Current Affairs - September 11, 2025 Current Affairs

Jonas Gahr Stoere, leader of Norway’s Labour Party, secured a second consecutive term as Prime Minister following the parliamentary elections held on September 8, 2025. His party won 87 out of 169 seats, narrowly surpassing the majority threshold. Despite the victory, Stoere faces challenges in governing due to a fragmented parliament and the surge of the right-wing Progress Party, which won a record 48 seats. His new term will involve navigating sensitive issues such as climate policy, oil and gas investments, taxation reforms, and foreign policy decisions tied to Norway’s $2 trillion sovereign wealth fund, requiring coalition consensus.

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) was inaugurated by Ethiopia and is considered Africa's largest hydroelectric project. Located on the Blue Nile River, around 30 km upstream from Sudan, the dam plays a central role in Ethiopia's vision of self-reliance, economic development, and regional influence. The Blue Nile contributes about 85% of the Nile's waters, making the project geopolitically significant for neighboring countries as well. Ethiopia regards the GERD not only as a means of generating power and promoting regional energy trade but also as a symbol of national pride and independence.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) became the recipient of ISRO’s 100th technology transfer agreement, enabling it to independently manufacture Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLVs). The agreement was signed with the involvement of ISRO, NSIL, and IN-SPACe, marking a milestone in India’s space journey. Under the deal, HAL will receive training and support over 24 months to master SSLV production processes, technology integration, and flight preparedness. This initiative will help India strengthen its self-reliant space ecosystem while capturing opportunities in the rapidly expanding global small-satellite launch market. SSLVs, known for cost-effectiveness and quick turnaround, are crucial for future commercial missions.

AIIMS New Delhi launched the “Never Alone” program to address the critical issue of student suicides by providing affordable, accessible, and technology-driven mental health support. The program integrates artificial intelligence to offer 24/7 virtual as well as offline consultations with qualified mental health professionals through a user-friendly web-based app that can be accessed on WhatsApp. It also ensures personalised and secure mental health screenings. The affordability of the service, priced at just 70 paise per student per day for institutions with 5,000 students, makes it a scalable and impactful initiative to improve student mental health and reduce risks of self-harm.

The ₹4,447 crore Mokama–Munger highway project is being developed in Bihar as part of the larger Buxar–Bhagalpur High-Speed Corridor. Approved under the Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM), the 82.4 km 4-lane greenfield highway will significantly enhance connectivity across Eastern Bihar, passing through Mokama, Barahiya, Lakhisarai, Jamalpur, and Munger. The project is strategically important as it supports key regional industries, including the Ordnance Factory Corridor in Munger, the Jamalpur Locomotive Workshop, food processing hubs, and the Bhagalpur silk and textile industry. By improving mobility and reducing freight costs, the highway will drive economic growth, create jobs, and strengthen Bihar’s logistics network.

Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison surpassed Elon Musk to become the world’s richest person in September 2025, with his net worth soaring to $395.7 billion. This dramatic rise was fueled by a 41% surge in Oracle’s stock, its biggest jump since 1992, largely driven by booming demand for AI and cloud computing services. Oracle’s strong revenue forecasts and rapid cloud growth positioned the company as a major contender against tech giants like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google. Ellison’s wealth increase of $101 billion in a single day highlights the transformative impact of AI-driven enterprise solutions on global markets and billionaire rankings.

Fitch Ratings revised India’s FY25 GDP growth forecast upward to 6.9%, an increase from its earlier estimate of 6.5%. This revision reflects strong domestic demand, resilient private sector activity, and the positive impact of GST reforms. Consumer spending and supportive financial conditions, including stable interest rates and liquidity, have strengthened India’s economic outlook despite global trade challenges. GST reforms are expected to further enhance compliance, lower costs of doing business, and stimulate consumption. Fitch also projects India’s economy will maintain robust momentum in the medium term, averaging 6.3% growth by FY27, keeping the country ahead of global growth trends.

National Forest Martyrs Day is observed on September 11 each year to pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives while protecting India’s forests and biodiversity. The day commemorates the Khejarli Massacre of 1730 in Rajasthan, where Amrita Devi Bishnoi and 363 villagers gave their lives to save Khejri trees, a historic act that later inspired the Chipko Movement. In 2025, the theme is “Remembering Martyrs, Protecting Forests”, highlighting the importance of honouring past sacrifices while encouraging active participation in conservation. Activities such as tree plantation drives, awareness campaigns, and memorial ceremonies reinforce the commitment to environmental protection.

India’s first overseas Atal Innovation Centre was inaugurated in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan at the IIT Delhi–Abu Dhabi campus in September 2025. This landmark step extends India’s Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) beyond its borders, creating a hub for research, entrepreneurship, and collaboration in global education and innovation. The centre is expected to strengthen India–UAE academic ties while encouraging students and researchers to develop solutions for international challenges. Alongside the inauguration, new academic programs in Energy and Sustainability (Ph.D.) and Chemical Engineering (B.Tech) were also launched, highlighting the commitment to knowledge exchange and innovation.

The world’s first Digital Tribal University, Adi Sanskriti, was launched in India by Durgadas Uikey, Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. This initiative represents a pioneering step in promoting tribal education, art, culture, and traditional knowledge through digital platforms. Adi Sanskriti is designed as a comprehensive e-learning and digital academy, offering resources to both national and international audiences. Along with education, it also serves as an online marketplace for tribal crafts and heritage, helping to preserve and promote indigenous traditions while empowering tribal communities in the modern digital economy.