UPSC to Release Provisional Answer Keys After Prelims in Major Policy Shift
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has informed the Supreme Court of its decision to publish provisional answer keys immediately after the Civil Services preliminary examination. This marks a significant departure from its long-standing practice of releasing keys only after the final results are declared. The move, aimed at increasing transparency, will allow candidates to raise objections supported by authoritative sources before the prelims results are finalized, addressing a key grievance of millions of aspirants.
Curfew Imposed and Internet Suspended in Cuttack After Communal Violence
Authorities in Cuttack, Odisha, imposed a 36-hour curfew and suspended internet services following communal violence that erupted during Durga Puja immersion processions. Clashes broke out after locals objected to loud music, leading to stone-pelting. Tensions escalated when a subsequent VHP rally turned violent, injuring 25 people, including eight police officers. Over 2,500 security personnel have been deployed to maintain order, and the VHP has called for a 12-hour city-wide bandh in protest.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to Visit India for Talks on Trade and Strategy
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will undertake a two-day visit to India from October 8-9, his first since taking office. He is scheduled to hold wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mumbai on October 9. Discussions will focus on advancing the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and exploring opportunities presented by the recently signed Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which aims to significantly boost bilateral trade and investment between the two nations.
India's 'Red Lines' Must Be Respected in US Trade Deal, Says EAM Jaishankar
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that any trade deal with the United States must respect India's "red lines." Acknowledging ongoing issues and strains over US tariff policies, he noted that the inability to finalize a trade agreement has led to levies on India. He specifically mentioned tariffs related to India sourcing energy from Russia as "very unfair." Jaishankar emphasized that while an understanding with the world's largest market is necessary, India's non-negotiable bottom lines must be honored.
Israel Signals Hope for Hostage Release Deal as Talks with Hamas Set to Resume
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed hope of announcing the release of all hostages from Gaza "in the coming days" as indirect talks with Hamas are set to resume in Egypt. The negotiations, based on a new US-led proposal to end the war, aim to finalize technical details for the release of the remaining 48 hostages in exchange for a halt in Israel's offensive, the release of Palestinian prisoners, and a withdrawal of Israeli forces from parts of Gaza.
Pilots' Body Urges DGCA to Probe All Boeing 787 Electrical Systems
The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) has urged the DGCA to conduct a thorough investigation into the electrical systems of all Boeing 787 aircraft in India. The call comes after an Air India 787's emergency Ram Air Turbine (RAT) automatically deployed during its approach to Birmingham. The FIP highlighted this as another potential indicator of systemic issues, connecting it to the fatal crash of Air India flight AI 171 in June, where engine, electrical, or software malfunctions are being examined.
Shubman Gill Replaces Rohit Sharma as India's ODI Captain
In a major leadership change, the BCCI has appointed opening batsman Shubman Gill as the new captain of India's One-Day International team, replacing Rohit Sharma. The decision was announced with the squad for the upcoming tour of Australia, signalling a long-term strategy focused on the 2027 World Cup. While removed from the captaincy, Sharma, along with Virat Kohli, has been named in the 15-member squad. Shreyas Iyer has been appointed as the new vice-captain of the ODI side.
Indian Navy Commissions Indigenously Built Anti-Submarine Warship 'Androth'
The Indian Navy commissioned INS Androth, the second in a series of Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), at a ceremony in Visakhapatnam. Built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, the vessel is designed for anti-submarine operations in coastal waters. The warship boasts over 80% indigenous content, marking a significant milestone in India's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' initiative to achieve self-reliance in defence manufacturing and enhance its coastal defence capabilities.
Indian Dental Student from Hyderabad Shot Dead in Texas
Chandrashekar Pole, an Indian student from Hyderabad pursuing higher studies in the US, was shot and killed while working part-time at a gas station in Denton, Texas. Pole had completed his Bachelor of Dental Surgery in India before moving to the US. The incident has caused shock and grief in his home state of Telangana, with political leaders urging the Indian government to coordinate with US authorities and facilitate the repatriation of his remains to his family.
Supreme Court Issues Notice to Centre Over Sonam Wangchuk's Detention
The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the central government on a plea filed by the wife of activist Sonam Wangchuk, challenging his detention under the National Security Act. Wangchuk was arrested in Leh on September 26 following protests demanding statehood and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh, during which four people were killed in police firing. Wangchuk has stated from jail that he is prepared to remain incarcerated until an independent judicial inquiry is ordered into the deaths.
UIDAI Waives Fees for Mandatory Aadhaar Biometric Updates for Children
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has waived all charges for the mandatory biometric updates of children aged seven to 15. This move, effective for one year starting October 1, 2025, is expected to benefit approximately six crore minors. Children are required to update their biometrics (fingerprints and iris scan) upon reaching ages five and 15. The waiver now makes these essential updates free for all children between the ages of five and 17, easing the financial burden on families.
Bareilly Authorities Demolish Property of Man Accused in Recent Violence
In the aftermath of recent clashes in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, the district administration demolished a banquet hall owned by a man arrested in connection with the violence. Officials stated the demolition targeted illegal constructions. The unrest began after protests against FIRs over "I Love Muhammad" posters escalated into clashes with police. Meanwhile, a delegation of Samajwadi Party leaders was barred from visiting the tense city, with authorities citing concerns that their presence could worsen the atmosphere.
UK Government to Grant Police Greater Powers to Restrict Protests
The UK government is set to give police greater authority to restrict protests, allowing them to consider the "cumulative impact" of repeated demonstrations when imposing limits. The move follows a series of large-scale pro-Palestinian marches and a recent deadly synagogue attack in Manchester. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated the initiative is intended to address the "considerable fear" felt by communities, particularly the Jewish community, due to the nature and frequency of recent protests across the country.
BRO Constructs World's Highest Motorable Road in Ladakh at 19,400 Feet
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has set a new world record by constructing the highest motorable road, passing over the 19,400-foot Mig La pass in eastern Ladakh. The newly built Likaru-Mig La-Fukche road surpasses the BRO's own previous record at Umling La (19,024 ft). This engineering feat holds immense strategic importance as it provides a vital third axis to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and is also expected to boost adventure tourism in the region.
States Ban Cough Syrups After 11 Child Deaths
Following the deaths of 11 children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan linked to contaminated cough syrups, state governments have taken swift action. Rajasthan suspended its drug controller and halted distribution of all medicines from Jaipur-based Kaysons Pharma. Tamil Nadu has banned the sale of 'Coldrif' syrup. The Union Health Ministry has also issued an advisory against prescribing cough and cold medications to children under two. Investigations are underway to determine the cause, with diethylene glycol contamination suspected.