- On 15 Sept 2025, Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) signed a 15‑year agreement with International Seabed Authority (ISA) to explore Polymetallic Sulphides in the Carlsberg Ridge, NW Indian Ocean. This is the world’s first PMS exploration licence, covering 10,000 sq. km. It is India’s 3rd ISA contract, after earlier deals in 2002 & 2016. The pact boosts India’s access to critical minerals for clean energy and strategic needs.
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- From 16–18 Sept 2025, Manipur’s 14th Sirarakhong Hathei Chilli Festival was held in Ukhrul. It promoted the GI‑tagged Hathei Chilli along with Tamenglong Orange and Black Rice. The event featured cultural shows, buyer–seller meets, and a tree plantation drive. Theme: “A Heritage of Blessing”, highlighting heritage, women farmers, and sustainability.
- On 15 Sept 2025, the World Trade Organization (WTO)’s Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies came into force. It bans subsidies for Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, overfished stocks, and unregulated high‑seas fishing. A dedicated WTO Fish Fund will aid developing nations in implementation. This is the WTO’s first environmental accord, advancing UN SDG 14.6 (Life Below Water).
- On 15 Sept 2025, CRED and IndusInd Bank launched a RuPay co‑branded credit card. It offers 5% rewards on e‑commerce and 1% on offline/UPI spends via CRED Scan & Pay. Reward points can be redeemed across CRED Pay merchants, Store, flights, and hotels with ₹1 = 1 point. The card has zero joining fee and is aimed at digital‑first, lifestyle‑centric users.
- On 18 Sept 2025, SBI sold a 13.18% stake in Yes Bank to Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation for ₹8,889 crore. The deal involved 413.44 crore shares at ₹21.50 each. SBI’s holding fell to 10.8%, while SMBC gained a strategic entry into Indian banking. It is the largest cross‑border investment in India’s banking sector.
- On 15 Sept 2025, Central Zone, led by Rajat Patidar, won the Duleep Trophy in Bengaluru. They defeated South Zone by 6 wickets, lifting the title after 11 years. Yash Rathod scored 194 in the final (Player of the Match), while Saransh Jain was Player of the Tournament. This was Central Zone’s 7th Duleep Trophy title, secured with a huge first‑innings lead.
- On 15 Sept 2025, France’s Samuel Umtiti retired from football at just 31 due to chronic knee injuries. He won the 2018 FIFA World Cup, scoring the semifinal winner against Belgium. At club level, he starred for Barcelona, winning 2 La Liga & 3 Copa del Rey titles.
- On 11–12 Sept 2025, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) hosted the 1st Green Hydrogen Research & Development (R&D) Conference in New Delhi. The theme was “From Research to Reality: Powering India’s Green Hydrogen Future”. It launched a ₹100 crore start‑up fund, showcased 25 innovations, and reviewed 23 projects under the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM).
- On 18 Sept 2025, EPFO launched ‘Passbook Lite’ on its Member Portal. It gives a quick view of PF contributions, withdrawals, and balance without separate login. Members can now track claims, transfers, and download Annexure K directly.
- Exercise Jaal Shakti was held from 10–12 Sept 2025 in Punjab by the Indian Army’s 1st Armoured Division. It involved armour, mechanised infantry, engineers, artillery, and UAVs. The drill focused on river and canal crossings using bridges, boats, and amphibious platforms. Its aim was to boost combat readiness and mobility in challenging riverine terrain.
- On 16 Sept 2025, the UN observed the International Day of Science, Technology & Innovation for the South. It was declared by UNGA in 2024, following the Havana G77 + China Summit (2023). The 2025 theme was “Shaping a Brighter Future for the Global South”. The day stresses STI cooperation, fair access to technology, and SDG achievement.
- On 16 Sept 2025, the world observed the International Day for Interventional Cardiology. The 2025 theme was “Innovating Heart Care: Access, Awareness, Action”. It commemorates the first angioplasty in 1977 by Dr. Andreas Grüntzig. The day highlights cardiovascular disease prevention, early treatment, and equitable access to advanced heart care.
- On 17 Sept 1948, Hyderabad State was integrated into India through Operation Polo, ending Nizam’s rule. The day is observed as Hyderabad Liberation Day, honouring the fight against the Razakars. It is commemorated annually by the Government of India at Parade Grounds, Secunderabad.
- World Bamboo Day is observed on 18 September, initiated in 2009 by the World Bamboo Organization. It highlights bamboo’s role in the environment, economy, and culture, often called “Green Gold.” The 2025 theme is “Next Generation Bamboo: Solution, Innovation & Design.” India promotes bamboo through the National Bamboo Mission, boosting rural livelihoods and sustainability.
- International Equal Pay Day is observed on 18 September, initiated by the UN in 2019. It highlights the global gender pay gap, with women still earning ~20% less than men. The 2025 Global Gender Gap Report shows only 68.8% parity achieved, needing 123 years for full equality. India ranks 131/148, while Iceland leads with 92.6% parity.
- On 17 Sept 2025, senior diplomat Gourangalal Das (IFS‑1999) was appointed as India’s new Ambassador to South Korea. He currently heads the East Asia Division in MEA and earlier played a key role in India–China talks. He succeeds Amit Kumar, the outgoing envoy in Seoul.
Questions:
Q.1 The co‑branded RuPay card launched by CRED and IndusInd Bank offers:a) 2% cashback on all spends
b) 5% rewards on e‑commerce, 1% on offline/UPI spends
c) Free insurance coverage only
d) 10% rewards on fuel purchases
Answer: b) It offers 5% rewards on e‑commerce and 1% on offline/UPI spends via CRED Scan & Pay.
Q.2 Central Zone won the 2025 Duleep Trophy after defeating which team in the final?
a) East Zone
b) West Zone
c) North Zone
d) South Zone
Answer: d) Central Zone, led by Rajat Patidar, defeated South Zone by 6 wickets. Yash Rathod (194) was Player of the Match.
