NATIONAL NEWS

Maharashtra Cabinet Approves Amendments to Labour Laws

The Maharashtra Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, approved amendments to labour laws to increase daily working hours for private sector employees.

The decision aligns Maharashtra with Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and Tripura, which have already implemented similar reforms.

Under the Factories Act, 1948, daily work hours increased from 9 to 12 hours, rest breaks allowed after 6 hours (earlier 5), overtime cap raised from 115 to 144 hours per quarter with mandatory written consent, and weekly work hours extended from 10.5 to 12 hours.

Under the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2017, daily work hours increased from 9 to 10 hours, overtime limit raised from 125 to 144 hours per quarter, emergency duty hours extended up to 12 hours, applicable to establishments with 20 or more workers, while small establishments with less than 20 workers only need to notify authorities instead of registration.

Workers’ rights are safeguarded as overtime wages will be paid at double rates and written consent is mandatory for extended hours.

The move is expected to attract investment, generate employment, improve ease of doing business, and create a more inclusive work environment, particularly for women workers.

Chhattisgarh Achieves 30,000 Megawatt Power Capacity

Chhattisgarh, formed in 2000, has grown from 1,400 Megawatts (MW) to 30,000 MW of electricity in 2025, making it one of India’s leading power hubs.

Upcoming investment commitments worth ₹3 lakh crore are expected to add another 30,000 MW, taking the capacity to 60,000 MW.

The state has become a key electricity supplier to neighbouring states, ensuring steady revenue and strengthening India’s energy security.

A 1,320 MW power plant was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to boost power infrastructure.

A joint headquarters for state-run power companies is being constructed in Nava Raipur Atal Nagar to improve efficiency.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai visited Japan and South Korea to attract global investment and adopt best practices.

Under the new industrial policy, MoUs worth ₹3 lakh crore have been signed for renewable and thermal projects, creating jobs and industrial growth.

The Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana is expanding solar power access in rural and remote regions.

Meghalaya Unveils Autumn Calendar 2025

The State of Meghalaya unveiled its Autumn Calendar 2025, an initiative by the Department of Tourism to highlight cultural vibrancy and boost local livelihoods.

The calendar aims to position Meghalaya as a premier destination for tourism, culture, and entertainment with global artists, international sporting events, and daily music performances.

Major attractions include the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project (daily showcase of local talent), Cherry Blossom Festival (featuring global headliners), International Kayaking Events, Motorsport Competitions, and Literary Dialogues with Sustainable Tourism Showcases.

The calendar will provide a boost to the local economy through tourism, handicrafts, and hospitality services.

Grassroots music initiatives will promote local talent, giving young artists a platform to perform alongside global names.

Participation of international artists and athletes will provide global exposure, strengthening Meghalaya’s image as a global cultural hub.

The calendar supports the state’s vision to attract domestic and international tourists, showcase natural beauty, music, and traditions, and create a sustainable tourism model benefiting local communities while preserving the environment.

 

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

India and Japan Sign Pact to Jointly Explore Moon’s South Pole Under Chandrayaan-5 Mission

India and Japan have signed an implementing arrangement to jointly explore the Moon’s south pole as part of the Chandrayaan-5 mission.

The agreement was signed between the space agencies of both nations, ISRO and JAXA, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Japan.

The mission, also referred to as the Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) Mission, aims to study volatile materials, including water, on the lunar surface.

The launch will be carried out using JAXA’s H3-24L rocket, which will carry an Indian-built lander and a Japan-made rover.

PM Modi emphasized the importance of G2G (Government-to-Government) collaboration, which fosters cooperation between industries and start-ups in the space sector.

Chandrayaan-5/LUPEX is a part of India’s long-term lunar roadmap, which has a target of landing Indian astronauts on the Moon by 2040.       

 

BANKING

BoB Unveils bob Digi Udyam

Bank of Baroda (BoB) has launched bob Digi Udyam, a digital, collateral-free lending platform for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs).

The platform provides working capital loans ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh.

This initiative is aligned with the Union Budget 2024–25 announcement for in-house MSME credit assessment by public sector banks.

It uses the digital footprint of MSEs for a faster credit assessment.

The platform offers Cash Credit and Overdraft facilities with a 12-month tenure.

No collateral is required for these loans, as they are covered under the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE).

Karnataka Grameena Bank Adopts Common Logo for 11 Amalgamated Regional Rural Banks

Karnataka Grameena Bank (KGB), headquartered in Ballari, has adopted a common logo designed for all 11 amalgamated Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) in India.

The new logo was unveiled by KGB Chairman Shreekant M. Bhandiwad in Ballari.

Under the ‘One State, One RRB’ concept, two RRBs in Karnataka were amalgamated to form KGB, effective May 1, 2025.

KGB operates 1,750 branches and manages business worth ₹1,03,451 crore.

The logo symbolizes progress, growth, nurturing, and care.

Dark blue in the logo represents finance and trust, while dark green represents life and growth.

NSE and BSE Penalise Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited

Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL), a state-run telecom firm, was penalised by NSE and BSE for non-compliance with Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) board composition norms.

Both exchanges imposed a fine of ₹6.73 lakh each on the company.

The non-compliance included the improper constitution of the Nomination & Remuneration Committee, Stakeholder Relationship Committee, and Risk Management Committee.

MTNL is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), headquartered in New Delhi.

BharatPe, Collaborated with Unity Small Finance Bank

BharatPe has launched the Unity Bank BharatPe Credit Card in partnership with Unity Small Finance Bank (Unity Bank).

The credit card provides flexible EMI options of up to 12 months for managing big-ticket purchases.

Offered on the NPCI RuPay network, the card can be linked to UPI for secure and convenient merchant payments.

Unity Small Finance Bank (SFB) began its operations on November 1, 2021, after receiving its RBI license in October 2021.

Unity Bank is the 12th Small Finance Bank in India.

 

DEFENCE

INS Trikand Docks at Alexandria, Egypt

INS Trikand, an Indian Naval stealth frigate, called at Alexandria, Egypt on September 1, 2025, during its deployment to the Mediterranean Sea.

The ship will participate in Exercise Bright Star 2025, which is being hosted by Egypt from September 1 to 10, 2025.

Bright Star 2025 is a multilateral exercise conducted under the US Central Command, covering air, land, and sea domains to strengthen regional security and cooperation.

Indian Army and Indian Air Force contingents will also participate in the exercise, making it a tri-service event for India.

Apart from India, USA, and Egypt, other participating countries include Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Greece, Cyprus, and Italy.

 

RANKS, INDICES & REPORTS

National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 Released

The 10th edition of NIRF Rankings 2025 was released by the Ministry of Education in New Delhi.

Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IIT-Madras) secured 1st position in the Overall category for the 7th consecutive year, followed by Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru (2nd) and IIT-Mumbai (3rd).

IIT-Madras also ranked 1st in Innovation and 1st in Engineering, with IIT-Delhi placed second.

IISc Bengaluru was adjudged the Best University and the Best Research Institution, followed by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi (2nd) and Manipal Academy of Higher Education (3rd).

National Law School of India, Bengaluru emerged as the Best Law College.

AIIMS, Delhi ranked as the Best Medical and Dental College.

Indian Agriculture Research Institute, Delhi ranked as the Best Agriculture Institute.

Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad ranked 1st in Management, followed by IIM-Bangalore (2nd) and IIM-Kozhikode (3rd).

Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi was the Best in Pharmacy, followed by BITS Pilani (2nd) and Punjab University, Chandigarh (3rd).

IIT-Roorkee topped in Architecture and Planning, followed by NIT Kozhikode (2nd) and IIT-Kharagpur (3rd).

Top Colleges: Hindu College (1st), Miranda House (2nd), Hansraj College (3rd).

State Public Universities: Jadavpur University, Kolkata (1st), Anna University, Chennai (2nd).

Open Universities: Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), Delhi.

Skill Universities: Symbiosis Skills and Professional University.

New Category – Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): IIT-Madras ranked 1st.

 

IMPORTANT DAYS

National Teachers Day

In India, every year 5th of September is celebrated as National Teachers Day to contribute to our teachers.

Fifth September is the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarevepalli Radhakrishnan, the former president of India who was a well-known Teacher, Scholar, and Philosopher.

In India, the President, Dr. Sarevepalli Radhakrishnan’s birthday is celebrated as Teacher's Day. He was one of the greatest teachers and very popular among the students.

On his birthday his students and friends asked to celebrate it grandly. For that, he replied instead of celebrating in a grand manner he wanted to observe his birthday as a Teachers day.

Since 1962 every year 5th of September is celebrated as National Teachers Day in India.

As the common adage goes, the future of a country lies in the hands of its children, and teachers, as mentors, can mould students into future leaders who shape the destiny of India.

International Day of Charity

In 2012, the United Nations General Assembly declared the International Day of Charity was observed on the 5th of September.

They declared September 5 as an International Day of Charity in order to remember the death anniversary of Mother Theresa who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in 1979.

This day was constructed by a Hungarian civil society with the support of the Hungarian government.

On 17 December 2012, the UN General Assembly declared the 5th of September as the International Day of Charity.

To honour the tireless work of Mother Thersa for charity, her death anniversary is celebrated as the International Day of Charity.