Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is set for inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 8, promising to eventually surpass Mumbai's existing airport in traffic handling capacity. Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani reviewed final preparations for the facility, which will handle 9 crore passengers annually when fully operational. Flights are scheduled to commence shortly after inauguration, scaling up rapidly.
The Chief Minister extended his greetings to everyone on this auspicious occasion and highlighted the role of Matru Shakti and Nari Shakti in instilling new inspiration.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge was admitted to MS Ramaiah Hospital in Bengaluru for a planned pacemaker implantation and is reported stable. The 83-year-old leader, who was earlier hospitalized for fever, is scheduled to address a public rally in Kohima, Nagaland, on October 7, focusing on youth employment and good governance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi endorsed US President Donald Trump's 20-point Gaza peace plan, hailing it as a viable path to lasting stability for Palestinian and Israeli people. Trump, alongside Israeli PM Netanyahu, unveiled the initiative, proposing an immediate ceasefire and hostage release.
GE Aerospace delivered the fourth F404-IN20 engine to HAL for India's Tejas Mk1A. HAL confirmed negotiations concluded for a follow-on order of 113 F404 engines, valued over $1 billion, expected to be signed in October. This deal, alongside F414 tech transfer talks, significantly boosts India's defence indigenisation efforts.
J&K CM Omar Abdullah ruled out street protests for statehood restoration, citing the danger from «trigger-ready forces» after the recent Ladakh unrest. He vowed to pursue the demand politically and peacefully, prioritizing young lives over confrontation. Abdullah highlighted Leh's reversal on Article 370 abrogation, noting their initial celebration turned to regret, underscoring the shift in regional sentiment.
India witnessed a 30% surge in environment-related crimes in 2023, totaling 68,994 cases, primarily due to tobacco-linked offenses. While overall crime numbers increased, conviction rates for serious violations like forest and wildlife protection remain notably low. Major states, including Delhi and Punjab, reported zero cases under the Air Pollution Control Act, raising concerns about enforcement despite persistent environmental challenges.
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.
Bihar's final electoral roll for the upcoming assembly elections is 7.4 crore, reflecting a 6% drop from the pre-revision count. This figure follows the Special Intensive Revision, which involved deleting 3.7 lakh ineligible names and adding 21.5 lakh new voters. The process, initially marked by 65 lakh deletions, had previously sparked significant opposition protests.
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.
