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It’s set to be a busy Wednesday with several major events lined up.
In the US, President Donald Trump’s tariffs on foreign pharmaceutical products will kick in at 100 per cent.
Meanwhile, EU leaders gather in Copenhagen to discuss key defence initiatives, while China marks its National Day with nationwide celebrations.
Back in India, the Reserve Bank of India is set to announce its interest rate decision, and Prime Minister Modi will take part in the RSS centenary celebrations.
Here’s a look at everything happening today.
Trump’s tariffs on pharmaceuticals
Starting October 1, Donald Trump’s tariffs on brand-name and patented pharmaceutical products will take effect at a full 100 per cent.
Trump has promised for months to target pharmaceutical imports that previously avoided tariffs during his first term. He frames the move as a way to push drug manufacturers to boost production in the US and strengthen the supply chain for critical medicines.
The president has also suggested that these tariffs could help lower drug prices, though experts remain sceptical about their actual impact.
EU leaders to meet in Denmark
European Union leaders are meeting in Denmark’s Copenhagen to discuss key defence initiatives, including a European drone wall and an air defence shield.
The push for these projects has intensified after repeated incursions into Nato airspace by Russian aircraft. The European Commission, the bloc’s executive arm, outlined the proposals in a paper released on Monday.
“In light of the continued military aggression against Ukraine, and the recent increase of violations of air space of member states, two flagship projects – the European drone wall and The eastern flank watch – require special urgency and should be moved forward expediently,” the commission paper stated.
China to mark National Day
China will mark its National Day today, commemorating the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
On this day in 1949, Mao Zedong, leader of the Red Army, officially declared the formation of the nation before a crowd of 300,000 in Tiananmen Square, waving the newly created Chinese flag. The declaration followed a civil war in which communist forces emerged victorious over the Nationalist government.
The celebrations traditionally start with a ceremonial flag-raising in Tiananmen Square, followed by a large military parade, state dinners, and fireworks that light up the evening sky. The holiday is also observed in China’s two special administrative regions, Hong Kong and Macau
RBI to announce interest rate decision
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is set to announce the repo rate and other key policy measures today.
The central bank began its three-day Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting on Monday, September 29, 2025. The panel is chaired by RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra and includes six members.
Economists largely expect the MPC to keep policy rates unchanged, marking a second consecutive pause. Between February and June 2025, the RBI had cut the repo rate by a total of 100 basis points to 5.5 per cent, where it currently stands.
PM Modi to attend RSS centenary celebrations
PM Modi will be the Chief Guest at the centenary celebrations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
During the occasion, PM Modi will release a specially designed commemorative postage stamp and coin honouring the RSS’s contributions to the nation and will also address the gathering. The event will be held at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi at 10:30 AM, the Prime Minister’s Office announced.
Earlier, while speaking on Mann Ki Baat on Sunday, PM Modi praised the RSS for its “unprecedented and inspiring” journey as the organisation completes 100 years.
With input from agencies
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