National News
PM Modi Launches Next-Generation GST Reforms: A New Era of Savings and Self-Reliance
- On 21st September 2025, PM Narendra Modi launched Next-Generation GST Reforms, calling it a step toward “GST Bachat Utsav” and a stronger Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
- Effective from 22nd September, the new GST structure retains only 5% and 18% slabs, reduces taxes on essentials like food, medicines, and insurance to 0% or 5%, and is expected to save INR 2.5 lakh crore annually.
- The reforms aim to boost MSMEs, simplify taxes, lower costs, and promote Swadeshi products. PM Modi urged citizens to “buy Swadeshi, sell Swadeshi” as a call for economic self-reliance.
Who is India’s Neo-Middle Class? PM Modi Explains During GST Bachat Utsav Address
- PM Modi, in his 21 Sept 2025 address, introduced the Next-Gen GST reforms and spotlighted the Neo-Middle Class—a dynamic group of 25 crore Indians who have recently risen out of poverty.
- This aspirational class, positioned between the poor and traditional middle class, is driving India’s growth through demand for education, housing, healthcare, and domestic products.
- Benefiting from income tax relief (up to ₹12 lakh tax-free) and lower GST on essentials, they are both economic contributors and symbols of upward mobility, playing a vital role in shaping India’s consumption-driven future.
Piyush Goyal Launches Industrial Park Rating System 3.0
- Union Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal launched Industrial Park Rating System (IPRS) 3.0 in New Delhi to benchmark industrial parks and boost the Make in India initiative.
- Developed by DPIIT with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), IPRS 3.0 introduces new parameters like sustainability, green infrastructure, digitalization, and logistics connectivity.
- It aims to enhance competitiveness, improve investment transparency, and promote best practices, categorizing parks as Leaders, Challengers, and Aspirers to guide policy and investor decisions.
LEADS 2025 Launched to Benchmark Logistics Performance Across States & UTs
- Union Minister Piyush Goyal launched LEADS 2025 (Logistics Ease Across Different States) in New Delhi to benchmark logistics performance across States and UTs, aiming to build a cost-efficient, sustainable, and globally competitive logistics ecosystem under the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
- Key features include corridor performance assessments, real-time API-enabled speed tracking, and support for India’s manufacturing and export competitiveness by 2047.
Union Minister Launches LDB 2.0 to Strengthen India’s Digital Trade
- Union Minister Piyush Goyal launched Logistics Data Bank (LDB) 2.0 in New Delhi during the Make in India decade celebrations, marking a major step toward a digitally empowered, export-competitive economy.
- Developed by NICDC Logistics Data Services (NLDSL), LDB 2.0 enables real-time export container tracking, including high-seas tracking, and offers multi-modal visibility across road, rail, and sea via ULIP integration.
- The platform enhances logistics efficiency, empowers MSMEs and exporters, provides a live container heatmap, and supports better planning and infrastructure development.
- Aligned with Viksit Bharat @2047, LDB 2.0 is a key tool for improving global supply chain competitiveness and reducing costs.
India Secures Exclusive Rights for Polymetallic Sulphides Exploration in Carlsberg Ridge
- India has achieved a historic milestone by securing exclusive rights for Polymetallic Sulphides (PMS) exploration in the Carlsberg Ridge of the Indian Ocean, becoming the first country to hold two PMS exploration contracts with the International Seabed Authority (ISA).
- Announced by Science Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, this 15-year contract aligns with the Deep Ocean Mission launched by PM Narendra Modi, focusing on seabed mineral exploration, mining technology, and boosting India’s Blue Economy Initiatives.
- India now holds the largest exploration area for PMS globally and will host the 8th ISA Annual Contractors Meeting in Goa, reinforcing its leadership in deep-sea resource exploration and maritime presence.
State News
PM Modi Launches ₹34,200 Crore Projects in Gujarat to Boost Maritime
- PM Modi, during the ‘Samudra se Samriddhi’ event in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, launched and inaugurated ₹34,200 crore worth of maritime and infrastructure projects, marking a significant boost toward maritime self-reliance.
- Declaring large ships as infrastructure, he unveiled reforms like “One Nation, One Document” to streamline port processes and announced investments across shipbuilding, port development, LNG terminals, and solar energy.
- Aiming to reduce foreign shipping dependency and triple India’s sea trade share by 2047.
Dhordo Becomes Gujarat’s Fourth Solar Village Under PM Surya Ghar Yojana
- Dhordo village in Gujarat’s Kutch district has become the fourth fully solar-powered village in the state under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, with 81 homes solarised, producing 177 kW and saving villagers around ₹16,064 annually each.
- This milestone, to be dedicated by PM Modi, boosts renewable energy adoption, generates income through surplus power sales, and strengthens Gujarat’s leadership in sustainable rural development while supporting India’s Net Zero 2070 goals.
Justice Pavankumar Bhimappa Bajanthri Takes Oath as CJ Patna High Court
- Pavankumar Bhimappa Bajanthri took oath as the Chief Justice of Patna High Court, with the ceremony conducted by Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan at Raj Bhavan.
- The event was attended by dignitaries including Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and his deputy Samrat Choudhary, marking a significant judicial appointment in Bihar.
International News
US Senators Introduce India Shrimp Tariff Act To Protect Seafood Industry
- US Senators Bill Cassidy and Cindy Hyde-Smith have introduced the India Shrimp Tariff Act on 20 September 2025 to impose tariffs on Indian shrimp imports, aiming to protect Louisiana’s shrimp and catfish industries from alleged “dumping” of cheap seafood.
- The move, seen as a step to ensure fair competition and support local jobs, may strain India–US trade ties, as India is the world’s largest shrimp exporter.
- The Act follows earlier protectionist measures like the Agricultural Disputes and Enforcement Act, signaling rising tensions in seafood and agricultural trade.
India Re-Elected to Council of Administration & Postal Operations Council at 28th UPU Congress
- India has been re-elected to the Council of Administration and Postal Operations Council (POC) at the 28th Universal Postal Congress in Dubai, reaffirming global confidence in India Post’s leadership and digital reforms.
- This recognition reflects India’s rising global stature, with key support from PM Modi’s vision and Dr. S. Jaishankar’s diplomacy.
- A UPU member since 1876, India continues to play a pivotal role in shaping global postal policy and innovation through these crucial UN bodies.
Economy News
India’s logistics Costs Estimated at 7.97% of GDP
- On the 10th anniversary of Make in India, Union Minister Piyush Goyal launched the first-ever comprehensive Assessment of Logistics Cost in India in New Delhi, based on a scientific hybrid methodology.
- The report, prepared by NCAER for DPIIT, estimates India’s logistics cost at 7.97% of GDP, a major correction from earlier inflated figures (13–14%).
- This aligns with the goals of the National Logistics Policy (2022) and supports data-driven policy making, benchmarking, and improved global competitiveness.
Awards News
Mohanlal Honoured with 2023 Dadasaheb Phalke Award
- Malayalam superstar Mohanlal has been honoured with the 2023 Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest recognition in cinema, for his four-decade-long career, spanning 400+ films across languages.
- The award will be presented on 23rd September 2025 during the 71st National Film Awards. Known for his versatility, Mohanlal has won 5 National Film Awards, the Padma Shri (2001) and Padma Bhushan (2019).
- From Thiranottam (1978) to blockbusters like L2: Empuraan (2024) and Drishyam, he has left a lasting impact on Indian cinema and beyond.
Defence News
India, Greece Hold First Bilateral Naval Exercise
- India and Greece successfully concluded their first-ever bilateral maritime exercise on 18 September 2025 in the Mediterranean Sea, marking a strategic boost in defence ties and maritime security cooperation.
- Conducted in two phases—a harbour phase (13–17 Sept) at Salamis Naval Base with professional interactions, cross-deck visits, and cultural exchanges, and a sea phase (17–18 Sept) featuring VBSS ops, anti-submarine drills, replenishment-at-sea, and gun firing exercise.
- The maiden exercise between INS Trikand and HS Themistokles showcased interoperability, trust, and a shared commitment to maritime freedom and stability.
India Sets Up First Defence Manufacturing Plant in Morocco
- In a landmark move to expand India’s global defence presence, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will embark on a historic two-day visit to Morocco, marking the first-ever visit by an Indian Defence Minister to the country.
- He will inaugurate Tata Advanced Systems Maroc’s plant in Berrechid, the first Indian defence manufacturing facility in Africa, focused on Wheeled Armoured Platforms—a major boost to Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
- The visit includes strategic talks, MoU on defence cooperation, and industrial collaborations, strengthening India-Morocco ties, enhancing Africa outreach, and showcasing India’s shift from defence importer to global exporter.
Sports News
Smriti Mandhana Breaks Virat Kohli’s Record for Fastest Indian Century in ODIs
- Smriti Mandhana smashed a 50-ball century against Australia, breaking Virat Kohli’s record for the fastest ODI hundred by an Indian (previously 52 balls in 2013).
- Playing in the final ODI at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Mandhana’s blistering 125-run knock, featuring 17 fours and 5 sixes, also became the second-fastest century in women’s ODIs, just behind Meg Lanning’s 45-ball record.
- Despite her efforts, India struggled chasing Australia’s massive 412-run total, heading into the ODI World Cup 2025 opener against Sri Lanka on September 30.
ICC Unveils Official Song ‘Bring it Home’ for Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025
- The ICC has launched the official song ‘Bring it Home’ for the Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, performed by renowned Indian singer Shreya Ghoshal.
- Blending rhythm, melody, and emotion, the song celebrates the spirit, unity, and determination of women’s cricket with powerful lyrics like “Patthar pighlana hai, Ek naya itihas banana hai”.
- Featuring catchy lines such as “Tarikita Dhom” and “Dhak Dhak, we bring it home”, it aims to unite global fans ahead of the tournament, which runs from September 30 to November 2 across India and Sri Lanka.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Runs Fastest 400m in 40 Years
- Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone ran a sensational 47.78 seconds to win 400m gold at the World Championships, marking the fastest time in 40 years and becoming the second-fastest woman ever behind Marita Koch’s 1985 record.
- Making a bold switch from 400m hurdles to the flat, she held off Marileidy Paulino (47.98, silver) and Salwa Eid Naser (48.19, bronze).
- McLaughlin-Levrone’s victory in rain-soaked Tokyo capped her transition in emphatic style, fueling talk of a possible 400m-400m hurdles double at Los Angeles 2028.
Indian Skater Anish Raj Secures Historic Bronze at World Championships 2025
- Indian skater Anish Raj made history by winning a bronze medal in the Junior Men’s One-Lap Road Sprint at the 2025 Inline Speed World Championships in Beidaihe, China, becoming the first Indian to achieve this feat in the category.
- Clocking 39.714 seconds, Anish’s win at the prestigious event—featuring 42 countries—highlights India’s growing presence in international roller sports, following his gold at the 20th Asian Roller-Skating Championships in South Korea.
Anandkumar Velkumar Creates History with Gold at World Speed Skating Championships 2025
- India’s Anandkumar Velkumar made history by winning gold in the 42km marathon at the 2025 World Speed Skating Championships in China, becoming the first Indian speed skating world champion.
- The 22-year-old secured two golds (including the 1000m with a record time of 1:24.92) and a bronze (500m sprint), marking his third medal at the event.
- Rising from humble beginnings on a cement badminton court, his journey began 15 years ago and includes a 2021 Junior World silver and 2025 World Games bronze. This triumph places India on the global speed skating map.
Important Days News
International Day of Peace 2025: History, Theme, and Significance
- The International Day of Peace 2025, observed on 21 September, carries the theme “Act Now for a Peaceful World”, emphasizing unity, non-violence, and global harmony.
- Established by the United Nations, the day promotes dialogue over conflict, with global events like peace marches, educational programs, cultural performances, and community dialogues.
- It underscores the need for collective action to address global tensions such as wars, border disputes, and discrimination, while highlighting peace as essential for sustainable development, human dignity, and coexistence.
World Alzheimer’s Day 2025: Theme, History, and Significance
- World Alzheimer’s Day 2025, observed on 21 September, raises global awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, focusing on early diagnosis, caregiver support, and reducing stigma.
- The 2025 theme, “Ask about Dementia. Ask about Alzheimer’s”, promotes open dialogue, combats misinformation, and encourages timely medical intervention.
- Launched by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) in 1994, the day is part of World Alzheimer’s Month, marked by awareness events, fundraisers, and community outreach to build dementia-friendly societies.
World Rose Day 2025: Honoring Cancer Patients with Hope and Compassion
- World Rose Day 2025, observed on September 22, honors cancer patients and their caregivers, promoting hope, resilience, and solidarity through the symbolic gesture of offering roses and messages of support.
- Inspired by Melinda Rose, a 12-year-old cancer warrior, the day highlights the emotional and psychological needs of those battling cancer, encouraging empathy, awareness, and community action to support cancer care and advocacy globally.
World Rhino Day 2025: History, Theme, Project Rhino, and Kaziranga National Park
- World Rhino Day 2025, observed on 22 September, promotes global awareness about rhino conservation and the dangers these ancient species face, including poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict.
- Initiated in 2011, it unites governments, communities, and NGOs to protect all five rhino species—with special focus on India’s efforts like Project Rhino and protection hubs such as Kaziranga National Park.
- Though the theme for 2025 is yet to be announced, the day emphasizes collective responsibility, anti-poaching measures, and habitat preservation to prevent extinction and ensure a future for rhinos.
Navratri 2025: Dates, Tithi, Colours, Rituals & Significance
- Navratri 2025 will be celebrated from 22nd September (Monday) to 1st October (Wednesday), concluding with Vijaya Dashami (Dussehra) on 2nd October (Thursday).
- This nine-night Hindu festival honors the nine avatars of Goddess Durga, each worshipped on a specific day with rituals like Ghatasthapana, fasting, Kanya Pujan, and Garba/Dandiya dances.
- The days are associated with different colours, symbolizing virtues like power, peace, prosperity, and wisdom.
- Major celebrations take place across Gujarat, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Delhi, and South India, marking the victory of good over evil through various regional customs and mythological stories.
Current Affairs Today | 21-22 Sep Current Affairs 2025 | Daily Current Affairs By Ashish Gautam
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