🇮🇳 India / National

1. Draft Bill to Strengthen Indian Statistical Institute (ISI)
   The central government has introduced a draft bill aimed at enhancing the governance, autonomy, and efficiency of the Indian Statistical Institute. The proposal includes a leaner, more empowered board to oversee major policy, administrative, and financial decisions.

2. Exercise “Suraksha Samnvay 2025” Wraps Up
   The Indian Army concluded Exercise Suraksha Samnvay 2025 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. This drill emphasised civil-military synergy, involving agencies like Coast Guard, paramilitary, disaster response bodies, railways, academia, and private sector. Focus areas included logistics, disaster management, cybersecurity, and indigenous technology.

3. Mann Ki Baat: Efforts to List Chhath Mahaparva in UNESCO Heritage, RSS Centenary
   In his monthly Mann Ki Baat broadcast, Prime Minister Modi announced government moves to seek UNESCO recognition for Chhath Mahaparva under Intangible Cultural Heritage. He also paid tribute to RSS on its 100-year anniversary, calling its legacy “remarkable, unprecedented, and inspiring.”

4. Green Energy Challenges for India’s Path to 2047
   A Guardian report explores India’s difficulties in transitioning to a greener energy profile by 2047. Key issues include rising electricity demand (especially for cooling), energy access in rural areas, dependence on coal, and the need for international climate finance. While renewable capacity is growing, India is pushing for a balanced strategy including solar, wind, nuclear, green hydrogen etc., and emphasising equity.

5. Asia Cup 2025 Final: India vs Pakistan
   The final of Asia Cup 2025 between India and Pakistan is set for 28 September 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. It’s being keenly watched due to rivalry, pitch conditions, and fitness/injury concerns, especially for India (Hardik Pandya’s fitness, etc.).

6. India’s Trade Talks with US Called “Constructive”
   India described recent trade negotiations with the U.S. as “constructive” following a delegation visit led by Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. Issues on the table include the U.S.’s additional tariff on Indian goods (linked to Russian oil), H-1B visas, and pharmaceutical tariffs. Both sides aim to move toward some early agreement.

7. India’s Assertiveness on Trade Hypocrisy
   External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar criticized the United States and China for what he called inconsistent trade practices—open market rhetoric vs protectionist realities. He stressed that India (referred to as “Bharat”) will preserve its strategic autonomy in trade and foreign policy decisions.

8. Karur Stampede: Loss of Life After Political Rally
   A stampede at a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, addressed by actor-politician “Vijay”, killed about 39 people and injured many others. The tragedy is being investigated.

9. Mithun Manhas Appointed New BCCI President
   Mithun Manhas has been elected as the President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), taking over from Roger Binny. Other officials were also appointed in key roles.