Top Headlines
- Government issues gazette notification to honor defense personnel with gallantry awards for their bravery in operations like Operation Thunder.
- Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss Delhi’s development initiatives, Clean Yamuna Campaign, and preparations for the upcoming Chhath Puja.
- Civil Aviation Ministry reports facilitating over 1.56 crore passengers through 3.23 lakh flights in nine years under the UDAN scheme.
- Nepal’s interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki holds a meeting with major political party representatives to prepare for upcoming general elections.
- India’s Lakshya Sen’s challenge ends at the French Open Super 750 badminton tournament.
Detailed News
Gallantry Awards for Defense Personnel
The government has issued a gazette notification to award gallantry medals and certificates of appreciation to defense personnel for their exceptional courage in operations, including Operation Thunder. The citations in the gazette highlight personnel from the Air Force and Army.
President Draupadi Murmu has approved 127 gallantry awards and 40 distinguished service awards for personnel of the armed forces and central armed police forces.
Delhi Chief Minister’s Meeting with Prime Minister
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to extend greetings and discuss key initiatives. She briefed him on Delhi’s development projects, the Clean Yamuna Campaign, and preparations for the upcoming Chhath Puja. Gupta highlighted the Delhi government’s efforts to rejuvenate the Yamuna River by enhancing sewage treatment capacity, adopting modern wastewater processing, and strictly monitoring industrial waste. She also mentioned the development of green belts along the riverbanks and measures to prevent sewage inflow.
For the Chhath Puja, celebrated from October 25 to 28, Gupta assured that arrangements are in place to ensure devotees can perform rituals along the Yamuna in a clean and organized manner. Special ghats are being constructed with facilities like lighting, drinking water, sanitation, medical aid, and security. Authorities are monitoring ghat cleanliness and water quality to ensure devotee convenience.
Gupta also updated the Prime Minister on welfare schemes and infrastructure projects, including new flyovers, underpasses, improved public transport, upgraded schools, and expanded healthcare facilities. She emphasized the Delhi government’s commitment to building a developed, modern, clean, and citizen-friendly capital.
Civil Aviation Achievements
The Civil Aviation Ministry announced that the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, launched on October 21, 2016, has facilitated over 1.56 crore passengers through 3.23 lakh flights in nine years. The scheme, part of the National Civil Aviation Policy, has connected 93 underutilized or unserved airports, including 15 heliports and two water aerodromes, through 649 routes. Speaking at an event in New Delhi marking the scheme’s ninth anniversary, Civil Aviation Secretary Sameer Kumar Sinha described UDAN as a transformative initiative making air travel affordable and accessible. The government plans to continue the scheme beyond April 2027, focusing on connectivity to hilly, northeastern, and aspirational regions, with 120 new destinations planned.
The ministry has disbursed over ₹4,300 crore to airlines and regional infrastructure operators and invested ₹4,638 crore in airport development. The government has also introduced comprehensive maritime aviation guidelines and launched UDAN 5.5 for seaplane and helicopter operations, issuing letters of intent for 150 routes connecting 30 water aerodromes in coastal and island regions.
Nepal’s Election Preparations
Nepal’s interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki held a meeting with representatives of major political parties to discuss preparations and security for the upcoming general elections. The meeting, held at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar, saw participation from key political leaders. Karki urged all parties to cooperate for free and fair elections and assured that the interim government is working within legal frameworks. She also addressed concerns related to the Generation Z movement, emphasizing the government’s commitment to lawful processes.
GST Reforms and Footwear Industry
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the GST Savings Festival on September 22, aimed at benefiting all sections of society. A report highlights the impact of GST reforms in strengthening the footwear and apparel sectors.
Gujarati New Year Celebrations
The Gujarati community worldwide is celebrating the New Year, known as “Bestu Varas,” following the first day of the Kartik month in the Vikram Samvat calendar. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel extended their greetings to the public.
Govardhan Puja
Govardhan Puja is being celebrated across various parts of India with devotion and enthusiasm, particularly in Uttar Pradesh. Large numbers of Lord Krishna’s devotees are gathering, especially in Mathura and Vrindavan, to participate in the festivities.
French Open Badminton
India’s Lakshya Sen was defeated in the French Open Super 750 badminton tournament by Ireland’s Nhat Nguyen with a score of 21-7, 21-16. Despite defeating Nguyen the previous week at the Denmark Open, Sen struggled with unforced errors and a poor start, failing to mount a comeback.
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Read the latest news update for October 22, 2025, covering gallantry awards, Delhi’s development initiatives, UDAN scheme achievements, Nepal’s election preparations, and more.