1. President’s Visit to Kerala
Four-Day State Visit Begins
President Droupadi Murmu commenced her four-day visit to Kerala today. She is scheduled to visit the Sabarimala temple tomorrow. Security measures have been strengthened across the state in light of her visit.
Visit Details
Upon arrival in Thiruvananthapuram this evening, President Murmu will be welcomed at Raj Bhavan by Chief Minister Arif Mohammed Khan. On Friday, she will attend the centenary celebrations of Sree Narayana Guru’s Samadhi at Sivagiri as the chief guest. She will also participate in programs at St. Thomas College in Pala and St. Teresa’s College in Ernakulam before returning to Delhi.
Traffic Restrictions
In connection with the President’s visit, restrictions have been imposed in Sabarimala today and tomorrow. Only 12,500 devotees are permitted for darshan today, with virtual queue bookings mandatory for tomorrow. Traffic restrictions are in place in Thiruvananthapuram city from 2 PM today until 8 PM, and tomorrow from 6 AM to 8 PM, with additional restrictions in other areas from 6 AM to 12:30 PM. Vehicle parking is prohibited on major and minor roads.
2. Police Commemoration Day
PM and Leaders Honor Police Sacrifice
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that the dedication and sacrifice of the police force ensure the safety of the nation and its people. On the 66th Police Commemoration Day, observed to honor the ten policemen martyred in a Chinese attack at Hot Springs, Ladakh, in 1959, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan, PM Modi, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid tributes. Shah highlighted the police’s exemplary courage in safeguarding citizens’ rights and combating crime and threats. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stressed the importance of mutual understanding between the police and the public for effective security, speaking at the National Police Memorial in New Delhi.
3. Indian Railways to Ease Festive Rush
Additional Special Trains
Indian Railways will operate over 8,000 special trains to manage the festive season rush. Between October 1 and 19, approximately 4,000 special trains served over one crore passengers. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw praised the railway staff’s efficiency in handling the demand.
4. Bihar Assembly Elections
Scrutiny of Nominations
The scrutiny of nomination papers for the second phase of Bihar Assembly elections begins today. The deadline for withdrawing nominations for the first phase ended yesterday. A total of 1,314 candidates are contesting across 121 constituencies, with polling for the first phase scheduled for November 6.
5. Weather Update
Heavy Rainfall in Kerala and Tamil Nadu
Kerala will experience heavy rainfall, with an orange alert issued for five districts—Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, and Malappuram—today, and a yellow alert for all other districts. A fishing ban is in place along the Kerala, Karnataka, and Lakshadweep coasts until October 24. Tomorrow, Idukki, Palakkad, and Malappuram are under a red alert. In Tamil Nadu, heavy rainfall is expected for the next four days, with an orange alert for Thoothukudi, Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Chennai, Thiruvallur, and Kancheepuram until Friday.
6. ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup
South Africa vs. Pakistan
In the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, South Africa will face Pakistan today at 3 PM at the Premadasa International Stadium in Colombo.
7. Japan’s First Female Prime Minister
Sanae Takaichi’s Historic Appointment
Sanae Takaichi, leader of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party, will become the country’s first female Prime Minister today. Her party has formed a new coalition with Komeito. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Takaichi and expressed his intent to strengthen India-Japan cooperation through social media.
8. Man Ki Baat
PM’s Monthly Radio Address
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s monthly radio program, Man Ki Baat, will air on October 26. Suggestions and feedback for the program can be submitted until October 24.
9. Kerala School Sports Meet
State-Level Event Begins
The 67th Kerala State School Sports Meet, modeled on the Olympics, will commence today in Thiruvananthapuram. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the event at the University Stadium this evening, with the meet concluding on October 28.
10. GST Reduction for Automobiles
Boost for the Auto Sector
The central government has reduced GST rates to strengthen the automobile sector. Cars with engines below 1800cc now attract a 5% GST, while those above 1800cc, buses, commercial goods vehicles, and vans are taxed at 18%.
11. Mumbai Fire Tragedy
Four Lives Lost
A fire in a flat in Navi Mumbai’s Vashi area claimed the lives of four individuals, including three Malayalis: Subhash Balakrishnan, his wife Pooja Rajesh, and their six-year-old daughter Vedika Subhash Balakrishnan. The fire, which occurred early this morning at Sector 14’s Rehaj Residency, is preliminarily attributed to a short circuit in an AC compressor.
12. Veteran Actor Asrani Passes Away
Bollywood Mourns
Veteran Hindi film actor Govardhan Asrani passed away in Mumbai at the age of 84. Known for iconic roles in films like Chupke Chupke, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, and Bodyguard, Asrani’s contributions to cinema were lauded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who expressed deep sorrow and described him as an influential artist across generations.
13. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Commemoration
Azad Hind Fauj Foundation Day
Union Home Minister Amit Shah paid tribute to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and the soldiers of the Indian National Army on the foundation day of Azad Hind Fauj. Shah noted that Netaji’s leadership instilled confidence in India’s fight for independence through military strength and strategic inspiration.
14. RBI on Economic Growth
Positive Outlook
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) stated that the Indian economy is progressing despite favorable conditions, with strong growth expected. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra emphasized that monetary policy adjustments will support growth while controlling inflation, with robust growth in manufacturing and services sectors.