National

On 29 September 2025, India and Bhutan agreed to establish their first-ever cross-border railway projects, with a total investment of ₹4,033 crore, fully funded by India.

The projects include the 69 km Kokrajhar–Gelephu line costing ₹3,456 crore and the 20 km Banarhat–Samtse line costing ₹577 crore. The rail links will connect Bhutanese cities Gelephu and Samtse to India’s railway network at Kokrajhar (Assam) and Banarhat (West Bengal).

The initiative follows an MoU signed during PM Modi’s visit to Bhutan last year. Officials emphasized that the projects reflect the deep trust, cultural ties, and developmental partnership between India and Bhutan, with India being Bhutan’s largest trading partner and key contributor to its modernization.

On 26 September 2025, the Indian Air Force retired the MiG-21 after six decades of service, marking the end of an era. The farewell ceremony at Chandigarh Air Base was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, CDS General Anil Chauhan, and IAF Chief Air Marshal AP Singh.

Highlights included:

• Ceremonial flypast and aerial combat display with Jaguars.
• Akash Ganga paratroopers saluting from 8,000 feet.
• Historical note: The MiG-21 was first inducted in 1963, led by Wing Commander Dilbagh Singh in Chandigarh.

Defence Minister praised the aircraft for its decisive role in multiple operations, calling it a legendary chapter in India’s air power.

On 24 September 2025, peaceful protests in Leh demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule inclusion for Ladakh escalated into violence. The agitation, led jointly by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), saw clashes with police, leaving 4 dead and over 80 injured, including security personnel. Curfew and prohibitory orders were imposed.

The movement, described by activist Sonam Wangchuk as a “Gen-Z revolution,” is fuelled by concerns over unemployment, lack of representation, and ecological threats. Protesters seek statehood, constitutional safeguards for tribal rights, and protection of Ladakh’s fragile ecosystem.

While the Union government accused Wangchuk of inciting unrest, opposition parties backed the protesters. The crisis highlights tensions over identity, governance, and sustainability in post-Article 370 Ladakh.

On 24 September 2025, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the extension of service of General Anil Chauhan as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Secretary, Department of Military Affairs, up to 30 May 2026 or until further orders.

General Anil Chauhan was originally appointed as CDS on 28 September 2022.

He is a decorated officer, honored with Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Sena Medal, and Vishisht Seva Medal for his exemplary service to the Indian Army.

On 24 September 2025, the Union Cabinet approved the third phase of a centrally sponsored scheme to add 5,023 MBBS seats and 5,000 PG seats in existing government medical colleges and institutes. With a total cost of ₹15,034 crore (₹10,303 crore central share & ₹4,731 crore state share) over 2025–29, the move aims to:

• Boost availability of doctors and specialists
• Introduce new medical specialities
• Improve opportunities for students
• Enhance quality of medical education to global standards

World Food India 2025, organized by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, is being held from 25–28 September 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The 4th edition of this global summit aims to position India as the “Food Basket of the World”, attract investment, strengthen farm-to-fork linkages, support micro-enterprises, and promote sustainable, nutrition-focused technologies.

Over 90 countries, including partner nations New Zealand and Saudi Arabia, and focus countries like Japan, UAE, Vietnam, and Russia, are participating. The event features 2,000+ exhibitors, 150+ international delegates, and 100,000+ visitors.

On 23 September 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Moroccan counterpart Abdelatif Loudyi inaugurated Tata Advanced Systems Limited’s (TASL) defence manufacturing facility in Berrechid, Morocco.

The plant, Morocco’s largest defence unit and the first by an Indian private company in Africa, will produce Wheeled Armoured Platforms jointly developed by TASL and DRDO for the Royal Moroccan Army, with deliveries starting next month. Singh highlighted the project as a symbol of the India–Morocco strategic partnership, aligned with Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and a hub for exports to Africa and Europe, generating jobs and boosting defence technology collaboration.

Praveer Ranjan (1993-batch IPS, AGMUT cadre) appointed Director General of CISF.

• Takes charge on 1 Oct 2025, succeeding Rajwinder Singh Bhatti (retiring 30 Sep 2025).
• Tenure till 31 Jul 2029.
• CISF protects airports, nuclear plants, and key govt. installations.

Praveen Kumar (1993-batch IPS, West Bengal cadre) appointed Director General of ITBP.

• Takes charge on 1 Oct 2025, succeeding Rahul Rasgotra (retiring 30 Sep 2025).
• Tenure till 30 Sep 2030.
• ITBP guards the India-China border in Himalayan terrain.

On 19 September 2025, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh interacted with veterans and families of soldiers as the Army marked 60 years of the 1965 India-Pakistan War at South Block, Delhi. He saluted the courage of troops and the nation’s unity, recalling the Battle of Asal Uttar and the sacrifice of CQMH Abdul Hamid, Param Vir Chakra awardee.

Singh praised the leadership of PM Lal Bahadur Shastri and said India’s victories, including recent Operation Sindoor after the Pahalgam terror attack, show the nation’s growing strength. He assured continued focus on soldier welfare, modernisation, and training. The event featured Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi, veterans, gallantry awardees, and a documentary on key battles like Asal Uttar, Akhnoor, and Khem Karan.

On 17 September 2025, the Department of Posts (DoP) and BSNL signed an MoU in New Delhi to expand mobile connectivity across India. Under the agreement, over 1.65 lakh Post Offices will serve as Points of Sale for BSNL SIM cards and recharges, making telecom services more accessible, especially in rural and remote areas.

The initiative, already successful in Assam, aims to bridge the digital divide, promote Digital India, and support financial inclusion. DoP will onboard customers and handle transactions, while BSNL will provide SIM stock and training. The partnership is valid for one year (renewable) with strict monitoring, cybersecurity, and data privacy measures.

In September 2025, India participated in the Zapad-2025 military exercise with Russia and Belarus at the Mulino Training Ground, Nizhny Novgorod.

The large-scale drills involved over 100,000 troops, 333 aircraft, and 247 naval vessels across 41 sites. India sent 65 personnel from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, led by the Kumaon Regiment.

The exercise focused on joint tactical drills, counter-terrorism operations, and interoperability. Other participants included Iran, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Congo, and Mali.

On 15 September 2025, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) announced new guidelines for board exams:

Attendance Rule:

• 75% attendance is mandatory to appear in Class 10 & 12 board exams.
• Attendance will be directly linked to internal assessment.
• Students failing to meet this requirement will not be allowed to sit for exams.

Additional Subjects:

• Class 10: Students may opt for two additional subjects (besides five compulsory).
• Class 12: Students may opt for one additional subject.
• These subjects must be studied over two academic years.

Restrictions on Schools:

• Schools cannot offer subjects without trained teachers, labs, or board approval.
• Students cannot take such subjects as main or additional papers.

Compartment/Essential Repeat Students: Students in these categories for additional subjects may reappear as private candidates.

On 13 September 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 51.38 km Bairabi–Sairang railway line, giving Mizoram its first-ever rail connection.

• The project features 48 tunnels, 142 bridges (including Bridge No. 196 at 114 m), built at a cost of ₹8,070 crore over two decades.
• The line connects Sairang (near Aizawl) with Bairabi, linking Mizoram to Assam’s Silchar and the national network.
• Aizawl becomes the 4th NE capital (after Guwahati, Agartala, Itanagar) to get direct rail connectivity.
• New services launched:
  • Sairang–Delhi Rajdhani Express
  • Sairang–Kolkata Express
  • Sairang–Guwahati Express

On September 10, 2025, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs launched Adi Sanskriti at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi — the world’s first Digital Tribal University. This initiative blends technology with tradition to preserve tribal heritage, empower communities, and promote education.

🎓 Key Features

• Adi Vishwavidyalaya: Digital academy with 45+ online courses on tribal dance, music, crafts, and folklore.
• Adi Sampada: Repository of 5,000+ curated documents on tribal art, textiles, and traditions.
• Adi Haat: Online marketplace (linked with TRIFED) connecting tribal artisans directly with buyers.

🌿 Purpose

• Preserve endangered tribal languages and traditions.
• Provide education and digital access to tribal communities.
• Create sustainable livelihoods by reducing middlemen.
• Build global awareness of India’s tribal culture.

🛠️ Collaboration

Developed with Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) from 15 states, ensuring authenticity and grassroots participation.

Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, accompanied by his spouse Aum Tashi Doma, paid a four-day official visit to India from September 3–6, 2025 to deepen bilateral, cultural, and spiritual ties.

His visit included Ayodhya (Ram Janmabhoomi & Hanumangarhi Temples), Rajgir (Consecration of the Royal Bhutan Temple with Je Khenpo), and Nalanda University, where he highlighted Bhutan’s Vajrayana traditions.

In Delhi, he held talks with Indian leaders including EAM S. Jaishankar. The visit underscored India–Bhutan friendship, Buddhist spiritual heritage, and regional cooperation under India’s Act East Policy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Semicon India 2025 on 2 September at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi. The three-day conference (2–4 September) aims to strengthen India’s semiconductor ecosystem, positioning the country as a global hub for chip design, manufacturing, and innovation.

Semicon India 2025 has drawn 20,750+ participants, 2,500 delegates from 48+ countries, 150+ speakers (including 50+ global leaders), and 350+ exhibitors. Highlights include country pavilions, international roundtables, workforce development, and startup innovation showcases.

Following earlier editions in Bengaluru (2022), Gandhinagar (2023), and Greater Noida (2024), the New Delhi edition marks another milestone in advancing India’s semiconductor journey.