Daily News Brief - Oct 09, 2025

Long Description : The government has announced major schemes for the agriculture sector. Under the new pulse self-reliance mission, efforts will be made to raise pulse output from 24.2 to 35 million tonnes and cultivate 31 million hectares by 2030-31. The PM Dhan-Dhaanya Yojana will focus on raising productivity in 100 low-performing districts, with a focus on irrigation, credit, and storage. Over 1,100 projects worth ₹42,000 crore across agri-infrastructure, animal husbandry, and food processing are set to be launched. These efforts aim to boost farm incomes, ensure food security, and spur rural prosperity.

Long Description : The Fintech Fest witnessed landmark India-UK cooperation, with PM Modi highlighting India’s achievements in digital payments and inclusion, such as the UPI platform enabling 20 billion transactions monthly. India’s digital stack and platforms like ONDC and OCEN are expanding credit and commerce, especially for MSMEs. India’s AI mission was showcased, promising equitable, population-scale skilling and ethical AI. The event brought together 100,000 participants from over 75 countries, reinforcing India’s status as a fintech hub and key global digital partner.

Long Description : The Cabinet has cleared four crucial railway multi-tracking projects under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, targeting economic growth and better connectivity across four major states. These works aim to modernize the rail network, decongest busy sections, cut travel times, and support economic corridors crucial for industry and passenger mobility. These large investments will also generate employment opportunities during construction and operation.

Long Description : India’s digital payments ecosystem continues to set new records, with the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) facilitating over 20 billion transactions monthly. UPI now accounts for over 50% of all global real-time digital transactions, a testament to India’s rapid fintech growth. Initiatives such as Bharat Connect and FX-Retail are enhancing international payments, and new regulatory measures by RBI further secure India’s digital financial infrastructure.

Long Description : The Reserve Bank of India cancelled the banking licence of Jijamata Mahila Sahakari Bank citing its inability to maintain required capital and non-viability. Depositors are protected up to ₹5 lakh by DICGC insurance. The step is part of RBI’s consistent actions for safer and stronger cooperative banking through tighter regulatory scrutiny and prompt corrective action for failing banks.

Long Description : The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has created the NPCI Technology Services Limited (NTSL) subsidiary to spearhead next-generation payment solutions. NTSL will support research, product development, and global collaborations, focusing on advanced digital banking infrastructure and secure, scalable payment systems benefitting end-users and fintech players for the future.

Long Description : The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) launched the IRSA 1.0 (Interoperable Radio Security Architecture) communication standard, designed to bolster secure communications across Indian defence services. The new protocol enhances compatibility, encryption, and performance in tactical scenarios. It supports joint operations and information exchange, directly strengthening national security.

Long Description : The MoU formalizes collaboration between IIT Madras and the Indian Navy for R&D on critical areas like autonomous systems, weapons, and naval technologies. The partnership will enable technology transfer, foster homegrown innovation, and support self-reliance efforts, especially under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative for defence.

Long Description : Bajaj Finserv consolidated the branding of its two key insurance businesses to “Bajaj General Insurance” and “Bajaj Life Insurance.” The strategic move aims to provide clearer brand recognition, streamlined operations, and a more integrated approach to customer relationship management. This change aligns with emerging industry trends and regulatory recommendations for simplifying financial product offerings.

Long Description : ‘Health Alpha’ is SBI General Insurance’s new flagship plan with multiple options such as hospitalization, critical illness, maternity, and top-up covers. Designed to cater to diverse age groups and needs, the policy reflects the insurance sector’s push towards product flexibility, customer-centric solutions, and increased health awareness post-pandemic.

Long Description : The Nobel Committee recognised their work for developing MOFs—crystalline materials with high porosity and potential for gas storage, catalysis, and environmental remediation. This breakthrough has wide-ranging applications, including cleaner energy and new medical technologies, and reflects the rising profile of fundamental chemical research in real-world problem-solving.

Long Description : Celebrated annually, World Cotton Day spotlights the economic and social significance of cotton, one of India’s key cash crops. The occasion highlights advances in sustainable cultivation, biotech seeds, and efforts to double farmer incomes, while also addressing challenges such as pest outbreaks and market price volatility impacting Indian growers.