Current Affairs One - Liner : 20th September 2025

National:

• On 18 September 2025, the Indian Navy signed a ₹66 crore contract with Coratia Technologies. The deal is for indigenous Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (UWROVs) like Jalasimha and Jaladuta, plus ASV Navya. These AI‑powered systems enable sonar mapping, inspections, and real‑time analytics.

• On 17 September 2025, IBM (International Business Machines Corporation) partnered with BharatGen (Bharat Generative AI Initiative). The collaboration will build Indic Large Language Models (LLMs) to support India’s linguistic and cultural diversity. It will focus on sectors like education, healthcare, agriculture, banking, and governance.
• On 11 Sept 2025, India & Norway held their first Maritime Security, Disarmament & Non‑Proliferation Dialogue in Oslo. Led by Muanpuii Saiawi (India) and Jon Elvedal Fredriksen (Norway), it focused on UNCLOS‑based maritime security. Key areas: countering illicit maritime activities & protecting critical infrastructure.
• On 18 Sept 2025, MeitY unveiled the logo and flagship initiatives for the India‑AI Impact Summit 2026 (to be held in February 19–20 2026, New Delhi). The logo blends the Ashoka Chakra with neural flares, symbolising ethical and inclusive AI. Key initiatives include UDAAN Global AI Pitch Fest, YuvaAI Challenge, AI by HER, Global Innovation Challenge, Research Symposium, and AI Expo.

International:

• On 17 Sept 2025, Maharashtra Govt partnered with Finland to modernise Mumbai’s Sassoon Dock. Finnish firms will provide tech for waste management, digital surveillance, and pollution control. Aim: make it a clean, efficient, and sustainable fishing harbour. Project to boost fishermen’s livelihood and harbour infrastructure.

Banking:

• After the second instalment on 17 Sept 2025, India’s advance tax collections rose by about 3% to ₹4.48 lakh crore. Corporate advance tax grew over 6% to ₹3.52 lakh crore, reflecting strong earnings. However, non‑corporate advance tax fell by around 7%, slipping below ₹1 lakh crore. Overall, net direct tax collections (Apr–Sept 17) increased 9%+ to ₹10.82 lakh crore.
• On 17 September 2025, the RBI authorised DBS Bank India as an Agency Bank to collect GST payments. DBS is the first wholly‑owned subsidiary in India to receive this approval. GST can be paid via DBS IDEAL, NEFT/RTGS, or over‑the‑counter at branches. The move enables real‑time tracking, instant acknowledgements, and easier GST compliance.

MoUs:

• On 19 Sept 2025, Hindustan Copper Ltd (HCL) and Oil India Ltd (OIL) signed an MoU in New Delhi. The pact focuses on exploration and development of critical and strategic minerals, including copper. It aligns with the National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM) to secure resources for clean energy and technology.
• On 18 Sept 2025, IIT Kanpur and Vietnam National University (VNU) signed an MoU at IIT‑K. The aim is to boost academic and research collaboration in cutting‑edge technologies. Focus areas include AI in healthcare, smart cities, language tech, material sciences, and drones.

Science & Technology:

• The asteroid 2025 PN7, a 19‑metre wide member of the Arjuna group, was discovered on 2 August 2025 by the Pan‑STARRS telescope in Hawaii and officially announced in September 2025 as Earth’s latest quasi‑satellite. It follows a Sun‑orbit in near 1:1 resonance with Earth, coming as close as about 299,000 km, similar to the Moon’s distance.

Summits & Conferences:

• The 2nd BIMSTEC Young Leaders’ Summit was held in Guwahati, Assam from 9–11 September 2025, organised by MEA with Bharat Scouts & Guides. It was inaugurated by Assam Governor Laxman Prasad Acharya and attended by 80+ young leaders from all BIMSTEC nations. Theme – “Leadership for the 21st Century: Resilient, Inclusive, and Responsive to Diversity”.
• On 20 Sept 2025, the 10th All India CAT Conference was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, organised by the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT). It was chaired by CJI B. R. Gavai, with the theme “Enhancing Efficiency, Transparency and Timely Justice in Service Matters”. Aim: strengthen CAT’s role in speedy, transparent justice for govt employees.

Important Days:

• The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) inaugurated the 5th National Pharmacovigilance Week (NPW) on 17 September 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The event is observed from 17–23 September 2025 under the theme “Your Safety, Just a Click Away: Report to PvPI”. It aims to promote patient safety by encouraging healthcare professionals and the public to report Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) through simplified digital platforms.

Questions:

Q.1 Which bank became the first wholly-owned subsidiary in India to be authorised as an Agency Bank for GST collection?
a) HDFC Bank
b) ICICI Bank
c) DBS Bank India
d) Axis Bank

Answer: c) DBS Bank India can collect GST via IDEAL, NEFT/RTGS, or over-the-counter, enabling real-time tracking, instant acknowledgements, and simpler compliance.

Q.2 As of 17 September 2025, India’s net direct tax collections from April–September rose to:
a) ₹9.72 lakh crore
b) ₹10.82 lakh crore
c) ₹11.45 lakh crore
d) ₹12.05 lakh crore

Answer: b) Corporate advance tax grew 6%, while non-corporate declined 7%, reflecting strong corporate earnings but lower individual/other payments. Overall, net direct tax collections (Apr–Sept 17) increased 9%+ to ₹10.82 lakh crore.