International
India Re-elected to UPU Bodies
Event: 28th UPU Congress, Dubai, UAE. India re-elected to: Council of Administration (policies & governance) and Postal Operations Council (technical & operational modernization). Strengthens India’s role in global postal affairs.
Governance
CAG’s AI-Powered LLM for Auditing
Comptroller and Auditor General planning AI-powered Large Language Model. Purpose: Automate data analysis, enable remote audits, improve risk detection, detect anomalies. Does NOT replace auditors β supports them in focusing on high-risk areas.
Wildlife
Shankar β India’s Only African Elephant
Shankar died at Delhi Zoo, aged ~30. Was India’s only African elephant. Gifted by Zimbabwe in late 1990s. Solitary confinement raised animal welfare concerns. Death renewed debates on captivity of social species.
Trade
Bangladesh Hilsa Export to India
Approved quantity: 1,200 tonnes (lowest since 2019). Export window: September 16 β October 5. First consignment (~32 tonnes) via Petrapole. Short window raises concerns about full quota delivery.
Energy
Coal Power Generation Decline β CREA Report
H1 2025: Coal-based power decreased by 29 TWh. Total generation rose by 9 TWh. Emissions: 1% decline. Factors: Milder summers, strong monsoons, 25.1 GW new renewable capacity. Source: CREA (Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air).
Aviation
Yatri Sewa Diwas 2025 β Hindon Airport
Launched at Hindon Airport by Union Minister Rammohan Naidu. Ministry of Civil Aviation initiative. Focus: Passenger dignity, inclusivity, comfort. Features: Medical services, digital upgrades, standardization.
Fisheries
PMMSY Smart Fishing Harbours β βΉ369.8 Crore
Locations: Vanakbara (Diu), Jakhau (Gujarat), Karaikal (Puducherry). Investment: βΉ369.8 crores. Features: IoT, AI, clean energy, waste management, traceability. Under India-FAO Smart Blue Ports programme.
Banking
SMBC Acquires 20% Yes Bank Stake
SMBC (Japan) acquired 20% equity in Yes Bank. Now largest shareholder. SBI retains ~10%. Largest cross-border investment in an Indian private sector bank. Secondary purchase from existing shareholders.
Economy
US Fed Rate Cut β First of 2025
Cut: 25 basis points. New target range: 4.00%β4.25%. First cut of 2025, beginning possible easing cycle. Reasons: Slowing growth, weaker job gains, rising unemployment, inflation moving toward 2% goal.
Space
Vyommitra β ISRO’s AI Half-Humanoid
Launch: December 2025 on uncrewed Gaganyaan test mission. Purpose: Test life-support and mission systems. Monitors: Temperature, humidity, pressure, COβ. Also validates escape system and parachutes before crewed flights.