India's First Dugong Reserve in Palk Bay Gains Global Recognition at IUCN Congress
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) adopted a motion recognising India's first Dugong Conservation Reserve in Palk Bay, marking a major international endorsement of the country's marine conservation efforts.
The motion, proposed by the Omcar Foundation and adopted at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi, won support from members worldwide. Among governments, 98% voted in favour, while 94.8% of NGOs, research institutions, and organisations backed the resolution.
Bollywood Badshah Shah Rukh Khan Enters Billionaire Club With Rs. 12,490 cr
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan (59) joined the billionaire club, marking a historic milestone for India's entertainment industry. According to the 2025 M3M Hurun India Rich List, Shah Rukh Khan & family top the list of film industry moguls with a net worth of Rs. 12,490 crore.
His wealth is largely powered by the diversified ventures of Red Chillies Entertainment, which includes film production, visual effects, digital content, and licensing of iconic film properties. Over the decades, SRK has transitioned from a charismatic actor to a shrewd entrepreneur, turning his brand into a multi-faceted empire that spans cinema, sports, and lifestyle businesses.
Asheesh Pandey Named as MD of Union Bank
The government, in 2025, appointed Asheesh Pandey as managing director (MD) and CEO of Union Bank of India for a period of three years.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet headed by the Prime Minister approved the appointment for an initial period of three years.
Pandey, currently Executive Director of Bank of Maharashtra, has been appointed as MD and CEO of Union Bank of India for a period of three years with effect from date of assumption of charge of the office.
UBI has been headless since A Manimekhalai, MD & CEO, completed her tenure on June 02, 2025.
Jindal Power Gets CCI Nod to Acquire Debt-ridden Jaiprakash Associates
Fair trade regulator CCI, in September 2025, has given in-principle approval to Naveen Jindal-led Jindal Power's proposal to acquire debt-ridden Jaiprakash Associates, should it win a bid in the ongoing insolvency proceeding.
Apart from Jindal Power, the proposals of PNC Infratech, Adani Group and Dalmia Bharat for JAL acquisition have been cleared by the regulator.
Following a recent ruling by the Supreme Court related to interpreting provisions of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), an approval from the competition watchdog is mandatory for submission of a resolution plan by the entity concerned.
ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 is one of the most anticipated international sporting tournaments.
India and Sri Lanka are co-hosting the 13th edition of the Women's Cricket World Cup, which is taking place from September 30 to November 2, 2025.
With India and Sri Lanka as joint hosts of the tournament, six more teams are competing for the prestigious trophy, Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
The matches of the Women's Cricket World Cup will be held in India's five major stadiums and Sri Lanka's R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
President Murmu Presents Diamond Jubilee Silver Trumpet and Trumpet Banner to President's Bodyguard
President Droupadi Murmu, in September 2025, presented the Diamond Jubilee Silver Trumpet and Trumpet Banner to the President's Bodyguard (PBG) at a ceremonial event held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, marking 75 years since the elite regiment was designated as the PBG in 1950.
President Murmu lauded the PBG for its professional excellence, discipline, and unwavering adherence to the finest military traditions. She noted that the honour of receiving the Silver Trumpet and Trumpet Banner comes with a "significant responsibility" and expressed confidence that the regiment would continue to uphold its glorious legacy.
The President's Bodyguard is the oldest regiment of the Indian Army, tracing its origins back to 1773 when it was raised as the Governor-General's Bodyguard, later known as the Viceroy's Bodyguard. Following India's transition to a republic, the regiment was renamed the President's Bodyguard on January 27, 1950.
The tradition of presenting the Silver Trumpet and Trumpet Banner to the PBG began with Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, who bestowed the honour on May 14, 1957.
Uniquely, the PBG remains the only regiment in the Indian Army permitted to carry two 'Standards' – the President's Standard of Body Guard and the Regimental Standard of The PBG.
PM Modi Releases Stamp and Coin to Mark 100 Years of RSS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a special commemorative postage stamp and coin to mark the centenary celebrations of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The event honoured the 100-year journey of the organisation, founded in 1925 in Nagpur by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar.
In a major leadership reshuffle among India's Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), two senior IPS officers of the 1993 batch taken charge of key paramilitary organisations. Praveer Ranjan appointed as the Director General (DG) of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), while Praveen Kumar has been appointed as the Director General of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff Marks 25th Raising Day
Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff celebrated its 25th Raising Day in 2025. The Ministry of Defence said that Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff has supported the creation of new joint military structures and contributed to initiatives aimed at establishing integrated theatre-level mechanisms. It added that the service has advanced the country's preparedness in emerging domains such as cyber, artificial intelligence, and space.
Every year on 1st October, the world observes the International Day of Older Persons, as designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 1990 (resolution 45/106). The day aims to highlight the importance of older persons in society and the need to protect their rights, dignity, and well-being.
In 2025, the theme is "Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-Being and Our Rights", emphasizing that older persons are not just passive recipients of care but active drivers of social, economic, and cultural progress.
Telugu Language Day Celebrated in Saudi Arabia
The Telugu Language Day celebrated in Saudi Arabia with a 'P4' (Public-Private-People Partnership) awareness programme, organised by the Saudi Arabia Telugu Association (SATA) in collaboration with the TDP NRI Committee.
Kondapalli Srinivas, Minister for MSME & SERP, addressed the gathering via zoom call. The guests highlighted the P4 model being promoted by the Andhra Pradesh government, which was aimed at achieving zero poverty by 2047.
Over 2,000 attendees learned how P4 drives social and economic empowerment. More than 100 NRIs registered their support to the vulnerable families, and prominent among them included Dr. Vemuri Ravi and Dr. P. Krishnamohan, who emphasised the collaborative approach to uplift communities.
Novotel Vijayawada Varun Bags 'Best 5-Star Deluxe Hotel' Award
Novotel Vijayawada Varun honoured as the "Best 5-Star Deluxe Hotel" at the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Excellence Awards, in 2025, in recognition of its seamless blend of elegance, comfort, and premium hospitality.
Manish Pathak, the hotel manager, received the award from Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and dedicated it to his team for their unwavering dedication and passion.
As Vijayawada's first and only international 5-star deluxe property, the hotel is the city's top choice for business, leisure, weddings, and MICE, featuring 233 stylish rooms, exceptional dining, and versatile event spaces.
Maharashtra Govt Approves GCC Policy To Create 4 Lakh High Skilled Jobs
The Maharashtra Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, in September 2025, approved the Global Capability Centre (GCC) policy to establish the state as a leading hub of GCCs in the country leveraging its diverse industrial base, financial leadership and technological expertise.
The policy proposes to establish 400 new GCCs, create four lakh high skilled jobs by integrating industry driven curricula, fostering cutting edge research, and equipping the workforce with advanced digital and technical skills.
It aims to promote GCC-led research, foster multinational collaborations, attract high value and knowledge intensive investments, develop world class business districts and a robust digital data bank.
The policy aims to propel tier-2 and tier-3 cities such as Nashik, Nagpur and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar into the global GCC landscape, creating new economic hubs and fostering balanced technology driven growth.
The policy will remain in effect for five years (Financial Year 2029-30) from the date of notification or until the next policy comes into effect.
Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department wins Global Tourism Award 2025
The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department honoured with the Global Tourism Award 2025 for its remarkable initiatives to establish the State as one of India's most promising tourist destinations.
Tourism consultant Nishitha Goyal received the award on behalf of the department at a function held in New Delhi.
Unmesha Festival 2025: International Literature Festival
The third edition of the Unmesha International Literature Festival was held in Patna, Bihar, in September 2025, bringing together an extraordinary confluence of writers, poets, translators, publishers, and scholars. With participation from 15 countries and over 100 languages, the festival highlighted the unifying power of literature in shaping societies and fostering dialogue across cultures.
The festival concluded with the Vice-President of India, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, gracing the valedictory session as the Chief Guest, marking his first official visit to Bihar since assuming office.