India's southwest monsoon season concluded with 8% above-normal rainfall, the fifth-highest since 2001. Conversely, East and North-East India experienced a severe deficit, recording their second-lowest rainfall since 1901. Despite localized disasters, robust rains significantly increased Kharif crop acreage, raising hopes for record foodgrain output. Above-normal rainfall is anticipated for October-December, potentially delaying the winter monsoon's onset.

Home Minister Amit Shah assured Punjab of central support for flood relief after CM Bhagwant Mann sought additional funds. The Centre noted Punjab has ample disaster funds and has already released Rs 805 crore from a Rs 1,600 crore package announced by PM Modi. However, Punjab is yet to submit a detailed memorandum for further assistance.

The government has extended the deadline for central government employees to switch from the National Pension System (NPS) to the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) until November 30, 2025. This decision, prompted by a tepid initial response and recent scheme changes, allows more eligible employees, retirees, and spouses of deceased past retirees to opt for the new pension framework.

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali Angmo, vehemently condemned «blatant lies» and «baseless» anti-national narratives against him. She labeled his recent NSA arrest and transfer to Jodhpur jail a «witch-hunt» aimed at weakening his Ladakh Sixth Schedule movement. Angmo pledged to use the legal system, challenging accusers with facts, asserting they will not rest until truth prevails.

In Rawan village near Bhopal, residents uniquely worship Ravan as their 'gram devta', reciting 'Ravan Chalisa' and performing aartis. Unlike the rest of the country, they host grand feasts and pujas for Ravan on Dussehra, considering the burning of his effigy painful. This centuries-old tradition reflects their deep pride and devotion to Ravan.

BJP criticized Congress following P Chidambaram's statement. He revealed foreign pressure prevented 26/11 retaliation. BJP questioned the Manmohan Singh government's response. They sought answers from Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. BJP highlighted the delay in Chidambaram's admission. They contrasted this with current government actions. Chidambaram confirmed external influence on the decision.

The income tax department is launching a drive to nudge 25,000-30,000 landowners in Kolkata and Bengaluru, identified for not paying capital gains tax on joint development agreements. This campaign, extending to other cities, encourages voluntary compliance through emails, offering updated returns for recent cases and a 25% additional payment for older ones to avoid penalties.

In a post on X, PM Modi said, «Today, on the auspicious occasion of Maha Ashtami, I went to Delhi's Chittaranjan Park to take part in the Durga Puja celebrations. Chittaranjan Park is known for its strong association with Bengali culture. The celebrations truly reflect the spirit of unity and cultural vibrancy in our society. Prayed for everyone's happiness and well-being.»

Bareilly Police arrested key accused Tazim following violent clashes over the 'I Love Muhammad' campaign. Tazim, a known cattle smuggler, fired at officers during his arrest; a weapon was recovered. Seventy-two people are now in custody, and ten FIRs have been filed.

The Election Commission released Bihar's final voter list, showing a significant increase in electors after a Special Intensive Revision. This process, which included a drive to remove illegal migrants, faces Supreme Court scrutiny and opposition allegations of irregularities. The EC, however, maintains its impartiality amidst the controversy.

The probe into the Karur stampede has escalated into a blame game between the Tamil Nadu government and TVK chief Vijay. DMK leaders released videos alleging TVK cadres broke cordons and chose an unsuitable venue, leading to overcrowding and a surge. They claim organizers ignored police warnings. Vijay, however, accused CM Stalin of vendetta, challenging him while defending his party.

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan emphasized India's crucial need to prepare for future bio-threats and radiological contamination, advocating for specialized treatment protocols. Speaking at the Military Nursing Service's 100th Raising Day, he lauded their selfless contributions, also highlighting the importance of caregiver well-being and data security in healthcare.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will serve as Chief Guest at the RSS centenary celebrations on October 1 in New Delhi. He is scheduled to release a commemorative stamp and coin, acknowledging the organization's century-long contributions to the nation.

Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti urged India to urgently accelerate defence indigenisation, warning that progress from concept to operationalisation is «painfully slow.» He emphasized domestic production and «leapfrogging» in critical technologies for strategic autonomy, noting future wars will involve both low-cost unmanned systems and advanced AI platforms.

A Kargil veteran's father has accused Ladakh police of brutally beating and shooting his son during Leh protests, demanding a judicial inquiry. He described his son, also a veteran, as a patriot, questioning the police's methods and highlighting family distress. Rahul Gandhi condemned the BJP government for the incident.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed US President Donald Trump's comprehensive 21-point plan to end the Gaza conflict, which began on October 7, 2023. The proposal calls for an immediate ceasefire, hostage release, and civilian protection, stressing regional cooperation and international monitoring. India, a long-time advocate for a two-state solution, notes the plan as over 65,000 Palestinians have been killed.

India doubled its developmental aid to Palestine in the last eleven years. This assistance totals nearly eighty million dollars. India maintains its long-standing commitment to a two-state solution. It continues humanitarian support through UNRWA despite challenges. India has not voted against any Israel-Palestine resolutions at the UN. The nation balances ties with Israel and Palestinian support.

Pakistan's military is conducting a «clean-up drive» in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, ostensibly against TTP, but intelligence reveals it facilitates Lashkar-e-Taiba's establishment of new terror training centers. This strategy, termed «good terrorism» versus «bad terrorism,» aims to remove anti-Pakistan TTP while bolstering anti-India groups like LeT and Hizbul Mujahideen, posing a significant long-term threat with new facilities expected by 2025.

A magnitude 4.7 earthquake struck Myanmar near the India border early Tuesday, causing tremors across Manipur, Nagaland, and Assam. This seismic event, centered southeast of Ukhrul, followed a 3.4 magnitude quake in Maharashtra and a 3.3 magnitude tremor in Tibet, indicating recent widespread seismic activity.

Senior BJP leader and former MP Vijay Kumar Malhotra passed away at 93 in New Delhi. A prominent figure in Delhi politics for over four decades, he was a five-time MP and two-time MLA. Malhotra notably defeated former PM Manmohan Singh in 1999, significantly building the party's base in the capital.

The Supreme Court has ordered special judicial training for a Delhi ACMM and sessions judge over faulty bail orders. They granted bail to a habitual offender couple, accused of Rs 1.9 crore fraud, who had previously reneged on promises to the Delhi High Court. The SC criticized the officers for ignoring the couple's conduct and superior court decisions.

Nagpur HC refused to quash a Pocso case against a man who married a 17-year-old and fathered her child, ruling a minor's consent is irrelevant. The court emphasized that taking a minor from lawful custody constitutes an offense, irrespective of marriage or the girl's current support for the accused. Courts must adhere to existing law.