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The Reserve Bank of India has granted approval to Warburg Pincus, a global private equity firm, to acquire up to a 9.99% stake in IDFC First Bank. This strategic investment, amounting to ₹4,876 crore (approximately $587 million), will be made via Warburg’s affiliate, Currant Sea Investments B.V. The transaction involves the purchase of about 81.27 crore Compulsorily Convertible Preference Shares (CCPS) at a price of ₹60 each. This move is expected to strengthen the capital base of IDFC First Bank and reflects increasing investor confidence in India's private banking sector.

Uttarakhand will introduce a green tax from December 2025 on all vehicles entering from other states to safeguard its fragile Himalayan environment. The initiative aims to reduce vehicular emissions, discourage unnecessary traffic in eco-sensitive hill areas, and promote sustainable tourism. The tax collection will be fully automated through Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras at 37 entry points, ensuring transparency and efficiency. By integrating digital governance and environmental protection, Uttarakhand becomes one of the first states to adopt a real-time, technology-driven system for ecological conservation and pollution control in hill regions.

International Dog Day is observed annually on August 26 to honour the invaluable role of dogs in human life. Founded in 2004 by animal welfare advocate Colleen Paige, the date was chosen because it marked the day her family adopted their first rescue dog, “Sheltie.” The celebration highlights dogs’ contributions as loyal companions, working partners in law enforcement, therapy, and rescue missions. It also spreads awareness about adoption, discourages unethical breeding, and emphasises dog welfare worldwide. By dedicating this day, people are encouraged to adopt shelter dogs and honour the selfless service dogs provide in society.

India recently sent 5 Metric Tonnes of essential medicines to Syria as part of its continued humanitarian assistance. The aid included life-saving drugs such as anti-cancer medications, antibiotics, and anti-hypertensive medicines. This effort reflects India’s long-standing commitment to global humanitarian causes and its support for countries facing prolonged crises. Syria, which has endured years of conflict and healthcare infrastructure collapse, is in urgent need of medical support. India's assistance is aimed at alleviating the suffering of the Syrian people and ensuring access to critical healthcare services. It also reaffirms India’s role as a responsible and compassionate global partner.

India signed a Bilateral Investment Agreement with Israel in September 2025 to strengthen economic cooperation and boost mutual investments. The agreement provides legal certainty to investors, ensures safeguards against expropriation, guarantees transparent regulations, and establishes an independent arbitration mechanism for dispute resolution. Currently, bilateral investments stand at around USD 800 million, but the new pact is expected to significantly increase capital flows, especially in cybersecurity, defence technologies, fintech, and high-tech innovation. The partnership reflects both nations’ shared vision of economic resilience, technological advancement, and long-term collaboration, reinforcing India’s global position in innovation-driven growth.

A total of 72 nations signed the United Nations Cybercrime Convention in Hanoi, marking the creation of the first-ever global treaty aimed at combating cyber threats. This landmark agreement, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2024 after years of negotiation, establishes a universal legal framework to address crimes such as hacking, ransomware, online fraud, child exploitation, and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images. By fostering international cooperation, facilitating evidence sharing, and offering capacity-building support for developing countries, the treaty represents a significant step toward harmonizing global cyber laws and strengthening collective digital security.

The International Solar Alliance (ISA), launched jointly by India and France at COP21 in Paris in 2015, has its headquarters in Gurugram, India. With 123 Member and Signatory Countries, the ISA focuses on promoting solar energy as a clean and affordable source of power worldwide. Its initiatives emphasise supporting Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States, where energy access challenges are most acute. By facilitating cooperation with global institutions, ISA works toward large-scale deployment of solar solutions, enabling sustainable development, reducing carbon emissions, and contributing significantly to global climate action efforts.

The Sharm El-Sheikh Summit took place in Egypt, where U.S. President Donald Trump, along with the leaders of Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, signed the “Trump Declaration for Enduring Peace and Prosperity.” This declaration aimed to promote a ceasefire and a sustainable peace framework for Gaza, focusing on ending hostilities, improving humanitarian access, and ensuring stability in the region. Egypt’s role as host highlighted its longstanding diplomatic influence in Middle Eastern peace initiatives and its continued efforts to facilitate dialogue among regional powers for achieving long-term security and cooperation.

India and Canada have mutually agreed to restore their High Commissioners following a diplomatic strain that lasted for two years. This decision reflects a significant step forward in reviving bilateral ties. The development took place during a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canada's newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney on the sidelines of the G7 outreach session. Alongside this diplomatic restoration, both countries also discussed the resumption of trade agreement talks, visa services, and broader dialogue mechanisms. These efforts indicate a move towards rebuilding trust and re-engaging on key bilateral and global issues.

India delivered 73 tonnes of essential medicines, vaccines, and nutritional supplements to Afghanistan to support its struggling healthcare system. This shipment, sent to Kabul, represents one of the largest recent humanitarian efforts by India in the region. Beyond immediate medical relief, India’s aid reflects its longstanding commitment to Afghanistan’s development, including infrastructure, education, energy, and healthcare initiatives. Such humanitarian assistance strengthens regional diplomacy, builds trust, and underscores India’s role as a reliable partner providing non-interventionist support to meet urgent public health needs.

India made history on July 12, 2025, by launching the world’s first Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL), a groundbreaking initiative that digitally preserves and protects the country’s ancient medicinal systems like Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and more. The platform uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to analyse, organise, and apply traditional knowledge in modern healthcare. It also aims to prevent biopiracy and promote scientific innovation. The World Health Organisation recognised this achievement as a model for blending traditional wisdom with modern technology. India’s leadership in combining AI with traditional medicine has set a new global standard for health innovation and cultural preservation.

Samia Suluhu Hassan was re-elected as the President of Tanzania with an overwhelming 97.66% of the votes and a voter turnout of 87%. Her victory came during a period of significant unrest marked by violent protests and allegations of election irregularities. Opposition groups reported hundreds of deaths, although the United Nations confirmed at least 10 casualties. Despite the controversy surrounding the process, Hassan’s re-election secured her another five-year term, reinforcing her position as one of Africa’s prominent female leaders and a key figure in Tanzania’s political landscape.

The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved four new semiconductor projects under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), with a cumulative investment of around ₹4,600 crore. These projects will be established in Odisha, Punjab, and Andhra Pradesh, marking a significant step toward enhancing India’s semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. The approved companies include SiCSem, Continental Device India Pvt Ltd (CDIL), 3D Glass Solutions Inc., and Advanced System in Package (ASIP) Technologies. By spreading the projects across multiple states, the initiative not only boosts local economies but also supports India’s goal of becoming a global hub in semiconductor production.

Himachal Pradesh launched the ‘My Deed’ NGDRS (National Generic Document Registration System) pilot project on July 11, 2025, aiming to digitise and simplify land registration. Spearheaded by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, this project allows citizens to register property online, requiring just one visit to the tehsil office. The initiative is currently active in ten tehsils across ten districts, including Bilaspur, Chamba, Kangra, and Shimla. The project is part of a broader push toward paperless and transparent governance, accompanied by other digital reforms like e-Roznamcha and Kaarguzari to enhance efficiency and accountability in the revenue sector.

Justice Surya Kant has been appointed as the 53rd Chief Justice of India, with his tenure beginning on November 24, 2025, following the retirement of Justice BR Gavai. The appointment was approved by President Droupadi Murmu based on the collegium’s recommendation. Justice Surya Kant, currently a Supreme Court judge, is known for his contributions to constitutional law, social justice, and human rights. Before his elevation, he served as Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court and as a judge at the Punjab and Haryana High Court. His leadership is expected to guide key judicial reforms and enhance justice delivery efficiency in India.

Riley Powell, a 16-year-old Welsh prodigy, edged Pankaj Advani 5–4 to clinch the IBSF World 6-Red Snooker Championship title. The victory was particularly dramatic because it came on Advani’s 40th birthday, when he was chasing a remarkable 29th world crown. Powell’s composed comeback, precise potting, and ability to handle pressure in the deciding frames stood out throughout the match. By denying one of cue sports’ most decorated champions yet another title, Powell announced himself on the global stage and underscored the emergence of a new generation capable of challenging long-established greats.

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), one of India’s premier shipbuilding companies, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Tamil Nadu to establish a greenfield shipyard. This collaboration is part of the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, which focuses on strengthening India’s maritime infrastructure and capabilities. The shipyard is expected to significantly enhance the country’s naval preparedness, shipbuilding capacity, and commercial maritime activities, thereby contributing to both defense and economic growth. Tamil Nadu was chosen due to its strategic location and potential for developing world-class maritime facilities.

Uttar Pradesh has announced the organization of statewide eight-day trade shows across all its 75 districts from October 9–16. The initiative was revealed by the Khadi and Village Industries sector during the UP International Trade Show (UPITS) in Greater Noida. These exhibitions will feature entrepreneurs from Khadi, textiles, and One District One Product (ODOP) sectors. By scaling up from divisional-level events to a state-wide initiative, Uttar Pradesh aims to boost its local economy, strengthen MSMEs, provide greater exposure for traditional products, and encourage entrepreneurship, ultimately enhancing trade opportunities at national and international levels.

The Uttar Pradesh government has initiated a comprehensive river revival program targeting 75 small rivers and tributaries, involving premier technical institutes like IIT Kanpur, IIT BHU, and IIT Roorkee. These institutions are developing customised revival plans considering geographical, ecological and social parameters. The multi-departmental effort represents one of India's most systematic attempts at aquatic ecosystem restoration, combining scientific expertise with coordinated governmental action. This large-scale environmental intervention underscores UP's commitment to water resource management, particularly focusing on smaller water bodies that are crucial for rural water security but often overlooked in conservation programs.

India hosted the ITU FG-AINN (Focus Group on AI for Autonomous and Intelligent Networks) meeting in New Delhi to promote the development of AI-native telecom infrastructure. This international event highlighted India's growing role in the global tech policy arena. Alongside the meeting, India also launched the Build-a-Thon 2025, an initiative aimed at co-creating innovative solutions for future telecom networks. Additionally, India proposed to host the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in 2030 (ITU PP-30) and nominated Ms. M. Revathi for a key leadership role, signalling its ambitions to shape global telecommunications standards through strategic participation and technological innovation.