Current affairs for KBC

Mohsin Naqvi is a prominent Pakistani politician, media owner, and administrator who became the Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in February 2024 and President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) in April 2025. During the 2025 Asia Cup final, the Indian cricket team refused to accept the trophy from him, citing his high-profile role in Pakistan’s government and provocative social media posts as reasons for their protest. The official presentation ceremony was canceled after a lengthy delay, and the trophy and medals were removed from the venue, leading to an international controversy.

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The Pentagon is urgently pushing U.S. missile manufacturers to double or even quadruple their production rates of 12 critical weapons systems to prepare for a potential future conflict with China. This initiative, called the Munitions Acceleration Council and led hands-on by Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg, involves frequent high-level meetings with defense contractors to accelerate production despite challenges like long assembly times and funding needs. The Pentagon aims to produce nearly 2,000 Patriot missiles annually, about four times the current rate, and expand capabilities for missiles such as Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles, Standard Missile-6, and Precision Strike Missiles. However, experts warn that significantly increasing production will require substantial additional investments, long testing periods, and overcoming supply-chain bottlenecks. This effort reflects concerns over low U.S. weapons stockpiles amid rising geopolitical tensions with China and global conflicts straining missile inventories.

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The iconic era of Hyderabad City Police dates back to 1847 during the Nizam's rule, when the police commissioner system was established. The head of the city police was known as "Kotwal-e-Balda" and was directly accountable to the Nizam. The force had a unique hierarchy and uniforms, and the city was heavily secured with gates and armed guards ensuring strict law and order in a walled city. Over time, the police system evolved with divisions and zones to manage increasing population and crime. The historic Kotwal House in Purani Haveli served as the police commissioner's office and remains a symbolic landmark of Hyderabad police history. Notable figures like Raja Bahadur Venkatram Reddy contributed significantly to the police administration during this era, earning public respect. Even in modern times, efforts continue to preserve the heritage of Hyderabad City Police through restoration of its century-old buildings.

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Walmart CEO Doug McMillon has warned that artificial intelligence will "change literally every job" at the country's largest private employer. While some jobs will be eliminated due to automation and AI tools like chatbots, new roles—such as AI “agent builders” who develop AI tools—will also be created. Walmart plans to keep its global workforce stable at around 2.1 million workers over the next three years but expects a significant shift in the composition of job types. The company is actively tracking which jobs will increase, decrease, or remain steady to guide worker training and adaptation efforts. McMillon emphasized the importance of helping workers "make it to the other side" of this AI-driven transformation, with some roles growing in areas like home delivery and customer interaction, even as others become more automated. This reflects broader industry trends where AI is reshaping the labor market, but human skills and adaptability remain critical.

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Tech rivals Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk are competing fiercely in the AI and robotics space. In 2023, Meta under Zuckerberg introduced AI-powered smart glasses, integrating AI assistants into wearable devices aiming to someday replace smartphones. Meanwhile, Musk’s Tesla is developing humanoid robots called Optimus that learn tasks by watching human videos online, leveraging Tesla’s advanced computer vision from its autonomous vehicles. Both see humanoid robots and AI as game-changing future technologies, with Zuckerberg investing heavily in AI infrastructure and recruiting top robotics experts to catch up with Musk’s robotics advances. The rivalry, once limited to social media and business, is heating up in AI and robotics innovation, potentially shaping the future of human-robot interaction by 2040.

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World Heart Day (September 29) highlights the global burden of cardiovascular diseases, which claimed 19.8 million lives in 2022 (32% of all deaths worldwide), with 85% due to heart attacks and strokes, according to the WHO.

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On September 26, the Supreme Court was informed that 8 out of 10 posts of Information Commissioners, including the Chief Information Commissioner, are lying vacant at the Central Information Commission, which currently has over 26,800 pending cases, prompting the court to direct the Union government to expedite appointments within three months.

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In June 2025, despite its record of harbouring terrorists and backing groups like LeT and JeM, Pakistan was shockingly chosen to head the UN’s Taliban Sanctions Committee and serve as vice-chair of the Counter-Terrorism Committee of the UN Security Council, raising serious questions on the UN’s credibility in combating global terrorism.

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Women now make up over 42% of India’s agricultural workforce, with female employment in the sector rising by 135% in the past decade — yet nearly one in three working women is unpaid, highlighting the urgent need for reforms that recognise women as equal farmers and empower them in value-added agri-chains.

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President Donald Trump recently advised pregnant women to avoid acetaminophen (sold as Tylenol), claiming it is linked to an increased risk of autism and ADHD in children. This claim is based on some studies suggesting an association, but experts emphasize that the evidence is complex and inconclusive, with many studies finding no causal link. The US FDA has announced label changes warning about the possible association between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and neurological conditions, but medical organizations including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists still consider acetaminophen the safest option for managing pain and fever during pregnancy. Experts warn that untreated fever or pain during pregnancy can pose greater risks than the potential but unproven drug-related risks.

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At the UN General Assembly in September 2025, President Donald Trump sharply criticized green energy and immigration.

He labeled green energy a "scam" and dismissed climate change as a "con job." Trump argued that nations must rely on fossil fuels (oil, gas, and coal) and enforce strong borders to maintain power.

Trump specifically warned that "open immigration" and renewable energy policies were combining into a "double-tailed monster" that is destroying Europe. He urged countries to reject these policies to avoid decline.

The remarks were notable for their strong rejection of climate science and global efforts like the Paris Agreement, contradicting the views of many international leaders and experts who advocate for renewables for energy security and climate mitigation.

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India dominated the H-1B visa approvals in the 2024 fiscal year by a large margin, receiving about 71% of the total approved visas, which amounted to around 283,397 beneficiaries. China ranked second but at a distant share, with approximately 11.7% of the visas, around 46,680 approvals. Since the H-1B program began in 1990, India has consistently been the largest recipient of these visas. Other countries, including the Philippines, Canada, and South Korea, make up much smaller portions, each with around 1% or less of the total. The dominance of Indian applicants highlights the critical role Indian professionals play in the US skilled workforce, especially in sectors like technology and engineering.

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Dr. R. S. Jayasree of the Sree Chitra Thirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) has become the first Malayali to receive the Women in Medicine Award conferred by the National Academy of Medical Sciences under the Union Health Ministry in 2025. She is a Senior Scientist specializing in biophotonics, working on advanced research in optical imaging, nanobiophotonics, and biomedical diagnostics, including technologies to cross the blood-brain barrier. This award recognizes her distinguished contributions as a female biomedical scientist in India.

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The co-founders of Wikipedia are Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger. Jimmy Wales is an American internet entrepreneur who provided the funding and vision for the project, while Larry Sanger, a philosopher and internet project developer, coined the name "Wikipedia" and helped develop many of its early policies. They launched Wikipedia together in January 2001, with Wales as the public face and Sanger acting as its first editor-in-chief. Their collaboration combined Wales's entrepreneurial skills and Sanger's academic background to create the world's largest free online encyclopedia.

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Surekha Yadav, Asia's first woman locomotive pilot, retired on September 30, 2025, after a remarkable 36-year career in Indian Railways. She began her journey in 1989 as an assistant loco pilot and broke many gender barriers by operating goods trains, passenger services, suburban locals, and prestigious trains like the Deccan Queen, Rajdhani Express, and the semi-high-speed Vande Bharat Express. She was the first woman in Asia to pilot such a range of trains and inspired over 2,000 women to join the Indian Railways as loco pilots. Known for her determination and pioneering spirit, Yadav’s trailblazing journey symbolizes women empowerment in a traditionally male-dominated field. Her retirement was marked by tributes from colleagues, officials, and prominent figures like Anand Mahindra, who called her a pioneer.

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Current affairs for KBC

Hyderabad's Tilak Varma played a sensational match-winning innings to guide India to victory in the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan. His calm and composed knock of 69 not out off 53 balls helped India chase down a target of 147 with just two balls remaining, securing a thrilling 5-wicket win. Varma's stellar performance, combined with vital contributions from Shivam Dube and the exceptional bowling effort by Kuldeep Yadav and his teammates, sealed India's ninth Asia Cup title. This victory also marked India's unbeaten record against Pakistan in the tournament, as they defeated their arch-rivals three times in Asia Cup 2025. Tilak Varma's match-winning display earned praise from cricketing legends and fans, confirming his rising star status in Indian cricket.

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Kandukur is a suburban village and the mandal headquarters located in Ranga Reddy district of Telangana, India. Situated about 40 kilometers from Hyderabad, it is poised to be a significant area in ongoing development projects like the Bharat Future City, which aims to attract global investments including all Fortune 500 companies over the next decade. The project envisions transforming Kandukur and its surrounding region into a modern hub with state-of-the-art infrastructure, thereby creating a future-ready city inspired by the historical development of Hyderabad and Secunderabad under earlier rulers. This development is part of Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy's vision to drive rapid urban and economic growth in partnership with visionary leadership at state and national levels. Opposition propaganda against the project has been criticized by government officials as attempts to stall this ambitious plan.

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In the financial year 2025, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh ranked third and fourth respectively in the sales of Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) in India, each contributing around 9 percent of total IMFL sales with 3.71 crore and 3.55 crore cases sold. Together, the two Telugu states accounted for 18 percent of the country's total IMFL sales. South Indian states dominated the market, contributing 58 percent of IMFL sales nationwide, with Karnataka leading at 17 percent. The five southern states—Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana—along with Union Territory Puducherry, jointly consumed over 23 crore cases, underscoring South India's near-absolute dominance in the IMFL market in FY25.

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The Indian Roller, locally known as Palapitta, is the state bird of Telangana and is considered a symbol of good luck during the Dasara festival. However, due to a superstition that seeing or handling the bird during Dasara brings fortune, many Palapittas are illegally captured, caged, and mistreated. This has caused a significant decline in their population, exacerbated by habitat loss and pesticide use. Conservation efforts by NGOs and authorities focus on rescuing and releasing these birds and raising public awareness to stop illegal capture and protect the species, which also plays an important ecological role in controlling insect populations harmful to crops. The Indian Roller is facing a 30% population decline and is being considered for inclusion on the IUCN Red List due to these threats.

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Engels' pause refers to a historical economic paradox during Britain's Industrial Revolution (circa 1790-1840) when industrial productivity and output surged significantly, but the wages and living standards of the working class stagnated for decades, creating a widening inequality gap before broad-based welfare improvements occurred much later. The term was coined by economist Robert C. Allen after Friedrich Engels, who described this phenomenon in his book "The Condition of the Working Class in England".

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Around 1975, Kodaikanal hill station was gaining international tourism recognition, with plans announced by the then Union Minister for Tourism, Raj Bahadur, to give it the widest possible publicity to attract foreign tourists. The government aimed to include Kodaikanal in tourism literature and films to boost its profile as a premier international hill resort, while also emphasizing the development of facilities for domestic tourists and preserving the natural beauty of the area, such as the lake. At the time, Tamil Nadu attracted 25% of foreign tourists visiting India, highlighting the state's popularity as a tourist destination even then.

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On September 28, 1925, a social event was held aboard the H.M.S. "Colombo," a warship of the East Indies Naval Squadron docked in Madras Harbour. The officers of the ship hosted an entertainment function for the officers of the Madras City Police and their families, featuring decorations with flags, buntings, and colored electric lights, along with refreshments and various amusements. This event highlighted the cordial relations between naval officers and local police forces during the British colonial period in India.

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India won the Asia Cup 2025 by defeating Pakistan in the final by 5 wickets at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, securing their 9th Asia Cup title.

India successfully chased a target of 147, finishing at 150/5 with two balls to spare.

Tilak Varma was the star performer for India, scoring an unbeaten 69 runs off 53 balls with 3 fours and 4 sixes, playing a crucial role in the tense chase and winning the Player of the Match award.

Rinku Singh hit the winning runs, coming in for the injured Hardik Pandya.

Indian spinners Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, and Axar Patel collectively took 8 wickets, with Kuldeep taking 4 wickets for 30 runs.

Pakistan started well with openers Sahibzada Farhan (57) and Fakhar Zaman (46) putting up an 84-run partnership, but then collapsed losing 9 wickets for 33 runs.

India lost early wickets including Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill but rebuilt with a 57-run partnership between Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson.

The match was tense and competitive, with India overcoming mid-innings pressure to seal a memorable victory over their arch-rivals.

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In 1998, France legislated the 35-hour workweek through laws promoted by Labour Minister Martine Aubry, aiming to reduce unemployment by encouraging work sharing. The law reduced the standard workweek from 39 to 35 hours for companies with over 20 employees by 2000, with smaller firms following by 2002. The policy intended to increase jobs during a period of high unemployment by limiting working hours without reducing income, and it was rooted in the belief that increased productivity required less labor and that leisure was a valuable good for workers' welfare. The law marked a significant socio-economic experiment in labor reform and job redistribution in France.

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The Lahore Conspiracy Case trial, which began in 1929 and ended in 1930, centered on Indian revolutionaries Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar, and Shivaram Rajguru. They were tried for their roles in retaliating against British oppression, notably the assassination of British police officer John Saunders (intended for Superintendent James Scott) and the bombing of the Central Legislative Assembly in Delhi. The trial concluded with death sentences for Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru, who were executed on March 23, 1931, making them iconic martyrs in India's freedom struggle. The case highlighted the harsh repression of Indian revolutionaries by the British colonial regime and has been subject to extensive historical analysis and debate.

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In 2024, the people of Ladakh, primarily indigenous tribes, held a unique 21-day "climate fast" in sub-zero temperatures demanding autonomy under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution to self-govern their fragile high Himalayan ecology. This movement highlighted the urgent need to protect Ladakh's glaciers—the world’s largest freshwater reserves—from industrial exploitation and climate change, emphasizing that local self-governance is crucial for preserving the natural ecosystem that sustains their traditional livelihoods and the water supply for millions downstream. The fast and subsequent march to Delhi drew national and global attention to Ladakh’s plea for constitutional safeguards to preserve their environment and way of life.

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The city with the number one GDP in the world as of 2025 is Tokyo, Japan, with an estimated nominal GDP of around $2.05 trillion. It is followed by New York City, USA, with approximately $1.87 trillion, and Los Angeles, USA, with $1.13 trillion. Tokyo remains the largest metropolitan economy globally, serving as a major hub for finance, electronics, broadcasting, and transportation industries.

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Hyderabad, the capital city of Telangana, has a nominal GDP of around USD 95 billion as of 2022, making it one of India's top economic hubs. Hyderabad's economy is driven predominantly by the IT/ITES sector, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, finance, and a growing real estate market. The city houses numerous Global Capability Centres and technology companies, contributing significantly to Telangana's overall Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), which is projected to reach about USD 210 billion (₹1,80,000 crore) by 2025-26.

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The Bathukamma festival in Telangana secured two Guinness World Records at Saroor Nagar Stadium: the tallest Bathukamma floral stack (63 feet) and the largest group Bathukamma folk dance (1,354 participants). The record-setting event was attended by state dignitaries and celebrated Telangana’s cultural heritage on the global stage.

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"Revolutionaries on Trial: Sedition, Betrayal, and Martyrdom," authored by historian Aparna Vaidik, is a groundbreaking study of the Lahore Conspiracy Case that led to the trial and execution of Indian revolutionaries Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar, and Shivaram Rajguru. Drawing on rare archival material, including trial records from the Punjab Archives in Lahore, Vaidik explores the colonial judiciary's legal strategies, the roles of prosecution witnesses like Hans Raj Vohra, and the complex interplay of loyalty and betrayal during the trial. The book challenges conventional narratives by examining the trial not only as a miscarriage of justice but also as a calculated colonial spectacle to maintain authority, while shedding light on the psychological and political dimensions of the revolutionary movement in India.

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The 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections are witnessing a major political realignment marked by the rising influence of religion, identity, and new political forces. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is promoting regional Hindutva and religious symbols like Murugan to challenge the traditional Dravidian dominance of the DMK. In response, the DMK has organized events like the “Global Murugan Conference” to counter the BJP’s narrative and reposition itself around themes of federalism and state autonomy. Meanwhile, the BJP’s renewed alliance with AIADMK and intensive campaigning by leaders like Amit Shah signal its focused efforts to break Tamil Nadu’s long-standing resistance to its rule. The political discourse is shifting from language and social justice to religion-centered identity politics, making the 2026 elections in Tamil Nadu a crucial and fiercely contested battleground.

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India clinched its record-extending ninth Asia Cup title in 2025 by defeating Pakistan in a tense final that went down to the last over. The match was low-scoring and intense, with India’s spinners staging a remarkable comeback after Pakistan’s strong start. The final was also overshadowed by political tensions between the two countries, highlighted by Team India's refusal to accept the trophy from the Pakistani ACC chairman, who controversially took the trophy away after the ceremony was delayed. Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 69 guided India’s chase, while Kuldeep Yadav’s four wickets triggered Pakistan’s dramatic collapse. The tournament underscored the inseparability of cricket and politics in the subcontinent, with players and officials alike navigating a charged atmosphere amid ongoing regional conflicts.

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As of 2025, the world's highest bridge is the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in Guizhou province, China. It stands 625 meters (2,051 feet) above the ground, surpassing previous record holders. The bridge spans 2,890 meters in length with a main span of 1,420 meters, dramatically reducing travel time across the canyon from two hours to just two minutes. Opened in September 2025, it is also noted as the largest-span bridge constructed in a mountainous area, combining engineering excellence with spectacular natural scenery.

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In 2024-25, India’s pharmaceutical exports to the US amounted to approximately $10.5 billion, mostly comprising generic drugs. A proposed 100% tariff by US President Donald Trump is expected to impact only a small portion of these exports, particularly branded or patented drugs, which make up a minor share of India’s pharmaceutical shipments. The tariff aims to revive US domestic drug manufacturing for job creation, but the move primarily challenges the free trade principle and is unlikely to severely disrupt India's dominant generic drug export industry due to the price inelasticity of patented drug demand and the broad generic market

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In 2025, Chinese President Xi Jinping sought a major shift in U.S. policy by urging President Donald Trump to officially state that the United States “opposes” Taiwan’s independence. This would mark a departure from the traditional U.S. policy of “strategic ambiguity,” which acknowledges China’s claim over Taiwan but does not explicitly support or oppose Taiwanese independence. Xi views this rhetorical change as crucial to isolating Taiwan diplomatically and reinforcing his goal of eventual reunification under Beijing. The Trump administration, while engaging in trade talks with China, has maintained opposition to unilateral changes to the status quo in the Taiwan Strait but has not yet formally altered its longstanding policy. This diplomatic tension reflects the complex and high-stakes nature of U.S.-China relations regarding Taiwan.

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Before becoming one of Britain’s most beloved children’s authors, Sir Michael Morpurgo was a primary school teacher. He observed early on that children’s access to storytelling was deeply affected by social and economic deprivation, a problem he noted has persisted for over 50 years. Morpurgo, famous for works like "War Horse," believes that children must have access to stories through any medium—books, film, TV, or audiobooks—and advocates for live storytelling by authors visiting schools. He is also a strong supporter of quality school libraries and founded the charity Farms for City Children to give urban children hands-on experiences with nature, aiming to nurture their love of stories and learning.

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One key takeaway about AI's impact on online news traffic is that AI-powered “answer engines” like ChatGPT are drastically reducing direct user visits to news websites. These AI chatbots scan and mine massive amounts of web content to provide users with summarized answers, but often do not link back to the original sources. This results in a sharp decline in traffic and ad revenue for news publishers, who rely heavily on web visits. Unlike traditional search engines which send users to websites, AI chatbots provide information directly, posing a challenge for media companies to monetize their content and sustain their business models. This shift is prompting calls for new revenue-sharing or licensing models between AI companies and news publishers to ensure media sustainability

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Current affairs for KBC

The first solarised village in India is Modhera village in Gujarat, recognized as India's first 24x7 solar-powered village since October 2022. Telangana's Konda Reddy Pally, the ancestral village of Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, has become South India's first fully solarised village and the second fully solarised village in India. This achievement was completed in just 19 months, with 514 homes and government services powered by 1,500 KW solar capacity, turning the village into a model for solar power in the region.

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Every minute, eight people die due to cardiovascular diseases in the WHO South-East Asia region, making heart diseases the leading cause of death; World Heart Day is observed every year on September 29 to spread awareness, and the 2025 theme is "Don’t Miss a Beat."

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India’s judiciary faces major challenges due to government delays in judge appointments, transfers, and poor infrastructure, leading to rising case backlogs and slower justice delivery—issues further complicated by controversial offhand judicial remarks (“obiter dicta”) that often spark public and political debate.

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Malayalam superstar Mohanlal received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2025, becoming the second film personality from Kerala after Adoor Gopalakrishnan to be honoured with India’s highest cinematic recognition.

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The UH-3H helicopter, de-inducted by the Indian Navy in 2024, has been installed as a museum exhibit on Beach Road, Visakhapatnam, joining the city’s unique coastal corridor of maritime museums that includes the INS Kursura Submarine and TU-142 Aircraft Museums.

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In 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 100% tariff on imported branded and patented pharmaceutical products starting October 1, 2025. The tariffs would be waived only for companies that are actively constructing pharmaceutical manufacturing plants in the United States, defined as having "broken ground" or being "under construction." Indian generic drugs are exempt from this tariff for now. This move aims to encourage domestic drug manufacturing and reduce reliance on imports, but it has caused significant uncertainty and concern among pharmaceutical companies, trade groups, and international trading partners due to potential impacts on drug prices and supply chains. The tariff is part of a broader national security and economic strategy amid ongoing US government investigations into pharmaceutical imports.

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World Rabies Day is observed each year on September 28 to raise awareness about rabies prevention and control. The date marks the anniversary of Louis Pasteur's death, who developed the first rabies vaccine. The 2025 theme is "Act now: You, Me, Community," urging individuals and communities to take collective responsibility in stopping the spread of rabies through dog vaccination, education, and vaccination campaigns. Rabies remains nearly 100% fatal once symptoms appear but is entirely preventable with timely action. The day highlights global efforts to eliminate dog-mediated rabies and save lives worldwide.

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Mithun Manhas has been elected as the President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 2025. He assumed the role following the Annual General Meeting held in Mumbai on September 28, 2025. Manhas, a former Delhi cricketer and experienced cricket administrator with the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association, succeeded Roger Binny. He became the 37th BCCI president and only the third former cricketer, after Sourav Ganguly and Roger Binny, to hold the position. His appointment is seen as significant especially for Jammu & Kashmir cricket development.

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Polish ski mountaineer Andrzej Bargiel (37) set a world record by becoming the first person to successfully climb Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen and then ski continuously from the summit to Base Camp. Bargiel completed the historic descent, navigating the treacherous South Col Route and Khumbu Icefall, on September 23, 2025

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Current affairs for KBC

Telangana recorded the highest average annual per capita consumption expenditure on alcoholic beverages in India, rising sharply from ₹745 in 2014-15 to ₹1,623 in 2022-23, making it the top spender on liquor per person in the country. This trend highlights a significant increase in alcohol spending despite nationwide declines during the pandemic period.

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Joseph Shine v. Union of India (2018) is a landmark Supreme Court judgment that struck down Section 497 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalized adultery. The Court held that the law was unconstitutional as it was gender-discriminatory, treating only men as offenders and women as victims or property of their husbands. The judgment declared adultery no longer a criminal offense but a civil matter, allowing it only to be grounds for divorce.

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In September 2025, Chief Justice of India B R Gavai sparked nationwide controversy after dismissing a Supreme Court plea to restore a beheaded Lord Vishnu idol at Khajuraho by telling the petitioner to “go and ask the deity himself to do something”, leading to backlash and debate across the country; CJI Gavai later clarified that his remarks were misrepresented and affirmed his respect for all religions.

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In the 2025 NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework) rankings, Telangana’s top institutes like IIT Hyderabad (ranked 12th overall), University of Hyderabad (26th overall), Osmania University (53rd overall), and NALSAR University of Law (3rd in Law) reaffirmed the state’s leading position in higher education in India, while Andhra Pradesh saw more modest placements with Andhra University at 4th among State Public Universities.

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The Gen Z protests in Kathmandu in September 2025 were triggered by a government ban on numerous social media platforms, which escalated into widespread anti-corruption demonstrations involving thousands of youth demanding an end to nepotism and political mismanagement. The protests led to violent clashes, the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, and the appointment of former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as interim Prime Minister, with elections scheduled for March 2026.

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The world’s first-ever public train run took place on 27 September 1825, from Stockton to Darlington in Northern England, covering about 40 km.

***Lynsey Addario, an American war photographer known for covering conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Ukraine, and more, has won the Pulitzer Prize and other prestigious awards for her fearless documentation of the human cost of war, often risking her life and being kidnapped twice while reporting.

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Current affairs for KBC

Telangana government has decided to take over Hyderabad Metro Rail Phase-I from L&T Group, agreeing to assume the project’s ₹13,000 crore debt and pay about ₹2,000 crore to L&T as a one-time equity settlement.

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As of June 2025, Amazon is the largest user of the H-1B visa programme with 10,044 employees, while Indian IT majors like TCS (5,505), Infosys (2,004), and Wipro (1,523) now rely far less on H-1B visas compared to global tech giants, reducing their vulnerability to US policy changes.

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The MiG-21 is a supersonic jet fighter developed by the Soviet Union and entered service in the early 1960s. It features a distinctive "tailed delta" wing design, which allows for high speed and good maneuverability. The aircraft has served as a core interceptor and multi-role fighter in many countries, including India, where it was inducted in 1963 and remained a backbone of the Indian Air Force for decades. It can reach speeds over Mach 2.0 with a service ceiling of around 17,800 meters and typically carries a 23mm cannon along with air-to-air missiles and bombs. The MiG-21 is one of the most produced supersonic fighters ever, with over 11,000 units built, and despite its age, it remains operational in some air forces even today

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In September 2025, violent protests in Ladakh over demands for statehood and constitutional safeguards under the Sixth Schedule led to the killing of four people and injuries to over 60. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been fasting for these demands, called off his hunger strike after the violence. The protests reflect the region’s long-standing demand for greater autonomy and protection of tribal rights since Ladakh became a union territory in 2019.

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In 2025, the United States experienced a significant decline in press freedom, ranking 57th out of 180 countries in the World Press Freedom Index, its lowest ever. Economic pressures, political hostility, and actions by the Trump administration to restrict independent media have contributed to this unprecedented erosion of free expression in a country historically seen as a bastion of press freedom.

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The 2025 film Homebound was inspired by Basharat Peer’s powerful 2020 New York Times article titled "Taking Amrit Home," later retitled "A Friendship, a Pandemic and a Death Beside the Highway." The article recounts the true story of Mohammad Saiyub, a Muslim, and Amrit Kumar, a Dalit, two migrant workers who walked hundreds of miles from Surat to their village in Uttar Pradesh during the COVID-19 lockdown. Their journey highlights their deep friendship and the hardships faced during the migrant crisis in India, reflecting themes of caste, religion, and dignity.

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India’s export economy is highly concentrated: just four States—Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka—account for over 70% of all merchandise exports, while the entire northeast with its over 5,400 km of international borders contributes only 0.13%.

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On February 3, 1916, Canada’s Parliament building in Ottawa was destroyed in a fire, but the very next day Parliament reconvened in the Victoria Memorial Museum—remarkably, even in this makeshift setting, a press gallery was set up, underscoring the indispensability of the media in parliamentary democracy.

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In 1925, the Burma Legislative Council passed a resolution moved by Dr. Thien Maung recommending that two Burmans be sent to the Co-operative College in Manchester for specialized training.

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According to Atlassian’s 2025 AI Confidence Index, India has emerged as the fastest and most enthusiastic adopter of AI in workplaces, with adoption rates higher than even the United States and Germany.

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The MiG-21, inducted into the Indian Air Force in the 1960s, holds the record as the world’s most-produced supersonic fighter jet, with over 11,000 units built globally.

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The MiG-21, decommissioned in 2025 after 62 years of service with the Indian Air Force, remains iconic as the jet that downed a Pakistani F-16 during the 2019 Balakot operations, showcasing its enduring combat legacy despite being labeled a “flying coffin.”

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The U.S. states with the greatest interest in H-1B visas in 2025 are:

California: Leading with the highest number of new H-1B visa recipients, driven mainly by Silicon Valley and tech giants like Apple and Nvidia, with over 80,000 visa approvals.

Texas: A close second, favored for its business-friendly tax policies and headquarters of major firms such as Oracle and Tesla, with around 65,000 approvals.

New York: Ranked third, boosted by financial institutions like JPMorgan Chase and Wall Street firms.

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In 2025, the U.S. government faced a looming shutdown due to a deadlock between Congress and the White House over federal funding, risking mass furloughs and permanent layoffs of hundreds of thousands of federal workers. The shutdown threatened to delay key economic reports, disrupt financial markets, and impact essential services like food assistance, air travel, and federal court operations. This shutdown could be more severe than past ones, as the White House directed agencies to prepare for permanent staff reductions, marking a significant shift from previous temporary furloughs. The travel sector alone could lose about $1 billion per week due to disruptions in air travel and closures of national parks and museums. The standoff heightened economic uncertainty and risked weakening government workforce morale and long-term efficiency.

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India reached a major milestone in 2025 by achieving 20% ethanol blending in petrol, five years ahead of its original 2030 target. This success is part of the government's Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme, aiming to reduce crude oil imports, support farmers, and cut carbon emissions. The ethanol used mainly comes from sugarcane, maize, and other feedstocks, contributing to improved farmer incomes and environmental benefits. The program has helped pay ₹1.18 lakh crore to farmers, saved ₹1.36 lakh crore in foreign exchange, and reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 698 lakh tonnes, reinforcing India's clean energy goals. Efforts are ongoing to diversify feedstocks beyond sugarcane and maize, including plans to use bamboo and agricultural residues, particularly in northeastern India, to sustain and expand ethanol production.

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The Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway (NH-48) is a notorious death trap, recording 131 fatalities in 238 accidents this year on the Talasari-Dahisar stretch alone. Despite a ₹600-crore project, poor conditions—including potholes, broken medians, and a lack of truck terminals forcing roadside parking—cause severe congestion. Recent tragic deaths due to ambulance traffic jams underscore the urgent crisis. Commuters are demanding an immediate infrastructural overhaul to improve safety on the corridor.

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The 2025 Indian film Homebound, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, is based on a New York Times article by journalist Basharat Peer depicting a poignant story inspired by a viral photograph from the 2020 migrant crisis. The film stars Ishaan Khatter as Mohammed Shoaib, an underprivileged Muslim youth, and Vishal Jethwa as Chandan, a Dalit boy, who are childhood friends striving to pass the national police exam for dignity and survival. Homebound explores themes of caste prejudice, friendship, and the hardships faced during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in India. It was India's official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards and received critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling and performances.

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Current affairs for KBC

India was one of the first countries to formally recognize Palestinian statehood on November 18, 1988, underscoring its longstanding support for the Palestine Liberation Organisation and emphasizing its commitment to justice, self-determination, and international peace.

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Indian adults consume 8–11 grams of salt daily—nearly twice the World Health Organization’s recommended limit of 5–6 grams—which significantly increases the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.

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On September 23, 2025, Kolkata experienced about 252 mm of rainfall within 6-7 hours, leading to severe flooding and nine deaths due to electrocution from exposed electrical sources in waterlogged streets; the incident triggered blame on the Calcutta Electricity Supply Corporation (CESC) for negligence, while infrastructural decay and blockage of natural drainage systems also contributed to the disaster.

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Fifty years ago, India delinked the rupee from the British pound sterling and shifted to a system where the rupee's exchange value was determined by a basket of currencies from India’s major trading partners, aiming to bring greater stability to the rupee and India’s international transactions.

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A hundred years ago, Dr. Mary F. Williams of the University of California emphasized the cultural significance of university life and advocated for the international exchange of professors between Eastern and Western universities to foster better understanding and collaboration.

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US President Donald Trump delivered a lengthy, controversial speech marked by a broken escalator and a malfunctioning teleprompter, which symbolized the dystopian state of global politics. In his speech, Trump criticized migration, climate change policies, and the United Nations itself, while boasting about ending seven wars and accusing other countries of funding conflicts. His speech was met mostly with silence, highlighting a perceived decline in the US's role as a global positive force, contrasted with strong applause for other world leaders calling for respect for human rights and multilateralism. The event underscored calls for reforming the UN to better represent contemporary global powers like Germany, Brazil, and India.

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One general knowledge point is: In September 2025, Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show on ABC was suspended for a week due to his critical remarks about the Trump administration's response to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The suspension followed pressure from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) chairman and conservative groups, sparking nationwide debate about free speech and censorship in the U.S. After widespread backlash and discussions, the show resumed but faced continued resistance from some local ABC affiliates refusing to air it. This incident highlighted ongoing tensions between political commentary, media freedom, and regulatory power in America.

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The Karnataka High Court dismissed social media platform X’s plea challenging mandatory onboarding on the government’s Sahyog portal, ruling that freedom of speech under Article 19(1)(a) is subject to reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2), and stressing that social media cannot claim "anarchic freedom" in India’s digital space.

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China’s Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, called the 50% US tariff on India “unfair and unreasonable”, urging India and China to prioritize development and mutual support, but analysts view this as Beijing’s strategy to exploit India-US tensions and weaken New Delhi’s partnership with Washington.

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The Brahmotsavams of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala, believed to have been initiated by Lord Brahma himself, have been celebrated annually for over 800 years, and since 1978, it has become a tradition for the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister to present silk clothes (pattu vastralu) to the deity during the festival.

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A split among trustees of Tata Trusts over the composition of Tata Sons’ board has raised concerns about Noel Tata’s ability to consolidate authority as Ratan Tata’s successor, even as the group focuses on major investments in sectors like semiconductors and aviation, and on resolving the Mistry group’s equity exit.

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Current affairs for KBC

President Droupadi Murmu conferred the 71st National Film Awards, where Mohanlal received the Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award, and actors Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, and Vikrant Massey were honoured for their performances.

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The 71st National Film Awards highlighting Telugu cinema's achievements:

Bhagavanth Kesari won top honours, showcasing mass cinema recognition at the national level.

HanuMan received awards for its pioneering work in the Telugu superhero genre.

Baby bagged recognition for its strong storytelling in the romantic drama category.

Balagam continued its winning streak, earning national-level awards for its realistic rural backdrop and emotional depth.

Gandhi Tatha Chettu was honoured, strengthening Telugu independent cinema’s representation.

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MacKenzie Scott received approximately 25% of their Amazon shares in the divorce settlement with Jeff Bezos in 2019. This transfer of stock made her one of the richest women in the world, valued at around $38 billion at the time. This wealth has enabled her to become a major philanthropist with billions donated to charitable causes since then.

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India’s Chief Economic Adviser V Anantha Nageswaran struck an optimistic note on India’s growth for 2025-26, expecting GDP growth near the government's upper range of 6.3-6.8%, supported by reforms like GST 2.0 and a favourable “China-plus-one” strategy attracting manufacturing investments. Despite global uncertainties, fiscal deficit is to be contained at 4.4% of GDP, with focus on structural reforms, human capital development, and stable policy to sustain growth.

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The China-plus-one strategy is a business approach where companies reduce their reliance on China as the sole manufacturing or supply chain base by expanding operations to at least one additional country. This diversification aims to mitigate risks from geopolitical tensions, rising costs, and supply chain disruptions associated with overdependence on China. Countries like India, Vietnam, Thailand, and others have become attractive alternatives for manufacturing and sourcing under this strategy. It helps companies manage costs, reduce risk, and access new markets while maintaining a presence in China.

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The Indian Navy will commission INS Androth, its second indigenous Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, on October 6 in Visakhapatnam. Built by GRSE with over 80% local content, the vessel is designed for coastal defense and anti-submarine operations, marking a key milestone in India's maritime self-reliance.

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A pharmacist and his associate were arrested by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) in 2025 for smuggling fentanyl precursor chemicals to Mexico and Guatemala under false names like "fish collagen peptides" and Vitamin B7. The synthetic opioid fentanyl is highly addictive and considered one of the deadliest drug threats globally, being 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. The accused repeatedly smuggled chemicals like 1-Boc-4-piperidone and 4-piperidone—used to manufacture fentanyl—through pharmaceutical firms based in Surat. Their operations were partly intercepted by US customs, but some consignments reached agents linked to major drug cartels. This case highlights India’s secondary role as a source of fentanyl precursors, with ongoing investigations and US indictments against related companies.

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India loses 15–25% of its agricultural crops annually to pests such as weeds, insects, diseases, nematodes, and rodents, which translates to an economic loss of approximately Rs 1.3–2 lakh crore (about $15–$23 billion). Pest management currently accounts for 15–25% of farming input costs, yet chemical pesticides dominate, causing serious ecological damage, pest resistance, and residue contamination in food. Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which includes the use of biopesticides, cultural practices, and biological controls, offers a sustainable alternative but is underutilized, with only 5.7% of Indian farmers adopting biopesticides compared to 43% using synthetic chemicals. The government has lowered GST on biopesticides to promote IPM, aiming to balance productivity, sustainability, and food safety amid climate change challenges.

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India remains one of the most dangerous countries for journalists, with an average of two to three media workers killed annually due to their work. In addition to physical attacks, journalists face legal harassment, online threats, censorship, and political pressure. The 2025 World Press Freedom Index ranked India 151st out of 180 countries, highlighting the deteriorating conditions for press freedom. Journalists reporting on sensitive topics such as Kashmir, religion, environment, and corruption face intensified risks, including arrests under anti-terror laws and prolonged detentions. Women journalists are often targeted with online abuse and doxxing. Despite the large and diverse media industry, threats and violence have created a climate of fear, undermining the essential societal role of journalism.

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Out of more than 1.3 million lawyers in the United States, about 250,000 are criminal defense lawyers, while prosecuting attorneys number around 35,000 at the state level and 90 at the federal level.

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In 2016, the Supreme Court of India upheld the constitutional validity of criminal defamation, ruling that the right to reputation is part of the fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution. However, in 2025, the Supreme Court expressed concern over the misuse of criminal defamation laws by private individuals and political actors to intimidate critics and silence dissent. A bench led by Justice M.M. Sundresh remarked that it may be time to decriminalise defamation, observing that criminal punishment is disproportionate to the harm caused by reputational injury, which can be addressed through civil remedies like damages or injunctions. This reflects growing judicial unease with criminal defamation being used as a tool for harassment rather than protecting genuine reputational interests.

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The Almatti Dam dispute has resurfaced in 2025 as Karnataka decided to raise the height of the dam from 519.6 meters to 524.256 meters, citing the 2013 Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II (KWDT-II) Award and the goal to use "excess water flowing into the sea." The dam, part of the Upper Krishna Project on the Krishna river, is crucial for irrigation and hydroelectric power. Telangana, a lower riparian state, relies heavily on Krishna river water for drinking and irrigation in its southern districts, and fears that increasing Almatti’s height will reduce water availability downstream. The Telangana government has vowed to oppose the move strongly, with its Irrigation Minister stating the case will be presented before the Supreme Court, where a stay on the increase currently exists. The issue has caused political tension in Telangana among ruling and opposition parties and has drawn support from Maharashtra, which has also expressed concerns about flooding due to the height increase. 

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In 2025, US President Donald Trump announced a dramatic increase in the H-1B visa fee to $100,000 for new applicants, significantly curtailing one of the most important pathways for skilled Indian professionals to work in the US. The H-1B visa program has historically been a crucial driver of India's brain gain, enabling millions of Indian engineers, IT professionals, and scientists to contribute to the US economy while supporting their families back home. Trump's move, described as part of an "America First" agenda, has disrupted this flow, potentially cutting short what could have become the largest brain drain in history by limiting access to US jobs for Indian workers. This visa fee hike has generated widespread concern over India's employment landscape, particularly given only about 58.4% of local graduates are employable as per the India Skills Report 2025, and the manufacturing sector faces automation-driven job losses. 

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F. Scott Fitzgerald's best and most famous book is widely considered to be "The Great Gatsby." Published in 1925, it is a classic of American literature that explores themes of decadence, idealism, resistance to change, social upheaval, and excess during the Jazz Age. The novel is praised for its lyrical prose, complex characters, and critical portrayal of the American Dream. It remains a central work in high school and college literature curricula and has been adapted into several films and stage productions.

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The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) became the first public transport corporation in India to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its operations in 2025. Partnering with Hansa Equity Partners LLP, the initiative includes AI-based employee health monitoring, predictive bus scheduling based on demand, traffic patterns, and events, as well as performance tracking to optimize fleet deployment, reduce costs, and improve commuter services. A pilot program analyzing medical reports of over 40,000 employees through AI and machine learning has been successfully expanded statewide to enhance crew productivity. Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar appreciated the futuristic approach and emphasized collaborative execution for sustainable success, marking a strategic leap in modernizing public transport management.

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Current affairs for KBC

Abraham Lincoln

President Abraham Lincoln issued the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation on September 22, 1862, declaring that as of January 1, 1863, all enslaved people in the Confederate states still in rebellion "shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free." The final proclamation, issued on January 1, 1863, formally freed those enslaved in the rebelling states and marked a significant step toward the abolition of slavery in the United States

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Rajakars were private militias raised under the leadership of Kasim Razvi in 1947–48 to defend the Nizam’s rule in Hyderabad against merger with India. While today’s Hindutva propaganda selectively portrays them only as a Muslim outfit, historical records show that members came from different castes and communities, including Hindus who supported the Nizam’s rule for their own feudal or class interests.

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On September 21, 2025, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer officially recognized Palestine as a state, describing this as the “inalienable right of the Palestinian people” and a “moral responsibility” of the global community, even as the move provoked protests from the US and Israel but was welcomed by many nations supporting a two-state solution.

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The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 prohibits the placement of nuclear weapons or any other kinds of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in orbit around the Earth or on celestial bodies, ensuring that outer space is used exclusively for peaceful purposes by all countries.

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Alphabet's Google is facing a U.S. Department of Justice trial over alleged monopoly power in online advertising, with the government seeking to force Google to sell its ad exchange platform, AdX, and to make the auction mechanism open source. This trial follows a previous unsuccessful government attempt to require Google to sell its Chrome browser, reflecting ongoing efforts to regulate Google’s dominance in the digital ad market.

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Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in India form the foundation of rural healthcare, serving populations of around 20,000-30,000 people. PHC doctors provide comprehensive care that includes clinical treatment, preventive services, immunization, disease surveillance, health education, and coordination with community health workers. They also handle heavy patient loads and administrative duties, making them crucial for implementing national health programs and achieving Universal Health Coverage as envisioned in Sustainable Development Goal 3.8.

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In 2025, the U.S. government increased the one-time application fee for new H-1B visa petitions to $100,000 from the previous few thousand dollars, a move likely to disproportionately impact young Indian women applicants because they represent a growing share of new H-1B visa holders but tend to earn less than their male counterparts. This steep fee hike makes sponsoring new H-1B workers economically challenging for employers, particularly affecting early-career female professionals who are also highly educated.

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In the 1946 Bengal Legislative Assembly elections, the Hindu Mahasabha opposed the Indian National Congress in 26 general seats but secured only 2.73% of the total Hindu vote, winning just one special reserved University seat uncontested by Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee. This limited success reflected that the Congress was considered much stronger in protecting Bengali Hindu interests, while political tensions then led to the Muslim League—under Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy—returning to power in Bengal. Suhrawardy's policies and his call for a United Bengal stirred fears among Bengali Hindus about becoming a minority under Muslim dominance, which contributed to communal unrest and the eventual violent repercussions during India’s partition in 1947.

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On 15 August 2025, the Prime Minister of India announced major economic reforms under GST 2.0 during the Independence Day address at the Red Fort, which the GST Council approved in its 56th meeting on 3 September 2025. The reforms reduce the existing four GST tax slabs (5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%) to two slabs, 5% and 18%, effective from 22 September 2025. This simplification aims to lower tax burdens on essential goods, boost domestic industries, especially MSMEs, stimulate consumption and employment, and enhance India’s economic growth and global competitiveness.

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The immediate trigger of the Indian Rebellion of 1857 was the introduction of new rifle cartridges greased with animal fat—rumored to be from cows and pigs—which Hindu and Muslim sepoys found deeply offensive due to religious beliefs. This caused widespread anger among sepoys in the British East India Company's army, leading to the refusal to use these cartridges, punishment of dissenting soldiers, and ultimately the outbreak of the rebellion starting in Meerut on May 10, 1857. The revolt rapidly spread, involving a broad coalition of sepoys, local leaders, peasants, and princes, with Delhi becoming the symbolic center under the leadership of the Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar.

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The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) is launching India’s first AI Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) at the Vaikuntham-1 complex in Tirumala. This pioneering center, established with donations from Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), aims to efficiently manage the heavy pilgrim rush, accommodation, and security in the temple town. The ICCC will be inaugurated by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on September 25, 2025.

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Edir Macedo is a Brazilian evangelical bishop, author, and billionaire businessman. He founded the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG) in 1977, which became one of Brazil's largest Pentecostal churches. 

A major media owner, Macedo acquired Brazil's third-largest TV network, RecordTV, in 1989 and founded the Grupo Record media group. His teachings on prosperity theology have drawn both followers and controversy. As of 2024, his net worth is estimated at around $1.7 billion. He also commissioned the construction of a $300 million replica of Solomon's Temple in São Paulo.

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President Donald Trump has claimed to have stopped seven wars during his presidency. According to his statements, the conflicts he refers to include:

India-Pakistan conflict, which he claimed was close to turning nuclear.

Thailand-Cambodia border clashes.

Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.

Tensions between Israel and Iran.

Dispute between Egypt and Ethiopia related to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Nile.

Hostilities between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Kosovo-Serbia dispute, where he claimed to have helped normalize economic relations.

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The acclaimed Telugu film "Balagam" has received national recognition at the 71st National Film Awards.

At a ceremony in New Delhi, President Droupadi Murmu presented lyricist Kasarla Shyam with the National Award for Best Lyrics for the song "Ooru Palleturu" from the film. Directed by Venu Eldandi, the film has been widely praised for its portrayal of rural Telangana culture.

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he funeral of legendary Assamese singer and cultural icon Zubeen Garg attracted an unprecedented outpouring of grief and tribute, becoming the fourth largest last rites procession in the world, as recorded by the Limca Book of Records. Tens of thousands of mourners gathered in Guwahati to bid farewell to the beloved artist, whose sudden demise in a tragic scuba diving accident in Singapore shocked the nation.

Zubeen Garg, aged 52, known for his soulful voice and hits like the Bollywood chartbuster “Ya Ali,” was cremated with state honors and a 21-gun salute. His contributions spanned over three decades, with performances in over 40 languages, touching millions across India and beyond.

This historic funeral procession joins other significant global memorials related to prominent personalities. Among the other top funeral events recently noted in record books are:

The state funeral of Nelson Mandela in South Africa, attended by world leaders and millions across the nation.

The grand last rites of Queen Elizabeth II in the United Kingdom, which drew global attention and large-scale participation.

The mourning ceremony for Mahatma Gandhi, a historic event that symbolized India’s profound respect for its Father of the Nation.

Zubeen Garg’s memorial stands as a testament to his immense cultural impact and the deep love he earned from fans and communities far beyond Assam.

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The jury has begun deliberations in the federal trial of Ryan Wesley Routh, who is accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump.

Prosecutors presented extensive evidence, including testimony from 38 witnesses, linking Routh to the September 15, 2024, assassination attempt at Trump International Golf Club in Florida. Routh, who is representing himself, argued he lacked the means or intent to carry out the assassination. If convicted, he faces a potential life sentence.The jury has begun deliberations in the federal trial of Ryan Wesley Routh, who is accused of attempting to assassinate President Donald Trump.

Prosecutors presented extensive evidence, including testimony from 38 witnesses, linking Routh to the September 15, 2024, assassination attempt at Trump International Golf Club in Florida. Routh, who is representing himself, argued he lacked the means or intent to carry out the assassination. If convicted, he faces a potential life sentence.

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The pioneers of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) are:

Sir Robert Edwards: A British physiologist who received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2010 for the development of IVF.

Dr. Patrick Steptoe: A British gynecologist and surgeon who collaborated with Edwards, developing the laparoscopic procedure to retrieve eggs.

Jean Purdy: An embryologist who worked with Edwards and Steptoe. She was the first to witness the dividing of the first successful human embryo and was a crucial part of the team's work.

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In 1954, Texas Instruments and Industrial Development Engineering Associates (I.D.E.A.) partnered to create the Regency TR-1, the first commercially produced transistor radio.

Released on November 1, 1954, the Regency TR-1 was a portable and compact breakthrough in consumer electronics. Though its performance was modest, its success led to the widespread use of transistors in consumer devices, sparking a revolution in portable electronics.

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Since the first IVF birth in 1978, more than 13 million babies have been born worldwide through in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technologies.

A recent study in Fertility and Sterility estimates the number to be between 13 and 17 million as of 2024. Today, an IVF-conceived baby is born approximately every 35 seconds globally. IVF has become a major achievement in reproductive medicine, although it remains costly and inaccessible in many parts of the world.

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The Supreme Court of India recently reaffirmed that secularism is a fundamental principle and an essential part of the Constitution's basic structure. This reaffirmation came in response to a petition challenging the participation of a Muslim writer, Banu Mushtaq, in the Mysuru Dasara festival inauguration at a temple, which the Court dismissed. The Court emphasized that the Dasara festival is a state-sponsored cultural event, not a purely religious ceremony, and that the state cannot discriminate based on religion in public events. The judgment upholds the constitutional values of equality and secularism as enshrined in the Preamble and Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution, protecting the unity and pluralism of Indian society.

This ruling highlights that freedom to practice one's religion cannot restrict others from participating in religious or cultural events, reinforcing the ideal of India's shared cultural heritage beyond religious boundaries

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In 2025, the Andhra Pradesh High Court ruled that a transgender woman is legally entitled to be recognized as a woman under Indian law, affirming that gender identity is protected by the Constitution. The court dismissed arguments that limited womanhood to reproductive ability, upholding rights under Articles 14, 15, and 21 that guarantee equality, non-discrimination, and dignity. This landmark judgment extended protections against domestic cruelty under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code to transgender women, marking a significant step toward transgender rights and justice in India. This ruling builds on the Supreme Court’s 2014 NALSA verdict, which recognized transgender persons as a ‘third gender’ with equal fundamental rights.

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Current affairs for KBC

President Donald Trump’s new executive order has raised the H-1B visa fee for new applicants to $100,000 per year—leading to panic among Indian tech professionals, whose community represents 71% of visa holders and who now face enormous financial, career, and humanitarian disruptions due to this policy.

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The Supreme Court is currently considering a Presidential reference made in May 2025 under Article 143, seeking its advice on whether the Court can prescribe timelines for the Governor and President to act on State Bills, after its April 2025 judgment set a three-month deadline for such decisions under Articles 200 and 201 of the Constitution

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Max Verstappen won the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix in dominant fashion, leading every lap from pole position and securing his second consecutive Formula 1 victory, while Oscar Piastri crashed out on the opening lap and Carlos Sainz gave Williams its first podium of the season.

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Kam Air is the largest private Afghan airline, founded in 2003 by Afghan businessman Zamarai Kamgar. It was the first private commercial airline established in Afghanistan and operates scheduled domestic and international flights across Central Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East, with its hub at Kabul International Airport. Kam Air has a fleet of modern aircraft including Boeing and Airbus models and is known for operating Afghanistan's first all-female crew flight in 2021. Despite challenges including a temporary suspension of services during the 2021 political upheaval in Afghanistan, Kam Air resumed domestic operations and continues to be a key player in Afghanistan's aviation sector.

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The Saudi-Pakistan Mutual Defence Agreement (SPMDA), signed on September 17, 2025, commits both countries to treat any aggression against one as an aggression against both, effectively creating a mutual defense pact that includes potential military and nuclear support, raising strategic concerns and shifting security dynamics in West Asia.

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The Guinness World Record set by LIC earlier in 2025 was for selling 5.8 lakh policies in a single day.

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Current affairs for KBC

The creation of virtual digital assets (VDAs) such as Bitcoin was inspired by the cypherpunk movement and the Crypto Anarchist Manifesto of 1988, but truly began with the release of the Bitcoin whitepaper by Satoshi Nakamoto in 2008. This whitepaper proposed a decentralized peer-to-peer electronic cash system, using cryptography to enable secure online payments without needing traditional banks—laying the foundation for the global cryptocurrency revolution seen today.

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Malayalam superstar Mohanlal has won the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for 2023—making him only the second Malayali film personality after Adoor Gopalakrishnan to receive India’s highest honour in cinema, which will be presented at the 71st National Film Awards ceremony on September 23.

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As of 2025, eight personalities closely associated with the Telugu film industry have received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award:

B. N. Reddy (1974)

L. V. Prasad (1982)

Akkineni Nageswara Rao (1990)

B. Nagi Reddy (1986)

K. Balachander (2010; worked in Telugu as well as Tamil)

D. Ramanaidu (2009)

Kasinathuni Viswanath (2016)

Paidi Jairaj (1980; acted in Hindi and Telugu)

These awardees made significant contributions as actors, directors, and producers in Telugu cinema.

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B. N. Reddy stands for Bommireddi Narasimha Reddy. He was a film director, producer, and screenwriter, considered an early and influential figure of Telugu cinema. He was the first film personality from South India to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1974 and was also a Padma Bhushan awardee.

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B. Nagi Reddy (full name Bommireddy Nagi Reddy) was a legendary Indian film producer who was awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1986. He was a highly influential figure in South Indian cinema, known for co-founding the Vijaya Vauhini Studios and producing numerous classics under the banner of Vijaya Productions.

He was the younger brother of B.N. Reddy (Bommireddy Narasimha Reddy). Both brothers were pioneers in the film industry and both received the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award—B.N. Reddy in 1974 and B. Nagi Reddy in 1986.

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Paidi Jairaj (full name Paidipati Jairaj) was a renowned Indian actor, director, and producer known for his work predominantly in Hindi cinema, with contributions to Telugu, Marathi, and Gujarati films as well. Born in 1909 in Karimnagar, Hyderabad State (now Telangana), he started his acting career in silent films in 1929 and later became a leading actor in the talkie era. Jairaj acted in over 170 films and directed several movies. He was the recipient of the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 1980 for lifetime achievement in Indian cinema. He is also notable as a Telugu film personality who bridged multiple regional cinemas.

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Assamese singer and cultural icon Zubeen Garg tragically died in Singapore in 2025 due to a swimming accident during a yacht trip associated with the North East India Festival. Following his death, the Assam government transferred investigations to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), with multiple FIRs filed against the festival organizer Shyamkanu Mahanta and Garg's manager over alleged negligence. The festival was subsequently cancelled, and the state observed three days of mourning in his honor.

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In 2025, the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, chaired by Navi Pillay—a renowned South African jurist and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights—officially found that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. The commission concluded that Israeli authorities and security forces committed four of the five acts defined as genocide under the 1948 Genocide Convention, including killing, causing serious bodily or mental harm, deliberately inflicting conditions calculated to physically destroy the group, and preventing births. This report marks the first time a UN-affiliated body has declared the situation in Gaza as genocide.

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In 2023, India enacted the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, which marked a turning point in data privacy by declaring that personal data belongs to citizens, not tech companies, with fines up to ₹250 crore for violations.

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By 2028, global spending on AI-ready data centres is projected to exceed $3 trillion, making it one of the largest technology infrastructure investments in history.

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Between 1991 and 2022, the United States mounted over 250 military interventions worldwide, and in its broader history, it has been involved in nearly 400 foreign interventions, underscoring regime change as a structural feature of its foreign policy rather than an aberration.

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Independent verification confirmed irregularities in the electoral rolls of Mahadevapura in Karnataka, lending some credibility to Rahul Gandhi’s charge of voter list manipulation and highlighting concerns over Election Commission accountability.

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A recent State of the Sector Report by the Indian School of Development Management found that Social Purpose Organisations in India have an average data maturity score of just 48 out of 100, with only 4% qualifying as true experts in using data effectively.

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Current affairs for KBC

World Economic Forum (WEF) president Borge Brende has pledged total support for Telangana’s ambitious ‘Telangana Rising 2047’ vision to reach a $3 trillion economy, praising its extraordinary progress in the last 12 months and announcing new investments from global giants like Godrej and Amazon in the state.

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Diti, in the Puranas, is the daughter of Daksha Prajapati and the wife of sage Kashyapa; she is most renowned as the mother of the Daityas (asuras)—including notable figures like Hiranyakashipu and Hiranyaksha—who are often depicted as antagonists battling the Devas (gods) led by her sister Aditi’s children. Diti’s stories embody the cosmic struggle between good and evil, with her lineage representing material desires and challenges on the path to spiritual enlightenment.

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Iravan, also known as Iravat or Aravan, is a minor but significant character in the Mahabharata. He is the son of Arjuna and Ulupi, a Naga princess. Iravan was born during Arjuna’s exile and grew up in Nagaloka, the realm of the Nagas. He joined the Kurukshetra war to fight alongside his father and the Pandavas.

Iravan is notable for his heroic fight in the war, where he defeated many powerful warriors before dying a heroic death on the eighth day. He is also famous in South Indian traditions for a ritual involving his self-sacrifice to Goddess Kali to ensure the Pandavas' victory. A special boon granted by Krishna allowed him to marry before his sacrifice, with Krishna himself taking the form of a woman named Mohini for the marriage.

In Tamil traditions, Iravan is worshiped as a deity and is associated with the transgender community (Hijras or Aravanis) through an 18-day festival commemorating his marriage and sacrifice.

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The head of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Brendan Carr, threatened to take action against ABC after Jimmy Kimmel made controversial comments about the Charlie Kirk shooting. This pressure from the FCC chairman contributed to ABC pulling Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show off the air indefinitely.

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Launched on August 28, 2014, PMJDY is recognized as the world's largest financial inclusion initiative, having opened over 56 crore bank accounts by August 2025, with more than 55% of these accounts held by women, significantly enhancing access to formal banking for underserved populations across India.

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The correct and confirmed account according to The New York Times is that Tyler Robinson’s parents learned about the shooting incident and then contacted a retired deputy sheriff they knew. This initiated a series of calls through law enforcement agencies, ultimately leading to Robinson’s surrender. So, law enforcement credits Robinson’s parents for alerting them to his identity, not just the Discord members.

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On September 17, 2025, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, pledging that any aggression against either country will be treated as aggression against both. This marks a historic upgrade in their relations, with Saudi Arabia gaining access to Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities under the pact, significantly shifting the security dynamics in West Asia and South Asia.

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September 20 marks the Founders’ Day of The Hindu established on this day in 1878. Originally started by six young nationalists as a weekly publication, The Hindu played a vital role in India’s freedom struggle.

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"The Pitt" is a 2025 medical drama on HBO Max, created by R. Scott Gemmill and a spiritual successor to NBC’s "ER." The season uniquely unfolds over a single 15-hour shift in a Pittsburgh trauma center, capturing the intense, emotional, and realistic experiences of emergency healthcare workers. It has been praised as a throwback to classic network-style medical dramas and has won multiple Emmy awards.

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The Government of Assam is celebrating a year-long centenary of Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhupen Hazarika’s birth in 2025, honoring the legendary music maestro known as the "Bard of Brahmaputra." His extraordinary contributions as a singer, composer, filmmaker, and poet united diverse communities and inspired generations across India and beyond. The celebrations include cultural events, musical tributes, seminars, and a unique musical voyage along the Brahmaputra River named after his iconic song "Bistirna Parore".

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The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India’s highest honour in cinema, given annually by the Government of India for lifetime outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema. The award commemorates Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, the "Father of Indian Cinema," who made India’s first full-length feature film in 1913. Recipients receive a Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) medallion, a shawl, and a cash prize. The award is selected by a committee of eminent personalities from the film industry and has been presented since 1969. Legendary Malayalam actor Mohanlal is set to receive the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his iconic contribution to Indian cinema, recognizing his unmatched talent and lasting impact.

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The Indian Armed Forces, particularly the Army’s Western Command, have been instrumental in flood relief operations across Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Assam, Uttarakhand and other states. Since mid-August 2025, the Army conducted over 82 Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions, evacuating more than 6,000 people, providing medical aid to 13,000 individuals, and delivering nearly 50 tons of essential supplies. Engineer detachments repaired damaged infrastructure including bridges, strengthened flood defenses, and restored communication networks. The Armed Forces’ apolitical commitment and swift action remain crucial in managing disaster relief when other institutions falter.

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India's Blue Economy, a key pillar of the "Viksit Bharat 2047" vision, aims to harness the vast potential of its 11,098 km coastline and 2.4 million sq km Exclusive Economic Zone to transform the ocean-based economic sector into a $100 billion sustainable industry by 2047. It includes traditional areas like fisheries, shipping, and ports, alongside emerging fields such as marine biotechnology, renewable ocean energy, and eco-tourism. Major initiatives under this vision include the Deep Ocean Mission with the 'Matsya 6000' submersible, the Sagarmala programme to modernize ports, and the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana for fisheries, all aimed at inclusive growth, environmental sustainability, and enhancing India’s maritime strength.

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Aravind Srinivas is the co-founder and CEO of Perplexity AI. Born on June 7, 1994, in Chennai, India, he holds a bachelor's and master's degree in electrical engineering from IIT Madras and a PhD in computer science from UC Berkeley. Before founding Perplexity AI in 2022 along with Denis Yarats, Johnny Ho, and Andy Konwinski, Aravind worked as a research scientist at OpenAI. Under his leadership, Perplexity AI has rapidly grown into a leading AI-powered search company valued at $18 billion as of July 2025, with major investments from tech giants like Jeff Bezos and Nvidia. Aravind is recognized for combining academic rigor with startup agility to innovate in the AI space, aiming to transform the way people access information.

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Kim Wall was a Swedish freelance journalist born in 1987, known for her courageous and in-depth reporting on diverse topics, including identity, gender, and social justice, often in challenging international settings. In August 2017, while investigating a story about Danish inventor Peter Madsen and his submarine UC3 Nautilus in Copenhagen, she tragically went missing and was later found murdered. Her death led to the conviction and life imprisonment of Madsen. Wall’s work appeared in prominent publications like The Guardian and The New York Times, and she was recognized for her fearless journalism and dedication to revealing nuanced narratives in complex environments. Her family and colleagues continue to honor her legacy by promoting safety and support for journalists worldwide. Her life and career are also recounted in the memoir "A Silenced Voice" written by her parents.