24th September 2025

1. OECD lifts India FY26 growth outlook to 6.7%
2. Union Minister Bhupender Yadav Presides Over 51st Foundation Day of CPCB in Delhi
3. MoD and MoC Signed MoU for Stitched Ship Project INSV Kaundinya
4. 2025 edition of CSAR held in Pretoria, South Africa
5. CSIR-NIScPR Virtually Participates in Science Summit 2025 at 80th UNGA held in New York, USA
6. RBI cancels Registration Certificate of Datta Finance and Trading
7. BoB Launches eRUPI P2P Digital Gifting on bob झ(e) Pay UPI
8. Quant MF Launches India’s First SIF with Equity Long-Short Fund
9. MoL&E releases All- India CPI values for Agricultural and Rural Labourers For August 2025
10. GRSE signs a USD 62.44 Million Deal with Carsten Render to build 4 Vessels
11. PESB recommends B Sairam as next CMD of CIL
12. Zorawar Light Tank Developed by DRDO and L&T for Indian Army
13. Team World Clinches Laver Cup 2025 Against Team Europe
14. World Car-free Day 2025 – September 22
15. Justice Pavankumar Bhimappa Bajanthri Appointed as CJ of Patna HC
16. Legendary Cricket Umpire Dickie Bird Passes Away at 92
17. Vandana Gupta Assumes Charge as Controller General of Communication Accounts
18. Russia to Complete S-400 Missile System Deliveries to India by 2026
19. MDL Signs MoU with Tamil Nadu to Develop World-Class Shipyard on East Coast
20. Nvidia to Invest $100 Billion in OpenAI A Historic Push to AI Infra
21. Jio Payments Bank Introduces “Savings Pro” Earn Up to 6.5%
22. China to Launch K Visa to Attract Global Talent Amid H1-B Crackdown
23. Karnataka Launches Rs 1,000 Crore “LEAP” to Fuel Innovation Across the State
24. Amit Shah Inaugurates Startup Conclave 2025 in Gandhinagar
25. UK PM Keir Starmer Honoured with ‘Living Bridge’ Award for India-UK FTA
26. President Murmu Felicitates Winners at the 71st National Film Awards Ceremony

National News

1. CPCB Celebrates 51st Foundation Day in New Delhi

• What
  • The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) celebrated its 51st Foundation Day at Parivesh Bhawan, New Delhi, with Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav as the Chief Guest.
• Why
  • The Minister laid the foundation stone of CPCB’s new building and inaugurated two new laboratories in Pune and Shillong to monitor up to 70 and 62 parameters respectively.
• Tell me more
  • The updated SAMEER App (Version 2.0) was launched with new features like user-friendly interface, personalized alerts, and location-based services.
  • CPCB plays a key role in capacity building of State Pollution Control Boards and should act as an umbrella organisation in environmental capacity building.
  • Government reforms like Jan Vishwas Act 2023 and Environment Audit Rules 2025 focus on easing compliance and promoting behavioural change in environmental protection.
  • CPCB was established on 22 September 1974.

Source: PIB

2. ‘Startup India Conclave 2025’ in Gandhinagar

• What
  • Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of development works worth ₹144 crore in Kalol municipality.
  • Shah also addressed the gathering during the inaugural ceremony of the ‘Startup India Conclave 2025’, in Gandhinagar.
• Why
  • The projects were launched to transform Kalol into an ideal assembly constituency and boost its development potential, with the vision of merging it with Ahmedabad in the next 10 years.
• Tell me more
  • A 350-bed hospital is being constructed in Kalol, to be inaugurated by 2027, ensuring people do not need to travel to Ahmedabad or Gandhinagar for healthcare.
  • The government has signed an MoU with Torrent Group’s UNM Foundation to maintain 69 lakes in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar districts.
  • Amit Shah is the MP from Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency, of which Kalol is a part.
  • He highlighted the recent GST rate cuts by the Centre and appealed to citizens to buy indigenous goods.

Source: IE

State News

1. Karnataka Launches ₹1,000 Crore LEAP Programme

• What
  • The Department of Electronics, IT and BT launched a ₹1,000-crore Local Economy Accelerator Programme (LEAP) to drive innovation and create jobs across Karnataka.
• Why
  • The programme aims to promote balanced and equitable economic growth beyond Bengaluru by supporting start-ups and innovation clusters.
• Tell me more
  • LEAP targets the creation of 5 lakh jobs and building strong start-up ecosystems in cities like Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubballi, Tumakuru, Kalaburagi, and Shivamogga.
  • It focuses on turning regional clusters into self-sustaining and globally competitive innovation hubs.
  • The initiative is structured around 16 strategic sub-programmes, including Karnataka Startup Foundry and a Fund of Funds for venture capital support.
  • The programme provides end-to-end support for innovators across the State.

Source: TH

International News

1. G20-CSAR 2025 Focuses on Equity and Sustainability in STI

• What
  • The 2025 Chief Science Advisers’ Roundtable (CSAR) was held in Pretoria, South Africa under its G20 Presidency with a focus on equity-based science, technology, and innovation for inclusive development and sustainability.
• Why
  • The roundtable aimed to promote inclusive global science advice and develop frameworks to address policy challenges related to sustainability and human development.
• Tell me more
  • CSAR 2025 was hosted by South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation with NACI, and was joined by G20 members, guest countries, and UNESCO as knowledge partner.
  • Indian delegation, led by Principal Scientific Adviser Ajay Sood, highlighted issues around AI disparities and cited Indian initiatives like ONOS, I-STEM, RuTAG, and RSVC for global capacity building.
  • The adopted Outcome Statement called for global STI partnerships to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, energy transition, and capacity building in Africa and developing nations.
  • Prof. Sood participated in the UNESCO Ministerial Panel on ‘AI for Social Impact and Public Policy’ during the Management of Social Transformations (MOST) Forum 2025.
  • The Forum, UNESCO’s global platform for solutions-oriented debate at the intersection of science, policy, and social change, focused this year on the theme ‘Technology and Innovation for Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability’.

Source: PIB

2. Science Summit 2025

• What
  • The Science Summit 2025 was held alongside the 80th UNGA with a focus on responsible innovation, respect for Earth’s limits, and science for people and society.
• Why
  • The summit aimed to show how science can address poverty, health crises, climate change, and other global challenges while supporting sustainable development and policymaking.
• Tell me more
  • Financing for science-led solutions was discussed, with governments, industries, and organisations urged to invest in sustainable initiatives.
  • “Science in Action” showcased breakthroughs improving health, climate resilience, education, and livelihoods.
  • The WMO led a High-Level Dialogue on early warning systems and extreme heat, stressing financing, partnerships, and innovation to protect vulnerable communities.
  • The 80th UNGA theme is “Better Together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights.”
  • CSIR-NIScPR participated in the Science Summit 2025 at the 80th UNGA with focus on “Women and Girls in Science: Driving Gender-Inclusive Innovation, Gender Equality, and Breaking Barriers.”
  • A CSIR study shared by Mrs. Sandhya Wakdikar revealed women form 16.1% of CSIR’s workforce, emphasizing stress management in institutions.

Source: SS ALJ WMO PIB

3. China to Launch New K Visa for STEM Talent

• What
  • China will launch the K visa from October 1 to attract young foreign science and technology graduates and early-career researchers.
• Why
  • The visa aims to position China as a hub for global STEM talent and innovation, contrasting US restrictions on H-1B visas.
• Tell me more
  • The K visa targets graduates with at least a bachelor’s degree from recognized global institutions.
  • The move comes amid the Donald Trump administration’s $100,000 fee and restrictions on H-1B visas, hitting Indian professionals the hardest.

Source: TOI

Banking and Economy

1. RBI Cancels CoR of Datta Finance and Trading Pvt Ltd

• What
  • RBI cancelled the certificate of registration of New Delhi-based Datta Finance and Trading Pvt Ltd due to irregularities in digital lending practices.
• Why
  • The cancellation was done because the company violated RBI’s guidelines on outsourcing of financial services in its lending operations.
• Tell me more
  • The NBFC outsourced key functions like sourcing customers, due diligence, loan disbursement, loan servicing, recovery, and KYC verification to service providers.
  • Service providers included KinCash app, DoLoan app (Zest Top One Technology Pvt Ltd), and the company’s in-house ZestCash app.

Source: HBL

2. Bank of Baroda Launches eRUPI P2P Digital Gifting

• What
  • Bank of Baroda launched an eRUPI Person-to-Person (P2P) digital gifting feature on its bob इ Pay UPI app, enabling customers to gift prepaid digital vouchers.
• Why
  • The feature was introduced to promote secure, cashless, and purpose-specific digital gifting while driving wider adoption of digital payments.
• Tell me more
  • The vouchers are powered by NPCI’s e-RUPI platform and are interoperable across UPI platforms.
  • Customers can issue vouchers ranging from ₹1 to ₹10,000, which are non-transferable and auto-refunded if not redeemed within validity.
  • The service is launched initially for the ‘Food’ category, with more categories to be added, and vouchers can be redeemed at UPI-enabled merchants.

Source: HBL

3. Quant MF Launches India’s First SIF Equity Long-Short Fund

• What
  • Quant Mutual Fund launched India’s first Special Investment Fund (SIF) – QSIF Equity Long-Short Fund, an open-ended equity scheme with both long and short exposures through derivatives.
• Why
  • The fund is designed to generate long-term capital appreciation by blending equity investments with limited short strategies to enhance returns and manage risk.
• Tell me more
  • The NFO is open until October 1 and will reopen for continuous sale and repurchase within five business days after allotment.
  • The scheme will benchmark its performance against the Nifty 500 Total Return Index and will be managed by Sandeep Tandon, Lokesh Garg, Sameer Kate, Ankit Pande, and Sanjeev Sharma.
  • Asset allocation includes up to 100% in cash equity/equity arbitrage, up to 35% in long derivatives, up to 25% in short derivatives, and up to 100% in hedging.
  • Minimum application is ₹10 lakh (lumpsum) and ₹10,000 (SIP), with an exit load of 1% on redemptions within 15 days.

Source: ET

4. Labour Bureau Releases CPI Data for August 2025

• What
  • Labour Bureau released Consumer Price Index numbers for Agricultural Labourers (CPI-AL) and Rural Labourers (CPI-RL) for August 2025 with base year 2019=100.
• Why
  • The data is released to measure changes in price levels that affect agricultural and rural labour households.
• Tell me more
  • CPI-AL rose by 1.03 points to 136.34, while CPI-RL increased by 0.94 points to 136.60.
  • The Food Index increased by 1.39 points for AL and 1.29 points for RL in August 2025.
  • Year-on-year inflation was 1.07% for AL and 1.26% for RL during the month.
  • Food inflation stood at -0.55% for AL and -0.28% for RL in August 2025.

Source: PIB

5. Nvidia to Invest $100 Billion in OpenAI

• What
  • Nvidia will invest up to $100 billion in OpenAI and supply it with data center chips under a new partnership.
• Why
  • The tie-up aims to provide OpenAI with cash and access to advanced chips to strengthen its dominance in AI, while giving Nvidia a financial stake in the company.
• Tell me more
  • Nvidia will invest through non-voting shares, while OpenAI will use the funds to purchase Nvidia systems.
  • Both companies signed a letter of intent to deploy at least 10 gigawatts of Nvidia systems, equal to the power needs of 8 million US households.
  • Nvidia will initially invest $10 billion, with hardware deliveries starting in late 2026 through its new platform Vera Rubin.
  • OpenAI was valued at $500 billion recently and continues pursuing its own AI chip development with partners like Broadcom and TSMC.

Source: RT

6. Jio Payments Bank Launches ‘Savings Pro’ Investment Feature

• What
  • Jio Payments Bank launched ‘Savings Pro’, a facility that invests surplus funds from customer accounts into low-risk overnight mutual funds to earn up to 6.5% returns.
• Why
  • The scheme was launched to help customers maximise returns on idle money while maintaining full flexibility and control over their funds.
• Tell me more
  • Customers can set a threshold amount starting at ₹5,000, and funds above it will be auto-invested.
  • Investments can be up to ₹1,50,000 per day, with instant redemption allowed up to 90% (maximum ₹50,000).
  • Larger redemption requests are credited within 1–2 working days.
  • The feature is completely digital via the JioFinance app with no entry or exit loads, hidden charges, or lock-in periods.

Source: ET

GDP Forecasts

1. India’s Growth Forecast Raised to 6.7% by OECD

• What
  • OECD raised India’s FY26 growth forecast to 6.7% due to monetary and fiscal easing and GST cuts, while S&P kept it at 6.5% supported by strong demand and investments.
• Why
  • The forecast was raised to reflect the positive impact of GST and income tax cuts, government investment, and supportive fiscal and monetary policies.
• Tell me more
  • OECD lowered India’s FY27 growth forecast by 20 bps to 6.2%.
  • Global growth in the first half of 2025 expanded by 3.2%, higher than the earlier forecast, due to strong production and investment in high-tech sectors.
  • India’s inflation is expected to average 2.9% in FY26, lower than the earlier estimate of 4.1%, due to reduced food price inflation.
  • S&P also expects India’s inflation at 3.2% in FY26 and anticipates a 25-bps rate cut by RBI.

Source: BS

Defence News

1. INSV Kaundinya Project MoU Signed to Revive Maritime Heritage

• What
  • Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Culture signed an MoU for the Stitched Ship Project – INSV Kaundinya, a wooden sailing vessel built using the traditional stitched ship technique.
• Why
  • The project was launched to revive India’s ancient maritime traditions and craftsmanship and reconnect with historic trade and cultural routes.
• Tell me more
  • INSV Kaundinya is built without welding or riveting, using India’s indigenous stitched ship method.
  • The Indian Navy will handle maintenance, operations, crew manning and voyage planning of the vessel.
  • Later in 2025, the vessel will sail to Oman retracing millennia-old trade and cultural links across the Indian Ocean.
  • In a separate event, INS Satpura visited Colombo to strengthen cooperation with the Sri Lankan Navy through joint drills, yoga sessions, sports, and high-level talks.

Source: HBL

2. GRSE Signs USD 62.44 Million Shipbuilding Contract

• What
  • GRSE signed a USD 62.44 million contract with a Hamburg-based company to build four hybrid multi-purpose vessels, with an option for two more.
• Why
  • The contract aims to support decarbonisation goals with hybrid propulsion ships offering better fuel efficiency and flexible cargo handling systems.
• Tell me more
  • The vessels are 120 metres long and 17 metres wide, designed with battery-assisted hybrid propulsion.
  • Each vessel can carry 7,500 tonnes of bulk, general, or project cargo in a single hold, with containers also stowed on hatch covers.
  • A special feature allows transport of multiple large windmill blades on deck for the renewable energy logistics sector.
  • This builds upon GRSE’s ongoing 7,500 DWT multi-purpose vessel project for German company Carsten Rehder Schiffsmakler und Reederei.

Source: BS

3. Zorawar Light Tank Boosts India’s Defence Capabilities

• What
  • DRDO’s CVRDE and L&T jointly developed the Zorawar Light Tank, a 25-ton indigenous armoured vehicle designed for multi-terrain warfare and high-altitude deployment.
• Why
  • The tank was created to strengthen India’s combat capability along the LAC and achieve self-reliance in advanced defence technologies under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
• Tell me more
  • The tank has a high power-to-weight ratio, making it effective in deserts, rugged areas, and high-altitude zones, with rapid air transportability using C-17 Globemaster III and Chinook helicopters.
  • It carries advanced weaponry, including a 105 mm main gun, 7.62 mm co-axial gun, 12.7 mm remote weapon station, and optional ATGM system, with integration possible for a surveillance drone.
  • Key features include modular armour, hydro-pneumatic suspension, composite rubber-band tracks, an auxiliary power unit, and 3rd-generation ATGM capability with high-elevation weapons.
  • The tank was developed in under 24 months and successfully completed trials in Nyoma, Ladakh, operating above 4,200 metres.

Source: ANI

4. Russia to Complete S-400 Missile Deliveries by 2026

• What
  • Russia will complete the delivery of all five S-400 Triumph air defence systems to India by 2026 under the 2018 defence deal.
• Why
  • The deliveries aim to strengthen India’s air defence capability and enhance security against external threats.
• Tell me more
  • Four S-400 systems have already been delivered, with the fifth scheduled for 2026.
  • The deal, worth USD 5.43 billion (₹40,000 crore), was signed on October 5, 2018, despite the threat of US sanctions.
  • The US has not so far invoked CAATSA sanctions against India over this purchase.
  • The S-400 systems proved effective during Operation Sindoor in May 2025 when India targeted terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Source: ET

Awards

1. UK PM Keir Starmer Receives ‘Living Bridge’ Honour

• What
  • British Prime Minister Keir Starmer received the ‘Living Bridge’ honour for strengthening India-UK bilateral ties and securing the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
• Why
  • The award highlights his role in promoting closer trade and diplomatic relations between India and the UK.
• Tell me more
  • The honour was accepted on his behalf by Seema Malhotra, UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, at a ceremony in London’s House of Lords.
  • Other awardees included GMR Group, businessman G P Hinduja, KPMG UK chair Bina Mehta, and the University of Southampton.
  • The India-UK FTA, known as the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), aims to double bilateral trade to USD 120 billion by 2030.

Source: ET

2. 71st National Film Awards at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi

Source: NDTV

Important Days

1. World Car-free Day 2025 – September 22

• What
  • The 41st edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle was celebrated nationwide, celebrating the World Car Free Day 2025 on the theme “Impact of Car-Free Day on Health & Environment”.
• Tell me more
  • In Delhi, the cycling drive at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium featured a street play on the health and environmental benefits of car-free days.
  • The event also coincided with Hindi Pakhwara celebrations by the Sports Authority of India’s Rajbhasha division.
  • The Guwahati rally was held in partnership with Incredible India and dedicated to late music icon Zubeen Garg.
  • The programme is organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in collaboration with the Cycling Federation of India, Yogasana Bharat, and MY Bharat.

Source: ANI

Sports

1. Team World Wins Laver Cup 2025 Against Europe

• What
  • Taylor Fritz defeated Alexander Zverev to give Team World a 15-9 win over Team Europe in the Laver Cup 2025.
• Tell me more
  • The Laver Cup was co-created by Swiss legend Roger Federer.
  • Team Europe has won five out of the eight editions of the tournament.
  • The next edition of the Laver Cup will be held in London.

Source: TOI

Memorandum of Understanding

1. MDL Signs MoU for Greenfield Shipyard in Tamil Nadu

• What
  • Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) signed an MoU with Guidance Tamil Nadu to explore the development of a world-class greenfield shipyard on India’s eastern coast.
• Why
  • The agreement was signed to enhance shipbuilding capacity and promote investment in India’s eastern coastal region.
• Tell me more
  • The MoU was signed at a ceremony organised by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways in Bhavnagar, Gujarat.
  • It was signed between Biju George, Director (Shipbuilding), MDL, and Dr. Darez Ahamed, Managing Director & CEO, Guidance Tamil Nadu.
  • MDL functions as a Defence Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Defence.
  • Guidance Tamil Nadu is the state’s nodal agency for investment promotion.

Source: ET

Appointments

1. B Sairam Recommended as Next CMD of Coal India

• PESB has recommended B Sairam, current CMD of Northern Coalfields Ltd, as the next Chairman and Managing Director of Coal India Ltd.
• Coal India accounts for more than 80% of India’s domestic coal output.
• Northern Coalfields Ltd (NCL) is a subsidiary of Coal India Ltd.

Source: ET

2. Justice Pavankumar Bajanthri Appointed Chief Justice of Patna HC

• The President of India appointed Justice Pavankumar Bhimappa Bajanthri as the 46th Chief Justice of Patna High Court.

Source: TOI

3. Vandana Gupta Assumes Charge as CGCA in New Delhi

• Ms. Vandana Gupta assumed charge as the Controller General of Communication Accounts (CGCA), New Delhi after her elevation to the Apex Grade.
• The Controller General of Communication Accounts (CGCA) is the apex authority for financial management in the Department of Telecommunications.

Source: PIB

Miscellaneous

1. Legendary Cricket Umpire Dickie Bird Passes Away

• What
  • Legendary cricket umpire Dickie Bird passed away peacefully at the age of 92.
• Tell me more
  • His full name was Harold Dennis “Dickie” Bird.
  • He was honoured with MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) and OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire).

Source: TOI

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