Lt. Col. Sohan Roy (Retd), a 77-year-old army veteran from Pune, scaled Umling La — the world’s highest motorable pass — riding his Royal Enfield Classic 500. His journey began on August 20, 2025 from Pune to Leh, and concluded October 30 after ten days of riding through rugged terrain, rain, landslides and low connectivity zones. En route, he traveled through Jammu, Srinagar, Drass, Kargil, Leh, Nyoma, Hanle and paused at Kargil War Memorial & Badgam Memorial to pay respects. A former sportsman, boxer and marathoner, Roy has set records earlier, including being the oldest rider to reach Khardung La. 

On September 22, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched infrastructure projects exceeding ₹5,000 crore in Arunachal Pradesh. The initiatives include two hydropower projects—Tato-I (186 MW) and Heo (240 MW)—with a combined annual generation capacity of 1,803 million units. Additionally, a state-of-the-art convention center in Tawang was virtually inaugurated. These projects aim to enhance regional connectivity, promote economic growth, and improve the quality of life for residents. The Prime Minister's visit underscores the government's commitment to developing the northeastern region and fostering sustainable development. (PC: PTI)  

The Indian Navy is set to issue a mega tender worth about ₹80,000 crore for four large Landing Platform Dock (LPD) amphibious warships. The contract aims to boost India’s amphibious and expeditionary warfare capabilities, including long-range anti-ship missiles, air defence, fixed-wing naval drone operations, and the ability to act as command-and-control centres for shore operations. Indian firms like L&T, Mazagon Dock, Cochin Shipyard, and Hindustan Shipbuilders are likely to lead construction, with foreign design partners such as Navantia, Naval Group, and Fincantieri contributing design expertise. Expected to be one of the largest surface warship contracts in India’s history, the proposal will be discussed soon at a high-level Defence Ministry meeting.   

India rolled out a major GST reform on September 22, 2025, simplifying tax slabs and reducing prices of everyday goods. The new system consolidates rates into 5% and 18%, with 40% for luxury and sin goods. Essentials like paneer, bread, and UHT milk are now tax-free, while butter, ghee, cheese, soaps, shampoos, and toothpaste shift to 5% from higher brackets. Electronics, appliances, and vehicles also see reductions, making them more affordable. The reform, timed with Navratri, aims to curb inflation, boost savings, and drive consumption, marking a landmark shift in India’s tax structure.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the launch of GST 2.0, calling it a “Bachat Utsav” or festival of savings. Starting September 22, the new Goods and Services Tax system will feature two rates, 5% and 18%, simplifying the structure. Nearly 99% of items earlier taxed at 12% will now move to the 5% slab, while most goods from the 28% slab will fall under 18%. Modi said the reforms will reduce household expenses and increase savings. Luxury and sin goods will still face a 40% cess. The government says this step strengthens “one nation, one tax.” (PC: India Today)

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday said India must chart its own path to face global challenges, including tensions with the US over trade and H-1B visa rules. Speaking at a book launch in Delhi, he warned, “We can’t proceed blindly.” Bhagwat argued that the world has long followed a fragmented system based on self-interest, but India should rely on its “sanatana” philosophy, which leaves no one behind. Without naming US leaders, he recalled past talks where American interests dominated. He urged India to act quickly, fix “unfavourable currents,” and prepare for global shifts. (PC: HT)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the launch of GST Bachat Utsav starting day one of Navratri, coinciding with the rollout of GST 2.0 reforms. He stated that the reforms will benefit a broad cross-section including the poor, middle class, women, youth, and traders by increasing savings and simplifying access to goods. GST 2.0 reduces tax slabs from multiple rates to just 5% and 18% for most items—except luxury and sin goods. Daily essentials, new cars, and medical insurance premiums are expected to become cheaper. Combined with prior income tax exemptions, these reforms are projected to save Indians around ₹2.5 lakh crore collectively. (PC: NDTV)  

From Monday, September 22, prices of many daily items will fall after the new GST reforms. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called it a “GST bachat utsav”. Most goods will now attract 5% or 18% tax instead of the earlier four slabs. Essential items like medicines, ghee, butter, milk, ice cream, soap, toothpaste, and small electronics will be cheaper. Amul has already cut prices of over 700 products, including butter, paneer, cheese, ice cream, chocolates, and bakery items. Mother Dairy announced similar cuts. The move aims to boost consumption and make everyday products more affordable for citizens. (PC: HT)

Assam singer Zubeen Garg’s death has paralyzed Guwahati. Thousands lined the 25-km route from the airport to his home in Kahilipara on Sunday. Shops, restaurants, and services closed as people paid tribute. Garg, who drowned in Singapore after a seizure, was draped in an Assamese gamosa and placed in a glass casket for a final farewell. Fans showered flowers, lit incense, and sang his songs. Zubeen Garg sang over 38,000 songs in 40 languages and became a cultural icon of Assam. The state government is considering setting up a memorial in his honour to mark his lasting legacy.

An exceptional photograph of a black tiger from Similipal National Park in Odisha has been chosen as the cover image for National Geographic’s October 2025 edition. Taken by Indian wildlife photographer and National Geographic Explorer Prasenjeet Yadav, the image captures one of the world’s rare pseudo-melanistic tigers—a genetic mutation causing unusually dark stripes. Similipal is unique in hosting about 30 tigers, nearly half of which are reported to have this rare colouring. Yadav spent over three months tracking the elusive cat, describing the process as “intense and humbling.” He also praised the Odisha Forest Department for its conservation work in protecting these rare creatures.