THE HEADLINES::
- India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement comes into force on the occasion of Vijay Dashami today.
- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to hold separate talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and UAE Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Mumbai today; Economic cooperation, regional stability and energy security likely to dominate the agenda.
- Festival of Vijaya Dashmi and Dussehra which marks triumph of good over evil being celebrated today.
- IMD forecasts heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal during next three days.
- French Open Super 750 Badminton tournament to begin today in Paris.
- In Women’s Cricket, third and final T20 International between India and Zimbabwe to be played in Raipur this evening.
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India and New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) comes into force on the occasion of Vijay Dashami today. The agreement will provide duty-free access for 100 per cent of Indian exports to New Zealand. Addressing a ceremony on India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement in New Delhi, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said that the agreement is aligned with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Viksit Bharat 2047. He said, the agreement opens significant new opportunities for India’s exporters, particularly MSMEs, artisans, farmers and pharma. The Minister highlighted that both the countries have agreed to work towards the goal of doubling bilateral trade in goods and services with New Zealand to approximately 35 thousand crore rupees by 2030.
Mr Goyal said that India’s farmers will gain wider market access for fruits, vegetables, spices and other agricultural produce. He said, the agreement will help improve productivity, support higher incomes and strengthen livelihoods.
The Minister said that New Zealand’s commitment to facilitate 20 billion US dollars in investment into India holds immense potential to strengthen manufacturing, infrastructure, services and innovation. Mr Goyal said, this agreement will also create employment opportunities.
On the occasion, the first-ever export of a JCB machine from India to New Zealand was flagged off by Mr Goyal. Flag-offs of a range of products across the agriculture, gems and jewellery, engineering, sporting goods, footwear and leather sectors are also planned for the day. More from our correspondent :
“India has steadily expanded its global trade partnerships to strengthen economic growth, create jobs, and enhance its global standing. In recent years, the country has signed nine Free Trade Agreements covering 38 developed countries. The India-New Zealand FTA marks a significant milestone in this effort. The FTA between the two countries was signed in April this year at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The agreement protects India’s farmers’ interests, boosts labour-intensive sectors like textiles and leather, and opens new opportunities for Indian professionals, students, and service providers. The Bilateral merchandise trade between India and New Zealand stood at around 1.1 billion US dollar in 2025-26. For the first time, New Zealand has facilitated trade in Ayurveda, yoga, and other traditional medicine services with India. With Dipendra Kumar, Anand Kumar, Akashvani News Delhi.”
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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will arrive in Mumbai today for an official visit to India. Shortly after his arrival, Secretary Rubio will pay tribute to victims of terror during a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Taj Memorial inside the historic Hotel Taj Mahal Palace. Mr Rubio will hold bilateral meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Mumbai this afternoon. The dialogue is expected to cover key aspects of the India-US strategic partnership, economic cooperation, regional stability and energy security. Later in the evening, Secretary Rubio is scheduled to attend the “Freedom 250 Reception” at the Jio World Convention Centre, celebrating key milestones in US history and bilateral diplomatic ties.
Tomorrow, Secretary Rubio will complete the Mumbai leg of his visit and emplane for Jamnagar in Gujarat.
Earlier yesterday, Mr Rubio indicated that the US-India trade deal is close to finalisation. Speaking to reporters in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, he also defended Washington’s decision to temporarily waive sanctions for countries importing Russian oil and gas, saying the move is aimed at easing pressure on global energy supplies and prices.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will also hold talks with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Mumbai today. The two Foreign Ministers are also expected to deliberate on the overall situation in West Asia, including the recent attacks on Saudi Arabia.
More from our correspondent-
“UAE Foreign Minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in Mumbai last evening. He is going to hold meetings with External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the visit of the UAE Foreign Minister will be an opportunity to review all facets of bilateral cooperation under the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The two sides will assess and take forward initiatives in the areas of energy, trade and investments, fintech, defence and connectivity. The External Affairs Minister is also scheduled to hold talks with the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio. Mr. Rubio is scheduled to reach here in the afternoon. The visit of US Secretary of State is expected to provide an opportunity for both sides to review India-US relations and discuss ways to further strengthen the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Dr Jaishankar will attend the celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the Independence of US as the guest of honor. Prarthna, Akashvani News, Mumbai.”
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Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit Punjab today to meet with the families of anti-drug activists who recently lost their lives after raising their voices against synthetic drug traffickers in the state. This include the recent broad day-light murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, who was shot dead in broad day-light by a chemist selling synthetic drugs when Jhota publically opposed him in Mansa, recently. Our Jalandhar correspondent reports that the body of the activist has not been cremated by his family even after a week of his murder. His father has said he will not cremate his son till justice is delivered.
Jhota’s father Bhim Singh, an ex-serviceman, while welcoming the visit, has demanded a CBI probe in the case.
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The festival of Vijaya Dashmi and Dussehra which marks the triumph of good over evil is being celebrated across the nation today. This joyous day marks the culmination of the nine-day Navratri festival and the grand Durga Puja celebrations. The ceremonial Ravana Dahan or burning of effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghanada also takes place today. Durga Puja festivities conclude on Vijaya Dashami with Durga Visarjan, the ceremonial immersion of the goddess’s idols into rivers, lakes, or artificial water bodies. In the National Capital, effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkarna and Meghnad will be burnt at different places.
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In Uttar Pradesh, Dussehra is being celebrated with traditional fervour and joy today. A report:
“With the culmination of Ramlila at most places, Effigies of Ravana, Kumbh karna and Meghanad will be burnt today in a traditional way to mark the triumph of good over evil. In city of lord Rama’s ayodhya, around hundred ramlilas are being played and they will also observe the dussehra with Ravana Dahan.
On the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami, Gorakshpeethadhishwar and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will perform special rituals and worship of Shivavatar Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath and lead the Vijay procession departing from Gorakhnath Temple.
The procession will conclude at the Mansarovar Ramlila Maidan, where the Chief Minister will worship Lord Ram and address a public gathering. SUSHIL CHANDRA TIWARI AAKASHWANI NEWS LUCKNOW. “
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The festive spirit of India is in full swing across the UAE, with celebrations marking Durga Puja, Navratri and Dussehra. From beautifully decorated Durga Puja pandals to vibrant Garba and Dandiya nights, the Indian diaspora keeps the cultural traditions alive. Adding to the celebrations, people from different nationalities are also joining in, reflecting the UAE’s multicultural fabric. Here’s a report:
“Adorned with intricate decorations and centred around magnificent idols of Goddess Durga, Puja pandals across the UAE have become vibrant sanctuaries of faith, devotion and cultural heritage, bringing the community together in celebration. The festive spirit finds expression in different forms… from devotional prayers to music and vibrant dances. In Dubai, the rhythm of celebration comes alive on the Garba and Dandiya floors where music, movement and tradition blend into a colourful spectacle.
The festivities are also seeing enthusiastic participation beyond the Indian community, with people of different nationalities joining in to experience Indian culture and traditions. Manish Shiva, AKASVANI NEWS, Dubai.”
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President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have extended greetings to all Indians, both within the country and abroad on the occasion of Vijaya Dashami today.
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India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal during the next three days. According to IMD, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Mahe are expected to experience heavy rainfall today.
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The French Open Super 750 badminton tournament will begin today in Paris. Indian shuttlers, led by two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu, will be eager to overcome their recent struggles and make a mark at the tournament. Sindhu will face South Korea’s top seed, An Se Young, in the women’s singles first round, while sixth seed Lakshya Sen will take on Japan’s Kodai Naraoka in his men’s singles opener. Former world No. 1 Kidambi Srikanth will look to build on his momentum as he faces compatriot Ayush Shetty in a clash between two generations. In men’s doubles, the Indian pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will face French brothers Christo Popov and Toma Junior Popov. The women’s doubles duo of Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand will take on Taiwan’s Lin Chih-Chun and Yang Chu Yun. In women’s singles, Tanvi Sharma and Isharani Baruah will face each other in an all-Indian first-round clash.
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In Women’s Cricket, the third and final T20 International between India and Zimbabwe will be played at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur today. The match will begin at 7 PM IST, with the hosts looking to complete a clean sweep in their first-ever bilateral women’s T20I series against Zimbabwe. The series also marks a new chapter for India under full-time captain Smriti Mandhana, who will aim to build momentum ahead of the upcoming ODI series. India defeated Zimbabwe by nine wickets in the second T20 match on Sunday, taking an unassailable 2-NIL lead in the series. This is the first bilateral women’s Cricket series between India and Zimbabwe. The T20 series will be followed by a three-match One Day International series in Vadodara, with matches scheduled for the 23rd, 25th and 28th of this month.
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Indian para-athlete Deepthi Jeevanji clinched gold in the women’s 400m T20 event at the 2026 Asian Para Games, setting a new Games record with a time of 56.36 seconds today. Jeevanji’s medal marked India’s fifth gold medal and the first for Day 2 of the Para Asian Games.
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TODAY’S NEWSPAPERS :
- Newspapers have widely noticed U.S Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to India to finalise the trade deal.
- The Indian Express writes, ‘Eve of visit, Rubio links pause on Russia sanctions to India-US deal.’
- The Pioneer warns of surge in deepfake scams impersonating the PM, ministers and CMs. ‘Fake tax, free trap: MHA unit flags new fraud pattern.’
- The Asian Age carries a beautiful picture giving an aerial view of women performing ‘Dhuno Porano’, a traditional ritual involving the burning of incense on Ashtami during Durga Puja in Kolkata.
- And finally, Hindustan Times writes, ‘Four lakh sixty seven thousand tulips bloom in NDMC, DDA parks; MCD gardens to miss out for second year in a row.’
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THE HEADLINES ONCE AGAIN :
- India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement comes into force on the occasion of Vijay Dashami today.
- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to hold separate talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and UAE Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Mumbai today; Economic cooperation, regional stability and energy security likely to dominate the agenda.
- Festival of Vijaya Dashmi and Dussehra which marks triumph of good over evil being celebrated today.
- IMD forecasts heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal during next three days.
- French Open Super 750 Badminton tournament to begin today in Paris.
- In Women’s Cricket, third and final T20 International between India and Zimbabwe to be played in Raipur this evening.
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