Current Affairs - September 2, 2025 Current Affairs

Australia signed a $267 million deal with Nauru to manage the relocation of non-visa holders. The arrangement involves a significant financial commitment, including an upfront payment of A$408 million and an annual payment of A$70 million for managing deportees. Nauru, a small Pacific island nation, has long been central to Australia’s offshore refugee processing system. The deal came in the wake of a 2023 High Court ruling in Australia that ended indefinite detention practices. While Australia views the deal as a migration control measure, it has been heavily criticized by human rights groups for potentially breaching international refugee protection laws.

Ms. T.C.A. Kalyani, a 1991-batch officer of the Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS), has been appointed as the 29th Controller General of Accounts (CGA) of India on September 1, 2025. With over 34 years of experience in public finance, governance, and digital transformation, she has contributed significantly to initiatives such as Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for fertilizers, digital reforms in MTNL, and financial restructuring of key PSUs. She has also held critical roles across ministries including Defence, Finance, and Home Affairs. As CGA, Ms. Kalyani will oversee central government accounts, financial reporting, and reforms, while advancing transparency and efficiency. Her appointment also marks a step forward for women’s representation in top financial leadership roles within the Indian government.

The Indian Army successfully conducted the Yudh Kaushal 3.0 exercise in Arunachal Pradesh’s high-altitude terrain, demonstrating its preparedness for modern multi-domain warfare. The drill emphasised the integration of cutting-edge technologies, drone-based surveillance, precision strikes, and AI-enabled operational concepts. Specialised units like ASHNI platoons were deployed to showcase tactical agility and innovation. The exercise also highlighted India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative by incorporating domestically developed defence technologies. Alongside Yudh Kaushal 3.0, a parallel exercise named Achook Prahar was conducted to test inter-agency coordination with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), reinforcing joint operational effectiveness in challenging border regions.

Air Marshal Sanjiv Ghuratia, AVSM, VSM, has taken charge as the Air Officer-in-Charge Maintenance (AOM) at the Indian Air Force Headquarters. With a distinguished service career spanning 37 years, he is recognised for his deep technical expertise and leadership in aviation logistics and maintenance. Commissioned in 1988 in the Aeronautical Engineering branch, he has pursued higher studies at institutions such as BITS Pilani, Madras University, and Bhopal University. He has also served on the UN mission in Congo and received commendations for his contributions. Decorated with the Vishisht Seva Medal and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, his appointment underscores the IAF’s focus on technical excellence and operational readiness.

The Indian government has announced a landmark reform by allowing 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the insurance sector, replacing the previous 74% cap. This change is part of the Indian Insurance Companies (Foreign Investment) Amendment Rules, 2025, and aims to attract significant foreign capital into the sector. The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) will oversee the verification of such investments under the automatic route to ensure transparency. The reform is expected to encourage global insurers to enter the Indian market, foster innovation, strengthen competition, and provide much-needed capital. With India’s insurance industry projected to grow at 7.1% annually, this move is positioned to accelerate expansion and modernization.

The Indian Army is raising five new commando battalions named "Bhairav" to significantly boost its strike capabilities. Each battalion will consist of 250 soldiers selected from existing infantry units. These specialised units are being deployed with the objective of strengthening India’s response along sensitive borders with China and Pakistan while also relieving the Para-Special Forces from certain operational pressures. The Bhairav battalions will be equipped with cutting-edge technology, including drones, surveillance systems, and tactical gadgets. They are planned to be strategically stationed across the Northern Command, the western desert region, and the eastern hilly terrain to ensure rapid and effective responses.

New Delhi has been selected to host the prestigious Badminton World Championships in August 2026. This marks a significant event for India, as the country will organise the tournament after a gap of 17 years, the last time being in Hyderabad in 2009. The official announcement was made during the closing ceremony of the 2025 Paris championships, where the symbolic handover took place involving the BWF president, the French federation chief, and the Badminton Association of India’s general secretary. Hosting this championship highlights India’s growing stature in global badminton and showcases New Delhi as a major international sports destination.

The 16th-century Vrindavani Vastra, a silk tapestry crafted under the guidance of Srimanta Sankardeva, will be loaned to Assam by the British Museum in 2027. This masterpiece, originally commissioned by Koch king Nara Narayan, portrays episodes from the life of Lord Krishna and reflects the rich Vaishnavite heritage of Assam. The textile represents a unique blend of spirituality and artistic excellence, deeply rooted in the cultural identity of the region. Acquired by the British in 1904, its return, even as a loan, underscores growing global discussions on the repatriation of cultural artefacts to their places of origin.

The 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in 2025 was held in Tianjin, China, from August 31 to September 1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the summit and emphasised India’s vision for SCO under three strategic pillars: Security, Connectivity, and Opportunity. His address focused on combating terrorism, enhancing regional connectivity through projects like the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), and promoting innovation and cultural exchanges. He also proposed a Civilizational Dialogue Forum to strengthen people-to-people ties. The summit highlighted India’s commitment to regional stability, counter-terrorism cooperation, and reforms in global governance to reflect current geopolitical realities.

World Coconut Day is celebrated annually on September 2 to highlight the cultural, nutritional, and economic significance of coconuts worldwide. The observance marks the founding of the Asian Pacific Coconut Community (APCC) in 1969, which plays a crucial role in coordinating research, development, and trade among major coconut-producing nations like India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka. Coconuts are essential to tropical economies, providing food, beverages, health products, and raw materials for crafts and industries. In India, states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka lead in coconut production, and the Coconut Development Board organises events, exhibitions, and awards to commemorate the day.