NATIONAL NEWS

India’s First Private-Sector Helicopter Final Assembly Line (FAL)

The Tata Group, in partnership with Airbus, is launching India’s first private-sector helicopter Final Assembly Line (FAL) at Vemagal, Karnataka to manufacture the Airbus H125 helicopter.

The facility will assemble, test, and deliver both civil and military variants, addressing domestic and South Asian export markets, with deliveries expected from early 2027.

This initiative strengthens India’s civil and defence aviation capabilities and enhances its position as a global aviation hub.

The project stems from the Airbus–Tata agreement announced in January 2024 during the Republic Day visit of French President Emmanuel Macron and is Airbus’ second major manufacturing venture in India after the C295 military aircraft facility in Vadodara, Gujarat.

The H125 helicopter, a member of Airbus’ Ecureuil family with over 40 million flight hours globally, holds the record as the only helicopter to land on Mount Everest.

It is used worldwide for civil, para-public, and military operations.

In India, it will serve tourism, emergency medical services, VIP transport, defence operations in high-altitude areas, and exports to South Asian nations.

According to Airbus India President Jürgen Westermeier, the ‘Made in India’ helicopter will boost the civil helicopter market, support Indian Armed Forces’ H125M variant with indigenous components, and encourage private sector aerospace manufacturing, reducing import dependence.

Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) will handle assembly, integration of mechanical and electrical systems, structural manufacturing, component testing, and final flight tests before delivery.

This project is expected to catalyse India’s civil helicopter market, addressing policy and cost barriers.

India to Enforce Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) for Electric Vehicles

The Government of India (GoI) will mandate Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) in all Electric Vehicles (EVs) from October 1, 2027 to enhance pedestrian safety.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed the rule for electric cars, buses, and trucks.

AVAS emits artificial sounds to alert pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users, addressing the near-silent operation of EVs.

Systems must comply with Automotive Industry Standard (AIS)-173 for uniform sound audibility.

Covered vehicles include Category M vehicles (passenger cars and buses) and Category N vehicles (trucks and goods carriers).

It enhances road safety, aligns India with global EV safety norms, and increases public confidence in EV adoption.

Standardising sounds without contributing to urban noise pollution, managing implementation costs, and creating public awareness.

Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH); Standard: AIS-173.

Balod Declared India’s First Child Marriage-Free District

Balod district, Chhattisgarh, officially recognised as India’s first child marriage-free district under the “Child Marriage Free India” campaign launched on 27 August 2024.

Zero cases reported over the past two years; all 436 gram panchayats and 9 urban bodies certified after verification.

Community involvement from panchayats, Anganwadi workers, and local families ensured awareness and compliance.

Government Recognition: CM Vishnu Deo Sai announced the goal to make Chhattisgarh child marriage-free by 2028-29; WCD Minister Laxmi Rajwade emphasised the role of society-government collaboration.

Expansion & Support: On PM Modi’s 75th birthday, 75 gram panchayats in Surajpur were also declared child marriage-free. UNICEF provided technical support, awareness programs, and monitoring.

Sets a national benchmark for social reform, demonstrates effective grassroots and government cooperation, and strengthens the pathway for a child marriage-free Chhattisgarh.

 

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Telugu Language Day 2025 Celebrated in Saudi Arabia

Telugu Language Day 2025 was celebrated in Saudi Arabia through a P4 model awareness programme, uniting over 2,000 attendees including Non- Resident Indians (NRIs) to promote culture and social empowerment.

The event was organised by the Saudi Arabia Telugu Association (SATA) in collaboration with the TDP NRI Committee.

The programme focused on the P4 model (Public–Private–People Partnership), promoted by the Andhra Pradesh Government, highlighting social and economic empowerment initiatives.

Kondapalli Srinivas, Minister for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) and Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP), addressed the gathering virtually, emphasizing Andhra Pradesh’s vision of achieving “zero poverty by 2047”.

More than 100 NRIs pledged support for vulnerable families. Key contributors included Dr. Vemuri Ravi and Dr. P. Krishnamohan.

 

BANKING

SBI Foundation Launches SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship 2025

SBI Foundation, the CSR arm of State Bank of India (SBI), has launched the SBI Platinum Jubilee Asha Scholarship 2025 with a commitment of ₹90 crore in FY26.

The scholarship, instituted in 2022, will empower 23,230 meritorious students from humble and underprivileged backgrounds across India, making higher education accessible.

The program covers students from Class 9 up to postgraduate programmes, offering financial assistance ranging from ₹15,000 to ₹20,00,000 annually per student till course completion.

Tata AIG Joins Star Health, Niva Bupa, and Care Health in Suspending Cashless Facilities at Max Hospitals

Tata AIG became the fourth health insurer to suspend cashless facilities at Max Hospitals, following Star Health, Niva Bupa, and Care Health.

Star Health and Niva Bupa had suspended cashless facilities for all 22 Max Hospitals nationwide, while CARE Health had limited suspension to Max Hospitals in Delhi NCR.

Max Healthcare and Tata AIG General Insurance had earlier negotiated and signed a two-year tariff agreement effective 16 January 2025 to 15 January 2027.

In July 2025, Tata AIG unexpectedly requested a meeting demanding further rate reductions.

Tata AIG General Insurance Company is a joint venture between the Tata Group (51%) and American International Group (AIG) (49%).

Axis Bank Partners with Freecharge

Axis Bank, in collaboration with Freecharge, has introduced India’s first gold-backed credit line accessible through UPI, designed for MSMEs, self-employed individuals, and merchants.

The product allows customers to leverage gold holdings for instant, flexible credit and digital overdraft facilities.

Interest is charged only on the amount used, not the full sanctioned limit.

Payments and repayments can be made in real-time via UPI or Freecharge, eliminating the need to visit a bank branch after onboarding.

The initiative simplifies working capital access, business growth financing, and urgent liquidity needs.

The launch follows NPCI guidelines supporting credit lines on UPI, expanding the reach and efficiency of digital lending in India.

The product aligns with RBI’s vision to enhance digital credit access and financial inclusion.

State Bank of India Tops Debit Card Market with 24% Share as of August 2025

The State Bank of India (SBI) leads the debit card market with a 24% share as of August 2025.

Bank of Baroda (BoB) holds 9%, while Canara Bank, Union Bank, and HDFC Bank have 6% each.

Axis Bank and Punjab National Bank (PNB) each hold 4% of the debit card market.

HDFC Bank dominates the credit card market with a 22% share, followed by SBI Card (19%), ICICI Bank (16%), and Axis Bank (14%).

Axis Bank and HDFC Bank showed the highest YoY growth in debit cards at around 11–12% and 7–8%, respectively.

SBI reversed its earlier decline with a 5% YoY increase in debit cards.

Overall card transaction volumes in India have grown rapidly, with debit card usage recording a CAGR of 20% and credit card usage a CAGR of 19% over the past four years.

 

DEFENCE

Indian Navy, Army Conclude Joint Amphibious Exercise ‘Jal Prahar 2025’

The Indian Navy successfully concluded its biannual joint amphibious exercise ‘Jal Prahar 2025’ in coordination with the Indian Army along the eastern seaboard.

The exercise was conducted in two phases to validate inter-service synergy, operational planning, and amphibious warfare capabilities.

The Harbour Phase was held from September 16–20, 2025 at Visakhapatnam, focusing on onboarding Army troops onto INS Gharial, along with training, safety briefings, sports, and interaction sessions.

The Sea Phase was conducted from September 21–23, 2025 at Kakinada, involving live amphibious operations, including hard beaching, deployment of Landing Craft Assault (LCAs), and BMP infantry fighting vehicles.

 

AWARDS & PRIZES

Global Tourism Award 2025

The Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department won the Global Tourism Award 2025 for its outstanding initiatives in promoting Andhra Pradesh as a top tourist destination.

The award was received by tourism consultant Nishitha Goyal at a ceremony in New Delhi.

It was recognised for efforts in sustainable tourism, heritage conservation, and cultural promotion.

Key achievements include:

Development of new tourism circuits showcasing heritage and natural attractions.

Promotion of eco-friendly and community-based tourism projects.

Implementation of digital tourism campaigns targeting global audiences.

Showcasing cultural festivals, crafts, and spiritual heritage internationally.

State vision for tourism includes infrastructure upgrades, public-private partnerships (PPP), skill development for youth, and smart tourism technology (AI guides, digital ticketing, VR experiences).

The award is expected to boost international tourist arrivals, attract foreign investment, strengthen state branding, and create local employment opportunities.

Tamil Nadu Scientist Award (TANSA) 2022

Dr. R. Arthur James, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Marine Science, Bharathidasan University (BDU), received the Tamil Nadu Scientist Award (TANSA) 2022 in Environmental Science.

Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology (TANSA), one of the highest recognitions for scientists in the state.

Award celebrates outstanding contributions in environmental science, focusing on marine research and sustainable environmental practices.

It is presented annually to scientists demonstrating excellence across disciplines.

It aims to inspire innovation, research, and problem-solving, and encourage young researchers to pursue impactful scientific work.

The award includes cash prize of ₹50,000 and a citation.

 

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Secretary of Department of Commerce

Shri Rajesh Agrawal, IAS (1994 Batch) has assumed charge as Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry in New Delhi.

He is an accomplished administrator with 30 years of experience in governance, policy making, and implementation across skilling, HR development, apprenticeship, power, fertilizer, agriculture, and MSMEs.

He played a key role in shaping India’s skill development policies and represented India at the World Skills Governing Council for three years.

He has also steered reforms in Manipur, Jharkhand, and Bihar.

Prior to this, he was responsible for India’s trade negotiations under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).

He served as Chief Negotiator for India–US Bilateral Trade Agreement, Indo-Pacific Economic Forum, India–Australia CECA, and ASEAN FTA review.

 

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Animal Day

World Animal Day is celebrated on 4th October of every year.

This day is observed to raise awareness about the welfare standards of the animals.

The theme for World Animal Day 2025 is "Save Animals, Save the Planet!".

World Animal Day was first organized by Heinrich Zimmermann, the German Writer on March 24, 1925, in Berlin.

More than five thousand people attended this event.

Later the event of World Animal Day was moved to October 4 in the year of 1929.

Every year Zimmermann worked hard for the promotion of World Animal Day.

In May 1931, the International Animal Protection Congress in Florence, Italy, adopted a resolution accepted his proposal, and announced the 4th October as World Animal Day.

The Finnish Association of Animal Protection Associations (SEY) organized various events on Animal Week and distributed material to the schools.