🇮🇳 National News
The Karnataka government has unveiled the Local Economy Accelerator Programme (LEAP), a ₹1,000 crore initiative to stimulate innovation and generate five lakh jobs across the state.
- Strengthen startup ecosystems in tier-II/III cities: Mysuru, Mangaluru, Hubbali, Tumkur, Kalaburagi, Shivamogga
- Bridge gaps in infrastructure and funding
- Transform regional tech clusters into international innovation hubs
- Ensure balanced economic development beyond Bengaluru
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Startup Conclave 2025 at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar.
- 1,000+ startups and 5,000 innovators
- 100 mentors from industry
- 50+ venture capital funds
- 170+ startups from 20 states
- Dedicated segment on defence technologies
President Droupadi Murmu presented the 71st National Film Awards on 23rd September 2025 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, recognizing achievements in Indian cinema for 2023.
| Award | Winner |
|---|---|
| Dadasaheb Phalke Award | Mohanlal |
| Best Feature Film | 12th Fail |
| Best Actor | Shah Rukh Khan (Jawan) & Vikrant Massey (12th Fail) |
| Best Actress | Rani Mukerji (Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway) |
Regional honours for films like Kathal, Ullozhukku, Parking, Vash. Technical brilliance recognized in Sam Bahadur, Vaathi, Pookkaalam.
World Food India 2025 scheduled for 25–28 September 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. PM Narendra Modi to inaugurate.
- Partner countries: New Zealand, Saudi Arabia
- Focus countries: Russia, UAE, Japan, Vietnam
- 1700+ exhibitors and 500+ international buyers
- 100+ nations, 21 Indian states, 10 ministries
- Position India as global hub for food innovation
BIRC 2025 will be hosted at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi on 30–31 October 2025, touted as the largest rice-focused event globally.
- Convenes farmers, exporters, importers, and rice industry stakeholders
- Showcases India’s diverse rice varieties and quality standards
- Expands B2B connections in global rice trade
- Organized by IREF with support from APEDA
Russia confirmed all five S-400 Triumf air defence systems will be delivered to India by 2026, under the $5.43 billion agreement signed in 2018.
- Four systems already delivered
- Defends against fighter jets, UAVs, and missiles
- Strengthens India’s multi-layered air defence
- Demonstrates India-Russia defence partnership despite CAATSA concerns
The Indian Navy will induct ‘Androth’, its second Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC), at Visakhapatnam.
- Constructed by GRSE with 80% indigenous inputs
- Advanced sensors and weapons
- Waterjet propulsion
- Conducts coastal defence, surveillance, and anti-submarine operations
- Named after Androth Island
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) signed an MoU with Guidance Tamil Nadu for a new greenfield shipyard on India’s east coast.
MoU signed on 19th September 2025 with Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal present. Supports Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) inked a long-term partnership with HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering.
- Leverage CSL’s 310m dry dock for large vessel construction
- Establish Block Fabrication Facility (BFF) in Kochi — ₹3,700 crore investment, 1,20,000 MT capacity annually
- ₹15,000 crore mega-shipyard in Tamil Nadu
- Expected to create 10,000 jobs
🌐 International News
The 7th edition of the Future Food Forum began in Dubai, gathering representatives from governments, academia, and industries.
- Food security
- Sustainable practices
- Trade opportunities
- Foster South-South cooperation for food resilience
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer was conferred the ‘Living Bridge’ Award for his leadership in finalizing the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
- FTA aims to double bilateral trade to USD 120 billion by 2030
- Presented at the House of Lords
- Accepted by Seema Malhotra, UK’s Minister for the Indo-Pacific
- Organized by India Business Group (IBG)
- Also honoured: GMR Group, GP Hinduja, KPMG UK Chair Bina Mehta
🏆 Sports
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has suspended USA Cricket’s membership, citing long-standing governance failures.
- Absence of effective governance structure
- Failure to achieve recognition as National Governing Body with US Olympic & Paralympic Committee
- Severe reputational damage to cricket globally
- Crucial timing as cricket prepares for Olympic return at LA28
📅 Important Days
Celebrated globally on 25th September to honour the role of pharmacists as healthcare professionals.
- 2025 Theme: “Think Health, Think Pharmacist”
- Established in 2009 by International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) in Istanbul
- Commemorates FIP founding on 25th September 1912
🕊️ Obituaries
Renowned cricket umpire Harold ‘Dickie’ Bird passed away at the age of 92.
- Officiated in 66 Tests and 69 ODIs
- Including the 1983 World Cup Final
- Playing career with Yorkshire and Leicestershire
- Served as President of Yorkshire County Cricket Club
- Final Test in 1996 at Lord’s marked with a guard of honour
Remembered as one of cricket’s most respected and beloved umpires.
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