September 8, 2025: Global Headlines Span School Reopenings, Economic Shifts, Geopolitical Tensions, and a Historic Canonization

September 8, 2025 – Global News Roundup

Today’s news headlines reflect a dynamic mix of national developments, international geopolitical shifts, significant economic announcements, and profound spiritual events, painting a comprehensive picture of the day’s top stories. From the resumption of educational activities in flood-affected regions to the hardening of international stances and the elevation of a modern figure to sainthood, September 8th has been a day of varied and impactful news.

National Education Sector Gears Up

In India, the educational landscape is seeing a gradual return to normalcy. Schools and colleges in Punjab are set to reopen for students on September 9, following disruptions caused by recent devastating floods. On September 8, however, the focus was on preparatory work. Teachers and staff across government schools reported for duty to conduct thorough safety inspections, comprehensive cleaning drives, and essential repairs, ensuring campuses are safe for student return. Private institutions were also mandated to guarantee the structural integrity of their buildings before welcoming students back. This phased reopening marks a significant step towards restoring academic routines after one of the state’s worst flood events in decades.

Beyond school reopenings, the national educational calendar is also active with admissions and examinations. Registration for the Common Admission Test (CAT) 2025 remains open, with the deadline set for September 13, 2025. The CAT exam itself is scheduled for November 30, 2025. Meanwhile, the State Bank of India (SBI) Clerk Prelims examination is slated to commence on September 20, 21, and 27, 2025, to fill over 6,500 vacancies. In West Bengal, the WBJEEB JENPAS UG 2025 entrance exam registration window opened today, September 8, accepting applications until September 16 for admission to Nursing, Paramedical, and Allied Sciences undergraduate courses. The exam is scheduled for October 18, 2025.

Economic and Business Developments Signal Growth and Strategy

The business and economic sphere saw notable announcements. JK Cement Ltd. has unveiled an ambitious greenfield expansion plan, committing an investment of approximately ₹4,805 crore to establish new production facilities. The project includes a 7 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) cement line, a clinkerisation unit, and split grinding units in Rajasthan and Punjab, reinforcing the company’s national presence.

In the energy logistics sector, India’s Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and Japan’s Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) are advancing their collaboration. Following a Heads of Agreement signed earlier this year, discussions are ongoing for MOL to operate ONGC’s two new Very Large Ethane Carriers (VLECs), valued at an estimated $370 million. These vessels are crucial for securing ethane feedstock for ONGC’s petrochemical subsidiary, OPaL, beginning in mid-2028, as India’s LNG supply contracts are set to change.

On the financial front, Jammu & Kashmir Bank (J&K Bank) has initiated its dividend distribution for the fiscal year 2024-25. The bank’s Managing Director and CEO handed over dividend cheques totaling over ₹130 crore to the Union Territory administration, its largest shareholder, reflecting a strong financial performance with a record net profit for FY 2024-25. The bank’s turnaround from losses to significant profitability has been a key highlight.

Discussions surrounding Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms were also a prominent topic, reportedly featuring in a BJP workshop. Additionally, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made statements regarding the nation’s exchange rates.

International Arena: Geopolitical Tensions and a Spiritual Milestone

Internationally, the relationship between the United States and Russia remained a focal point. U.S. President Donald Trump signaled readiness to escalate sanctions against Russia, including potential tariffs on buyers of Russian oil, following Moscow’s largest aerial assault on Ukraine. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent echoed these sentiments, suggesting that a synchronized Western economic crackdown could cripple the Russian economy and bring President Putin to the negotiating table. Russia, however, largely dismissed these threats, labelling existing sanctions as “absolutely useless.” The ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to be a major driver of these geopolitical discussions.

A globally significant spiritual event occurred on September 7th, with the canonization of Carlo Acutis by Pope Leo XIV in Vatican City. Acutis, an Italian teenager who died in 2006 at age 15, has become the Catholic Church’s first millennial saint. Known for his tech-savviness and use of the internet to spread Catholic teachings, earning him the moniker “God’s influencer,” his canonization alongside Pier Giorgio Frassati, another young Catholic activist, drew tens of thousands of pilgrims to St. Peter’s Square. The speed of Acutis’s canonization underscores the Church’s efforts to connect with younger generations.

Broader News Landscape

Other news making headlines included reports of protests in Nepal by Generation Z against corruption and a social media ban, as well as ongoing developments in the Israel-Hamas conflict and related diplomatic efforts. These stories highlight the diverse and interconnected nature of global events shaping the news agenda today.