RBI Introduces Continuous Cheque Clearing for Faster Transactions
Starting October 4, 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has rolled out a new continuous cheque clearing system aimed at significantly speeding up transactions. This new process will move away from batch-based clearing, enabling funds from cheques to be credited to bank accounts within hours, rather than the previous 1-2 business days. The system will involve continuous scanning and submission of cheques between 10 AM and 4 PM, with hourly settlements by banks from 11 AM onwards. This initiative is expected to bring nationwide uniformity and enhance customer convenience.
India and China to Resume Direct Flights After Five Years
Direct flight services between India and China are slated to resume from October 26, 2025, after a five-year suspension. IndiGo is expected to re-launch its Kolkata-Guangzhou route, marking a significant step towards normalizing bilateral exchanges and facilitating people-to-people contact. The decision comes after an agreement to restart air services connecting designated points in both countries, coinciding with the winter season schedule.
India Calls for Accountability on Human Rights Violations in PoK
India has strongly urged for Pakistan to be held accountable for "horrific" human rights violations against protesters in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). Amid widespread protests in the region, India highlighted reports of brutalities by Pakistani forces on innocent civilians and condemned the crackdown on those demanding basic rights and justice.
Army Chief Issues Stern Warning to Pakistan on Terrorism
India's Army Chief has delivered a stern message to Pakistan, emphasizing that it must cease supporting terrorism if it desires global recognition. The Chief also confirmed that Pakistani F-16 jets were destroyed during "Operation Sindoor," underscoring India's robust defense capabilities and its firm stance against state-sponsored terror.
Health Advisory on Cough Syrups for Infants Amid Adulteration Concerns
The Union Health Ministry has reiterated its advisory against administering cough syrups to children below two years of age. This reminder follows reports of infant deaths in two states linked to the unsafe use of such medications. While the Centre stated that tests confirmed no contaminants causing serious kidney injury, Tamil Nadu's Drugs Control Department issued a stop production order to a cough syrup manufacturer after detecting adulteration with diethylene glycol in a batch.
Other Key Developments:
- Political Appointment: Jagdish Vishwakarma, a close aide of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, has been appointed as the new Gujarat BJP president.
- Bihar Employment Scheme: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has transferred ā¹10,000 each to 25 lakh women under an employment scheme.
- Industrial Milestone: Maruti Suzuki has become the first automaker to deliver cars to Kashmir by rail.
- Aadhaar Updates: The UIDAI has increased fees for demographic, biometric, and document updates for Aadhaar.
- World Para Athletics Championships: India added four more medals to its tally, including two gold and two bronze, bringing the total to 15. Nishad Kumar secured gold in the men's high jump T47 category, and Simran Sharma won gold in the women's 100m T12 sprint. Pardeep Kumar and Preethi Pal clinched bronze in their respective events.
- Internet Shutdown: The Uttar Pradesh government ordered a 48-hour internet suspension in Bareilly to maintain law and order during Dussehra festivities.
- Judicial Inquiry: The Madras High Court has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the stampede incident that led to 41 deaths during a political campaign in Karur.
- Monument Conservation: Monument conservation efforts are now open to the private sector.
- UPSC Centenary: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is entering its 100th year of service.