1️⃣ Karnataka Becomes the First Indian State to Launch Menstrual Leave Policy for Both Government and Private Sectors

• Implemented By: Government of Karnataka
• Scope: Applicable to women employees in both government and private organizations across the state.
• Policy Provision:
• Women employees will be entitled to paid menstrual leave each month.
• Private sector employers are encouraged to adopt the policy under state labour guidelines.
• Significance:
• Karnataka becomes India’s first state to implement menstrual leave across both sectors.
• Promotes workplace inclusivity, women’s health, and gender-sensitive governance.
• Context: Similar policies exist in countries like Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia.

2️⃣ A. R. Rahman Partners with Google Cloud to Launch ‘The Secret Mountain Band’

• Initiative By: Renowned Indian music composer A. R. Rahman
• Partner: Google Cloud
• Objective: To create a cloud-powered digital music collaboration platform called “The Secret Mountain Band”.
• Features:
• Utilizes AI, machine learning, and cloud tools to produce and remix music.
• Connects global artists and independent musicians through a virtual creative ecosystem.
• Significance:
• Aims to democratize access to music creation technology.
• Highlights Rahman’s efforts to blend music, art, and innovation using cutting-edge technology.

3️⃣ Abhishek Sharma and Smriti Mandhana Named ICC Players of the Month – September 2025

• Awarded By: International Cricket Council (ICC)
• Men’s Winner: Abhishek Sharma (India) – recognized for explosive batting performances in T20I series against Bangladesh and Australia.
• Women’s Winner: Smriti Mandhana (India) – awarded for consistent top-order performances in bilateral series victories.
• Significance:
• Reflects India’s strong dominance in both men’s and women’s cricket.
• Mandhana has now won the award for the third time in her career, while it’s Sharma’s first ICC monthly honour.
• Static Link: The ICC Player of the Month Awards were launched in 2021 to recognize outstanding performances in international cricket.

4️⃣ DBS Declared Asia’s Safest Bank for the 17th Consecutive Year by Global Finance

• Awarded By: Global Finance Magazine (USA)
• Bank: DBS (Development Bank of Singapore)
• Achievement: Retained the title of Asia’s Safest Bank for 17 consecutive years (2009–2025).
• Evaluation Criteria: Based on long-term foreign currency ratings from agencies like Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s, and Fitch.
• Significance:
• Highlights DBS’s financial stability, prudent risk management, and digital banking excellence.
• Reinforces Singapore’s position as a regional financial hub.
• Static Link:
• DBS Headquarters: Singapore
• CEO: Piyush Gupta