Daily Current Affairs 19th Sep 2025 | Latest News | Download PDF

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CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING, FINANCE & BUSINESS

Canara HSBC Life Insurance Gets Securities and Exchange Board of India Nod for Upcoming Initial Public Offering Launch

• Canara Bank subsidiary Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company has received an observation letter from Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) to launch its Initial Public Offering (IPO) and file its Updated Red Herring Prospectus (UDRHP).
• Canara HSBC Life Insurance is a private life insurance company, with HSBC Insurance (Asia-Pacific) Holdings Limited as another promoter.
• The company was incorporated in 2007 and has grown into a prominent bank-led private player in the Indian life insurance sector.
• It ranks second among public sector bank-led life insurers in India based on the number of lives covered in Fiscal 2024.
• Canara HSBC Life Insurance is a three-way venture promoted by Canara Bank, HSBC Insurance (Asia-Pacific) Holdings (part of the HSBC Group), and Punjab National Bank (PNB).

Kotak811 Ranks 3rd Globally in Banking App Downloads in H1 2025, Beating SBI Yono

• Kotak Mahindra Bank’s Kotak811 app ranked third globally in banking app downloads in H1 2025, with 16 million downloads, surpassing SBI Yono app at the fourth position with 14 million downloads.
• Kotak811 recorded a 250% year-on-year growth, the fastest growth rate among global banking apps, while NuBank (Brazil) and Revolut (UK) held the top two positions.
• This growth came despite RBI restrictions on digital customer onboarding at Kotak Mahindra Bank until February 12, 2025.
• Launched in 2017, Kotak811 offers zero-balance savings accounts with optional add-ons like debit cards and cheque books, operating as a digital-first, full-service banking model.
• The app has over 2.6 crore KYC-compliant account holders, providing services like savings, deposits, UPI, IMPS, mutual funds, insurance, and credit card management.
• SBI Yono retains a larger user base due to SBI’s 50 crore customer base, compared to Kotak’s 5 crore customers, and also offers a Yono Lite app for basic smartphones.
• Kotak811’s success indicates a shift in consumer behavior toward mobile-first, feature-rich digital banking platforms.
• Kotak811 has expanded from entry-level users to premium segments with offerings like 811 Super for mass affluent and Solitaire & Kotak Private for high-net-worth individuals (HNIs).

Reserve Bank of India Fines PhonePe ₹21 Lakh for Violating Prepaid Payment Instruments Norms

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a penalty of ₹21 lakh on PhonePe, a fintech company, for non-compliance with certain Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPI) norms.
• A Prepaid Payment Instrument (PPI) allows customers to load funds first and spend from the balance instead of directly using their bank account.
• The penalty was based on a statutory inspection of PhonePe’s operations conducted between October 2023 and December 2024.
• PhonePe, owned by Walmart, is preparing for an Initial Public Offering (IPO) later in 2025.
• The IPO will be managed by Kotak Mahindra Capital, JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, and Morgan Stanley.

India’s Trade Deficit Shrinks to $26.49 Billion in August 2025, Down from $27.35 Billion in July

• India’s merchandise trade deficit narrowed to $26.49 billion in August 2025, down from $27.35 billion in July 2025, as per data released on 15 September 2025.
• Exports fell to $35.1 billion in August from $37.24 billion in July, while imports declined to $61.59 billion in August from $64.59 billion in July.
• Deficit was expected to drop further to $25.13 billion, as per a Reuters poll.
• The US imposed 25% tariffs on 7 August 2025, later increased to 50% on 27 August 2025, in retaliation for India’s Russian oil imports.
• Exports to the US (India’s largest export destination, ~20% share) fell from $8.01 billion in July to $6.86 billion in August, marking a $1.15 billion (14%) monthly decline.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL AND STATE NEWS

Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Launches India’s First National Geothermal Energy Policy

• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has introduced the National Geothermal Energy Policy, India’s first policy focused on harnessing geothermal energy, a renewable source from the Earth’s internal heat.

Key Highlights

• The initiative supports India’s Net Zero emissions 2070 goals, strengthens energy security, and promotes clean energy innovation.
• Geothermal energy is available 24×7 and can be used for electricity generation, heating, cooling, greenhouse agriculture, and desalination.
• The policy establishes MNRE as the central authority, promotes public-private participation, encourages inter-ministerial coordination and global partnerships, and supports technological development, including hybrid systems and repurposing abandoned oil wells.
• It also incentivizes indigenous technologies, pilot projects, and academic-industry linkages.
• India has mapped ten geothermal provinces with high thermal potential, including the Himalayas, Cambay Basin, Aravalli Range, Mahanadi Basin, Godavari Basin, Sohana, West Coast, Son-Narmada-Tapti, and South India Cratons, with an estimated capacity of around 10 Gigawatt (GW).

Maharashtra Hosts Largest Dhol-Tasha Ceremony for Statue of Hindubhushan

• Maharashtra held its largest-ever Dhol-Tasha ceremony in Pimpri-Chinchwad to honour the under-construction 180-foot Statue of Hindubhushan (Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj).
• The monument, located at Moshi-Borhadewadi, will be the world’s tallest full-length statue of Dharmaveer Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj with 140-foot statue + 40-foot pedestal.

Key Highlights

• The statue is part of the Shambhu Srishti memorial complex, which will also include:
  • Statues of Hambirrao Mohite and 16 Maratha sardars & mavlas
  • Bronze murals, open-air theatre, and a holographic hall narrating Sambhaji’s life.
• The ceremony featured 3,000 dhols, 1,000 tashas, and saffron flags, making it the largest Dhol-Tasha salute in Maharashtra.
• Event organised by Hindubhushan Smarak Trust and Dhol-Tasha Federation to pay musical tribute and showcase Maratha cultural pride.
• A special ritual, Shastra Pooja (sword worship), will be held on 2 October 2025, adding spiritual significance to the project.

About Maharashtra:

• Chief Minister: Devendra Fadnavis
• Governor: C. P. Radhakrishnan
• Capital: Mumbai
• National Parks: Tadoba National Park, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Chandoli National Park, Gugamal National Park, Navegaon National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Melghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary

Shri Amit Shah Inaugurates India’s Largest Sports Complex in Ahmedabad

• Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated India’s largest and most advanced sports complex at Naranpura, Ahmedabad.
• Built at a cost of ₹825 crore, the complex includes an international aquatic arena, indoor and outdoor sports facilities, athlete training infrastructure, and residential amenities.

Key Highlights

• The facility is designed to global sporting standards and may host major international tournaments like the Commonwealth Games.
• Amit Shah stated it is “the world’s most modern sports complex”, aligning with the vision of making India a top sports nation by 2047.
• India’s sports budget rose from ₹1,643 crore in 2014 to ₹5,300 crore in 2025, showing strong government investment in sports infrastructure and athlete development.
• Ahmedabad, already home to the Narendra Modi Stadium, is projected to become Asia’s sports capital, boosting its global sports profile.
• The complex will strengthen initiatives like Khelo India and Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), supporting grassroots to elite-level athletes.
• It also reflects a broader shift in policy focusing on early talent identification, scientific training, public-private partnerships, and athlete welfare.

About Gujarat:

• Chief Minister: Bhupendra Patel
• Governor: Acharya Devvrat
• Capital: Gandhinagar
• National Parks: Gir National Park, Blackbuck National Park, Vansda National Park, Marine National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Velavadar Blackbuck Sanctuary, Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, Purna Wildlife Sanctuary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates Development Projects and Launches Schemes in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and inaugurated projects in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh on Vishwakarma Jayanti.
• Launched ‘Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar’ campaign for free health screenings of women.

Key Highlights

• Launched 8th Rashtriya Poshan Maah (National Nutrition Month) and extended Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY); ₹450 crore transferred to 15 lakh women (₹19,000 crore already disbursed to 4.5 crore mothers).
• Under Sickle Cell Mission, the one-croreth screening card distributed; 5 crore individuals screened.
• Launched Suman Sakhi Chatbot for maternal and child health awareness.
• Inaugurated India’s largest integrated textile park, PM MITRA Park in Dhar over 2,150 acres; expected to generate 3 lakh jobs and attract ₹23,140 crore investment; aligned with the 5F vision (Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign).
• Over 2 crore women became Lakhpati Didis (target 3 crore); women engaged as Bank Sakhis and Drone Didis; housing under PM Awas Yojana allotted in women’s names; launched Maa Ki Bagiya initiative for 10,000 women in Madhya Pradesh.
• PM Vishwakarma Yojana benefited 30 lakh artisans with training, modern tools, and loans worth ₹4,000 crore.
• 25 crore people lifted out of poverty; PM urged support for Swadeshi and Made in India products.
• Revised GST rates effective from 22nd September.
• Event attended by Governor Mangubhai Patel, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, Union Minister Savitri Thakur.

About Madhya Pradesh:

• Chief Minister: Mohan Yadav
• Governor: Mangubhai Chhaganbhai Patel
• Capital: Bhopal
• National Parks: Kanha National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park, Pench National Park, Panna National Park.
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Bori Wildlife Sanctuary, Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, Ken Gharial Sanctuary, Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates and Lays Foundation Stone of Development Projects Worth ₹40,000 Crore in Bihar

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and inaugurated development projects worth around ₹40,000 crore in Purnea, Bihar.
• Projects cover railways, airports, electricity, irrigation, housing, women empowerment, agriculture, and industry.

Key Highlights

• Purnea Airport: Interim Terminal Building inaugurated; constructed in less than 5 months. First commercial flight flagged off, connecting Seemanchal to major cities.
• Railways:
  • Inaugurated Araria–Galgalia rail line (₹4,410 crore).
  • Laid foundation stone for Vikramshila–Kataria rail line (₹2,170 crore).
  • Flagged off Vande Bharat Express (Jogbani–Danapur), Amrit Bharat Express (Saharsa–Chheharta, Jogbani–Erode), and one passenger train.
  • Announced doubling of Bhagalpur–Dumka–Rampurhat rail line and approval of Mokama–Munger section of Buxar–Bhagalpur high-speed corridor.
• Power Sector: Laid foundation of 3×800 MW Pirpainti Thermal Power Project (₹25,000 crore), Bihar’s largest private sector investment; ultra-super critical low-emission technology.
• Irrigation: Laid foundation of Phase 1 of Kosi-Mechi River Link Project (₹2,680 crore) to enhance canal discharge capacity, benefit lakhs of hectares, improve irrigation, and mitigate floods.
• Agriculture:
  • Announced establishment of National Makhana Board; notification issued.
  • Government approved ₹475 crore plan for makhana sector development.
  • Bihar produces 90% of India’s makhana; major districts include Madhubani, Darbhanga, Sitamarhi, Saharsa, Katihar, Purnea, Supaul, Kishanganj, Araria.
• Housing:
  • Over 40,000 beneficiaries received houses under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).
  • Nationwide, 4 crore permanent houses built, target of 3 crore new houses set.
• Women Empowerment:
  • Distributed ₹500 crore Community Investment Fund under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM).
  • Praised rise of Lakhpati Didis and Drone Didis through SHGs.
• Animal Husbandry: Inaugurated Sex Sorted Semen Facility at Purnea under Rashtriya Gokul Mission (5 lakh doses annually, first in Eastern & NE India).
• Social Welfare: Highlighted free ration under PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, Ayushman Bharat health cover up to ₹5 lakh, and GST reduction (effective 22 Sept 2025) on daily-use items like toothpaste, soap, shampoo, ghee, stationery, clothes, and shoes.
• National Security: Linked Purnea’s legacy in freedom struggle to Operation Sindoor, emphasized firm stance against illegal infiltration, and reiterated government’s resolve to remove infiltrators.
• Dignitaries Present: Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, CM Nitish Kumar, Union Ministers Rammohan Naidu, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Jitan Ram Manji, Giriraj Singh, Chirag Paswan, Nityanand Rai, Ram Nath Thakur, Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Satish Chandra Dubey.

About Bihar:

• Capital: Patna
• Chief Minister: Nitish Kumar
• Governor: Arif Mohammed Khan
• National Parks: Valmiki National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Valmiki Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary, Kanwar Lake Bird Sanctuary, Udaypur Wildlife Sanctuary, Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary, Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary

Union Government Releases XV Finance Commission Grants for Rural Local Bodies

• The Union Government released the 1st installment of XV Finance Commission (XV-FC) untied grants for Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) / Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).

Key Highlights

• Tamil Nadu received Rs.127.586 crore for FY 2025–26 covering:
  • 2901 Gram Panchayats
  • 74 Block Panchayats
  • 9 District Panchayats
• Assam received Rs.214.542 crore for FY 2024–25 covering:
  • 2192 Gram Panchayats
  • 156 Block Panchayats
  • 27 Zilla Parishads
• Grants are released in two installments each financial year by the Ministry of Finance, on recommendations of Ministry of Panchayati Raj and Ministry of Jal Shakti (Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation).
• Untied Grants: For location-specific needs under 29 subjects of the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution (excluding salaries and establishment costs).
• Tied Grants: For basic services like:
  • Sanitation and maintenance of ODF (Open Defecation Free) status – including household waste, human excreta and fecal sludge management.
  • Drinking water supply, rainwater harvesting, and water recycling.

About Tamil Nadu:

• Capital: Chennai
• Chief Minister: M. K. Stalin
• Governor: R. N. Ravi
• National Parks: Mudumalai National Park, Mukurthi National Park, Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, Indira Gandhi (Anamalai) National Park, Guindy National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Vettangudi Bird Sanctuary, Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary, Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary, Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary, Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary

About Assam:

• Chief Minister: Himanta Biswa Sarma
• Governor: Lakshman Prasad Acharya
• Capital: Dispur
• National Parks: Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park, Dibru-Saikhowa National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Orang National Park, Bura-Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary, Nameri Wildlife Sanctuary

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

44th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation-Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure Council Meeting Held at Cholpon Ata, Kyrgyz Republic

• The 44th meeting of the Council of Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) was held at Cholpon Ata, Kyrgyz Republic.
• The meeting was organised under the Chairmanship of Kyrgyz Republic.
• The Indian delegation was headed by Deputy NSA T.V. Ravichandran.
• The RATS Council condemned the Pahalgam terror attack at its 44th meeting.
• SCO-RATS is a permanent body of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
• SCO-RATS promotes coordination and interaction between member states in the fight against terrorism, extremism, and separatism.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Shashank Srowthy named new Chief Financial Officer of P&G Health, effective October 1,2025

• Procter & Gamble (P&G) Health has appointed Shashank Srowthy as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective October 1, 2025.
• He will succeed Lokesh Chandak, who will move to a new role as Senior Director – Finance & Accounting, Feminine Care, P&G Asia, Middle East & Africa.
• Shashank Srowthy has 14+ years of experience in finance roles at P&G, having joined in 2011 in India.
• He has worked across India, Dubai, and Singapore, delivering results in multiple P&G businesses.
• He is currently serving as Director – Finance, Haircare, P&G Asia, Middle East & Africa.

M Paramasivam Named Executive Director of Punjab National Bank

• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the appointment of M. Paramasivam as Executive Director (ED) of Punjab National Bank (PNB), effective from December 1, 2022, for a three-year term.
• M Paramasivam is an agriculture graduate who started his career as an Agricultural Extension Officer at Canara Bank in 1990.
• He served Canara Bank for 32 years in various capacities such as Branch Head of VLBs, Regional Head, Circle Head, and Head of Priority Credit Wing at the Head Office.
• During his tenure as Wing Head of Priority Credit Wing at Canara Bank, the FRUITS Portal was launched in coordination with NABARD and the Karnataka State Government.
• He has also undertaken the Leadership Development Strategy Programme organized by the Banks Board Bureau and the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA).

About Punjab National Bank (PNB):

• Founded: 1894
• Headquarters: New Delhi, India
• Managing Director & CEO: Ashok Chandra
• Tagline: “The Name You Can Bank Upon”

Aditya Birla Capital Appoints Vishakha Mulye as Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer

• Aditya Birla Capital (AB Capital) has elevated Vishakha Mulye as its Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for a five-year term starting 1 September 2025.
• Vishakha Mulye has been leading AB Capital since 2022, driving a digital-first transformation.
• She introduced the “One ABC, One P&L” model, integrating products, customer experience, and internal teams.
• Under her leadership, AB Capital launched the ABCD omnichannel app and Udyog Plus, a B2B lending marketplace.
• She has also pushed forward the merger of Aditya Birla Finance with AB Capital to consolidate value creation and synergies.
• Her reappointment reflects AB Capital’s confidence in her ability to balance scale and innovation amid India’s financial sector transformation.

Dr. Sima Sami Bahous Reappointed as UN Women Executive Director for Second Term by UN Chief António Guterres

• On 11 September 2025, Dr. Sima Sami Bahous was reappointed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres for a second term as Executive Director of UN Women.
• Her reappointment aligns with the launch of UN Women’s Strategic Plan 2026–2029, focusing on gender equality and women’s rights.
• Bahous, a Jordanian diplomat, previously advanced gender equality in global policy, improved transparency, and prioritized results-driven programs in humanitarian contexts.
• During her first term, she emphasized integrating women’s voices in crisis response and peacebuilding strategies.
• The Strategic Plan 2026–2029 aims to make gender equality central to SDGs, enhance women’s economic participation, and eliminate violence against women and girls.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

National Energy Conservation Awards (NECA) 2025 Adds Content Creators & Influencers Category

• The Government of India, through the Ministry of Power and Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), has launched a new category under the National Energy Conservation Awards (NECA) 2025 for content creators and influencers.
• The initiative aims to promote energy efficiency and sustainable living, aligning with Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) and Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

Key Highlights

• Participants must have a minimum of 10,000 followers or subscribers on any major social media platform.
• Creators are required to produce short videos (up to 90 seconds) in Hindi or any Indian language, along with a typed transcript in English or Hindi.

Themes for Submission:

• Save Energy at Home
• Set Air Conditioners at 24°C
• Use 5-Star Rated Appliances for Energy Savings
• Energy Efficient Lighting for Homes
• Green and Sustainable Buildings
• Celebrate Festivals Responsibly
• Participants must upload videos on personal social media accounts with #NECA2025 and register entries on the official NECA portal.
• Winners will be honoured during the NECA 2025 award ceremony on 14th December 2025 in New Delhi, presided over by the President of India.
• The NECA awards, instituted in 1991, recognize outstanding efforts in energy efficiency across industries, institutions, and commercial establishments.
• The 2025 edition marks a modern approach by including the digital creator community, reflecting its growing role in shaping public awareness and sustainable practices.

About BEE

• The Government of India set up the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) on March 1, 2002 under the provisions of the Energy Conservation Act, 2001.
• The mission of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency is to assist in developing policies and strategies with a thrust on self-regulation and market principles, within the overall framework of the Energy Conservation Act, 2001 with the primary objective of reducing the energy intensity of the Indian economy.
• BEE coordinates with designated consumers, designated agencies and other organizations and recognises, identifies and utilises the existing resources and infrastructure, in performing the functions assigned to it under the Energy Conservation Act.
• The Energy Conservation Act provides for regulatory and promotional functions.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade Signs Memorandum of Understanding with CarDekho Group to Boost Startup Ecosystem

• Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CarDekho Group, an automobile technology and finance solutions platform.
• Objective: To strengthen India’s startup ecosystem across mobility, financial technology (fintech), insurance technology (insurtech), and emerging technology sectors.

Key Highlights

• Support for Startups:
  • Strategic mentorship, market access, technology infrastructure, and funding opportunities.
  • Access to CarDekho Group’s platforms such as CarDekho, InsuranceDekho, Rupyy, BikeDekho, ZigWheels, PowerDrift, Revv, CollegeDekho, Crack-ED, among others.
• Innovation Challenges: Plans to host Bharat Startup Grand Challenge in areas including electric mobility, automobile technology, finance, and sustainability.
• Startups will gain access to CarDekho Group leadership network for domain-specific guidance and co-investment opportunities through the Girnar Vision Fund (GVF).
• Collaborative initiatives with CarDekho Group brands to build entrepreneurial and technical skills among startup founders and teams.
• The agreement was signed by Dr. Sumeet Jarangal, Director, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade and Amit Jain, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, CarDekho Group, in the presence of senior officials from both organisations.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Indian Air Force Proposes ₹2 Lakh Crore ‘Made in India’ Deal to Acquire 114 Rafale Fighter Jets

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) has proposed the acquisition of 114 Rafale fighter jets under a ₹2 lakh crore ‘Made in India’ plan, which would be among the largest defence procurement deals in Indian history.
• The deal supports Atmanirbhar Bharat, with over 60% components manufactured domestically in partnership with Dassault Aviation and Tata Group.
• The procurement process involves review by the Ministry of Defence, Defence Procurement Board, and final clearance by the Defence Acquisition Council before tendering and contract negotiations.
• India currently operates 36 Rafale jets from a 2016 deal and has ordered 26 Rafale Marine jets for the Indian Navy; approval of this proposal would raise India’s total Rafale fleet to 176 aircraft.
• The deal would boost IAF’s combat readiness, providing advanced multi-role fighters with long-range precision strike capabilities.
• The indigenous manufacturing plan includes setting up a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) hub in Hyderabad for Rafale’s M-88 engines.
• The project will create high-skilled jobs, strengthen defence R&D, and enhance aerospace manufacturing capacity in India.

United States, South Korea, and Japan Begin Freedom Edge Joint Military Drill

• On 15 September 2025, the United States, South Korea, and Japan launched the joint air and naval exercise “Freedom Edge” near Jeju Island, South Korea.
• The Freedom Edge exercise is a multi-domain drill covering sea, air, and cyberspace operations.
• The exercise includes ballistic missile and air-defense training, medical evacuation drills, maritime operations, and cyber coordination.
• The exercise will continue until 19 September 2025 and is considered the most advanced trilateral exercise yet by the US Indo-Pacific Command.
• North Korea also criticized the overlapping Iron Mace tabletop exercise, which integrates US nuclear assets with South Korea’s conventional capabilities.
• The drill holds strategic significance in three areas: countering North Korea’s missile and nuclear arsenal, strengthening trilateral security alignment under the Camp David summit commitments, and addressing great power rivalries amid North Korea’s growing ties with Russia and China.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPS & PORTALS

Sanchar Saathi App Surpasses 50 Lakh Downloads by August 2025 Since January Launch

• Sanchar Saathi mobile app has crossed 50 lakh downloads as on August 2025, since its launch on 17 January 2025.
• Over 37.28 lakh stolen/lost devices blocked and more than 22.76 lakh devices traced, as per the LIVE dashboard.
• The app was introduced by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) as a citizen-centric tool for security and fraud reporting.
• Available in Hindi and 21 regional languages, on both Android and iOS
• Complies with the Information Technology Act 2000 (IT Act), governing cybercrime, e-commerce, secure transmission, and data privacy.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

AIIMS New Delhi Installs Advanced da Vinci Surgical Robot at SET Facility

• The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi has inaugurated the advanced da Vinci Surgical Robot at its Skills, E-Learning and Telemedicine (SET) Facility.
• This is the first installation of the da Vinci system for training at a government medical college in India.
• The robotic platform was provided by Intuitive Surgical under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
• With this installation, AIIMS Delhi becomes the only institution in India to have two robotic systems dedicated solely to training.
• The new robotic system will support skill development across specialties including urology, gynaecology, general surgery, surgical oncology, and head & neck surgery.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: RANKING AND INDEX

India Rises to 38th in Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025

• India ranked 38th among 139 economies in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025, a big leap from 81st in 2015 and 48th in 2020.
• The index is published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
• India is ranked #1 among lower-middle-income economies and in the Central & Southern Asia region.
• India is also recognized as a longest-standing overperformer along with Vietnam, performing above expectations for the 15th consecutive year.
• India’s innovation strengths:
  • Knowledge & Technology Outputs – Rank 22
  • Market Sophistication – Rank 38
  • Human Capital & Research – Top 40
• India’s weaker areas:
  • Business Sophistication – Rank 64
  • Infrastructure – Rank 61
  • Institutions – Rank 58
• India’s innovation clusters in Top 100: Bengaluru (21), Delhi (26), Mumbai (46), Chennai (84).
• Major initiatives driving India’s innovation: Startup India, Atal Innovation Mission, NIDHI, AGNIi Mission, NITI Frontier Tech Repository, PM’s Research Fellowship.
• GII 2025 evaluates 139 economies using 80+ indicators across seven pillars: Institutions, Human capital & research, Infrastructure, Market sophistication, Business sophistication, Knowledge & technology outputs, and Creative outputs.
• Launched in 2007, the GII is recognized by the UN General Assembly as an authoritative reference for Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) policies.

Top 10 Most Innovative Countries (GII 2025)

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Anish Giri and Vaishali Rameshbabu Win 2025 FIDE Grand Swiss

• The 2025 FIDE Grand Swiss and Women’s Grand Swiss were held, 2025 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Key Highlights

• Anish Giri (Netherlands) won the Open section with 8/11, defeating GM Hans Niemann in the final round, remaining undefeated, and claiming the $90,000 prize.
• He qualified for the 2026 Candidates Tournament.
• Matthias Bluebaum (Germany) also secured a Candidates spot with 7.5/11, finishing ahead of GM Alireza Firouzja and Vincent Keymer on tiebreaks.
• Vaishali Rameshbabu (India) won her second consecutive Women’s Grand Swiss title with 8/11, drawing with GM Tan Zhongyi in the final round, and securing a place in the 2026 Women’s Candidates Tournament with a $40,000 prize.
• Kateryna Lagno (Russia) finished second, unbeaten with 5 wins, and also qualified for the Candidates.
• Notable performers included GM Abhimanyu Mishra (16) and GM Andy Woodward (15), who impressed with 2780+ ratings but missed qualification, while Bibisara Assaubayeva finished 3rd in the Women’s event.
• Prize Pool: Open – $625,000, Women’s – $230,000; Format – 11-round Swiss system with classical time control.

Daily CA One- Liner: September 19

• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has introduced the National Geothermal Energy Policy, India’s first policy focused on harnessing geothermal energy, a renewable source from the Earth’s internal heat
• Maharashtra held its largest-ever Dhol-Tasha ceremony in Pimpri-Chinchwad to honour the under-construction 180-foot Statue of Hindubhushan (Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj).
• Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated India’s largest and most advanced sports complex at Naranpura, Ahmedabad
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and inaugurated projects in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh on Vishwakarma Jayanti
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and inaugurated development projects worth around ₹40,000 crore in Purnea, Bihar
• The Union Government released the 1st installment of XV Finance Commission (XV-FC) untied grants for Rural Local Bodies (RLBs) / Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)
• The Government of India, through the Ministry of Power and Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), has launched a new category under the National Energy Conservation Awards (NECA) 2025 for content creators and influencers.
• Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CarDekho Group, an automobile technology and finance solutions platform
• India ranked 38th among 139 economies in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2025, a big leap from 81st in 2015 and 48th in 2020
• The 2025 FIDE Grand Swiss and Women’s Grand Swiss were held, 2025 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
• Canara Bank subsidiary Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company has received an observation letter from Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) to launch its Initial Public Offering (IPO) and file its Updated Red Herring Prospectus (UDRHP).
• Kotak Mahindra Bank’s Kotak811 app ranked third globally in banking app downloads in H1 2025, with 16 million downloads, surpassing SBI Yono app at the fourth position with 14 million downloads.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a penalty of ₹21 lakh on PhonePe, a fintech company, for non-compliance with certain Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPI) norms.
• India’s merchandise trade deficit narrowed to $26.49 billion in August 2025, down from $27.35 billion in July 2025, as per data released on 15 September 2025.
• The 44th meeting of the Council of Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) was held at Cholpon Ata, Kyrgyz Republic.
• Procter & Gamble (P&G) Health has appointed Shashank Srowthy as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective October 1, 2025.
• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved the appointment of Paramasivam as Executive Director (ED) of Punjab National Bank (PNB), effective from December 1, 2022, for a three-year term.
• Aditya Birla Capital (AB Capital) has elevated Vishakha Mulye as its Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for a five-year term starting 1 September 2025.
• On 11 September 2025, Dr. Sima Sami Bahous was reappointed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres for a second term as Executive Director of UN Women.
• The Indian Air Force (IAF) has proposed the acquisition of 114 Rafale fighter jets under a ₹2 lakh crore ‘Made in India’ plan, which would be among the largest defence procurement deals in Indian history.
• On 15 September 2025, the United States, South Korea, and Japan launched the joint air and naval exercise “Freedom Edge” near Jeju Island, South Korea.
• Sanchar Saathi mobile app has crossed 50 lakh downloads as on August 2025, since its launch on 17 January 2025.
• The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi has inaugurated the advanced da Vinci Surgical Robot at its Skills, E-Learning and Telemedicine (SET) Facility.

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