GST Collections Rise 4.6% to ₹1.96 Lakh Crore in October
India's Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections reached approximately ₹1.96 lakh crore in October, a 4.6% year-on-year increase. This marks the tenth consecutive month with revenues exceeding ₹1.8 lakh crore. The robust figures, which come despite recent rate rationalisations, are attributed to strong consumer demand during the festive season. For the fiscal year to date (April-October), total GST collections stood at ₹13.89 lakh crore, up 9% from the same period last year, signalling healthy economic activity and improved compliance.
Nearly 40,000 Afghan Refugees Leave Pakistan's Balochistan Province
As part of Pakistan's ongoing crackdown on undocumented foreign nationals, nearly 40,000 Afghan refugees have left Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province. Many of these refugees had lived in the area for decades, establishing homes and businesses since fleeing the Soviet invasion. The repatriation drive, which began in October 2023, has seen an estimated 1.5 million Afghans leave Pakistan. The current exodus is partly driven by a desire to resettle before the onset of harsh winter conditions in Afghanistan.
India to Face South Africa in Women's World Cup Final
India will compete against South Africa for the ICC Women's World Cup 2025 title in Navi Mumbai, guaranteeing a first-time champion. Host nation India secured its spot by chasing down a record 339 to defeat seven-time winners Australia in the semi-final, led by Jemimah Rodrigues' unbeaten 127. South Africa advanced by beating England. Both teams are seeking their maiden World Cup trophy in what promises to be a historic final, though forecasts suggest a high probability of rain interruptions.
Haryana Teenager Killed in Guatemala on 'Dunki' Route to US
An 18-year-old from Kaithal, Haryana, who was attempting to illegally immigrate to the United States via the 'dunki' route, has been killed in Guatemala. According to his family, Yuvraj was held captive by human traffickers who demanded ransom payments. After the family paid between ₹40 to ₹50 lakh to various agents, they were sent a death certificate and photos. The tragedy highlights the extreme dangers of illegal migration pathways, where individuals are often subjected to violence, extortion, and abuse by traffickers.
Lucknow Named UNESCO 'Creative City of Gastronomy'
UNESCO has officially designated Lucknow as a 'Creative City of Gastronomy,' recognizing its rich culinary heritage. The capital of Uttar Pradesh, famed for its centuries-old Awadhi cuisine, now joins a global network of 70 cities celebrated for their food culture, becoming the second Indian city after Hyderabad to receive the honour. The designation acknowledges Lucknow's living food traditions and aims to leverage its unique culinary identity as a driver for sustainable tourism, cultural diplomacy, and local economic growth.
Centrist Leader Rob Jetten Claims Narrow Victory Over Far-Right in Dutch Election
Dutch centrist leader Rob Jetten has claimed victory in a knife-edge election, narrowly defeating far-right populist Geert Wilders. Jetten's D66 party holds a razor-thin lead, positioning him to become the Netherlands' youngest and first openly gay prime minister. The result is being watched closely across Europe as a potential check on the rise of populist movements. Jetten is now expected to begin complex negotiations to form a majority coalition government in the European Union's fifth-largest economy.
Kerala Declared India's First State to Eliminate Extreme Poverty
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced in a special assembly session that Kerala has become the first state in India to be free of extreme poverty. The declaration was made on Kerala's formation day, based on a state-run survey and targeted intervention program. However, the opposition Congress-led UDF dismissed the claim as "pure fraud" and boycotted the session in protest, leading to a heated exchange. The government maintains it has successfully implemented its promise to lift thousands out of destitution.
India Accuses Pakistan of "Hypocrisy" at UN, Demands End to Abuses in PoK
At the United Nations General Assembly, India delivered a strong rebuttal to Pakistan, accusing it of "hypocrisy" and "double speak" on human rights. An Indian diplomat called on Pakistan to end its "grave and ongoing human rights violations" in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), citing an "open revolt" by the local population against military occupation and exploitation. India rejected Pakistan's attempts to raise the Kashmir issue, reiterating that Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh are integral and inalienable parts of India.
Supreme Court Curbs Police Powers to Summon Lawyers for Client-Related Probes
In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court has protected lawyer-client privilege by barring investigating agencies from summoning lawyers regarding advice given to clients. The court mandated that such summons can only be issued in exceptional cases, explicitly stated, and must be pre-approved in writing by a senior officer of at least Superintendent of Police rank. The verdict, which sets aside previous ED summons, also introduced safeguards for seizing digital devices from legal professionals, reinforcing fundamental rights to legal representation and fair trial.
India and US Sign 10-Year Defence Partnership Framework
India and the United States have signed a 10-year 'Framework for the U.S.-India Major Defence Partnership' to deepen strategic ties. The agreement, sealed by their respective defence ministers in Kuala Lumpur, aims to enhance coordination, information sharing, and technology cooperation. The pact is seen as a cornerstone for regional stability in the Indo-Pacific and signals a growing strategic convergence between the two nations, providing a policy roadmap for their entire defence relationship for the next decade.
Ford to Invest ₹3,250 Crore in Chennai Plant for New Engine Production
American automaker Ford has announced a ₹3,250 crore investment in its Chennai manufacturing plant to produce a new generation of engines for export. The company signed an MoU with the Tamil Nadu government for the project, which is expected to create over 600 direct jobs. Production is slated to begin in 2029 with a planned annual capacity of 2.35 lakh engines. This move marks a significant reinvestment in India's manufacturing sector after Ford ceased domestic vehicle sales in 2021.
Future Warfare is Increasingly Non-Kinetic and Non-Contact, Says Army Chief
Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi stated that modern warfare is increasingly becoming "non-kinetic and non-contact," driven by challenges like disinformation campaigns and cyber threats. Speaking at an event, he emphasized that national security now requires not just military strength but also intellectual, technological, and moral preparedness. He highlighted the need for a "whole-of-nation" approach, calling on India's youth to contribute to security through roles in technology, start-ups, and think tanks to counter multi-domain challenges.
NDA Promises 1 Crore Jobs and Free Education in Bihar Election Manifesto
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has released its manifesto for the Bihar Assembly elections, promising to create one crore jobs in the government and private sectors over the next five years. Other key pledges include free education from KG to post-graduation for the poor, metro services in four more cities, and making one crore women "Lakhpati Didis" through entrepreneurship schemes. The manifesto emphasizes the benefits of a "double engine government" for infrastructure development, including new expressways and industrial parks.
Pakistan and Afghanistan Agree to Resume Talks and Maintain Ceasefire
After talks stalled earlier this week, Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to resume dialogue and maintain a ceasefire following mediation by Türkiye and Qatar in Istanbul. The high-stakes negotiations aim to de-escalate tensions along their shared border. The new round of talks will focus on creating a monitoring mechanism to uphold the truce and address Pakistan's central demand for verifiable action against militant groups operating from Afghan soil, signaling a cautious step towards resolving the persistent security crisis.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge Calls for Ban on RSS
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has demanded a ban on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), accusing the organisation of fostering hatred and lawlessness. Citing a 1948 letter by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Kharge argued that Patel had himself banned the RSS after Mahatma Gandhi's assassination due to its divisive activities. He also criticised the Modi government for recently allowing government employees to join the RSS, a move he claims reverses Patel's efforts to maintain a neutral bureaucracy and safeguard national unity.