1. Banking & Financial Reforms
From 4 October 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduces a real-time cheque clearing mechanism. Cheques will now be cleared within hours (10:00 AM to 4:00 PM) via continuous settlement, replacing the batch-based system which used to take 1–2 business days.
Banks will need to confirm cheque authenticity by 7:00 PM during Phase 1 (until 2 January 2026). In Phase 2 (from 3 January 2026 onward), this window shrinks further to 3 hours.
This move is expected to improve liquidity, speed of fund transfers, and reduce transaction delays in the banking system.
Note: 04 October 2025 is also a bank holiday in many parts of India due to Durga Puja / Dasain celebrations, so branch operations may vary regionally.
In October 2025, banks have 21 scheduled holidays across various states, linked to festivals like Dussehra, Diwali, Chhath, etc.
2. National Developments & Policy Updates
CBSE-AIIMS Virtual Mental Health Series launches on 4 October and runs until 10 October. It is designed for principals, teachers, counselors, students, and parents in CBSE schools to raise awareness and build resilience in mental well-being.
Aravalli Summit 2025 (JNU, Delhi) will be held on 6–7 October under the theme “India and the World Order: Preparing for 2047”. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will inaugurate it.
All-girls dance troupe “Tumar” from Kazakhstan is set to perform in Patna as part of an international dance & music festival on 4 October, strengthening cultural diplomacy.
Shani Pradosh Vrat / Shani Trayodashi is observed today (4 October) — considered spiritually significant in Hindu calendar, especially given Shani’s influence (Sade Sati, Dhaiya) in astrology.
Hindu festival calendar 2025: 4 October marks Shani Trayodashi and Padmanabha Dwadashi. Upcoming festivals in October include Dhanteras (18 Oct), Diwali (21 Oct), Bhaiya Dooj, Chhath etc.
School Holidays in October 2025: Many schools remain closed during major festivals (Gandhi Jayanti, Dussehra, Diwali) — state-wise lists are in circulation.
3. International & Diplomatic Affairs
The UN Security Council has temporarily lifted the travel ban on Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, enabling a possible visit to India between 9–16 October. If realized, this will be the first high-level Taliban visit since 2021.
India–China have agreed to resume direct flights by late October 2025 after a 5-year suspension. The first route expected: Kolkata to Guangzhou from 26 October.
Relations between India and China are gradually normalizing, with civil aviation authorities working on a revised Air Services Agreement.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly backed India against external pressure, asserting that India “will not surrender” to coercion—significant in the geopolitical discourse of trade, sovereignty, and strategic ties.
4. International & National Sports / Events
India at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships (New Delhi, Sept 27 – Oct 5) is performing well. India sent 73 athletes. As of 4 October:
• India stands 4th overall in medal tally
• Gold: 6, Silver: 5, Bronze: 4
• Notable performances: Shailesh Kumar (Gold in High Jump T63), Deepthi Jeevanji (Silver in Women’s 400m T20)2025 BWF World Junior Championships is scheduled for 13–19 October at Guwahati, Assam. The Suhandinata Cup (team event) will run 6–11 October.
On 4 October, horse racing meets are organized in Chennai (Races at 1:20 PM, 2:00 PM, etc.).
In India’s 2025 home cricket season, the West Indies tour began in early October, followed by South Africa later.
Upcoming: India will host South Africa in multiple formats across various venues.
5. Economy, Markets & Industry
Power Grid Corporation of India stocks rose ~3.15% on 3 October, outperforming peers on strong trading volume.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged GST (Goods & Services Tax) cuts before Diwali 2025. A committee is evaluating merging slabs and lowering rates on certain products as part of next-gen GST reforms.
Above-average monsoon / rainfall forecast: India is expected to receive ~115% of long-term average rainfall in October, affecting agriculture, water management, and flood preparedness.
Banks and corporates will need to watch regional bank holiday calendars, especially for states observing Durga Puja / Dasain closures.
6. Important Dates & Facts to Remember
04.10.2025 — Key reforms (cheque clearing), bank holidays, cultural & religious observances.
Phase 1 vs Phase 2 deadline windows for cheque confirmation (7 PM then 3 hours)
Travel ban removal on Taliban Foreign Minister, possible India visit
Direct India–China flights resume from late October
Para Athletics performance — India doing well in global field
GST reform commitment ahead of Diwali
Tips for Exam Aspirants
Link reforms to syllabus: The cheque clearance reform ties into RBI, banking sector regulation, and payments systems (RBI / NPCI).
Frame current events for MCQs: Be ready to ask “Which day will cheque clearing hours begin?”, “Which festival falls on 4 October 2025?”, “Which foreign dignitary’s travel ban was lifted?”
Focus on numbers & dates: Rainfall forecast %, start date of new systems, trade / diplomatic visits.
Interlink topics: Connect diplomacy (Taliban, China flights) with security and foreign policy sections in your general studies.
Regular revision: Use bullet lists like above to summarize daily updates; maintain a notebook or flashcards.
