Daily Current Affairs – 26-09-2025
Important Days
World Environmental Health Day - September 26
World Environmental Health Day, observed on September 26, is an initiative by the International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH) to raise awareness about critical issues affecting environmental health worldwide. This day focuses on how environmental factors impact human health, covering topics such as air and water quality, waste management, climate change, and food safety. Each year features a specific theme to highlight a particular aspect of environmental health, encouraging governments, organizations, and individuals to take action to protect and improve the environments in which people live and work, thereby safeguarding public health.
European Day of Languages - September 26
The European Day of Languages, celebrated annually on September 26, promotes linguistic diversity and encourages language learning across Europe. Organized by the Council of Europe and the European Union, the day aims to highlight the rich linguistic and cultural heritage of the continent and underscore the benefits of learning languages for personal development, intercultural understanding, and professional opportunities. Various events are organized to encourage people of all ages to learn new languages, appreciate different cultures, and recognize the importance of preserving all languages, including lesser-used ones.
International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons - September 26
The International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons is observed annually to highlight the urgent need for a nuclear-weapon-free world. The United Nations General Assembly established this day to mobilize international efforts towards achieving nuclear disarmament. It serves as a platform to raise public awareness about the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons and to advocate for their complete prohibition and elimination. This day reiterates the international community's commitment to global peace and security by emphasizing that as long as nuclear weapons exist, the risk of their use, whether by accident or design, remains a serious threat to humanity.
Tamil Nadu News
India’s Palk Bay Dugong Reserve Receives Global Acclaim
India's first Dugong Conservation Reserve in Palk Bay has earned significant global recognition after the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) formally adopted a motion acknowledging it. This decision, backed by 98% of governments and 94.8% of NGOs, research institutions, and other organizations, underscores the international community's endorsement of India's marine conservation efforts. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin lauded the global acknowledgment and the efforts of the Tamil Nadu Forest Department and its partners. Established on September 21, 2022, under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the reserve spans 448.34 sq. km in northern Palk Bay, encompassing crucial seagrass meadows—vital feeding grounds for dugongs, a species listed as 'Vulnerable to Extinction' on the IUCN Red List. The IUCN resolution highlighted threats from habitat degradation, destructive fishing, and climate change, while also praising innovative restoration techniques like using bamboo and coconut rope frames for seagrass rehabilitation. The initiative, integrating scientific methods with community participation, is seen as a model for South Asia, with calls for international collaboration to strengthen monitoring, build capacity for sustainable fisheries, and share knowledge for dugong conservation globally.
Global Startup Conference App Launched in Coimbatore
The 'TN Startup' mobile application for the Global Startup Conference, to be held in Coimbatore on October 9 and 10, was launched by Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) T.M. Anbarasan. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will inaugurate the two-day conference. The event will host 264 delegates from 39 countries, leading Indian startups, 10 central and 10 state government departments, and 15 departments collaborating with startups in Tamil Nadu. The conference will feature an exhibition with over 750 startup products and student innovations, more than 100 investor meetings, and over 315 events across various venues.
Environment News
Vithal Health and Serum Institute Partner for Free HPV Vaccination
Vithal Health, India's second-largest Third-Party Administrator (TPA), has partnered with Serum Institute of India, the world's largest vaccine manufacturer, to offer free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination services for cervical cancer prevention and awareness. Starting October 1, these services will be accessible free of charge through Vithal Health, making it the first TPA to provide such an initiative. The agreement also covers digital processing of all insurance benefits, from initial registration for doctor's appointments at preferred locations to notification and certification.
India’s First Dugong Conservation Reserve Gains Global Recognition
Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister M.K. Stalin applauded the global recognition received by India's first Dugong Conservation Reserve, located in the Palk Bay region across Thanjavur and Pudukkottai districts. This pioneering conservation effort by the Tamil Nadu government was lauded through a resolution passed via an online vote, preceding an environmental conference in Abu Dhabi.
National News
Bihar Launches ₹7,500 Crore Scheme: ₹10,000 Each for 75 Lakh Women for Self-Employment
On Friday (September 25), Prime Minister Modi is set to launch a new ₹7,500 crore scheme by the Bihar state government, providing ₹10,000 each to 75 lakh women for self-employment. This 'Chief Minister's Women's Employment Scheme' aims to empower women from low-income households and make them self-reliant. The initial ₹10,000 financial aid, which does not require repayment, will be directly deposited into beneficiaries' bank accounts and can be used for starting businesses or other livelihood activities. Successful entrepreneurs will be eligible for further subsidy assistance of up to ₹2 lakh. This significant scheme is being launched ahead of the Assembly elections scheduled for the end of this year in Bihar.
Indian Air Force to Acquire 97 Tejas Mk-1A Jets for ₹62,370 Crore
The Indian government has finalized a ₹62,370 crore agreement with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the procurement of 97 Tejas Mk-1A aircraft for the Indian Air Force. This mega deal, approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will see deliveries commence from the 2027-28 financial year. The Tejas Mk-1A will feature 64% indigenous components, including 67 newly manufactured Indian parts, and will be entirely built in India. Equipped with 'Swayam Raksha' stealth technology to counter enemy radar and upgraded control systems, these aircraft will replace the retiring MiG-21s. This is HAL's largest contract from the Central government and is expected to generate 11,750 direct and indirect jobs annually for six years, boosting the domestic aerospace manufacturing sector.
India Successfully Test-Fires Agni-Prime Missile from Rail Launcher
India successfully test-fired the 'Agni-Prime' missile, capable of striking targets up to 2,000 km away, from a rail launcher. This marks the first time such a test has been conducted to validate the missile's ability to be launched from any part of the country, thereby joining a select group of nations with this strategic capability. Designed with fully indigenous launch systems, advanced communication technology, and safety procedures, the road-mobile Agni-Prime launch system has now been integrated into the armed forces. The Agni series are nuclear-capable long-range missiles, and Agni-Prime is an enhanced version with improved features.
D. Raja Re-elected as CPI General Secretary
Senior leader D. Raja (76) has been re-elected as the National General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (CPI) during the 25th National Congress of the party held in Bakrip and Sansari (Haryana) from September 21–25, 2025.
🔹 The conference marked the 100th year of CPI’s formation and saw participation of over 800 delegates across India.
🔹 Despite the party’s internal debate on age limit (75 years) for leadership posts, Raja was unanimously re-elected considering his experience, leadership, and support base.
🔹 Raja first became General Secretary in 2019, becoming the first Dalit leader to hold this position.
The conference also:
Elected an 11-member National Executive (including Amardeep Kaur & Girish Sansa) and a 31-member National Administrative Committee.
Condemned arrests under UAPA & POTA, demanding release of political leaders, student leaders, and activists.
Passed a resolution to intensify CPI’s struggle against BJP-RSS.
Resolved to strengthen Left and secular alliances in upcoming Assembly elections in Bihar, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.
Economy News
RBI Introduces New Digital Transaction Rules for Enhanced User Verification from April 1
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced new regulations for digital transactions, effective April 1 next year, allowing for additional authentication to verify user identities. India is among the countries mandating two-factor authentication for digital payments. The new rules aim to establish a uniform, transparent, and clear process. Permissible authentication methods include one-time passwords, passphrases, fingerprints, or other biometric records. The 'Digilocker' platform will be utilized for providing transaction information and verification. The RBI also stipulated that financial institutions must provide compensation without hesitation for any losses incurred if these guidelines are not followed.
Indian Air Force Retires Last MiG-21 Fighter Jet After Six Decades
After over 60 years of service, the last Russian-made MiG-21 fighter jet in the Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to be fully retired. A ceremony will be held on Friday (September 26) at the Chandigarh Air Force Station, marking the retirement of the last MiG-21 from the 23rd 'Swifts' squadron. Dignitaries including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan, Army Chief Upendra Dwivedi, Air Chief Amar Preet Singh, and Navy Chief Dinesh K. Tripathi will attend, with Air Chief Amar Preet Singh flying the last MiG-21. The IAF had acquired over 870 MiG-21s, which played crucial roles in the 1965 and 1971 wars against Pakistan, the 1999 Kargil War, and the 2019 Balakot airstrikes. However, the aircraft also faced numerous accidents, raising significant safety concerns.
States’ News
Telangana to Implement Breakfast Scheme
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy announced that the Breakfast Scheme, which is successfully running in Tamil Nadu, will be implemented in Telangana from the next academic year (2026-27).
Speaking at the “Tamil Nadu Excels in Education” awards ceremony in Chennai, he praised Tamil Nadu’s educational legacy, highlighting leaders like Kamarajar, Anna, and Karunanidhi who shaped Tamil Nadu’s reputation as the state with the best education system in India. He also lauded Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and Deputy CM Udhayanidhi for carrying forward welfare and educational schemes effectively.
Revanth Reddy pointed out that schemes like Pudhumai Penn, Tamizh Penn, and Naan Mudhalvan should be implemented nationwide. Among these, the Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme was described as an “exceptional initiative” that ensures children of daily wage laborers receive nutritious breakfast.
He further added that Telangana is also committed to social justice, citing the 69% reservation for SC, ST, and BC communities in local body elections.
Regarding education and sports, he mentioned that 1.10 lakh engineering graduates emerge annually from Telangana, supported through the Youth India Scheme for employment. He also emphasized the need to set up sports academies and expressed readiness to collaborate with Tamil Nadu so that students from both states can aim for Olympic gold medals.