NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Anand Piramal Appointed Chairman of Piramal Finance
Following Merger: Anand Piramal has been appointed Chairman of Piramal
Finance, succeeding his father, Ajay Piramal, following the merger of
Piramal Enterprises into the company.The board approved Anand Piramal’s
appointment at its first meeting post-merger, while Ajay Piramal and Swati A
Piramal resigned as non-executive chairman and director, respectively; Ajay will
continue to chair the Piramal Group.
Jairam Sridharan has been appointed as MD & CEO
of the merged Piramal Finance.
2. India’s Forest Environmental Accounting
Advances in 2025: The Ministry of
Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the 8th issue of
Environmental Accounting on Forest2025 on 25th September 2025. The publication
aligns with the UN System of Environmental Economic Accounts (SEEA) framework.
It offers a detailed view of India’s forest ecosystem accounts at national and
state levels. This marks the first dedicated forest accounting report under
SEEA. The report was revealed during the 29th Conference of Central and State
Statistical Organizations (CoCSSO) in Chandigarh. The report is divided into
two volumes. Volume I explains the methodology and presents national data. It
includes Physical Asset Accounts, Extent Accounts, Condition Accounts, and
Service Accounts. Volume II covers state and Union Territory data, showing
decadal changes. The report uses India State of Forest Report (ISFR) as a key
data source. Other sources include Forestry Statistics 2021 by ICFRE, SEEA
Central and Ecosystem frameworks, NCAVES report, and National Accounts
statistics.
3. India’s Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic
Power Project: The
foundation stone for the Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (MBRAPP)
was recently laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This major nuclear power
plant in Rajasthan marks step in India’s energy sector. The project is expected
to enhance clean energy production and support economic growth in the region.
MBRAPP involves an investment of around ₹42,000 crore. It will be one of
India’s largest nuclear power plants. The plant will have four indigenous 700
MW Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) with advanced safety features.
These reactors are known as IPHWR 700 and have been designed by the Nuclear
Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). The project aims to supply reliable
base-load power to Rajasthan and neighbouring states.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. 29th COCSSO 2025 Inaugurated in Chandigarh to
Strengthen Local Level Governance: The 29th Conference of Central and State
Statistical Organizations (COCSSO) 2025 was inaugurated in Chandigarh
on 25–26 September, organized by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme
Implementation (MoSPI).The conference, themed “Strengthening Local Level
Governance”, aims to enhance Centre–State coordination for producing
reliable, timely, and credible statistics to support evidence-based
decision-making.Around 350 participants from 30+ States/UTs, Central
Ministries, ISI, IASRI, ICAR, World Bank, UN agencies, and other stakeholders
attended to deliberate on strengthening statistical systems for Viksit Bharat.
2. Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy Sentenced to 5
Years: Former French President
Nicolas Sarkozy (2007–2012) was sentenced to five years in prison for
criminal conspiracy linked to alleged Libyan financing of his 2007 campaign,
making him the first post-war French president to face imprisonment.Sarkozy,
who called the verdict “scandalous” and maintains his innocence, was acquitted
of corruption and illegal campaign financing, but the Paris court ruled he
allowed aides to seek funds from Libya under Muammar Gaddafi’s regime between
2005–2007.The prison sentence is enforceable immediately; Sarkozy is expected
to be summoned by October 13 to begin serving his term, possibly at Paris’s La
Santé prison.
3. 28 September – World Rabies Day: World Rabies Day is
observed annually on 28 September to raise awareness about rabies
prevention and control.The day highlights that rabies is a fatal but
preventable disease, mainly transmitted through the bite of infected animals,
especially dogs.
Theme 2025 – Act now: You, Me,
CommunityObservances aim to educate communities, strengthen public health
initiatives, and achieve the global goal of zero human rabies deaths by 2030.
4. 28 September 2025 – World Rivers Day: World Rivers Day is
observed annually on the fourth Sunday of September to raise
awareness about the importance of rivers and the need for their
conservation.India is home to several scenic and culturally significant rivers,
which are also popular travel destinations.Famous rivers include the Ganga
(Varanasi) for spiritual experiences, the Brahmaputra (Assam) for wildlife and
Majuli island, and the Teesta (Sikkim & West Bengal) for adventure
activities like river rafting.Other notable rivers are the Mandovi (Goa) for
cruises and vibrant culture, and the Narmada (Madhya Pradesh) for spectacular
sights like Dhuandhar Falls and marble cliff boat rides.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. India’s Role in Palestine Statehood
Recognition: India’s
position on Palestinian statehood remains crucial in global diplomacy. Over 150
UN member states now recognise Palestine. India was an early supporter,
recognising Palestine in 1988. Since then, India has balanced its support for
Palestine with diplomatic ties to Israel. Recent conflicts in 2023 have
challenged India’s stance and raised questions about its ethical and foreign
policy priorities. India recognised the Palestine Liberation Organisation in
1974. It formally recognised Palestinian statehood in 1988. This was a moral
decision reflecting India’s anti-colonial values and support for
self-determination. India has backed many UN resolutions supporting Palestinian
rights and condemning Israeli settlements. It has also provided humanitarian
aid and educational support to Palestinians.
2. China’s New K Visa Challenges US H-1B Tech
Talent: The introduction of China’s
K visa in 2025 marks shift in the global competition for science and technology
talent. This move comes amid tightened US restrictions on the H-1B visa, which has traditionally allowed
American tech firms to hire skilled foreign workers. China’s new visa policy
aims to attract young foreign professionals in STEM fields, potentially
altering the global landscape of innovation and research. The US government
imposed stricter rules on the H-1B visa programme to address domestic political
pressures. These changes include higher fees and prioritising higher-paid
workers. While intended to protect American jobs, such curbs risk harming the
US technology sector by limiting access to global talent. Countries like India,
which supply many H-1B applicants, face challenges due to these restrictions.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. India Deepens Ties With Central American
Integration System: India’s
engagement with the Central American Integration System (SICA) has gained
momentum in 2025. At the India-SICA Foreign Minister’s Meeting in New York,
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar brought into light expanding cooperation
in trade, digital payments, and sustainable development. Indian firms are
increasingly interested in investing in agriculture, renewable energy,
pharmaceuticals, and IT sectors across SICA economies. The meeting reaffirmed
India’s commitment to South-South cooperation with Central America. India’s
economic ties with SICA countries have strengthened over the past decade.
Indian companies are exploring opportunities in key sectors like agriculture
and renewable energy, which align with the development priorities of Central
America. This growing partnership is supported by high-level visits and
diplomatic exchanges, reflecting mutual interest in encouraging sustainable
growth.
2. India’s First Electric Heavy Truck Fleet
Launched: India has taken a major step
in green logistics with the launch of its first fleet of electric heavy trucks
at the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA). The initiative, flagged off by
Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, marks move towards sustainable port
operations. The fleet currently includes 50 electric trucks with swappable
batteries and will expand to 80 by the end of 2025. This effort supports
India’s broader goal of decarbonising the logistics sector and promoting clean energy. JNPA
introduced India’s first fleet of electric heavy trucks designed for port
logistics. These trucks use swappable batteries to reduce downtime and enhance
operational efficiency. The fleet currently operates 50 trucks and plans to
increase to 80 within the year. This makes JNPA home to the largest electric
truck fleet at any Indian port.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. RCPL Signs Rs 40,000-Crore MoU with Food Processing
Ministry to Establish Integrated Food Manufacturing Facilities Across India: Reliance Consumer Products
Ltd (RCPL) signed a Rs 40,000-crore MoU with the Ministry of Food
Processing Industries at the World Food India 2025 event to establish
integrated food manufacturing facilities across India.RCPL will invest over Rs
1,500 crore to set up state-of-the-art production units in Katol, Nagpur
(Maharashtra) and Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh), incorporating AI-driven automation,
robotics, and sustainable technologies.Since becoming a direct subsidiary of
Reliance Industries, RCPL has grown rapidly into one of India’s fastest-growing
FMCG companies, generating revenue of over Rs 11,000 crore in just three
years.RCPL has expanded its brand portfolio by acquiring Tagz Foods and
launching house brands like Campa, Independence, Alan’s, Enzo, and Ravalgaon,
while aiming to achieve Rs 1 lakh crore revenue in five years and build a
global presence.
2. Bank of Baroda Gets IFSCA Approval to Operate as
Trading-Cum-Clearing Member on India International Bullion Exchange at GIFT
City: Bank of Baroda has
received approval from IFSCA to operate as a Trading-Cum-Clearing Member
(TCM) on the India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX) at GIFT City.As a
TCM, the bank will execute, clear, and settle bullion trades, enhancing
liquidity and efficiency in India’s bullion market.The bank’s International
Banking Unit (IBU) at GIFT City will act as a strategic hub for bullion
trading, leveraging its expertise in treasury, trade finance, and capital
markets.Bank of Baroda aims to support the transformation of India’s bullion
market into a transparent, efficient, and globally competitive platform,
strengthening India’s position as a key market maker in global bullion trade.
3. RBI Imposes Rs 2.7 Lakh Penalty on Muthoot FinCorp for
Non-Compliance with Internal Ombudsman Norms: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed
a penalty of Rs 2.7 lakh on Muthoot FinCorp Limited for
non-compliance with norms related to the Internal Ombudsman.
The penalty follows a statutory inspection of the
company based on its financial position as of March 31, 2024.RBI issued a show
cause notice to Muthoot FinCorp for failing to comply with its directions, and
considered the company’s written and oral submissions before imposing the
penalty.The non-compliance involved failure to establish an auto-escalation
system for complaints partly or wholly rejected by the company’s internal
grievance redress mechanism to the Internal Ombudsman.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. President Droupadi Murmu Confers National Geoscience Awards 2024: President Droupadi Murmu presented the National Geoscience Awards 2024 at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, honouring outstanding contributions in geosciences.20 geoscientists received awards across three categories: Lifetime Achievement (Prof. Shyam Sundar Rai), National Young Geoscientist Award (Shri Susobhan Neogi), and 10 other awards recognising excellence in mineral exploration, applied geosciences, and allied fields.The awards reinforce innovation, sustainability, and technological advancement in geosciences, encouraging geoscientists to contribute to India’s mineral and energy security while minimising environmental impact.
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