from multiplexes, theatre owners, and film producers who argued the cap was arbitrary and detrimental to their business. The court's intervention puts the price regulation on hold, pending further deliberation on its validity and impact.

Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami hailed the next-generation GST reforms, which came into effect from Monday, calling these reforms a historic milestone set to bring prosperity, growth, and opportunities for all citizens under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Rahul Gandhi criticized the Modi government, linking rising unemployment and corruption to alleged electoral malpractices. He accused the BJP of prioritizing image management and corporate interests over youth employment, highlighting a split-screen video contrasting police action against protesting students with the Prime Minister's public relations activities. Gandhi asserted that young Indians will no longer tolerate «job theft» or «vote theft.»

UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres supports UNSC reform to mirror current global dynamics, acknowledging India's growing influence. While the decision on permanent membership rests with member states, India actively seeks a seat, emphasizing its qualifications. The UN also voices concerns about rising global protectionism and its detrimental effects on global development and economic stability.

Security forces have launched extensive search operations in the Kathua district following reports of two suspected terrorists. Simultaneously, top military officials are reviewing ongoing anti-terror efforts in the Udhampur, Doda, and Kishtwar regions. These operations intensified after a soldier's death and subsequent gunfights, with aerial surveillance and ground combing underway to locate the militants.

Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav's united show during the «Voter Adhikar Yatra» showcased Mahagathbandhan's unity against the BJP and Election Commission. Despite the apparent bonhomie and mutual endorsements, seat-sharing negotiations reveal underlying tensions. Parties like VIP are demanding significant concessions. RJD and Congress face pressure to accommodate the smaller alliance partners.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York amidst escalating trade tensions. The US has imposed significant tariffs on India, including a 25% charge for Russian oil purchases, and remained silent on the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia defense treaty.

A security incident occurred at Delhi Airport on Sunday when a 13-year-old Afghan boy was found after secretly boarding a Kam Air flight in Kabul by hiding in the landing gear. The boy, from Kunduz, was discovered wandering near the aircraft after it landed. Following questioning and procedures, he was sent back to Kabul on the same day.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, a cashless medical treatment scheme providing up to Rs 10 lakh coverage for all families in the state. Registrations will commence on September 23 in Tarn Taran and Barnala, with camps set up for easy enrollment requiring only Aadhaar and voter ID.

Sudha Murty, a Rajya Sabha MP, has reported a cybercrime. She received a threatening call from an unidentified individual. The caller posed as a telecom employee. He claimed her mobile number wasn't linked to Aadhaar. He also mentioned the circulation of obscene videos. The caller threatened to halt her mobile services. Murthy filed a police complaint in New Delhi.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's visit to Morocco resulted in a military cooperation agreement, marking the first trip by an Indian defence minister to the country. The agreement aims to enhance collaboration in counter-terrorism, maritime security, cyber defence, and capacity building. This initiative strengthens the growing ties between India and Morocco, building upon momentum gained since 2015.

The Indian government has extended the ban on the Naga rebel group NSCN(K) for another five years, citing its violent activities and alliances with anti-India forces. The Home Ministry highlighted the group's secessionist agenda, involvement in extortion, and procurement of arms with foreign assistance.

In a move to enforce fiscal discipline and prevent wasteful spending of public funds, the finance ministry has directed all Union ministries, departments, Central public sector enterprises, and public sector banks to refrain from spending on gifts for Diwali and other festivals. This decision, effective immediately, aims to promote prudent use of public resources.

Sanjay Raut questioned PM Modi's decision to deliver his national address at 5 pm, instead of the usual 8 pm, suggesting it was to accommodate BJP workers wanting to watch the India-Pakistan cricket match. During the address, PM Modi urged citizens to embrace Swadeshi products as the GST reforms rolled out.

Prime Minister Modi engaged with local artisans and entrepreneurs in Tripura and Itanagar, highlighting the benefits of new GST reforms and the 'GST Bachat Utsav' for key sectors. He laid the foundation for development projects in Arunachal Pradesh and inaugurated the redeveloped Tripureswari Temple in Tripura, emphasizing the importance of 'Made in India' products and Northeast development.

Prime Minister Modi announced the 'GST Bachat Utsav,' highlighting the benefits of reduced GST rates for households and businesses. The reforms, effective from September 22nd, feature primarily 5% and 18% tax slabs, lowering taxes on essential goods. These changes, combined with income tax cuts, aim to save citizens approximately Rs 2.

Isha Gramotsavam's 17th edition concluded at Isha Yoga Center, Coimbatore, uniting 63,220 participants from 35,000+ villages across seven states and one Union Territory. Union Sports Minister Mandaviya, impressed by the event's scale, expressed interest in supporting rural athletes and partnering with Isha Foundation. Sadhguru aims to expand Gramotsavam nationwide by 2028, fostering vibrancy in rural India.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced India's measured response to US tariffs on exports linked to Russian oil, expressing confidence in reclaiming Pakistan-occupied Kashmir peacefully. A blast in Tirah Valley resulted in at least 30 deaths amid conflicting reports of airstrikes and militant activity. GST 2.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the Indian community in Morocco. He stated that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir will be a part of India without any aggressive actions. He mentioned that the people of PoK are unhappy and want freedom. He also addressed the US tariff issue, stating that India does not react immediately. He said broad-minded people do not react immediately.

«Today is the first day of Sharadiya Navratri... and on this occasion, PM Narendra Modi gave the entire country a gift by making the biggest reforms in GST... Life-saving medicines have been made free from GST. GST on all other medicines has been cut to 5%... For farmers, the GST has been cut to 5% or 0%. It has been cut to 0% on students' stationery. This will bring a new pace to the Indian economy, and the common consumers will celebrate the festivals with great fervour,» CM Yogi said.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has declared the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang), including all its factions, wings, and front organizations, as an unlawful association for a period of five years, effective from September 28, 2025.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that India didn't immediately retaliate to the US's 50% tariff due to its broad-mindedness. He expressed confidence that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) will eventually become part of India without aggressive action, as its residents are demanding freedom. Singh recalled stating five years ago that PoK would itself want to join India.

The Supreme Court has expressed serious concerns regarding the AAIB preliminary report on the Air India crash, deeming some aspects «irresponsible.» Notices were issued to the Centre and DGCA following a plea for an independent probe, highlighting potential conflict-of-interest concerns due to the probe panel's composition and allegations of withheld critical information, including flight data.