๐ฎ๐ณ India’s Top 10 News — 07 October 2025 (English)
1. Heavy rains, floods and landslides in Darjeeling and surrounding areas — death toll rises
Torrential monsoon-season and post-monsoon rains triggered floods, landslides and bridge collapses in parts of West Bengal’s Darjeeling district and nearby areas. Rescue teams evacuated stranded tourists and residents; local authorities reported multiple fatalities and extensive damage to roads and bridges. Relief camps were set up while the state asked people to avoid travel until waters recede. The disaster underlines growing climate vulnerability in hilly regions during unseasonal heavy rainfall. Source: Reuters. [oai_citation:0‡Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/heavy-rains-trigger-floods-landslides-killing-18-indias-darjeeling-2025-10-06/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
2. Election commission announces Bihar assembly poll schedule — two phases on Nov 6 & 11
The Election Commission of India announced dates for the Bihar assembly elections: voting will take place in two phases on November 6 and November 11, with counting scheduled for November 14. The EC has put the Model Code of Conduct into effect and rolled out measures — including voter information slips and extra polling arrangements — to keep polls secure and efficient. Parties and alliances have accelerated seat-sharing talks after the timetable was revealed. Sources: Navbharat Times / NDTV / Election Commission press release. [oai_citation:1‡Navbharat Times](https://navbharattimes.indiatimes.com/state/bihar/patna/bihar-election-2025-voting-will-be-held-in-two-phases-voting-on-november-6-and-11/articleshow/124337658.cms?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
3. Rupee under pressure; markets watch RBI interventions
The Indian rupee remained under stress against the dollar as foreign portfolio outflows and higher import demand weighed on the currency. Traders reported central bank-led dollar sales to limit sharp falls; market participants said upcoming macro data and the heavy IPO pipeline could shape flows in the coming weeks. Equity markets and bond yields reacted to currency and global risk moves. Source: Reuters / market reports. [oai_citation:2‡Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/world/india/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
4. Gold climbs to fresh records as investors seek safe havens
Global gold prices jumped to fresh highs on safe-haven buying and expectations around global monetary easing, pushing local domestic prices and import bills higher at a sensitive festival season. Analysts noted gold demand remains strong in India, and rising bullion prices could widen the trade deficit if imports surge. Source: Reuters (coverage on commodity markets). [oai_citation:3‡Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/world/india/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
5. Cyclone Shakti weakens but coastal alerts continue
Cyclone “Shakti”, which formed over the Arabian Sea, has shown signs of weakening and is forecast to degrade into a depression while remaining over the sea, but the IMD kept coastal warnings active for rough seas and localized heavy rain in parts of Gujarat and Maharashtra. Fishermen were advised to stay away from deep sea and ports prepared contingency measures. Sources: Hindustan Times / LiveMint / IMD updates. [oai_citation:4‡Hindustan Times](https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/cyclone-shakhti-weakens-to-turn-into-depression-over-sea-by-tuesday-imd-101759712830540.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
6. SEBI clarifies it has no current plans to regulate family offices
Following media speculation, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) issued a clarification that it is not currently planning to bring family offices under a formal regulatory framework. The statement sought to calm markets and family-office investors after reports suggested possible disclosure or oversight rules. Analysts say the issue could return to discussion as family offices grow in size and influence. Sources: Reuters / LiveMint / Economic Times. [oai_citation:5‡VCCircle](https://www.vccircle.com/sebisays-no-plans-to-regulate-family-offices-at-present?amp=1&utm_source=chatgpt.com)
7. India considers a nationwide climate-linked (parametric) insurance scheme
The government is exploring a parametric, climate-linked insurance program to speed payouts for climate shocks such as floods and heatwaves. The approach — already piloted in some states — would pay out pre-defined amounts when specific weather thresholds are met, reducing lengthy damage assessments. Discussions involve the finance ministry, NDMA, GIC Re and insurers, and the idea may be discussed further at international climate forums. Source: Reuters. [oai_citation:6‡Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/cop/india-considers-introducing-nationwide-climate-linked-insurance-scheme-2025-10-06/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
8. Curfew, internet suspension and arrests after violent clashes in Cuttack
Authorities in Odisha’s Cuttack imposed a 36-hour curfew and suspended internet services in parts of the city after communal clashes and violence during immersion and related events. Police carried out arrests and launched investigations; the government cited the suspension as a measure to prevent the spread of rumours and inflammatory content. Local leaders appealed for calm while administration focused on restoring normalcy. Sources: NDTV / Times of India / Economic Times regional reporting. [oai_citation:7‡www.ndtv.com](https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/internet-ban-extended-till-october-7-after-clashes-in-odishas-cuttack-9406761?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
9. Assam withdraws its clean-energy policy — investors express concern
The Assam government revoked a recently announced clean-energy policy, alarming renewable-energy investors who had factored incentives into project plans. Developers said the rollback creates uncertainty and may slow investment into the northeast; officials said the policy would be revisited and reworked after consultations. Source: Reuters. [oai_citation:8‡The Times of India](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/archive/year-2025.cms?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
10. Defence tensions: IAF chief reiterates claims about jets downed in May conflict
Indian Air Force Chief Amar Preet Singh publicly restated that Indian forces shot down Pakistani fighter jets (F-16s and JF-17s) during intense clashes in May, a claim that Pakistan has disputed. The remarks renewed debate in defence and diplomatic circles and highlighted continuing tensions and competing narratives over that period’s operations. Source: Reuters (and other regional outlets). [oai_citation:9‡Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/world/india/india-downed-five-f-16-jf-17-pakistani-jets-may-conflict-says-indian-air-force-2025-10-03/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
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