19th September 2025

1. Overview of PM Narendra Modi’s Visit to Madhya Pradesh on September 17, 2025
2. Overview of Mauritius PM Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam’s Visit to India from September 09 to 16, 2025
3. Union Minister Amit Shah Inaugurates 2nd National ANTF Conference in New Delhi, Delhi
4. Union MoS Jitendra Singh inaugurates CoE for AI, Skill Development & Innovation at Graphic Era University in Uttarakhand
5. MNRE Notified National Geothermal Energy Policy 2025
6. Malabar Group Signed MoU with WHO India to Implement ‘Nurturing Beginnings’ Project
7. Union Minister Rammohan Naidu Launches ‘Yatri Sewa Diwas 2025’ from Hindon Airport in UP
8. AU SF Bank Launches ‘AU KOSMO Credit Cards’ in collaboration with KIWI
9. Razor Pay integrates with Apple Pay to support Cross-Border Transactions
10. Samuel Umtiti of France Announces Retirement from Professional Football
11. TN Becomes First State to Issue ID Cards to Women SHG Members
12. Indian Defence Service of Engineers celebrated its 76th Raising Day
13. India to form Tri-Services Education Corps and establish joint military stations
14. Marium Fatima becomes Bihar’s first woman FIDE Master
15. Seven Tier II cities identified as minting the most millionaires
16. International Talk Like a Pirate Day observed
17. IIT Kanpur and Vietnam National University sign MoU to boost research, AI, and innovation
18. MK Stalin launches ‘Anbu Karangal’ scheme for orphaned children
19. India records first half-year CO₂ emission drop
20. EPFO launches ‘Passbook Lite’ for faster claims and real-time tracking
21. Australia ups emissions target to 62% by 2035
22. India and FAO launch Blue Ports for smart fisheries
23. Vyommitra: ISRO’s AI half-humanoid for Gaganyaan
24. CAG to launch AI-based audit system for better oversight

National News

1. Mauritian Prime Minister Dr. Ramgoolam Begins India Visit

• What:
  • Prime Minister of Mauritius, Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, arrived in New Delhi after visiting Tirupati as part of his eight-day official visit to India.
• Why:
  • The visit marks his first overseas bilateral visit in his current term and aims to strengthen ties with India.
• Tell me more:
  • Minister of State for Defence, Sanjay Seth, received him at the airport in New Delhi.
  • During the visit, he will pay tribute at Rajghat and Sadaiv Atal by laying wreaths to Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
  • He will call on President Droupadi Murmu and also visit the New Parliament Building.
  • He had earlier visited India in May 2014 to attend the swearing-in of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Source: NOA

2. Amit Shah Inaugurates National Anti-Narcotics Conference in Delhi

• What:
  • Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the second National Conference of Heads of Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) of states and union territories in New Delhi and released NCB Annual Report-2024 along with launching the Online Drug Disposal Campaign.
• Why:
  • The event aims to strengthen the fight against drugs by involving all states, central agencies, and stakeholders to realize the vision of a drug-free India.
• Tell me more:
  • The two-day conference on 16–17 September was attended by ANTF heads from 36 states and union territories, along with senior officials including the Union Home Secretary and Director General of NCB.
  • Amit Shah stressed targeting three kinds of drug cartels—entry points, state distributors, and local sellers—using technology like darknet and cryptocurrency tracking.
  • He emphasized a three-pronged approach: ruthless supply reduction, strategic demand reduction, and humane harm reduction.
  • The Home Minister highlighted that 1.37 lakh kilograms of drugs worth ₹4,800 crore were destroyed at 11 locations and urged states to adopt regular disposal every three months.
  • The Drug-Free India campaign is active in 372 districts with participation from 10 crore people and 3 lakh educational institutions.

Source: PIB

3. Government Notifies National Policy on Geothermal Energy 2025

• What:
  • The Government of India has notified the National Policy on Geothermal Energy (2025) to develop the country’s untapped geothermal potential.
• Why:
  • The policy aims to support India’s Net Zero 2070 goal by promoting round-the-clock renewable power and direct-use applications of geothermal energy.
• Tell me more:
  • The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) will oversee exploration, development, and regulation of geothermal energy.
  • Key policy areas include R&D, global best practices, hybrid projects, repurposing oil wells, and advanced geothermal systems.
  • Geothermal energy applications will extend beyond power generation to agriculture, aquaculture, district heating, space cooling, and tourism.
  • Encourages private investment, public-private partnerships, and international collaborations for ecosystem development.
  • Five pilot projects and resource assessments have been sanctioned to test commercial viability across different regions.

Source: MoC

4. India Launches ‘Yatri Sewa Diwas’ for Air Travellers

• What:
  • Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu launched ‘Yatri Sewa Diwas’, observed at airports nationwide with health check-ups, awareness drives, and activities for passengers.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to place passengers at the centre of India’s growing aviation sector, aligning with the Swastha Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan and the principle of ‘Passenger First, Nation First’.
• Tell me more:
  • The programme was launched from Hindon Airport and included cultural shows, competitions, and career guidance sessions for students.
  • Special focus was given to women travellers, senior citizens, and community activities like blood donation, eye check-ups for taxi drivers, and tree plantation drives.
  • Passenger numbers have increased from 11 crore in 2014 to 25 crore in 2025, showing rapid growth in the aviation sector.
  • Airports Authority of India (AAI) participated actively with initiatives such as Digi Yatra, UDAN Yatri Cafe, and Flybrary for improved passenger convenience.

Source: TOI

State News

1. PM launches Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar and Poshan Maah in MP

• What:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the ‘Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar’ and ‘8th Rashtriya Poshan Maah’ campaigns in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh on 17th September.
• Why:
  • The campaigns aim to provide women-centric healthcare, improve nutrition, and promote a healthier lifestyle for women, children, and families at the community level.
• Tell me more:
  • The campaigns will run from 17th September to 2nd October across government health facilities, with more than one lakh health camps making it India’s largest outreach drive for women and children.
  • Services include screening for non-communicable diseases, anaemia, tuberculosis, sickle cell disease, antenatal care, immunisation, nutrition awareness, menstrual hygiene, and mental health support.
  • Specialist services in gynaecology, paediatrics, dentistry, dermatology, ENT, eye care, and psychiatry will be mobilised through government and private hospitals.
  • Initiatives include launch of the Suman Sakhi Chatbot for maternal and child health, distribution of one-croreth Sickle Cell Screening Card, and nationwide blood donation drives through the e-Raktkosh portal.
  • Nearly ten lakh women will directly benefit through fund transfers under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana.

Source: PIB NOA DD

2. Centre of Excellence for AI at Graphic Era University Inaugurated at Dehradun

• What:
  • Union Minister Jitendra Singh inaugurated a Centre of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence, Skill Development, and Innovation at Graphic Era University in Dehradun.
• Why:
  • The centre aims to boost research, skill development, and entrepreneurship in line with Digital India, Startup India, and Skill India missions.
• Tell me more:
  • The facility, spread over 1.5 lakh sq. ft. and costing over ₹10 crore, includes Uttarakhand’s first NVIDIA AI and High-Performance Computing hub.
  • It is powered by an NVIDIA DGX B200 system with eight GPUs and 1.74 TB GPU memory.
  • The centre will support research in healthcare, agriculture, environment, smart cities, and advanced industries.
  • It also houses an Apple iOS Development Centre set up in collaboration with Apple and Infosys.
  • Minister highlighted AI uses like telemedicine vans in rural areas and cautioned about misuse such as deepfakes, stressing ethical innovation.

Source: DD

3. Tamil Nadu Launches ID Cards for Women SHGs

• What:
  • Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin inaugurated the distribution of identity cards and loans worth ₹3,500 crore for Women Self-Help Groups in Tamil Nadu.
• Why:
  • The initiative is aimed at empowering women SHG members by providing them with ID cards for availing benefits and financial support through loans.
• Tell me more:
  • Over five lakh SHGs are functioning in Tamil Nadu, and this is the first time ID cards have been issued to their members.
  • Using these ID cards, members can carry their products up to 100 km free in government buses and avail discounts at Aavin, Co-optex, and Mudhalvar Marunthagam.
  • Under Magalir Vidiyal Payanam, women made 770 crore trips in four-and-a-half years, and under Magalir Urimai Thogai scheme, 1.15 crore women receive ₹1,000 monthly assistance.
  • The event was held at Karuppur Engineering College, and later Udhayanidhi flagged off low-floor buses for TNSTC Salem Division.
  • He also held a review meeting in Salem Collectorate on development works and petitions received under Ungaludan Stalin scheme.

Source: TH

4. DMK Launches Anbu Karangal Scheme for Orphaned Children

• What:
  • Chief Minister MK Stalin launched the Anbu Karangal scheme to provide monthly financial assistance of ₹2,000 to children who lost both parents or cannot be cared for by the surviving parent.
• Why:
  • The scheme aims to uplift marginalised children by supporting their well-being until they turn 18 and to continue supporting their higher education after schooling.
• Tell me more:
  • The scheme was launched on the birth anniversary of former chief minister CN Annadurai, embracing the principle of serving the poor.
  • The assistance covers children whose surviving parent is unable to care due to abandonment, disability, imprisonment, or life-threatening illness.
  • The government also runs welfare programmes for persons with disabilities and transgender people.

Source: IE

International News

1. Australia Commits to Cutting Carbon Emissions by 62%

• What:
  • Australia has set a target to reduce its carbon emissions by at least 62% from 2005 levels over the next decade.
• Why:
  • The target aligns with Australia’s obligations under the Paris Climate Agreement and aims to address increasing climate risks.
• Tell me more:
  • Previously, Australia had pledged a 43% reduction in greenhouse gases by 2030.
  • The government’s risk assessment warns of extreme weather events due to man-made climate change.
  • Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the new target follows recommendations from the Climate Change Authority.
  • Australia is one of the highest per capita polluters globally and faces international criticism for fossil fuel reliance.

Source: NoA

Banking and Economy

1. AU Small Finance Bank Launches AU KOSMO Credit Card

• What:
  • AU Small Finance Bank, in collaboration with Kiwi, launched the AU KOSMO Credit Card on the RuPay network with Credit on UPI facility.
• Why:
  • The card aims to target first-time credit users and provide a digital-first, affordable, and convenient credit option to support financial inclusion.
• Tell me more:
  • The card allows UPI-based credit transactions at online and offline merchants using any UPI-enabled QR code without a physical card.
  • UPI usage continues to grow, with P2M payments reaching ₹7.2 lakh crore in August 2025, a 26% increase over last year.
  • RuPay credit cards now account for nearly 12% of the market and about 28% of all credit transactions in FY25.

Source: CNBC

2. Razorpay Integrates Apple Pay for Indian Merchants

• What:
  • Razorpay has integrated Apple Pay for international payments, becoming the first Indian online payment aggregator to enable this service.
• Why:
  • The integration aims to help Indian merchants scale globally by reducing payment friction, improving customer trust, and boosting conversions.
• Tell me more:
  • Razorpay is headquartered in Bengaluru and co-founded by Shashank Kumar, who also serves as its Managing Director.

Source: BS

3. EPFO Launches ‘Passbook Lite’ to Ease PF Tracking

• What:
  • The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) launched ‘Passbook Lite’, a new feature to provide a summary view of PF accounts directly on its website for easier tracking and faster claims.
• Why:
  • The feature simplifies access to key services, reduces website load, and improves transparency and efficiency for over 70 million pension subscribers.
• Tell me more:
  • EPF members can now check balances, contributions, and withdrawals summaries without visiting a separate passbook website.
  • Users can download Annexure K certificate directly from the portal, which is needed for PF account transfers during job changes.
  • EPFO has delegated claim processing powers to lower-level officials to speed up settlements and refunds.
  • The streamlined approval process aims to cut processing time and enhance member satisfaction.

Source: BS

4. CAG to Launch AI-Powered Large Language Model for Audits

• What:
  • The Comptroller and Auditor General is developing an AI-powered Large Language Model to help auditors access institutional knowledge and improve audit efficiency, with the first version expected by November 2025.
• Why:
  • To enhance audit analysis by accurately identifying patterns and risks and to support remote and hybrid audits of government agencies using digitisation.
• Tell me more:
  • The AI system will be trained using past inspection reports to strengthen capabilities in analyzing large datasets and generating audit documents.
  • Remote audits are advancing with standardised data and tools like PM GatiShakti, enabling real-time coordination and risk-based planning.
  • Hybrid audits combine manual records and data analysis, with pilots conducted in various states and audit sectors such as Public Works and Panchayati Raj Institutions.
  • The ‘Connect Portal’ will provide nearly 10 lakh auditee entities a unified digital platform to respond to audit queries and track observations transparently.
  • The Annual Conference of State Finance Secretaries will discuss strengthening reporting frameworks, digital governance, and accounting and auditing improvements for state public sector entities.

Source: TH

Reports and Indices

1. Mercedes-Benz Hurun India Wealth Report 2025

• What:
  • India’s millionaire households have almost doubled from 4,58,000 in 2021 to 8,71,700 in 2025, while billionaires and ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNI) grew far more slowly.
• Why:
  • The growth shows that wealth creation is spreading broadly across Indian society, but reaching the ultra-rich status remains challenging.
• Tell me more:
  • Millionaire households (net worth over Rs 8.5 crore/$1 million) rose 90% from 2021 and represent 0.31% of all households.
  • From 2017 to 2025, $1 million+ households grew 445%, but only 5% reached ultra-high-net-worth status (over $12 million), and 0.01% became billionaires.
  • India has 360 billionaire households collectively worth Rs 185 lakh crore ($1 billion+ each) and 66,800 households worth over Rs 100 crore.
  • The surge in wealth is driven by equity markets, entrepreneurship, and urban economic growth.
  • India’s millionaire households are projected to double to 1.7-2 million in the next decade. Tier II cities are significant contributors to the increasing millionaire population in India.

Source: ET

2. Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) for Carbon Brief Analysis

• What:
  • India’s electricity sector saw a 1% decline in carbon dioxide emissions in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
• Tell me more:
  • The analysis was conducted by Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) for Carbon Brief, a UK-based climate-focussed publication.
  • Electricity sector is India’s largest emitter, accounting for about 40% of annual greenhouse gas emissions.
  • India aims for 500 GW of installed non-fossil fuel electricity capacity by 2030; 252 GW has already been achieved.
  • Non-fossil fuel capacity growth is expected to outpace electricity demand growth, aiding peak emissions by 2030.

Source: IE

Defence News

1. IDSE Celebrates 76th Raising Day in Delhi

• What:
  • The Indian Defence Service of Engineers (IDSE) celebrated its 76th Raising Day on September 17, 2025, at Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt.
• Why:
  • The event highlighted the contribution of IDSE officers in strengthening national defence through modern infrastructure and emphasised the need to adopt new technologies for evolving security challenges.
• Tell me more:
  • Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh was the Chief Guest and commended IDSE officers for their role in building world-class defence infrastructure.
  • IDSE officers are posted across military stations to manage construction and maintenance of diverse defence facilities including airfields, naval jetties, hospitals, and specialised structures.

Source: PIB

2. Armed Forces to Form Tri-Services Education Corps and Joint Military Stations

• What:
  • The Army, Navy, and Air Force decided at the Combined Commanders’ Conference (CCC) 2025 to merge their education branches into a single Tri-Services Education Corps and to establish three new Joint Military Stations.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to enhance jointness, integration, and educational standards across the armed forces, making them better prepared for future warfare.
• Tell me more:
  • The education branches of the services manage training, schools, colleges, and selection centres for troops and their families.
  • Military stations provide housing, training, and equipment facilities for personnel and their families.
  • The CDS reviewed the Prime Minister and Defence Minister’s directions and discussed their time-bound implementation.
  • Year 2025 has been declared as the ‘Year of Reforms’ by the Ministry of Defence.
  • The reforms are part of the roadmap to reorganise India’s military towards Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs).

Source: IE

Science and Technology

1. ISRO to Launch AI-Enabled Vyommitra Robot on Gaganyaan Mission

• What:
  • ISRO will launch Vyommitra, an AI-enabled half-humanoid robot, aboard the uncrewed test mission of the Gaganyaan Spaceflight this December-end.
• Why:
  • To test and ensure safety for the upcoming human space mission to orbit 400 km for three days and to address challenges like temperature, pressure, humidity, and carbon dioxide.
• Tell me more:
  • Vyommitra is part of the Gaganyaan mission’s unmanned spacecraft planned for launch by December-end.
  • The mission includes an escape system and nine parachutes to ensure safe splashdown in the sea.
  • The project involves collaboration between ISRO, Indian Air Force, Navy, DRDO, and other institutions.
  • Vyommitra is the first AI-enabled half-humanoid robot designed by ISRO for space missions.

Source: ET

Agriculture and Rural Development

1. Department of Fisheries partners with FAO to strengthen Blue Port infrastructure

• What:
  • The Department of Fisheries signed a Technical Cooperation Programme agreement with the Food and Agriculture Organization to strengthen Blue Port infrastructure in India through webinars and workshops.
• Why:
  • To build capacity, share global best practices, and develop sustainable, technology-driven, and inclusive Blue Ports supporting economic, ecological, and social goals.
• Tell me more:
  • Three Smart and Integrated Fishing Harbours are being developed in Gujarat, Daman & Diu, and Puducherry with a ₹369.8 crore investment under PMMSY.
  • Advanced technologies like 5G, artificial intelligence, automation, IoT, and digital platforms are integrated to improve port operations and efficiency.
  • Eco-friendly features such as rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient lighting, electric equipment, and waste management ensure environmental sustainability.
  • The first webinar featured experts sharing a roadmap for sustainability and stakeholder collaboration, including case studies like the Port of Vigo in Spain.
  • Pilot fishing ports Vanakbara (Diu) and Jakhau (Gujarat) will receive strategic upgrades supported by FAO’s TCP to address environmental, social, and economic challenges.

Source: [PIB](PIB

Important Days

1. International Talk Like a Pirate Day – September 19

Source: IT

Sports

1. Marium Fatima Becomes Bihar’s First Woman FIDE Master

• What:
  • Marium Fatima from Muzaffarpur, Bihar, has become the state’s first Woman FIDE Master (WFM).
• Tell me more:
  • FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs) is the international governing body of chess.
  • The Woman FIDE Master (WFM) title is awarded by FIDE to players who achieve at least 2100 rating and performance level.
  • Chess titles like WFM, WIM (Woman International Master), and WGM (Woman Grandmaster) are part of FIDE’s ranking system for women players.

Source: NOA

Memorandum of Understanding

1. Malabar Group Signs MoU with WHO India for ‘Nurturing Beginnings’ Project

• What:
  • Malabar Group launched a new CSR initiative, ‘Nurturing Beginnings’, in collaboration with WHO India to improve nutrition and well-being of mothers and children in disadvantaged urban communities.
• Why:
  • The project aims to support the physical, mental, and intellectual development of children by ensuring proper nutrition and healthcare during the first 1,000 days from conception to early childhood.
• Tell me more:
  • The project builds on the Group’s flagship ‘Hunger Free World’ program that already provides daily meals to thousands.
  • The MoU for the initiative was signed in Kozhikode in the presence of WHO India officials and Malabar Group leadership.

Source: BS

2. IIT Kanpur, Vietnam National University Sign MoU for Collaboration

• What:
  • Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur and Vietnam National University signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate in academics and research.
• Why:
  • The MoU aims to enhance knowledge exchange, innovation, and capacity building through joint research and academic activities benefiting faculty, researchers, and students.
• Tell me more:
  • Areas of collaboration include AI applications in medical diagnosis and hospital use in Vietnam, AI-driven education, infrastructure defect detection, smart city projects, material prediction, carbon-carbon materials, and drone technology for rescue and agriculture.
  • Prof Manindra Agrawal is the Director of IIT Kanpur.

Source: IE

Miscellaneous

1. Former France Defender Samuel Umtiti Announces Retirement

• What:
  • Former Barcelona and France centre back Samuel Umtiti has retired from professional football at the age of 31.
• Tell me more:
  • Umtiti was part of France’s 2018 World Cup-winning team, scoring the semi-final winner against Belgium and starting in the final against Croatia.
  • He joined Barcelona from Lyon in 2016, making 133 appearances and winning two LaLiga titles.

Source: DD

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