Daily Current Affairs & GK Update — 20.09.2025

Key National Events

1. DBS Bank India authorised to collect GST payments

   • Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted authorisation to DBS Bank India (a wholly-owned subsidiary of DBS) to act as an Agency Bank for Goods & Services Tax (GST) payments.

   • DBS Bank India becomes the first wholly-owned foreign subsidiary to get this authority.

   • Businesses will now be able to make GST payments through its enterprise digital platform DBS IDEAL, via NEFT/RTGS, or over the counter at branches.

   • Key features: real-time transaction status, instant payment acknowledgement, downloadable payment advice, dedicated client support.

   • Relevance for exams: regulatory role of RBI, expansion of banking roles, simplification of tax compliance.

2. Foundation stone laid for PM MITRA Park in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh

   • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first PM MITRA (Pradhan Mantri Mega Integrated Textile Region & Apparel) Park in Bhainsola village, Dhar district.

   • The park spans about 2,158 acres. It is envisaged as a greenfield textile industrial township with plug-and-play units, shared infrastructure like a common effluent treatment plant, solar power unit, roads, housing for workers, especially women.

   • Investment proposals amounting to over ₹23,000 crore have already been submitted by various textile & apparel manufacturers.

   • It is a key part of the government’s 5F vision: Farm to Fibre, Fibre to Factory, Factory to Fashion, Fashion to Foreign.

   • The park aims to strengthen textile supply chains, generate employment, support farmers (cotton, silk) and boost exports.

3. Chief Economic Adviser flags banking risks due to energy transition

   • At the Indo-Pacific Economic Conclave 2025 in Kolkata, India’s Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) V. Anantha Nageswaran warned that an aggressive shutdown of thermal power plants as part of energy transition efforts might lead to “stranded assets”.

   • Stranded assets could force banks to write off loans tied to these plants, potentially resulting in undercapitalization in the banking sector.

   • He emphasized balancing clean energy goals with economic stability, noting developing countries have specific energy needs as incomes rise.

4. UP Government initiatives under health & nutrition campaigns

   • Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath announced the provision of smartphones and increased honorariumfor Anganwadi workers.

   • This was part of the state-level launch of the national campaign “Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar” along with the Rashtriya Poshan Mahotsav.

   • Over 20,000 health camps across all 75 districts are planned. Focus areas: maternal & child health, diagnostic tests for anaemia, diabetes, cancer, tuberculosis. Also, breastfeeding initiation, infant nutrition, awareness among women.

5. Bank holiday announcement

   • 20 September 2025 is a bank holiday in India.

   • Because this date falls on the third Saturday of the month, banks are closed as per standard banking holiday rules.

   • Implication: transactions requiring physical branches will not be processed; digital banking remains active.

International / Global Highlights

1. Asia Cup 2025 – India tops Group A, advances to Super 4

   • India defeated Oman by 21 runs to top Group A in Asia Cup 2025 in UAE.

   • Pakistan also advanced from Group A. Sri Lanka topped Group B.

   • The Super 4 stage will feature the best teams from both groups.

   • Notable performance: Aamir Kaleem of Oman (aged 43) hit a gritty 64 runs against India despite cramps—an example of veteran resilience.

2. “Cricket Diplomacy” strains highlighted

   • Tensions between India and Pakistan spilled onto the cricket field; customary handshakes before/after matches were skipped in their Asia Cup match.

   • Both sides expressed disappointment; media and cricket boards weighed in.

   • The incident underscores how political tensions can deeply affect sporting relations and etiquette.

3. Other sports / youth events

   • ISSO National Games 2025-26 began in Jaipur at the Jayshree Periwal International School; categories include U-19 boys’ football, U-17 boys and girls’ basketball. Over 1,000 student-athletes from 50+ schools participating.

   • Regional Equestrian League underway at Malani Equestrian Sports Academy, Jaipur (Sep 18-20) with competitions like show jumping, dressage across multiple age categories.

Other Important Facts & GK Nuggets

• World Para Athletics Championships 2025: Will be held in New Delhi from 27 September to 5 October. First time India (and South Asia) hosting it. 184 events (100 men, 83 women, 1 mixed).

• Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025: Jointly hosted by India & Sri Lanka from 30 September to 2 November. Venues include Indore, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, Indore, and Colombo.

• Asia Cup 2025 format & teams: 8 teams; full members plus qualifiers (UAE, Oman, Hong Kong). T20 International format. Super 4 stage after group stage.

Exam-Oriented Analysis & Potential Question Areas

• What is an Agency Bank under RBI regulations and which banks are permitted to collect taxes (like GST)?

• Key details of PM MITRA scheme: What is it, where are parks to be set up, its objectives, role in Make in India / 5F vision.

• Risks of energy transition for banking sector: stranded assets, impact on NPAs / capital adequacy.

• Mechanics & significance of bank holidays (third Saturday, RBI / banking regulation).

• Political sensitivity and diplomacy in sports: cases like India-Pakistan within Asia Cup.

• Major upcoming international sports events: dates, venues, host country/countries.

High-Yield GK Data (Numbers / Facts)