๐ฎ๐ณ India’s Top 10 News — 09 October 2025 (English)
1. Darjeeling floods & landslides: rescue operations continue
Heavy rain and consequent landslides in Darjeeling and neighbouring parts of northern West Bengal triggered widespread flooding, road and bridge damage and forced evacuations. State and central rescue units — including NDRF and local disaster teams — have been working round-the-clock to reach stranded residents and tourists. Local authorities have opened relief camps and are restoring access routes; the scale of the damage has renewed calls for stronger climate-adaptive planning in fragile hill zones. [oai_citation:0‡Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/sustainable-switch-india-nepal-face-fatal-floods-2025-10-08/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
2. Agra immersion tragedy: 130-hour recovery mission ends
Authorities concluded a prolonged, difficult 130-hour recovery operation after a Durga immersion incident at an unauthorised site on the Utangan river near Agra in early October. Rescue teams — including Army, NDRF, SDRF and local divers — used embankments and specialised equipment to recover victims buried under silt. The district magistrate described the operation as emotionally and technically challenging; officials have ordered inquiries and announced ex-gratia payouts for families. [oai_citation:1‡The Times of India](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/agra/130-hour-idol-immersion-rescue-op-toughest-in-career-says-agra-dm/articleshow/124396435.cms?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
3. Bihar assembly polls: dates set — two-phase voting in November
The Election Commission confirmed Bihar’s assembly poll schedule with voting to be held in two phases (Nov 6 and Nov 11) and counting slated for Nov 14. With the Model Code of Conduct now in effect, parties are racing to finalize seat-sharing and campaign plans. Observers expect vigorous campaigning on development, jobs and rural distress — and high voter mobilisation in key constituencies. [oai_citation:2‡Hindustan Times](https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bihar-assembly-election-2025-dates-live-update-election-commission-poll-schedule-at-4-pm-latest-updates-101759729979516.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
4. Rupee under pressure; RBI intervenes to steady currency
The Indian rupee continued to face downward pressure against the US dollar as foreign portfolio outflows and import demand weighed on the market. Traders reported Reserve Bank of India-led dollar sales through state banks to curb volatility. Analysts say RBI intervention will likely be calibrated, while near-term currency direction depends on global risk sentiment and the large Q4 IPO calendar. [oai_citation:3‡Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/world/india/indian-central-bank-likely-intervenes-support-rupee-near-record-low-traders-say-2025-10-06/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
5. Gold blasts through $4,000 as safe-haven buying surges
Global gold prices vaulted above the $4,000/oz milestone amid a wave of safe-haven buying — driven by geopolitical uncertainty, expectations of Fed easing and a weak dollar. Indian bullion markets mirrored the rally, pushing domestic prices to record highs and increasing import bill pressures ahead of the festival season. Fund flows into gold ETFs have also accelerated the run. [oai_citation:4‡Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/world/india/gold-vaults-over-4000-rush-safety-fed-easing-bets-2025-10-08/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
6. Cyclone Shakti weakens but coastal warnings remain
Cyclone Shakti, the season’s early system over the Arabian Sea, has shown signs of weakening and is expected to decay into a depression. Yet IMD and local authorities kept yellow/orange coastal alerts active for parts of Maharashtra and Gujarat because of heavy rain, rough seas and gusty winds — and advised fishermen to avoid deep-sea operations. [oai_citation:5‡mint](https://www.livemint.com/news/india/cyclone-shakti-imd-issues-yellow-alert-for-heavy-rains-for-these-maharashtra-districts-check-full-list-11759567343899.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
7. SEBI clarifies: no current plans to regulate family offices
SEBI issued an official clarification denying media reports that it plans to bring family offices under formal regulation. The market watchdog said those reports were factually incorrect and that no regulatory framework is being pursued at present. The statement relieved short-term market concerns, though experts note the topic may resurface as family offices grow in scale. [oai_citation:6‡Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/indias-sebi-says-no-plans-regulate-family-offices-present-2025-10-03/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
8. India & China to resume select direct flights later this month
India and China have agreed to resume selected direct air services by late October, with initial routes to be limited and subject to bilateral clearances. The move — part of a cautious thaw after years of reduced connectivity — aims to restore business travel and tourism gradually while preserving operational checks and carrier approvals. [oai_citation:7‡Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/world/india/uk-pm-starmer-visit-india-8-9-october-says-indian-foreign-ministry-2025-10-04/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
9. Tata Capital IPO fully subscribed; bumper IPO pipeline fuels markets
Tata Capital’s large IPO attracted heavy demand and was fully subscribed by anchor and institutional investors, highlighting strong appetite for well-known issuers. Analysts say a busy Q4 — with large offerings such as LG India and Tata Capital — could channel fresh flows into Indian markets and provide some support to currency and equities. The IPO wave may shape capital-market sentiment in the near term. [oai_citation:8‡Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/world/india/indias-tata-capital-ipo-fully-subscribed-final-day-2025-10-08/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
10. Defence narrative: IAF chief reiterates claims on May jet engagements
Indian Air Force Chief Amar Preet Singh publicly reiterated that Indian forces downed several Pakistani jets (including F-16 and JF-17 types) during intense clashes in May. Pakistan disputes the tally; the fresh statements have renewed debate among defence analysts and in diplomatic channels. [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)
๐ฌ What do you think about today’s top stories? Comment below — we may feature selected reader responses on the blog.
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