04th September 2025

1. Meghalaya Launches Autumn Calendar 2025
2. Chhattisgarh’s Power Capacity Rises to 30,000 MW
3. UPSC to Set Up Centre of Excellence As Best Practices
4. PM Narendra Modi Launches ‘Bihar Rajya Jeevika Nidhi Saakh Sahkari Sangh Limited’ to empower women entrepreneurs
5. 20th Global Sustainability Summit Held in New Delhi
6. STPI, C-DOT & TiE Delhi-NCR Launched ‘Samarth Incubation Program – Cohort II’
7. AQLI 2025 Report: India’s Average Life Expectancy Reduces by 3.5 Years
8. MHA Extended CAA Registration Cut-Off Date Till December 31, 2024
9. UPI Transactions Crossed 20 Billion for First Time in August 2025
10. BOB Launches Collateral-Free Digital Financing Scheme ‘bob Digi Udyam’ for MSEs
11. Highlights of 48th Annual General Meeting of RIL, Reliance Intelligence Launched
12. FIEO Signs MoU with BRISKPE to Enable Secure and Efficient Cross-Border Payments
13. RBI Approves Reappointment of R Gandhi as Non-Executive Chairman of Yes Bank
14. Sukhmal Chand Jain Appointed as CMD of RVNL
15. India Tops Medal Tally at 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships
16. India-EFTA trade pact to come into force from October 1: Switzerland
17. Global Trade Update by UNCTAD
18. World Boxing Championships Kick Off in Liverpool
19. FDI in India Rises 15% in Q1 FY26

National News

1. UPSC to Set Up Centre of Excellence

• What:
  • UPSC announced a plan to establish a Centre of Excellence as a knowledge hub of best practices of UPSC and state PSCs during its centenary year celebrations.
• Why:
  • The aim is to strengthen recruitment processes by sharing SOPs, innovations, and key learnings among UPSC, state PSCs, and other recruitment bodies.
• Tell me more:
  • UPSC Chairman Ajay Kumar made the announcement while chairing a meeting with state PSCs attended by UPSC members Dinesh Dasa and Anuradha Prasad.
  • The centenary celebrations will be held from October 1, 2025 to October 1, 2026.

Source: IE

2. 20th Global Sustainability Summit in New Delhi

• What:
  • Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav addressed the 20th Global Sustainability Summit in New Delhi, highlighting India’s journey towards resilient, regenerative, and responsible growth.
• Why:
  • The aim is to balance economic progress with ecological protection, strengthen climate action, and promote sustainable development through global cooperation.
• Tell me more:
  • On 29th August 2025, the Government notified Environment Audit Rules, 2025 to create a framework for environmental auditing with a two-tiered system and a dedicated agency.
  • The Green Credit Programme, launched in 2023, was revised on 29th August 2025 to allow private participation, set restoration commitments, and mobilize private capital.
  • On 31st August 2025, the Forest Rules 2023 were amended to support the National Critical Mineral Mission, identifying 24 critical and 29 important minerals.
  • India will soon launch the National Adaptation Plan to integrate adaptation into development policies and reduce climate-related risks.

Source: PIB

3. India Allows Stay of Persecuted Minorities till 2024

• What:
  • The Union Home Ministry allowed minority communities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan who came to India till December 31, 2024, to stay without passport or travel documents.
• Why:
  • The order aims to provide relief to persecuted minorities who entered India seeking shelter due to religious persecution.
• Tell me more:
  • The exemption applies to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians from these countries.
  • Those who entered India without valid documents or whose documents have expired will not be required to hold a valid passport or visa.
  • Many Hindu migrants from Pakistan, who came after 2014, are expected to benefit significantly from this order.
  • The move was issued under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025.

Source: ET

State News

1. Meghalaya Government Launches Autumn Calendar 2025

• What:
  • Meghalaya government launched the Autumn Calendar 2025 showcasing cultural festivals, sporting events, literary dialogues, and sustainable showcases.
• Why:
  • The aim is to attract visitors, empower local talents, boost the economy, and support other essential sectors.
• Tell me more:
  • The Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project will host daily music sessions, having already involved 7,750 artists in 13,000 shows and created 175 salaried jobs.
  • Meghalaya artists will also participate in international events like the North-East India Festival – Singapore and World Expo – Osaka.
  • The Megha Kayak Festival (October 14–18) in Ri-Bhoi district will host global kayakers, following last year’s $20,000 prize event.
  • Other major events include the Ahor 4×4 Off-Road Challenge (October 23–25), Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival, Shillong Literary Festival (November 20–22), Me·gong Festival (November 28–29), and Winter Tales Festival (December 11–13).

Source: IE

2. Chhattisgarh Power Capacity Rises to 30,000 MW

• What:
  • Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai announced that the state’s power generation capacity has increased from 1,400 MW in 2000 to 30,000 MW now.
• Why:
  • The aim is to ensure uninterrupted electricity for residents, meet the energy needs of neighbouring states, and strengthen the power sector.
• Tell me more:
  • PM Narendra Modi recently inaugurated a new 1,320 MW power plant in the state.
  • Nearly Rs 3 lakh crore investment has been committed under the new industrial policy to add another 30,000 MW capacity.
  • The CM spoke about his first overseas visit to Japan and South Korea, highlighting Chhattisgarh’s progress towards modern infrastructure and work culture.
  • Electricity services are managed by three state-run companies – for power generation, transmission, and distribution.

Source: ET

3. PM Launches Bihar Rajya Jeevika Nidhi Saakh Sahkari Sangh

• What:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Bihar Rajya Jeevika Nidhi Saakh Sahkari Sangh Limited via video conferencing to provide financial support for women associated with Jeevika.
• Why:
  • The aim is to reduce women’s dependence on costly microfinance institutions and provide them with easier, digital, and transparent access to funds at lower interest rates.
• Tell me more:
  • Around 20 lakh women from Bihar witnessed the launch event.
  • The Jeevika Nidhi will allow cluster-level federations of Jeevika to become members, with joint funding from the Bihar and Central governments.
  • The system is fully digital, ensuring direct bank transfers and quicker fund access, supported by 12,000 community cadres equipped with tablets.
  • This platform is expected to strengthen women entrepreneurship, support community-led enterprises, and expand rural businesses.

Source: PIB

4. Air Pollution Cuts 3.5 Years from Indian Lives

• What:
  • The Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) 2025 report by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago shows that air pollution reduces India’s average life expectancy by 3.5 years.
• Why:
  • The aim of the report is to highlight the severe health threat of toxic air and the urgent need for action to reduce emissions.
• Tell me more:
  • All 1.4 billion Indians live in areas exceeding WHO’s safe PM2.5 limit of 5 µg/m³.
  • Northern India is the world’s most polluted region, with Delhi-NCR residents facing a loss of 8.2 years in life expectancy.
  • Bihar, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh lose 5.6, 5.3, and 5 years respectively, while 46% of Indians live in areas breaching even India’s weaker national standards.
  • Meeting India’s standards could add 1.5 years to lives on average, while achieving WHO limits could add 9.4 months even in cleaner regions.

Source: BS

Banking and Economy

1. C-DOT Launches Samarth Incubation Program Cohort II

• What:
  • C-DOT, STPI, and TiE Delhi-NCR launched Samarth Incubation Program – Cohort II to support DeepTech startups in AI, UAVs, Cybersecurity, LiFi, and Blockchain, with applications open till September 1, 2025.
• Why:
  • The aim is to empower startups to solve strategic problems, drive innovation with national impact, and create globally scalable solutions.
• Tell me more:
  • Selected startups will receive grants of up to ₹5 lakh, access to C-DOT’s R&D labs in Delhi and Bengaluru, and expert mentorship.
  • They will also benefit from accelerator sessions on go-to-market, fundraising, and scaling, along with curated connections to top investors.
  • Cohort II problem statements include an offline Indic AI Translator, UAV Payload System, LiFi prototype for interference-free communication, AI phishing detection system, and FPGA-accelerated zk-SNARK Hardware for Web3.
  • Cohort I had already helped startups move from prototypes to pilots and ideas to real solutions.

Source: ET

2. UPI Crosses 20 Billion Transactions in August 2025

• What:
  • Unified Payments Interface (UPI) crossed 20.01 billion transactions in a single month for the first time in August 2025.
• Why:
  • The milestone shows the rapid adoption of digital payments and the growing reliance on UPI for everyday transactions across India.
• Tell me more:
  • SBI emerged as the top remitter bank, handling 5.2 billion transactions, nearly 3.4 times more than the second-largest remitter.
  • Yes Bank ranked as the top beneficiary bank with 8.0 billion transactions received.
  • Maharashtra led in UPI usage with 9.8% share in July, followed by Karnataka (5.5%) and Uttar Pradesh (5.3%).

Source: ET

3. Bank of Baroda Launches bob Digi Udyam Platform

• What:
  • Bank of Baroda launched bob Digi Udyam, a digital collateral-free lending platform for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), offering loans between ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh.
• Why:
  • The aim is to provide faster and easier access to credit for small businesses by using their digital footprint for assessment instead of external evaluations.
• Tell me more:
  • The platform is designed to give quick working capital loans to MSEs in a completely digital manner.
  • It supports both new and existing customers of the bank.
  • The initiative aligns with the Union Budget 2024–25 announcement asking public sector banks to create in-house MSME credit assessment systems.
  • It reduces dependence on external agencies for credit assessment and speeds up the loan approval process.

Source: HBL

4. Reliance Unveils AI Plans and Jio IPO Timeline

• What:
  • At its 48th AGM, Reliance announced plans to transform into a deep-tech firm using AI across all businesses and confirmed Jio’s stock market listing in the first half of 2026.
• Why:
  • The aim is to strengthen growth in digital, retail, and new energy sectors, expand global competitiveness, and double Reliance’s business by 2027.
• Tell me more:
  • Reliance Jio’s IPO will be filed for listing in H1CY26, expected to attract strong investor interest.
  • The newly launched “Reliance Intelligence” will focus on AI, in partnership with Google and Meta, delivering solutions for consumers, businesses, and national sectors.
  • Reliance Consumer Products achieved ₹11,500 crore turnover in its first year, making it the fastest-growing FMCG company, with plans for 20% CAGR.
  • Reliance is building a New Energy ecosystem with giga-factories for solar, battery storage, and hydrogen, starting with a 40 GWh battery plant and 3 GW electrolyser factory operational by 2026.

Source: LM

5. India-EFTA Free Trade Agreement to Start from October 1

• What:
  • India’s free trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) will come into force on October 1, 2025.
• Why:
  • The agreement aims to boost trade, investment, job creation, and ensure sustainable development through legally binding provisions.
• Tell me more:
  • The Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) was signed on March 10, 2024.
  • EFTA includes Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
  • India secured an investment commitment of USD 100 billion over 15 years, out of which USD 50 billion will be invested in the first decade and another USD 50 billion in the following five years.

Source: ET

6. UNCTAD’s Global Trade Update (September 2025)

• What:
  • Trade policy uncertainty is causing major global instability by disrupting supply chains, raising costs, and weakening financial stability.
• Why:
  • Governments use unpredictable trade rule changes as a strategy to respond to domestic pressures and gain negotiation leverage, increasing market volatility.
• Tell me more:
  • The United States’ recent policy shifts significantly impact global trade as it is the world’s largest importer.
  • Companies face higher costs due to excess inventory, supply chain reconfiguration, and pre-emptive front-loading before tariff deadlines.
  • Air shipments to the US rose nearly 10% in early 2025 as firms rushed shipments ahead of tariffs, followed by sharp declines later.
  • Small firms and least developed countries suffer the most due to limited credit, weaker infrastructure, and difficulty handling sudden policy shifts.
  • Diversified export markets and trade agreements help reduce volatility and cushion shocks to exports.

Source: UN

7. FDI in India Rises 15% in April-June FY25

• What:
  • Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India rose 15% to USD 18.62 billion in April-June FY25, compared to USD 16.17 billion in the same period last year.
• Why:
  • The rise reflects investor confidence and supportive government policies aimed at liberalising FDI norms across multiple sectors.
• Tell me more:
  • Total FDI inflows, including equity, reinvested earnings, and other capital, increased to USD 25.2 billion from USD 22.5 billion last year.
  • The US emerged as the largest investor with USD 5.61 billion, followed by Singapore (USD 4.59 billion) and Mauritius (USD 2.08 billion).
  • Key sectors receiving investments were computer software and hardware (USD 5.4 billion), services (USD 3.28 billion), and automobiles (USD 1.29 billion).
  • Karnataka received the highest inflows (USD 5.69 billion), followed by Maharashtra (USD 5.36 billion) and Tamil Nadu (USD 2.67 billion).

Source: ET

Sports

1. Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships 2025

• The Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships 2025 were held at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
• The championship’s 30th edition saw over 300 lifters from 31 countries.

Source: OC

2. World Boxing Championships 2025 Begin in Liverpool, England

• What:
  • The World Boxing Championships 2025 began in Liverpool, England, with India fielding a strong 20-member contingent.
• Tell me more:
  • Women’s squad is led by Nikhat Zareen, Lovlina Borgohain, and Pooja Rani, bringing international and continental experience.
  • Men’s squad includes experienced boxers like Sumit Kundu, Sachin Siwach, and Harsh Choudhary along with debutants Jadumani Singh, Hitesh Gulia, and Abhinash Jamwal.

Source: NOA

Memorandum of Understanding

1. FIEO Signs MoU with BRISKPE for Digital Payments

• What:
  • Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) signed an MoU with fintech company BRISKPE to promote digital cross-border payment solutions for exporters, especially MSMEs.
• Why:
  • The purpose is to help exporters receive international payments faster, with greater transparency and compliance, strengthening their competitiveness in global trade.
• Tell me more:
  • The MoU was signed at Niryat Bhawan, New Delhi, by Ajay Sahai (DG & CEO, FIEO) and Indunath Chaudhary (Co-Founder & COO, BRISKPE).
  • BRISKPE will conduct knowledge sessions and outreach initiatives for FIEO members on compliant digital payment solutions.
  • Exporters will gain access to timely documentation like e-FIRA and e-BRC, along with simplified international collections across B2B, C2B, and B2C models.

Source: ET

Appointments

1. RBI Approves Reappointment of R Gandhi as Yes Bank Chairman

• The Reserve Bank of India approved the reappointment of former RBI Deputy Governor R Gandhi as non-executive part-time Chairman of Yes Bank.
• His new tenure will be from September 20, 2025, to May 13, 2027.

Source: ET

2. Sukhmal Chand Jain Appointed as CMD of RVNL

• Sukhmal Chand Jain assumed charge as Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) on 1 September 2025.
• Tell me more:
  • Jain is a 1988 batch officer of the Indian Railway Service of Engineers with over 35 years of experience.
  • He has served as Divisional Railway Manager (Delhi), executive director at Ministry of Railways, principal chief engineer (NCR Prayagraj), and principal chief safety officer (Western Railway).
  • He has also worked at RDSO on bridge research and participated in international collaborations across countries like Japan, Finland, and Singapore.
  • RVNL reported a 39.92% decline in net profit to ₹134.53 crore in Q1 FY26, while revenue fell 4.05% YoY to ₹3,908.77 crore.

Source: BS

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