Current Affairs One - Liner : 23rd September 2025

National:

• On 22 Sept 2025, Union Minister Piyush Goyal launched six initiatives and released a ₹100 commemorative coin (India’s first coloured coin) to mark the 10th anniversary of Make in India. The initiatives include SMILE, LDB 2.0, LEADS 2025, HSN Code Guidebook, IPRS 3.0, and AoLC framework. The AoLC Report pegged India’s logistics cost at 7.97% of GDP, much lower than earlier estimates.

• The BBNJ Treaty (High Seas Treaty), adopted in June 2023, reached the 60‑ratification threshold on 19 Sept 2025 with Morocco and Sierra Leone joining. It will enter into force on 17 Jan 2026, becoming the first legally binding framework to conserve marine biodiversity in the High Seas.
• PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the redeveloped 524‑year‑old Tripura Sundari Temple at Udaipur, Tripura (22 Sept 2025). Built in 1501 by Maharaja Dhanya Manikya, it is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. The project, worth ₹52 crore under PRASHAD Scheme, added modern facilities and a replica of all Shakti Peethas.
• On 22 Sept 2025, PM Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid foundation stones for projects worth ₹5,100+ crore in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh. Major works included the 240 MW Heo and 186 MW Tato‑I hydropower projects, a Convention Centre in Tawang, and 10 infra projects across sectors. The initiatives aim to boost clean energy, connectivity, healthcare, and tourism, aligning with Maritime India Vision 2030 and PM‑DevINE.

Banking:

• The Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA) launched a dedicated GST grievance category on the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) from 22 Sept 2025 under Next‑Gen GST Reforms 2025. It allows consumers to report issues on revised GST rates via 1915, INGRAM portal, WhatsApp, and apps in 17 languages. The move aims to ensure GST benefits reach consumers, strengthen compliance, and curb profiteering.
• On 22 Sept 2025, Jio Payments Bank launched “Savings Pro”, a smart savings product. It auto‑invests surplus funds (above ₹5,000) into overnight mutual funds. Customers can earn up to 6.5% returns, with a daily limit of ₹1.5 lakh. Instant redemption allowed up to 90% (₹50,000); rest within 1–2 days.

MoUs:

• On 19 Sept 2025, the Bihar Tourism Department signed an MoU with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) at Bhavnagar, Gujarat to launch a ₹908 cr Water Metro Project in Patna. The aim is to provide a safe, eco‑friendly, and tourism‑friendly urban water transport system.
• On 20 Sept 2025, Cochin Shipyard Ltd. (CSL) signed an MoU with HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) at Bhavnagar, Gujarat. The aim is to boost Atmanirbhar Bharat in shipbuilding through advanced technology collaboration. CSL will use its 310‑m dry dock and set up a Block Fabrication Facility (₹3,700 cr, 2,000 jobs) to build large vessels.
• National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC Ltd.) signed an MoU with Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) in Riyadh, Sept 18–20, 2025. The aim is to promote power sector transformation and global energy expansion. It covers Operation & Maintenance (O&M), modernization, procurement, project management, and Research & Development (R&D) in energy technologies.
• On 20 Sept 2025, Swan Defence & Heavy Industries Ltd (SDHI) signed MoUs with Sagarmala Finance Corporation Ltd (SMFCL) and the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) at Pipavav Port, Gujarat to modernise shipyard infrastructure, expand capacity, and develop financing under the Maritime‑focused Equity Fund (MfEF). The ₹4,250 crore Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) MoU includes shipyard expansion, a 200‑acre Maritime Cluster, and a Centre of Excellence (CoE) to train 1,000 youth annually.
• On 23 Sept 2025, Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) signed a 5‑year MoU with P.V. Narsimha Rao Telangana Veterinary University (PVNRTVU), Hyderabad for collaborative research in animal health. The aim is to integrate Ayurveda with modern veterinary science for livestock welfare and sustainable animal healthcare. The MoU covers joint research, student/faculty exchange, shared infrastructure, and One Health initiatives.
• On 19 Sept 2025, MDL signed an MoU with Guidance Tamil Nadu at Bhavnagar, Gujarat to develop a world‑class Greenfield Shipyard on the Eastern Coast under Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. The project aims to expand shipbuilding capacity, strengthen defence & commercial maritime infrastructure, and create jobs in Tamil Nadu.

Sports:

• The Azerbaijan GP 2025 was held on 21 Sept 2025 at the Baku City Circuit, Azerbaijan. It was the 17th round of the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) won the race, marking his 4th victory of the season.

Military Exercises:

• The first India–Greece Bilateral Maritime Exercise was held 13–18 Sept 2025 in the Mediterranean Sea, with harbour activities at Salamis Naval Base. India deployed INS Trikand, while Greece fielded HS Themistokles and submarines. The exercise featured VBSS ops, anti‑submarine drills, gun firing, and cross‑deck helicopter ops, enhancing interoperability.

Important Days:

• International Red Panda Day 2025 was observed on 20 Sept 2025, initiated by the Red Panda Network (2010) to raise awareness about the endangered species. The theme 2025 was “Empowering the Future of Red Panda Conservation.” Red pandas, native to the Eastern Himalayas, face threats from habitat loss, poaching, and climate change, with fewer than 10,000 left in the wild.
• The International Day of Sign Languages is observed on 23 Sept 2025, commemorating the World Federation of the Deaf’s founding (1951). Theme: “No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights / Sign Language Unites Us”. It highlights inclusion, accessibility, and equal rights for the deaf community.

Appointments:

• On 18 September 2025, Amita Chaudhary, Group Head of Sustainability at AIA Group, was appointed as the first woman of Indian origin to chair the UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) Principles for Sustainable Insurance (PSI) Board. The UNEP FI, headquartered in Geneva, is a UN‑financial sector partnership with 500+ institutions.
• On 22 Sept 2025, IndusInd Bank appointed Viral Damania as its new CFO & KMP. He succeeds Santosh Kumar, who continues as Deputy CFO. Damania, ex‑CFO of Bank of America India, brings 27+ years of global banking experience. His qualifications include CA, CS, CWA, and ISACA certification.

Awards & Honours:

• On 20 Sept 2025, Andhra Pradesh received the Best State Award for Silk Development under the Mera Resham – Mera Abhiman programme of the Central Silk Board at Bengaluru. The award recognised AP’s awareness drives, cocoon production boost, and farmer mobilisation across six districts. It was conferred during the 76th Central Silk Board Foundation Day.
• On 23 Sept 2025, UK PM Keir Starmer was honoured with the ‘Living Bridge’ Award at the House of Lords, London. The award, by India Business Group (IBG), recognised his role in clinching the India–UK Free Trade Agreement (CETA). The FTA aims to double bilateral trade to USD 120 bn by 2030. The award was accepted by Seema Malhotra, UK’s Minister for the Indo‑Pacific.

Obituaries:

• Legendary English umpire Dickie Bird passed away on 22 Sept 2025 at age 92 in Yorkshire. He officiated in 66 Tests, 69 ODIs, and 3 World Cup Finals (1975, 1979, 1983). Known for his fairness, humour, and humanity, he was one of cricket’s most loved officials.

Questions:

Q.1 The AoLC (Assessment of Logistics Competitiveness) Report 2025 pegged India’s logistics cost at what percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP)?
a) 7.97%
b) 9.2%
c) 10.5%
d) 6.8%

Answer: a) Earlier estimates were higher; the AoLC Report 2025 pegged logistics cost at 7.97% of GDP.

Q.2 Which state won the Best State Award for Silk Development in September 2025?
a) Karnataka
b) Assam
c) Andhra Pradesh
d) West Bengal

Answer: c) Andhra Pradesh won under the “Mera Resham – Mera Abhiman” programme of the Central Silk Board for boosting silk production.