India Urges Saudi Arabia to Consider Mutual Interests After Pakistan Defense Pact
On Friday, September 19, 2025, India expressed its expectation that Saudi Arabia would consider ‘mutual interests and sensitivities’ following Riyadh’s recent strategic defense agreement with Pakistan. This pact reportedly stipulates that ‘any aggression against either of the two countries shall be considered as an aggression against both.’ Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, highlighted the deepening strategic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia over recent years, emphasizing the importance of respecting shared interests and sensitivities.
Supreme Court Cites Preamble, Dismisses Plea Against Banu Mushtaq’s Role in Mysuru Dasara
In a significant ruling on Friday, September 19, 2025, the Supreme Court rebuffed a petition challenging the invitation extended to Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate the historic Mysuru Dasara festivities at the Chamundeshwari temple. The petitioner, H.S. Gaurav from Bengaluru, had objected to her participation based on her religious identity. A Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta underscored the foundational principles of the Indian Constitution, asking the petitioner if he had read the Preamble, which upholds secularism, liberty of thought and faith, equality, and fraternity as crucial for national unity.
Tragedy Strikes: Assam’s Beloved Singer Zubeen Garg Passes Away in Singapore After Scuba Diving Incident
Assam’s much-loved singer, Zubeen Garg, a youth icon, tragically passed away in Singapore on Friday, September 19, 2025, following a scuba diving incident. He was 52 years old and is survived by his wife. According to festival organizers in the Southeast Asian nation, Garg sustained injuries during the dive and was rushed to a hospital, where he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries in the intensive care unit. He had traveled to Singapore to perform at the three-day North East Festival, which was slated to commence on Friday.
Significant Relief for Rural Consumers: Over 75% of Monthly Spending to See Zero or 5% GST Under New Regime
A new Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate structure, set to take effect on September 22, will bring substantial relief to rural Indian consumers. An analysis by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) reveals that over 75% of monthly expenditures in rural areas will be subject to either a nil or a 5% GST rate. For urban consumers, this figure stands at 66%. The report, commissioned by the FICCI Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy (CASCADE) and prepared by Thought Arbitrage Research Institute (TARI), highlights this as a notable improvement compared to the existing GST framework.
EU Proposes New Sanctions Against Russia, Targeting Crypto, Banks, and Fossil Fuels
On Friday, September 19, 2025, the European Commission announced a new package of sanctions against Russia, pending approval by member states. This move is aimed at intensifying pressure on Moscow amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen had previously indicated that this latest round of sanctions would focus on cryptocurrencies and banks, alongside efforts to accelerate the reduction of Russian fossil fuel imports.
Telangana Family Seeks MEA Assistance After Son Reportedly Shot Dead by U.S. Police
The family of a 29-year-old man from Mahbubnagar district in Telangana is appealing to the Ministry of External Affairs for help in repatriating his remains. They reported on Thursday, September 18, 2025, that their son was allegedly shot dead by police in Santa Clara, California, following an altercation with his roommate.
Priyank Kharge Accuses ECI and Karnataka CEO of Misleading Public on Aland Voter Fraud Investigation
Karnataka Minister and Congress leader Priyank Kharge, alongside Aland MLA B.R. Patil, has accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Karnataka, of attempting to ‘mislead the people’ regarding the ongoing investigation into alleged voter fraud in Aland from 2023. These allegations were made following a press conference held by Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, on September 18.