Bihar Assembly Elections Scheduled for November
The Election Commission of India has announced the schedule for the Bihar Assembly elections, which will be conducted in two phases. The first phase will see 121 constituencies go to polls on November 6, followed by 122 constituencies in the second phase on November 11. The counting of votes is slated for November 14. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar stated that over 7.4 crore people are eligible to vote, including 14 lakh first-time voters, and assured a transparent and peaceful election process.
India Advances Major Trade Agreements
India is set to significantly boost its international trade ties. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced that India and Qatar will soon finalize the framework for Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, with a goal to conclude the pact by mid or third quarter of 2026. This initiative aims to double bilateral trade from the current $14 billion to $30 billion by 2030. Separately, the historic Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) between India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) bloc (comprising Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein) officially came into force on October 1, 2025. This pact includes a substantial $100 billion investment commitment and is expected to create one million direct jobs.
Judicial Developments: Sonam Wangchuk's Detention and V-C Appointments
The Supreme Court of India is actively hearing a habeas corpus petition filed by Dr. Gitanjali Angmo, wife of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, challenging his preventive detention under the National Security Act (NSA). The Centre has been orally asked to consider sharing the grounds of his detention. In another significant ruling, the Supreme Court cleared the appointment of Vice-Chancellors to eight State universities in West Bengal, following recommendations from an independent search-cum-selection committee. Additionally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai after an incident where an object was hurled at the latter in the Supreme Court, condemning the act and appreciating the CJI's composure.
PM Modi to Inaugurate India Mobile Congress 2025
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate Asia's premier telecom and tech event, the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025, in New Delhi tomorrow, October 8. The four-day event, themed "Innovate to Transform," will take place at Yashobhoomi Convention Centre and aims to promote self-reliance in telecommunications and digital technology. Key focus areas include the 6G ecosystem, cybersecurity, satellite communication, artificial intelligence, and IoT. Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya M. Scindia reviewed the preparations, anticipating over 1.5 lakh visitors and 7,000 global delegates.
Public Health and Social Announcements
India has initiated criminal action against certain cough-syrup manufacturers following the deaths of 10 children, highlighting a serious regulatory push in public health. Furthermore, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh have declared October 7, 2025, a public holiday to commemorate Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti, honoring the revered sage and author of the Ramayana.