Daily Current Affairs Briefing: September 21, 2025
This daily briefing provides a concise and objective summary of the most significant national and international events from September 21, 2025. The content is structured to aid students preparing for competitive examinations, focusing on key developments across politics, economy, science, sports, and other important domains.
Top Stories
India: PM Modi Addresses Nation on Eve of GST 2.0 Rollout
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on Sunday, welcoming what he termed as “next-generation reforms” in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime. The address came a day before the new GST rates, decided by the GST Council, were set to take effect. PM Modi hailed the changes as a “GST Savings Festival” that would accelerate India’s growth, attract more investment, and benefit citizens by making everyday items cheaper.
International: Canada and UK Recognize Palestinian State
In a significant diplomatic move, Canada and the United Kingdom formally recognized the state of Palestine on Sunday, joining a growing number of nations to do so. This decision comes ahead of a high-stakes United Nations summit aimed at ending the decades-long conflict. While the move puts pressure on Israel, both the United States and Israel have rejected the two-state solution, with some groups accusing the recognizing countries of “rewarding terrorism.”
National Affairs
GST Rate Cuts to Kick In on September 22
The new two-rate GST regime is set to be rolled out, with the GST Council having decided to largely retain only the 5% and 18% tax slabs. This reform will see most items previously taxed at 12% and 28% moved to lower rates, with a special 40% rate retained for a limited number of luxury and “sin” goods. The changes, which will make many household goods and services cheaper, have been praised by the government as a boon for consumers and small businesses.
Election Commission of India Prepares for Voter List Revision
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has instructed State election officers to be prepared for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists by September 30. This directive indicates that the voter list clean-up exercise could begin as early as October or November. The move is aimed at updating and purifying electoral rolls ahead of upcoming elections.
Centre Not Imposing Any Language: Dharmendra Pradhan
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday reiterated that the central government is not imposing any language on any state. He called claims to the contrary “politically motivated.” His statement addresses ongoing concerns and debates regarding the three-language policy in India.
Tamil Nadu to Issue Identity Cards to Women SHG Members
Tamil Nadu has become the first state in India to issue identity cards to members of Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs). The initiative, launched by Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin, is part of a series of linked schemes to empower women. The state already has schemes like the Magalir Urimai Thogai Scheme, which provides monthly financial assistance to eligible women.
International Affairs
Nepal Airlines to Start Direct Flights to Guangzhou
Nepal’s national carrier, Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC), announced on Sunday that it will commence direct flights from Kathmandu to Guangzhou, China, beginning Thursday, September 25, 2025. All preparations have been completed for the new route, which aims to boost tourism and economic ties between the two countries.
Cyberattack Disrupts European Airports
A cyberattack targeting a service provider for airport check-in and boarding systems has caused widespread disruption at several major European airports. Operations at London’s Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin airports were affected, leading to numerous flight delays and cancellations. Authorities are investigating the source of the attack.
US House Members Visit China Amidst Trade Tensions
A delegation of US House members made a rare visit to China, a move that comes amidst escalating trade and technology tensions between the two global powers. The visit aims to thaw relations and address critical issues such as trade disputes and the future of the popular social media platform TikTok. The outcome of the visit is being closely monitored by political and economic analysts.
Economy & Business
PM Modi Calls for ‘Swadeshi’ Movement
In his address on the GST reforms, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to embrace a “Swadeshi mantra” by purchasing goods “Made in India.” He stated that just as the Swadeshi movement fueled India’s independence struggle, it will also drive the country’s economic prosperity and self-reliance. He called upon state governments to create a conducive atmosphere for investments to support domestic manufacturing.
MSMEs to Lead India’s Economic Rise: PM Modi
Prime Minister Modi underscored the pivotal role of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India’s economic revival. He stated that the revised GST tax structure would greatly benefit the sector by easing financial and procedural burdens, which in turn would increase their sales and reduce their tax liability. The Prime Minister urged MSMEs to reclaim their legacy and align with the country’s self-reliance goals.
Indus Appstore Crosses 100 Million Devices
Indus Appstore, the Android app marketplace launched by PhonePe, has announced that it has crossed 100 million devices in India. A notable feature of the app store is its localization, which allows users to discover apps in 12 Indian languages. The company reports that approximately 40% of its users browse the store in regional languages, with Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, and Gujarati being the most popular.
Science & Technology
Indian Scientists Contribute to International Research
Despite contributing a relatively small percentage of highly-cited scientific papers and top global researchers, India is making strides in key technological areas. The government is focusing on building a more robust research ecosystem through initiatives like the Anusandhan National Research Foundation and an R&D Innovation Fund. These efforts aim to boost India’s scientific output and foster innovation.
New Discovery About Ghost Sharks
Scientists have made a fascinating discovery about ghost sharks, which are ancient, deep-sea relatives of sharks and rays. Researchers have found that male ghost sharks possess tooth-studded rods on their foreheads, which are used for mating. This new finding, based on fossil and genetic evidence, provides a deeper understanding of these mysterious creatures.
Webb Telescope Reveals New Secrets of Saturn
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has made a new, astonishing discovery in Saturn’s atmosphere. Using the telescope, scientists have uncovered bizarre atmospheric structures, including drifting waves and intricate patterns that were previously unobserved. The data is expected to help scientists better understand the gas giant’s atmospheric dynamics.
Government Schemes and Policies
Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules Finalized
Union Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced that the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) rules have been finalized and will be notified by the end of September 2025. This move is aimed at giving citizens stronger control over their personal data, while also positioning India to shape global norms on AI safety, ethics, and innovation. 1
7. Sports
Heartbreak for Satwik-Chirag at China Masters
India’s top men’s doubles badminton duo, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, suffered a defeat in the final of the China Masters Super 750 tournament. They went down in straight games to the world No. 1 Korean pair, Kim Won Ho and Seo Seung Jae, in a gripping final match, marking another heartbreak for the Indian pair.
Mithun Manhas Set to Become New BCCI President
Former Delhi skipper Mithun Manhas is reportedly set to become the new president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). With the deadline for filing nominations closing on Sunday, Manhas’s name has emerged as the only one for the top post, which has been vacant since Roger Binny stepped down in August.
Lionel Messi Extends Contract with Inter Miami
Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi has reportedly extended his contract with Inter Miami through 2026. The news comes after a strong performance in a Major League Soccer match, where Messi played a direct role in all three goals, securing a 3-2 victory for his team. He now has 22 goals this season, putting him in the lead for the Golden Boot Award.
8. Appointments
IMF Proposes Daniel Katz as New Number Two Leader
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Chief has proposed Daniel Katz as the new number two leader of the organization. The appointment, if confirmed, would place Katz in a key leadership position at the global financial institution, where he would assist in shaping economic policies and managing global financial stability.
9. Important Summits and Conferences
10. Awards, Honors, and Recognition
Ballon d’Or 2025 Ceremony Set for September 22
The 69th Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled to take place on Monday, September 22, 2025, in Paris. The prestigious event will not only crown the best male and female footballers of the season but will also feature new categories, including the Women’s Yashin Trophy, Women’s Gerd Müller Trophy, and Women’s Kopa Trophy. The men’s race is a duel between Ousmane Dembélé and Lamine Yamal.
Times Power Creator Awards 2025 Honors Culinary Storytellers
The Power Creator Awards 2025, in its debut indulgence-themed edition, honored India’s leading food creators and vloggers. Held on September 17, 2025, the event celebrated culinary storytelling and creativity. Legendary food critic Pushpesh Pant was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award, while 87-year-old Vijay Nishchal received the Timeless Culinary Creator Award.
11. Abbreviations
DDLP – Digital Data and Privacy Law
In the context of new digital regulations, the term DDLP is emerging as an abbreviation for Digital Data and Privacy Law. This abbreviation refers to the legal framework that is being developed to regulate the collection, processing, and storage of personal data. It is a critical component of ensuring online privacy and security.
12. Important Days & Themes
International Day of Peace
Observed annually on September 21, the International Day of Peace is a global day for non-violence and ceasefire. The 2025 theme, “Act Now for a Peaceful World,” urges individuals and communities to take concrete action to promote peace and understanding. The day encourages everyone to speak up against violence and to embrace the diversity of the world.
World Alzheimer’s Day
Also observed on September 21, World Alzheimer’s Day aims to raise awareness and challenge the stigma surrounding Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The 2025 theme, “Ask About Dementia,” encourages people to seek information and support for those affected by the condition. The day highlights the need for greater understanding and research into this brain disorder.
13. Quick Takes
- India’s electronic goods exports have increased significantly, rising from USD 2.32 billion in August 2024 to USD 2.93 billion in August 2025, a 26% growth.
- Oil India has created a new subsidiary, OIL Green Energy Limited (OGEL), which will focus on green energy projects, including solar and wind power, compressed biogas, and green hydrogen development.
- India’s wheat production forecast for 2025 is estimated at about 117 MT, a positive sign for food security.
References:
- The Hindu: Top News of the Day
- The Hindu: New GST rates LIVE
- SciTechDaily: Science, Space and Technology News
- UNI: MSMEs must once again lead India’s economic rise
- Times of India: Ballon d’Or 2025
- UN.org: International Day of Peace
- Al Jazeera: Business and Economy
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