Current Affairs - September 13, 2025 Current Affairs

The Manipur Zoological Garden achieved a milestone in 2025 by successfully carrying out the first artificial incubation of Asian Giant Tortoises, resulting in 28 hatchlings from a single nest. This critically endangered species, Manouria emys phayrei, is native to Northeast India and parts of Southeast Asia. The initiative, undertaken in collaboration with the India Turtle Conservation Programme (ITCP), focuses not only on captive breeding but also on reintroducing the tortoises into their natural habitats. This achievement highlights Manipur’s pioneering role in reptile conservation, enhances biodiversity protection, and sets a model for other states to adopt similar scientific conservation efforts.

INS Aravali, the Indian Navy’s newly commissioned base, was inaugurated in Gurugram on 12th September 2025 in a ceremony presided over by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi. The establishment of this base strengthens the Navy’s administrative and logistical capabilities, thereby boosting India’s Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA). It also plays a crucial role in supporting advanced communication and information centres, enhancing strategic readiness. This initiative is closely aligned with the Prime Minister’s MAHASAGAR vision, which focuses on maritime security and growth. Choosing Gurugram as the site reflects its strategic importance in coordinating naval operations inland.

India’s retail inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), stood at 2.07% in August 2025, rising from 1.61% in July. Even with this uptick, the figure remained well below the Reserve Bank of India’s 4% target, offering relief to households and leaving room for accommodative monetary policy. The increase was largely driven by higher prices in categories like vegetables, meat, fish, oil, fats, and personal care, even though food inflation overall remained in deflation for the third straight month. With inflation still comfortably within RBI’s tolerance band, the environment supports economic growth while maintaining price stability.

The Indian Navy car rally was flagged off from New Delhi on 13th September 2025 by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff. The rally aimed to foster stronger connections with citizens, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, while also spreading maritime awareness. Covering nearly 1700 kilometers, the journey included key cities such as Agra, Lucknow, Varanasi, and Kanpur. During this rally, the Navy engaged with veterans, NGOs, and local communities. Launching the event from New Delhi, the capital city, highlighted the national significance of the outreach initiative and underscored the Navy’s commitment to public engagement.

The Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB) has recommended Ravi Ranjan, who is currently serving as the Deputy Managing Director, for the role of Managing Director of the State Bank of India. He is set to replace Vinay M Tonse, whose tenure ends on November 30, 2025. The final approval of this recommendation will be decided by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This recommendation reflects FSIB’s key role in ensuring strong leadership in major financial institutions, and the appointment of Ravi Ranjan will mark a significant step in SBI’s leadership transition.

The MoU between NIFT Patna and Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Limited was primarily aimed at empowering Jeevika Didis, who are women associated with self-help groups (SHGs). The collaboration seeks to provide them with specialised training in garment manufacturing, quality control, and machinery operation. Beyond training, the initiative also ensures sustainable livelihood opportunities by linking these women with employment at ABFRL’s upcoming Begusarai unit. By focusing on empowering Jeevika Women, the project aspires to initially benefit around 3.5 lakh women, thereby creating a large-scale impact on women’s economic independence and skill development in Bihar.

The Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) opened its first regional office in Patna, Bihar, inaugurated by Piyush Goyal during the Bihar Idea Festival. This office is set up to make exporter services more accessible, streamline registration, and provide market support directly within the state. Earlier, exporters from Bihar had to rely on APEDA’s office in Varanasi, which caused delays in services. By establishing the office in Bihar, the initiative directly connects local farmers and agribusinesses with global markets, enabling them to scale exports, boost income, and contribute significantly to the state’s economic growth.

The 5th Coast Guard Global Summit is scheduled to be hosted in Chennai in 2027, coinciding with the Golden Jubilee of the Indian Coast Guard. This major three-day event will bring together global Coast Guard representatives to deliberate on maritime challenges, strengthen international collaboration, and foster trust among nations. Highlights will include an International Fleet Review and a World Coast Guard Seminar, both aimed at promoting interoperability and addressing shared maritime issues. Hosting the summit in Chennai, a key coastal hub of India, reflects its strategic maritime significance and the city’s role in global maritime cooperation.

The International Government Communication Forum (IGCF) 2025 concluded in Sharjah, underscoring the critical role of communication in improving quality of life. The event featured the Sharjah Government Communication Award (SGCA) under the theme “Communication for Quality of Life.” Experts from around the globe participated in discussions on pressing issues such as artificial intelligence, food security, health, education, and sustainability. They highlighted the importance of ethical, human-centered communication in effective policymaking. Hosting this significant forum in Sharjah reflects the city’s growing role as a hub for dialogue on global governance, innovation, and social well-being.

On 12th September 2025, India voted in favour of the UN General Assembly resolution endorsing the “New York Declaration” on the two-state solution for Palestine. The resolution, backed by 142 nations, reaffirmed the global commitment to establishing a sovereign and independent Palestine coexisting peacefully with Israel within secure and recognised borders. India’s vote was consistent with its long-standing position of supporting Palestine’s statehood while recognizing Israel’s right to live in peace and security. This balanced diplomatic approach reinforces India’s role as a proponent of peace through dialogue, even as it maintains strong strategic ties with both Palestine and Israel.