23rd September 2025

1. NTPC PSU Signs a MoU with SEC to Promote Power Sector Transformation and Global Energy Expansion
2. SDHI Signs MoU with SMFCL, GMB to Enhance Shipbuilding Projects in India
3. AP Bagged ‘Best State Award’ for Silk Development
4. Amita Chaudhary Becomes First Woman of Indian Origin to Chair UNEP FI PSI Board
5. Inline Speed Skating World Championships 2025 – India wins 3 Gold, 2 Bronze
6. World Athletics Championships 2025 held in Tokyo, Japan
7. F1 Azerbaijan GP 2025: Max Verstappen secures fourth victory of 2025 F1 World Championship
8. Bihar’s Tourism Department and IWAI Signed MoU to Start Water Metro Service in Patna
9. India, US conclude joint exercise Yudh Abhyas
10. Project Vijayak Celebrates 15th Raising Day in Kargil
11. CDS Inaugurates First Tri Services Academia Technology Symposium (T-SATS)
12. IndusInd Bank Appoints Viral Damania as CFO amid Leadership Overhaul
13. India and Morocco Signed Defence MoU For Defence Cooperation
14. Ayurveda Day 2025
15. India and ADB Sign $125 Million Loan to Upgrade Infrastructure in Assam
16. PM Modi Launches ₹5,100 Crore Infrastructure Projects in Arunachal Pradesh
17. PM Modi Inaugurates Redeveloped 524-Year-Old Tripura Sundari Temple in Tripura
18. Ballon d’Or 2025
19. International Day of Sign Languages 2025
20. International Week of Deaf People 2025 – September 22 to 28

State News

1. Andhra Pradesh Wins Best State Award in Sericulture

• What:
  • Andhra Pradesh received the ‘Best State Award’ under the Central Silk Board’s ‘Mera Resham – Mera Abhiman’ programme for promoting sericulture and supporting silk farmers and reelers.
• Why:
  • The award was given to recognise the State’s awareness campaigns and development work that improved cocoon production and encouraged new farmers.
• Tell me more:
  • The award was presented during the 76th Central Silk Board Foundation Day celebrations in Bengaluru.
  • It was conferred by Padmini Singla, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Shivakumar, Member Secretary, Central Silk Board, and Ambika Lakshminarayana, MP from Anantapur.
  • The recognition was due to the efforts and guidance of B Rajashekar, Special Chief Secretary, and Dr K Srinivasulu, Director of Horticulture and Sericulture.
  • Awareness campaigns were conducted in districts like Sri Sathya Sai, Chittoor, Annamayya, Anantapur, Prakasam, and Kakinada, with support from Central Silk Board scientists.

Source: IE

2. Patna to Launch Water Metro Service Soon

• What:
  • An MoU was signed between the Bihar tourism department and Inland Waterways Authority of India to start a water metro service from Digha Ghat to Kangan Ghat in Patna.
• Why:
  • The project aims to provide safe, eco-friendly, and modern water transport while boosting tourism in the city.
• Tell me more:
  • The MoU was signed in Bhavnagar by Sunil Kumar Singh, Chairman of IWAI, and Nand Kishore, MD of Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation.
  • The project is valued at Rs 908 crore and will use hybrid electric catamaran vessels like ‘MV Nishadraj’.
  • Each vessel will be fully air-conditioned, carry around 100 passengers, and have dedicated space for two wheelchair users.
  • The first route will connect Digha Paryatan Ghat to Kangan Ghat with stops at NIT Ghat and Gai Ghat.

Source: TOI

3. India, ADB Sign $125 Million Loan for Assam Project

• What:
  • The Government of India and Asian Development Bank signed a $125 million loan agreement to improve urban livability and climate resilience in six district headquarters and Guwahati, Assam.
• Why:
  • The project aims to provide safe water supply, strengthen stormwater management, and build climate-resilient urban infrastructure along with better governance.
• Tell me more:
  • A real-time monitoring system will be deployed to maintain non-revenue water below 20%.
  • In Guwahati, stormwater management will be enhanced in Bahini Basin through flood diversion, upgraded drainage, and a nature-based retention pond.
  • An Assam State Institute for Urban Development will be set up with support from IIT Guwahati.

Source: NOA

4. PM Launches ₹5,100 Crore Projects in Arunachal Pradesh

• What:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched development projects worth over ₹5,100 crore in Arunachal Pradesh, including two hydropower projects and a convention centre.
• Why:
  • The projects aim to boost energy production, enhance infrastructure, create jobs, and support regional development in the Northeast.
• Tell me more:
  • Two major hydropower projects were launched in Shi Yomi district along with a convention centre in Tawang.
  • Additional projects worth ₹1,290 crore were rolled out in sectors like road connectivity, healthcare, and fire safety.
  • PM Modi highlighted India’s target of producing 500 GW of electricity from renewable sources by 2030, with Arunachal contributing significantly.
  • He also launched “GST Bachat Utsav,” announcing simplified GST slabs of 5% and 18%, with many items made tax-free to benefit women and households.

Source: NOA

5. PM Inaugurates Redeveloped Tripura Sundari Temple

• What:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the redeveloped Mata Tripura Sundari Temple in Udaipur, southern Tripura, under the PRASHAD scheme.
• Tell me more:
  • The temple complex was originally built in 1501 by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya and is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas.
  • The sanctum is built in the Bengali Ek-Ratna style on a hillock shaped like a tortoise’s hump, known as Kurma Pīṭha.
  • The sanctum houses two idols: a 5-foot idol of Goddess Tripura Sundari and a 2-foot idol of Goddess Chandi (Chhoto-Ma).

Source: DD

Defence News

1. SDHI Signs Rs 4,250 Crore Deal with Gujarat Maritime Board

• What:
  • Swan Defence and Heavy Industries signed a Rs 4,250 crore agreement with Gujarat Maritime Board to modernise shipyards and boost supply chains.
• Why:
  • The agreements aim to strengthen maritime infrastructure, expand shipbuilding and repair facilities, and support projects under the Maritime focused Equity Fund.
• Tell me more:
  • SDHI signed an MoU with Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited to jointly explore projects like new builds, ship repairs, and ancillary maritime infrastructure.
  • Feasibility studies will be carried out on design, yard capacity, vessel types, and technology integration.
  • Partners will prepare a financing plan covering capital structure, equity, debt, and credit enhancements, while also bringing in multilateral institutions, government agencies, and private investors.
  • These agreements were signed ahead of PM Modi’s Gujarat visit where he inaugurated and laid foundation stones for maritime projects worth over Rs 7,870 crore.

Source: ET

2. India-US Joint Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2025 Concludes

• What:
  • The 21st edition of the India-US joint military exercise Yudh Abhyas 2025 concluded at Fort Wainwright and the Yukon Training Area in Alaska after two weeks of intensive training.
• Tell me more:
  • The exercise began on September 1 with 450 soldiers from each side, led by the Madras Regiment of India and the 11th Airborne Division of the US.
  • Yudh Abhyas started in 2002 as a small peacekeeping drill and has now grown into an advanced bilateral exercise.
  • This year’s edition was one of the largest for the Indian Army in troop mobilization.
  • The Indian Embassy described the exercise as a hallmark of the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.

Source: DD

3. BRO’s Project Vijayak Marks 15th Raising Day in Kargil

• What:
  • Project Vijayak of the Border Roads Organisation celebrated its 15th Raising Day in Kargil and announced new infrastructure works worth over Rs 1,200 crore.
• Tell me more:
  • Since its inception in 2010, Project Vijayak has built and maintained over 1,400 km of roads and 80 major bridges in Ladakh.
  • It reopened the strategic Zojila Pass in April 2025 within just 31 days of winter closure.

Source: GK

4. Inaugural Tri Services Academia Technology Symposium Begins in Delhi

• What:
  • The first edition of the Tri Services Academia Technology Symposium (T-SATS) began at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, inaugurated by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan.
• Why:
  • The symposium aims to strengthen collaboration between the Armed Forces and academia for developing futuristic technologies and indigenous defence solutions.
• Tell me more:
  • Participants included directors, heads of departments, and students from 62 institutes like IISc, IITs, IIITs, and private technology institutes.
  • A Technology Exhibition featured 43 innovative academic projects evaluated by Subject Matter Experts for military applications.
  • 95 structured one-on-one meetings were held between academic innovators and Armed Forces representatives to pitch and refine R&D proposals.
  • Memorandums of Understanding were signed with institutions including IIT Madras, Nirma University, MS Ramaiah University, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Rashtriya Raksha University, and others.
  • The event was themed “Vivek va Anusandhan se Vijay” – Victory through Wisdom and Research.

Source: PIB

Awards

1. Ballon d’Or 2025

• What:
  • Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele won the Ballon d’Or 2025, becoming football’s top individual award winner after leading PSG to their first Champions League title.
• Tell me more:
  • Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal finished second for the Ballon d’Or but won the Kopa Trophy for best young male player for the second year in a row.
  • In the women’s category, Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí won her third consecutive Ballon d’Or, beating teammate Mariona Caldentey.
  • PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma won the Yashin Trophy before moving to Manchester City.
  • England’s Hannah Hampton was named best women’s goalkeeper.
  • England coach Sarina Wiegman won the Best Women’s Coach award.

Source: TOI

Important Days

1. Ayurveda Day 2025 – September 23

• What:
  • India celebrated the 10th edition of Ayurveda Day on September 23, 2025, with the theme “Ayurveda for People & Planet.”
• Tell me more:
  • The main event was held at the All-India Institute of Ayurveda in Goa, with nationwide and international participation across 150+ countries.
  • New initiatives launched included Desh ka Swasthya Parikshan (nationwide health check-up by CCRAS), DRAVYA Portal (database on Ayurvedic ingredients), and APTA Portal (documentation of Ayurveda luminaries).
  • Facilities inaugurated included an Integrated Oncology Unit in Goa, Ran-Bhaji Utsav on healthy lifestyle, and hospital service facilities at AIIA.
  • The National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Awards were announced to honour significant contributions in Ayurveda research, teaching, and global promotion.

Source: PIB

2. International Day of Sign Languages 2025 – September 23

• Theme: No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights

Source: NOA

3. International Week of Deaf People 2025 – September 22 to 28

• Theme: No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights

Source: WFD

Sports

1. India Wins Record Medals at Speed Skating Worlds

• What:
  • The Indian Speed Skating team won 3 gold and 2 bronze medals at the World Championships in China, marking its best-ever performance.
• Why:
  • The achievement highlights India’s growing strength in speed skating and is expected to inspire wider participation in the sport.
• Tell me more:
  • Anandkumar Velkumar became the first Indian to win a senior gold at the World Championships by clinching the men’s 1,000 m sprint, and later won gold in the men’s marathon and a bronze in the 500 m sprint.
  • Junior skater Krish Sharma struck gold in the junior men’s 1,000 m sprint, while Anish Raj secured a bronze in the junior men’s one-lap sprint event.

Source: ET NDTV

2. USA Tops Medal Tally at World Athletics 2025

• What:
  • The 2025 World Athletics Championships concluded in Tokyo with the USA topping the medal tally by winning 16 gold, 5 silver, and 5 bronze medals.
• Why:
  • The championship aimed to showcase global athletic talent with record participation, historic wins, and new world and championship records.
• Tell me more:
  • A record 53 out of 198 nations won medals, the highest in the event’s 42-year history.
  • St Lucia, Samoa, and Uruguay won their first-ever World Championships medals, while Tanzania claimed its first gold through Alphonce Simbu in the men’s marathon.
  • Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone set a new women’s 400m record with 47.78 seconds, and Kenya’s Lilian Odira broke the women’s 800m record with 1:54.62.
  • Kenyan women swept all gold medals in middle- and long-distance races including marathon and steeplechase.
  • For the first time, a marathon finish had a margin of just 0.03 seconds, while Portugal, Botswana, and Jamaica achieved historic firsts in other track events.

Source: IE

3. Verstappen Wins Azerbaijan Grand Prix as McLaren Falters

• Max Verstappen won the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after starting from pole position, while McLaren endured its worst performance of the season.

Source: IE

Memorandum of Understanding

1. NTPC Signs MoU with Saudi Electricity Company

• What:
  • NTPC signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Saudi Electricity Company during a visit to Saudi Arabia from 16th to 18th September 2025.
• Why:
  • The MoU aims to build cooperation in the power sector value chain including operations, modernization, engineering, project management, and energy transition initiatives.
• Tell me more:
  • The MoU was signed at the Ministry of Energy headquarters in Riyadh.
  • It also includes provisions for joint ventures in services and project development to deepen bilateral cooperation.
  • Saudi Electricity Company is the Kingdom’s leading public sector utility.

Source: NTPC

2. India and Morocco Sign Defence Cooperation MoU

• What:
  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Morocco’s Defence Minister Abdeltif Loudiyi signed a Memorandum of Understanding on defence cooperation in Rabat.
• Why:
  • The MoU aims to strengthen defence ties through joint exercises, training, industry collaboration, and cooperation in emerging security areas.
• Tell me more:
  • The agreement establishes an institutional framework for defence industry collaboration, capacity building, and expert exchanges.

Source: NOA

Appointments

1. Amita Chaudhury Appointed Chair of UNEP FI Board

• What:
  • Amita Chaudhury has been appointed as the first woman of Indian origin to chair the Global Sustainable Insurance Board of UNEP Finance Initiative.
• Why:
  • She was appointed to lead the UNEP FI Principles for Sustainable Insurance Board and strengthen work on sustainability in the insurance sector.
• Tell me more:
  • Chaudhury has been chosen as the Chair of the UNEP FI Principles for Sustainable Insurance (PSI) Board.

Source: UN HBL

2. Rajiv Anand Appointed MD and CEO of IndusInd Bank

• Rajiv Anand has been appointed as the new Managing Director and CEO of IndusInd Bank by the Reserve Bank of India, effective August 25.
• The bank’s CASA ratio has declined by 11 percentage points over four years to 31%, while NIM fell to 3.46% and GNPA rose to 3.64%.

Source: ET

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