IMPORTANT DAYS

World Coconut Day 2025 observed on September 2.

• World Coconut Day is celebrated annually on September 2 to honour the importance of coconuts in agriculture, nutrition, and economic development.

• The 2025 theme, "Uncovering Coconut's Power, Inspiring Global Action," emphasizes sustainable use and global awareness of coconut resources.

• The observance promotes coconut farming and consumption, encouraging community involvement and support for the coconut sector.

• The day also commemorates the establishment of the International Coconut Community (ICC) and is celebrated across coconut-producing nations.

• Initiated in 2009, World Coconut Day was first organized by the Asian and Pacific Coconut Community (APCC).

• Originally formed in 1969, the APCC evolved into a global organization in 2017, adopting the new name International Coconut Community.

• As a founding member of ICC, India plays a significant role in the global coconut economy, with cultivation across 12.2 million hectares, producing over 67 billion coconuts annually.

• The event highlights the global reach of coconut cultivation, now present in over 90 countries, and its role in sustainable agricultural practices.

SUMMIT AND CONFERENCES

20th Global Sustainability Summit 2025

• Union Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav addressed the 20th Global Sustainability Summit in New Delhi on September 2, organized by the CII-ITC Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Development.

• The summit brought together senior industry leaders and participants from over 10 countries to discuss sustainable development goals.

• Shri Yadav underscored India’s development model, which aims to harmonize economic growth with environmental care.

• He advocated for adopting sustainability as a daily practice, built on resilience, regeneration, and responsibility.

• The Minister announced the Environmental Audit Rules, 2025, notified on August 29, to standardize environmental audits across India.

• A revised Green Credit Programme was also introduced on August 29, designed to boost private sector involvement and ecological restoration efforts.

• On August 31, the Forest (Conservation and Augmentation) Rules, 2023, were amended to support the National Critical Minerals Mission, identifying 24 critical and 29 key minerals vital for economic and strategic needs.

PM Modi Kicks Off Semicon India 2025 to Drive Semiconductor Industry Forward

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially launched Semicon India 2025 at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi, with the goal of advancing India’s semiconductor sector and innovation ecosystem.

• The event, held from September 2 to 4, focuses on making India a global hub for chip design, manufacturing, and innovation.

• PM Modi will attend conference sessions and a roundtable with global CEOs on September 3.

• Key topics include semiconductor fabrication, advanced packaging, AI integration, R&D, and smart manufacturing.

• The conference highlights the Design Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme and showcases India’s growing semiconductor startup ecosystem.

• Over 20,750 attendees, including 2,500 delegates from 48+ countries, are expected to participate.

• The event features 150+ speakers, 50+ global industry leaders, and 350+ exhibitors presenting cutting-edge technologies.

• With international roundtables, country pavilions, and focus areas like workforce development, the 2025 edition marks a major step in India’s chip leadership journey.

RANKING AND REPORTS

Gangtok Ranked Among India’s Safest Cities for Women in NARI 2025 Report

• Gangtok secured the 5th position in the NARI 2025 women’s safety rankings released by the National Commission for Women (NCW).

• The city achieved a safety score of 70.4%, surpassing the national average of 65%.

• The NARI 2025 Index was compiled using insights gathered from 12,770 women across 31 Indian cities.

• Key safety criteria included infrastructure, workplace security, harassment reporting, trust in authorities, and day-night safety perception.

• Kohima secured the top position, with Visakhapatnam, Bhubaneswar, and Aizawl ranking higher than Gangtok in the list.

• The report highlighted the strong performance of Northeastern cities in ensuring women’s safety.

• Despite improvements, issues like night-time safety and harassment underreporting remain concerns across cities.

APPOINTMENTS

T.C.A. Kalyani Assumes Role as New Controller General of Accounts

• T.C.A. Kalyani has been appointed as the 29th Controller General of Accounts (CGA), serving under the Ministry of Finance.

• She is an officer from the 1991 batch of the Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS).

• Her academic qualifications include a B.A. in Political Science, M.A. in International Politics, and M.Phil. in West European Studies.

• With over 34 years of experience, she has worked extensively in governance, finance, and public administration.

• She has served in key ministries like Defence, Telecom, Fertilizers, Social Justice, Finance, and Home Affairs.

• Her role in implementing the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for fertilizer subsidies was highly impactful.

• Before this appointment, she was the Principal Chief Controller of Accounts in the Ministry of Home Affairs.

• The CGA is the chief accounting advisor to the Government of India, overseeing union accounts, exchequer control, and internal audits.

ECONOMY NEWS

India’s GST Collections Show Strong Growth in August 2025

• GST revenue in August 2025 rose by 6.5% year-on-year to ₹1.86 lakh crore, marking the eighth consecutive month above the ₹1.8 lakh crore mark.

• Domestic GST collections saw a 9.6% increase to ₹1.37 lakh crore, while import-related revenues dipped slightly by 1.2% to ₹49,354 crore.

• Net GST revenue stood at ₹1.67 lakh crore, registering a solid 10.7% annual growth despite a 20% drop in refunds to ₹19,359 crore.

• All components—Central GST, State GST, Integrated GST, and cess—showed year-on-year growth, indicating broad-based revenue momentum.

• Cumulative GST collections for April to August FY26 reached ₹10 lakh crore, compared to ₹9.13 lakh crore during the same period last year.

• FY25 set a record high with total GST collections hitting ₹22.08 lakh crore, showcasing the system’s continued strength over time.

• Ahead of the GST Council meeting on September 3–4, discussions are expected on rate rationalisation, including a two-rate structure and higher tax on sin goods, as Morgan Stanley revised India's FY26 growth forecast to 6.7%.

DEFENCE

India–US Joint Military Drill ‘Yudh Abhyas 2025’ Underway in Alaska

• The 21st edition of Yudh Abhyas is being held at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, and runs until September 14.

• A battalion from the Madras Regiment represents India, training alongside the US Army’s 5th Infantry Regiment, also known as the "Bobcats".

• The Bobcats are part of the Arctic Wolves Brigade under the 11th Airborne Division of the US Army.

• The two-week exercise features combat drills, including air assaults, drone surveillance, and mountain warfare.

• Joint operations also involve artillery, aviation support, and electronic warfare integration.

• Both sides are conducting sessions on cyber warfare, counter-drone strategies, secure communications, and logistics planning.

• The final phase includes live-fire drills and simulated high-altitude tactical missions.

• The goal is to enhance interoperability for UN peacekeeping operations and strengthen multi-domain combat readiness.