Indian Photographer's Image of Rare Black Tiger Features on National Geographic Cover
An image of a rare pseudo-melanistic tiger in Odisha’s Similipal National Park, captured by Indian photographer Prasenjeet Yadav, will grace the cover of National Geographic's October 2025 issue. These "black tigers," distinguished by a genetic mutation causing their thick stripes to merge, are found exclusively in Similipal. Yadav's photograph, the result of months of patient tracking, brings global attention to this unique subspecies and the conservation efforts in one of India's most important tiger habitats.
Government Notifies Sweeping GST Reforms, New Rates Effective September 22
The central government has notified new Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates, marking the largest overhaul since its 2017 launch. The reform streamlines the system into two main slabs of 5% and 18%, with a 40% rate on luxury and sin goods. Items previously taxed at 12% and 28% will largely move to the 5% and 18% brackets, respectively. The changes, effective September 22, are expected to reduce the tax burden on households and inject ₹2 lakh crore into the economy.
US Designates India, China, Pakistan as Major Drug Transit Countries
U.S. President Donald Trump has identified India among 23 nations listed as major illicit drug producing or transit countries in a presidential determination sent to Congress. The list also includes China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. The State Department statement noted that a country's presence on the list does not necessarily reflect its government's counter-narcotics efforts but is based on a combination of geographic, commercial, and economic factors that facilitate drug trafficking, which threatens U.S. safety.
Vaishno Devi Pilgrimage Reopens After 22-Day Suspension
The pilgrimage to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district resumed after a 22-day suspension. The route was closed following a devastating landslide on August 26 that claimed 34 lives and injured 20 others. Hundreds of waiting pilgrims began the yatra as the path was declared safe. Officials have advised devotees to follow safety guidelines and carry valid identification, with RFID-based tracking remaining mandatory for all pilgrims visiting the revered shrine.
Two Suspects in Firing at Actress Disha Patani's Home Killed in Encounter
Two alleged members of the Rohit Godara-Goldy Brar gang were killed in a police encounter in Ghaziabad. The men were suspects in the recent firing incident outside actress Disha Patani's residence in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. The joint operation was conducted by Special Task Forces from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, along with the Delhi Police Special Cell. According to officials, the accused opened fire on the police teams, who returned fire, resulting in fatal injuries to both suspects.
Rolls-Royce Launches its Largest Global Capability and Innovation Centre in Bengaluru
Global aerospace and defence giant Rolls-Royce has inaugurated its largest Global Capability and Innovation Centre in Bengaluru's Manyata Embassy Business Park. The state-of-the-art facility is set to become a hub for advanced engineering, research, and innovation, handling complex projects for the company's international operations. The launch reinforces Bengaluru's status as a top global aerospace city and highlights Karnataka's ecosystem for high-tech manufacturing and development, supported by government policy and a skilled workforce.
India and US Resume High-Stakes Trade Negotiations in New Delhi
India and the United States have resumed crucial bilateral trade talks in New Delhi, aiming to resolve longstanding tariff disputes. The discussions are led by US Assistant Trade Representative Brendan Lynch and Indian Special Secretary Rajesh Agrawal. The meeting follows recent positive statements from both nations' leaders, raising hopes for a breakthrough after a period of stalemate. Key issues on the table include market access and tariffs, with the goal of forging a comprehensive trade agreement.
Jaish-e-Mohammed Admits Masood Azhar's Family Killed in Indian Strikes
A Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) commander, Masood Ilyas Kashmiri, has admitted in a viral video that terror chief Masood Azhar's family was "torn into pieces" during India's 'Operation Sindoor' on May 7. The precision missile strikes targeted JeM's headquarters in Bahawalpur, Pakistan, following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam. This rare admission from within the terror group validates the effectiveness of India's counter-terrorism operations, which reportedly killed over 70 terrorists, including Azhar's relatives and associates.
Israel Launches New Ground Offensive in Gaza City Amid UN Genocide Allegations
The Israeli military has launched a new ground offensive in Gaza City, urging residents to evacuate as it targets Hamas infrastructure. The operation, involving tens of thousands of soldiers, follows a week of airstrikes on over 850 sites. Concurrently, a UN Commission of Inquiry concluded that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, citing killings, aid blockages, and statements of intent from Israeli leaders. Israel has rejected the UN report as a "distorted and false" libel.
Israel Launches New Offensive as Defence Minister Declares 'Gaza is Burning'
Israel's Defence Minister has stated that "Gaza is burning" following a night of intense strikes on Gaza City, signaling the start of a new major military offensive. The bombardment comes as Israel plans a renewed push aimed at eradicating Hamas. US officials have suggested the operation has already begun, leaving a very small window of days or weeks for any potential negotiated settlement to the conflict. The escalation marks a critical and dangerous new phase in the ongoing war.
Supreme Court Sets January 2026 Deadline for Overdue Maharashtra Local Body Polls
The Supreme Court has mandated that Maharashtra's long-delayed local body elections must be held by January 31, 2026. Criticizing the State Election Commission (SEC) for failing to meet previous deadlines, the court called this a "one-time concession." Polls for 27 municipal corporations and hundreds of other local bodies have been stalled since 2022 over an OBC reservation dispute, leaving them run by administrators. The ruling aims to restore grassroots democracy for millions of citizens across the state.
Donald Trump Arrives in UK for Historic Second State Visit
US President Donald Trump has arrived in the United Kingdom for his second state visit, an unprecedented honor for an American leader. The visit includes a lavish banquet and carriage ride hosted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle and political talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer. While the British government aims to strengthen the "special relationship" amid trade and security talks, the visit is met with heavy security and planned large-scale protests in London.
Adani Group Files Defamation Suits Against Journalists; Court Issues Notices
The Adani Group has filed criminal defamation complaints against journalists Abhisar Sharma and Raju Parulekar, alleging they spread false information linking the conglomerate to a land allotment case in Assam. A Gandhinagar court has issued notices for them to appear on September 20. The complaints cite a YouTube video and social media posts which the company calls "baseless and misleading." The legal action raises concerns about press freedom and corporate litigation against media professionals in India.
ED Summons Cricketers Yuvraj Singh, Robin Uthappa and Actor Sonu Sood in Betting App Probe
The Enforcement Directorate has summoned former cricketers Yuvraj Singh and Robin Uthappa, along with actor Sonu Sood, in connection with its money laundering investigation into an alleged illegal online betting app scam. The celebrities have been asked to depose and have their statements recorded under the PMLA regarding their association with platforms like 1xBet. The probe is part of a wider crackdown on the promotion of online betting apps that have allegedly duped investors of crores.
Karnataka High Court Annuls Congress MLA's Election, Orders Vote Recount
The Karnataka High Court has set aside the 2023 election of Congress MLA K.Y. Nanje Gowda from the Malur constituency and ordered a complete recount of the votes. The verdict came after his BJP opponent, K.S. Manjunath Gowda, who lost by a narrow margin of 248 votes, filed a petition alleging irregularities. The court noted the District Election Officer's failure to produce video evidence of the counting process. The order has been stayed for 30 days.