National Affairs

Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the ‘Bihar Rajya Jeevika Nidhi Saakh Sahkari Sangh Limited’ (BRJNSSSL), a cooperative society aimed at empowering rural women entrepreneurs by providing affordable credit facilities. As part of the launch, the government transferred Rs. 105 crore into the society’s bank account to kick-start operations, focusing on financial inclusion and women’s economic empowerment in Bihar.

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council announced a major rationalization of tax slabs, reducing four existing slabs to just two—5% and 18%. This restructuring is intended to boost consumer spending and ease the burden on middle-class taxpayers. Notably, the 12% and 28% slabs were scrapped, with many essential and consumer durable items benefiting from lower tax rates effective from September 22, 2025. However, sin goods such as tobacco and pan masala retain higher tax rates.

The Union Cabinet approved a Rs. 1,500 crore scheme under the National Critical Mineral Mission to promote critical mineral recycling from e-waste and lithium-ion battery scrap through financial incentives such as capex subsidies and opex benefits to encourage sustainable resource management.

The Ministry of Health announced plans to revise the New Drugs and Clinical Trial Rules, 2019 to simplify regulatory compliance. This revision aims at reducing procedural barriers for drug development and clinical trials, enhancing India’s stature as a global pharma hub.

Union Minister Giriraj Singh launched the ‘Kapas Kisan’ mobile application, developed by the Cotton Corporation of India to digitally streamline the Minimum Support Price (MSP)-based cotton procurement. The app facilitates farmers to self-register, book slots, monitor cotton quality, and track payments, drastically reducing paperwork and wait times at procurement centers.

India and Thailand commenced the 14th edition of the joint military exercise Maitree-XIV in Meghalaya. This exercise focuses on enhancing counter-terrorism operations in semi-urban terrain, improving interoperability, and advancing defense cooperation under UN Chapter VII mandates.

International Affairs

The World Congress on Inclusion will be held from 15th to 17th September 2025 in Sharjah, marking its first occurrence in the Middle East and North Africa region. The Congress aims to address global challenges related to inclusive education, healthcare, legal rights, employment, and advocacy efforts fostering equitable societies worldwide.

India continues strengthening bilateral relations with Japan under ongoing strategic partnerships, focusing on climate cooperation, critical mineral investments, and technological collaborations.

Business and Economy

The GST Council’s tax slab rationalization is expected to spur consumption and economic growth by offering relief on a wide range of products including staples, medicines, footwear, and renewable energy equipment. Coal and sugary drinks are among the few items for which the tax rate has increased as part of the GST revision.

The National Critical Mineral Mission’s Rs. 1,500 crore scheme supports India’s aim to reclaim valuable materials such as lithium and rare earth elements, crucial for electronic components and green energy technologies, supporting the country’s broader environmental sustainability goals.

Science and Technology

The Indian government continues to emphasize digitization and technology integration in agriculture and healthcare through apps like 'Kapas Kisan' and ongoing reforms in drug trials that enable faster innovation and regulatory ease.

Important Days and Events

Teachers’ Day is observed on 5th September 2025, honoring the contribution of educators in shaping society. Preparations and celebrations were highlighted in various states with campaigns to promote quality education and student welfare.

Additional Key Updates

• Weather alerts issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warn of intense rainfall and possible floods in northern states such as Delhi-NCR, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir, with authorities on high alert for disaster management.
• Several states like Punjab faced severe flooding, submerging over 1,400 villages, impacting more than 3.5 lakh people and causing casualties. Relief operations and school closures have been implemented.
• Rajit Punhani took charge as the CEO of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), bringing renewed focus on food safety and nutritional quality.
• Oscar Piastri secured victory in the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix, strengthening his position in the Formula One standings.