In a landmark digital policy move, the Government of Nepal has banned 26 unregistered social media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter).
The decision, announced by Minister of Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung in September 2025, is aimed at enforcing digital accountability and ensuring regulatory compliance under Nepal's Directive for Regulation of Social Media Use, 2080.
Citibank Appoints JPMorgan Veteran as Asia Pacific Co-head
US-based Citibank on Wednesday said it has appointed Kaustubh Kulkarni as co-head of its investment banking coverage for Japan, Asia North and Australia, and Asia South. Kulkarni will serve alongside Jan Metzger, who is the head of Asia Pacific Banking, Capital Markets and Advisory.
He will join in December, subject to necessary approvals, and will be based in Singapore.
Prior to this, Kulkarni was with JP Morgan as the US-based bank's senior country officer for India and vice chair of Asia Pacific region.
India-EFTA Trade Pact to Begin October 1, 2025
India's free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) bloc will officially come into force on October 1, 2025. The deal not only promises major economic benefits but also, for the first time in India's trade history, introduces legally binding sustainability provisions covering environment, labour, and human rights.
UPI Limit Increased to Rs. 10 Lakh for Select Transactions
Starting September 15, 2025, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) will implement revised UPI transaction limits for specific high-value payment categories.
The per-transaction limit has been increased to Rs. 5 lakh, and the 24-hour aggregate limit raised to Rs. 10 lakh for several services, including insurance, capital markets, government tax payments, and credit card payments—a significant step in expanding UPI's role in India's digital financial ecosystem.
US Open 2025: Carlos Alcaraz beats Novak Djokovic to reach third straight grand slam final
Carlos Alcaraz demonstrated his youthful energy and innovative play style to overcome Novak Djokovic in straight sets 6-4, 7-6 (4), 6-2 at the US Open semifinals. The victory secured his place in his third consecutive Grand Slam final.
Djokovic, feeling exhausted by the end, acknowledged his physical limitations. The 38-year-old Serbian reached the semifinals in all four Grand Slams this season but was eliminated at that stage each time, with three losses to either No. 2 Alcaraz, 22, or No. 1 Jannik Sinner, 24.
PM Modi, PM Wong Inaugurate PSA Mumbai Terminal Phase-II
In a significant boost to India's maritime infrastructure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong jointly inaugurated Phase-II of the PSA Mumbai Terminal at Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPA) in September 2025, via virtual mode.
The inauguration marks a major milestone in India-Singapore economic cooperation and strengthens India's position as a key player in global shipping and trade logistics.
India's First Port-Based Green Hydrogen Pilot Project Launched at VOC Port
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated India's first port-based Green Hydrogen Pilot Project at V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC) Port in Tamil Nadu on Friday, marking a milestone in the country's clean energy transition.
The facility, set up at a cost of Rs. 3.87 crore, has a capacity of 10 Nm³ per hour and will generate green hydrogen to power streetlights and an electric vehicle charging station in the port colony. With this, VOC Port has become the first port in the country to produce green hydrogen.
India and Singapore have reaffirmed their strategic partnership by exploring deeper defence cooperation, enhanced technology collaboration, and a renewed focus on balanced trade relations, during the official visit of Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to India.
The visit, which marks 60 years of diplomatic ties, underscores the importance both nations place on strengthening their political, economic, and defence alignment in the Indo-Pacific region.
The world of fashion is mourning the loss of one of its most influential and iconic figures—Giorgio Armani, the Italian designer who redefined modern elegance, passed away at the age of 91.
He is globally known as "Re Giorgio" (King Giorgio), Armani leaves behind a legacy that transcended fashion, symbolizing timeless style, precision tailoring, and visionary business leadership.
Anand V. Patil to Receive Prof. V.K. Gokak Award in Bengaluru
In a celebration of literary excellence, Anand V. Patil, renowned for his contributions to children's literature, will be conferred with the Prof. V.K. Gokak Award in Bengaluru on September 7, 2025.
The award, named after one of India's most influential literary figures, Prof. Vinayaka Krishna Gokak, honoured individuals who had made significant contributions to Indian literature, particularly in Kannada.
Shilp Samagam Mela:Celebration of Art, Craftand Culture
The much-awaited Shilp Samagam Mela 2025 opened in Bengaluru, bringing to life India's extraordinary heritage of crafts and culture.
Organized by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, in collaboration with TULIP, the mela held from 5th to 14th September 2025 at Freedom Park, Bengaluru.
This year's edition features 75 stalls of artisans' handicrafts, showcasing exquisite creations ranging from intricate metalwork, wooden artifacts, cane and bamboo products, pottery, textiles, and handwoven treasures of more than 13 states.
The mela reflects India's rich artistic legacy while also serving as a vital marketplace where artisans engage with urban and international audiences.
Shilp Samagam Mela highlights the skills of artisans from diverse communities, including Scheduled Castes (SCs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Safai Mitras.