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Friday, September 26, 2025

Daily GK Update- 26th Sept, 2025

 

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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