Top Maoist Commander with ₹1 Crore Bounty Killed in Jharkhand
Security forces in Jharkhand's Hazaribag district killed three senior Maoists in a gunfight, including Central Committee member Sahdev Soren, who carried a bounty of ₹1 crore. The encounter took place in the Pantitri forest early Monday morning. The other two slain commanders were Raghunath Hembram and Birsen Ganjhu, carrying rewards of ₹25 lakh and ₹10 lakh, respectively. This operation is being hailed as a major success in India's anti-Maoist efforts, neutralizing a key figure in the banned CPI (Maoist) organization.
US and China Reach Deal to Avert TikTok Ban
The United States and China have reached a framework agreement that will allow the social media app TikTok to continue its operations in the U.S., averting a threatened nationwide ban. The deal was announced by President Donald Trump following two days of high-level trade discussions in Madrid. While the commercial terms were not disclosed, the agreement marks a significant de-escalation in the tech and trade conflict between the two countries, resolving a contentious issue ahead of a looming divestment deadline.
Supreme Court Declines to Stay Controversial Waqf Amendment Act
The Supreme Court has refused to grant a complete stay on the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, which has faced multiple legal challenges. A bench headed by the Chief Justice observed that laws passed by the legislature carry a presumption of constitutionality, and a stay can only be granted in the 'rarest of rare cases.' The court did, however, stay specific provisions, including one limiting the number of non-Muslim members on waqf boards, allowing the broader law to remain in effect.
SEBI Greenlights IPOs for Six Firms, Including Hero Motors and Pine Labs
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has approved Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) for six companies, signaling continued buoyancy in the primary market. The approved firms include Hero Motors, Canara Robeco Asset Management, and fintech major Pine Labs. Together, these companies are expected to raise at least ₹9,000 crore. The funds will be utilized for business expansion, debt repayment, and to provide exit opportunities for existing investors, reflecting strong corporate confidence and investor appetite.
Pakistan Demands Referee's Removal After India's Handshake Snub at Asia Cup
Political tensions have erupted at the Asia Cup after Indian cricketers refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts following India's victory. Citing a recent terror attack, the Indian team's gesture prompted a strong official protest from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The PCB has formally complained to the ICC, alleging a violation of the spirit of cricket and demanding the immediate removal of match referee Andy Pycroft from the tournament, escalating the diplomatic fallout from the on-field incident.
Aftermath of US Activist Charlie Kirk's Assassination Sparks Political Fallout
Investigations continue into the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah, with a 22-year-old suspect arrested. The assassination has triggered intense debate over political civility, leading to firings and suspensions for individuals making inflammatory online comments. Authorities are probing the suspect's motive, noting ammunition engraved with anti-fascist messages. Kirk's organization, Turning Point USA, is planning a memorial, while his widow has vowed to continue his work, highlighting the deep political divisions in the US.
Government Simplifies GST, Merges Slabs to Boost Economy
The Union government has announced major reforms to the Goods and Services Tax (GST), simplifying the structure into two main slabs of 5% and 18%. According to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the move will significantly reduce the tax burden on citizens and is expected to lower prices of essential goods. The reform, effective September 22, aims to spur consumption and boost economic activity ahead of the festive season. Items previously taxed at 12% have largely been moved to the 5% bracket.
US Commerce Secretary Warns India Over High Tariffs, Threatens Action
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has issued a stern warning to India, criticizing its high tariffs and lack of market access for American goods, particularly agricultural products like corn. Lutnick stated that the trade relationship is "one way" and asserted that New Delhi must lower its tariffs or face a "tough time" doing business with the U.S. The comments signal escalating trade tensions between the two nations, with the Trump administration threatening reciprocal tariffs to address what it calls an unfair dynamic.
Defence Ministry Revises Procurement Rules to Boost Domestic Industry
The Ministry of Defence has approved a new Defence Procurement Manual aimed at bolstering self-reliance ('aatmanirbharta') in the sector. The revised rules will expedite the procurement of ammunition, spares, and other supplies for the armed forces, with a budget of ₹1,00,000 crore. Key changes include removing the need for a 'no objection certificate' from defence PSUs for open bidding, allowing private firms to compete for contracts previously dominated by public sector companies, and providing technical support to new domestic manufacturers.
India's First Bamboo-Based Bioethanol Plant Inaugurated in Assam
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the country's first bioethanol plant using bamboo as feedstock in Golaghat, Assam. The ₹5,000-crore "zero-waste" facility is a joint venture between Numaligarh Refinery Limited and Finnish firms. It aims to promote clean energy, reduce fossil fuel dependency, and boost the rural economy by sourcing five lakh tonnes of green bamboo annually from local farmers. The project is a major step towards India's goal of achieving energy self-sufficiency and promoting green technology.
Far-Right Anti-Immigration Rally in London Turns Violent, 26 Police Injured
A large "Unite the Kingdom" rally in London, organized by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, descended into violence, resulting in 26 police officers injured and 25 arrests. Clashes erupted when protesters tried to breach police cordons separating them from counter-demonstrators. The anti-immigration event, one of the largest of its kind in the UK, featured a video address by Elon Musk urging attendees to "fight back or you die," drawing criticism from UK political leaders for inciting violence.
Think Tank Warns of 'Major Vulnerability' from Reliance on US Tech
Indian think tank Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) has warned that the country's deep reliance on US software, cloud services, and social media platforms poses a significant economic and security risk. The GTRI report states that in times of geopolitical tension, Washington could disrupt critical systems in banking, governance, and defence by cutting off access. It recommends launching a "Digital Swaraj Mission" to develop sovereign cloud infrastructure, indigenous operating systems, and homegrown cybersecurity to mitigate this vulnerability.
Senior Finance Ministry Official Killed in Delhi Road Crash
A Deputy Secretary in the Union Finance Ministry, Navjot Singh, was killed and his wife critically injured after their motorcycle was hit by a BMW in southwest Delhi. The incident occurred near the Dhaula Kuan Metro station on Sunday. Eyewitnesses reported the car, driven by a woman, lost control before striking the couple's vehicle. The car's occupants were also injured. Police have registered a case and are investigating the circumstances of the fatal crash, which has drawn attention in the national capital.
Magnitude 5.8 Earthquake Strikes India's Northeast Region
A moderate earthquake of magnitude 5.8 struck India's Northeast region on Sunday afternoon, with its epicentre in Assam's Udalguri district. The tremors were felt across Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and parts of West Bengal, causing panic and leading people to rush out of their homes. The quake, which had a shallow depth of 5 km, has not resulted in any immediate reports of major damage or casualties. The region is located in a high seismic zone and frequently experiences earthquakes.
Terence Crawford Defeats Canelo Alvarez in Historic Boxing Victory
Terence Crawford made boxing history by defeating Canelo Alvarez via unanimous decision to become the first male fighter to capture unified titles in three different weight divisions. The highly anticipated super middleweight championship bout, held at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, drew a record crowd of over 70,000. Crawford, who moved up two weight classes for the fight, cemented his legacy as one of the sport's all-time greats with a masterful performance against the Mexican superstar.