1. National / India Affairs
MiG-21 Jets Retired
On 26 September 2025, the Indian Air Force formally retired the iconic MiG-21 fighter jets after over six decades of service. The final ceremonial flight and decommissioning event are held at Chandigarh Air Force Station, marking the end of an era in India’s air defence capabilities.PM Inaugurates World Food India 2025
On 25 September, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated World Food India 2025, scheduled through 28 September, in New Delhi. The event brings together stakeholders across food processing, agriculture, trade, and governance.
— In tandem, the Global Food Regulators Summit (GFRS 2025) (26–27 September) is also being hosted.National Geoscience Awards to Be Conferred
The President of India will confer the National Geoscience Awards 2024 on 26 September in New Delhi. These awards recognize outstanding contributions in geosciences across various categories.UPITS 2025: Russia–India Business Dialogue
As part of Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show (UPITS 2025) in Greater Noida, a Russia–India Business Dialogue is slated on 26 September. Russia is the partner country. Discussions will cover trade, banking, insurance, technology transfer, and investment.FCRA Licence Revoked — NGO of Sonam Wangchuk
The government revoked the FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) licence of Sonam Wangchuk’s Himalayan Institute of Alternative Learning (HIAL), citing alleged violations. This move comes amid heightened scrutiny of NGOs and regulation of foreign funds.Banking & Economy Focus
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized that reforms in the banking sector have improved transparency in Non-Performing Asset (NPA) reporting.
- Govt sources claim 53 crore bank accounts have been opened in the last decade to enhance financial inclusion.
- OECD recently raised India’s 2025 GDP forecast to 6.7%, while reducing the inflation projection, pointing to improving macro dynamics under policy continuity.
2. International Affairs
US Imposes 100% Tariff on Pharma Imports
From 1 October 2025, the US will impose tariffs up to 100% on branded pharmaceutical imports, including drugs sourced from India. India, which supplies about 45% of the US generic drugs market, is expected to be significantly impacted.G20 Foreign Ministers & Jaishankar in New York
On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar urged for renewed global cooperation, peaceful resolution of conflicts, counterterrorism, and reforms in multilateral systems. He highlighted how crises like Ukraine and Gaza disproportionately impact developing nations.International Emmy Nominations (2025)
The 53rd International Emmy Awards announced its 2025 nominees, including the Indian musical biopic “Amar Singh Chamkila.” The list also features “Ludwig” (Germany) and “Rivals” (UK), showcasing diversity in global television content.
3. Economy & Banking / Business
Trade & Export Challenges
The US pharma tariff hike could stress India’s pharmaceutical exports and trade surplus. Exporters and industry bodies are monitoring responses, possibly urging retaliatory or negotiation measures.Tax & Tribunal Reform
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched the Goods and Services Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) to streamline GST appeals and reduce litigation across states.Stock Markets & Indices
Sensex and Nifty opened lower, with Sensex dropping ~344 points on 26 September. Market volatility persists amid global cues and tariff concerns.
4. Defence & Security
MiG-21 Legacy & Final Flypast
The MiG-21’s retirement highlights India’s shift toward modern air assets (LCA, Rafale, etc.). The final flypast includes aerial displays and water cannon salutes. The jet had served in conflicts from 1965, 1971 wars, to Kargil and Balakot.Border & Global Security
In New York, during the G20 FM’s meet, Jaishankar linked global peace and stability to the security of developing countries, emphasizing that regional conflicts have ripple effects worldwide.
5. Sports / Para / Events
World Para Athletics Championships 2025
India will host the 12th edition of the World Para Athletics Championships from 27 September to 5 October in New Delhi at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The event expects ~2,200 para athletes to compete in 184 events.Tamil Nadu Global Startup Summit (TNGSS) 2025
Scheduled for 9–10 October in Coimbatore, the summit will host participants from 39 countries. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will inaugurate it, aiming to promote TN as a startup & innovation hub.AP Tourism & World Tourism Day Campaign
Ahead of the Suryalanka Beach Festival (26–28 Sept) and World Tourism Day (27 Sept), Andhra Pradesh launched a youth campaign with flash mobs across cities to promote tourism & sustainability.
6. Miscellaneous & National Interest
Punjab Floods Aftermath
Earlier this year (Aug–Sept 2025), Punjab experienced one of its worst floods in decades. Over 1,400 villages were affected, ~3.5 lakh acres of farmland submerged, and tens of thousands displaced. The government continues relief, rehabilitation, and dam management efforts.Kolkata Cloudburst
On 23 September 2025, a severe cloudburst in Kolkata caused flash floods, resulting in ~11 deaths, 30+ injuries, and widespread infrastructure damage. The event forced emergency responses, utility disruptions, and urban drainage scrutiny.Bharat Forecasting System (BFS)
Launched earlier in May 2025, the high-resolution weather prediction model continues to play a role in improving forecast accuracy across India, crucial for disaster management, agriculture, and planning.
7. Practice Questions (For Revision)
Which Indian defence aircraft was formally retired on 26 September 2025?
What is the full form of FCRA, and why was it in news recently?
Where and when will the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships be held?
What major tariff change is the US implementing from 1 October 2025?
What key economic forecast did OECD update for India in 2025?
