The 7th Future Food Forum opened in Dubai in September 2025, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and academics to explore pathways for advancing food security, trade, and innovation across the Global South. The discussions focused on building resilient food ecosystems through technology, sustainable practices, and cross-border partnerships.
The 7th Future Food Forum 2025 is held under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism, with Minister Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri inaugurating the annual gathering.
First sighting of Fishing Cat in Ramgarh Vishdhari
Marking a significant addition to Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve's (RVTR) small cat population, a Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) was seen on camera for the first time, in 2025, inside the reserve.
The cat was seen during routine tiger monitoring activities conducted jointly by the field biologist of RVTR and the Dalelpura tiger tracking team. Camera trap evidence obtained from Ramgarh Range in Bundi confirmed the presence of the species.
Until now, RVTR hosted four small cat species: Jungle Cat (Felis chaus), Rusty-spotted Cat (Prionailurus rubiginosus), Asiatic Wildcat (Felis lybica ornata), and Caracal (Caracal caracal). With the Fishing Cat, the reserve now supports five small cat species, underscoring the diversity of its carnivore assemblage.
US President Donald Trump Signs Executive Order Approving TikTok Deal with Majority US Ownership
President Donald Trump signed an executive order approving a deal that could keep TikTok alive in the U.S, easing national security concerns and paving the way for American ownership of the popular app. TikTok's Chinese parent company will retain only a minority stake, while U.S. investors are set to hold about 80 per cent under a new joint venture.
The platform, with 170 million U.S. users, including 15 million Trump followers, has been under pressure since a 2024 law required its parent company to sell or face a ban. Trump has credited the app with helping boost his re-election campaign.
Governance of the new venture will lean heavily American, with its Chinese parent company excluded from key security decisions.
Cochin Shipyard Moves Towards Atmanirbhar Bharat ; Signs MoU with HD Korea for Long-Term Shipbuilding Collaboration
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) moves towards the Atmanirbhar Bharat and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) for a long-term strategic collaboration in shipbuilding.
The MoU was exchanged during the landmark event "Samudra se Samriddhi – Transforming India's Maritime Sector", inaugurated by the Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in September 2025, at Bhavnagar, Gujarat.
India, Australia Signs Organic Products Mutual Recognition Arrangement
India and Australia, in September 2025, signed a mutual recognition agreement to facilitate the shipment of organic products between the two countries. The pact, which was part of the trade deal, will help in the shipment of unprocessed plant products, excluding seaweed, aquatic plants, and greenhouse crops, processed food and wine.
Commerce secretary Sunil Barthwal said that with organic produce commanding 30-40% higher prices, farmers benefit from improved livelihoods. "Organic products must not be so-called organic but certified organic, with every stakeholder in the chain taking pride in maintaining that integrity," he said. Last year, India's organic exports to Australia were estimated at $9 million with Australian officials highlighting opportunities in cereals, tea, spices, beverages and wine.
NCMRWF, NSIL Signs MoU to Set Up Direct Broadcast Stations under Mission Mausam
National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting, in September 2025, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the commercial arm of the Department of Space, New Space India Limited, in New Delhi.
The MoU aims to establish two Direct Broadcast Network stations, one in Delhi-NCR and the other in Chennai, as part of the Mission Mausam project. The proposed stations will be capable of receiving direct broadcast data from various existing Indian and international Earth Observing System satellites.
Kubota Debuts Autonomous Hydrogen Fuel Cell Tractor at Expo 2025 in Osaka
Kubota, in September 2025, pulled the wraps off what it claims is the world's first autonomous hydrogen fuel cell tractor, unveiled at the "Hydrogen Park!!" showcase during Expo 2025 Kansai in Osaka conclude on October 13, 2025.
The concept follows the company's manned hydrogen tractor presented last year, but this latest model integrates artificial intelligence and autonomous driving capabilities. The 100-horsepower machine runs on a hydrogen fuel cell stack, offering half a day of operation between refueling — a critical runtime for agricultural use.
Unlike battery-electric tractors, Kubota's hydrogen model provides higher power output and longer uptime, while producing no CO₂ emissions.
Cabinet Approves CSIR Scheme to Strengthen Science and Research with Rs. 2,277 crore Outlay
The Union Cabinet in September 2025, approved the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) / Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) scheme on Capacity Building and Human Resource Development with a total outlay of Rs. 2,277.40 crore for the 15th Finance Commission cycle (2021-22 to 2025-26).
Implemented by CSIR, the scheme will cover all R&D institutions, national laboratories, Institutes of National Importance, Institutes of Eminence, and universities across India. It aims to provide young researchers with opportunities to pursue careers in universities, industry, national R&D laboratories, and academic institutions under the guidance of eminent scientists and professors across Science, Technology & Engineering, Medical, and Mathematical Sciences (STEMM).
PM Modi Chairs 49th Pragati Meeting
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 49th meeting of PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) at South Block on Wednesday, reviewing eight key infrastructure projects spanning 15 States and Union Territories with a cumulative investment exceeding Rs. 65,000 crore.
The reviewed projects cover critical sectors such as Mines, Railways, Water Resources, Industrial Corridors, and Power, and are seen as crucial for driving economic growth and improving public welfare. The Prime Minister directed officials to ensure strict adherence to timelines, strengthen inter-agency coordination, and promptly resolve implementation bottlenecks.
ACC Approves Extension of General Anil Chauhan's Tenure as Chief of Defence Staff Till May 2026
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the extension of service of General Anil Chauhan as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), who shall also function as Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Military Affairs, up to 30th May 2026, or until further orders.
General Chauhan was appointed as the CDS on 28th September 2022. He has been awarded with Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal for his exemplary services to the Indian Army.
Every year on 26 September, the International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH) leads the global observance of World Environmental Health Day (WEHD). In 2025, the theme is "Clean Air, Healthy People", with a specific emphasis on the role of air quality in promoting public health.
The goal is both awareness and action: to recognise that clean air is not just an external environmental goal but fundamental to human health.
President Murmu Graces Award Ceremony of 64th National Exhibition of Art
President Droupadi Murmu, in September 2025, attended the award ceremony of the 64th National Exhibition of Art, organised by the Lalit Kala Akademi, in New Delhi.
Congratulating the award winners, the President expressed confidence that their work would inspire countless other artists. She highlighted that, in Indian tradition, art has always been regarded as a spiritual practice and a medium that enriches cultural heritage while fostering a more sensitive society.
President Murmu praised the creativity and imagination of artists, noting that their works are helping to present the image of a "new India." She emphasised that artists invest significant time, energy, and resources into their creations, and called for ensuring fair prices for artworks to encourage artists and those aspiring to take up art as a profession.
Appreciating Lalit Kala Akademi's efforts to promote the sale of artworks, the President said this would provide financial support to artists and strengthen the nation's creative economy. She urged art lovers to not only appreciate art but also purchase and display it, reinforcing India's identity as both an economic and cultural power.
NITI Aayog Releases Landmark Report "Pathways to Progress: Analysis and Insights into India's Innovation Story"
NITI Aayog, in September 2025, unveiled its comprehensive report, "Pathways to Progress: Analysis and Insights into India's Innovation Story". The report captures India's remarkable journey in science, technology, and innovation, providing a detailed assessment of the country's achievements, challenges, and opportunities to strengthen its position as a global innovation hub.
At the launch, Dr. Deepak Bagla, Mission Director, Atal Innovation Mission, elaborated on the transformative role of AIM in nurturing entrepreneurial talent, fostering innovation at scale, and creating a vibrant startup culture across the country.
Dr. V.K. Saraswat, Member, NITI Aayog, emphasized the strategic importance of science, technology, and innovation in shaping India's development trajectory. He noted that the report provides critical evidence-based insights that can guide policymaking, strengthen institutional linkages, and enhance collaboration between academia, industry, and government.
Indian Scientists Develops Nanomaterial that Stimulates Brain Cells Without Surgery
A team of Indian researchers pioneered a nanomaterial that can interact with neurons directly, potentially transforming therapies for brain disorders by avoiding invasive techniques.
The team from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), an autonomous body under the Department of Science and Technology, shown that graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) can naturally interact with neurons, encouraging them to grow, mature and communicate more effectively.
Existing therapies such as deep brain stimulation require surgical implants, while other approaches rely on magnetic or ultrasound waves, which are either invasive or limited in scope. By contrast, g-C₃N₄ generates tiny electric fields in response to the brain's own signals when placed near nerve cells. These fields trigger calcium channels on neurons, enhancing their growth and strengthening networks.
SOTC Travel inaugurated its franchise outlet in Kozhikode, Kerala, expanding its network to 4th strategically located outlets. This expansion underscores SOTC's strong commitment to South India, highlighting Kerala's position as a key growth market and the company's focus on catering to the evolving needs of travellers from the region. Located at Centrio on Ram Mohan Road, Kozhikode, the new SOTC outlet serves both leisure and business travellers, strengthening the company's presence in North Kerala's key urban hub.
The outlet offers a comprehensive range of travel solutions, including domestic and international holidays such as Group Tours, Personalised Holidays and Cruises, along with value-added services like travel insurance, ensuring convenient, end-to-end experiences for today's diverse travellers.