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October 20, 2025 9:00 PM
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টেলিগ্রাম গ্রুপে যোগদান করুন – এখানে ক্লিক করুন
***THE HEADLINES***
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, India now produces most of its defence equipments domestically; highlights defence production tripled in the past decade, reaching 1.5 lakh crore rupees.
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In Bihar Assembly elections, 1,314 candidates remain in contest for 121 seats of the first phase of polling after last date of withdrawal.
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Festival of lights Diwali being celebrated across the country and abroad; President, Vice President and Prime Minister extend greetings on the occasion.
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US President Donald Trump says, ceasefire between Hamas and Israel is holding, even as Tel Aviv continues its deadly strikes.
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In ICC Women’s cricket World Cup, Sri Lanka set a target of 203 runs for Bangladesh to win the match.
==NEWS IN DETAILS==
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that India’s defence production has tripled in the past decade, reaching 1.5 lakh crore rupees, with over 40 indigenously built warships and submarines delivered since 2014. He said, India now produces most of its defence equipment domestically, with a new warship or submarine added to the Navy every 40 days on average. Keeping up his annual tradition of celebrating Diwali with the Indian armed forces, Mr. Modi celebrated the festival of lights with the Navy personnel onboard INS Vikrant off the coast of Goa and Karwar today.
Mr Modi said that the extraordinary coordination among the three defence services together compelled Pakistan to surrender during Operation Sindoor. Mr Modi said that INS Vikrant is a towering symbol of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Made in India.
The Prime Minister also lauded the valour and determination of security forces and said it was due to that, the nation has achieved a significant milestone by eliminating Maoist terrorism.
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In Bihar, after the end of the deadline for withdrawal of nominations for the first phase of the Assembly elections, a total of 1,314 candidates remain in the fray for 121 assembly constituencies. In this phase, 61 candidates withdrew their nominations. A total of 1,690 candidates had filed nomination papers across 18 districts, out of which 1,375 were found valid. Polling for the first phase will be held on the 6th of next month. A report from our correspondent.
“After the deadline for withdrawal of nominations for the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections, the Kurhani and Muzaffarpur assembly constituencies in Muzaffarpur district have the highest number of candidates – 20 each – in the fray. Meanwhile, the lowest number of candidates – five each – are contesting from Bhore in Gopalganj district and from the Alauli and Parbatta constituencies in Khagaria district. The Patna district, which has the highest number of assembly constituencies – 14 – in the state, now has a total of 149 candidates in the fray. Dharmendra Kumar Rai, Akashvani News, Patna.”
Meanwhile, the nomination filing deadline has ended for the second and final phase of the Assembly elections, which covers 122 constituencies in 20 districts. The scrutiny of nomination papers will take place tomorrow, and candidates can withdraw their nominations by 23rd October.
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In Ladakh, crucial talks between the Centre and Ladakh representatives, which were called off nearly three weeks ago, are set to resume on Wednesday. The Leh Apex Body leader Chering Dorjee Lakrook told a press conference in Leh today that the Centre has informed the date for resumption of talks.
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Festival of lights Diwali is being celebrated across the country and abroad today with traditional fervour and gaiety. The festival, which marks the victory of good over evil, is celebrated by lighting up houses, temples and other public places. People also worship the Goddess of wealth Lakshmi on the occasion.
The Border Security Force (BSF) personnel deployed at Punjab border with Pakistan are celebrating the festival of lights with much fervor and gaiety. Vigilant as ever, they are keeping a sharp eye on the border as well. BSF, Punjab Frontier Chief, Inspector General, Dr Atul Fulzele was in Gurdaspur sector, last evening, to celebrate with the troops. Cultural events are being organized in various sectors in which senior officers are participating.
Diwali is being celebrated with much enthusiasm in Madhya Pradesh.
“People were seen purchasing lamps, firecrackers, and other essential items. Taking advantage of the reduction in GST rates, people made purchases of vehicles and electrical goods. In the capital Bhopal, ‘Ghee Laddu’ and ‘Kesar Barfi’ are in high demand at sweet shops. Special security and traffic arrangements have been made in all major cities of the state. Rashid Ahmed Khan, Akashvani News, Bhopal”
Deepavali is being celebrated in West Bengal. More from our correspondent:
“The festival of light Deepavali is being celebrated with hope and positivity in West Bengal. Houses, shops and buildings are being decorated with diyas and lights. Kali Puja is also being performed in West Bengal today. Kalyan Laha Akashvani News Kolkata.”
President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C P Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have extended their greetings to the nation on the occasion of Diwali.
On the occasion of Diwali, Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. In a social media post, the President noted that they exchanged Diwali greetings.
In a heartwarming display of cultural appreciation, diplomatic missions across New Delhi joined in the Diwali celebrations today, extending festive greetings to the people of India. Embassies from Austria, Brazil, Finland, Israel, Switzerland, and the European Union marked the occasion with joy and color.
Leaders from Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore shared greetings, recognizing Diwali’s significance in promoting peace and togetherness across cultures.
In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Keir Starmer marked the occasion by recalling his recent visit to India, where he lit a diya in Mumbai as a symbol of devotion and renewed bonds.
In Nepal, Laxmi Puja is being performed this evening by worshipping Laxmi, the goddess of wealth, affluence, and prosperity, with devotion.
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Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw today visited the War Room at the Railway Board in New Delhi. During the visit, he took stock of the passengers movement during the festive season. Mr Vaishnaw encouraged the staff morale for working 24 hours and extended his wishes to them on the occasion of Diwali.
During the ongoing festive season, Indian Railways has made extensive arrangements to handle the rise in passenger demand. To ensure smooth travel during Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath, the Railways is operating over 12 thousand special trains.
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Veteran Hindi film actor Shri Govardhan Asrani, fondly known as Asrani, passed away today at the age of 84 after a prolonged illness. The actors nephew, Ashok Asrani, said Asrani breathed his last at around 4 PM. Best known for his role as the jailer in Sholay, he also starred in hits like Chupke Chupke,Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Dhamaal and Bunty Aur Babli 2.
Originally from Jaipur, Rajasthan, Asrani was educated at St. Xavier’s School in his hometown before embarking on a remarkable journey in Indian cinema.With a career spanning over five decades, Asrani’s contribution to Hindi cinema-especially in the genre of comedy-was both prolific and profound.
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The GST Bachat Utsav, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and launched on the 22nd of last month, is benefiting people across all sections of society. Today, our correspondent brings a report, highlighting the impact of GST reforms in strengthening the country’s electronics sector.
“The next-generation GST reforms have given a strong boost to India’s electronics sector by significantly reducing tax rates. This step has made technology more affordable for citizens while encouraging domestic manufacturing. Under the new reforms, GST on monitors and projectors has been reduced from 28 percent to 18 percent. This move is strengthening the digital economy, promoting innovation, and supporting the start-up ecosystem. Similarly, products like air-conditioners, dishwashers, and televisions now attract only 18 percent GST instead of the earlier 28 percent. This reduction is driving domestic demand and improving affordability for households. Talking Exclusively to Akashvani News, a sales executive at an electronics showroom in New Delhi, William Joseph said that the electronic market has seen a noticeable improvement in sales following the GST reforms.
The reforms in this sector are ensuring that advanced and sustainable electronic technologies reach citizens at more affordable prices. With Samarth, Saklen Akhtar for Akashvani News, Delhi.”
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Bringing festive cheer to Dalal Street, both the National Stock Exchange and the Bombay Stock Exchange will hold the special Diwali Muhurat Trading session tomorrow.
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US President Donald Trump says the ceasefire between the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas and Israel is holding, even as Israel continues its deadly strikes. His comments came as Israel launched a new wave of air strikes across the Gaza Strip today, killing at least 15 civilians, including a journalist, after an explosion killed two Israeli soldiers near Rafah.
Meanwhile, Mr Trump’s advisor Jared Kushner and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Israel today. They are expected to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while U.S. Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to join talks tomorrow.
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In the ICC Women’s ODI Cricket World Cup, Bangladesh Women were 115 for 3 in 33 overs against Sri Lanka at Cup at Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Mumbai, when reports last came in.
Electing to bat first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka scored 202 for 9 in 48.4 overs.
Both the teams have two points each and will be looking to keep their semi-final hopes alive with a win. The winner will join England, Australia and South Africa in the semi finals.
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India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange colour warning for heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu for the next four days. The IMD also estimated very heavy rainfall conditions over Puducherry and Karaikal for the next 2 days. According to the IMD, isolated places over Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Mahe, Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar Islands are expected to experience heavy rainfall tomorrow.
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In China, the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) started its fourth plenary session in Beijing today. President Mr Xi Jinping, who is also the General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, delivered a work report on behalf of the Political Bureau.He called on the Party leadership to draft proposals for the formulation of the 15th Five-Year Plan from 2026 to 2030 for national economic and social development.
THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN :-
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, India now produces most of its defence equipments domestically; highlights defence production tripled in the past decade, reaching 1.5 lakh crore rupees.
-
In Bihar Assembly elections, 1,314 candidates remain in contest for 121 seats of the first phase of polling after last date of withdrawal.
-
Festival of lights Diwali being celebrated across the country and abroad; President, Vice President and Prime Minister extend greetings on the occasion.
-
US President Donald Trump says, ceasefire between Hamas and Israel is holding, even as Tel Aviv continues its deadly strikes.
-
In ICC Women’s cricket World Cup, Sri Lanka set a target of 203 runs for Bangladesh to win the match.
