1. National / India News
RBI Monetary Policy: Rate Maintained at 5.50 %
In the RBI’s policy review, the repo rate is likely to be held at 5.50 % as per consensus among economists. The central bank continues with a calibrated stance given inflation is within target and growth signals are mixed.Appointment: Shirish Chandra Murmu as Deputy Governor, RBI
The Government of India has appointed Shirish Chandra Murmu as one of the Deputy Governors of RBI for a three-year term, starting from October 9. He was earlier Executive Director at RBI.Tata Motors New CEO: Shailesh Chandra
Effective October 1, Shailesh Chandra takes over as MD & CEO and additional director at Tata Motors for a three-year term. This marks a leadership transition at the top.India Re-elected to Part II of ICAO Council
India secured re-election to Part II of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), highlighting its growing role in global civil aviation governance.First Europe-Facing Trade Pact Takes Effect
On October 1, India’s trade agreement with EFTA (European Free Trade Association – comprising Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) becomes operational. The pact offers tariff concessions, improved market access, and cooperation in services and investments.Key Administrative Transfer
Rajeev Verma, Chief Secretary of Chandigarh, has been transferred to serve as Chief Secretary of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, effective October 1.Major Regulatory Changes Effective Today
Several policy changes take effect:National Pension System (NPS): Non-government subscribers can invest 100% across equity and diversify via a single PAN.
Cheque Clearing Reform: RBI introduces continuous (rolling) cheque clearing, phasing out batch-wise settlement, to improve settlement speed.
UPI Changes: NPCI discontinues “collect request” (pull) UPI mode to tighten transaction security.
Locker Agreements: Banks must renew or re-sign locker agreements under updated RBI guidelines.
IRCTC Booking Rules: First 15 minutes of general booking are reserved for Aadhaar-verified users; agent-based bookings face stricter norms.
India Post Tariff & Services: Revised tariffs for Speed Post, OTP-based delivery, enhanced tracking, and packaging innovations.
Department of Posts Signs MoU with Indian Institute of Packaging
The partnership aims to introduce eco-friendly, lightweight, durable, and globally competitive packaging for postal services. The Institute will assist with technical standards, cost comparisons, and training modules.RSS Centenary Celebrations Begin
As part of commemoration of 100 years of RSS, the first event is conducted in Delhi, where PM Modi will attend, and a commemorative stamp and coin are released. Across India, over a lakh gatherings are planned in the centenary campaign.Weather Outlook: Heavy Rain Forecast
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts above-average rainfall (115 % of average) in October across most parts of India. Monsoonal influence lingers as southwest withdrawals delay, offering relief from the typical October heat in some states.School Holidays Announced in Some States
Due to rainfall and regional festivities, several states have declared October 1 as a school holiday. Students should check state announcements individually.
2. Economy & Business
ADB Projects India’s GDP Growth at 6.5 % (FY26 & FY27)
In its Asian Development Outlook report, the ADB forecasts India will grow at 6.5 % in both FY 2025–26 and FY 2026–27, revising down FY27 estimate from earlier expectations. Inflation is projected at 3.1 % in FY26 and 4.2 % in FY27.Banking & Finance Sector Impact
The confluence of maintained interest rates, regulatory changes (locker, cheques, UPI), and trade expansion via the EFTA pact are key signals for the financial sector. Banks will need to recalibrate their liability and asset strategies in response.Corporate Leadership Change
The leadership shift in Tata Motors may influence strategic directions, capital allocations, and product development priorities in the auto sector.Trade & Exports
The EFTA agreement is expected to boost India’s exports to Europe, especially in machinery, pharma, textiles, and service sectors, diversifying export markets beyond traditional partners.
3. International Affairs
Global Rainfall & Climate Signals
The heavy rainfall forecast within India is part of broader global climate anomalies with lingering monsoonal and tropical influences.India’s Position in Aviation Governance
Re-election to ICAO Part II reinforces India’s standing in shaping global aviation norms, safety standards, and air navigation systems.Diplomatic & Global Outreach
The “Viksit Bharat Run 2025” held in Kuala Lumpur, with Indians and Malaysians participating, underscores India’s soft diplomacy and cultural engagement globally.
4. Sports & Culture
World Para Athletics Championships 2025
India is hosting the 12th World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi from September 27 to October 5. The event features about 2,200 athletes from over 100 nations across 184 events. PM Modi inaugurated the event, marking India’s first time hosting this championship.ILT20 Auction & Gulf Expansion
The ILT20’s first-ever player auction is held on October 1 in Dubai. In a related development, ILT20 has partnered with the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation to enable hosting of men’s and women’s T20 tournaments in Saudi Arabia, expanding the cricket footprint in the Gulf region.Chris Woakes Announces Retirement
English all-rounder Chris Woakes has officially retired from international cricket. Over his career, he played 217 matches, taking 396 wickets and scoring over 3,700 runs. He was pivotal in England’s 2019 World Cup win and Ashes campaigns.Archery Premier League Launches (Upcoming)
India’s first Archery Premier League will begin on October 2, featuring six franchise teams competing in mixed and compound formats at the Yamuna Sports Complex, Delhi.Durga Puja 2025: Theme Creativity & Cultural Displays
The festival is being celebrated across major Indian cities (Sept 28 to Oct 2). Notable pandals include a 105-foot “Burj Khalifa” replica in Guwahati, an “Operation Sindoor” theme in Kolkata, a chess board concept in Bengaluru, and eco-friendly designs in Delhi. These creative themes combine spirituality, art, and social messages.
5. Static / Factoids for Exam Use
World Para Athletics Championships 2025
Host: New Delhi (Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium)
Duration: September 27 – October 5, 2025
Athletes: ~2,200
Events: 184 (men, women, mix)
First time hosted in South Asia
EFTA (European Free Trade Association)
Member countries: Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein
India’s trade pact with EFTA becomes functional on 01 Oct 2025
Key Economic Projections by ADB
India GDP: 6.5 % in FY26 & FY27
Inflation Forecast: 3.1 % in FY26, 4.2 % in FY27
Banking & Finance Updates
Repo Rate: 5.50 % (likely unchanged)
Cheque Clearing: Moving to continuous (rolling) system
UPI: Pull/collect request mode discontinued
Locker Agreements: Mandatory renewal/updates
Leadership Facts
Tata Motors CEO: Shailesh Chandra from 01 Oct 2025
RBI Deputy Governor: Shirish Chandra Murmu (term from 9 Oct)
Chief Secretary Transfer: Rajeev Verma to Delhi
Sports & Cultural Tidbits
Archery Premier League begins 02 Oct
ILT20 to host future matches in Saudi Arabia
Chris Woakes retires from international cricket
RSS begins centenary campaign across India
MoU: Department of Posts + Indian Institute of Packaging
6. Tips for Competitive Exam Aspirants (Banking, SSC, UPSC etc.)
Focus on policy changes effective 1 October (NPS, cheque clearing, UPI, locker rules) as these are high-probability questions.
Memorize key numbers: 6.5 % GDP growth, 5.50 % repo rate, 2,200 athletes in Para Athletics, etc.
Understand India’s EFTA trade pact—scope, members, and impact on exports.
Note appointments & leadership changes (RBI Deputy Governor, Tata Motors CEO, state bureaucratic transfers).
For sports & culture, remember Para Athletics in Delhi, ILT20 Gulf tie-up, and retirement of Chris Woakes.
