“IMPORTANT DAYS”

World Coconut Day 2025

World Coconut Day, celebrated on September 2 every year, marks the founding of the Asian Pacific Coconut Community (APCC). Established to promote and coordinate the coconut industry across member nations, APCC is headquartered in Jakarta, Indonesia. With over 80 countries growing coconuts, this day serves as a global platform to spread awareness about the nutritional, economic, and cultural value of coconuts. India, being the third-largest coconut producer, plays a key role in global coconut cultivation and its associated industries.

“SPORTS”

Oscar Piastri Wins Dramatic 2025 Dutch Grand Prix

The 2025 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort delivered one of the most eventful races of the season. Oscar Piastri claimed victory for McLaren, but the spotlight also shone on dramatic retirements, debut podiums, and a shifting championship narrative. Most notably, Lando Norris—who had been running second—suffered a heartbreaking late-race mechanical failure, altering the title battle trajectory.

India to Send First-Ever National Team to Pickleball World Cup

The Indian Pickleball Association (IPA), under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, concluded its two-day national selection trials at the IPA Centre of Excellence in Ahmedabad. Over 140 top players from across India competed for spots on the national pickleball team, with selections in Open, Under-16, and 50+ categories. For the first time, India will send an official national pickleball team to the Pickleball World Cup in Florida, USA, from October 27 to November 2, sanctioned by the Global Pickleball Federation.

“DEFENCE”

Indian Army Departs For Yudh Abhyas 2025 in Alaska

A contingent of the Indian Army has departed for Fort Wainwright, Alaska, to participate in the 21st edition of Yudh Abhyas, a joint military exercise between India and the United States, taking place from 1st to 14th September 2025. This annual bilateral exercise aims to enhance interoperability, tactical proficiency, and cooperation between the armed forces of both nations. The Indian Army is represented by a battalion of the Madras Regiment, known for its rich combat legacy and high-altitude warfare skills.

Air Marshal Sanjiv Ghuratia Appointed IAF Maintenance Head

Air Marshal Sanjiv Ghuratia AVSM VSM assumed the prestigious role of Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance (AOM) at the Indian Air Force Headquarters. A veteran with an illustrious service record of 37 years, he brings deep technical expertise and distinguished leadership to this crucial logistics and maintenance role within the IAF. Upon taking charge, Air Marshal Ghuratia laid a wreath at the National War Memorial, paying tribute to the brave soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation. This solemn act underscored his deep respect for military tradition and service ethos.

“APPOINTMENTS”

T.C.A. Kalyani Appointed as New CGA of India

On September 1, 2025, Ms. T.C.A. Kalyani, a 1991-batch ICAS officer, assumed charge as the 29th Controller General of Accounts (CGA) under the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance. With a stellar career spanning over 34 years, Ms. Kalyani is widely recognized for her contributions to public financial management, digital governance, and transparent service delivery.

Mahendra Mohan Gupta Elected Chairman of PTI Board

Mahendra Mohan Gupta, of Jagran Prakashan Ltd. (publisher of Dainik Jagran), has been elected as the Chairman of Press Trust of India’s (PTI) Board of Directors, succeeding K.N. Shanth Kumar of The Printers (Mysore) Pvt. Ltd. V. Shreyams Kumar of the Mathrubhumi group has been elected as the Vice-Chairman of the PTI Board. The election was held during the Board of Directors’ meeting after PTI’s Annual General Meeting at its headquarters in New Delhi.

“NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS”

Global Peace Index 2025: Iceland Tops Again, India Ranked 115th Among 163 Nations

The Global Peace Index (GPI) 2025, compiled by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), ranked 163 countries, covering 99.7% of the world’s population. Iceland retained the top spot as the most peaceful country in the world, a position it has consistently held since 2008, due to low crime, strong social trust, and absence of an army. India ranked 115th with a GPI score of 2.229, showing a 0.58% improvement in peacefulness compared to last year.