Sri Lanka Hosts First-Ever AI Expo and Conference, Paving Path for Digital Future
Sri Lanka witnessed its first-ever AI Expo and Conference in September 2025, marking a milestone in the island nation's digital transformation. Organised by the Ministry of Digital Economy, the event was a bold step towards Sri Lanka's efforts towards a digitally integrated economy. At the inauguration, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya underlined the importance of balancing progress with caution. She said scepticism should not be viewed as resistance but as a safeguard to ensure technology remains in the service of humanity.
The expo expected to accelerate AI adoption across industries and strengthen Sri Lanka's role in the global digital economy. It is noteworthy that Sri Lanka's government has set an ambitious goal of expanding the digital economy from about US$3.5 billion in 2025 to US$15 billion by 2030. Artificial intelligence expected to drive up to 12 percent of this growth, making it central to the nation's economic vision.
Cold Desert Biosphere & New Ramsar Sites: India's Conservation Leap
India marked two significant environmental achievements. First, the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in Himachal Pradesh was included in UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves in September 2025.
With this addition, India now has 13 biosphere reserves listed in the prestigious global network, underscoring the country's commitment to biodiversity conservation and community-driven sustainable development.
Second, two new wetlands in Bihar — Gokul Jalashay and Udaipur Jheel — earned the Ramsar site status, bringing India's total to 93 such internationally important wetlands. These developments reinforce India's commitment to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem resilience, and sustainable development.
Shirish Chandra Murmu Appointed as RBI Deputy Governor
The government appointed Shirish Chandra Murmu as a deputy governor of the Reserve Bank of India, according to a government notice.
Murmu's appointment will take effect from October 9 for a period of three years.
Wheels India Signs Technical Agreement with South Korean Firm for Hydraulics Cylinder Business
Wheels India, in September 2025, signed a significant technical agreement with SHPAC, a leading hydraulics cylinder manufacturer in South Korea whereby there will be a technology transfer in manufacturing. Wheels India identified hydraulic cylinders as one of the strategic growth areas and this pact is expected to drive its growth further in this segment.
SHPAC is a leading manufacturer of hydraulic cylinders in South Korea with a successful track record over the last few decades in this business exporting their products worldwide. Our technical technology transfer agreement with them is expected to create new growth opportunities for Wheels India in the global hydraulic cylinder industry and we expect this to give a fillip to our drive to grow this business over the next few years.
Shailesh Chandra Appointed as MD & CEO of Tata Motors
Tata Motors appointed Shailesh Chandra as its Managing Director and CEO, effective October 1, 2025. His tenure will span three years, ending on September 30, 2028. Chandra will continue to serve as MD of Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd. (TPEM), signaling the group's strong focus on its fast-growing electric vehicle business.
This transition came at a time when Tata Motors is undergoing a significant corporate demerger, aiming to create two distinct listed entities — one for commercial vehicles and another for passenger and electric vehicles, including Jaguar Land Rover (JLR).
Shailesh Chandra, who joined Tata Motors in 2016, has played a pivotal role in steering its electric mobility strategy.
Under his leadership, Tata's electric vehicle lineup gained significant market traction, with TPEM emerging as a segment leader.
His elevation to MD & CEO of Tata Motors reflects the company's confidence in his vision to integrate passenger vehicles and EVs into a unified growth narrative.
In a major development for Indian cricket governance, Mithun Manhas, former Delhi and Jammu & Kashmir cricketer, elected unopposed as the 37th President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The announcement was made during the 94th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the BCCI held in Mumbai in September 2025.
Manhas succeeds Roger Binny, who stepped down in August 2025, with Rajeev Shukla serving as the interim president until this election. The election marks a continued trend of former cricketers transitioning into top administrative roles in Indian cricket.
Indian Cricket Team Won 9th Asia Cup Title 2025
The 2025 Men's Asia Cup was the 17th edition of the Asia Cup cricket tournament. It took place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 9 to 28 September 2025. The matches were played in the Twenty20 International (T20I) format.
In a match that lived up to the fierce rivalry, India clinched their ninth Asia Cup title with a thrilling five-wicket victory over Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium in September 2025.
Rajeev Verma Appointed as New Chief Secretary of Delhi
The Ministry of Home Affairs appointed senior IAS officer Rajeev Verma as the new Chief Secretary of Delhi. He replaced Dharmendra, who superannuated in September 2025.
Rajeev Verma, a 1992 batch AGMUT cadre officer, served as Chief Secretary of Chandigarh from January 2024.
Indian Army celebrated 199th Gunners Day. The date 28th September has a special significance in the annals of the history of the Regiment of Artillery as 5 (Bombay) Mountain Battery was raised on this day in 1827.
As it has been in uninterrupted service since raising, its Raising Day is celebrated as Gunners Day every year.
Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi and All Ranks of Indian Army conveyed greetings and best wishes to All Ranks, Veterans and Families of the Regiment of Artillery on the Gunners' Day.
On the occasion, a wreath-laying ceremony was solemnised at the National War Memorial in New Delhi, where Director General Artillery and Senior Colonel Commandant Lieutenant General Adosh Kumar along with serving personnels and veterans paid homage to the Bravehearts on behalf of All Ranks of the Regiment of Artillery.
World Heart Day is celebrated every year on 29th September, to raise awareness of CVD and the importance of taking care of your heart. From individuals, families and schools to community groups and governments, we work together to make equitable heart health a priority and drive change across the globe.
2025 marks the 25th anniversary of World Heart Day, and our mission remains as crucial as ever.
The theme for World Heart Day 2025 is 'Don't Miss a Beat'. Loved ones around the world are missing out on time they should still have to spend together due to early deaths from CVD.
In September 2025, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) was honored with the Changemaker of the Year Award at the BusinessLine Changemaker Awards for its contributions to indigenous strategic technologies. Alongside, the Azim Premji Foundation received the Iconic Changemaker Award in recognition of its extensive work in education and healthcare. These awards spotlight the dual pillars of India's development: cutting-edge technology leadership and sustained social impact.
The award was conferred on Raja Babu Ummalaneni, Director General of DRDO's Missiles & Strategic Systems, for his role in advancing India's indigenization of defense technology.
Under his leadership, DRDO was pushed forward domestically developed systems, emphasizing self-reliance in critical areas.
The recognition emphasises that strategic research and development in defense is considered a key driver of national transformation.
The award to DRDO reinforces that defense innovation and strategic autonomy are being recognised as drivers of national prestige and security.
It also sends a signal about the government's emphasis on Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in high-tech domains.
MP: First Healthcare Centre Inaugurated in Paatalkot for Tribal Communities
In step towards ensuring last-mile delivery of government services, Dr. Rashmi Choudhary, Assistant Commissioner, National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), New Delhi, visited the remote Paatalkot valley in Chhindwara district and inaugurated a much-awaited health care centre for tribal communities in Setpember 2025.
Paatalkot--a deep and mystical valley in the Tamia block--has long been home to Gond and Bharia tribes, classified as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). For decades, its 12 scattered villages with nearly 4,000 residents remained cut off from basic amenities, forcing villagers to rely on steep trails for movement and to travel long distances for healthcare.
Under central initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Janman Yojana, Dharti Abba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, and Aadi Karmayogi Abhiyan, significant progress made in roads, housing, drinking water, electricity, and education.
Jharkhand Launches Influencer Engagement Program 2025 to Boost Tourism on World Tourism Day
Marking World Tourism Day, the Jharkhand govt launched its ambitious Influencer Engagement Program 2025 (Johar Influencers) in September 2025 to showcase the state's natural beauty, cultural heritage, and tribal traditions to the world through the digital reach of social media creators. The initiative was unveiled in line with this year's World Tourism Day theme, "Tourism and Sustainable Transformation."
Tourism secretary Manoj Kumar said the policy was recently approved and would serve as a modern tool to boost the state's image globally.
The social influencers policy was approved by the department a few days back. There are many parameters such as the number of views, number of likes, and the quality of engagement that will be factored into payments. This is an opportunity to tap into young, creative voices who can carry Jharkhand's story to millions online," Kumar said.
Tourism director Vijaya Jadhav added that the programme was part of a carefully prepared strategy. "Influencers today play a critical role in shaping perceptions, and we believe that their authentic content can highlight Jharkhand's forests, waterfalls, tribal cuisine, handicrafts, and festivals in ways traditional campaigns cannot," she said.
The scheme offers payments up to Rs 10 lakh depending on the influencer's category: Nano, Micro, Macro, or Mega. Content will be assessed on reach and creativity, with quarterly disbursements. Eligible influencers on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and X (Twitter) are invited to apply by showcasing Jharkhand's landscapes, cultural vibrancy, and lifestyle.
Telangana Unveils 15,000 cr Tourism Projects to Boost Sector
As outlined as a target in the Telangana Tourism Policy (2025–30), the tourism department announced multiple tourism projects with total investments exceeding 15,000 crore at the inaugural tourism conclave held at Sampradaya Vedika, Shilparamam, in September 2025.
Thirty such projects were unveiled in the presence of chief minister A Revanth Reddy, Tourism minister Jupally Krishna Rao, and other senior officials from the department, with a combined investment of 15,279 crore.
According to officials, these initiatives are expected to generate employment for over 50,000 people. The projects will be implemented under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, as part of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) signed between the tourism department and private investors.
Andhra Pradesh Unveils Tourism Policy 2024-29 to Boost Investments and Job Creation
In a move to attract more investments and create jobs, the state govt focussed on the tourism sector. The state govt released the operational guidelines for the tourism policy 2024–29, aimed at ensuring that incentives and policy benefits are implemented in a smooth, transparent, and timely manner.
The guidelines served as a comprehensive framework outlining eligibility, application procedures, verification mechanisms, and timely release of incentives. They were designed to reduce delays, avoid ambiguity, and streamline coordination between govt departments and private tourism enterprises.
Centre extends Attorney General R Venkataramani's Term by Two Years
Senior Advocate R Venkataramani reappointed as the Attorney General of India for a further two-year term, effective October 1, 2025. His current three-year tenure, which began in September 2022, ended this month. With this reappointment, Venkataramani will serve as the country's top law officer until September 30, 2027. The reappointment was confirmed by the Ministry of Law and Justice, underscoring the government's satisfaction with his counsel and leadership in legal matters of national importance.
The Attorney General of India (AGI) is the chief legal advisor to the Government of India and represents the state in legal proceedings, especially in the Supreme Court and High Courts.
It is a constitutional post, created under Article 76 of the Constitution. The AG is appointed by the President of India on the advice of the Union Cabinet.