“IMPORTANT DAYS”

International Equal Pay Day 2025

International Equal Pay Day is observed every year on 18 September to raise awareness about the persistent gender pay gap and to reaffirm the global commitment to equal pay for work of equal value. Despite progress, women worldwide still earn around 20% less than men, reflecting systemic inequalities, occupational segregation, and gender stereotypes. This observance is an integral part of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), making it highly relevant for competitive exam aspirants under international days, gender issues, and human rights.

Indian Defence Service of Engineers celebrated its 76th Raising Day

The Indian Defence Service of Engineers (IDSE) celebrated its 76th Raising Day on 17 September 2025 at the Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt. The Defence Secretary, Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, addressed the gathering and praised IDSE officers for their contribution in strengthening India’s military infrastructure. He emphasized the need to embrace new technologies and stay alert to emerging security challenges, underlining the growing strategic importance of defence engineering in a changing global landscape. This event provides key insights for aspirants into the structure of defence services, civil-military coordination, and infrastructure’s role in national security.

The IDSE was formally established on 17 September 1949 as an organised Group ‘A’ engineering cadre under the Ministry of Defence. Its officers serve through the Military Engineer Services (MES), which itself dates back to 1923 and functions under the Army’s Engineer-in-Chief.

“SPORTS”

Marium Fatima Becomes Bihar’s First Woman FIDE Master

Marium Fatima, a talented young chess player from Muzaffarpur, Bihar, has etched her name in history by becoming the first Woman FIDE Master (WFM) from the state. This prestigious title, awarded by the Fédération Internationale des Échecs (FIDE), marks a new high not just in her career but also for Bihar’s representation on the national and international chess stage. Her journey stands as a testament to talent, perseverance, and the rising prominence of women in Indian sports, particularly in the intellectually demanding arena of chess.

“SCIENCE”

Vyommitra: ISRO’s AI Half-Humanoid for Gaganyaan

India’s ambitious Gaganyaan space mission is set to achieve a key milestone with the deployment of Vyommitra, an AI-powered half-humanoid robot, in an uncrewed test flight scheduled for December 2025. According to ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan, this robot will simulate human functions during flight, enabling scientists to assess conditions inside the crew module ahead of India’s first manned space mission.

“APPOINTMENTS”

Gourangalal Das Appointed as India’s New Ambassador to South Korea

In a significant diplomatic move, senior Indian Foreign Service officer Gourangalal Das has been appointed as India’s next ambassador to South Korea, a key strategic partner in East Asia. The appointment comes at a crucial time when India is strengthening its ties across the Indo-Pacific, and South Korea holds growing importance in trade, technology, defense, and regional stability. Das is currently serving as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and leads the sensitive East Asia Division.

“NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS”

Yatri Sewa Diwas 2025: Airports Across India Put Passengers First

Yatri Sewa Diwas 2025, launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, marks a major shift in how India views airport services—not just as infrastructure, but as experiences centered around the dignity, comfort, and well-being of travelers. Inaugurated by Union Minister Rammohan Naidu at Hindon Airport, the initiative aims to ensure that passenger-first care becomes the norm, not the exception. This launch is part of a broader transformation in Indian aviation, where the focus is expanding from runway length and flight volume to traveler experience, inclusivity, and service equity. The campaign builds on past efforts like UDAN but addresses persistent gaps in passenger facilities and service quality across India’s diverse range of airports.

India Rises to 38th Rank in Global Innovation Index 2025

India ranks 38th in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025, improving from 39th last year and making a 10-place jump since 2020 (48th); it leads among lower middle-income economies (37) and Central & Southern Asia (10 economies). Strong policy support, rising R&D investment, and a vibrant startup ecosystem have boosted India’s status as a global innovation hub, as captured by the GII’s 80 indicators of innovation inputs and outputs.