Daily current affairs:September 21, 2025

Long Description : Praveen Kumar, West Bengal cadre IPS officer, currently Special Director at Intelligence Bureau, will take charge as DG ITBP on Sept 30, 2025. His appointment follows the retirement of incumbent Rahul Rasgotra. Kumar's leadership is expected to strengthen border security and intelligence operations amid strategic regional concerns.

Long Description : Praveer Ranjan, currently Special Director General in CISF, will succeed Rajwinder Singh Bhatti as DG CISF on Sept 30, 2025. His tenure will last till July 31, 2029. He brings extensive experience in industrial security and law enforcement, critical for safeguarding India's strategic infrastructure.

Long Description : In a nation-wide address, PM Modi highlighted the new GST reforms effective from Sept 22, replacing earlier slabs with a simpler two-tier system. The move aims to boost consumption, reduce compliance burden, and promote the "Make in India" campaign. The reforms are expected to activate a GST Savings Festival, benefiting middle-class families, MSMEs, and entrepreneurs alike.

Long Description : Celebrated actor Mohanlal, known for his versatile contributions to Indian cinema, will be honored with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2023 on Sept 23, 2025. The award recognizes his remarkable impact on the film industry and the cultural heritage of Indian cinema. This accolade is India’s highest award in filmmaking.

Long Description : India has entered into a historic 15-year agreement with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) granting exclusive rights to explore polymetallic sulphides in Carlsberg Ridge, making India the first country to have two ISA contracts. This strategic move enhances India's position in deep-sea mining and resource exploration.

Long Description : At the 25th Asian Regional Conference of INTERPOL, India secured membership in the Asian Committee. This role enhances India’s collaboration in cross-border policing, intelligence-sharing, and combating transnational crimes in the Asian region.

Long Description : Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw presented the official logo and outline of key initiatives for the upcoming India-AI Impact Summit 2026. The summit aims to advance India’s leadership in AI technology, innovation, and ecosystem development, aligning with digital transformation goals.

Long Description : IIM Udaipur collaborated with MoSPI, NITI Aayog, and Bhashini by signing MoUs to enhance India’s statistical data, monitoring, and AI capabilities. This partnership will enable advanced research, policy formulation, and data-driven governance across sectors.

Long Description : The Reserve Bank of India granted PhonePe its final license to function as a Payment Aggregator, enabling it to facilitate seamless digital transactions. This approval supports the growth of India’s fintech landscape and benefits merchants and consumers with improved payment solutions.

Long Description : OIL and HCL Technologies have entered into a memorandum of understanding to jointly explore critical and strategic mineral resources essential for technology and defense sectors. This alliance supports India’s domestic mineral security and technological self-reliance.

Long Description : In a tribute to the revered queen Rani Ahilyabai Holkar, Indian Railways officially renamed Ahmednagar railway station to 'Ahilyanagar'. This move commemorates her legacy and contributions to Indian history and culture, boosting regional pride.

Long Description : As part of global observance, India used World Alzheimer’s Day to promote public awareness on dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The campaign urged people to ask questions, support sufferers, and improve understanding of cognitive health among seniors.