12th September 2025

1. India Hits 250 GW Non-Fossil Fuel Power Capacity
2. India Launches SAJEX 2025 in Jeddah to Boost Jewellery Trade
3. Purple Fest 2025 Celebrates Inclusion and Empowerment
4. IIM Ahmedabad Launches First Global Campus in Dubai
5. Insurance Surety Bonds for NHAI Cross ₹10,000 Cr Milestone
6. India, ADB Sign $126.4M Deal for Uttarakhand Tourism
7. Amit Shah, inaugurates Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme
8. TCIL-PNB MoU to Boost IT Infrastructure and Banking Tech
9. Namo Bharat Becomes India’s Fastest Train
10. Acharya Devvrat Gets Additional Charge as Maharashtra Governor
11. NASA’s Mars Rover Finds Strongest Hints of Ancient Life
12. ISRO Transfers SSLV Technology to HAL for Independent Production
13. Dharmendra Pradhan Launches First Overseas Atal Innovation Centre in UAE
14. India Secures Nine World Records in Space Exploration: ISRO
15. HAL Signed SSLV Technology Transfer Agreement with ISRO, IN-SPACe, and NSIL
16. MoRTH Collaborates with Zomato & Uber for Road Safety Initiative
17. ACME Group and Japan’s IHI Corporation to Develop India’s Largest Green Ammonia Project
18. ORF & OECD Signed MoU to Foster Collaboration on Key Global Policy Issues
19. India and Mexico Signed MoU to Boost Bilateral Trade and Investment
20. 44th SCO-RATS Meeting Held in Kyrgyzstan
21. World Bank Approved USD 212.64 Million Loan for ‘SHORE Project’ in TN and Karnataka
22. Air India Sign Codeshare Agreement with Air Astana to Expand Travel Connectivity
23. Israel’s ICL Partners with India’s BioPrime to Launch Soil and Crop Health Solutions
24. IARC Appointed Abhishek Maheswari as its new MD & CEO
25. Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s Biography ‘Believer’s Dilemma’ by Abhishek Choudhary Released
26. Biography ‘M S Swaminathan: The Man Who Fed India’ by Priyamvada Jayakumar Released

National News

1. India’s Non-Fossil Fuel Capacity Reaches 250 GW

• India’s non-fossil fuel electricity generation capacity increased from 81 GW in 2014 to 250 GW in 2025.
• The goal is to strengthen clean, sustainable, and renewable energy and reach 500 GW capacity by 2030.

Source: ET

2. India Hosts SAJEX 2025 in Jeddah to Boost Trade

• What:
  • The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council inaugurated the Saudi Arabia Jewellery Exhibition (SAJEX) 2025 in Jeddah.
• Why:
  • The event aims to align Indian craftsmanship with Saudi Arabia’s rising jewellery demand and boost bilateral trade.
• Tell me more:
  • Saudi Arabia’s jewellery market is expected to grow from $4.5 billion to $8.3 billion by 2030.
  • The event will showcase diamond and gemstone jewellery, 18K-22K gold, platinum, and lab-grown diamonds.

Source: ET

3. IIM Ahmedabad Opens International Campus in Dubai

• What:
  • Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan inaugurated the Dubai campus of IIM Ahmedabad in the presence of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
• Why:
  • The aim is to globalise India’s education and strengthen academic and cultural ties between India and the UAE.
• Tell me more:
  • The initiative is seen as a step towards making India “Indian in spirit, global in outlook.”
  • Dharmendra Pradhan met UAE’s Acting Minister of Higher Education to enhance cooperation in research, innovation, and knowledge exchange.
  • Pradhan also visited Manipal University, held a roundtable with Indian higher education institutions, and interacted with principals of 109 Indian schools in the UAE.
  • Pradhan announced the setting up of 12 Atal Tinkering Labs in CBSE schools across GCC countries.

Source: IE

4. India Opens First Overseas Atal Innovation Centre in Abu Dhabi

• What:
  • Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated India’s first overseas Atal Innovation Centre at IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi campus during his UAE visit on September 10-11.
• Why:
  • The centre aims to deepen India-UAE cooperation in education, promote innovation and entrepreneurship, and strengthen academic excellence.
• Tell me more:
  • Two new academic programs were launched: a Ph.D. in Energy and Sustainability and a B.Tech in Chemical Engineering.
  • Discussions were held with Abu Dhabi’s Education and Knowledge Department on support for Indian schools and establishing Atal Innovation Labs in the UAE.
  • Minister Pradhan also attended the first anniversary celebrations of Symbiosis University’s Dubai campus.

Source: NOA

5. MoRTH Partners with Zomato and Uber for Road Safety

• What:
  • The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways partnered with Zomato and Uber under the Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan to promote road safety awareness.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to reduce road accidents by encouraging safer driving habits and addressing human behaviour as a key cause of fatalities.
• Tell me more:
  • Uber is introducing safety features like speeding alerts, dangerous driving notifications, AI-driven helmet checks, rear seatbelt reminders, 24×7 safety lines, and in-app SOS buttons.
  • Zomato is implementing safety briefings, daily pledges, disciplined riding alerts, real-time weather updates, 24×7 SOS ambulance support, and insurance for delivery partners.
  • Both platforms will integrate safety prompts into their apps to reach millions of drivers and consumers.
  • Road accidents in India rose from 4,61,312 in 2022 to 4,80,583 in 2023, with fatalities increasing to 1,72,890.

Source: FI

State News

1. ADB and India Sign $126.42 Million Tourism Loan for Uttarakhand

• What:
  • The Asian Development Bank and the Government of India signed a $126.42 million loan agreement for sustainable and climate-resilient tourism development in Tehri Lake region of Uttarakhand.
• Why:
  • The project aims to make Uttarakhand a diversified, all-weather tourism destination while creating jobs and building climate resilience.
• Tell me more:
  • The project will support the Tehri Garhwal District, one of Uttarakhand’s most climate-vulnerable and economically weaker regions.
  • The project includes a livelihood matching grant program for women, youth, and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.

Source: PIB

2. Fast Track Immigration Programme Expanded to Five Airports

• What:
  • Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme at Lucknow, Thiruvananthapuram, Trichy, Kozhikode, and Amritsar airports.
• Why:
  • The programme aims to provide faster immigration clearance, enhance traveller convenience, and strengthen national security.
• Tell me more:
  • The programme was first launched in 2024 at Delhi and later expanded to Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Kochi, and Ahmedabad.
  • With five new airports added, it is now operational at 13 airports across the country.
  • Registered travellers can complete immigration in 30 seconds through e-Gates by scanning boarding passes, passports, and biometric verification.
  • About 3 lakh travellers have registered, and 2.65 lakh have already used the facility.

Source: PIB

3. Purple Fest 2025 Concludes Successfully at Amity University, Noida

• Purple Fest 2025 concluded at Amity University, Noida to promote inclusivity, celebrate the achievements of persons with disabilities, and encourage equal acceptance in society.

Source: PIB

4. Namo Bharat Becomes India’s Fastest Train

• What:
  • The Namo Bharat train on the Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System has become the fastest train in India, running at 160 km/h.
• Why:
  • The project focuses on providing true rapid regional transit, reducing travel time, and setting new benchmarks for railway speed and efficiency.
• Tell me more:
  • The currently operational section covers 55 km from New Ashok Nagar in Delhi to Meerut South in Uttar Pradesh out of the planned 82.15 km corridor.
  • The full corridor with 16 stations will connect Delhi to Meerut in under one hour with stops at all stations.
  • Thirty six-car trainsets operate at 15-minute intervals, achieving peak speeds on longer stretches.
  • The trains were designed in Hyderabad and manufactured at Alstom’s Savli factory in Gujarat with modern features like Automatic Train Protection, Automatic Train Control, and Automatic Train Operations.

Source: ET

5. ACME and IHI to Build India’s Largest Green Ammonia Project

• What:
  • ACME and Japan’s IHI Corporation announced a joint venture to set up India’s largest green ammonia project in Gopalpur, Odisha.
• Why:
  • The project aims to support decarbonization goals, promote clean energy trade between India and Japan, and strengthen India’s position as a global hub for green hydrogen and its derivatives.
• Tell me more:
  • IHI Corporation has acquired a 30% stake in ACME Clean Energy Private Limited.
  • The plant will produce about 0.4 million tonnes of green ammonia per year, mostly for Japan’s power and chemical sectors.
  • It will help cut over 0.8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
  • The project is targeted for commissioning by 2029–30 with exports mainly to Japan.
  • It supports the declaration made at the 15th Japan–India Annual Summit in August 2025.

Source: ET

6. World Bank Approves $212 Million SHORE Project for Tamil Nadu and Karnataka

• What:
  • The World Bank approved a USD 212.64 million project called Strengthening Coastal Resilience and the Economy (SHORE) to support coastal communities in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
• Why:
  • The project aims to protect ecosystems, reduce plastic pollution, and create diverse job opportunities while enhancing coastal resilience.
• Tell me more:
  • The SHORE Project is part of the larger USD 850 million SHORE Program for India’s coastal communities.
  • It will benefit 100,000 people through skill development, awareness, and funding support for government and local community initiatives.
  • Around 70,000 people, including women, will be trained in sustainable tourism for new income opportunities.
  • The project will conserve 30,000 hectares of seascapes with mangrove planting, sand dune restoration, coral protection, and infrastructure support.

Source: ANI

International News

1. NASA’s Perseverance Rover Finds Promising Mars Samples

• What:
  • NASA’s Perseverance rover discovered rocks in a dry river channel on Mars that may hold potential signs of ancient microscopic life.
• Why:
  • The goal is to study samples that could reveal whether life ever existed on Mars, though detailed analysis on Earth is needed for confirmation.
• Tell me more:
  • Perseverance has been exploring Mars since 2021 and uses a drill and tubes to collect rock samples.
  • The recent sample came from clay-rich mudstones in Neretva Vallis, a river channel that once carried water into Jezero Crater.
  • Researchers found organic carbon along with tiny specks rich in iron phosphate and iron sulfide, which on Earth can result from microbial activity.
  • This was the rover’s 25th collected sample, bringing the total to 30, with six more still to be gathered.

Source: ET

2. SCO RATS Council Meeting Held in Cholpon Ata, Kyrgyz Republic

• What:
  • The 44th meeting of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure Council was held in Cholpon Ata, Kyrgyz Republic, where it strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack.
• Why:
  • The meeting aimed to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation and hold sponsors, organisers, and financiers of terror attacks accountable.
• Tell me more:
  • The Council endorsed the Tianjin Declaration adopted at the recent SCO Council of Heads of State meeting attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
  • The session was chaired by Kyrgyz Republic, with India represented by Deputy NSA T.V. Ravichandran.

Source: NOA GOV

3. ICL and BioPrime Partner for Advanced Crop Solutions in India

• What:
  • Israel Chemicals Limited and BioPrime have partnered to launch advanced soil and crop health solutions in India using BioPrime’s Bionexus platform.
• Why:
  • The collaboration aims to improve nutrient use efficiency, restore soil health, and support sustainable agriculture for Indian farmers.
• Tell me more:
  • The first set of solutions will focus on improving phosphorus and zinc efficiency.
  • India faces a challenge as most phosphorus gets locked with iron and aluminium, reducing phosphorus use efficiency.
  • BioPrime’s microbial strains can release phosphorus from these complex forms and increase phosphorus use efficiency two to three times.
  • The Bionexus platform has strains that can achieve 65-70% solubilization of zinc, reducing fertilizer wastage.

Source: HBL

Banking and Economy

1. Insurance Surety Bonds for NHAI Cross Rs. 10,000 Crore

• What:
  • Insurance Surety Bonds issued for NHAI contracts crossed Rs. 10,000 crore till July 2025.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to promote cost-effective alternatives to bank guarantees and ensure adequate security for infrastructure projects.
• Tell me more:
  • Around 1,600 Insurance Surety Bonds were issued as Bid Security and 207 Insurance Surety Bonds as Performance Security, valued at Rs. 10,369 crore.
  • 12 insurance companies have participated in issuing these Insurance Surety Bonds for National Highways Authority of India projects.
  • A workshop on promoting ISBs and Electronic Bank Guarantees was organized in New Delhi with senior officials and industry experts.
  • ISBs offer financial guarantees by insurance companies that contractors will fulfil their obligations.

Source: PIB

2. Air India Signs Codeshare Deal with Air Astana

• What:
  • Air India has signed a codeshare partnership with Kazakhstan’s national carrier, Air Astana, for flights between Almaty–Delhi and Almaty–Mumbai.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to give passengers easier access to Almaty, a growing business and tourism hub in Central Asia, with more convenience in travel.
• Tell me more:
  • Air India currently has 21 codeshare partnerships and 88 interline agreements, including this deal with Air Astana.
  • Almaty is emerging as an important business and tourism hub in Central Asia.
  • A codeshare agreement allows airlines to share flight codes and offer seamless booking, unlike an interline which only connects itineraries.
  • This deal enhances Air India’s international route network and expands passenger options.

Source: ET

Science and Technology

1. ISRO Transfers SSLV Technology to HAL for Production

• What:
  • ISRO signed an agreement with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to transfer technology for Small Satellite Launch Vehicles, facilitated by INSPACe and NewSpace India Limited.
• Why:
  • The aim is to enable Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to build Small Satellite Launch Vehicles independently for domestic and international markets.
• Tell me more:
  • This is the 100th technology transfer agreement facilitated by INSPACe.
  • The technology transfer process will be completed in 24 months with ISRO providing training and technical support.
  • Hindustan Aeronautics Limited will use its engineering strength to produce SSLVs, train workforce, and build a self-reliant ecosystem.

Source: ET

2. India Secures Nine Global Records in Space Exploration

• What:
  • ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan announced that India has achieved nine major world records in space exploration and plans to add 8 to 10 more in the coming years.
• Why:
  • The achievements highlight India’s cost-effective, innovative space missions and aim to strengthen its global leadership in space technology.
• Tell me more:
  • Mars Orbiter Mission in 2014 made India the first nation to reach Mars on its maiden attempt.
  • In 2017, PSLV-C37 launched 104 satellites in a single mission, setting a world record.
  • Chandrayaan-2 orbiter in 2019 had the world’s best lunar camera, and Chandrayaan-3 in 2023 made India the first country to land near the lunar South Pole.
  • ISRO has launched more than 4,000 rockets and 133 satellites supporting national security, economy, and space entrepreneurship.

Source: NOA

Memorandum of Understanding

1. TCIL and PNB Sign MoU for IT Transformation

• What:
  • Telecommunications Consultants India Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Punjab National Bank to strengthen PNB’s IT infrastructure and fast-track its technology transformation.
• Why:
  • The collaboration aims to provide secure, reliable, and customer-centric digital banking services while supporting innovation and resilience.
• Tell me more:
  • TCIL will provide IT consultancy, project management, and turnkey execution of advanced technology projects.
  • The partnership will support areas like RFP lifecycle management, System Integration, IT Infrastructure rollout, and regulatory-compliant technology deployment.

Source: PIB

2. ORF Signs MoU with OECD for Global Policy Dialogue

• What:
  • The Observer Research Foundation and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on global policy issues.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to bring India’s policy perspectives into OECD discussions and promote exchange of knowledge and expertise.
• Tell me more:
  • The agreement is for five years and will focus on economic diplomacy, trade, climate, digital transformation, infrastructure, and supply chains.
  • ORF will contribute its Indian and global insights, while OECD will connect with 38 high-income member countries.
  • The partnership strengthens India’s role in shaping international economic and policy dialogue.

Source: ET

3. India and Mexico Sign MoU to Boost Trade

• What:
  • India and Mexico signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance trade and investment cooperation across multiple sectors.
• Why:
  • The agreement aims to strengthen bilateral economic relations, promote mutual growth, and utilize complementary strengths of both countries.
• Tell me more:
  • The MoU is expected to initially involve USD 1200 million in trade, with potential for further increase.
  • Cooperation will focus on sectors like vehicles, aerospace, agriculture, and medical devices.
  • India-Mexico trade in 2024 was valued at USD 11,711 million, with USD 72 million invested by 200 Indian companies in Mexico.
  • Meetings between Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and Mexican business leaders underlined shared values and opportunities for stronger collaboration.

Source: ET ANI

Appointments

1. Acharya Devvrat Given Additional Charge of Maharashtra

• What:
  • Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat has been given additional charge of Maharashtra after CP Radhakrishnan was elected Vice President of India.
• Tell me more:
  • Acharya Devvrat is also a doctor in Naturopathy and Yogic Science.
  • He regularly delivers lectures on Vedic human values and philosophy.
  • He has worked extensively in promoting natural farming and cow-breed improvement.
  • He serves as Chancellor of several universities in Gujarat including Gujarat University, Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University, Sardar Patel University, Saurashtra University, and Gujarat Technological University.

Source: HT

2. IARC Appoints Abhishek Maheshwari as New MD and CEO

• What:
  • International Asset Reconstruction Company appointed Abhishek Maheshwari as its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.
• Tell me more:
  • IARC was founded in 2002 after the passage of India’s SARFAESI Act, 2002.
  • It is one of India’s leading asset reconstruction companies focused on managing stressed assets.
  • The company has offices in New Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai.

Source: ET

Miscellaneous

1. Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s Biography ‘Believer’s Dilemma’ by Abhishek Choudhary Released

• The second volume of Abhishek Choudhary’s biography on former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, titled “Believer’s Dilemma: Vajpayee and the Hindu Right’s Path to Power,” was released.

Source: BS TP

2. New Biography on M.S. Swaminathan Released by HarperCollins

• What:
  • A new biography titled “M.S. Swaminathan: The Man Who Fed India” by Priyambada Jaykumar has been released by HarperCollins.
• Tell me more:
  • It covers four life phases: his academic studies, 25 years at IARI, tenure as Director of the International Rice Research Institute, and the creation of the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation in Chennai.
  • M.S. Swaminathan studied at Agricultural College, Coimbatore, and later at IARI, Delhi.
  • He received a UNESCO fellowship to study plant genetics in Holland.

Source: TW

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