News Headlines for CAT, CLAT and IPM aspirant

Source: The Hindu  Indian Express and others

At least 18 killed as heavy rain triggers massive landslides in Darjeeling; CM Mamata to visit on October 6

At least 18 people, including several children, died and several others injured as incessant heavy rainfall triggered multiple landslides across the Mirik and Darjeeling hills in the northern part of West Bengal on Sunday (October 4, 2025). Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced compensation for the victims without specifying the amount or the number of deaths. She also said she would visit north Bengal on October 6 to assess the situation.

Sonam Wangchuk demands independent judicial inquiry into civilian deaths in Leh: lawyer

Detained engineer-turned-activist Sonam Wangchuk has appealed for an independent judicial inquiry into the killing of four civilians in the September 24 protests, according to a letter released from the Jodhpur jail on Sunday (October 5, 2025). “My heartfelt condolences to the families of those people who lost their lives and my prayers with people who are injured and are arrested. There should be an independent judicial Inquiry into the killing of our four people and, unless that is done, I am prepared to stay in jail,” Mr. Wangchuk said, in the purported letter from the jail.

Election Commission of India introduces 17 new initiatives for Bihar polls: CEC

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has introduced 17 new initiatives for the upcoming Bihar Assembly polls, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said at a press conference regarding the Bihar Assembly elections on Sunday (October 5, 2025). This came after the ECI’s two-day visit to Bihar where they met with various stakeholders. Among the initiatives, Mr. Kumar said the ECI has worked towards ensuring reduced crowds and shorter queues at the polling booths, for the convenience of voters, and not more than 1,200 voters at a polling station.

India-U.S. trade deal has to respect New Delhi’s ‘red lines’; efforts underway to address issues: Jaishankar

Any trade deal between India and the U.S. has to respect New Delhi’s “red lines” and efforts are underway to find a “landing ground”, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Sunday (October 5, 2025) amid strain in ties between the two countries over Washington’s policy on tariff.

India, EU to begin next round of talks for trade pact from October 6 in Brussels

Senior officials of India and the 27-nation European Union (EU) will commence the next round of talks for a proposed free trade agreement on Monday (October 6, 2025) in Brussels to iron out differences on issues for early conclusion of the negotiations, an official said. This will be the 14th round of negotiations between the two sides.

Financial assets worth ₹1.84 lakh crore lying unclaimed with banks, regulators: Nirmala Sitharaman

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday (October 4, 2025) said financial assets worth ₹1.84 lakh crore were lying unclaimed with banks and regulators, and officials need to ensure these reach the rightful owners. She urged officials to work on three As — Awareness, Access and Action — to ensure these unclaimed assets reach rightful owners during the three-month-long campaign.

6-hour curfew imposed in parts of Odisha’s Cuttack after attack on Durga Puja rally; internet blackout in effect for a day

Amid tensions, the Odisha Government imposed a 36-hour curfew in 13 police station areas in Odisha’s Cuttack following sporadic clashes between two communities and the police. A 24-hour internet shutdown came into effect on Sunday (October 5, 2025) evening. As many as 25 police personnel have received injuries in incidences of violence since Friday (October 3) night.

Women’s ODI World Cup IND vs PAK: India uninspiring in big win over Pakistan

With all the political clanking surrounding this fixture, one could cut the tension in the air during the Women’s ODI World Cup league fixture between India and Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium here on Sunday with a knife. While fans and commentators waited with bated breath — albeit in vain — for the slightest microaggression from either side, India’s laboured 88-run win had other red flags. On expected lines, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur did not shake hands with her Pakistan counterpart Fatima Sana during the toss for the Women’s World Cup match in Colombo on Sunday , maintaining the trend set by the men’s team in Asia Cup.

OPEC+ to raise oil production by 137,000 barrels a day in November

Saudi Arabia, Russia and six other members of OPEC+ on Sunday (October 5, 2025) decided to raise their production quotas by 137,000 barrels per day in November, as they continue to push for greater market share.

Almost 1,000 trapped on Tibetan side of Mount Everest by blizzard

Rescue efforts were underway on Sunday (October 5, 2025) to clear access to campsites on Tibet’s eastern slope of Mount Everest, where nearly 1,000 people have been trapped by a blizzard that has blocked roads, according to Chinese state media reports.

Supreme Court to hear plea raising question if military discipline overwhelms religious freedom in Armed Forces

The Supreme Court is on Monday (October 5, 2025) scheduled to examine the question of whether the right to religious freedom is subservient to military discipline and unit cohesion while hearing a petition filed by a Christian Army officer who was issued an order of termination from service for refusing to enter the sanctum sanctorum of the regiment’s temple to perform pooja.

India is ‘first responder’ to Nepal, assures PM Modi as flood hits Nepal

India is committed to assist Nepal as it has been a “first responder” whenever the country has faced a natural calamity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday (October 5, 2025), as heavy rains caused widespread destruction and loss of lives in the Himalayan nation. The disaster has added to the strain on Nepal, which is under an interim government formed after last month’s Gen-Z protest that overthrew the government of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli.

Cough syrup contamination: Health Ministry directs strict compliance with revised Schedule M norms

The Union Health Ministry has sought strict compliance from all drug manufacturers, in line with the revised Schedule M norms for pharmaceutical products in India. Licences of non-compliant units would be cancelled, the Ministry has warned.

Israeli bombing must stop for Gaza hostage release: U.S. Secretary of State Rubio

Israel needs to stop bombing Gaza for an eventual hostage release by Palestinian militant group Hamas to take place, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Sunday.

RAT gets deployed on Air India’s Birmingham-bound plane; aircraft lands safely

The operating crew of Air India’s Amritsar-Birmingham flight reported that the Boeing 787’s Ram Air Turbine (RAT) unexpectedly deployed during the final approach on October 4, but the aircraft landed safely, the airline said on Sunday (October 5, 2025). RAT deploys automatically in the eventuality of a dual engine failure or total electronic or hydraulic failure. It uses wind speed to generate emergency power.

Israel strikes Gaza as Palestinians pin hopes on Trump’s Gaza plan

Israeli planes and tanks pounded areas across the Gaza Strip overnight and on Sunday (October 5, 2025), destroying several residential buildings, witnesses said, as Palestinians desperately awaited implementation of a U.S. President’s 20-point Gaza peace plan to end the war.