20th-22nd September 2025

1. Gourangalal Das appointed as India’s new Ambassador to South Korea
2. Mohanlal Honoured with 2023 Dadasaheb Phalke Award
3. Oil India, RVUNL to Jointly Develop 1.2 GW Green Energy Projects in Rajasthan
4. India and Canada to Restart Trade Talks and Deepen Cooperation
5. PhonePe Gets RBI Approval to Operate as Online Payment Aggregator
6. Uttarakhand Hosts Asian Cadet Cup 2025 & State CM Inaugurated
7. IMF Chief Proposes Daniel Katz as Number Two Leader
8. Oil India & Hindustan Copper Sign Critical Minerals MoU
9. Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound Selected as India’s Official Entry to Oscars 2026
10. Arshdeep Singh Becomes First Indian to Reach 100 T20I Wickets
11. Assam Icon Zubeen Garg Ya Ali Fame Dies in Scuba Diving Tragedy
12. India’s Sovereign Credit Rating Upgraded to BBB+ by Japan’s R&I
13. International Red Panda Day 2025: Celebrating and Saving the Himalayan “Firefox”
14. US Fed Cuts Rate by 25 bps, Signals Easing Cycle
15. IIM Udaipur Partners with MoSPI, NITI Aayog, Bhashini to Enhance India’s Data, Monitoring, & AI Ecosystem
16. Overview of Union Minister Piyush Goyal’s Visit to UAE from September 18 to 19, 2025
17. India Elected as Member of INTERPOL Asian Committee at 25th Asian Regional Conference
18. PayRupy Partners with BRISKPE to Expand into Cross-Border Payments
19. IGF and QETCI Signs pact to develop UK-India Quantum Value Chain-Map
20. Hindi Drama ‘Homebound’ Nominated for Oscar Awards 2026
21. ACC Approves New DGs for CISF and ITBP
22. AAI Launches India’s First-Ever Archery League; Ram Charan Appointed As Brand Ambassador
23. World Water Monitoring Day 2025 – September 18
24. World Cleanup Day 2025 – September 20
25. Indian Railways Renamed Ahmednagar Railway Station as ‘Ahilyanagar’ in Maharashtra
26. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Runs Fastest 400m in 40 Years
27. Indian Skater Anish Raj Secures Historic Bronze at World Championships 2025
28. Smriti Mandhana Breaks Virat Kohli’s Record for Fastest Indian Century in ODIs
29. ICC Unveils Official Song ‘Bring it Home’ for Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025
30. India Re-Elected to Council of Administration & Postal Operations Council at 28th UPU Congress
31. India, Greece Hold First Bilateral Naval Exercise
32. India Sets Up First Defence Manufacturing Plant in Morocco
33. India Secures Exclusive Rights for Polymetallic Sulphides Exploration in Carlsberg Ridge
34. PM Modi Launches ₹34,200 Crore Projects in Gujarat to Boost Maritime
35. World Rhino Day 2025
36. World Rose Day 2025
37. World Alzheimer’s Day 2025
38. International Day of Peace 2025

National News

1. India and Canada Agree to Restart Bilateral Dialogue

• What:
  • Officials from India and Canada met for pre-Foreign Office consultations and agreed to restart bilateral dialogue across key sectors.
• Why:
  • The consultations aimed to restore stability and strengthen the partnership between the two nations through constructive engagement.
• Tell me more:
  • The two sides decided to reactivate dialogue in areas like trade, defence, energy, civil nuclear, security, critical minerals, space, science and technology, and agriculture.
  • India’s delegation was led by MEA Secretary (East) P. Kumaran, while the Canadian side was led by Deputy Foreign Minister David Morrison.
  • Both nations agreed to address capacity-related issues at their Missions and Consulates to support economic opportunities and people-to-people links.

Source: ET

2. IIM Udaipur Signs Key Collaborations in Data and AI

• What:
  • IIM Udaipur entered into collaborations with MoSPI, NITI Aayog’s DMEO, and Bhashini to strengthen India’s ecosystem in data, monitoring, evaluation, and artificial intelligence.
• Why:
  • The partnerships aim to foster innovation, evidence-based policymaking, and inclusive development through data-driven governance and AI-led solutions.
• Tell me more:
  • IIM Udaipur signed an MoU with MoSPI’s Data Informatics & Innovation Division to act as a Knowledge Partner for the Data Innovation Lab.
  • Through its Centre for Development Policy and Management (CDPM), IIMU signed a Statement of Intent with NITI Aayog’s DMEO to advance monitoring and evaluation practices.
  • IIM Udaipur joined Anusandhan Mitra in partnership with Bhashini to strengthen AI and language technologies for Indian languages.
  • The collaborations include hackathons, research, training programs, and technical assistance for ministries and state governments.

Source: TW

3. Piyush Goyal to Co-Chair 13th India-UAE High Level Task Force on Investments

• What:
  • Union Minister Piyush Goyal will visit the UAE on September 18–19, 2025, to co-chair the 13th India-UAE High Level Task Force on Investments with Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of ADIA.
• Why:
  • The meeting will strengthen trade and investment ties, review progress on CEPA and other agreements, and explore opportunities in new growth sectors.
• Tell me more:
  • The agenda includes reviewing CEPA, the Double Taxation Treaty, and UAE-India Central Bank matters.
  • Key sectors such as maritime and space will be explored for investment opportunities.
  • Goyal will also co-chair the UAE-India Business Council roundtable with UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi.
  • Meetings are scheduled with UAE leadership and private sector stakeholders including H.H. Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed, Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, and Syed Basar Shueb.

Source: PIB

State News

1. Oil India and RVUNL to Develop 1.2 GW Renewables in Rajasthan

• What:
  • Oil India Limited has signed a Joint Venture Agreement with Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited to develop 1.2 GW of renewable energy projects in Rajasthan.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to supply clean power through solar, wind, green hydrogen, and other renewable initiatives to DISCOMs and commercial customers.
• Tell me more:
  • The projects include 1000 MW of solar power and 200 MW of wind power within RVUNL’s Renewable Energy Park.
  • The joint venture will combine OIL’s energy expertise and RVUNL’s power project experience.

Source: ET

2. Uttarakhand Hosts First Asian Cadet Cup in Fencing

• What:
  • Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the Asian Cadet Cup India-2025, organised by the Fencing Association of India in Haldwani.
• Why:
  • The event aims to promote fencing, encourage youth participation, and highlight Uttarakhand as a centre for sports development.
• Tell me more:
  • The five-day tournament is being held at Manaskhand Hall, Indira Gandhi International Sports Stadium, from September 16 to 23.
  • Over 250 athletes, including 150 from India, are competing in both boys’ and girls’ categories. Participants are from countries like Tajikistan, Syria, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Indonesia.
  • The competition is organised under the aegis of the Asian Fencing Confederation.

Source: TOI

3. Ahmednagar Railway Station Renamed as Ahilyanagar

• What:
  • Indian Railways has renamed Ahmednagar Railway Station of Pune Division as Ahilyanagar to honour Lokmata Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar.
• Why:
  • The renaming was done to pay tribute to Ahilya Bai Holkar and in line with the Maharashtra government’s decision to rename Ahmednagar as Ahilyanagar.
• Tell me more:
  • The new name will be written as “ahilyaangr” in Hindi and Marathi (Devanagari script) and as “AHILYANAGAR” in English.
  • The station code will remain unchanged as ANG.

Source: ANI

4. PM Inaugurates Rs 34,200 Crore Maritime Projects in Gujarat

• What:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of development works worth over Rs 34,200 crore in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, under the ‘Samudra se Samriddhi’ initiative.
• Why:
  • The projects aim to boost port-led development, strengthen India’s maritime sector, reduce foreign dependence, and promote Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• Tell me more:
  • The PM inaugurated the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal and laid foundation stones for new container terminals, cargo handling facilities, multi-cargo berths, and port modernization across Kolkata, Paradip, Kandla, Ennore, Chennai, and Car Nicobar.
  • Shipbuilding received a major boost as large ships were accorded infrastructure status to ensure easier financing and global competitiveness.
  • Over Rs 70,000 crore will be invested in three new schemes to support Indian shipyards with technology upgradation, modern design, and quality standards.
  • Projects worth Rs 26,354 crore were also launched in Gujarat across renewable energy, LNG infrastructure, solarization, hospitals, highways, and transport.

Source: PIB

International News

1. US Federal Reserve Cuts Interest Rates by 25 bps

• What:
  • The US Federal Reserve cut its benchmark policy rate by 25 basis points to a range of 4%-4.25%, marking its first rate cut this year.
• Why:
  • The move was taken to support a slowing labor market despite inflation remaining elevated.
• Tell me more:
  • The Fed’s rate cut breaks a pause that began in January after several cuts between September and December last year.
  • Inflation hit a seven-month high in August due to higher food and apparel costs, but job market weakness pushed policymakers to act.
  • The Fed expects US growth in 2025 at 1.6%, up from its earlier 1.4% forecast, with no change to unemployment or inflation projections.
  • Following the decision, the Dow Jones rose by 0.78% while the Nasdaq closed lower.

Source: ET

Banking and Economy

1. PhonePe Gets RBI Approval as Payment Aggregator

• What:
  • PhonePe has received final approval from the Reserve Bank of India to operate as an online payment aggregator.
• Why:
  • The authorisation will help PhonePe expand its services to more online merchants, particularly small and medium enterprises.
• Tell me more:
  • PhonePe serves over 650 million registered users and 45 million merchant outlets.
  • The platform processes more than 360 million transactions daily.
  • Its annualised total payment value exceeds ₹150 lakh crore.
  • PhonePe had earlier received RBI’s in-principle approval for a payment aggregator licence in 2023.

Source: ET

2. India’s Sovereign Credit Rating Upgraded to BBB+ by R&I

• What:
  • Japan-based Rating and Investment Information, Inc. (R&I) upgraded India’s long-term sovereign credit rating to ‘BBB+’ with a Stable outlook.
• Why:
  • The upgrade reflects confidence in India’s strong economic fundamentals, fiscal management, and long-term growth prospects.
• Tell me more:
  • This is India’s third sovereign rating upgrade in 2025, after S&P’s upgrade to ‘BBB’ in August and Morningstar DBRS’ upgrade to ‘BBB’ in May.
  • R&I cited India’s demographic dividend, robust domestic demand, and effective government policies as key factors.
  • The agency highlighted fiscal consolidation supported by rising tax revenues, subsidy rationalisation, and manageable government debt.
  • India’s external stability was noted, including a modest current account deficit, service exports surplus, remittances, low external debt-to-GDP ratio, and strong forex reserves.

Source: DD

3. PayRupy Partners with BRISKPE for Global Payments Platform

• What:
  • PayRupy has partnered with BRISKPE, a licensed Payment Aggregator – Cross Border (PA-CB), to launch an integrated global payments platform.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to make domestic and international money movement seamless, compliant, and accessible, empowering businesses and individuals in global markets.
• Tell me more:
  • PayRupy, founded by Moiz Chohan and Firas Chohan, is known for delivering innovative and reliable domestic payment solutions.
  • BRISKPE provides compliance-first infrastructure and trusted payment rails for exporters, SMEs, freelancers, and enterprises.
  • The collaboration integrates domestic and cross-border payments into one ecosystem, ensuring scalability and reliability.
  • The principle “Jaha Rupee, Waha PayRupy” has been extended globally through this partnership.

Source: BS

Defence News

1. India and Greece Conclude First Maritime Exercise

• What:
  • The first-ever bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian Navy and the Hellenic Navy concluded on 18 September 2025 in the Mediterranean Sea.
• Why:
  • The exercise aimed to strengthen defence cooperation, build interoperability, and ensure shared commitment to maritime security.
• Tell me more:
  • The exercise had two phases: a harbour phase (13–17 September) at Salamis Naval Base and a sea phase (17–18 September).
  • The Indian Navy was represented by INS Trikand, while the Hellenic Navy fielded HS Themistokles.
  • The sea phase involved night VBSS operations, anti-submarine drills, replenishment at sea, gun firing, and helicopter operations.

Source: PIB

2. Rajnath Singh to Visit Morocco for Defence Cooperation

• What:
  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will begin a two-day official visit to Morocco, marking the first-ever visit of an Indian Defence Minister to the country.
• Why:
  • The visit aims to strengthen defence, strategic, and industrial cooperation between India and Morocco and expand bilateral engagements.
• Tell me more:
  • The Minister will inaugurate Tata Advanced Systems Maroc’s new plant in Berrechid, the first Indian defence manufacturing facility in Africa.
  • An MoU on cooperation in defence is expected to be signed to expand training, exchanges, and industrial linkages.
  • The Tata facility in Berrechid will produce Wheeled Armoured Platforms, showing India’s expanding defence footprint under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Source: NOA

Science and Technology

1. India Secures Rights to Explore Polymetallic Sulphides in Indian Ocean

• What:
  • India signed a 15-year contract with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) to explore 10,000 sq km area on the Carlsberg Ridge for polymetallic sulphides.
• Why:
  • The move aims to secure strategic mineral resources like copper, zinc, silver, and gold that are vital for renewable energy, electric vehicles, and electronics.
• Tell me more:
  • The Carlsberg Ridge is a seismically active area in the Indian Ocean with hydrothermal vents where PMS deposits form.
  • This contract makes India the only country with exploration rights for both polymetallic nodules and sulphides in the Indian Ocean.
  • India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences, through its research vessel Samudra Ratnakar, will lead exploration activities.

Source: N18

Awards

1. Mohanlal to Receive Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023

• What:
  • Malayalam superstar Mohanlal will be honoured with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023 for his contribution to Indian cinema.
• Why:
  • The award is being given to recognise his iconic contribution, unmatched talent, and inspiring cinematic journey.
• Tell me more:
  • Mohanlal has worked in over 400 films and received Padma Shri in 2001 and Padma Bhushan in 2019.
  • He has won five National Film Awards and nine Kerala State Film Awards for his performances and productions.

Source: IE

3. ‘Homebound’ Selected as India’s Official Entry for Oscars 2026

• What:
  • Neeraj Ghaywan’s film Homebound has been chosen as India’s official entry for the 2026 Academy Awards in the Best International Feature category.
• Why:
  • The film was selected to represent India as it highlights stories of friendship, struggles, and resilience amidst caste and religious biases.
• Tell me more:
  • Homebound stars Vishal Jethwa as Chandan, a Dalit, and Ishaan Khatter as Shoaib, a Muslim, with a cameo by Janhvi Kapoor.
  • The film had its world premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival under the Un Certain Regard section.
  • It was adapted from a 2020 article by Basharat Peer and took nearly three years to write.
  • The film was also the second runner-up in the International People’s Choice Award at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

Source: IE

Important Days

1. International Red Panda Day 2025 – September 20

2. World Water Monitoring Day 2025 – September 18

3. World Cleanup Day 2025 – September 20

4. World Rhino Day 2025 – September 22

5. World Rose Day 2025 – September 22

6. World Alzheimer’s Day 2025 – September 21

7. International Day of Peace 2025 – September 21

• Theme: Act Now for a Peaceful World

Source: UN

Sports

1. Arshdeep Singh Becomes First Indian with 100 T20I Wickets

• What:
  • Arshdeep Singh became the first Indian bowler to take 100 wickets in men’s T20 internationals during India’s Asia Cup match against Oman.
• Why:
  • The achievement highlights his consistent performances and marks a historic milestone for Indian cricket in the T20 format.
• Tell me more:
  • Arshdeep reached the record in his 64th T20I match by dismissing Vinayak Shukla in the last over of Oman’s chase of 189 runs.
  • Since that tournament, he has taken 20 wickets in 11 matches, strengthening his role as India’s key T20 bowler.

Source: TOI

2. Archery Association Launches First-Ever Archery Premier League

• What:
  • The Archery Association of India announced the first Archery Premier League, a franchise-based tournament featuring Indian and international archers.
• Why:
  • The league aims to grow archery in India, strengthen India’s Olympic movement, and increase the sport’s international appeal.
• Tell me more:
  • The inaugural edition will be held from 2nd to 12th October 2025 at Yamuna Sports Complex, New Delhi.
  • The league will feature six franchise teams with 36 top Indian archers and 12 international archers, including athletes from the world’s top 10.
  • For the first time, recurve and compound archers will compete together under lights in a global event.
  • Actor Ram Charan has been appointed as the Brand Ambassador of the Archery Premier League.

Source: SME TH

3. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Wins 400m Gold in Historic Time

• What:
  • Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone won the women’s 400m gold at the World Championships in Tokyo with a timing of 47.78 seconds, the fastest in 40 years.
• Why:
  • The victory marked her successful transition from the 400m hurdles to the flat 400m, proving her versatility and dominance in athletics.
• Tell me more:
  • She became the second fastest woman in history in the 400m, behind Marita Koch’s 47.60 world record set in 1985.
  • Olympic champion Marileidy Paulino won silver with 47.98 seconds, becoming the third fastest woman ever.
  • Bahrain’s Salwa Eid Naser, returning after a two-year doping ban, won bronze in 48.19.
  • McLaughlin-Levrone had earlier broken the US record with 48.29 in the semi-finals.

Source: DD

4. Anish Raj Wins Bronze at Inline Speed World Championships

• What:
  • Indian junior speed skater Anish Raj won a bronze medal in the Junior Men’s One-Lap Road Sprint at the 73rd Inline Speed World Championships in Beidaihe, China.
• Why:
  • The achievement is historic as Anish became the first Indian to win a medal in this category, marking a big milestone for Indian roller sports.
• Tell me more:
  • Anish clocked 39.714 seconds to secure his podium finish.
  • The championship was held from September 13–21 with participation from 42 countries.
  • India was represented by 19 athletes across various categories at the event.
  • Earlier this year, Anish also won Gold at the 20th Asian Roller-Skating Championships in South Korea.

Source: DD

5. Smriti Mandhana Hits Fastest ODI Hundred by an Indian

• What:
  • Smriti Mandhana scored a 50-ball century, the fastest ODI hundred by any Indian batter, male or female, during the 3rd ODI against Australia.
• Why:
  • The record-breaking knock gave India hope in chasing a record 413 target and highlighted Mandhana’s dominance in women’s cricket.
• Tell me more:
  • Mandhana scored 125 runs off 62 balls with 17 fours and 5 sixes.
  • She now holds all three fastest ODI hundreds for India in women’s cricket.
  • India scored 369 in reply to Australia’s 412, losing by 43 runs.
  • Beth Mooney top-scored for Australia with 138 off 75 balls and was named Player of the Match.
  • Mandhana’s 50-ball century is the second-fastest in women’s ODIs after Meg Lanning’s 45-ball ton in 2012/13.

Source: Wisden

6. ICC Launches Official Song for Women’s World Cup 2025

• What:
  • The International Cricket Council (ICC) launched the official event song “Bring it Home” for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, sung by Shreya Ghoshal.
• Tell me more:
  • The Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 will be held from 30 September to 2 November.
  • Matches will take place in Navi Mumbai, Guwahati, Indore, Visakhapatnam, and Colombo.
  • This will be the 13th edition of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.

Source: DD

Memorandum of Understanding

1. OIL and HCL Sign MoU on Critical Minerals

• What:
  • Oil India Limited and Hindustan Copper Limited signed an MoU on September 19, 2025, for exploration and development of critical and strategic minerals including copper.
• Why:
  • The agreement aims to strengthen India’s self-reliance and ensure security in sourcing critical minerals for energy, industry, and technology needs.
• Tell me more:
  • Hindustan Copper Limited is a Miniratna PSU under the Ministry of Mines, engaged in mining, production, processing, and marketing of copper.
  • Oil India Limited is a Maharatna PSU under the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas with expertise in oil and gas exploration, production, and transport.
  • The MoU was signed in the presence of Sanjiv Kumar Singh, CMD of HCL, and Dr Ranjit Rath, CMD of Oil India, along with senior officials.
  • Oil India has diversified into critical minerals to complement its core energy portfolio.

Source: PIB

2. IGF and QETCI Sign MOU for UK-India Quantum Map

• What:
  • India Global Forum (IGF) and Quantum Ecosystems Technology Council of India (QETCI) signed a pact to develop a UK-India quantum value-chain map.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to promote joint R&D, talent mobility, and commercial adoption of quantum technologies between India and the UK.
• Tell me more:
  • The collaboration is catalysed by the UK-India Future Forum (UKIFF), IGF’s platform for business and policy engagement.
  • An initial UK-India Quantum Value-Chain Overview will be published next year.

Source: ET

Appointments

1. Appointment of Gourangalal Das as Ambassador to South Korea

• Senior diplomat Gourangalal Das has been appointed as India’s next ambassador to South Korea.

Source: IE

2. Daniel Katz Proposed as IMF’s First Deputy MD

• IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has proposed Daniel Katz as the first deputy managing director of the IMF.
• Daniel Katz is currently the chief of staff to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
• Kristalina Georgieva is the current Managing Director of the IMF.

Source: NOA

3. India Elected to Interpol Asian Committee

• What:
  • India was elected as a member of the Interpol Asian Committee during the 25th Asian Regional Conference in Singapore.
• Why:
  • The election aims to strengthen regional cooperation on security challenges such as organised crime, cybercrime, human trafficking, terrorism, and drug trafficking.
• Tell me more:
  • India’s election was secured through a multi-stage voting process.
  • The committee meets annually to deliberate on regional security issues and guide coordinated actions.
  • The committee advises on strategic and operational issues and sets regional priorities in the fight against crime.

Source: TOI

4. New Chiefs Appointed for ITBP and CISF

• What:
  • The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved the appointments of Praveer Ranjan as CISF Director General and Praveen Kumar as ITBP Director General.
• Tell me more:
  • CISF and ITBP are under the Ministry of Home Affairs and play vital roles in national and border security.
  • The appointments were made by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
  • ITBP posts are located at altitudes ranging from 9,000 to 18,700 feet and the force provides security for the Amarnath Yatra shrine.
  • In Jammu and Kashmir, CISF secures 11 critical installations, including the Kargil Hydroelectric Project, Kishanganga Dam, and Uri hydropower projects.

Source: HT

5. India Re-Elected to Universal Postal Union Councils

• What:
  • India has been re-elected to the Council of Administration (CA) and the Postal Operations Council (POC) of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) during the 28th UPU Congress in Dubai.
• Tell me more:
  • The CA handles policy, regulatory, and governance issues, while the POC manages technical and operational matters for postal services.
  • India has been a UPU member since 1876 and has played an active role in strengthening the global postal network.
  • India has introduced initiatives like DigiPIN, UPI-enabled cross-border remittances, and e-commerce support through Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras.
  • India also supports postal officials from Asia, Africa, and other regions through ITEC training programmes.

Source: PIB

Miscellaneous

1. Singer Zubeen Garg Passes Away in Singapore Accident

• Singer Zubeen Garg died at the age of 52 after a scuba diving accident in Singapore.
• Zubeen was in Singapore to perform at the North East Festival.
• He rose to national fame in 2006 with the Bollywood song “Ya Ali” from the film Gangster.
• Zubeen Garg was born in 1972 in Meghalaya, and his real name was Zubeen Borthakur.

Source: HT

Start Quiz of 20th-22nd September 2025 on Mobile

Start Quiz of 20th-22nd September 2025 on Desktop