11th September 2025

1. Manmohan Singh gets economics award posthumously
2. Cabinet Clears ₹4,447 Crore Mokama–Munger Highway Project
3. CPRI Inaugurates Advanced Testing Lab in Nashik for Power Sector
4. ICC Launches ‘Will to Win’ Campaign for Women’s World Cup 2025
5. Larry Ellison Surpasses Elon Musk as World’s Richest
6. Anupam Kher Announces Fourth Book Different But No Less
7. Norway PM Jonas Gahr Stoere Secured 2nd Term
8. Cabinet Approves Doubling of Bhagalpur–Dumka–Rampurhat Rail Line
9. National Day of Remembrance and Patriot Day 2025: History & Observance in the USA
10. National Forest Martyrs Day 2025
11. Fitch Upgrades India’s FY25 Growth Forecast to 6.9%
12. ICRA raises GDP forecast to 6.5% again, says tax cuts to put Rs 3 lakh crore in the hands of consumers
13. World First Aid Day 2025
14. Digvijay Diwas: Celebrating Swami Vivekananda’s Historic Chicago Address
15. Indian Army’s SAMBHAV Secures Operation Sindoor Communications
16. SAI and IIT Delhi Join Forces to Boost Sports Innovation
17. Geetha Vani Rayasam Takes Over as NIScPR Director
18. IEPFA Celebrates 9th Foundation Day with National Round Table
19. HIRE Act 2025: A Potential Blow to India’s $100 Billion IT Export Sector
20. Moody’s: GST Reform to Boost Spending, Strain Revenues
21. Indian Armed Forces Join Exercise ZAPAD 2025 in Russia
22. iDEX-DIO Signs MoU with EdCIL India to Dual-Use Technologies under ASPIRE Programme
23. India, Sri Lanka Sign MoU to Establish Emergency Care Unit at Mannar, Sri Lanka
24. BoB unveils ‘bob Aspire’ for NRIs to open NRE Accounts in India Pre-Departure
25. Bank of Baroda Signs MoU with SIDBI to launch bob Earth Circular Economy Scheme for MSEs
26. Jio Financial Services Partners with Allianz Europe to Establish AJRL in India
27. SIB Launches Digital Loan Against Mutual Funds
28. PhonePe & SIDBI Launched Digital-first Udyam Assist Registration for MSMEs
29. Fitch Raised India’s GDP Forecast by 40 bps to 6.9% for FY26
30. TCS Partners with CEA to Advance Physical AI Research and Innovation in France
31. SEBI Appointed ‘Injeti Srinivas’ as Chairperson of NSE
32. France President Emmanual Macron Appoints Sebastien Lecornu as New PM
33. ICEYE Launched High-Performance ‘Gen4 Satellite’ for Commercial Operations
34. International Day to Protect Education from Attack 2025 – 9 September
35. Himalaya Diwas 2025 – September 9
36. World EV Day 2025 – September 9
37. TN Secures Rs.15,516 Crore Investment with 33 MoUs During CM Stalin’s Germany & UK Visit

State News

1. CCEA Approves Mokama–Munger Highway Project in Bihar

• What:
  • The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved construction of a 4-lane greenfield Mokama–Munger section of the Buxar–Bhagalpur high-speed corridor in Bihar at a cost of Rs 4,447.38 crore.
• Tell me more:
  • The highway section will be 82.4 km long and built on Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM).
  • The link will connect Barahiya, Lakhisarai, Jamalpur and Munger, and provide onward connectivity to Bhagalpur.
  • The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways announced the approval.
  • The Munger–Jamalpur–Bhagalpur belt is developing as an economic hub.

Source: TOI

2. CCEA Approves Doubling of Bhagalpur–Dumka–Rampurhat Railway Line

• What:
  • The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved doubling of the 177 km Bhagalpur–Dumka–Rampurhat railway line across Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal at a cost of Rs 3,169 crore.
• Why:
  • The rail line will connect five districts across three states, benefiting around 28.72 lakh people and 441 villages, including three Aspirational Districts—Banka, Godda, and Dumka.
• Tell me more:
  • It will give better access to key religious and tourist destinations such as Deoghar (Baba Baidyanath Dham) and Tarapith (Shakti Peeth).
  • The doubling will support an additional 15 MTPA freight movement including coal, cement, fertilizers, bricks, and stones.
  • It is expected to save five crore litres of oil imports and reduce 24 crore kg of CO2 emissions, equal to planting one crore trees.

Source: TOI

3. TN CM MK Stalin Secures Rs 15,516 Cr Investments

• Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin completed a one-week visit to England and Germany, signing 33 MoUs worth over Rs 15,516 crore in investments.
• The visit aimed to attract new industries, encourage existing companies to expand in Tamil Nadu, and showcase the state’s investment potential globally.
• The tour concluded with the ‘TN Rising Europe Investment Drive’ in London, after visits to both Germany and England.

Source: ET

International News

1. US Senator Proposes HIRE Act to Tax Outsourcing

• What:
  • US Senator Bernie Moreno introduced the HIRE Act on September 5, proposing a 25% tax on outsourcing payments made by US companies to foreign workers.
• Why:
  • The Act aims to protect American workers from job losses due to outsourcing and reduce dependence on foreign labor.
• Tell me more:
  • Outsourcing payments, defined as money paid by US companies to foreign persons whose work benefits American consumers, will be taxed.
  • A Domestic Workforce Fund will be created to use the revenue for workforce development and apprenticeship programs in the US.
  • The Act prohibits companies from deducting outsourcing payments from taxes.
  • If passed, the Act could increase costs for US companies and impact India’s IT and business process export sector.

Source: TOI

Banking and Economy

1. IEPFA Celebrates 9th Foundation Day with Round Table

• What:
  • The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) celebrated its 9th Foundation Day on September 08, 2025, in New Delhi with a Round Table Conference on the theme “Claiming the Unclaimed: Unlocking the Potential of Idle Financial Assets in India.”
• Why:
  • The event aimed to discuss policy innovations and reforms for unlocking unclaimed financial assets to strengthen investor protection and national development.
• Tell me more:
  • Chief Guest Sanjeev Sanyal, Member of PM’s Economic Advisory Council, delivered the keynote address highlighting the need for innovative frameworks and coordination.
  • CEO of IEPFA, Anita Shah Akella, outlined initiatives for investor protection, simplified claims, and financial literacy campaigns such as Niveshak Didi and Niveshak Shivirs.
  • The Round Table included policymakers and experts from SEBI, RBI, ICSI, PFRDA, IRDAI, NISM, and Reliance Industries Ltd.
  • Key initiatives discussed included the Integrated Portal for Claims and Refunds, simplification of low-value claims, and the upcoming Niveshak Samadhan – Dial Your CEO programme.

Source: PIB

2. Moody’s Says GST Revamp to Boost Consumption but Hurt Finances

• What:
  • Moody’s Investors Service said India’s new GST structure, effective from 22 September, will boost household demand and growth but reduce government revenue.
• Why:
  • The reforms aim to cut prices, encourage consumption, and support growth, though they pose risks to fiscal consolidation.
• Tell me more:
  • GST rates consolidated into two slabs—5% and 18%—while luxury and sin goods like premium cars, tobacco, and casinos will be taxed at 40%.
  • Food staples, medicines, and insurance are exempt, while non-lifesaving medicines will be at 5% instead of 12%.
  • Automakers, consumer goods, durables, cement, and insurers benefit from lower levies, while SUVs and luxury cars face 40% tax but no cess.
  • The government expects a revenue loss of ₹48,000 crore in FY26, while Moody’s warns losses could be higher from FY27.

Source: LM

3. Bank of Baroda Launches bob Aspire NRE Savings Account

• What:
  • Bank of Baroda launched the “bob Aspire NRE Savings Account” allowing Indian citizens moving abroad to open an NRE account in India before departure.
• Why:
  • The product is designed to simplify banking for prospective NRIs and make their transition to NRI banking smooth and hassle-free.
• Tell me more:
  • The account is opened in “inoperative mode” and becomes active once proof of overseas address and passport with immigration stamp is submitted.
  • No minimum balance charges apply for the first two quarters, after which a Quarterly Average Balance of Rs. 10,000 applies.
  • Bank of Baroda offers other NRE/NRO savings account options such as Baroda Power Pack NRE, bob Global Women NRE & NRO, and bob Premium NRE & NRO Savings Accounts.
  • The bob Aspire account particularly benefits students, employees, and individuals moving abroad for extended stays.

Source: BoB

4. Bank of Baroda and SIDBI Launch bob Earth Scheme

• What:
  • Bank of Baroda signed an MoU with SIDBI to launch the bob Earth Circular Economy Scheme (MSE Spice) under its Green and Sustainable product category.
• Why:
  • The scheme aims to help Micro and Small Enterprises adopt sustainable practices, improve resource efficiency, and support global sustainability goals.
• Tell me more:
  • The scheme falls under Bank of Baroda’s Green and Sustainable product category.
  • SIDBI has a dedicated Green Climate Finance Vertical to support eco-friendly projects.

Source: BoB

5. Jio Financial and Allianz Form Reinsurance Joint Venture

• What:
  • Jio Financial Services and Allianz Europe B.V. formed a joint venture named Allianz Jio Reinsurance Limited (AJRL) to start reinsurance business in India, subject to regulatory approvals.
• Why:
  • The venture aims to expand into India’s reinsurance sector by combining the strengths of Jio Financial and Allianz.
• Tell me more:
  • Jio Financial will invest ₹2.50 lakhs for 25,000 equity shares of ₹10 each, representing a 50% stake in the JV.

Source: LM

6. South Indian Bank Launches Loan Against Mutual Funds

• What:
  • South Indian Bank launched a digital lending facility called Loan Against Mutual Funds in partnership with Ark Neo’s DhanLAP platform.
• Why:
  • The facility aims to help investors meet financial needs without selling their mutual fund investments and compromising long-term goals.
• Tell me more:
  • The service is fully paperless, allowing instant digital loan access after KYC with PAN and Aadhaar.
  • Available to individuals aged 18 to 75, including non-customers of the bank.
  • Investors can borrow up to 50% of equity mutual fund value and 70% of debt mutual fund value.
  • DhanLAP is a digital platform operated by Ark Neo Financial Services.

Source: ET

7. PhonePe and SIDBI Launch Digital Udyam Generation for MSMEs

• What:
  • PhonePe, in partnership with SIDBI, launched a digital-first Udyam generation through the Udyam Assist Platform (UAP) to accelerate formalisation of MSMEs.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to provide informal micro enterprises with a formal business identity to unlock access to schemes, tax benefits, bank accounts, and financial services.
• Tell me more:
  • UAP, developed by SIDBI under the Ministry of MSME, issues Udyam Registration Numbers and Udyam Assist Certificates.
  • Over 2.75 crore businesses have already received Udyam Assist Certificates in the past two years.
  • At the launch, MSME Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi was present along with SIDBI and PhonePe officials.

Source: ET

8. TCS Partners with France’s CEA for Physical AI

• What:
  • Tata Consultancy Services signed a partnership with France’s CEA to develop and industrialise Physical AI solutions for real-world applications.
• Why:
  • The collaboration aims to combine robotics and AI to build intelligent systems that can transform industries like manufacturing, logistics, and automation.
• Tell me more:
  • CEA’s List institute for intelligent digital systems will work with TCS on adaptable robots, human-robot interaction systems, and socially assistive robots.
  • Physical AI will enable machines to perceive, interpret, and interact with the physical world, supporting digital transformation.
  • CEA has experience in advanced projects like brain-controlled exoskeletons, self-driving vehicles, and haptic telepresence.
  • The collaboration will also involve TCS Pace Port research and innovation centre in Paris.

Source: ET

GDP Forecast

1. Fitch Raises India’s Growth Outlook to 6.9%

• What:
  • Global rating agency Fitch revised India’s growth outlook for FY26 to 6.9% from 6.5% projected earlier in June.
• Why:
  • The revision was made as strong domestic demand, real income growth, and looser financial conditions are expected to drive higher consumer spending and investment.
• Tell me more:
  • Fitch cautioned that growth is likely to slow in H2 FY25 and projected GDP to moderate to 6.3% in FY27 and 6.2% in FY28.
  • Inflation fell to 1.6% in July, the lowest since June 2017, helped by low food prices, while core inflation dropped below 4% for the first time in six months.
  • The Reserve Bank of India is expected to cut rates by 25 basis points by year-end and keep them stable until end-2026 before raising in 2027.

Source: DD

2. ICRA Revises India’s FY25 Growth Forecast to 6.5%

• What:
  • Rating agency ICRA revised India’s FY25 GDP growth back to 6.5% after earlier downgrades, citing the boost from sharp GST rate cuts and income-tax relief.
• Why:
  • The revision was made as tax relief measures have put Rs 3 lakh crore in households’ hands, supporting consumption, credit growth, and overall economic momentum.
• Tell me more:
  • ICRA projects incremental bank credit to rise to Rs 19-20.5 lakh crore in FY26 from Rs 18 lakh crore in FY25, with growth of 10.4-11.3%.
  • NBFC credit growth, excluding infra firms, is expected at 15-17% in FY26, compared with 17% in FY25 and 24% in FY24.

Source: TOI

Defence News

1. Indian Army Uses SAMBHAV in Operation Sindoor

• What:
  • The Indian Army used its indigenously developed secure mobile ecosystem SAMBHAV in Operation Sindoor and is now preparing for an upgrade.
• Why:
  • The system was deployed to ensure secure command and communication without relying on commercial apps like WhatsApp.
• Tell me more:
  • SAMBHAV, launched in 2024, is an end-to-end secure mobile ecosystem built under Atmanirbhar Bharat, using 5G-ready handsets and multi-layered encryption.
  • Around 30,000 SAMBHAV devices have already been issued to officers, and these were also used during military talks with China in October.

Source: ET

2. India Joins Russia’s Zapad and Prepares for Indra Exercise

• What:
  • India is participating in Russia’s Zapad military exercise from September 1–17, while also preparing to host the Indra exercise with Russia in India next month.
• Why:
  • These exercises aim to strengthen strategic cooperation, enhance military coordination, and improve interoperability with Russia and other participating nations.
• Tell me more:
  • A 70-member Indian team is participating in Zapad, which involves more than 20 nations as participants and several others as observers.
  • For the first time since Operation Sindoor, Indian and Pakistani armies are part of the same exercise, though in different groups.
  • Zapad-2025 includes nuclear training with Russia’s Oreshnik missile system, focusing on air defence and countering sabotage.
  • Indra, starting next month in India, will involve army drills on counterterrorism, maritime security, disaster management, drones, cybersecurity, and electronic warfare.

Source: IT

Science and Technology

1. CPRI Inaugurates Regional Testing Laboratory at Nashik

• What:
  • The Central Power Research Institute inaugurated an advanced Regional Testing Laboratory at Nashik to provide testing services for power and electrical equipment.
• Why:
  • The laboratory was set up to strengthen quality assurance, speed up certification, and support growth and self-reliance in the power sector.
• Tell me more:
  • The facility will test equipment such as transformers, energy meters, smart meters, and transformer oil.
  • It will reduce the turnaround time for testing and certification, helping faster procurement by utilities and industries.
  • The laboratory will also support research and development in the power sector.

Source: PIB

2. ICEYE Launches Gen4 Satellites with Advanced SAR Imagery

• What:
  • ICEYE announced the commercial availability of its fourth-generation “Gen4” SAR satellites, offering the world’s highest-fidelity commercial radar imagery.
• Why:
  • The new satellites aim to provide sharper, faster, and wider earth observation capabilities to support governments, defense, intelligence, and disaster management.
• Tell me more:
  • Gen4 delivers imagery with up to 16 cm resolution and extends high-resolution coverage from 150 km to 400 km.
  • Each satellite can capture up to 500 images per day and supports near real-time monitoring with 700 Mbps downlink speed.
  • The satellites improve ICEYE’s Detect & Classify product, using AI to detect and classify vessels, aircraft, and vehicles with over 90% accuracy.
  • The first batch was launched in March this year through SpaceX’s TR13 mission, enabling rapid constellation growth.

Source: BS

Awards

1. Dr Manmohan Singh Honoured with P V Narasimha Rao Memorial Award

• What:
  • Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh was posthumously conferred the P V Narasimha Rao Memorial Award for Economics for his key role in India’s economic transformation and nation-building.
• Why:
  • The award was given to honour his remarkable contribution in the field of economics and development of the country.
• Tell me more:
  • The honour was presented by Montek Singh Ahluwalia, former deputy chairman of the Planning Commission.
  • The event was organised by the Hyderabad-based P V Narasimha Rao Memorial Foundation (PVNMF).

Source: TOI

2. Larry Ellison Becomes World’s Richest Man in 2025

• What:
  • Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison overtook Elon Musk to become the world’s richest man after his net worth surged by $101 billion in a single day, reaching $393 billion.
• Why:
  • The rise was driven by Oracle’s record-breaking earnings report and a historic stock rally that boosted Ellison’s fortune tied to the company’s shares.
• Tell me more:
  • The shift marks the first time Ellison, now 81, has topped the global wealth rankings.
  • Larry Ellison co-founded Oracle and has been its Executive Chairman and Chief Technology Officer since stepping down as CEO in 2014.

Source: TOI

Important Days

1. Patriot Day in the United States – September 11

• It honors the memory of those who lost their lives in the 2001 terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon in Virginia, and aboard United Airlines Flight 93, which crashed in Pennsylvania.

Source: Britannica

2. National Forest Martyrs Day 2025 – September 11

• The observance of this day originates from the Khejarli massacre of 1730 in Rajasthan.
• Amrita Devi Bishnoi and over 350 Bishnois sacrificed their lives to protect sacred Khejri trees from being cut down by the king’s men.
• Their bravery later inspired conservation movements, including the Chipko Movement.

Source: IT

3. World First Aid Day 2025 – September 13

4. Digvijay Diwas – September 11

• The day marks Swami Vivekananda’s historic speech at the World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893.

Source: BT

5. International Day to Protect Education from Attack 2025 – September 9

• Theme: Challenging Narratives, Reshaping Action

Source: UN

6. Himalaya Diwas 2025 – September 9

• Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education-Forest Research Institute, Dehradun organised a webinar on the theme “Climate-induced Geological Disasters in the Himalaya and their remediation” to mark Himalayan Day 2025.
• The webinar aimed to highlight the fragility of the Himalayan ecosystem and discuss strategies to protect it from disasters caused by climate change and human pressures.

Source: PIB

7. World EV Day 2025 – September 9

Sports

1. ICC Launches ‘Will to Win’ Campaign for Women’s World Cup

• What:
  • ICC launched its flagship ‘Will to Win’ campaign film ahead of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, coinciding with the opening of the general ticket sales.
• Why:
  • The campaign was created to showcase determination, perseverance, and the spirit of women’s cricket while inspiring global audiences.
• Tell me more:
  • The film features cricket stars including India’s Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur, Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu, Australia’s Ellyse Perry, South Africa’s Marizanne Kapp, Pakistan’s Muneeba Ali, Bangladesh’s Nigar Sultana Joty, New Zealand’s Melie Kerr, and England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt.
  • ICC Chairman Jay Shah stated that the campaign pays tribute to the journeys and sacrifices of women cricketers.
  • The 13th edition of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup will begin on September 30 with India vs Sri Lanka at Guwahati, and the final will take place on November 2.

Source: DD

Memorandum of Understanding

1. SAI and IIT Delhi Sign MoU for Sports Science Collaboration

• What:
  • The Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Sports Science Research signed an MoU with IIT Delhi to promote sports sciences, technology, and indigenous innovation.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to reduce dependence on imported equipment and support the Atmanirbhar Bharat and ‘Garv se Swadeshi’ campaigns in the sports sector.
• Tell me more:
  • The MoU will focus on developing indigenous sports equipment, sports science devices, and advanced technologies.
  • The MoU was signed in the presence of Sports Secretary Shri Hari Ranjan Rao and IIT Delhi Director Prof. Rangan Banerjee.
  • A new Biomechanics Laboratory at IIT Delhi was inaugurated to study athlete movement and performance optimization.

Source: PIB

2. iDEX-DIO Signs MoU with EdCIL for ASPIRE Program

• What:
  • iDEX-DIO signed an MoU with EdCIL (India) Limited on September 9, 2025, to develop dual-use cutting-edge technologies under the ASPIRE program.
• Why:
  • The collaboration aims to merge defence innovation with education technology, extend iDEX’s model to the civilian sector, and promote indigenous innovation.
• Tell me more:
  • The MoU was signed by Shri Amit Satija, Joint Secretary (DIP) & Additional CEO, DIO, and Shri Govind Jaiswal, Joint Secretary (TEL) & CMD, EdCIL, in New Delhi.
  • iDEX has engaged with over 650 start-ups and MSMEs, with procurement clearances worth Rs 3,250 crore for 50 products and orders worth Rs 1,652 crore for 36 products.
  • The ASPIRE program focuses on solving critical challenges through collaboration between defence and the civilian sectors.

Source: PIB

3. India–Sri Lanka MoU for Emergency Unit in Mannar

• What:
  • India and Sri Lanka signed an MoU to build an Accident and Emergency Unit at the District General Hospital in Mannar with a grant of 600 million Sri Lankan Rupees.
• Why:
  • The project aims to improve emergency healthcare by providing timely treatment and reducing overcrowding in the hospital.
• Tell me more:
  • The MoU was signed by Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha and Sri Lanka’s Health Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe, in the presence of Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa.
  • The project includes a two-storey unit and supply of medical equipment.
  • It will address a critical gap in emergency care facilities in the region.
  • The initiative is expected to save lives by strengthening the hospital’s capacity.

Source: NOA

Appointments

1. Norway’s Labour Party Wins Second Term in Elections

• Jonas Gahr Støre, from Norway’s Labour Party, won a second term as the Prime Minister.

Source: BBC

2. Dr. Geetha Vani Rayasam Appointed Director of CSIR-NIScPR

• What:
  • Dr. Geetha Vani Rayasam assumed charge as the new Director of CSIR–National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR).
• Tell me more:
  • Dr. Rayasam highlighted the theme of “Connecting the Unconnected” and said NIScPR should act as a role model for the Global South.
  • NIScPR initiatives include the Science Media Communication Cell (SMCC) and SVASTIK.

Source: PIB

3. Srinivas Injeti Appointed Chairperson of NSE Board

• What:
  • National Stock Exchange appointed Srinivas Injeti as the Chairperson of its governing board, effective today, after approval from SEBI.
• Tell me more:
  • He served as Union Corporate Affairs Secretary (2017–2020), leading reforms in insolvency, competition, and company law.
  • He established NFRA, the Independent Directors’ data bank, and strengthened CSR and governance frameworks.
  • He was founding Chairperson of IFSCA (2020–2023), creating India’s first international financial regulator and promoting initiatives in global banking, FinTech, and sustainable finance.
  • Injeti was a member of the Financial Stability and Development Council of India from 2017 to 2023.

Source: ET

4. Sebastien Lecornu Becomes New Prime Minister of France

• What:
  • French President Emmanuel Macron appointed Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu as the new Prime Minister after Francois Bayrou resigned following a no-confidence vote.
• Tell me more:
  • France is the EU’s second-largest economy but struggles with high debt and instability, raising investor concerns.
  • France’s budget deficit stands at €169 billion ($198 bn), or 5.8% of GDP, well above the EU’s 3% limit.

Source: ALJ

Miscellaneous

1. Anupam Kher Announces Fourth Book ‘Different But No Less’

• Actor and motivational speaker Anupam Kher announced his fourth book titled ‘Different But No Less,’ which is based on his real-life experiences.
• Anupam Kher has previously written three books: The Best Thing About You Is You, Lessons Life Taught Me Unknowingly, and Your Best Day Is Today.

Source: TOI

Start Quiz of 11th September 2025 on Mobile

Start Quiz of 11th September 2025 on Desktop