Kolkata’s Durga Puja pandals, famous for their creativity, are ready to welcome devotees. The festival celebrates Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura, with idols of Durga, her children, and her tiger displayed in elaborate structures. UNESCO recognised Kolkata’s Durga Puja as intangible cultural heritage in 2021 for its unique artistry. Past pandals included a Titanic-themed setup and one made of over 8,000 live plants. This year, themes range from tributes to painter Raja Ravi Varma to futuristic visions, the hidden costs of agriculture, and the resilience of acid attack survivors. Visitors can expect art, culture, and innovation in every pandal. (PC: Instagram/@_thejuggernaut)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens and businesses to support Made in India products to strengthen local manufacturing and create jobs. In an open letter, he said the new GST reforms, starting September 22, will boost savings and benefit farmers, women, youth, traders, and MSMEs. Daily essentials will mostly fall under 5% tax, while other goods are simplified into two main slabs. Modi called for promoting Swadeshi products, saying buying locally made items supports artisans and families. He also asked shopkeepers to sell Indian products and encouraged state governments to improve the investment climate, aiming for a Viksit Bharat by 2047. (PC: The Week)

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that a fresh autopsy of singer Zubeen Garg will be held at Gauhati Medical College on Tuesday. A team from AIIMS Guwahati will join the process. Zubeen, 52, died in Singapore last week after suffering a seizure while swimming. His death certificate listed drowning as the cause, but questions remain, prompting another autopsy. Preparations are also underway in Kamarkuchi NC village for his funeral and a memorial on 10 bighas of land. Thousands of fans paid tribute in Guwahati, while his wife Garima thanked people for their love and support. (PC: News18)

The Supreme Court on Monday said it may be time to decriminalise defamation in India. Justice MM Sundresh made the remark while hearing a plea against a criminal defamation case filed by a JNU professor against The Wire. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for The Wire, agreed with the court’s view. Defamation is still a criminal offence under Section 356 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which replaced Section 499 of the Indian Penal Code. In 2016, the Supreme Court had upheld criminal defamation, saying reputation was part of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution. (PC: India Today)

77-year-old army veteran Lt. Col. Sohan Roy (Retd) from Pune has defied age stereotypes by conquering Umling La, the world's highest motorable road, on his Royal Enfield Classic 500. The remarkable achievement challenges conventional notions that motorcycling is exclusively for young thrill-seekers. Roy's extraordinary journey demonstrates that determination and passion can overcome physical limitations typically associated with advancing age. His successful scaling of this treacherous high-altitude route serves as an inspiring example for seniors worldwide, proving that adventure and exploration remain possible regardless of chronological age. The veteran's accomplishment highlights the enduring spirit of military personnel and showcases how life experiences, rather than youth, can fuel extraordinary adventures and personal triumphs.

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)