NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Virat Kohli Tops Kroll 2024 List as Most Valued Indian
Celebrity with $231.1 Million Brand Worth**: Virat Kohli retained his position as
the most valued Indian celebrity with a brand value of $231.1
million, driven by his mass influence and strong social media
engagement.Ranveer Singh ranked second ($170.7 million), Shah Rukh
Khan third ($145.7 million, 21% surge), and Alia Bhatt emerged as the most
valued female celebrity ($116.4 million, fourth position). Sachin Tendulkar
rose to fifth ($112.2 million).The combined brand value of the top 25 Indian
celebrities reached $2 billion in 2024, an increase of 8.6%, with stronger
social media presence boosting individual valuations.Bollywood stars
contributed 65%, sports stars 28.4%, and Tollywood stars 6.6% of the overall
brand value, reflecting the dominance of film and sports personalities in
India’s celebrity endorsement market.
2. Uttar Pradesh to Host 19th National Jamboree of Bharat
Scouts and Guides in Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh to host the 19th National Jamboree of the Bharat
Scouts and Guides in Lucknow’s Vrindavan Scheme from November 23-29, with
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating the event on November 24.The state
government, under CM Yogi Adityanath, is creating a gated Tent City with
world-class facilities for 35,000 participants, promoting safety, comfort, and
global brotherhood.The Jamboree will feature adventure sports, science, and
cultural activities, fostering discipline, teamwork, self-reliance, and
leadership, with over 32,000 youth participants expected.
3. Cabinet Approves 78-Day Productivity Linked Bonus
Worth ₹1865.68 Crore for 10.91 Lakh Railway Employees: The Union
Cabinet approved Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) of 78 days for
2025, amounting to ₹1865.68 crore for 10.91 lakh non-gazetted railway
employees.The PLB, paid annually before Durga Puja/Dussehra, serves as an
incentive to boost railway performance and employee motivation.The maximum
payable PLB amount is ₹17,951 per employee, covering staff like Track
Maintainers, Loco Pilots, Guards, Station Masters, Technicians, Supervisors,
and other Group ‘C’ employees.
4. Cabinet Approves ₹2277 Crore CSIR Scheme for Capacity
Building & Human Resource Development in R&D Sector: The Union
Cabinet approved the DSIR/CSIR “Capacity Building and Human Resource
Development” Scheme with an outlay of ₹2277.397 crore for the 15th
Finance Commission cycle (2021-22 to 2025-26).The scheme will cover R&D
institutions, national laboratories, Institutes of National Importance,
Eminence, and universities, providing a platform for young researchers in STEMM
fields under the guidance of eminent scientists.The umbrella scheme includes
four sub-schemes: (i) Doctoral & Postdoctoral Fellowships, (ii)
Extramural Research, Emeritus Scientist & Bhatnagar Fellowship, (iii)
Awards for Excellence, and (iv) Travel & Symposia Grants.India’s R&D
ecosystem has strengthened, improving its Global Innovation Index rank to 39
(2024) and placing India among the top 3 nations in scientific paper
publications, with CSIR marking 84 years of service.
5. Union Ministry of Environment Recommends Clearance for
2,220 MW Oju Hydroelectric Project in Arunachal Pradesh: The Expert Appraisal
Committee (EAC) of the Union Ministry of Environment has recommended
environmental clearance for the 2,220 MW Oju Hydroelectric Project on the
Subansiri River in Taksing, Arunachal Pradesh, near the China border.The
project will be constructed by Oju Subansiri Hydro Power Corporation Pvt. Ltd.,
located about 5 km downstream from Redi village in Upper Subansiri.The primary
powerhouse is designed for 2,100 MW, with an additional 120 MW generated from a
dam-toe station, totaling 2,220 MW.The Subansiri basin
hosts several other proposed hydroelectric projects including Nyare,
Naba, Nalo, Dengser, Upper Subansiri, and Lower Subansiri, with basin studies
finalized in 2014.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. UIBC Signs Three Strategic Agreements to Strengthen
UAE-India CEPA, Trade, and Investment Ties: UAE-India Business Council
(UIBC) signed three strategic agreements to boost trade, investment,
and industry engagements under the UAE-India CEPA framework.UIBC and
UAE-India CEPA Council (UICC) agreed to closer institutional collaboration for
advancing CEPA objectives and strengthening the bilateral economic
partnership.UIBC and Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC) partnered to
deepen cooperation in key services sectors like logistics, healthcare, IT/ITES,
education, tourism, and engineering, while addressing market access
challenges.UIBC also signed agreements with regional chambers of commerce
(Bombay Industries Association, Calicut CCI, Gujarat CCI) to expand industry
participation, strengthen state-level linkages, and institutionalise CEPA
facilitation at the grassroots.
2. India Elected to INTERPOL Asian Committee,
Strengthening Role in Regional Law Enforcement: India has been elected to the INTERPOL Asian
Committee after a multi-stage voting process during the 25th Asian
Regional Conference in Singapore.The committee identifies strategic priorities
and operational challenges in tackling organized crime, cybercrime, terrorism,
human trafficking, and drug trafficking in the region.India has a strong record
of representation at INTERPOL, including CBI Special Director Praveen Sinha’s
election in 2021 as Delegate for Asia on INTERPOL’s Executive Committee.At the
Singapore conference, India was represented by a CBI delegation, strengthening
its influence in regional law enforcement priorities.
3. Dubai Announces 15-km Dedicated Corridor For
Driverless Vehicles & Marine Transport: Dubai launches the Dubai Autonomous
Zone (DAZ), a 15-kilometre corridor for driverless vehicles and marine
transport, set to become operational in early 2026, supporting the goal of 25%
autonomous trips by 2030.The zone will connect Al Jaddaf Metro Station,
Dubai Creek Harbour, and Dubai Festival City, offering autonomous options
including Metro, RoboTaxis, RoboBuses, shuttles, delivery robots, and
autonomous abras.Trials for RoboTaxis start by end of 2025, aiming for 1,000
vehicles by 2028, with Uber collaborating with RTA and WeRide for pilot
autonomous car services.The initiative emphasizes safety, accessibility, cost
reduction, emission cuts, and intermodal efficiency, with expansion plans and
future integration into hyperloop and flying taxi networks under consideration.
4. China to Launch K-Visa for Global Young STEM
Professionals from October 2025: China to launch the K-Visa from October 1,
2025, targeting global young STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering,
Mathematics) professionals, providing flexible work rights without local
sponsorship.The K-Visa aims to attract talent amid tightening U.S. H-1B visa
restrictions, including the $100,000 application fee announced by former
President Donald TrumpThis visa category promotes academic, cultural,
entrepreneurial, and research exchanges, allowing independent applications
without employer sponsorship.K-Visa holders can engage in research,
entrepreneurship, academic programs, cultural activities, and business
ventures, distinguishing it from traditional work visas.
5. 25 September – World Maritime Day: World Maritime
Day is observed annually on 25th September to recognize the
importance of shipping and maritime industries in global trade, economy, and
sustainable development.Theme 2025 – Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our
OpportunityThe day is designated by the International Maritime Organization
(IMO), a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for regulating
shipping.
6. 26 September – European Day of Languages: The European Day of
Languages is celebrated every year on 26 September, initiated by the
Council of Europe in 2001 in collaboration with the European Union.It aims to
promote language learning across all ages, encourage multilingualism, and highlight
the cultural and linguistic diversity of Europe.Theme 2025 – Languages:
your bridge to the futureThe day emphasises the importance of intercultural
understanding, lifelong learning of languages, and strengthening cooperation
among European nations.With over 200 languages spoken in Europe, the observance
also raises awareness about preserving linguistic heritage while supporting
mobility, employment, and global competitiveness.
7. 26 September – World Environmental Health Day: World Environmental
Health Day is observed every year on 26 September, established in
2011 by the International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH).Theme 2025
–Clean Air, Healthy PeopleThe day highlights the vital connection between the
environment and human health, focusing on safe food, clean air, safe water,
sanitation, and healthy living conditions.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Defence ministry signs ₹62,370 crore deal with HAL for
fighter aircraft: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract worth over
₹62,370 crore with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the procurement
of 97 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A for the Indian Air Force (IAF).The
order includes 68 fighter jets and 29 twin-seater aircraft, along with
associated equipment. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2027–28 and will be
completed over a period of six years.The aircraft will have an indigenous
content of more than 64%, with 67 additional items integrated compared to the
earlier LCA Mk1A contract signed in January 2021. These upgrades include
advanced indigenous systems such as the UTTAM Active Electronically Scanned
Array (AESA) Radar, Swayam Raksha Kavach, and control surface actuators.The
acquisition has been undertaken under the ‘Buy (India-IDDM)’ category of the
Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020. Officials said the deal is in line with the
government’s push for indigenisation in defence manufacturing.
2. India Tests Agni-Prime Missile From Rail
Launcher: India recently achieved
milestone by successfully test-launching the Agni-Prime intermediate-range
ballistic missile from a rail-based mobile launcher system. This launch is the
first of its kind in the country and marks India’s advancing strategic
deterrence capabilities. The Agni-Prime missile was launched from a specially
designed mobile platform integrated with India’s national railway network. This
innovation enables the missile to move across the country without restrictions.
It offers cross-country mobility, faster reaction times, and reduced
visibility, enhancing strategic flexibility and survivability. Agni-Prime is a
next-generation missile with a strike range of up to 2,000 kilometres. It is
solid-fuelled and three-staged, which allows for quicker launch readiness and
better control. The missile uses a canister launch system, improving storage,
handling, and rapid deployment.
SPORTS
1. Jerome Boateng Announces Retirement from Professional
Football: Jerome
Boateng, 2014 World Cup winner with Germany, announces retirement from
professional football at age 37, ending a career spanning top clubs and
international appearances.Club career highlights include 10 years at Bayern
Munich with nine Bundesliga titles, two Champions League trophies, and stints
at Manchester City, Olympique Lyonnais, Salernitana, Hamburg SV, and most
recently LASK Linz.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. New Finless Snake
Eel Species Discovered Off Colachel Coast: The National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR),
Kochi, under the Indian Council
of Agricultural Research, has
recently identified a new species of finless snake eel. Named *Apterichtus
kanniyakumari*, this discovery marks the rich marine biodiversity of the
Arabian Sea near the Colachel coast. The finding was published in the
international journal *Zootaxa* and honours the cultural and geographical
significance of Kanniyakumari district. Researchers collected two specimens off
the Colachel coast during deep-sea trawling at a depth of 100 metres. Fishermen
had previously reported catches of this eel. The team conducted detailed
morphological studies, vertebral counts, and DNA-based molecular analysis.
These confirmed the eel as a new species within the genus *Apterichtus*.The new
species is characterised by specific body proportions – head length is 9.6-9.7%
of total length (TL), tail length 1.8-1.9% of TL, and body depth at gill
openings ranges from 42.1% to 54.8% of TL. It has three preopercular and nine
supratemporal pores. The teeth are conical and uniserial on jaws and vomer. Its
body displays a distinct golden-yellow colour with a pale white ventral head
marked by yellow lines along the lower jaw. Three black blotches appear behind
the eyes, at the rictus, and behind the origin of rictus.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. Finance Minister Launches GST Appellate Tribunal
(GSTAT) to Strengthen Indirect Tax Dispute Resolution Framework: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched
the GST Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) in New Delhi, marking a significant
step in strengthening the institutional framework for indirect tax dispute
resolution.GSTAT as part of “Next-Gen GST Reforms,” focusing on simplicity,
jargon-free decisions, digital filings, and timely resolution to ease
compliance and improve taxpayer confidence.Transparency & Trust Building:
Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary emphasized that GSTAT will
provide a uniform, transparent, and reliable dispute resolution platform,
instilling trust among citizens, MSMEs, and investors.
Specialised Forum with 3S Model: Revenue Secretary Arvind Shrivastava underlined GSTAT’s design based on Structure, Scale, and Synergy, ensuring nationwide consistency, efficiency through state benches, and integration of technology with judicial expertise.
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