September 25, 2026: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted India’s expanding engagement with the global economy and efforts to strengthen its participation in global value and supply chains. The government has also reduced Basic Customs Duty on major imported crude edible oils amid rising international prices, while India-US defence cooperation featured prominently with Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026 underway in Rajasthan.
Top India Headlines
- India Steps Up Global Economic Engagement, Says Piyush Goyal
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted India’s expanding engagement with the global economy at the 13th PAFI Annual Forum 2026 in New Delhi. He emphasised strengthening India’s participation in global value chains and supply chains. - Govt Cuts Basic Customs Duty on Crude Edible Oils Amid Rising Global Prices
The government has reduced Basic Customs Duty on major imported crude edible oils to help moderate domestic edible oil prices. The move is aimed at providing consumer relief and mitigating inflationary pressures arising from higher international prices. - PM Modi to Interact With Seva Yatra Participants Under Seva Sankalp Abhiyan
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact through video conference with participants of the Seva Yatra travelling from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh to Vadnagar in Gujarat. The interaction will provide participants an opportunity to share their experiences. - PM Modi Says Spirit of Service Is Key to Country’s Progress
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said service should be the main purpose of life and remain inherent in every individual. He made the remarks during a virtual interaction with Seva Yatra participants on September 24. - India-US Defence Partnership Highlighted During Yudh Abhyas 2026 in Rajasthan
US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor witnessed Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2026 at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan on September 24. He highlighted the strength of the India-US defence partnership and the training interaction between the two countries’ forces. - 96% of UPI Merchant Transactions Remain Unaffected by MDR
Government sources said around 96% of UPI merchant transactions remain unaffected by the Merchant Discount Rate on person-to-merchant transactions above ₹2,000. They also clarified that MDR is neither a cess nor a surcharge and does not accrue to the government. - Rajnath Singh Calls for Balance Between Diplomacy and Defence Preparedness
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said national security policy must take ground realities and national interest into account. Addressing an event in New Delhi, he called for a holistic approach to security challenges. - Jitendra Singh Launches Commercial Use of Bio-Based Biodegradable PLA Plastic
Science and Technology Minister Dr Jitendra Singh launched the commercial use of bio-based biodegradable plastic based on Polylactic Acid (PLA). The initiative is part of the government’s BioE3 framework and focuses on sustainable manufacturing. - National Conference of Anti-Narcotics Task Force Heads Concludes in New Delhi
The third National Conference of Anti-Narcotics Task Force Heads of States and Union Territories concluded in New Delhi on September 24. Organised by the Narcotics Control Bureau, the two-day conference was held under the theme “United Resolve, Shared Responsibility”. - MoS Harsh Malhotra Flags Off Youth Safety and Smart Mobility Expedition 2026
Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Harsh Malhotra flagged off the Youth Safety and Smart Mobility Expedition 2026 in New Delhi. He called for greater awareness and responsible road behaviour to strengthen road safety.
