November 4, 2025 08:29 AM IST

First published on: Nov 4, 2025 at 08:29 AM IST

Indo-Pak Ties

The Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi, told a delegation of Doon School old boys from Pakistan that India wanted to break the “artificially created” barrier with the neighbouring country and build a firm friendship with it. Everything would become normal, once the lost confidence between the two countries was restored, Gandhi told the Pakistan team, here to participate in the school’s golden jubilee celebrations.

Pak Alerts Troops

Pakistan has intensified its defence activities by recalling its troops on leave directing them to resume their duties forthwith, according to reports from across the border. The reports said that Pakistan’s defence authorities have put the troops on alert till further orders. Reports spoke of heavy concentration of troops along the entire Jammu and Kashmir border and reinforcement and movement of troops at Darahajipeer sector with the strengthening of forces and deployment of artillery and field guns on forward positions. Construction of defence roads and trenches was also in progress, it said.

Tax Reform Expected

A comprehensive income tax amendment bill is likely to be introduced during the next monsoon session of Parliament, the Central Board of Direct Taxes Chairman, M S Narayanan said. Addressing the members of the Federation of Andhra Pradesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry, he said the legislation was to rationalise the tax structure. The entire income tax law was now under review, he added. He said that some of the concessions and safeguards for industries and farmers and artificial restrictions on business expenditure would be done away with.

Anti-Apartheid Rally

Fireworks, eggs, paint tins and placards were showered at the police as tens of thousands marched to South Africa’s embassy in London in a protest rally. At least 114 people were arrested as the police charged an unruly section of what organisers said was Britain’s biggest-ever anti-apartheid rally.