UNION RAKSHA MANTRI RAJNATH

Ibrahim Ali Khan shares adorable Diwali moment with brothers Taimur and Jeh. Netizens gush over the candid pic: 'Saif lite + Saif pro + Kareena pro'
Bollywood actor Ibrahim Ali Khan celebrated Diwali with his brothers Taimur and Jehangir Ali Khan, sharing a playful selfie captioned “Teeno bhai teeno tabahi #HappyDiwali.” The candid picture, featuring Ibrahim’s smile, Taimur’s shy grin, and little Jeh’s antics, delighted fans online. The post highlighted the siblings’ close bond, while Diwali festivities also included Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor, and family. Ibrahim continues to explore acting after Nadaaniyaan and Sarzameen.

When is Bhai Dooj puja? Date, time, muhurat in US, UK and Canada
Bhai Dooj, observed on the second lunar day of Kartik’s Shukla Paksha, celebrates the cherished connection between brothers and sisters. After Diwali, sisters perform a tilakritual, praying for their brothers’ well-being, while brothers offer them presents in return. In 2025, Bhai Dooj is on October 23, with precise muhurat timings changes in India, the US, UK, and Canada.

Quick delivery of gold, silver coins on the rise this Dhanteras
Quick commerce apps are experiencing a significant surge in gold and silver coin sales this Dhanteras, with ultra-fast delivery options available for smaller denominations. Platforms are also offering wider festive assortments and discounts, anticipating a strong Diwali sales period driven by last-minute purchases.

Every inch of Pakistan within BrahMos range, says Rajnath Singh
India's BrahMos missile now reaches all of Pakistan. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh flagged off the first batch from a new Lucknow facility. This missile system is a key part of India's defense. Operation Sindoor showed Pakistan the results of supporting terrorism. India has also secured export contracts for the missile.

PM Kisan 21st Instalment: Will farmers receive the next payment before Diwali?
Farmers eagerly anticipate the 21st PM Kisan installment. The government may release funds before Diwali 2025. This scheme provides financial support to small and marginal farmers. eKYC is a mandatory step for all registered beneficiaries. Farmers can check their status online. The next installment is expected in October or November.

Rajnath Singh flags off first batch of BrahMos missiles in Lucknow
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday flagged off the first batch of BrahMos missiles at the BrahMos Aerospace Production Unit in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ mission. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was present at the event.
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Light tank fires Nag anti-tank missile
India's newly developed light tank successfully fired the Nag Mk II anti-tank guided missile, achieving all performance objectives including range, maneuverability, and accuracy. This milestone, overseen by DRDO's CVRDE and manufactured by Larsen and Toubro, significantly boosts Atmanirbharta in critical defense technology.
Starbucks investors urge company to restart union talks
Starbucks shareholders have written to the company urging a return to contract talks with Starbucks Workers United. The shareholders express concern over deteriorating labor relations. Over 650 Starbucks stores in the US are now unionized. Talks began last year but have stalled. Shareholders want agreements on staffing, wages, and other issues.
Rajnath Singh inaugurates 3rd Production Line of LCA Mk1A, 2nd Production Line of HTT-40 at HAL Nashik
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the maiden flight of the LCA Mk1A aircraft at HAL's Nashik division. He also inaugurated the third production line for LCA Mk1A and the second for HTT-40 aircraft. This new facility aims to expedite the delivery of 180 LCA Mk1A jets to the Indian Air Force by 2032-33.
Nirmala Sitharaman urges banks to increase agricultural credit to meet rural India's demands
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has directed rural banks to boost agricultural credit. She emphasized focusing on new rural economic opportunities and supporting Farmer-Producer Organisations. Sitharaman also called for improved operations and technology adoption to strengthen financial health.
India's defence exports reach record Rs 25,000 Crore, target set for Rs 50,000 crore by 2029: Rajnath Singh
India’s defence exports have reached a record ₹25,000 crore, up from less than ₹1,000 crore a few years ago, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced on Friday. He said the government now aims for ₹3 lakh crore in domestic defence manufacturing and ₹50,000 crore in exports by 2029.
Haryana CM announces hike in monthly old age pension from Rs 3,000 to Rs 3,200
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced an increase in the old age pension to Rs 3,200. The government has fulfilled 46 out of 217 poll promises made for the 2024 assembly elections. Work is progressing on remaining promises. The Chief Minister also distributed development grants and plot allotment letters to beneficiaries.
Centre okays construction of additional 1.41 lakh houses under PMAY-Urban 2.0
The Union Housing Ministry has taken a remarkable step forward by approving more than 1.41 lakh new housing units under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban 2.0. With this move, the total number of sanctioned homes surpasses 10 lakh, thanks to the action of the Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee.
HAL's LCA Mark 1A produced at Nasik assembly line set to fly for the first time on Friday
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited announced the first LCA Mark 1A fighter jet, produced in Nagpur, is set to fly on Friday. This marks a significant step following the government's approval of 97 additional jets, bringing the total to 180. These advanced aircraft, with over 65% indigenous components, will replace the aging MiG-21s.
Chhattisgarh adjudged 'best performing state' under Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
Chhattisgarh has been recognized as the top-performing state for the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. The state achieved this by ensuring outstanding performance, transparency, and zero pending claims. This national award highlights Chhattisgarh's commitment to efficient and accountable public health services. Recent reforms have significantly reduced fraudulent claims and improved claim processing times.
School assembly news headlines for 17 October 2025: Key national, international, and sports headlines for students
School Assembly Headlines for 17 October 2025: Gujarat's cabinet is expanding today. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised India's self-reliance in defence. A Madhya Pradesh hospital faces scrutiny over medicine. Home Minister Amit Shah warned of zero tolerance for criminals abroad. India will host an aircraft accident investigators meet. Ahmedabad is recommended for the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Pakistan defeated South Africa in cricket.
Operation Sindoor finest example of self-reliance in defence sector: Rajnath Singh
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said Operation Sindoor reflects India’s growing self-reliance in defence, as most equipment used by the armed forces was indigenously made. Speaking at Symbiosis Skills & Professional University in Pune, he said India has overcome decades of dependence on foreign weapons through reforms and determination.
Indian Air Force successfully tests DRDO's Military Combat Parachute System at 32,000 feet altitude
The Indian Air Force has successfully tested a new combat parachute system. Developed in India, this system allows jumps from high altitudes. It offers advanced features for paratroopers. The successful test marks a significant step for India's defense self-reliance. This development ensures better utility and reduced maintenance compared to imported equipment.
Defence Minister approves 100% increase in financial assistance for ex-servicemen & their dependents
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved a significant 100 percent increase in financial aid for ex-Servicemen and their families. This move doubles the penury grant and education grant, and triples the marriage grant. These enhanced benefits will support aged, non-pensioner ex-Servicemen, widows, and their children. The revised rates are effective from November 1, reinforcing the government's commitment to veterans.
Some nations openly violating global norms: Rajnath Singh
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that some nations are openly violating international rules, while others aim to establish their own norms for global dominance. India advocates for reforming outdated international structures and strongly upholds the existing rules-based order, emphasizing the need for reformed multilateralism to address contemporary challenges.
EPFO liberalises partial withdrawal norms; move to benefit 70 million PF subscribers
At the 238th meeting of the Central Board of Trustees (CBT) of EPFO, chaired by the labour and employment minister Mansukh Mandaviya, on Monday, the board also gave its go ahead to the ‘Vishwas Scheme’ to reduce litigation through rationalised penal damages, a comprehensive member-centric digital transformation framework, EPFO 3.0, to modernize provident fund services, EPFO’s tie-up with the India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) to provide doorstep Digital Life Certificate (DLC) services and appointment of four fund managers to manage the debt portfolio of EPFO.
BJP to balance caste equation, gender in Bihar polls candidate list
The BJP's Central Election Committee met to finalize tickets for its first list of candidates, agreeing to contest 101 out of 243 seats in Bihar. The party plans to retain most sitting MLAs, citing a lack of anti-incumbency, and will prioritize winnability with a focus on caste and social equations, potentially including more women candidates.
BJP CEC meeting underway in Delhi to finalise Bihar poll strategy
The National Democratic Alliance has announced its seat distribution for the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections. BJP and JD(U) will contest 101 seats each. LJP (Ram Vilas) gets 29 seats, with RLM and HAM allocated six seats each. This agreement aims to form an NDA government in Bihar once again. Polling is scheduled for November 6 and November 11.
PM Modi launches Rs 35,440-crore two farm schemes, inaugurates projects worth Rs 5,450 cr
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched two significant agriculture schemes. A pulses mission aims to boost production and reduce imports. Another scheme targets 100 low-performing agri-districts for transformation. These initiatives, with a total outlay of over Rs 35,000 crore, will be implemented from the upcoming rabi season until 2030-31. Several related projects were also inaugurated.
India-Australia sign key defence agreements
India and Australia inked key defence agreements during Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's visit, marking a significant step in strengthening operational partnerships. The newly signed pacts aim to deepen trust and strategic alignment, fostering enhanced engagement between the two nations' armed forces. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Who is Avtar Singh Shahi, the new BSF IG in Delhi who rose from Assistant Commandant
Avtar Singh Shahi has been appointed as the new Inspector General (IG) of the Border Security Force (BSF) Frontier Headquarters in Delhi. A decorated officer with over three decades of service, Shahi has previously served as IG of Special Ops BSF in Odisha and received the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service in 2025.
PM Modi and Mamata Banerjee clash over the attack on BJP's Khagen Murmu, Shankar Ghosh
A political storm erupted in West Bengal after BJP MP Khagen Murmu and MLA Shankar Ghosh were attacked while visiting flood-affected areas. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the incident, blaming the Trinamool Congress for insensitivity and poor law and order. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee retorted, accusing the PM of politicizing a natural disaster without investigation.
'Pakistan is a toxic jelly state': Former MoS for MEA MJ Akbar
Former Minister MJ Akbar described Pakistan as a "jelly state," attributing its instability to abandoning its Indus Valley and Ganga Jamuna cultural heritage in favor of an artificial society. He also commented on the Gaza peace plan, emphasizing the need for Hamas disarmament and Israeli acceptance of a Palestinian state before declaring success.
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