IMPORTANT DAYS

World First Aid Day 2025 observed on September 13.

• • World First Aid Day 2025 is being observed on 13 September, falling on the second Saturday of September, as celebrated annually.

• The 2025 theme, "First Aid and Climate Change", highlights the rising need for emergency care in climate-related disasters.

• The day aims to raise awareness and promote first aid training to help reduce injuries and save lives in emergencies.

• First observed in 2000 by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, it continues to grow globally.

• First aid refers to the initial care provided to someone injured or suddenly ill, before professional help arrives.

• A lack of immediate first aid often leads to preventable deaths among both humans and animals each year.

• Timely and proper first aid can be life-saving, especially in critical situations like accidents, natural disasters, or health emergencies.

APPOINTMENTS

Srinivas Injeti Appointed Chairperson of NSE Governing Board

• Srinivas Injeti has been named the new Chairperson of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) Governing Board, with approval from SEBI.

• A retired IAS officer from the 1983 batch, Injeti currently serves as a Public Interest Director at NSE.

• He brings over 40 years of expertise in financial regulation, corporate governance, and public administration.

• Injeti previously served as Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, where he led key reforms in insolvency and company law.

• He was the founding chairperson of IFSCA, playing a crucial role in shaping India’s international financial services framework.

• His career also includes leading roles as Union Sports Secretary and head of the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority.

• Injeti's appointment is expected to strengthen regulatory oversight and strategic direction at NSE, one of India’s key financial institutions.

Sushila Karki Becomes Nepal’s First Woman Interim Prime Minister Amid Youth-Led Movement

• Sushila Karki was sworn in as Nepal’s first female interim Prime Minister at Sheetal Niwas, administered by President Ramchandra Paudel.

• Her appointment followed the resignation of former PM KP Sharma Oli, who stepped down due to pressure from a nationwide youth-driven protest.

• The youth movement, led mainly by Gen Z activists, demanded a neutral leader to manage the country during its transitional phase.

• Karki was selected through an online public vote conducted on the Discord platform, gaining support from both young activists and political parties.

• Her role includes ensuring peace, supervising upcoming elections, and fostering national development.

• Karki is respected for her judicial independence and integrity, having served as Nepal’s first female Chief Justice from 2016 to 2017.

• The protests that triggered this political change began in September 2025 after a government ban on several social media platforms.

NATIONAL NEWS

56th GST Council Meeting Eases Tax Burden on Coal Sector

• The 56th GST Council meeting in New Delhi introduced major tax reforms for the coal sector, offering relief to both producers and consumers.

• While the GST on coal was increased from 5% to 18%, the ₹400 per ton compensation cess was removed, leading to an overall tax benefit.

• This reform has lowered the effective tax burden on coal grades G6 to G17 by ₹13.40 to ₹329.61 per ton, benefiting various user industries.

• For the power sector, the average tax cut is estimated at ₹260 per ton, reducing electricity generation costs by nearly 17–18 paise per unit.

• Earlier, the flat cess structure disproportionately affected lower-grade coal, with G-11 coal taxed at 65.85%, compared to 35.64% for G2.

• Post-reform, the tax rate across all coal grades has been rationalised to 39.81%, creating a more balanced taxation system.

• The changes correct the Inverted Duty Structure, where coal output faced lower GST than input services, improving credit utilisation.

• These adjustments are expected to promote domestic coal use, reduce import reliance, and support the goals of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Namo Bharat Becomes India’s Fastest Train, Revolutionising Regional Connectivity

• Namo Bharat has emerged as India’s fastest train, reaching speeds of 160 km/h on the Delhi–Meerut RRTS, cutting travel time to under an hour.

• Unlike earlier trains like Vande Bharat and Gatimaan Express, now capped at 130 km/h, Namo Bharat maintains its full-speed capability across stretches.

• The operational section spans 55 km between New Ashok Nagar and Meerut South, with the full 82.15 km corridor set to open soon.

• A fleet of 36 six-car trains runs at 15-minute intervals, hitting top speeds on station gaps of 5 to 8 km, ensuring faster regional commutes.

• The trains, built at Alstom’s Savli plant and designed in Hyderabad, feature advanced systems like ATP, ATC, and ATO for safety and efficiency.

• Since its partial launch in October 2023, the service has already carried over 1.5 crore passengers, showcasing strong public adoption.

• The joint Centre-State project, involving Delhi, UP, Haryana, and Rajasthan, also integrates the Meerut Metro, enabling smooth intermodal travel.

AWARDS

Dr. Manmohan Singh Honoured Posthumously with P.V. Narasimha Rao Economics Award

• Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh was posthumously awarded the P.V. Narasimha Rao Prize for Economics in recognition of his pivotal role in India’s economic transformation.

• The award acknowledges his contributions to economic reforms and his lifelong dedication to nation-building and public service.

• The honour was received in New Delhi by his wife, Mrs. Gursharan Kaur, on behalf of the late statesman.

• The award was presented by Montek Singh Ahluwalia, former Planning Commission deputy chairman and a prominent policy expert.

• The P.V. Narasimha Rao Memorial Foundation (PVNMF), headquartered in Hyderabad, established the prize to celebrate excellence in economics.

• Dr. Singh’s leadership during the 1991 liberalisation era remains a defining moment in India’s economic history.

• The award serves as a tribute to the shared legacy of two visionary reformers who shaped India’s modern economic path.