National News
India Establishes Satellite Tracking Station Near Diego Garcia
- India and Mauritius have agreed to establish a satellite tracking station near the strategic Diego Garcia base, enhancing India’s strategic presence in the Indian Ocean amid rising Chinese naval activity.
- The deal includes cooperation in space research, reaffirms Mauritius’ sovereignty over Chagos Islands, and features a $680 million development package from India for infrastructure and maritime security, strengthening bilateral ties under India’s Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR.
Aadhaar Users Get Priority in IRCTC Booking from Oct 1
- The Ministry of Railways will allocate the first 15 minutes of online reserved ticket booking on the IRCTC website and app exclusively to Aadhaar-authenticated user IDs from October 1, 2025, to curb fraudulent bookings by touts using fake IDs.
- This move aims to prioritize genuine passengers without changing booking times at PRS counters. Between January and May 2025, nearly 2.9 lakh suspicious PNRs and over 5,796 arrests related to illegal ticketing were reported, with fake tickets worth ₹12.2 crore seized.
- The step is part of ongoing efforts to prevent system misuse.
Amit Shah Inaugurates India’s Largest Sports Complex in Ahmedabad
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated India’s largest and most modern sports complex in Naranpura, Ahmedabad, built at a cost of ₹825 crore.
- Emphasizing the government’s goal to make India a top sporting nation by 2047, Shah said Ahmedabad is set to become Asia’s sports capital and a prime venue for the Commonwealth Games.
- The complex features a world-class aquatic center, advanced indoor and outdoor sports facilities, and athlete training and residential amenities.
- The sports budget has surged from ₹1,643 crore to ₹5,300 crore in the last decade.
State News
Manipur Hosts Hathei Chilli Festival to Promote GI-Tagged Local Crop
- Manipur has inaugurated the 14th Sirarakhong Hathei Chilli Festival in Ukhrul district to promote the GI-tagged Hathei Chilli, renowned for its unique aroma and flavor.
- The event features cultural performances, a Buyer-Seller Meet to boost farmers’ economic opportunities, and a tree plantation drive under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative, celebrating the region’s rich heritage and supporting sustainable development.
Banking News
Kotak811 Surges to 3rd Spot in Global App Downloads
- Kotak Mahindra Bank’s Kotak811 app ranked 3rd globally in banking app downloads during H1 2025, overtaking SBI’s Yono, according to Sensor Tower.
- With over 16 million downloads and a 250% YoY growth, Kotak811 became the fastest-growing banking app worldwide, despite RBI restrictions earlier in the year.
- Designed as a full-service digital banking platform, it now serves 2.6 crore KYC-compliant users, offering zero-balance accounts, payments, investments, and credit products.
- While NuBank (Brazil) and Revolut (UK) held the top spots, Kotak811’s success highlights the rise of mobile-first banking in India’s regulated ecosystem.
PNB Extends Shri M. Paramasivam’s Term as Executive Director
- Punjab National Bank (PNB) has extended Shri M. Paramasivam’s tenure as Executive Director until his superannuation on March 31, 2027, or until further orders.
- The extension, effective September 15, 2025, was approved by the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, via official government notification.
Economy News
India’s Trade Deficit Narrows to $26.49 Billion in August 2025
- India’s trade deficit narrowed to $26.49 billion in August, down from $27.35 billion in July, as both exports and imports declined following steep US tariffs under President Donald Trump.
- Exports fell to $35.1 billion and imports to $61.59 billion. Shipments to the US dropped sharply to $6.86 billion, affected by 50% duties imposed over India’s continued Russian oil imports.
- The services trade saw exports at $34.06 billion and imports at $17.45 billion, bringing the total goods and services deficit to $9.88 billion.
India’s Unemployment Rate Falls to 5.1% in August 2025
- India’s unemployment rate dropped to 5.1% in August 2025, continuing a downward trend from 5.6% in June and 5.2% in July, according to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) by MoSPI.
- Male unemployment hit a 5-month low at 5.0%, driven by improvements in both urban (5.9%) and rural (4.5%) areas.
- Female workforce participation also rose, with the Worker Population Ratio (WPR) among women increasing to 32%, and Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) rising to 33.7%. The overall LFPR improved to 55%, indicating a strengthening labour market.
Business News
Apollo Tyres Becomes Team India’s New Sponsor in ₹579 Cr Deal
- Apollo Tyres has become the new lead sponsor of the Indian cricket team after winning a ₹579 crore bid in a BCCI auction, beating Canva and JK Cements.
- The three-year deal covers 121 bilateral matches and 21 ICC games, averaging ₹4.77 crore per match. This record-breaking partnership replaces Dream11, which exited due to India’s online gaming regulations.
- Apollo’s branding will now be prominently featured on Team India’s jerseys, reflecting Indian cricket’s unmatched commercial value and Apollo’s ambition for global visibility.
Myntra and Sourav Ganguly Launch ‘Souragya’ Ethnic Wear Brand
- Myntra has partnered with former cricket captain Sourav Ganguly to launch Souragya, a premium ethnic wear brand inspired by Bengali festive designs ahead of the Durga Puja season.
- This launch aims to capture the booming festive wear market and strengthen Myntra’s presence in the premium ethnic segment amid growing competition in India’s expanding online fashion industry.
Appointments News
Dr. Sima Bahous Begins Second Term at UN Women
- Dr. Sima Bahous has been reappointed as Executive Director of UN Women for a second term by UN Secretary-General António Guterres. A seasoned Jordanian diplomat, Dr. Bahous pledged to strengthen gender equality, support women and girls in crisis, and implement the UN Women Strategic Plan 2026–2029.
- Emphasizing accountability, results, and global partnerships, she reaffirmed that “Equality must not wait” in today’s complex multilateral landscape.
P&G Health Names Shashank Srowthy as CFO, Effective October 1
- Procter & Gamble Health has appointed Shashank Srowthy as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective October 1, 2025, succeeding Lokesh Chandak, who will move to a new role within P&G.
- Srowthy brings 14 years of experience and has worked across India, Dubai, and Singapore in various finance roles.
- His appointment is subject to government and shareholder approval under the Companies Act, 2013.
Awards News
Baba Kalyani Awarded ASME Holley Medal for Engineering Excellence
- Bharat Forge Chairman & MD Baba Kalyani was honored with the prestigious ASME Holley Medal, recognizing his outstanding engineering innovation with significant public benefit.
- Established in 1924, the award highlights unique engineering achievements that provide timely societal impact.
- Bharat Forge’s efforts under Kalyani’s leadership, especially in localizing advanced manufacturing and strengthening resilient supply chains amid rising US tariffs, showcase a vision focused on national competitiveness and global value creation.
Agreements News
India Signs MoU with ILO to Boost Global Recognition of Skills and Occupations
Defense News
IAF Proposes ₹2 Lakh Crore Rafale Jet Deal
- The Indian Air Force (IAF) is reviewing a ₹2 lakh crore proposal to acquire 114 Made-in-India Rafale fighter jets, aiming to boost the fleet to 176 jets. This plan emphasizes 60% local content under the ‘Made in India’ framework, with Dassault Aviation partnering Indian aerospace firms like Tata.
- The proposal is undergoing scrutiny by multiple ministries and will move through the Defence Procurement Board and Defence Acquisition Council. Dassault also plans to set up a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hub in Hyderabad, enhancing India’s defence manufacturing capabilities.
Sports News
Samuel Umtiti Retires from Football at Age 31
- Samuel Umtiti, former Barcelona defender and 2018 World Cup winner with France, has announced his retirement at age 31 due to persistent knee injuries.
- Umtiti, who rose through Lyon’s academy and also played for Lille and Lecce, shared an emotional farewell message thanking his clubs, teammates, and fans.
- His career highlights include two La Liga titles, three Copa del Rey trophies, and a key role in France’s World Cup triumph, though injuries curtailed his potential. Currently a free agent, his future plans remain uncertain.
Giri and Vaishali Win 2025 FIDE Grand Swiss Titles
- At the 2025 FIDE Grand Swiss and Women’s Grand Swiss held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, GM Anish Giri and GM Vaishali Rameshbabu emerged as champions, both scoring 8/11 and securing spots in the 2026 Candidates Tournaments.
- Giri remained undefeated, winning the $90,000 top prize, while Matthias Bluebaum also qualified with 7.5/11. In the women’s section, Vaishali edged out GM Kateryna Lagno, who also qualified.
- Young Indian GMs Mishra and Arjun delivered standout performances but narrowly missed qualification. The tournament featured an 11-round Swiss format with a combined prize pool of $855,000.
Central Zone Wins Duleep Trophy After 11 Years Under Patidar
- Central Zone, led by Rajat Patidar, clinched the Duleep Trophy 2025 title after 11 years by defeating South Zone comprehensively. P
- atidar, who also captained Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their first IPL trophy this year, scored a century alongside Yash Rathod, who nearly made a double century.
- Central Zone posted a massive 511 runs, bowling out South Zone for 149 and 426, winning by 6 wickets.
- Key performances included Saransh Jain’s five-wicket haul and strong batting from Patidar and Rathod, who finished as the season’s top run-scorer.
Important Days News
World Patient Safety Day 2025: Safe Care for Every Newborn and Child
- On September 17, 2025, the world observed World Patient Safety Day, emphasizing the importance of “Safe Care for Every Newborn and Every Child.”
- Initiated by the WHO in 2019, the day aims to raise global awareness of avoidable harm in healthcare and promote safe, respectful, and quality care.
- This year’s focus is on ensuring pediatric safety, reducing medical errors, and preventing infections in child healthcare.
World Ozone Day 2025: From Science to Global Action
- World Ozone Day 2025, officially known as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, is observed on September 16 every year to raise awareness about the crucial role of the ozone layer in protecting Earth from harmful UV radiation.
- The day commemorates the signing of the Montreal Protocol in 1987, a landmark global agreement to phase out ozone-depleting substances (ODS).
- This year’s theme is “From science to global action”, marking 40 years since the global community united under the Vienna Convention to begin protecting the ozone layer.