🇮🇳 National News
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has cleared the proposal to establish 57 new Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) under the Civil Sector.
For the first time, these schools will include Balvatikas (pre-primary classes for 3-year-olds) in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
| Geographic Distribution | Number |
|---|---|
| States & UTs covered | 17 |
| Districts without any KVs | 20 |
| Aspirational Districts | 14 |
| LWE-affected districts | 4 |
| North-Eastern & Hilly regions | 5 |
Sponsorship: 7 schools by Ministry of Home Affairs; 50 schools by State/UT authorities.
Around 86,640 students to benefit directly with creation of 4,617 direct jobs and indirect employment through construction activities.
Current KV Network (June 2025): 1,288 functional schools (including 3 abroad – Moscow, Kathmandu, Tehran) with 13.62 lakh students. Additionally, 913 KVs recognized as PM Shri Schools under NEP 2020.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved a major highway project to upgrade the Kalibor–Numaligarh stretch (85.675 km) of NH-715 in Assam to 4 lanes.
- Project Cost: ₹6,957 crore
- Wildlife-friendly design elements integrated to protect fauna near Kaziranga National Park
- Execution Mode: Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) model
Enhance tourism potential of Kaziranga, improve road safety, trade, logistics efficiency, and foster industrial development in Assam.
The CCEA, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved revised Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for all mandated Rabi crops for 2026–27.
| Crop | MSP (₹/quintal) | Increase | Margin Over Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safflower | 6,540 | +₹600 | 50% |
| Lentil (Masur) | 7,000 | +₹300 | 89% |
| Rapeseed & Mustard | 6,200 | +₹250 | 93% |
| Gram | 5,875 | +₹225 | 59% |
| Barley | 2,150 | +₹170 | 58% |
| Wheat | 2,585 | +₹160 | 109% |
Consistent with Union Budget 2018–19 policy of ensuring MSP = 1.5x cost of production. The decision strengthens farm income security and crop diversification.
The Union Cabinet approved an additional instalment of Dearness Allowance (DA) for Central Government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) for pensioners.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Effective Date | 1 July 2025 |
| Hike Amount | 3% (over existing 55%) |
| Employees Benefited | ~49.19 lakh |
| Pensioners Benefited | ~68.72 lakh |
| Annual Financial Impact | ₹10,083.96 crore |
Increase aligned with 7th Central Pay Commission recommendations.
The Union Cabinet approved a 6-year mission (2025–26 to 2030–31) called the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses, with a total outlay of ₹11,440 crore.
Objective: Achieve self-reliance in pulses, reduce import dependency, enhance domestic output, and improve farmers’ income.
India is the largest global producer and consumer of pulses. Current imports cover 15–20% of domestic demand.
Strategy: Investment in research, seed systems, area expansion, and strengthening of procurement and price stability mechanisms.
The Union Cabinet sanctioned the continuation of BRCP Phase-III, implemented by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) in collaboration with the Wellcome Trust (UK) and India Alliance (SPV).
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Phase-III Duration | 2025–26 to 2030–31 |
| Additional Support | 2031–32 to 2037–38 |
| Total Cost | ₹1,500 crore |
| DBT Contribution | ₹1,000 crore |
| Wellcome Trust (UK) | ₹500 crore |
Objectives: Build world-class biomedical research ecosystem, nurture scientific talent, encourage interdisciplinary innovations, and reduce regional imbalances in research capacity.
The Indian Navy’s Submarine Rescue Unit (East) aboard INS Nistar showcased operational excellence at Exercise Pacific Reach (XPR-25).
- Hosted by: Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)
- Duration: 15–25 September 2025
- Shore phase: 15–20 Sept
- Sea phase: 21–25 Sept (South China Sea)
- Participation: 40+ nations
Demonstrated Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) system philosophy and highlighted post-rescue medical readiness.
💼 Business & Economy
Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda inaugurated the third edition at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
Theme: “Evolving Food Systems – Yatha Annam Tatha Manah” (As the food, so the mind)
- Focus on health impacts of food choices and rising obesity concerns
- Reiterated PM Modi’s call for 10% reduction in edible oil consumption
- Appreciation of FSSAI’s Eat Right India initiative
Notable Launch: Eat Right Thali Book, featuring balanced traditional Indian diets.
Representatives from 59 countries, international organizations like WHO, WTO, and over 100 Indian delegates.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) unveiled a new licensing framework for Ayurveda Aahara products via the FoSCoS portal.
Objective: Simplify licensing for manufacturers of traditional Ayurvedic foods.
- Introduction of a new Kind of Business (KoB) category for Ayurveda Aahara
- Formalizes traditional Ayurvedic recipes under modern food safety and quality standards
- A published list of 91 pre-approved recipes (as of 25 July 2025)
Developed in partnership with the Ministry of Ayush.
The Department of Posts (DoP), Ministry of Communications signed an MoU with the Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
Objective: Develop sustainable packaging solutions and improve postal service efficiency.
Signatories:
- Dr. Sudhir Jakhere – Assistant Postmaster General (DoP)
- Dr. Babu Rao Guduri – Additional Director (IIP, Mumbai)
Enhance parcel service safety, security, and sustainability within India Post.
🌐 International News
India has been re-elected to Part II of the ICAO Council (International Civil Aviation Organization) for the 2025–2028 term.
- Election Date: 27 September 2025 during the 42nd ICAO Assembly in Montreal, Canada
- India secured more votes than in 2022, reflecting global confidence
- India is a founding member (since 1944) with 81 years of uninterrupted presence in ICAO
Strengthen aviation safety, security, sustainability; expand air connectivity; promote innovation; and support ICAO’s “No Country Left Behind” initiative.
A historic UN treaty on marine biodiversity in the high seas has received the required 60 ratifications to come into effect in January 2026.
- Key Ratifiers: Morocco (60th) and Sierra Leone (61st)
- Known as the BBNJ Agreement (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction)
- Adopted in June 2023 after 20 years of negotiations
| Coverage | Details |
|---|---|
| Ocean Coverage | Two-thirds of oceans beyond national boundaries |
| High Seas Begin | After EEZs – 270 nautical miles (370 km) from coastlines |
| Entry into Force | 17 January 2026 |
Supports the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, especially 30% land & sea protection by 2030.
At the 69th IAEA General Conference in Vienna, the Maldives was admitted as the 181st member of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
- Membership Date: 15 September 2025
- Focus on peaceful use of nuclear energy, non-proliferation, and sustainable development
- A Scientific Forum on water management was organized
- A new IAEA Visitor Centre was inaugurated
Led by Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Chairman of Atomic Energy Commission and Secretary of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). Peter Burian (Slovakia) elected President of the 69th General Conference.
👔 Appointments
Lt Gen Virendra Vats has taken over as Director General of National Cadet Corps (NCC), succeeding Lt Gen Gurbirpal Singh.
World’s largest uniformed youth organization. Currently expanding to 20 lakh cadets across 28 States and 8 UTs. Motto: “Unity and Discipline”.
Background:
- Commissioned into the 19 KUMAON Regiment (17 December 1988)
- Over 37 years of military service
- Previously served as Commandant, Defence Services Staff College, Wellington
Vision: Align with Viksit Bharat@2047 focusing on innovation, digital skills, global outlook, patriotism, and character-building.
🔬 Science & Technology
Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya launched the MY Bharat mobile application in New Delhi.
Developed by: Digital India Corporation (DIC), Ministry of Electronics & IT under the Department of Youth Affairs.
Purpose: Enhance access to youth leadership and social engagement opportunities.
Features:
- Simple, intuitive design
- Participation in Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD) 2026 Quiz
- Integration with 5+ lakh Common Services Centres (CSCs)
- Access to CV Builder, Volunteer for Bharat, Experiential Learning Opportunities
MY Bharat platform (launched by PM Modi on 31 October 2023) now has 1.81 crore youth registered and 1.20 lakh organisations onboarded.
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