Major National Developments
India’s Borrowing Plan Remains Steady
India’s Chief Economic Adviser, V. Anantha Nageswaran, has announced that the government’s market borrowing plan for the second half of FY26 (Oct 2025–Mar 2026) will remain unchanged, even while many had expected changes. The total borrowing requirement for FY26 is pegged at ₹14.82 lakh crore, with ₹6.8 lakh crore earmarked for the second half. The government remains confident of meeting its fiscal deficit target of 4.4% of GDP. Inflation is expected to stay subdued through the end of 2025, helped by tax cuts on food and household items.
GST Reforms & “GST Bachat Utsav”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched “GST Bachat Utsav,” beginning 22 September 2025, aimed at highlighting and promoting the benefits of the newly introduced next-generation Goods & Services Tax reforms. The event ties into the government’s larger “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) vision, asserting that the reforms can help bring savings for consumers and streamline business operations.
Sovereign Credit Rating Upgraded
Japan’s Rating & Investment Information (R&I) agency has upgraded India’s long-term sovereign credit rating from “BBB” to “BBB+,” with a stable outlook. The upgrade reflects recognition of India’s strong economic fundamentals: robust domestic demand, improving fiscal discipline, stable external metrics, manageable debt levels, and supportive policy action.
Major Recruitment Drive for Tribal Education
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has opened up 7,267 vacancies in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), for both teaching and non-teaching positions. This is part of a broader effort to strengthen the education infrastructure for tribal communities and improve access to quality schooling across India. The Economic Times
State & Local Updates
Bihar to Launch 1,300 Urban Development Projects
On 22 September, the state government of Bihar is set to launch 1,300 urban development projects aimed at enhancing amenities and infrastructure in its cities. These range from water, sanitation, roads, lighting, and other services. It underscores a push to improve living standards in urban centres and to promote sustainable growth.
Indore Observes ‘No Car Day’ for Pollution Control
Indore will observe “No Car Day” on 22 September, for the third consecutive year, aligning with World Car-Free Day. Citizens are being encouraged to avoid using private cars, especially in the Geeta Bhawan-Palasia sector, to reduce vehicular pollution and congestion. This is part of ongoing local efforts to improve air quality and promote greener mobility.
Weather Alert in Telangana
A deep depression in the Bay of Bengal is forecast to bring very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall to Telangana, especially around 26–27 September 2025. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings, advising people to be alert for possible disruptions including floods.
Other Key Events & Observances
Delhi Traffic Advisory for Ramlila / Dussehra
With Navratri underway (22 Sept–2 Oct 2025) and major events like Ramlila and Dussehra planned at the Red Fort, the Delhi Traffic Police have issued advisories.Key traffic restrictions, alternate routes and parking zones have been announced to manage large crowds.
Upgraded Status for Kolhapur’s Royal Dasara Festival
Kolhapur’s Royal Dasara Festival (Shahi Dasara Mahotsav) has been formally designated a “major state festival” by Maharashtra’s Tourism & Cultural Affairs Department. This means increased state support, funding, and a widened program of cultural events. The festival runs from 22 September to 2 October 2025.
Water Supply Disruptions in Bhopal
Maintenance by Madhya Pradesh’s electricity distribution company has led to planned power shutdowns affecting the Narmada Water Treatment Plant. Several areas in Bhopal, including Indrapuri, Awadhpuri, Rajiv Nagar, and colonies along Hoshangabad Road, will face water supply disruptions from Monday evening through Tuesday.
Positives, Challenges & Perspectives
Positives: The credit rating upgrade is a major vote of confidence from international agencies. The GST reforms + “Bachat Utsav” aim to bring tangible benefits to consumers. Local infrastructure initiatives (like those in Bihar) and environmental efforts (like No Car Day) reflect multi-level governance engagement.
Challenges: Natural risks loom, particularly with incoming heavy rainfall in Telangana. Urban disruptions (traffic, water) during festivals also test city administration. Fiscal health needs continued careful guarding—while borrowing stays steady, government will need efficiency in expenditure, and inflation must be contained.
What to watch: How the GST reforms play out on the ground—whether they reduce costs, help small traders, and streamline compliance. Also, the safety and impact of weather events in Kerala, Telangana etc. Whether the credit rating upgrade translates into lower borrowing costs or more investment inflows. And how urban infrastructure initiatives in states are implemented (speed, quality, sustainability).
