Digest for 19 October, 2025
Pakistan and Afghanistan Agree to Ceasefire After Qatar-Mediated Talks
After a week of deadly border clashes that killed dozens, Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire. The agreement was reached during negotiations in Doha, mediated by Qatar and Turkiye, to end the worst violence between the neighbours since 2021. Both nations also agreed to hold follow-up meetings to ensure the truce is sustainable. The fighting had flared after explosions in Afghanistan on October 9, which Kabul blamed on Islamabad, leading to cross-border strikes and ground battles.
Palestinian Death Toll in Gaza Surpasses 68,000 Amid Ceasefire
Gaza's Health Ministry reports the Palestinian death toll has exceeded 68,000 since the conflict began, with many bodies recovered since a ceasefire started over a week ago. Meanwhile, Israel identified the remains of another hostage, 76-year-old Eliyahu Margalit, handed over by Hamas. The recovery of the remaining 18 hostages and the delivery of humanitarian aid remain critical points in the ongoing process. The Rafah border crossing, Gaza's only non-Israeli gateway, is expected to reopen on Monday for Gazans returning home.
First Batch of Lucknow-Made BrahMos Missiles Flagged Off for Armed Forces
India’s defence manufacturing capabilities received a boost as the first batch of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, produced at a new facility in Lucknow, was flagged off for deployment. The event marks a key milestone for the 'Make in India' initiative and the Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor. The new facility aims to produce around 100 missile systems annually, enhancing India's strategic deterrence and self-reliance. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh warned that the missile puts every inch of Pakistani territory within range.
Government Reports GST Rate Cut Benefits Reaching Consumers on Key Items
The Union government announced that the benefits of recent Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate reductions have been passed on to consumers across all 54 monitored daily-use items, including cars, two-wheelers, and televisions. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated the resulting surge in consumption is expected to sustain beyond the festive season. The government estimates these reforms could generate an additional ₹20 lakh crore in demand this year, bolstering the economy and offsetting potential impacts from US tariffs.
JMM to Contest Bihar Assembly Polls Independently, Straining INDIA Bloc
The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), a key member of the INDIA bloc, announced it will contest the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections independently. The party plans to field candidates in six constituencies after its demand for a "respectful number of seats" within the alliance was not met. The JMM also stated it would "review" its alliance with the Congress and RJD in its home state of Jharkhand after the Bihar polls, signalling significant friction within the opposition coalition.