National Policy and Governance Updates
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, addressing the 'Bastar Dussehra Lokotsav' and 'Swadeshi Mela' in Chhattisgarh, firmly stated that there would be no talks with Maoists. He urged them to accept the government's "lucrative surrender and rehabilitation policy," setting a clear deadline of March 31, 2026, to eradicate the Maoist menace.
The Indian government has introduced 10 new rules effective October 4, 2025, which will significantly impact citizens. Key changes include the revision of the income tax filing deadline to December 31, 2025, from the previous October 31. Additionally, it has become mandatory to link PAN with Aadhaar, with non-compliance potentially leading to penalties or invalidation of PAN for tax purposes. Digital procedures for vehicle registration and transfer have also been implemented, allowing online applications for registration, permits, and renewals. Furthermore, the Reserve Bank of India has revised banking norms, requiring banks to credit interest on savings accounts quarterly and increasing deposit insurance coverage for greater security of small depositors.
In Bihar, political parties, both ruling and opposition, reached a consensus with the Election Commission of India (ECI) to conduct the upcoming Assembly election in a maximum of one or two phases. Meanwhile, the state experienced significant infrastructure challenges due to heavy rainfall, with the emergency ward of Model Sadar Hospital in Gopalganj being flooded, leaving patients in knee-deep water and critical medical equipment submerged.
The Indian Army Chief issued a stern message to Pakistan, emphasizing that it must cease supporting terrorism to gain recognition in the global community.
Sports Highlights
In a significant development for Indian cricket, Shubman Gill has been named India's One-Day International (ODI) captain, taking over from Rohit Sharma. He will lead the team in the upcoming three-match series in Australia, beginning on October 19.
Kochi is currently hosting the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) Women's Blind Football World Cup 2025, which commenced on October 5. India is participating as the host nation in this week-long championship.
International Relations
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is scheduled to visit India on October 8-9 for official talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Environmental and Other News
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a cyclone 'Shakti' warning for several districts in Maharashtra, forecasting heavy rains until October 7.
Veteran journalist and columnist T.J.S. George passed away at the age of 97.
The Centre has reiterated its advisory that cough syrups should not be administered to children below two years of age.
Several competitive examinations are being held across the country. The IBPS Clerk Prelims 2025 examinations are underway on October 4, 5, and 11, with the provisional answer key expected by October 18 and results in early November. Other exams like SIDBI Grade A and Odisha Police SI Recruitment also had dates around October 4-5.