In a significant political development, C.P. Radhakrishnan was elected as the 15th Vice President of India on September 9, 2025. The election saw him secure a decisive majority of votes from the members of both houses of Parliament. In his role, he will serve as the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha (the upper house), guiding its proceedings and upholding parliamentary traditions. His election is seen as a move to strengthen the ruling coalition’s influence in the upper house and ensure the smooth passage of legislative business.

On September 27, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Jharsuguda, Odisha, to unveil a comprehensive development package valued at over Rs. 60,000 crores. A key highlight was the inauguration of the Amrit Bharat Express, a new 1700 km rail service designed to enhance connectivity across eastern India. The package also includes projects for the doubling of critical railway lines to ease freight movement, the establishment of new educational institutions, the modernization of healthcare facilities, and the construction of affordable housing units under the PM Awas Yojana, all aimed at accelerating socio-economic growth in the region.

The Ministry of Education released the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) report for 2024-25, which highlighted a landmark achievement in the education sector. According to the report, the total number of school teachers in India has now surpassed 1 crore (10 million). This milestone reflects the substantial efforts made under various national education policies to improve the pupil-teacher ratio and expand the educational infrastructure to cater to the country’s large student population. The report also provides detailed insights into school enrollment, infrastructure availability, and student outcomes across all states and union territories.

The State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) 2024, released by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), identified Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Assam as the front-runner states. The index evaluates states based on their policies and programs aimed at improving energy efficiency in buildings, industry, transport, and agriculture. Maharashtra was lauded for its robust policy framework and successful implementation of large-scale energy-saving projects, while Andhra Pradesh and Assam were recognized for their significant improvements and innovative approaches to promoting sustainable energy practices.

In its latest meeting, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council announced a series of reforms aimed at rationalizing the tax structure and providing relief to consumers. Key decisions included a reduction in GST rates on several essential items, such as packaged milk, vital medicines, bicycles, and small electric vehicles, to make them more affordable. Conversely, to increase revenue and discourage consumption of certain goods, the Council approved a hike in the GST rates for luxury items, including tobacco products and sweetened aerated beverages. This move is part of a broader strategy to balance the tax burden and promote public health.

The Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) for the fiscal year 2023-24, conducted by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), has reaffirmed Tamil Nadu’s position as a leading industrial hub. The state recorded the highest number of operational factories in the country, a testament to its favorable industrial policies, robust infrastructure, and skilled workforce. The survey provides a comprehensive overview of the manufacturing sector’s performance, capturing data on employment, capital investment, and output, which are crucial indicators of economic health and industrial dynamism.

Aiming to position India as a global shipbuilding hub under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, the government has unveiled a new support package for the industry. This package includes significant financial incentives, subsidies for domestically built vessels, and investment in upgrading shipyard infrastructure. The policy is designed to enhance the domestic capacity for constructing a wide range of vessels, from commercial cargo ships to advanced naval warships, thereby reducing reliance on imports, boosting maritime trade, and strengthening national security.

The prestigious Times Secure India Awards 2025 were held in New Delhi on September 10, bringing together top officials from the government, military, and private sector. The event served as a platform to recognize and celebrate the exceptional achievements of organizations and individuals who have significantly contributed to enhancing India’s national security. Awards were presented across various categories, including advancements in cybersecurity protocols, innovation in indigenous defense technology, and strategic contributions to national defense frameworks.

From September 10 to 13, Hyderabad played host to the International Mechanical Engineering Congress & Exposition (IMECE), one of the world’s largest technical conferences for mechanical engineers. The summit attracted thousands of engineers, academics, and researchers from across the globe. It featured hundreds of technical sessions, workshops, and keynote speeches on cutting-edge topics such as robotics, advanced manufacturing, sustainable energy systems, and artificial intelligence, fostering a vibrant environment for innovation and international collaboration.

In a major boost for India’s conservation efforts, UNESCO officially recognized the country’s 13th biosphere reserve, located in the pristine landscapes of Himachal Pradesh. This designation will bring international attention and support for the preservation of its unique biodiversity. In parallel, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change launched new nationwide schemes focused on large-scale afforestation drives and building climate resilience in vulnerable communities, reinforcing India’s commitment to its sustainable development goals.

The Indian cricket team clinched the Asia Cup 2025 title in a thrilling T20 tournament held from September 9 to 28. Displaying a commanding performance throughout the series, the team defeated its rivals in a high-stakes final. The victory was celebrated across the nation and reaffirmed India’s status as a dominant force in Asian cricket, showcasing a blend of experienced leadership and emerging young talent.

The esteemed Dadasaheb Phalke Award, India’s highest honor in cinema, was conferred upon legendary actor Mohanlal for his outstanding lifetime contribution to the film industry. With a career spanning over four decades and hundreds of films across multiple languages, Mohanlal has been celebrated for his versatile performances and profound impact on Indian cinema. The award recognizes his unparalleled artistic excellence and his role in shaping the narrative of contemporary filmmaking.

Several Indian leaders in social innovation and community service were among the recipients of the 2025 Ramon Magsaysay Award, often referred to as Asia’s Nobel Prize. The awardees were recognized for their transformative work in areas such as grassroots governance, sustainable livelihoods, and public health. This prestigious honor highlights their unwavering commitment to public service and their significant impact on improving the lives of marginalized communities across the country.