25th September 2025

1. 28th National Conference on e-Governance Held in Visakhapatnam, AP
2. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis Inaugurate ‘AIIFA STEELEX-2025’ in Mumbai, Maharashtra
3. NCMRWF Signs MoU with NSIL to Establish Two DBNet Stations under Mission Mausam
4. Goldman Sachs Adds IIM-A & IIM-L EIC as Partners to ‘Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women’ Initiative
5. DFPD and FCI Sign MoU to Strengthen Foodgrain Management
6. Paytm Money Partners with JioBlackRock to Launch India’s First SAE Fund
7. BoI Partners with Cashinvoice to Launch ‘Trade Easy’ for Instant MSME Loans
8. Cochin Shipyard signs MoU with HD Korea for Long Term-Shipbuilding Collaboration
9. L&T partners with BEL for India’s 5th Gen Fighter Jet Programme
10. Akasa Air Partners with Open Airlines to build Eco-Flying Platform
11. Agnikul Cosmos Launches India’s First Private Large-Format 3D Printing Facility in Chennai, TN
12. National Service Scheme Day 2025 – September 24
13. AP Govt, VPA Sign MoU to Establish a National Mega Shipbuilding Cluster in Nellore, AP
14. Bayern Munich Legend Jerome Boateng Announces Retirement
15. Cabinet Approves Doubling of Bakhtiyarpur–Tilaiya Rail Line
16. Centre Extends General Anil Chauhan’s Tenure as Chief of Defence Staff Till 2026
17. 7th Future Food Forum 2025 Begins in Dubai
18. Cabinet Approves ₹3,822 Crore NH-139W Highway Project in Bihar
19. ICC Suspends USA Cricket’s Membership Over Governance Issues
20. Cabinet Approves 78-Day Bonus for Railway Employees
21. India, Australia Sign Organic Products Mutual Recognition Arrangement
22. India Restricts Silver Imports Till March 31, 2026
23. PM Narendra Modi Chairs 49th PRAGATI Meeting
24. Renowned Kannada Novelist Dr. S. L. Bhyrappa Passes Away at 94
25. UAE-India Business Council Signs MoUs to Deepen Trade Ties
26. Super Typhoon Ragasa Devastates South-East Asia
27. World Pharmacists Day 2025 – 25 September
28. Antyodaya Diwas 2025 – 25 September
29. Cochin Shipyard Signs MoU with HD Korea to Boost Shipbuilding
30. Visakhapatnam Declaration 2025

National News

1. 28th National Conference on e-Governance at Visakhapatnam

• What:
  • A special session on “Gram Panchayat & Grassroots Level Innovations in e-Governance” was held during the 28th National Conference on e-Governance 2025 at Visakhapatnam, highlighting how technology is transforming Gram Panchayat service delivery.
• Why:
  • The purpose was to showcase reforms and innovations that improve service delivery, transparency, and participatory planning at the village level through digital solutions by Panchayati Raj Institutions.
• Tell me more:
  • Winners of National Awards for e-Governance (2025) were felicitated, with a record 1.45 lakh nominations received.
  • The two-day National Conference, jointly organized by DARPG, MeitY, and the Government of Andhra Pradesh with IIM Visakhapatnam as knowledge partner, is themed “Viksit Bharat: Civil Service and Digital Transformation”.
  • The Visakhapatnam Declaration was adopted at the 28th National Conference on e-Governance (NCeG) for advancing India’s e-Governance strategy.

Source: PIB

2. 37th National Conference on Sustainable Steel

• What:
  • AIIFA STEELEX-2025 and the 37th National Conference on Sustainable Steel focused on promoting green steel and hydrogen initiatives in India.
• Why:
  • The event aimed to highlight the shift towards green steel, renewable energy, and new innovations for sustainable industrial growth aligned with national goals.
• Tell me more:
  • The event took place at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, with support from the Ministry of Steel and UNDP and participation from Maharashtra’s Steel Manufacturers Association.
  • Seven strategic MoUs worth ₹25,560 crore were signed, expected to create 22,600 jobs and develop Vidarbha as a steel hub.
  • Maharashtra’s Green Hydrogen Policy has a target to achieve 5 lakh TPA of Green Hydrogen capacity by 2030 and launched the Pune Hydrogen Valley Innovation Cluster.
  • The National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to produce 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030, with an investment of ₹8 lakh crore and 6 lakh new jobs.
  • Five steel sector pilot projects worth ₹132 crore are underway, and Kandla, Paradip, and Tuticorin are being developed as Green Hydrogen Hubs.

Source: PIB

3. Expansion of ‘10,000 Women’ Initiative in India

• What:
  • IIM Lucknow and IIM Ahmedabad joined Goldman Sachs to expand the ‘10,000 Women’ entrepreneurship initiative, supporting women in India’s growth story.
• Why:
  • The goal is to help women entrepreneurs overcome barriers and become leaders, directly contributing to “Viksit Bharat 2047.”
• Tell me more:
  • IIM Lucknow Enterprise Incubation Centre and IIM Ahmedabad will provide business skills, mentoring, and access to networks and capital.
  • The initiative, along with IIM Bangalore NSRCEL, aims to graduate 1,000 women entrepreneurs in one year and increase intake to 10,000 by 2033.

Source: TOI

4. PM reviews key projects at 49th PRAGATI meeting

• What
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 49th PRAGATI meeting and reviewed eight major infrastructure projects from sectors like railways, mines, power and water resources.
• Why
  • The review was held to ensure timely completion of projects with proper quality standards and to deliver broader benefits to the public.
• Tell me more
  • The projects span 15 States and Union Territories with a total investment of over Rs 65,000 crore.
  • PRAGATI is an ICT-enabled platform for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation.

Source: IE

State News

1. Vijayawada Utsav Celebrations, Brahmotsavams Begin, and Key Updates

• What:
  • Vijayawada Utsav was held at Punnami Ghat with cultural performances; Ankurarpanam ritual marked the start of Tirumala Brahmotsavams; multiple important announcements made in Andhra Pradesh regarding voter rolls, shipbuilding, and lawyer demands; flood warnings issued for Krishna and Godavari rivers.
• Why:
  • The events and initiatives aim to celebrate culture, commence religious festivities, ensure electoral accuracy, boost maritime infrastructure, address lawyers’ issues, and alert residents of potential floods.
• Tell me more:
  • Andhra Pradesh and Visakhapatnam Port Authority signed an MoU to build a National Mega Shipbuilding Cluster at Duggirajapatnam with ₹29,253 crore investment.
  • The shipbuilding project aligns with Maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.

Source: DC

2. Bakhtiyarpur-Rajgir-Tilaiya Railway Line Doubling Approved

• What:
  • The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the doubling of the 104 km Bakhtiyarpur–Rajgir–Tilaiya railway line in Bihar at a cost of Rs 2,192 crore.
• Why:
  • The project aims to enhance connectivity, increase railway capacity, and support regional development in Bihar.
• Tell me more:
  • The multi-tracking will benefit about 1,434 villages and 13.46 lakh people in Patna, Nalanda, and Nawada districts.
  • The line connects important pilgrimage and tourist sites like Rajgir (Shanti Stupa), Nalanda, and Pawapuri.
  • The route is vital for transporting commodities like coal, cement, clinker, and fly ash with projected additional freight capacity of 26 MTPA.
  • Doubling will improve operational efficiency, reduce congestion, and result in lower logistics costs and environmental benefits, including reduced oil imports by 5 crore litres and cut CO2 emissions by 24 crore kg.

Source: TOI

3. New Four-Lane Highway Approved in Bihar’s Sahebganj-Areraj-Bettiah Section

• What:
  • The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved constructing a 78.94 km four-lane greenfield highway on the Sahebganj-Areraj-Bettiah section of NH-139W in Bihar at a cost of ₹3,822.31 crore.
• Why:
  • The highway aims to enhance connectivity between Patna and Bettiah, improve freight movement, and boost trade and access to agricultural and industrial areas.
• Tell me more:
  • Developed under Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM), it will link North Bihar districts and areas near the Indo-Nepal border.
  • The highway will provide direct connectivity to economic nodes, social nodes, logistics hubs, and tourism/religious sites like Kesariya Buddha Stupa and Someshwarnath Mandir.
  • Designed for speeds of 100 km/h, it reduces travel time between Sahebganj and Bettiah from 2.5 hours to about one hour.
  • The project is expected to generate over 14 lakh man-days of direct and nearly 18 lakh man-days of indirect employment.

Source: DD

International News

1. 7th Future Food Forum 2025 in Dubai

• What:
  • The 7th Future Food Forum 2025 opened in Dubai to discuss food security, trade, and innovation in the Global South.
• Why:
  • The forum aims to build resilient food ecosystems through technology, sustainability, and international partnerships.
• Tell me more:
  • Discussions highlighted the role of Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) in boosting food manufacturing, logistics, exports, and SME integration into global supply chains.
  • The UAE aims to grow its food sector from $8.1 billion to $10.9 billion while showcasing global best practices in sustainable proteins, consumer trends, and agri-tech.
  • India-UAE non-oil trade is seen as a model for South-South cooperation, supported by the UAE’s $2 billion investment in Indian infrastructure.
  • The forum featured the introduction of the National Policy for Economic Clusters to strengthen industries and add $8.1 billion to the UAE economy.

Source: NOA

Banking and Economy

1. Paytm Money and JioBlackRock Launch India’s First SAE Fund

• What:
  • Paytm Money partnered with JioBlackRock to launch India’s first Systematic Active Equity (SAE) fund, JioBlackRock Flexi Cap Fund, available exclusively on Paytm Money app.
• Why:
  • The fund aims to bring advanced AI-driven investment strategies to retail investors, offering diversified exposure across market capitalizations.
• Tell me more:
  • The fund uses BlackRock’s SAE model combining AI, machine learning, and alternative data like consumer transactions and search activity.
  • Investment analysis is supported by BlackRock’s Aladdin risk management platform, covering nearly 1,000 Indian companies.
  • Investors can start with ₹500 via SIP or lump sum, with a total expense ratio of 0.50% and no exit load.
  • This is the first equity scheme in India to adopt BlackRock’s SAE model.

Source: HBL

2. Bank of India Marks 120 Years with New Digital Initiatives

• What:
  • Bank of India launched new digital banking solutions and initiatives for farmers, gig workers, MSMEs, and corporates on its 120th Foundation Day.
• Why:
  • The bank aims to lead in digital banking, promote financial inclusion, and innovate for various sectors to support India’s growth.
• Tell me more:
  • Star Agri Smart Finance Scheme offers crop-linked credit with insurance and advisory services to farmers.
  • BOI TradeEasy digital platform simplifies trade finance by integrating credit, bill collections, and customs processes.
  • Gig workers get digital KYC accounts, flexible savings, small loans, and insurance for better inclusion.
  • Braille Debit Card supports visually impaired clients with embossed markings for secure ATM and PIN use.
  • Star Vyapar Shakti current account helps MSMEs with higher transaction limits, cheaper digital collections, and payroll integration.
  • Omni Neo Corporate Internet Banking provides corporates with real-time dashboards, bulk payments, ERP integration, and multi-factor security.

Source: TOI

3. Akasa Air Partners with OpenAirlines for Fuel Efficiency

• What:
  • Akasa Air partnered with OpenAirlines to implement SkyBreathe®, a fuel efficiency solution to optimize fuel use and reduce carbon emissions.
• Why:
  • The collaboration aims to improve operational efficiency while supporting Akasa Air’s environmental and sustainability goals.
• Tell me more:
  • SkyBreathe® provides 360° eco-flying insights and actionable data to identify fuel-saving opportunities without aircraft modifications.
  • The platform uses data from over 21 million flights to help reduce fuel consumption by up to 5% and cut CO2 emissions.
  • Akasa Air’s fleet consists of 30 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, with an order for 226 more airplanes.
  • The airline operates domestic flights to 24 destinations and international flights to six cities in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

Source: ET

4. Railway Employees to Receive Productivity Linked Bonus

• What:
  • The Union Cabinet approved a Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) payment equivalent to 78 days’ wages totaling Rs. 1865.68 crore for about 10.91 lakh railway employees.
• Why:
  • The bonus is intended to reward and motivate railway employees for their excellent performance during the year.
• Tell me more:
  • The PLB is paid annually before Durga Puja/Dussehra holidays to eligible non-gazetted railway staff.
  • The maximum PLB for each eligible employee is Rs. 17,951.
  • Eligible categories include Track Maintainers, Loco Pilots, Train Managers, Station Masters, Supervisors, Technicians, Pointsmen, Ministerial and other Group C staff.
  • In 2024-25, the Railways achieved record performance with 1614.90 million tonnes of cargo loaded and nearly 7.3 billion passengers carried.

Source: PM

5. India-Australia pact on recognition of organic products

• What
  • India and Australia signed a mutual recognition arrangement (MRA) to boost trade of organic products including wine and agri produce.
• Tell me more
  • The implementing agencies are India’s Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and Australia’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).
  • India’s organic exports to Australia reached 2,781.58 metric tonnes worth $8.96 million in FY25, led by psyllium husk, coconut milk and rice.

Source: ET

6. Government restricts silver imports and alters rice export rules

• What
  • The government restricted imports of silver and unstudded jewellery till March 31, 2026 and changed the export policy of non-basmati rice.
• Why
  • Import curbs were imposed due to a surge in silver imports from ASEAN countries, mainly Thailand, to prevent duty evasion.
• Tell me more
  • The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) changed the import policy from “Free” to “Restricted” with immediate effect.
  • Restricted items include silver articles, parts of precious metal of silver, and unstudded or other jewellery.
  • Under new export rules, non-basmati rice exports will be allowed only after registration of contracts with Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).
  • India’s rice exports rose 6.4% year-on-year to $4.7 billion during April–August FY26.

Source: ET

Defence News

1. CSL and HD KSOE Partner to Boost India’s Shipbuilding

• What:
  • Cochin Shipyard Limited signed an MoU with HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering for strategic collaboration in shipbuilding during the “Samudra se Samriddhi” event.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to strengthen India’s shipbuilding capabilities and support the goal of becoming a global shipbuilding hub.
• Tell me more:
  • CSL’s 310-meter dry dock will be used to build large vessels like Suezmax tankers and container ships, producing up to six vessels annually.
  • A new Block Fabrication Facility with ₹3,700 crore investment will be set up on 80 acres in Kochi, creating about 2,000 direct jobs and more indirect employment.
  • The collaboration includes joint shipbuilding projects at existing facilities and explores opportunities in new shipyards and skill development.
  • CSL also signed an MoU with Guidance Tamil Nadu for developing shipbuilding clusters and plans a ₹15,000 crore greenfield shipyard in Tamil Nadu, expected to create 10,000 jobs.

Source: PIB

2. L&T and BEL Partner for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft

• What:
  • Larsen & Toubro formed a strategic partnership with Bharat Electronics Limited to support India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme of the Indian Air Force.
• Why:
  • The collaboration aims to bolster India’s defence capabilities and promote self-reliance in defence technology.
• Tell me more:
  • The consortium will respond to the Government of India’s Aeronautical Development Agency’s Expression of Interest for the AMCA project.
  • L&T brings expertise in strategic defence platforms, while BEL contributes defence electronics and systems experience.

Source: L&T

3. Agnikul Cosmos Launches Aerospace 3D Printing Facility

• What:
  • Agnikul Cosmos commissioned a new additive manufacturing facility for aerospace and rocket systems in India.
• Why:
  • The facility aims to improve precision, quality, and reduce the cost of building space components by 50%.
• Tell me more:
  • It allows 3D printing of aerospace and rocket parts up to one meter in height, a first in India.
  • The facility enhances supply chain resilience and reliability in rocket manufacturing.
  • Agnikul’s goal is to make space accessible by advancing rocket manufacturing capabilities.

Source: ET

Important Days

1. National Service Scheme Day 2025 – September 24

• It commemorates the official launch of the National Service Scheme (NSS) in 1969.

Source: MyGov

2. World Pharmacists Day 2025 – September 25

• Theme: Think Health, Think Pharmacist

Source: FIP

3. Antyodaya Diwas 2025 – September 25

• The Birth Anniversary of Pt Deendayal Upadhyaya is commemorated as ‘Antyodaya Diwas’.

Source: Gov

Sports

1. Jerome Boateng Announces Retirement from Professional Football

• Former Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng (German) announced his retirement from professional soccer at the age of 37.

Source: BS

2. ICC Suspends USA Cricket Membership Over Governance Issues

• The International Cricket Council (ICC) suspended USA Cricket’s membership with immediate effect due to repeated violations of ICC member obligations.
• The suspension aims to protect the long-term interests of cricket amid USA Cricket’s governance failures and reputational damage.
• USA Cricket was warned in 2024 for non-compliance with ICC criteria and given 12 months to improve.
• USA co-hosted the 2023 T20 World Cup in the Americas region.

Source: ET

Memorandum of Understanding

1. MoU Signed for New Weather Data Stations under Mission Mausam

• What:
  • The National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting and New Space India Limited signed an MoU to set up two Direct Broadcast Network (DBNet) stations in Delhi/NCR and Chennai under Mission Mausam.
• Why:
  • The purpose is to improve accuracy and speed of weather forecasts by enabling real-time satellite data collection and processing.
• Tell me more:
  • The DBNet stations will receive data directly from Indian and international satellites such as Oceansat, NOAA, and MetOp.
  • The system is designed for scalability to add next-generation satellite data in the future.
  • Data will be processed within 5 minutes after a satellite overpass, helping with faster weather prediction.
  • These stations will help with forecasting, cyclone monitoring, climate research, and disaster risk reduction.

Source: PIB

2. MoU Signed for Foodgrain Management

• What:
  • Department of Food and Public Distribution and Food Corporation of India signed an MoU for 2025–26 to boost efficiency and accountability in foodgrain management.
• Why:
  • The agreement aims to improve transparency and value in public funds spent on food subsidy through technology and measurable annual targets.
• Tell me more:
  • Food Corporation of India operates as a public service agency, managing procurement, storage, and movement of foodgrains.
  • FCI was established in 1965 under the Food Corporations Act, 1964.
  • All FCI operations are financed by the Government’s food subsidy.

Source: PIB

3. UAE-India Business Council signs three strategic agreements

• What
  • The UAE-India Business Council signed three strategic agreements to strengthen trade, investments, and industry engagements between India and the UAE.
• Why
  • The agreements aim to deepen the UAE-India economic partnership, promote services cooperation, and expand state-level trade linkages.
• Tell me more
  • UIBC and UAE-India CEPA Council (UICC) agreed to closer collaboration for advancing UAE-India CEPA objectives.
  • UIBC and Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC) signed a pact to boost cooperation in services like logistics, healthcare, IT/ITES, education, tourism, and engineering.
  • UIBC also partnered with regional chambers of commerce including Bombay Industries Association, Calicut Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry to institutionalise CEPA facilitation at grassroots level.
  • These partnerships focus on B2B and B2G engagement, addressing market access challenges, and widening industry participation.

Source: OB

Appointments

1. Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan’s Tenure Extended

• The Centre extended Gen Anil Chauhan’s tenure as Chief of Defence Staff and Secretary of the Department of Military Affairs until May 30, 2026, or until further orders.
• He has been serving as CDS since September 30, 2022, with his original term set to end on September 30, 2025.
• He is decorated with awards such as PVSM, UYSM, AVSM, SM, and VSM.

Source: TOI

Miscellaneous

1. Kannada novelist SL Bhyrappa passes away at 94

• Noted Kannada novelist and philosopher SL Bhyrappa passed away at the age of 94 in Bengaluru after suffering a cardiac arrest.

Source: TOI

2. Super Typhoon Ragasa causes devastation in Taiwan and Asia

• At least 14 people died in Taiwan after a super typhoon burst a mountain lake’s banks, while the storm also disrupted life in China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

Source: BBC

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