Current Affairs 18 September 2025

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NATIONAL AFFAIRS

Overview of PM Narendra Modi’s Visit to Bihar on September 15, 2025On September 15, 2025, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi visited Bihar to lay the foundation stone and inaugurate multiple development projects in various sectors, including railways, aviation, power, and water, worth more than Rs.40,000 crores in Purnea, Bihar.
Highlights of the Visit:
Aviation:
Purnea Airport Terminal: PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the Interim Terminal Building at New Civil Enclave of Purnea Airport and flagged off the first commercial flight from Purnea, connecting the Seemanchal region to the national aviation network.
Railways:
Araria-Galgalia (Thakurganj) Rail Line: Inaugurated the Araria-Galgalia (Thakurganj) Rail Line worth Rs.4,140 crores, enhancing connectivity in north Bihar and towards North Bengal, facilitating seamless movement of people and goods across the region.

• He also dedicated the completion of electrification works on multiple railway sections.

Bikramshila-Katareah Rail Line: He laid foundation stone for the Bikramshila-Katareah Rail Line, worth Rs.2,170 crores, providing direct rail link across the river Ganga.
Water:
Kosi-Mechi Intra-State River Link Project: Laid the foundation stone of Phase 1 of Kosi-Mechi Intra-State River Link Project worth over Rs.2680 crores, benefitting multiple districts in northeastern Bihar with irrigation expansion, flood control, and agricultural resilience.
About Bihar:
Chief Minister (CM) – Nitish Kumar
Governor – Arif Mohammed Khan
Capital – Patna
Tiger Reserve (TR) – Valmiki TR
>>Read Full News

Govt launches AI for Vikasit Bharath Roadmap and Frontier Tech Repository by NITI AayogIn September, 2025, Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Ministry of Finance (MoF) and Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Ministry of Railways (MoR), and Ministry of Information & Broadcasting(MIB) launched 2 initiatives of NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog at the Road to India Artificial Intelligence (AI) Impact Summit 2026, New Delhi

• The launched two key initiatives are : the ‘AI for Viksit Bharat Roadmap’ to accelerate economic growth, and the ‘Frontier Tech Repository’ to showcase impactful frontier technology use cases.

About Launched Initiatives:
Two Levels: The roadmap lays out a practical action plan to translate AI’s promise into outcomes, highlighting two major levers:

• Accelerating adoption of AI across industries to enhance productivity and efficiency;
• Transforming R&D with generative AI to help India leapfrog into innovation-driven opportunities is based on the NITI Aayog report.

Frontier 50 Initiative: Wherein NITI Aayog will support 50 Aspirational Districts / Blocks to pick use cases from the Repository and deploy those frontier technologies that have potential to accelerate saturation of services across ADP/ABP themes.
Frontier Tech Impact Awards for States: Recognizing three states excelling in use of tech to improve governance, education, healthcare, livelihood etc., and supporting the measurable, transformative outcomes.
>>Read Full News

MoES Signed Agreement with ISA to Explore New Part of Indian Ocean for Precious MetalsIn September 2025, the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) has signed a new exploration agreement with International Seabed Authority (ISA), to explore a class of precious metals, ‘Polymetallic Sulphur Nodules (PMS)’in the north-west of Indian Ocean for period of 15 years.

• This is the world’s first licence for polymetallic sulphide exploration in the Carlsberg Ridge, making India a pioneer in tapping this untapped mineral wealth.
• The newly signed agreement is India’s third exploration contract with ISA and its second specifically for PMS exploration.

Key Details of Agreement:
Signatories: The agreement was signed by Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary of MoES on behalf of the Government of India (GoI) and Letica Carvalho, Secretary-General of ISA on behalf of ISA, in New Delhi, Delhi.
Exploration Area: As per the contract, India has secured a license from ISA for exploration of PMS covering 10,000 square kilometer (km2) area in the Carlsberg Ridge, a 3,000 km2 stretch that lies in the Indian Ocean, specifically in the Arabian Sea and north-west of Indian Ocean.
Composition: These polymetallic sulphide nodules are rich in manganese, cobalt, nickel, and copper.
>>Read Full News

DPIIT Marks Three Years of National Logistics PolicyIn September 2025, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I), commemorates the third anniversary of the National Logistics Policy (NLP), launched by the Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on 17th September 2022.

• In three years, the NLP has reshaped India’s logistics through digitalization, infrastructure upgrades, and policy reforms.

About National Logistics Policy (NLP):
Aligned with: The NLP is aligned with the Pradhan Mantri Gati Shakti National Master Plan (PMGS-NMP), which focuses on the integrated development of fixed infrastructure and network planning.
Targets: The targets of NLP are:

• Reduce cost of logistics in India
• Improve the Logistics Performance Index ranking – endeavor is to be among top 25 countries by 2030.
• Create data driven decision support mechanism for an efficient logistics ecosystem.

Implementation: The NLP is implemented by the DPIIT under the MoC&I through the Comprehensive Logistics Action Plan (CLAP), which defines specific actions and timelines to achieve the policy’s objectives.
Key achievements under NLP 2022–2025:
ULIP: The ULIP has facilitated secure Application Programming Interface(API) integration across more than 30 digital systems, enabling over 160 crore (cr) digital transactions as of August 2025.
Logistics Data Bank (LDB):The LDB serves as a single-window container logistics visualization system, providing comprehensive tracking using container numbers.

• The LDB has tracked over 75 million (mn) Export Import(EXIM) containers across 101 Inland Container Depots (ICDs), providing real-time visibility and streamlining logistics operations.

State participation: As of August 2025, 27 States and Union Territories(UTs) have formulated State Logistics Policies (SLP), with 14 States preparing Logistics Action Plans (LAP).

• 19 States have currently granted industry status to logistics, enabling tax benefits and incentives.
  >>Read Full News

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi Launches Rs. 100 crore Funding at Inaugural Green Hydrogen R&D ConferenceOn September 11, 2025, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), inaugurated the 1st Annual Green Hydrogen Research and Development (R&D) Conference in New Delhi, Delhi and announced a new Rs. 100 crores Call for Proposals scheme to support startups in green hydrogen innovation.

About the Startup scheme:
Funding Support: The scheme offers up to Rs. 5 crore per project for pilot projects in hydrogen production, storage, transport and utilisation technologies.
Showcased Innovations: At the conference, 25 start-ups presented projects in electrolyser manufacturing, AI-driven optimisation, and biological hydrogen solutions.
Ecosystem Development
Pilot Projects: India launched its first port-based Green Hydrogen Pilot Project at V.O. Chidambaranar Port, Tamil Nadu (TN). Additionally, five steel sector pilots, hydrogen buses, and refuelling stations are operational.
Green Ammonia: India’s first-ever auction discovered a record low price of Rs. 49.75 per kilogram (kg) (in 2025) compared to Rs. 100.28 per kg (in 2024). Supplies will begin at Paradeep Phosphates, Odisha.
Infrastructure: Dedicated hydrogen hubs are being developed at Kandla (Gujarat), Paradip (Odisha), and Tuticorin (TN). Over 5,600 trainees have been certified in hydrogen technologies.
National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) Progress
Outlay: The Government of India(GoI) approved the NGHM, under MNRE in January 2023, with a financial outlay of Rs.19,744 crore.
R&D Achievements: 23 projects already awarded in areas like biomass hydrogen, safety integration, and non-biomass production routes, involving Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) laboratories, and industry partners.
International Collaboration: Under the European Union (EU)-India Trade and Technology Council, 30+ joint proposals were received for waste-to-hydrogen projects.
Target: NGHM targets producing 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of green hydrogen annually by 2030, along with adding 125 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity.

• The mission also aims to attract Rs. 8 lakh crores in investments, create 600,000 jobs, and reduce roughly 50 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions every year.

About Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE):
Union Minister – Pralhad Joshi (Constituency- Dharward, Karnataka)
Minister of State (MoS) – Shripad Yesso Naik (Constituency- North Goa, Goa)

QCI & Ministry of Jal Shakti Organised Sarpanch Samvaad National Quality Conclave
In September 2025, the Quality Council of India (QCI) working under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry (MoC&I), in collaboration with the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) under Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) and the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) organised the Sarpanch Samvaad National Quality Conclave at 1QCI, World Trade Centre, New Delhi, Delhi.

• The event, held under the theme ‘Viksit Gram se Viksit Bharat’ (Developed Village to Developed India), was inaugurated by Union Minister C. R. Patil, MoJS.

Digital Empowerment Initiative:
Sarpanch Samvaad Mobile App: Successfully onboarded 60,000+ Sarpanchs from 22 states, creating India’s first digital community of grassroots leaders
Future Target: Expand to 2.5 lakh Sarpanchs by 2026 and 1 lakh by 25 December 2025 (Good Governance Day)
Aim:  Strengthen grassroots governance by empowering elected village leaders.
Key Initiatives Announced
100-Day Good Governance Challenge: From 17 September to 25 December 2025 to promote Swachhata (Cleanliness), Surajska (Safety), and e-governance at village levels.
Thematic Workshops: Focused on Localised Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs), attended by 75 distinguished Sarpanchs.

Doordarshan Celebrates 66 Years with “Shabdanjali: DD@66” Cultural Events
On September 15, 2025, Doordarshan (DD), India’s premier public service broadcaster under Prasar Bharati (since 1997), celebrated its 66th foundation day with a cultural event “Shabdanjali: DD@66” at Rang Bhawan, Akashvani Bhawan, New Delhi, Delhi.

About the event Shabdanjali: DD@66:
Performances: The event featured performances by renowned artists like Maithili Thakur (bhajans/thumri) and Dilli Gharana exponents, alongside a Kathakali-Kuchipudi fusion drama and live enactments.
Tribute: The event paid tribute to the Doordarshan’s history founding on September 15, 1959 under All India Radio (AIR) and its role in nation-building and cultural preservation.
About Doordarshan (DD):
Growth: Has 35-channel network with (6 national, 28 regional, and 1 international channel).
Modernisation: Under Rs. 2,539.61 crore Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND) Scheme (2021–26), DD is modernising operations with digitisation and AI integration.

• Its Prasar Bharati – Shared Audio Visuals for Broadcast and Dissemination (PB-SHABD) initiative now delivers content in 15 languages through 1,200 reporters.

Doordarshan’s Milestones:

• In 1976 it became autonomous and a part of Prasar Bharati from 1997.
• Iconic shows: Ramayana, Mahabharat, Malgudi Days, Hum Log, and more helped bind generations together.
• DD Free Dish is India’s top free-to-air DTH platform, present in over 49 million households.
• In 2024, launched “Waves” OTT app to stream quality content in multiple Indian languages and reach global audiences

Indian Army Conducts ‘Exercise Jaal Shakti’ on Water Obstacle Crossing
In September 2025, the Indian Army (IA)’s 1st Armoured Division conducted ‘Exercise Jaal Shakti’, a combat-readiness drill to validate water obstacle crossing capabilities under operational conditions.

• The exercise aimed to strengthen operational preparedness and ensure mobility of mechanised and armoured forces in riverine terrain.

About Exercise Jaal Shakti:
Key Components:

• Bridging & Manoeuvres: Tested procedures for bridging, ferrying, and amphibious operations.
• Combat Engineering: Used mobile assault bridges, mechanised boats, and amphibious platforms.
• Joint Coordination: Coordinated armour, mechanised infantry, engineers, artillery, and air defence.
• Technology Integration: Deployment of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and battlefield sensors for real-time reconnaissance.

Drills Conducted: The exercise involved timed obstacle breaching, rapid bridge reinforcement, phased movement of tanks, Infantry Combat Vehicles (ICVs) , logistics columns, and commanders’ decision-making drills.
Significance: The exercise enhanced armoured mobility, maintained offensive momentum across tough terrain, and showcased the crucial role of the Corps of Engineers in obstacle clearance.
About 1st Armoured Division: The 1st Armoured Division, based in Patiala(Punjab), is part of II Corps under Western Command and was formed on 1 September 1945 by re-designating the 31st Indian Armoured Division.

GOI, ILO Sign MoU to develop ‘International Reference Classification of Occupations’
On September 16, 2025, Government of India (GOI) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for collaboration to develop “International Reference Classification of Occupations(ICRO)” in Geneva, Switzerland, with an aim to facilitate youth in availing global employment opportunities.

Signatories: The MoU was signed by Arindam Bagchi, Ambassador and Permanent Mission of India, Geneva, and Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director General (DG), ILO, in the virtual presence of Union Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Ministry of Labour & Employment (MoL&E), Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MYAS).
Objective of MoU:
To create a universally recognized system for classifying occupations based on job roles and qualifications, making it easier for Indian and global workers to gain recognition for their skills in international markets
Significance:

• Facilitates Indian youth’s access to global job opportunities by aligning Indian occupational data with international benchmarks.
• Supports mutual recognition of skills and qualification requirements, essential for international labor mobility and smooth job matching.

Background: In 2023, under India’s Presidency, the Group of Twenty (G20) leaders committed to working towards regular and skills-based migration pathways, endorsing the development of the International Reference Classification of Occupations by skill and qualification requirements.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

WIPO’s GII 2025: India Ranked 38th ; Switzerland Topped for 15th Consecutive YearIn September 2025, the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) in collaboration with the Portulans Institute(PI) released the 18th edition of ‘Global Innovation Index (GII 2025): Innovation at a Cross Roads’. As per the Index, India has secured 38th position globally (up from 39th position in 2024 rankings) with overall score 38.1.

• Despite this slight change, India has made remarkable progress from its 81st position in 2015.
• Switzerland continued to secure 1st position (overall score of 66.0) in the GII rankings for a 15th consecutive year. While, Sweden and the United States of America (USA) retained their 2nd and 3rd positions, respectively for the 3rd consecutive year.

About Global Innovation Index (GII):
Index: The GII, launched in 2007 by INSEAD, Cornell University, and WIPO, is an annual ranking of economies based on their innovation capacity and outcomes, published by WIPO.
Evaluation: The GII evaluated the innovation performance of 139 world economies using some 80 indicators, ranging from Research & Development (R&D) spending, Venture Capital (VC) deals, high-tech exports and Intellectual Property Filings.
Highlights of GII 2025:
Other Countries in Top 10: The United Kingdom(UK) secured the 6th position with a score of 59.1, followed by Finland at 7th with 57.7. The Netherlands (Kingdom of the Netherlands) ranked 8th with 57.0, while Denmark stood at 9th with 56.9.

•  For the 1st time, China featured among the top 10 countries in the index (ranked at 10th spot with overall score of 56.6 )

New Entrants: This year, total 6 countries debuted in the GII, of which 5 are from Sub-Saharan Africa such as: Seychelles(75th), Malawi (125th), Lesotho (132nd), Guinea (133rd) and Congo (137th).
Region-wise: India ranked 1st among the 37 Lower Middle-Income (LMI) group economies and also topped among the 10 economies in Central and Southern Asia region.
Cluster Ranking: This year, 4 clusters from India i.e. Bengaluru, Karnataka (21st), Delhi (26th), Mumbai, Maharashtra (46th), and Chennai, TN (84th), featured among the World’s Top 100 Innovation Clusters.
About World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO):
Director-General (DG) – Daren Tang
Headquarters- Geneva, Switzerland
Established- 1967
>>Read Full News

WTO’s Global Agreement to Curb Over-fishing Takes Effect From September 15, 2025The World Trade Organisation (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies aimed at reducing over-fishing formally came into force on September 15, 2025, after it was ratified by 4 more countries: Brazil, Kenya, Tonga and Vietnam.

• With this, a total of 112 countries have now accepted the agreement, thereby achieving the condition of minimum 2/3rd of WTO’s members (166) formal acceptance.
• This marked the 1st WTO agreement focusing on the environment, the 1st broad, binding, multilateral agreement; and the only 2nd multilateral agreement to come into force since WTO’s inception in 1995.

About WTO’sAgreement on Fisheries Subsidies :
Background: The agreement, initiated by Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General (DG) of WTO, was adopted at the WTO’s 12th Ministerial Conference (MC) held in June 2022 in Geneva, Switzerland.
Signatories: So far, major economies like: China, the United States of America (USA), and the European Union (EU) have signed the agreement.

• While, India and Indonesia are among the countries that have not signed the agreement yet.

Implementation: As per WTO, only one part of the agreement which focuses on subsidies for illegal fishing and over-fishing has come into force, while, the second part, focusing on subsidies for over-capacity production in the large-scale fishing industry, has not been finalized.
Key Objectives: As per the agreement, in order to prevent over-fishing, countries are required to limit some of the USD 22 billion in fish subsidies across the world that encourage practices by fleets that deplete fish stocks.

• Also, they are required to establish a ‘fish fund’ that can help the developing countries in implementing the agreement.

Regulation: The WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies prohibits subsidies that contribute to illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing, affect overfished stocks, or involve fishing in the high seas.
About World Trade Organisation (WTO):
Director-General (DG)- Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Headquarters- Geneva, Switzerland
Established- 1995

INS Nistar Joins Multinational Exercise ‘Pacific Reach 2025’ in Singapore
In September 2025, the Indian Navy (IN)’s indigenously built Diving Support Vessel (DSV), Indian Naval Ship (INS) Nistar, participated in the 9th edition of the Exercise Pacific Reach 2025 (XPR 25) at Changi Naval Base, Singapore.

• The biennial multinational submarine rescue exercise, XPR25, hosted by Singapore, began on 15 September 2025 and will continue until 29 September 2025.

Background: 
Overview: A biennial multinational submarine rescue exercise in the Asia-Pacific, started in 1996, alternating between Singapore’s Changi Naval Base and nearby waters.
Previous Edition: The XPR 23 was also hosted by Singapore in 2023.
 About Exercise Pacific Reach 2025:
Objective: To boost naval cooperation, submarine rescue interoperability, and preparedness for underwater emergencies.
Participants: Over 40 nations (active or observers)
Phases: The exercise is conducted in two phases:

• Harbour Phase: Involves discussions, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEE), a medical symposium, and cross-deck visits.
• Sea Phase: Involves practical submarine rescue and intervention operations in the South China Sea.

INS Nistar: During the sea phase, INS Nistar and  Submarine Rescue Unit(E) will conduct intervention and rescue operations with participating forces in the South China Sea.

BANKING & FINANCE

CRED, IndusInd Bank Jointly Launch CRED-IndusInd Bank RuPay Credit Card
In September 2025, CRED, a fintech company, in partnership with IndusInd Bank launched CRED IndusInd Bank Rupay Credit Card, offering 5% rewards on all electronic (e)-commerce transactions and 1% on offline transactions, including Unified Payment Interface (UPI) and CRED Scan & Pay transactions.

CRED IndusInd Bank Rupay Credit Card:
Features: The rewards earned can be redeemed in multiple ways, including shopping with over 500 CRED Pay merchants, from around 2000 products in the CRED store and over 8 lakh hotels, powered by Expedia. It is available on Rupay network.

• Every reward point holds a fixed value of Rs.1 when redeemed across platforms and services.
• The card offers zero joining fees, automatic application of reward points and a swift application process in 2 minutes.

Aim: The card, designed for high-credit-score consumers, aims to provide flexibility and choice, allowing users to earn and redeem points across multiple platforms without restrictions.

ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

CCI Approvals on September 16, 2025On September 16, 2025, Competition Commission of India (CCI), under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) approved the following proposals:
Acquisition of entire shareholding of IPM Inc. and OC NL Invest Cooperatief U.A.
Approval: The CCI approved the acquisition of entire shares held by IPM Inc. and OC NL Invest Cooperatief U.A.(OC India Sellers) in (Target) Owens-Corning (India) Limited by (Acquirers) Triumph Composites Private Limited and Quartz Fibre Private Limited.
Transaction: The global transaction includes the sale of Owens Corning’s glass reinforcement business in India through the acquisition of the entire shareholding of IPM Inc. and OC NL Invest Cooperatief U.A. (OC India Sellers) in Owens-Corning (India) Pvt. Ltd. (Target) by the Acquirers.
Acquisition of JAL by PNC Infratech :
Approval:The CCI approved (Acquirer) PNC Infratech Limited’s proposal to acquire a minimum of 95% and maximum up to 100% stake in Jaiprakash Associates Limited (JAL) (Target).

• The acquisition can be executed directly or indirectly through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) company, which will be a wholly owned subsidiary of PNC Infratech Limited
  Acquisition of Akzo Nobel by JSW Paints :

Approval: The CCI approved the proposal of (Acquirer) JSW Paints Private Limited to acquire up to 75% shareholding in (Target) Akzo Nobel India Limited (ANIL) through a Shared Purchase Agreement(SPA) and mandatory open offer.

• JSW Paints announced in June 2025 its plan to acquire 74.76% stake in Akzo Nobel India for Rs.8,986 crore.
  >>Read Full News

OBITUARY

Hollywood famous Icon Robert Redford Passed Away at 89On September 16, 2025, Hollywood ‘Icon’ Robert Redford, an actor and Director whose career included movies like The Way We Were, All the President’s People, The Sting, The Natural etc. passed away at the age of 89 in Utah, USA (United States of America). He was born on August 18, 1936 in Van Nuys, California, the USA.

About Robert Redford:
Debut: He made his film debut in an uncredited role in a romance movie Tall Story, starring Anthony Perkins and Jane Fonda.
Directorial Debut: He made his directorial debut in 1980 with the film-The Ordinary People
Larger Films:1965 drama “Inside Daisy Clover,” opposite, which earned him a Golden Globe for New Star of the Year.
Best Film: One of his best films is The Ordinary People, which got six Oscar nominations and won four Oscar awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, for Redford.
Awards: Best Director in 1980 for Ordinary People.   Two Golden Globes,  for Inside Daisy Clover as New Star of the Year –  as the Best Actor (1965), Ordinary People as Best Director (1980), and won the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 1994. He was awarded the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award in 1995.
Foundations by him: Redford was also known for founding the Sundance Institute, known for the Sundance Film Festival, promoting independent films and filmmakers, as well as his decades-long environmental activism and The Redford Center along with his son David James Redford who passed away in 2020.

IMPORTANT DAYS

International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer 2025 – 16 September 2025The United Nations (UN’s) International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, or World Ozone Day (WOD) or Global Ozone Day, is annually observed across the globe on 16th September to raise awareness about the significance of the ozone layer and the impact of its depletion, which contributes to global warming and climate change.

• 16th September 2025 marks the 31st observance of the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer.

Theme: 
The theme for International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer 2025 is “From Science to Global Action.”
Background:
UNGA Resolution: On 19 December 1994, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted resolution A/RES/49/114, declaring 16 September of every year as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer.
First Observation: The inaugural International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer was observed on 16 September 1995.
2025 Events in India:
MoEFCC Celebrates 31st World Ozone Day 2025
On 16 September 2025, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) organised the 31st World Ozone Day in New Delhi, Delhi. Bhupendra Yadav, MoEF&CC, announced that India became one of the first countries globally to implement a Cooling Action Plan.

• India has achieved a 67.5% reduction in the production and use of HFCs.

Montreal Protocol Publication: The 27th edition of ‘The Montreal Protocol: India’s Success Story’ was released, showcasing India’s achievements in phasing out ozone-depleting substances.
>>Read Full News

International Day of Science, Technology, and Innovation for the South 2025 – September 2025The United Nations (UN) observes the International Day of Science, Technology, and Innovation for the South on 16th September each year to highlight the vital role of STI in driving economic growth and promoting sustainable development, especially in the Global South.

• September 16, 2025, marks the 2nd observance of the International Day of Science, Technology, and Innovation for the South.

Background:
Initiation: In September 2023, at the Summit on Science, Technology, and Innovation held in Havana, the leaders of the G77 and China agreed to designate 16th September as the International Day of Science, Technology, and Innovation for the South.

• The Summit’s Havana Declaration on Current Development Challenges highlights the role of STI.

UNGA Resolution: On 9th January 2024, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted resolution A/RES/78/259, declaring 16th September each year as the International Day of Science, Technology, and Innovation for the South.
Significance: The resolution emphasizes using scientific and technological advancements to promote sustainable development, in line with the 2030 Agenda, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
First Observance: The day was first observed on 16th September 2024.
Keyfacts:
R&D and SDGs: Achieving the 2030 SDGs requires robust Research and Development (R&D) to address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and pandemics.

• While global R&D spending reached USD2.5 trillion in 2022, most investment is concentrated in developed countries and China, leaving the Global South underfunded.

R&D Distribution: High-income countries account for 77% of global R&D spending, low-income countries just 0.3%, with most investment concentrated in a few nations.
2025 Event:
Event: This year’s commemoration was held virtually, hosted by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization(UNESCO) IESALC (International Institute for Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean) & UNOSSC (United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation).
Focus: Highlights the South-South University Cooperation Network (SSUCN) Regional University Cooperation Hubs.
About United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC):
Director – Dima Al-Khatib
Headquarters -New York, the United States of America(USA)
Established -1974

International Day of Cardiology 2025 – September 16The United Nations (UN) observes the International Day for Interventional Cardiology every year on 16th September to raise global awareness about Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) and the role of interventional cardiology procedures in their treatment.

• 16th September 2025 marks the 3rd International Day for Interventional Cardiology.

Background:
UNGA Resolution: On 2nd September 2022, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted resolution A/RES/76/302, declaring 16th September of every year as the International Day for Interventional Cardiology.

• The resolution also invites the World Health Organization (WHO) to support and facilitate the implementation of this International Day.

First Observance: The first-ever International Day for Interventional Cardiology was observed on 16th September 2023.
Significance: The date, 16th September, commemorates the first coronary angioplasty performed in 1977 by Dr. Andreas Roland Grüntzig, a German physician-scientist, at the University Hospital Zürich (USZ) in Switzerland.

• He pioneered the development of Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA), a procedure designed to treat coronary artery disease.

About Cardiology:
Specialised Field: Interventional Cardiology is a branch of cardiology that uses minimally invasive, catheter-based techniques to diagnose and treat CVDs, providing faster recovery and fewer complications compared to open-heart surgery.
Key Procedures: Interventional cardiologists carry out procedures such as angioplasty, stenting, and valve repairs through small incisions using blood vessels.
Treatment Scope: They manage conditions like Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), structural heart disorders, and Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD).
Global Impact: Cardiovascular diseases are disorders affecting the heart and blood vessels.

• In 2019, they caused an estimated 17.9 million deaths, accounting for 32% of global mortality, with 85% of these deaths resulting from heart attacks and strokes.
• More than three-fourths of cardiovascular disease deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.

Risk Factors: Diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and smoking are the major contributors to this global epidemic.
About World Health Organisation (WHO):
Director-General (DG)– Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Headquarters– Geneva, Switzerland
Established– 1948

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