Current Affairs - September 16, 2025 Current Affairs

Sabita Bhandari, a senior advocate, has been appointed as the new Attorney General of Nepal, making history as the first woman to hold this prestigious position. Her appointment was made by President Ramchandra Paudel based on the recommendation of Prime Minister Sushila Karki. She succeeds Ramesh Badal in this vital constitutional role. This development is significant not only for Nepal’s judiciary but also for gender representation in the country’s governance. With its capital in Kathmandu, Nepal continues to evolve in terms of inclusivity and leadership representation, marking a milestone in its political and legal landscape.

Albania made global history by becoming the first country to appoint an artificial intelligence-powered cabinet minister, named “Diella.” Announced by Prime Minister Edi Rama during the Socialist Party assembly in Tirana, Diella was given the critical responsibility of managing public procurement—a sector often vulnerable to corruption and inefficiency. Unlike human ministers, Diella is a virtual AI avatar integrated into the E-Albania digital governance portal. The role aims to ensure fairness, transparency, and efficiency by reducing human bias and streamlining bureaucratic processes. This groundbreaking initiative places Albania at the forefront of digital governance and sparks worldwide debate on AI in politics.

The Freedom Edge military exercise, conducted from September 15–19, 2025, was held near Jeju Island, South Korea. This trilateral exercise involved the United States, South Korea, and Japan, focusing on missile defence, air and naval operations, cyber coordination, and medical evacuation drills. It represents the most advanced trilateral drill to date and highlights growing defence cooperation between the three allies in response to North Korea’s nuclear and missile advancements. While the exercise emphasised deterrence, Pyongyang condemned it as a provocation, warning of consequences. The event also aligns with commitments made at the Camp David summit to strengthen trilateral security.

Anandkumar Velkumar created history by becoming India’s first-ever Speed Skating World Champion at the 2025 World Championships in Beidaihe, China. He won gold in the senior men’s 1000m sprint with a timing of 1:24.924. This achievement followed his bronze medal in the 500m sprint, making him the first Indian to medal in the senior category at this prestigious event. Alongside him, Krish Sharma added glory by winning gold in the junior 1000m sprint. Anandkumar’s journey from a junior silver medalist to a global gold winner marks a turning point for Indian roller sports, inspiring a new generation of athletes.

The International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer is observed annually on September 16. The United Nations General Assembly declared this date in 1994 to commemorate the signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in 1987. This treaty became the first in history to achieve universal ratification in 2009, underscoring its global importance. The observance highlights the ongoing efforts to protect the ozone layer, which shields life on Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation. The 2025 theme, “From science to global action,” emphasises the critical link between research and international cooperation.

The 16th Combined Commanders’ Conference (CCC) was held in Kolkata, West Bengal, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the preparedness and security measures of the Armed Forces. The theme for the 2025 conference was set as ‘Year of Reforms – Transformation for the Future’. The CCC, first held in 1953, is recognised as the highest-level defence dialogue forum that brings together India’s political leadership and senior military commanders. Conducted once every two years, this platform plays a key role in shaping strategic defence policies, reviewing security scenarios, and ensuring military readiness for future challenges.

INS Nistar, India’s indigenously built Diving Support Vessel, took part in Exercise Pacific Reach 2025 held in Singapore. This biennial event brings together more than 40 nations to strengthen submarine rescue capabilities and maritime cooperation. During the exercise, INS Nistar acted as the mothership for Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles (DSRV), playing a vital role in the operations. The drill was structured in two phases – Harbour and Sea – to comprehensively test coordination, preparedness, and technical proficiency. Participation in such multinational exercises not only enhances India’s naval capabilities but also promotes stronger defence ties with global partners.

The United States, in collaboration with the United Kingdom, launched the ‘Atlantic Partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy’. This initiative focuses on strengthening cooperation in nuclear energy development, accelerating the deployment of advanced reactors, and reducing dependency on Russian nuclear fuel sources. The agreements involve US-based companies building nuclear projects overseas, showcasing America’s leading role in the global nuclear sector. These deals will be officially signed during President Donald Trump’s state visit to London. The partnership highlights a strategic effort to secure clean energy solutions while reinforcing transatlantic ties in the field of nuclear technology and energy security.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated India’s largest and most modern sports complex in Naranpura, Ahmedabad. Constructed at a cost of ₹825 crore, the facility is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, including a world-class aquatic complex, advanced arrangements for both indoor and outdoor sports, and comprehensive training and residential amenities for athletes. This complex is a significant step toward enhancing India’s sporting ecosystem and promoting grassroots as well as professional sports. Its development reflects the government’s commitment to fostering world-class sports infrastructure, enabling athletes to receive better training, and supporting India’s long-term sporting ambitions.

The DSC A22, which is the third vessel in the five-ship Diving Support Craft project, was launched in Kolkata. This vessel has been constructed by Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd under a Ministry of Defence contract signed in 2021. The Diving Support Crafts are designed for crucial naval functions like submarine rescue, salvage operations, underwater inspection, hull cleaning, and diver training. Their construction follows the rules of the Indian Register of Shipping and involves hydrodynamic testing at NSTL, Visakhapatnam. The launch in Kolkata highlights the city’s growing role in India’s indigenous naval shipbuilding program.

Justice M Sundar was sworn in as the 10th Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court on September 15, 2025, following the retirement of Justice Kempaiah Somashekar. Born in Chennai in 1966, Justice Sundar graduated from Madras Law College as part of its first integrated law course batch and enrolled as an advocate in 1989. His judicial career began in 2016 when he was elevated as a permanent judge of the Madras High Court, where he later became the second senior-most judge. His appointment to Manipur was recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium, highlighting his seniority and expertise in constitutional and civil law.