Current Affairs – 26 September 2025
National Affairs
Political & Policy Developments
Security tightened in Ladakh after violent protests demanding greater autonomy → 4 dead, 40+ detained.
Govt revoked the foreign funding licence of an institute linked to activist Sonam Wangchuk (after Leh protests).
Prasad Purohit, acquitted in the Malegaon blast case, promoted to Colonel in the Indian Army.
Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma requested CBI probe into the death of singer Zubeen Garg; SIT probing in India & Singapore.
Defence & Infrastructure
Defence Ministry set to sign ₹66,500 crore deal for 97 Tejas Mark-1A fighter jets with HAL.
PM Narendra Modi inaugurated projects worth ₹1.22 lakh crore in Rajasthan (self-reliance, economic growth).
NTPC & NPCIL JV to set up 2,800 MW Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project worth ₹42,000 crore.
Cabinet approved doubling of Bakhtiyarpur–Rajgir–Tilaiya railway line in Bihar.
Four-lane NH-139W project in Bihar worth ₹3,822.31 crore approved.
Economic Measures
Union Cabinet approved Capacity Building & Human Resource Development scheme (₹2,277 crore) for STEMM researchers.
RBI renewed commitment to FX Global Code; allowed standalone traders in rupee NDF market.
SEBI raised net worth requirement for custodians to ₹75 crore (risk reforms).
Govt approved 78-day Productivity Linked Bonus for railway employees.
Expansion of UG/PG medical seats cleared.
Environment & Disasters
632 deaths reported in 2025 in Himalayan states due to flash floods, landslides, cloudbursts.
Warnings against unchecked tourism in Mahendragiri hills and other fragile ecosystems.
Experts urge restoration of natural buffers like forests and wetlands to reduce risks.
Science & Technology
ISRO–Schneider Electric extended partnership on automation in space missions.
India received ICAO Council President Certificate for aviation safety oversight.
AI-enabled cancer screening devices launched in Punjab.
UPI payment services launched for Indian travellers in Qatar.
IAF signed MoU with IIT Ropar for indigenous defence technology development.
Governance & Social Welfare
Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana launched in Bihar to boost women’s employment.
6th Nadi Utsav inaugurated by Minister of Jal Shakti in New Delhi.
2nd National Mediation Conference to be held in Bhubaneswar, Sept 27–28.
Observances: World Pharmacists Day, Antyodaya Diwas, Durga Puja/Dussehra festivities.
International Affairs
United States
Former FBI Director James Comey indicted for false statements & obstruction.
President Trump announced new tariffs:
100% on branded/patented pharmaceuticals
25% on heavy-duty trucks
50% on kitchen cabinets
White House asked agencies to prep for mass employee firings amid shutdown risk.
US Defence Secy called rare global commanders’ meeting in Virginia.
Global Politics & Security
G4 (India, Brazil, Germany, Japan) reiterated demand for UNSC reforms.
Russia–NATO tensions rise over jet incursions (possible shoot-downs warned).
Sri Lanka: Cable car accident killed 7 monks (incl. 1 Indian).
Denmark: Airports disrupted by mysterious drones (called hybrid attack).
Ukraine’s Zelenskyy expressed readiness for early elections post-war.
Trump’s Gaza peace plan (21 points: hostage release, permanent ceasefire) presented to Arab leaders.
European Council President António Costa at UNSC urged global governance of Artificial Intelligence.
Economic & Cultural Developments
Merriam-Webster added 5,000 new words in 2025 update (e.g. petrichor, rizz, ghost kitchen).
Canada–Qatar expanded trade & investment ties.
Japan’s FM attended UNRWA ministerial for Palestinian refugees.
Business & Economy
Markets & Indicators
Indian markets down: Sensex –320 points, Nifty <24,800 (6th straight fall).
Asian markets dropped after Trump’s tariffs (KOSPI –1.9%, Nikkei –0.3%).
Pharma & IT sectors hit hardest.
US GDP growth revised upward to 3.8% (Q2 2025).
Global debt hit record levels.
RBI bulletin: positive outlook driven by domestic demand.
Corporate Developments
Honda India cut prices (up to ₹1.2 lakh) after GST 2.0 reforms.
Polycab India promoters sold 1.5% stake, raising ₹1,740 crore.
Reliance signed ₹40,000 crore MoU for food park development.
Infosys announced new ₹300 crore campus in Mohali, Punjab.
L&T Tech Services + Siemens partnered for AI-based industrial transformation.
Branding & Recognition
Virat Kohli retained top Indian celebrity brand (worth $231.1 million).
Indian entrepreneur won UNEP’s Young Champions of the Earth award.
⚽ Sports
Asia Cup Final: India vs Pakistan, high-profile cricket clash.
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav attended ICC hearing after remarks on Pakistan match.
India’s first-ever international futsal victory in AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.
FIFA considering 64-team format for 2030 World Cup.
WNBA: A’ja Wilson won 4th consecutive MVP award.
MotoGP (Japan): Marc Marquez aiming for 7th title (“second life”).
Surekha Yadav, Asia’s first woman loco pilot, retired after 36 years.
Notable Personalities & Events
Passing of Kannada novelist SL Bhyrappa (Padma awardee).
Major observances: World Pharmacists Day, Antyodaya Diwas.
Regional festivals: Durga Puja, Dussehra in West Bengal, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh.