Daily current affairs:September 22, 2025

Long Description : Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Next-Generation GST reforms calling it "GST Bachat Utsav". The reforms simplify the GST system by retaining only two slabs – 5% and 18%, reducing taxes on essentials including food, medicines, and insurance to 0% or 5%. This move is expected to reduce prices and save the economy INR 2.5 lakh crore annually. The reforms aim to boost MSMEs by reducing compliance burden and costs, and promote Swadeshi products reinforcing Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The government urged citizens to support the reforms by buying and selling Swadeshi goods.

Long Description : Following its 57th Monetary Policy Committee meeting, RBI kept the repo rate steady at 5.50%, signaling a balanced approach supporting growth and financial stability. The GDP growth forecast for FY 2025-26 was raised to 6.8% from 6.5% previously, driven by consumption, investments, and government spending. CPI inflation is expected to moderate at 2.6%, helped by favorable food prices and GST rationalization. RBI highlighted the narrowing current account deficit and robust remittances as pillars of steady external sector health.

Long Description : At the 25th Asian Regional Conference of INTERPOL, India was elected as a member of the Asian Committee. This membership will strengthen India’s role in fostering cooperation among member nations on issues like cybercrime, terrorism, and transnational crimes. India’s enhanced engagement with INTERPOL reflects its commitment to maintain regional security and contribute to global policing efforts.

Long Description : Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw unveiled the logo and announced key flagship initiatives for the India-AI Impact Summit 2026. The summit aims to promote AI innovation and adoption across sectors, fostering economic growth and technological leadership. The initiatives include policy frameworks, capacity building, and collaborative platforms for AI solutions with potential benefits for healthcare, agriculture, education, and governance. The summit highlights India's ambition to become a global AI hub.

Long Description : IIM Udaipur entered into partnerships with Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), NITI Aayog, and Bhashini to strengthen India's data infrastructure. The collaboration aims to develop improved tools and frameworks to gather, analyze, and use data effectively for policy support and AI-driven governance. This initiative will enable better monitoring, planning, and decision-making across government departments, advancing evidence-based policy-making.

Long Description : DEPwD and Ministry of AYUSH launched an initiative focused on holistic healthcare for persons with disabilities, allocating Rs. 5.26 crore for project implementation. The project aims to integrate traditional AYUSH systems with modern disability welfare schemes to improve health accessibility and quality of life for PwDs. Awareness, training, and rehabilitation activities form part of the intervention to empower this vulnerable group.

Long Description : In a cultural tribute, Indian Railways renamed Ahmednagar railway station as ‘Ahilyanagar’ in Maharashtra. The renaming pays homage to Ahilyabai Holkar, a revered queen renowned for her administrative acumen and philanthropy in 18th century India. The move aims to preserve historical heritage and strengthen regional identity. This renaming aligns with government efforts to honor eminent personalities linked to Indian history.

Long Description : The World Water Monitoring Day, held on 18 September, aims to raise global awareness about the importance of water quality and encourage community-based water monitoring. Events and activities focused on education regarding pollution prevention and water conservation strategies are conducted worldwide. This day complements efforts to protect water resources crucial for sustainable development and environmental health.

Long Description : World Cleanup Day on 20 September saw worldwide participation in clean-up drives, emphasizing the significance of reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable waste management practices. The day encourages individuals, communities, and governments to collectively tackle litter and environmental pollution challenges. It supports global Sustainable Development Goals relating to environmental health and climate action.

Long Description : PhonePe has been granted final approval by the RBI to function as a Payment Aggregator in India. This regulatory nod facilitates PhonePe's enhanced payment processing capabilities, allowing it to serve merchants and users with secure, seamless digital transactions under RBI supervision. The development is expected to boost India’s digital payments ecosystem and improve user convenience.

Long Description : PayRupy, a growing payment technology company, joined hands with BRISKPE for expanding its cross-border payments infrastructure. The partnership aims to streamline and accelerate international remittances and global trade payments for Indian exporters and importers. This collaboration supports India’s broader vision of digital trade and economic integration with global markets.

Long Description : OIL and HCL have signed a Memorandum of Understanding focusing on leveraging technology for identification and extraction of critical minerals vital for national security and industry growth. The partnership is expected to enhance India’s self-reliance in mineral supply chains and reduce dependency on imports of strategic raw materials essential for manufacturing and energy sectors.

Long Description : The Indian Hindi-language drama ‘Homebound’ has been officially nominated for the 2026 Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category. This recognition highlights the film's artistic excellence and the growing global appreciation of Indian cinema. The nomination is a milestone for Indian filmmakers aiming to reach international audiences and promote cultural narratives.

Long Description : The Appointments Committee of Cabinet sanctioned appointments of new Director Generals for CISF and ITBP, India’s key paramilitary forces. These leadership changes aim to strengthen operational capabilities and strategic management in maintaining internal security and border protection. The new appointees bring extensive experience in policing and national security administration.

Long Description : The Airports Authority of India inaugurated the country's first professional Archery League to boost grassroots participation and elite sports performance in archery. Renowned actor Ram Charan was appointed as the league's brand ambassador to attract public interest. This league is part of a broader initiative to develop traditional sports and position India as a competitive force in international archery.