4th September 2025 Daily Current Affairs

Environment & Disaster Response

• Severe Flooding Across Northern India
  Ongoing torrential monsoon rains have caused rivers like the Yamuna, Jhelum, and Chenab to rise above danger levels. Delhi’s Iron Bridge (Loha Pul) has been closed, low-lying areas—especially near the Red Fort—are submerged, and thousands have been evacuated ReutersAP News. In Srinagar, the Jhelum breached its embankment, flooding residential zones. In J&K’s Drabshalla, a landslide struck the Ratle hydroelectric project area, triggering rescue operations
  The devastating deluge has claimed over 130 lives across the region, including 37 in Punjab, where tens of thousands of hectares of farmland were damaged. Authorities released dam water to control overflow—unfortunately worsening flooding in parts of India and Pakistan

Governance & Society

• School Closures in Flooded Regions
  Heavy rains and flooding, compounded by local festival observances, have led to school closures across many Indian states on 4 September

• Kerala Bank Holiday for Onam
  In Kerala, banks are closed on 4 and 5 September for Onam. Digital banking services, including ATMs and NEFT/RTGS, remain operational. Customers are advised to plan accordingly

Economy & Trade

• GST Overhaul Sparks Market Rally
  The stock market opened strongly, buoyed by the government’s sweeping GST reform. The structure shifted from four slabs to two—5% and 18%—with additional changes for luxury goods and sin items. These cuts apply to everyday essentials like toiletries and small cars. The changes take effect from 22 September, and are expected to invigorate consumption and lift GDP over time

International Trade & Diplomacy

• EU–India FTA Talks Accelerate
  External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the need for swift finalization of the India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
  Meanwhile, EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic is set to begin a three-day visit to New Delhi next week to continue the ongoing trade discussions—which officials signal are making rapid progress

Industry & Regulation

• Pricing Response to Tax Cuts
  Raymond Lifestyle plans to lower prices on select garments starting from 22 September to pass the benefit of the GST cut on apparel priced below ₹2,500 directly to consumers

• Renewable Energy Equipment Tax Slashed
  GST on solar photovoltaic modules and wind turbines has been reduced to 5% from 12%. This move is expected to lower capital costs for renewable energy projects by around 5%, and drive down clean energy tariffs

• Coal Price Adjustments After Tax Changes
  While GST on coal rose to 18%, the carbon cess of ₹400/tonne has been removed. The net effect is lower coal prices, potentially boosting domestic usage over imports and supporting local demand

• Boosting Drug Industry Efficiency via AI
  The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) plans to reduce regulatory complexities, implement fixed-term approval timelines, and introduce AI tools to enhance operational efficiency

Industry Incident

• Explosion at Solar Industries Plant
  A blast at Solar Industries’ facility in Nagpur resulted in one death and eight injuries. Authorities are investigating the cause of the incident

Summary Table