Here are the top national and international news updates for October 3, covering key developments in politics, economy, diplomacy, and global events.
NATIONAL
1. RAHUL GANDHI WARNS OF “WHOLESALE ATTACK ON DEMOCRACY” IN INDIA
While in Colombia, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the biggest danger to India is an assault on democratic institutions. He contrasted India’s pluralism with China’s authoritarian model.
2. INDIA, CHINA AGREE TO RESUME DIRECT FLIGHTS FROM OCTOBER 26 AFTER FIVE-YEAR HIATUS
In a move toward diplomatic normalisation, India and China have agreed to restart direct air connectivity. IndiGo will operate non-stop flights from Kolkata to Guangzhou beginning October 26.
3. RSS CHIEF MOHAN BHAGWAT EMPHASISES “SWADESHI” TO COUNTER US TARIFF PRESSURE
At the RSS centenary Vijayadashami address, Mohan Bhagwat urged India not to let interdependence turn into helplessness, calling for indigenous production amid global trade tensions.
4. DUSSEHRA, GANDHI JAYANTI FESTIVITIES DISRUPTED AS RAIN HALTS EVENTS
Heavy downpours in Delhi forced cancellation of planned Dussehra programmes involving PM Modi and Sonia Gandhi. Many celebrations and public gatherings were postponed or modified.
5. STOCK MARKETS AND BANKS REMAIN CLOSED ON OCTOBER 2; TRADING SUSPENDED
Because Gandhi Jayanti and Dussehra coincide this year, all major stock exchanges (NSE, BSE) along with commodity markets (MCX, NCDEX) are shut. Bank branches across India are also closed.
INTERNATIONAL
1. ISRAEL ORDERS PALESTINIANS TO EVACUATE GAZA CITY UNDER THREAT OF BEING LABELED “TERRORISTS”
As military operations intensify, Israel warned that those who remain in Gaza City will be deemed terrorists. The urgent evacuation order could deepen the humanitarian crisis.
2. ISRAELI NAVY DETAINS FLOTS OF GAZA AID BOATS, INCLUDING GRETA THUNBERG
The Global Sumud Flotilla carrying activists and supplies to Gaza was intercepted; Greta Thunberg and others were taken to an Israeli port, with deportation expected.
3. US PROVIDES INTELLIGENCE TO UKRAINE TO ENABLE LONG-RANGE STRIKES ON RUSSIA
Under the Trump administration, the U.S. will assist Ukraine in deep-strike operations targeting key Russian energy infrastructure. This marks a tougher U.S. posture toward Moscow in the prolonged conflict.
4. U.S. GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN BEGINS AMID CONGRESS DEADLOCK
America’s federal government shuttered after Congress missed its funding deadline. Hundreds of thousands of federal workers face furloughs, while essential services limp on.
5. TRUMP LOBBIES FOR NOBEL PEACE PRIZE, BUT EXPERTS DOUBT CREDIBILITY
Donald Trump has publicly expressed expectations to secure the Nobel Peace Prize, but analysts in Oslo and beyond dismiss his chances given his polarising global record.
– Ends
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