India

Jio Payments Bank has launched 'Savings Pro', allowing account holders to earn up to 6.5 per cent interest on idle funds. Surplus balances above Rs 5,000 will be invested in overnight mutual funds, offering flexible redemption, transparency, and a fully digital process via the JioFinance app

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath praised GST 2.0 reforms in Gorakhpur, calling them a catalyst for growth. He said reduced rates will benefit farmers, students, and consumers, boosting markets and festive celebrations.

Two Naxalites were killed in an encounter with security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district on Monday. Security personnel seized an AK-47, explosives, and Maoist literature. With this action, 249 Naxalites have been killed in the state so far this year

International Booker Prize-winning author Banu Mushtaq inaugurated the Mysuru Dasara, describing it as a symbol of Karnataka’s collective culture. Calling Goddess Chamundeshwari a symbol of women’s power, she urged people to embrace harmony, respect democracy and uphold cultural unity amid controversy

Union Minister Chirag Paswan hailed GST 2.0 as fulfilling a long-standing public demand, while accusing Congress of political inconsistency. The BJP projects the reform as people-first; opposition calls it short-term populism.

India’s next-generation GST, “GST Bachat Utsav,” was implemented, cutting taxes on over 370 items, including essentials, medicines, appliances, and toiletries. Luxury and sin goods face higher levies. The reform aims to boost consumer disposable income and inject Rs 2 lakh crore into the economy.

A Naxalite was killed in a gunbattle with security forces in Narayanpur, Chhattisgarh, on Monday morning. The encounter took place in Abhujmaad forest, adjoining Maharashtra, as forces conducted a search operation based on intelligence about Naxalite presence.

Malayalam actor Unni Mukundan has been summoned by the Kakkanad Magistrate Court in an assault case filed by his former manager. The case follows allegations of physical and verbal abuse, with the actor scheduled to appear on October 27.

Delhi’s Luv-Kush Ramleela committee released a video of Poonam Pandey addressing criticism over her casting as Mandodari. She pledged to fast for nine days during Navratri, while the VHP raised concerns about her controversial public image affecting devotees’ sentiments.

Andhra Pradesh Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan welcomed the rollout of GST 2.0, calling it an auspicious day for the Indian economy. Leaders highlighted the reforms’ benefits for farmers, MSMEs, local manufacturing, consumers, and the aviation sector, boosting India’s growth trajectory.

Navratri festivities began with grandeur across India as devotees thronged temples to worship Goddess Durga. From Vaishno Devi in Jammu to Jhandewalan in Delhi and Naina Devi in Himachal, lakhs offered prayers on the first day dedicated to Goddess Shailputri.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on his first visit to Morocco, praised the Indian community’s contributions. His trip includes inaugurating Tata’s defence plant, holding talks, and signing a defence cooperation MoU with Moroccan leaders.

EAM S Jaishankar meets US Secretary of State Marco Rubio today in New York amid trade tensions and concerns over Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee hike. White House clarified it applies only to new petitions.

Daily Horoscope: Your stars are bringing good tidings for you. Check out your astrological predictions for September 22, 2025. May the day bring you happiness

Kashmir’s autumn transforms the Valley into golden landscapes, with paddy harvests, Chinar trees turning crimson, Cicada songs, and apple orchards. Farmers, herders, and locals embrace the season’s beauty while preparing for harsh winter.

EAM S. Jaishankar will meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in New York today amid tensions over tariffs, Russian oil imports, and the Trump administration’s USD 100,000 H-1B visa fee for new petitions. Trade talks are also underway.

Nasscom said Indian IT firms are investing over $1 billion in US skilling and hiring, reducing reliance on H-1B visas. New $100,000 fee applies only to fresh petitions from 2026.

The Greater Chennai Corporation will redevelop Mylapore’s Nageswara Rao Park under the Namakku Naame scheme with Rs 12.22 crore, adding modern amenities while preserving its cultural role. Completion is targeted by February 2026.

CM M K Stalin will launch the Chennai Ondru app today, integrating buses, metro, suburban trains, taxis, and autos with a single QR-based ticket system, while approving a 25-year transport plan.

PM Modi will inaugurate the redeveloped 524-year-old Tripura Sundari temple in Udaipur today. Revamped under the PRASHAD scheme, the Shakti Peetha holds historic and cultural significance for Tripura and eastern India.

USCIS has confirmed that a one-time USD 100,000 fee applies to all new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. The fee, part of Trump’s visa reforms, excludes renewals and current holders while prioritising high-skilled, high-paid workers.

Kartik Aaryan celebrated the launch of GST 2.0 with his sister Kritika, sharing gelatos on Instagram. The PM hailed the reforms as a “GST Savings Festival,” while Kartik also revealed updates on his upcoming romantic drama with Ananya Panday.

PM Modi will lay foundation stones for Rs 5,127 crore projects in Arunachal today, including hydropower, highways, and border village development, before addressing a rally in Itanagar and heading to Tripura.

The Supreme Court will hear bail pleas of Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, and others in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case today, after the Delhi High Court earlier denied them bail.