Daily GK Update- 4th Sept, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Cabinet approves ₹1,500 crore scheme under NCMM to boost recycling of critical minerals: The Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, approved a ₹1,500 crore incentive scheme under the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) to boost recycling capacity for critical minerals.The scheme will run for six years (FY 2025–26 to FY 2030–31), covering e-waste, lithium-ion battery scrap, and catalytic converters recycling.Incentives include a 20% capital subsidy on plant & machinery and operating subsidies (40% in the 2nd year and 60% in the 5th year) based on incremental sales.Out of the total outlay, one-third has been earmarked for start-ups and smaller players, with subsidy caps of ₹50 crore for large entities and ₹25 crore for small entities.

The scheme aims to create 270 kilo tonnes recycling capacity, produce 40 kilo tonnes of critical minerals annually, attract ₹8,000 crore investments, and generate 70,000 jobs.

 

2. PM Modi launches Bihar Rajya Jeevika Nidhi to empower rural women with affordable financial support: PM Narendra Modi virtually launched Bihar Rajya Jeevika Nidhi Saakh Sahkari Sangh Limited, aimed at providing easy access to funds at affordable interest rates for Jeevika community members.All registered cluster-level federations of Jeevika will become members of this cooperative society, with financial contributions from both the Bihar government and the Central government.The Prime Minister transferred ₹105 crore into the institution’s bank account to support its functioning and provide immediate financial aid.The scheme will empower rural women entrepreneurs, helping them access funds easily, grow their businesses, and contribute to India’s development.

 

3. Rajit Punhani takes charge as CEO of FSSAI: Rajit Punhani, a 1991-batch IAS officer of the Bihar cadre, has been appointed as the new CEO of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). He replaced GKV Rao.He has previously served as Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Secretary, Rajya Sabha, CEO of Sansad TV, and Principal Secretary in Bihar Government.His appointment comes as the Supreme Court directed the Centre to implement updated food labelling regulations, ensuring packaged foods display key nutritional information like sugar, salt, and fat content.

 

4. Bihar Rajya Jeevika Nidhi: The Government of India and Bihar have taken a major step to empower rural women entrepreneurs. On 2nd September 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Bihar Rajya Jeevika Nidhi Saakh Sahkari Sangh Limited via video conferencing. The event saw the transfer of Rs. 105 crore into the institution’s bank account. This initiative aims to provide affordable and timely financial support to women associated with Jeevika self-help groups in Bihar. It promises to reduce dependence on costly microfinance loans and promote community-led enterprises. The Jeevika Nidhi is created to offer easy access to funds at lower interest rates. It targets members of registered cluster-level federations linked to Jeevika. Women entrepreneurs often face high interest rates from microfinance institutions, ranging between 18% and 24%. This new institution aims to provide larger loans at affordable rates, ensuring financial inclusion and sustainability for rural women-led businesses.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Tamil Nadu secures 23 more deals in Germany worth more than ₹3,800 crore: Tamil Nadu signed 23 agreements with various companies in Düsseldorf, Germany, securing ₹3,819 crore investments and the potential to create 9,070 jobs, as part of the Tamil Nadu Rising Germany Investment Conclave attended by CM M.K. Stalin.Including three earlier deals (Knorr-Bremse, Nordex Group, and ebm-papst), total German investments during Stalin’s visit reached ₹7,020 crore, expected to generate 15,320 jobs.Major commitments include Vensys Energy (₹1,068 crore; 5,238 jobs), BASF (₹300 crore; 100 jobs), BellaPremier Happy Hygiene (₹300 crore; 200 jobs), Herrenknecht India (₹250 crore; 400 jobs), Puls (₹200 crore; 500 jobs), Witzenmann India (₹200 crore; 450 jobs), and MASH Energy (₹200 crore; 200 jobs).Guidance Tamil Nadu signed an agreement with Next Mittelstand (Ausbildung) to implement Germany’s dual vocational training model, which will train 20,000 youth in global skills over a decade, starting with 120 students.

 

2. Sharjah to host 18th Inclusion International World Congress 2025: Sharjah will host the 18th Inclusion International World Congress 2025 from September 15–17 at Expo Centre, marking the first time the event will be held in the MENA region, with participants from over 70 countries.The congress will focus on inclusive education, advocacy, healthcare, legal rights, employment, and community participation, while showcasing the UAE’s progress in building 80+ specialised facilities for persons with disabilities. Backed by WHO data, the event aims to tackle global challenges of poverty, discrimination, and reduced life expectancy among persons with disabilities, reaffirming inclusion as key to sustainable development.

 

3. Dr. Deepak Mittal Appointed as India’s New Ambassador to the UAE: The Ministry of External Affairs has appointed Deepak Mittal (1998-batch IFS officer) as India’s next Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, succeeding Sunjay Sudhir who retires in September. Mittal has earlier served as Ambassador to Qatar (2020–22), worked twice in the Prime Minister’s Office, and played a key role in India’s first formal diplomatic contact with the Taliban. The UAE is a key strategic partner for India, being a major energy supplier and home to over 3.5 million Indians; PM Modi has visited the UAE seven times since 2015, including inaugurating the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi (Feb 2024).

 

 

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. PRYMA Aerospace’s Arjuna drone gets DGCA certification for agriculture: PRYMA Aerospace’s Arjuna drone certified by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for agriculture use, marking a major step in India’s indigenous drone technology development and deployment.The certification follows DGCA’s earlier approval of PRYM Group’s Drone School of Excellence as a Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO), creating India’s first end-to-end pathway for drone manufacturing, training, and nationwide deployment via Salam Kisan. Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis presented the certificate; earlier this year, PRYM Group also signed a ₹300 crore Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the state government at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos to promote drone adoption and skill development.

 

2. India–Thailand Joint Military Exercise MAITREE-XIV begins in Meghalaya to boost defence cooperation: The 14th edition of India-Thailand Joint Military Exercise MAITREE-XIV began at the Joint Training Node (JTN), Umroi, Meghalaya, from 1st to 14th September 2025. The exercise is part of the military-to-military exchange programme, aimed at enhancing cooperation, interoperability, and mutual understanding between the Indian Army and the Royal Thai Army. The Indian Army contingent of 120 personnel is represented by a Battalion of the Madras Regiment, while the Royal Thai Army contingent of 53 personnel is represented by the 1st Infantry Battalion, 14th Infantry Brigade. Exercise Maitree, started in 2006, is one of the key joint training exercises between India and Thailand, with the 13th edition held in Tak Province, Thailand.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Pakistan’s Asif Ali announces retirement from international cricket: Pakistan middle-order batter Asif Ali announced his retirement from international cricket. Since his debut in 2018, he played 21 ODIs and 58 T20Is, scoring a total of 959 runs in white-ball formats. Asif Ali called wearing the Pakistan jersey the greatest honour of his life and said serving his country on the cricket field was his proudest chapter.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. BHARATI to Support 100 Agri-Food Startups, Target $50 Billion Exports by 2030: The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) launched its new initiative, BHARATI, to boost India’s agri-food exports. BHARATI has been designed to support 100 agri-food startups, promote innovation and boost exports to 50 billion dollars by 2030. BHARATI stands for Bharat’s Hub for Agritech, Resilience, Advancement and Incubation for Export Enablement. Aligned with the government’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Startup India, APEDA aims to accelerate export, foster innovation and strengthen India’s position in global agri-food trade.

 

2. Boston Brahmins: Recent discussions around the term “Brahmins” have sparked confusion due to its different meanings in India and the United States. Recently, a controversy arose when a US political figure linked Indian Brahmins to profiteering, drawing criticism for misunderstanding caste and social structures. This has renewed interest in the historical and social context of the Boston Brahmins, a prominent American elite group. The Boston Brahmins were a wealthy, well-educated Protestant elite in Boston during the 1800s and early 1900s. The term was coined by Oliver Wendell Holmes in 1861 to describe the city’s upper-class families. They descended mostly from English colonisers and established themselves as a dominant social group through trade, education, and marriage alliances. Boston Brahmins embraced a lifestyle similar to that of English aristocrats. They valued education, arts, and culture, founding prestigious schools like Harvard University and elite preparatory institutions such as Choate and Phillips Exeter. Their mannerisms included a distinctive accent and preppy fashion. Marriages were usually within their community, maintaining social exclusivity and an inbred social circle.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. IndiaBonds partners with Upstox to boost retail participation in bond investments: IndiaBonds and Upstox formed a strategic alliance to provide retail investors access to a wide range of bond investment options through Upstox’s brokerage platform. With this integration, over 1.3 crore retail investors of Upstox can now invest in bonds, enhancing retail participation in the Indian bond market. All transactions will be executed on IndiaBonds in compliance with SEBI’s Online Bond Platform Provider norms, ensuring transparency and regulatory adherence.

 

2. SBI raises $500 million via dollar bonds at record-tight spreads after India’s S&P rating upgrade: State Bank of India (SBI) raised $500 million through five-year dollar bonds from international investors at the tightest-ever spread of T+75 bps over US Treasuries, following India’s sovereign rating upgrade by S&P from BBB- to BBB. The bond issue carries a coupon rate of 4.5%, tighter than the T+82 bps spread at which SBI had raised $500 million in November 2024. SBI successfully compressed spreads by 30 bps from the initial guidance of T+105 bps, with the issuance order book crossing $1.1 billion across 85 accounts. The bonds are expected to carry ratings of ‘BBB’ from S&P and ‘BBB-’ from Fitch, highlighting investor confidence after India’s recent sovereign rating upgrade.

 

3. Suryoday Small Finance Bank launches two FD-backed RuPay credit cards to boost financial inclusion: Suryoday Small Finance Bank launched two FD-backed secured credit cards – RuPay Select and RuPay Platinum – offering 0.5% cashback on all transactions with lifetime free benefits. The cards require minimum fixed deposits of ₹1,000 (Platinum) and ₹1,11,500 (Select), with deposit interest up to 8.40%, and provide instant virtual issuance with UPI integration. Targeted at first-time users and low-income households, the move aims to bridge India’s low credit card penetration (111 million cards for 1.4 billion population) by enabling access without conventional income proof.

Daily GK Update- 3rd Sept, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Tata Electronics partners with Merck to boost India’s semiconductor ecosystem: Tata Electronics Private Limited and Merck signed an MoU for a strategic collaboration to boost India’s semiconductor and electronics manufacturing capabilities, focusing on materials, fabrication infrastructure, and specialty chemicals.Merck will provide high-purity electronic materials, advanced gas and chemical delivery systems, AI-powered Material Intelligence™ solutions, and support Tata Electronics’ upcoming Fab in Dholera, Gujarat.The partnership includes local warehousing, raw material supply chain development, talent cultivation, and industry standards, aligning with the India Semiconductor Mission and Tata Electronics’ Rs 91,000 crore investment in India’s first semiconductor Fab.

 

2. Department of Posts Partners with ESRI India to Strengthen DIGIPIN Initiative with Advanced GIS Solutions: Department of Posts (DoP) signed an MoU with ESRI India to strengthen the DIGIPIN initiative using advanced Geographic Information System (GIS) solutions.The collaboration will allow DoP to use high-resolution imagery, street basemaps, and Esri India’s Living Atlas portal, enhancing accessibility for the larger GIS community.ESRI India will provide technical support for seamless integration, making the DIGIPIN system more robust, efficient, and citizen-friendly.

 

3. Giriraj Singh Launches Kapas Kisan App to Aid Cotton Farmers: Union Minister of Textiles Giriraj Singh launched the Kapas Kisan app to enable seamless cotton procurement from farmers under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) scheme.The app provides self-registration, slot booking, and payment tracking, ensuring transparency, speed, and protection against distress sales for cotton growers.It features a user-friendly interface with support for multiple Indian languages, reducing manual paperwork and saving time at procurement centres.

 

4. Vishakha Mulye Reappointed as MD & CEO of Aditya Birla Capital for Five Years: Vishakha Mulye has been reappointed as Managing Director & CEO of Aditya Birla Capital for a period of five years, effective from September 1, 2025.Under her leadership since 2022, the company expanded across Loans, Investments, Insurance, and Payments, with the vision of ‘One ABC, One P&L’ strategy.The company also appointed Rakesh Singh as Executive Director & CEO (NBFC) for five years, who previously worked with Standard Chartered Bank for 16 years.

 

5. Gandhi Reappointed as Non-Executive Chairman of Yes Bank by RBI: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the reappointment of former Deputy Governor R. Gandhi as non-executive chairman of Yes Bank.His tenure will be from September 20, 2025, to May 13, 2027, with remuneration approved by the RBI.Gandhi served as RBI Deputy Governor from 2014 to 2017 and has 37 years of experience as a seasoned central banker.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Announces 1,000 E-Scholarships for Afghan Students for Academic Year 2025-26 under SSSAN: India has announced 1,000 e-scholarships for Afghan nationals for the academic year 2025-26 under the Special Scholarship Scheme for Afghan Nationals (SSSAN) via ICCR.The scholarships enable Afghan students aged 18–35 years to pursue online undergraduate and postgraduate courses through the e-VidyaBharati (e-VB) i-learn portal.Nine Indian universities, including Jamia Millia Islamia, Indira Gandhi National Open University, Anna University, and Kurukshetra University, are offering a wide range of online programmes under this scheme.

 

2. SMBC’s $1.6 Billion Stake in Yes Bank Gets Approval: India’s competition regulator has approved Japanese company Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation’s stake purchase in Indian lender Yes Bank.SMBC in May had inked a deal to take a 20% stake in Yes Bank for $1.6 billion, making it the largest cross-border merger and acquisition deal in India’s financial sector.

 

3. 3 September – Skyscraper Day: Skyscraper Day is observed every year on September 3 to celebrate the world’s tallest architectural marvels and their creators.The day honors the achievements of architects, engineers, and workers who design and construct skyscrapers, symbolising progress and innovation.It also raises awareness about urbanisation, modern infrastructure, and the impact of tall buildings on city life and the environment.

 

4. SCO Condemns Pahalgam Terror Attack: The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) leaders issued a joint declaration in September 2025 strongly condemning terrorism. The statement explicitly mentioned the April 22 Pahalgam attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people. This marks development as earlier defence minister-level meetings had avoided mentioning the attack. The declaration also condemned terrorist attacks in Pakistan’s Balochistan region. The move reflects evolving geopolitics and China’s tentative shift in its stance towards terrorism-related issues involving India and Pakistan. The SCO leaders’ statement condemned terrorism in all forms. It expressed condolences to victims of the Pahalgam attack. The declaration also mentioned the Jaffer Express hijacking and the Khuzdar school bus bombing in Pakistan. Earlier, India had pushed for explicit references to terrorism and cross-border threats in SCO documents. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had refused to sign the June 2025 defence ministers’ statement due to Pakistan’s objections. The leaders’ summit in Tianjin marked a breakthrough with the clear mention of Pahalgam.

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. 21st Edition of India–US Joint Exercise Yudh Abhyas Underway in Alaska: 21st edition of India-US Joint Military Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2025 is being held at Fort Wainwright, Alaska (USA) from 1st to 14th September 2025, with the Indian Army’s Madras Regiment battalion participating alongside the US 5th Infantry Regiment “Bobcats” of the 11th Airborne Division.The exercise includes heliborne operations, UAV deployment, mountain warfare, artillery-aviation integration, and electronic warfare systems, aimed at enhancing tactical interoperability.Experts from both armies will lead working groups on UAS & Counter-UAS, information warfare, communications, and logistics, culminating in joint tactical manoeuvres, live-fire drills, and high-altitude warfare to strengthen UN peacekeeping and multi-domain preparedness.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Australian Fast Bowler Mitchell Starc Retires from T20Is: Mitchell Starc announced his retirement from T20 International cricket to focus on his Test and ODI career, finishing as Australia’s second-highest T20I wicket-taker.In his 65-match T20I career (2012–2025), Starc claimed 79 wickets with an economy rate of 7.74.He played in five of six T20 World Cups, missing only 2016 due to injury, and was a key member of Australia’s 2021 T20 World Cup-winning team in Dubai.

 

2. World Junior Champion Pranav Venkatesh Clinches Fujairah Global Superstars Title: World Junior Champion Pranav Venkatesh won the Fujairah Global Superstars chess tournament in the UAE, defeating Grandmaster Alan Pichot of Spain.Pranav scored 7 points out of 9, finishing one point ahead of closest competitors Brandon Jacobson (USA), Jose Eduardo Martinez Alcantara (Mexico), and Amin Tabatabai (Iran), who all had 6 points.Despite needing only a draw in the final round, Pranav played aggressively with white pieces and secured a resounding victory to claim the top prize.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Jarosite Discovery in Kutch: Recent research has identified the village of Matanomadh in Gujarat’s Kutch district as a key terrestrial analogue for Mars. The discovery of jarosite, a rare iron-rich sulphate mineral, dating back 55 million years, links Earth’s geological past with Martian conditions. This finding opens new avenues for planetary science and future Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) missions, including Mangalyaan-2. ISRO is expanding its planetary research with multiple analogue sites. Alongside Matanomadh, the Himalayan Outpost for Planetary Exploration (HOPE) in Ladakh simulates Mars’ atmospheric and temperature conditions. Recently, two crew members spent 10 days in a Mars habitat replica at 4,500 metres altitude, experiencing low oxygen and sub-zero temperatures. Together, these sites support ISRO’s Mangalyaan-2 mission by providing practical testing grounds for instruments and human factors.

 

2. What is CEREBO?: Recent advances in brain injury diagnosis have introduced CEREBO, a novel hand-held device designed to detect traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) quickly and safely. Developed by leading Indian research institutions, CEREBO offers a portable, non-invasive, and cost-effective alternative to traditional imaging tools. This innovation aims to improve early detection and treatment outcomes, especially in resource-limited settings. CEREBO was created through a partnership involving the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Medical Device & Diagnostics Mission Secretariat (MDMS), AIIMS Bhopal, NIMHANS Bengaluru, and Bioscan Research. The device utilises advanced near-infrared spectroscopy combined with machine learning to identify intracranial bleeding and brain swelling. It has undergone rigorous clinical validation and regulatory approval, confirming its accuracy and safety.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SEBI Announces New Rules to Monitor Intraday Positions in Equity Derivatives from October 1, 2025: SEBI issued new rules (September 1, 2025) for monitoring intraday positions in equity derivatives, effective from October 1, 2025.The intraday net position limit has been set at ₹5,000 crore per entity, compared to the earlier end-of-day limit of ₹1,500 crore.Gross intraday exposure has been capped at ₹10,000 crore, applied separately to long and short positions.Stock exchanges will monitor compliance using at least 4 random snapshots, and any breach on the expiry day will attract penalties.

 

2. UPI transactions first time cross 20bn mark in this August: Unified Payments Interface, UPI has achieved a new milestone with first time ever crossing twenty billion transactions in the month of August this year.According to the National Payments Corporation of India, the total number of transactions stood at 20.01 billion, marking a 34 per cent year-on-year increase from 14.9 billion in August last year.UPI has also registered transactions of 24.85 lakh crore rupees in August this year, which represents a 24 per cent increase year-over-year. The average daily transaction count in August has reached 645 million.

 

3. IEPFA Launches “Niveshak Didi – Phase II” to Boost Financial Literacy and Women-Led Empowerment: The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs launched Phase II of “Niveshak Didi” in Hyderabad to promote financial literacy.The initiative focuses on women-led financial empowerment, covering savings, safe investments, fraud prevention, and digital financial awareness.Phase II expands on the first phase with greater outreach, interactive training modules, and collaboration with grassroots organizations to maximize impact.

Daily GK Update- 2nd Sept, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. NCW Releases NARI 2025 Report: Kohima, Visakhapatnam & Bhubaneswar Among Safest Cities for Women, Jaipur & Patna Rank Unsafe: The National Commission for Women (NCW), chaired by Vijaya Rahatkar, released the National Annual Report and Index (NARI) 2025 on women’s safety, based on the perceptions of 12,770 women across 31 cities, conceptualized by PValue Analytics.Safest Cities for Women (2025) – Kohima, Visakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar, Aizawl, Gangtok, Itanagar, and Mumbai emerged as the top seven safest cities for women, due to factors like active policing, community support, and inclusive governance.Most Unsafe Cities for Women (2025) – Jaipur, Patna, Faridabad, Delhi, Kolkata, Srinagar, and Ranchi were ranked among the least safe cities for women in India.Harassment Trends – Verbal abuse is the most common harassment, with 50% of women reporting harassment in public transport, followed by neighborhoods (19%) and workplaces (13%). Nearly 40% of women took no action after facing harassment.Safety Demands by Women – 45% demanded increased police presence, 39% called for better infrastructure like CCTV and lighting, and 21% emphasized self-defense training as a way to improve safety.

 

2. India’s ED Uses Interpol Purple Notice to Combat Trade-Based Money Laundering: For the first time, India’s Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued a Purple Notice through Interpol in a complex case of trade-based money laundering.The investigation revealed an organised network of domestic and foreign shell entities abusing trade and banking systems via under-invoicing, fake duty-free imports, manipulated compliance documents, and circular re-exports.By issuing the Purple Notice, the ED has shared its findings with law enforcement agencies across Interpol’s 196 member countries, alerting them to new money laundering techniques

 

3. PM Modi Inaugurated Semicon India 2025 at Yashobhoomi: PM Narendra Modi has inaugurated Semicon India 2025 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, a three-day conference focused on building a robust and sustainable semiconductor ecosystem.The event will host sessions on Semicon India Programme progress, smart manufacturing, R&D innovations, AI, investment opportunities, and state-level policies.Over 20,000 attendees, including 2,500 delegates from 48+ countries, will join, with country roundtables, pavilions for startups, and workforce development.The conference will highlight Design Linked Incentive scheme, startup ecosystem growth, international cooperation, and India’s semiconductor roadmap.

 

4. GST collections rise 6.5% in August to Rs 1.86 lakh crore: India’s GST collections rose 6.5% YoY to ₹1.86 lakh crore in August 2025, marking the 8th straight month above the ₹1.8 lakh crore mark, reflecting strong domestic consumption.Gross domestic GST revenue grew 9.6% to ₹1.37 lakh crore, while imports dipped 1.2% to ₹49,354 crore; net revenue surged 10.7% to ₹1.67 lakh crore despite a sharp fall in refunds.For April–August FY26, gross GST collections touched ₹10 lakh crore, continuing the upward trend from ₹11.37 lakh crore in FY21 to a record ₹22.08 lakh crore in FY25.

5. C. A. Kalyani Assumes Charge as New Controller General of Accounts (CGA): C. A. Kalyani, a 1991-batch officer of the Indian Civil Accounts Service, has assumed charge as the new Controller General of Accounts (CGA) in the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance. She is the 29^thofficer to hold this prestigious position.With 34 years of service, she has held key roles in ministries like Home Affairs, Defence, Telecom, Fertilisers, Finance, Social Justice & Empowerment, and I&B, and was instrumental in launching the DBT scheme for fertiliser subsidy.

An alumna of JNU with an MA in International Politics and MPhil in West European Studies, she is also a gold medallist from Lady Shri Ram College (DU) and has contributed to digital transformation at MTNL and revival of Fertilizer Corporation of India.The CGA, mandated by Article 151 of the Constitution, oversees government accounting standards, reconciliation of Union government finances with RBI, releases fiscal data, and manages pension disbursements for central civil pensioners, freedom fighters, judges, MPs, and ex-presidents.

 

6. 1 – 7 September – National Nutrition Week: National Nutrition Week is observed every year from 1st to 7th September, led by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to promote healthy eating and nutrition literacy.The 2025 theme is “Eat right for a better life”, focusing on three everyday staples — sugar, salt, and oil — and the risks of their overconsumption.As per ICMR-NIN, excess intake of sugar, salt, and oil in India is linked to rising cases of obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi participated in the SCO Summit 2025 in Tianjin, China: The 25th Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) was held on 30–31 August 2025 in Tianjin, China, with the theme “Preserving the Shanghai Spirit: Dynamic SCO”.The summit reviewed 25 years of SCO achievements and adopted a ten-year development strategy for the organization.China hosted the SCO Summit for the fifth time, chaired by President Xi Jinping, with participation from over 20 heads of state and 10 international organizations.PM Narendra Modi attended the summit, marking his first visit to China in seven years, and held bilateral talks with Russia’s Vladimir Putin amid global trade tensions.

 

2. 2 September – World Coconut Day: World Coconut Day is observed every year on 2nd September to promote awareness about the importance and benefits of the coconut tree, often called the “Tree of Life.”Theme 2025 – Uncovering Coconut’s Power, Inspiring Global Action The day was established in 2009 by the Asian and Pacific Coconut Community (APCC), headquartered in Jakarta, Indonesia.India is one of the largest producers of coconuts globally, with major cultivation in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.

 

3. China’s Global Governance Initiative at SCO Plus Summit: China’s President Xi Jinping introduced the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus (SCO Plus) meeting in Tianjin in 2025. The summit included SCO member states, dialogue partners like Türkiye, and observer countries. Xi emphasised the need for a fair and equitable global governance system. The GGI aims to promote sovereign equality, international law, multilateralism, and people-centred policies. The SCO was founded in 2001 to enhance regional security and economic cooperation. It includes major Eurasian countries such as China, Russia, and India. The organisation has expanded to include dialogue partners and observers. SCO Plus meetings bring together these wider members to discuss broader cooperation. The group focuses on combating terrorism, promoting trade, and encouraging political dialogue.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. India-US Joint Military Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2025: The 21st edition of the India–USA joint military exercise Yudh Abhyas 2025 commenced in Fort Wainwright, Alaska. Scheduled from 1st to 14th September 2025, this exercise involves troops from the Indian Army’s Madras Regiment and the US 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment Bobcats of the Arctic Wolves Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division. The exercise takes place amid ongoing bilateral trade tensions but marks the continuing strategic defence partnership between the two nations. Troops rehearse a wide array of tactical drills. These include the use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for surveillance and counter-UAS operations. The exercise also covers live-fire drills and complex manoeuvres simulating high-altitude warfare conditions. These drills aim to improve combat readiness for multi-domain challenges and United Nations peacekeeping missions.

 

SPORTS

 

1. New Delhi to Host Badminton World Championships 2026 After 17 Years: New Delhi will host the Badminton World Championships in August 2026, marking the tournament’s return to India after 17 years (last held in Hyderabad in 2009).The event will also mark the return of the championships to Asia after 4 years, with the last Asian host being Nanjing, China in 2018.India has a strong history at the event, with PV Sindhu being the most successful, winning 5 medals (1 Gold, 2 Silver, 2 Bronze).Other Indian medalists include Satwiksairaj Rankireddy & Chirag Shetty, H.S. Prannoy, Prakash Padukone, Jwala Gutta, and Ashwini Ponappa.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Odisha Ranks 5th in Green Mobility, Targets 1,000+ Electric Buses in Coming Years: Odisha ranks 5th in India in terms of green mobility adoption, with a focus on expanding its electric bus (e-bus) fleet.The state government has set an ambitious target to increase its e-bus fleet to over 1,000 in the coming years.As per data, 14,329 e-buses operate across India, with Delhi (3,564), Maharashtra (3,296), Karnataka (2,236), and Uttar Pradesh (850) leading.Odisha has surpassed neighbouring states like West Bengal (391), Andhra Pradesh (238), Chhattisgarh (215), and Jharkhand (46) in e-bus adoption.

 

2. India’s First Tempered Glass Manufacturing Facility for Mobile Devices Inaugurated at Noida: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated India’s first Tempered Glass Manufacturing Facility for Mobile Devices at Noida, set up by Optiemus Electronics in collaboration with Corning Inc., USA.The facility, with an initial investment of ₹70 crore, will produce high-quality tempered glass under the brand “Engineered by Corning”, supplying to both domestic and global markets.

Phase 1 capacity: 25 million units annually, generating 600 direct jobs; Phase 2: 200 million units annually with an additional ₹800 crore investment, creating 4,500+ jobs.Optiemus Infracom, with nearly three decades of experience in telecom, technology, and manufacturing, leads this initiative to strengthen India’s electronics manufacturing ecosystem.

 

3. Jyotiraditya Scindia Launches AI-Powered IMC 2025 App with Theme “Innovate to Transform”: Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia launched the AI-powered India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025 mobile app with the theme “Innovate to Transform”.The 9th edition of IMC 2025 will be held from October 8–11, 2025, at Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, Dwarka, New Delhi.The app offers next-gen features like real-time live-streaming of sessions, enabling global participation.A key highlight is IMC Suggests, an AI-powered concierge that personalizes recommendations for sessions, networking, and F&B zones.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Private Sector Capex Set to Rise 21.5% to ₹2.67 Lakh Crore in FY26: RBI Report: Private sector capital investment is projected to rise 21.5% to ₹2.67 lakh crore in FY26, supported by strong macro fundamentals and a 100-bps policy rate cut.Indian corporates entered FY26 with healthier balance sheets, higher cash reserves, better profitability, and wider funding access, despite global uncertainties.Policy push for infrastructure, disinflation, lower interest rates, easy liquidity, and rising capacity utilisation are creating a favourable investment climate.The infrastructure sector, particularly power, continues to attract the largest share of planned capex, with projects estimated at ₹2.67 lakh crore in FY26 vs. ₹2.20 lakh crore in FY25.

 

2. India Post Payments Bank marks 8th foundation day: India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) celebrated its 8th Foundation Day (1 September 2025), reaffirming its mission to deliver inclusive, accessible, and affordable banking services at the last mile.Established in 2018, IPPB has emerged as one of the world’s largest financial inclusion initiatives, leveraging 1.64 lakh post offices and 1.90 lakh Postmen/Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) to serve over 12 crore customers.The Bank has diversified into DBT disbursements, pension payments, credit facilitation, insurance, and investment products, while also rolling out DigiSmart accounts, Aarogya Savings, RuPay virtual debit cards, AePS payments, Bharat BillPay, and cross-border remittances.Chairman Vandita Kaul and MD & CEO R. Viswesvaran underlined IPPB’s role in redefining banking access, empowering rural and underserved citizens, and setting a global benchmark for last-mile financial services.

 

3. Indian Railways & SBI Sign MoU to Provide Enhanced Insurance Benefits for Railway Employees: Indian Railways and SBI signed an MoU in New Delhi to provide enhanced insurance benefits for railway employees, in the presence of Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and SBI Chairman C.S. Setty.Under the MoU, accidental death insurance for SBI salary account-holding railway employees has been increased to ₹1 crore, compared to earlier coverage of ₹1.2 lakh (Group A), ₹60,000 (Group B), and ₹30,000 (Group C).All railway employees with only an SBI salary account will now be eligible for natural death insurance coverage of ₹10 lakh without paying any premium.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Indore Awarded IGBC Green City Platinum Certification: Indore has emerged as a leading example of sustainable urban development in India. Recently, it became the first city in Madhya Pradesh and one of only three cities in the country to receive the prestigious CII Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Green City Platinum Certification. This certification recognises excellence in environmental management and green urban planning. The IGBC Green City Certification is a rigorous evaluation system developed by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). It assesses cities on multiple sustainability parameters. These include water and energy conservation, solid waste management, green cover expansion, e-governance, and policy frameworks. The certification aims to promote sustainable living and eco-friendly urban growth.

Daily GK Update- 1st Sept, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Ministry of Tourism Launches ‘Paryatan Mitra/Paryatan Didi’ to Promote Responsible Tourism Across India”: The Ministry of Tourism launched the National Responsible Tourism Initiative – Paryatan Mitra/Paryatan Didi – targeting local service providers like cab/auto drivers, hotel staff, tour guides, vendors, students, and marginalized communities.The initiative aims to provide training on tourism awareness, cleanliness, safety, sustainability, and high standards of hospitality for tourists.Piloted at six destinations – Orchha, Gandikota, Bodh Gaya, Aizawl, Jodhpur, and Shri Vijaya Puram – since August 15, 2024, the program has already trained 4,000+ people, as informed by Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in Rajya Sabha.

 

2. Tribal Affairs Ministry to Launch “Adi Vaani”, India’s First AI-Powered Tribal Language Translator: The Tribal Affairs Ministry will soon launch “Adi Vaani”, India’s first AI-powered tribal language translator, developed by IIT Delhi, BITS Pilani, IIIT Hyderabad, and IIIT Nava Raipur with Tribal Research Institutes.The app, initially supporting Santali, Bhili, Mundari, and Gondi, will be available on Play Store (iOS version coming soon), with Kui and Garo to be added in the next phase.Adi Vaani uses AI models like NLLB and IndicTrans2 for real-time translation, text-to-speech, speech-to-text, and OCR to preserve endangered tribal languages, digitise folklore, and safeguard cultural heritage.The initiative, aligned with Digital India and PM JANMAN, aims to empower tribal communities by supporting education, healthcare, awareness of government schemes, and inclusive governance in native languages.

 

3. Mahendra Mohan Gupta Elected Chairman of PTI Board: Mahendra Mohan Gupta, of Jagran Prakashan Ltd. (publisher of Dainik Jagran), has been elected as the Chairman of Press Trust of India’s (PTI) Board of Directors, succeeding K.N. Shanth Kumar of The Printers (Mysore) Pvt. Ltd.

V. Shreyams Kumar of the Mathrubhumi group has been elected as the Vice-Chairman of the PTI Board.The election was held during the Board of Directors’ meeting after PTI’s Annual General Meeting at its headquarters in New Delhi.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India–Japan Seal 10-Year Roadmap with ₹60,000 Crore Investment Target: Japan set an ambitious investment target of 10 trillion yen (~₹60,000 crore) in India over the next decade, as part of a 10-year roadmap to strengthen the India–Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.The two countries signed 13 key agreements, covering defence cooperation, economic security, digital public infrastructure, mobility of 50,000 Indian workers to Japan, and supply chain resilience in critical sectors like semiconductors, clean energy, telecom, and minerals.A comprehensive defence framework was agreed upon to address contemporary security challenges, alongside stronger cooperation in space exploration including ISRO–JAXA lunar-polar mission (Chandrayaan-5 collaboration).

2. Global Peace Index 2025: Iceland Tops Again, India Ranked 115th Among 163 Nations: The Global Peace Index (GPI) 2025, compiled by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), ranked 163 countries, covering 99.7% of the world’s population.Iceland retained the top spot as the most peaceful country in the world, a position it has consistently held since 2008, due to low crime, strong social trust, and absence of an army.India ranked 115th with a GPI score of 2.229, showing a 0.58% improvement in peacefulness compared to last year.The top 10 most peaceful nations are Iceland, Ireland, New Zealand, Finland, Austria, Switzerland, Singapore, Portugal, Denmark, and Slovenia, with Europe dominating the upper rankings.Least peaceful regions include the Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa; countries at the bottom are Russia, Ukraine, Sudan, DR Congo, and Yemen, with South Africa also showing a decline.

 

3. India to Launch First Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) Tolling System at Choryasi Plaza on NH-48: IHMCL (Indian Highways Management Company Limited), promoted by NHAI, signed an agreement with ICICI Bank to implement India’s first Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system at Choryasi Fee Plaza, Gujarat (NH-48), making it the country’s first barrier-free toll plaza.

An additional agreement was signed for MLFF implementation at Gharaunda Fee Plaza, Haryana (NH-44), expanding the project beyond Gujarat.NHAI plans to roll out MLFF tolling at 25 National Highway fee plazas during the current financial year, with identification of locations underway.

NHAI Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav stated that MLFF will bring efficient, transparent, and user-friendly tolling, leveraging technology for a modern, seamless FASTag-based ecosystem nationwide.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. INS Kadmatt Joins Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Day: INS Kadmatt reached Port Moresby to participate in Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Day celebrations, showcasing India–PNG friendship and maritime partnership.The visit includes participation in the Independence Day Parade, cultural events, and naval cooperation with the PNG Defence Force in areas like maritime security and disaster relief.This goodwill visit follows PM Modi’s 2023 PNG visit, reaffirming India’s Act East Policy and commitment to Indo-Pacific peace, stability, and defence cooperation.

 

SPORTS

 

1. India to Send First-Ever National Team to Pickleball World Cup: The Indian Pickleball Association (IPA), under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, concluded its two-day national selection trials at the IPA Centre of Excellence in Ahmedabad.Over 140 top players from across India competed for spots on the national pickleball team, with selections in Open, Under-16, and 50+ categories.For the first time, India will send an official national pickleball team to the Pickleball World Cup in Florida, USA, from October 27 to November 2, sanctioned by the Global Pickleball Federation.Selected players will undergo focused training under the IPA’s high-performance team before the international event, marking a historic milestone for Indian pickleball.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. NeGD Integrates 1,938 e-Government Services on DigiLocker and e-District Platforms: National e-Governance Division (NeGD) under MeitY has integrated 1,938 e-Government services on DigiLocker and e-District platforms, achieving a major Digital India milestone.Citizens across all 36 states and union territories can now access certificates, welfare schemes, utility payments, and other services seamlessly, ensuring transparency and convenience.Maharashtra leads with 254 services, followed by Delhi (123), Karnataka (113), Assam (102), and Uttar Pradesh (86).NeGD plans to further expand e-services by leveraging emerging technologies through an AI-driven approach.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Jio Payments Bank plans India’s 1st auto-investing savings account: Jio Payments Bank (JPB) plans to launch “Savings Pro”, India’s first product that will automatically invest idle savings account deposits into overnight mutual funds for better returns.Currently, Jio Payments Bank offers only 2.5% savings interest (since June 2025), while overnight mutual funds typically provide 5–6% annualized returns with next-day liquidity.The product aims to help customers earn higher returns seamlessly, without manually transferring money between savings accounts and mutual funds.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Educate Girls Becomes First Indian Organisation to Win 2025 Ramon Magsaysay Award: Foundation to Educate Girls Globally, an Indian non-profit founded in 2007 by Safeena Husain in Rajasthan, has been named a 2025 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee, becoming the first Indian organisation to receive this prestigious honor.The organisation focuses on mobilising community and government resources to bring out-of-school girls into classrooms, ensuring their retention and progress towards higher education and employment.Other 2025 awardees include Shaahina Ali (Maldives) for environmental work and Flaviano Antonio L. Villanueva (Philippines), with the award ceremony scheduled for November 7, 2025, in Manila.Educate Girls’ motto “one girl at a time” reflects its mission to break the cycle of illiteracy and poverty through grassroots efforts, community partnerships, and government collaboration.