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.
NDA Releases Bihar Election Manifesto, Promising 1 Crore Jobs and Infra Boost
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has released its manifesto for the upcoming Bihar assembly elections, making extensive promises to voters. Key pledges include creating one crore jobs for youth, making one crore women financially independent through the 'Lakhpati Didi' scheme, and expanding infrastructure with new metro lines, international airports, and expressways. The manifesto also commits to free education from kindergarten to post-graduation, enhanced farmer aid, and improved healthcare facilities, including a medical college in every district.
Narayana Health Acquires UK's Practice Plus Group Hospitals in Global Expansion
Bengaluru-based Narayana Health has acquired Practice Plus Group, the UK's fifth-largest private hospital provider, marking its first major entry into the British healthcare market. Practice Plus Group operates 12 hospitals and surgical centres, performing around 80,000 surgeries annually. Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty, Narayana Health's founder, stated the acquisition extends the company's global reach and aligns with its mission of providing accessible, affordable care. The deal positions Narayana Health as one of India's top three healthcare providers by revenue.
Two Kerala Nurses Save Passenger's Life with Mid-Air CPR on First International Flight
Two nurses from Kerala, Abhijith Jees and Ajeesh Nelson, saved a fellow passenger's life during their first-ever international flight. The incident occurred on an Air Arabia flight from Kochi to Abu Dhabi when a man suffered a cardiac arrest shortly after takeoff. The nurses, who were travelling to the UAE to start new jobs, immediately administered CPR and stabilized the patient, who had no pulse. Their quick actions were credited with saving the man's life, earning them praise after the story emerged.
US and China Agree to Trade De-escalation; Washington to Cut Tariffs
The U.S. will lower tariffs on Chinese goods from a combined 57% to 47% following a meeting between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping in South Korea. The move aims to stabilize volatile trade relations between the world's two largest economies. In return, Beijing has reportedly agreed to ease export restrictions on rare earth elements and resume purchasing American soybeans. President Trump described the 100-minute meeting as highly successful, signaling a significant de-escalation in the ongoing trade conflict.
US Ends Automatic Renewal of Work Permits, Affecting Indian Professionals
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security will end the automatic extension of Employment Authorisation Documents (EADs) for migrant workers starting October 30, 2025. The policy change will significantly impact thousands of foreign employees, especially Indians, who could face lapses in their legal ability to work if renewal applications are not processed before their permits expire. The administration cited the need for more rigorous vetting and screening to protect public safety and national security as the reason for reversing the previous policy.
US Ends Automatic Extension of Work Permits, Affecting Indian Professionals
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has ended the policy of automatically extending work permits for foreign nationals awaiting renewal. The change, effective October 30, 2025, will significantly impact thousands of Indian professionals, including H-1B visa holders and their spouses on H-4 EADs. Previously, workers could continue employment for up to 180 days post-expiry if a renewal was filed. Now, processing delays could force employees to take unpaid leave or lose their jobs, creating significant uncertainty.
US Federal Reserve Cuts Interest Rates Amid Economic Uncertainty
The U.S. Federal Reserve has lowered its benchmark interest rate by a quarter percentage point to a target range of 3.75% to 4%, marking the second rate cut this year. The decision comes as a prolonged federal government shutdown has delayed the release of key economic indicators on employment and inflation, creating uncertainty for policymakers. The move is intended to support the American economy in the face of slowing growth and financial market volatility, with potential ripple effects for global markets and monetary policy.
US Reinstates Sanctions Waiver for India's Chabahar Port Operations
The United States has granted India a fresh six-month waiver from sanctions to continue operations at Iran's strategic Chabahar Port. The decision reverses a recent revocation and marks a diplomatic success for New Delhi, which emphasized the port's importance for humanitarian aid and trade. The waiver allows India to manage the Shahid Beheshti terminal, a crucial trade link to Afghanistan and Central Asia that bypasses Pakistan, thereby ensuring the continuation of regional connectivity projects.
Justice Surya Kant Appointed as 53rd Chief Justice of India
President Droupadi Murmu has appointed Justice Surya Kant as the 53rd Chief Justice of India. He will succeed the incumbent, Justice B.R. Gavai, and is set to take the oath of office on November 24, 2025. Justice Kant will hold the position for a tenure of nearly 15 months, until his retirement on February 9, 2027. His appointment follows the established convention of the senior-most Supreme Court judge succeeding the outgoing Chief Justice.
CBSE Announces 2026 Board Exam Dates, Introduces Second Exam for Class 10
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the final datesheet for the 2026 Class 10 and 12 board examinations, which will commence on February 17. In a major change, Class 10 students will have the option to take a second board exam from May 15 to June 1 to improve their scores, with the best of the two results being considered. The schedule was released 110 days in advance to help students prepare.
India Reaches Women's World Cup Final After Record Chase Against Australia
The Indian women's cricket team stormed into the World Cup final by defeating defending champions Australia in a thrilling semifinal. India achieved the highest successful run-chase in the tournament's history, overhauling a target of 339 with nine balls to spare. The victory was powered by a spectacular unbeaten 127 from Jemimah Rodrigues and a crucial 89 by captain Harmanpreet Kaur. India will now face South Africa in the final, aiming for its first-ever World Cup title.
IIT Madras Researchers Achieve Breakthrough in VTOL Aircraft Technology
Researchers at IIT Madras have developed a novel vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) system using hybrid rocket thrusters, achieving a crucial breakthrough in simulating a "soft landing." This innovation could lead to advanced aircraft and drones that do not require runways, making air transport more accessible in remote and rugged terrains. The technology is seen as a potential game-changer for both civil and military aviation, offering greater decentralization and strategic advantages over conventional aircraft and helicopters.
Indian Refiner Halts Russian Oil Purchases Amid New US Sanctions
HPCL-Mittal Energy Ltd (HMEL) has suspended purchases of Russian crude oil, becoming the first Indian refiner to do so following new U.S. sanctions against Moscow's largest oil firms, Rosneft and Lukoil. The move signals a potential disruption to the significant energy trade between India and Russia. The sanctions' impact was further highlighted when an India-bound tanker carrying Russian crude reversed its course in the Baltic Sea. Indian refiners are now assessing the new landscape to ensure compliance with international restrictions.
India and China Agree to Maintain Peace Along Ladakh Border
India and China have concluded a new round of Corps Commander-level talks, agreeing to maintain peace and stability along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. The discussions, held at the Moldo-Chushul border point, focused on using existing mechanisms to resolve ground issues and prevent flare-ups. Both sides acknowledged that peace has been maintained since the last meeting and committed to continuing dialogue through military and diplomatic channels to further de-escalate the long-standing military standoff in the region.