Daily GK Update- 7th Sept, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Government Introduces Voluntary Silver Jewellery Hallmarking with Digital HUID System for Consumer Protection: The central government has introduced voluntary hallmarking for silver jewellery with a digital Hallmarking Unique Identification (HUID) system to ensure quality and purity, effective from the beginning of this month.Consumers can now verify silver jewellery details such as article type, purity grade, hallmarking date, testing centre, and jeweller registration number through the BIS Care mobile application.Silver jewellery hallmarking has been voluntary since October 2005, and jewellers are granted registration certificates under IS 2112 to sell hallmarked silver jewellery.

 

2. Indian Bank migrates its corporate website to ‘.bank.in’ domain: Indian Bank Migrates Corporate Website to Secure ‘.bank.in’ Domain for Enhanced CybersecurityIndian Bank has migrated its corporate website to the secure ‘.bank.in’ domain (https://indianbank.bank.in), in line with RBI’s circular and under IDRBT’s guidance.The move enhances customer safety, cybersecurity, and trust in digital banking, as the ‘.bank.in’domain is exclusively reserved for banks.IDRBT, the exclusive registrar for this domain, sees this as a major milestone in India’s banking sector digital transformation.

 

3. Bhupender Gupta Takes Charge as New CMD of NHPC: Bhupender Gupta has taken charge as Chairman and Managing Director of NHPC while also holding additional charge as CMD of SJVN.With over 34 years of experience, including 31 years in Power CPSUs, he has contributed to hydro, thermal, renewable, transmission, and distribution projects, including key roles in Nathpa Jhakri and Tala hydro projects.His vision focuses on making India energy self-reliant through non-fossil fuel resources, AI integration, EV grid integration, green hydrogen, bioenergy, cybersecurity, and advanced energy storage.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Joins Health AI Global Regulatory Network to Strengthen Safe and Responsible Use of AI in Healthcare: India has joined the Health AI Global Regulatory Network (GRN) to enhance oversight of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare and share safety protocols while monitoring AI performance in clinical settings with other member nations.ICMR – NIRDHDS and IndiaAI will collaborate with HealthAI to implement safety standards and track AI applications in healthcare, alongside countries like the UK and Singapore.The move reinforces India’s position as a pioneer in the responsible and ethical use of AI in healthcare, supporting international cooperation for secure, fair, and efficient AI-driven health solutions. Membership in the GRN enables technical support, stakeholder engagement, and adoption of best practice standards, balancing innovation with data privacy, patient safety, and equitable access to quality healthcare.

 

2. David Lammy Appointed UK Deputy PM: UK PM Keir Starmer appointed David Lammy as Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary after Angela Rayner resigned over a tax underpayment row.Angela Rayner, who also held the Housing Secretary role, stepped down following an ethics inquiry that found she breached the Ministerial Code.In the reshuffle, Yvette Cooper became Foreign Secretary, while Shabana Mahmood was elevated to Home Secretary, marking a major reset in the UK Cabinet.

 

3. Levi’s Appoints Alia Bhatt as Global Brand Ambassador: Denim brand Levi’s has appointed Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt as its new global brand ambassador, strengthening its connection with youth worldwide.As part of this role, Alia Bhatt will feature in Levi’s global campaigns, promoting the brand’s iconic denim and lifestyle collections.

 

4. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba Announces Resignation Amid Party Divisions and Election Setbacks: Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has announced his decision to resign as LDP President, signaling a step down from his role as Prime Minister to prevent divisions within the ruling party.Since taking office in September last year, Ishiba faced multiple election losses, including the LDP’s defeat in the Upper House in July, largely attributed to voter frustration over rising living costs.Until now, Ishiba had resisted resignation, focusing on trade negotiations with Washington, particularly concerning tariffs affecting Japan’s automotive sector, but political pressure and party unity led to his decision.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Sagarmatha Friendship-2025: The Nepali Army and China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) commenced the fourth edition of their joint military exercise, Sagarmatha Friendship-2025, in Kathmandu. The exercise, running until 16 September 2025, aims to boost cooperation in counter-terrorism, disaster management, and United Nations peacekeeping. This biennial drill, first held in 2017, alternates between Nepal and China, reflecting growing defence and strategic ties between the two nations. The joint exercise focuses on joint counter-terrorism operations and disaster relief. Troops from both sides form mixed teams to share skills and knowledge. Activities include practical drills, knowledge exchange sessions, cultural events, and sports competitions. The training improves interoperability and builds mutual trust. It also enhances preparedness for regional security challenges and peacekeeping missions.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Skechers India Appoints Cricketer Mohammed Siraj as Brand Ambassador: Skechers India has appointed cricketer Mohammed Siraj as its new brand ambassador, aiming to strengthen its presence in the Indian sports and lifestyle market.As the brand ambassador, Siraj will feature in marketing campaigns and promotions, highlighting Skechers’ performance and casual footwear collections.Siraj joins Jasprit Bumrah, Ishan Kishan and Yastika Bhatia on Skechers’ athlete roster.

 

2. Carlos Alcaraz Wins Second U.S. Open Title: Carlos Alcaraz won his second U.S. Open men’s singles title by defeating Jannik Sinner 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4, reclaiming the No. 1 ranking in men’s tennis.At just 22, Alcaraz now has six Grand Slam trophies and became the first player since 1978 to win multiple majors on all three surfaces before turning 23.Alcaraz showcased powerful and precise gameplay, hitting 42 winners, 10 aces, and committing no double faults, asserting his dominance as a rising star in men’s tennis.

 

3. Amit Mishra Announces Retirement from Professional Cricket: Amit Mishra, former India leg-spinner, announced his retirement from professional cricket at the age of 42, ending a career spanning nearly 25 years.Mishra was a prolific IPL spinner, representing Lucknow Super Giants, Deccan Chargers, Delhi Daredevils, and Sunrisers Hyderabad, and is the only bowler in IPL history with three hat-tricks.In international cricket, Mishra played 22 Tests taking 76 wickets, debuting in 2008 against Australia, and was known as a classical attacking leg-spinner with flight, leg-breaks, and occasional googlies.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap (TPCR-2025): India’s Ministry of Defence has revealed the Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap (TPCR-2025). This 15-year strategic plan focuses on strengthening India’s nuclear deterrence and expanding drone warfare capabilities. The roadmap signals a shift towards integrated deterrence combining advanced nuclear resilience, unmanned systems, and electronic warfare. It aligns with India’s goal of self-reliance in defence technology and prepares the armed forces for future multi-domain conflicts. TPCR-2025 is a comprehensive blueprint guiding India’s Army, Navy, and Air Force. It outlines future technology needs and capability development up to 2040. The document encourages domestic industry and research institutions to align their innovation efforts with military requirements. It emphasises indigenisation to reduce foreign dependence and enhance strategic autonomy. The roadmap prioritises survivability of nuclear forces through advanced delivery platforms and command systems. It includes nuclear command-and-control infrastructure upgrades and radiation detection tools. Mobile decontamination units and unmanned ground vehicles for CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear) reconnaissance are planned to strengthen defence against nuclear or chemical threats.

 

2. Gastrochilus Pechei Orchid: The recent discovery of the orchid species Gastrochilus pechei in Arunachal Pradesh has added a new member to India’s rich orchid family. Previously known only from Myanmar, this finding confirms the floristic link between the two regions. The discovery was made in Vijoynagar, a remote area bordering Myanmar, at an altitude of 1,200 metres. This event marks Arunachal Pradesh’s status as the Orchid State of India, home to about 60% of the country’s orchid varieties. Gastrochilus pechei is a species from the Gastrochilus genus, first recorded in 1825. The genus includes 77 species found across tropical, subtropical, and temperate Asia. These orchids have a monopodial growth pattern and are noted for their short axillary inflorescence with brightly coloured flowers. A key feature is the distinct epichile on the saccate hypochile and the presence of two porate, globose pollinia on a slender stipe.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Equitas Small Finance Bank Launches ‘Equitas 2.0’ Mobile App on 9th Anniversary: Equitas Small Finance Bank launched its new Mobile Banking App “Equitas 2.0”, offering faster, more secure, and customer-friendly digital banking features.The app includes services like online account opening, FD/RD booking & management, IPOs, mutual funds, card management, bill payments, goal-based deposits, rewards redemption, and service request tracking.The launch coincides with Equitas SFB’s 9th Anniversary (5 September), with the bank aiming to evolve the app into a super app integrating e-commerce, ticketing, and entertainment for customer convenience.