Current Affairs - September 17, 2025 Current Affairs

Shri M. Paramasivam’s tenure as Executive Director of Punjab National Bank (PNB) has been extended until March 31, 2027, or until further orders. The decision was formalized by the Department of Financial Services under the Ministry of Finance and reflects the government’s confidence in his leadership. As Executive Director, he has been instrumental in overseeing banking operations, driving credit growth, and enhancing corporate governance within PNB. His extension ensures continuity in leadership during a critical phase when public sector banks are implementing post-consolidation reforms, strengthening digital infrastructure, and navigating global economic and regulatory challenges.

The 14th Sirarakhong Hathei Chilli Festival was held in Sirarakhong Village, Ukhrul district of Manipur, celebrating the state’s GI-tagged Hathei chilli. This chilli is known for its bright red colour, strong aroma, and medium pungency, making it a unique agricultural product with significant culinary and commercial value. The festival blended cultural showcases with economic initiatives such as buyer-seller meets, market linkages for farmers, and tree plantation drives under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign. By promoting agri-tourism and biodiversity, the event highlights Manipur’s rich cultural identity and commitment to sustainable agricultural development.

Dr. Sima Bahous, a seasoned Jordanian diplomat, has been reappointed as the Executive Director of UN Women for a second term beginning on 11 September 2025 by UN Secretary-General António Guterres. During her first term, she advanced gender equality in global policy, enhanced operational transparency, and strengthened crisis response with a focus on women’s leadership. Her reappointment comes at a critical moment, coinciding with the launch of the UN Women Strategic Plan 2026–2029, which emphasizes eliminating violence against women, boosting economic participation, and embedding gender equality into sustainable development. This ensures continuity and strong leadership in global gender advocacy.

Muzaffarpur, a district in Bihar, achieved the first position in the Inspire Award 2025 rankings by contributing an impressive 7,403 innovative student ideas. This remarkable achievement highlights the region’s strong emphasis on nurturing creativity and scientific thinking among school students. The Inspire Award – MANAK scheme, which targets students from classes 6 to 10, is designed to promote original and socially relevant ideas that can lead to practical solutions for community challenges. Muzaffarpur’s leading performance showcases how grassroots innovation is being fostered at the school level, setting a benchmark for other districts across India.

World Patient Safety Day is observed every year on September 17 as a global initiative led by the World Health Organization. Established in 2019, the day seeks to highlight the critical importance of ensuring safe healthcare practices, reducing preventable harm, and promoting accountability in medical systems. In 2025, the theme focuses on “Safe Care for Every Newborn and Every Child,” emphasizing the protection of vulnerable groups such as infants and young children. The observance not only raises awareness but also encourages collaboration among healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients to strengthen systems for safer, more reliable care worldwide.

Vaishali Rameshbabu achieved a remarkable milestone by winning the FIDE Grand Swiss tournament for the second year in a row. Her victory was sealed with a final-round draw against former Women’s World Champion Tan Zhongyi in Uzbekistan, reflecting her consistency and resilience at the highest levels of competitive chess. This accomplishment further elevates her status as one of India’s leading women chess players. In the previous edition of the tournament, India celebrated a double victory as Vidit Gujrathi captured the men’s title, showcasing the country’s growing strength in the global chess arena.

India recently enriched its cultural and natural heritage representation by adding seven new sites to UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites. This brings the total number of Indian properties on the list to 69. The seven newly added sites include the Deccan Traps in Maharashtra, the Geological Heritage of St Mary’s Island Cluster in Karnataka, the Meghalayan Age Caves, the Naga Hill Ophiolite, Erra Matti Dibbalu, the Tirumala Hills, and the Varkala Cliff. This development highlights India’s efforts to preserve and showcase its geological and cultural diversity on a global platform.

The Uttar Pradesh government has initiated several large-scale campaigns to mark the Seva Parv 2025 celebrations. These include the plantation of 15 lakh saplings to promote environmental sustainability, the Swachh Utsav to strengthen cleanliness drives, and the Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan aimed at empowering women through health and blood donation camps. Additionally, the Urban Development Department will observe “Swachhata Hi Seva 2025,” reinforcing the importance of sanitation. These initiatives reflect a holistic approach by the state government, addressing environment, health, and cleanliness in alignment with sustainable development and community welfare goals.

Kotak Mahindra Bank’s Kotak811 app achieved the 3rd position globally in banking app downloads in the first half of 2025, according to Sensor Tower. It recorded over 16 million downloads, surpassing SBI’s Yono app, which ranked 4th with 14 million downloads. This milestone marks a 250% year-on-year growth, making Kotak811 the fastest-growing banking app worldwide during this period. Remarkably, the surge came despite RBI restrictions earlier in the year that temporarily halted new digital onboarding. Kotak811’s digital-first, customer-centric model has played a pivotal role in its rapid adoption and global recognition.

Apollo Tyres secured the role of Team India’s lead sponsor after winning a highly competitive bidding process organized by the BCCI. The ₹579 crore agreement covers 121 bilateral matches and 21 ICC fixtures from 2025 to 2028, replacing Dream11 as the previous sponsor. Apollo Tyres outbid Canva and JK Cements, setting one of the highest sponsorship values in Indian cricket history. This partnership provides Apollo with prime visibility on the Indian team’s jerseys across some of the most globally watched cricket tournaments, enhancing its international recognition and expanding its market presence in over 100 countries.