NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Angikaar 2025: The Government of India
launched Angikaar 2025 on 4th September 2025 in New Delhi. This campaign aims
to accelerate the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Urban 2.0
(PMAY-U 2.0). It focuses on increasing awareness, fast-tracking application
verification and expediting house completions under the scheme. The campaign
will run across more than 5,000 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) for two months. Angikaar
2025 is a last-mile outreach campaign under PMAY-U 2.0. It seeks to bridge the
gap between scheme benefits and beneficiaries. The campaign targets vulnerable
urban populations to ensure they receive housing support. It also promotes the
Credit Risk Guarantee Fund Trust for Low Income Housing (CRGFTLIH) scheme.
Another goal is to integrate PM Surya Ghar – Muft Bijli Yojana benefits with
PMAY-U housing assistance. The campaign covers over 5,000 ULBs across India. It
will run from 4th September to 31st October 2025. Activities include
door-to-door awareness drives, community mobilisation, loan melas, cultural
events and camps. These are designed to engage beneficiaries and stakeholders
in the Jan Bhagidari movement. The outreach aims to fast-track the completion
of remaining sanctioned houses.
2. Central Advisory Council Advances Real
Estate Regulation: RERA has
transformed the real estate sector by protecting homebuyers and promoting
accountability. Since 2016, 35 States and UTs have established Real Estate
Regulatory Authorities. Many have set up Appellate Tribunals and appointed
Adjudicating Officers. Over 1.5 lakh projects and more than 1 lakh agents are
registered under RERA. The authorities have disposed of nearly 1.5 lakh
complaints, reflecting active grievance redressal. The new portal
(rera.mohua.gov.in) offers a centralised platform for all stakeholders. It
integrates data from State RERA websites to create a national database of real
estate projects. This will help homebuyers make informed decisions and allow
authorities to monitor project progress. Advanced tools like Artificial
Intelligence will be used to detect project delays and reduce stalled
developments.
3. India’s Fertility Decline: India’s demographic
indicators have shown notable changes in 2023. The Crude Birth Rate (CBR) and Total
Fertility Rate (TFR) have declined.
The population is ageing gradually. These shifts reflect evolving social and
health dynamics across States and Union Territories (UTs). The latest Sample
Registration Survey (SRS) Statistical Report for 2023 by the Office of the
Registrar General of India provides detailed insights. India’s CBR fell from
19.1 in 2022 to 18.4 per 1,000 people in 2023. The TFR dropped to 1.9, the
first decline after two years of stability at 2.0. TFR indicates the average
number of children a woman is expected to have over her reproductive years. A
TFR below 2.1 is below the replacement level, meaning population growth may
slow or reverse without migration. Northern States like Bihar (2.8), Uttar
Pradesh (2.6), Madhya Pradesh (2.4), Rajasthan (2.3), and Chhattisgarh (2.2)
have TFRs above replacement level. Southern and urbanised regions report lower
TFRs. Delhi (1.2), Tamil Nadu (1.3), West Bengal (1.3), and Maharashtra (1.4)
have some of the lowest fertility rates. Overall, 18 States and UTs have TFRs
below replacement level.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 8 September – International Literacy Day: International Literacy
Day is observed on 8
September every year to raise awareness about the importance of
literacy as a fundamental human right and tool for personal empowerment.Theme
2025 – Promoting Literacy in the
Digital EraEstablished by UNESCO in 1966, the day aims to highlight
global efforts to improve literacy rates and promote lifelong learning for
all.The day emphasizes the role of literacy in social, cultural, and economic
development, enabling individuals to fully participate in society and access
opportunities.
4. 8 September – World Physical Therapy Day: World Physical Therapy Day is observed on 8 September every year to
recognise the vital role of physical therapists in improving health, mobility,
and quality of life.The day emphasizes rehabilitation, preventive care, and
promoting physical activity to support overall well-being and prevent
disabilities.
5. Wangchhu Hydroelectric Project: The Adani Group and
Bhutan’s Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) signed a landmark agreement in
2025 to develop the 570 MW Wangchhu hydroelectric project. This initiative
marks step in India-Bhutan energy collaboration. The project, valued at Rs
6,000 crore, will operate on a Build, Own, Operate, Transfer (BOOT) model.
Construction is slated to begin in early 2026 and is expected to complete
within five years. The Wangchhu hydroelectric project is a run-of-river scheme
located on the Wangchhu River in Bhutan’s Chukha District. The river is a key
tributary of the Brahmaputra. The project will house four turbines,
each with a capacity of 142.5 MW, collectively generating approximately
2,478.93 GWh annually. It aims to meet Bhutan’s peak winter electricity demand
and export surplus power to India during summer months. This project is the
first under a Memorandum of Understanding signed in May 2025 between Adani
Power and DGPC to jointly develop 5,000 MW of hydropower capacity in Bhutan. The
Rs 6,000 crore investment reflects a strong commitment to renewable energy
development and cross-border cooperation. Further projects are under
discussion, signalling a long-term partnership.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Israel Launches Ofek-19 Military Satellite: The launch of Israel’s
Ofek-19 satellite on 2 September 2025 marks a major leap in regional
intelligence and defence capabilities. This advanced reconnaissance satellite
uses Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology, enabling continuous, all-weather
surveillance day and night. It strengthens Israel’s independent space-based
intelligence and enhances security cooperation with allies like the United
States. Ofek-19 is equipped with Synthetic Aperture Radar, which sends radar
pulses to the ground and analyses the echoes to create detailed images. Unlike
optical satellites, it can operate through clouds, fog, rain, and darkness.
This capability allows Israel to monitor hostile activities continuously,
including military movements and infrastructure changes in neighbouring
countries. Israel is one of the few nations able to design, build, and launch
its own satellites independently. Using the Shavit launcher from Palmachim
Airbase, Israel controls the timing and secrecy of its launches. The satellite
is launched westwards over the Mediterranean Sea to avoid debris falling on
populated or hostile areas, despite requiring more rocket power.
SPORTS
1. 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. 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. 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.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. 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.
2. India’s GST Council Unveils Major Tax Reforms 2025: The 56th meeting of India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council on 3 September 2025 marked a landmark shift in the country’s taxation framework. The overhaul introduces a simpler and fairer tax regime aimed at boosting economic growth and easing compliance. These reforms are aligned with India’s long-term vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047. The Council reduced multiple GST slabs into three key rates. A standard rate of 18% applies broadly. A merit rate of 5% covers essential goods and services. A 40% de-merit rate targets select harmful products. This rationalisation cuts complexity and increases transparency. Businesses can now predict tax liabilities more easily. Consumers benefit from clearer pricing structures. Farm inputs and machinery attract a low 5% GST rate. Fertilisers and chemicals have shifted from 18% to 5%, lowering cultivation costs. Labour-intensive industries like handicrafts, marble, granite, and leather goods enjoy reduced rates. These changes protect jobs and stimulate demand. Traditional sectors become more competitive domestically and internationally.
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