India-US Trade Deal: EAM Jaishankar Emphasizes 'Red Lines'
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that any trade deal between India and the United States must respect New Delhi's "red lines," as efforts continue to find a "landing ground" amidst ongoing strains in bilateral ties over Washington's tariff policies. Speaking at the Kautilya Economic Conclave, Jaishankar acknowledged existing issues between the two nations, many of which are linked to the inability to finalize the proposed trade deal. He underscored that while an understanding on trade is necessary given the US is the world's largest market, India's core interests must be upheld.
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal Begins Qatar Visit for Trade Talks
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, arrived in Doha, Qatar, for a two-day meeting of the Qatar-India Joint Commission on Trade and Commerce, commencing October 6, 2025. Co-chaired with Qatar's Minister of Commerce and Industry, the visit aims to strengthen trade and investment relations between the two nations. Discussions are expected to cover a proposed India–Qatar Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and review bilateral trade performance, with bilateral trade projected to exceed USD 14 billion.
NIELIT Digital University Platform Launched to Boost Digital Education
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw officially launched the National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT) Digital University (NDU) Platform in New Delhi. This initiative seeks to democratize access to quality digital education, offering courses in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Data Science, and Semiconductors. As part of the launch, five new NIELIT Centres were virtually inaugurated in Muzaffarpur, Balasore, Tirupati, Daman, and Lunglei, further expanding India's digital skilling ecosystem.
India Re-elected to ICAO Council
India has been re-elected to Part II of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council for the 2025–2028 term. This re-election, secured with more votes than in 2022 during the 42nd ICAO Assembly Session in Montreal, Canada, reflects global confidence in India's leadership and commitment to international civil air navigation.
Mandatory Acoustic Alert System for Electric Vehicles by October 2027
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has proposed making the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) mandatory for all electric cars, buses, and trucks from October 1, 2027. This measure aims to enhance road safety by ensuring that electric vehicles, which are often silent, emit an artificial sound to alert pedestrians and other road users. All new electric passenger and goods vehicle models manufactured after October 2026 will be required to be equipped with AVAS, complying with AIS-173 audibility requirements.
Heavy Rains Trigger Deadly Landslides in Darjeeling
In West Bengal, at least 14 to 18 people were killed, and several others injured, due to massive landslides triggered by incessant heavy rainfall across the Mirik and Darjeeling hills. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is scheduled to visit North Bengal on October 6 to assess the situation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and stated that authorities are closely monitoring the situation.