Current Affairs - September 22, 2025 Current Affairs

Smriti Mandhana etched her name in history by scoring the fastest ODI century ever by an Indian, surpassing Virat Kohli’s 52-ball record set in 2013. On 20 September 2025, during the 3rd ODI against Australia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi, she reached her hundred in just 50 balls. Her blistering knock of 125 runs off 65 balls included 17 fours and 5 sixes, and she completed her century with a massive six over midwicket. This achievement also places her second in the list of fastest women’s ODI centuries, behind only Meg Lanning’s 45-ball ton, further cementing her legacy.

Dhordo, located in Kutch, Gujarat, was dedicated as India’s fourth solar powered village by PM Modi during the ‘Samudra Se Samriddhi’ programme in Bhavnagar. This initiative ensures that every residential electricity connection in Dhordo benefits from solar energy under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. Gujarat has been a pioneer in promoting solar villages, with Modhera, Sukhi, and Masali being the other solar powered villages in the state. Dhordo’s recognition as the ‘Best Tourism Village’ by the UNWTO highlights its potential for sustainable tourism alongside renewable energy adoption, making it a model for green development in India.

India and Greece successfully conducted their first ever bilateral naval exercise in the Mediterranean Sea, marking an important step in strengthening defence ties. The exercise, held from 13–18 September 2025, was carried out in two phases—harbour and sea. The harbour phase at Salamis Naval Base included cross deck visits, professional exchanges, and cultural interactions, while the sea phase featured advanced operations such as anti submarine drills, coordinated gun firing, and cross deck helicopter missions. With INS Trikand and HS Themistokles participating, the exercise enhanced interoperability, reinforced maritime cooperation, and highlighted the shared commitment of India and Greece to maritime security and global stability.

World Rhino Day is observed every year to spread awareness about the conservation of rhinos, which are among the most endangered species globally. In 2025, this important day falls on September 22. It serves as a reminder of the threats rhinos face, including poaching, habitat destruction, and human-wildlife conflict. Established in 2011, the day draws attention to all five existing species: Greater One-Horned, Black, White, Javan, and Sumatran rhinos. Celebrating this day emphasizes the need for stronger conservation measures and global cooperation to protect these majestic animals from extinction.

The CAG report highlights the alarming increase in public debt among Indian states over the past decade. While several states have seen a significant rise in their debt-to-GSDP ratio, Punjab emerged with the highest figure at 40.35%. This indicates that Punjab’s debt burden, in proportion to its economic output, is more severe than other states. Nagaland followed with 37.15%, and West Bengal with 33.70%. Such high ratios raise concerns about fiscal sustainability, state finances, and the ability of governments to manage long-term liabilities while still investing in growth and development.

The India Shrimp Tariff Act, introduced by US Senators Bill Cassidy and Cindy Hyde-Smith, aims to protect Louisiana’s shrimp and catfish industries from the impact of cheap shrimp imports from India. Lawmakers argue that Indian shrimp has been “dumped” into the US market at very low prices, hurting local producers, processors, and related jobs. By imposing tariffs, the Act seeks to create a level playing field, ensure fair competition, and safeguard Gulf Coast seafood industries. While this move supports domestic producers, it could also heighten trade tensions between India and the US, potentially leading to disputes at the WTO.

The Bharat International Rice Conference 2025 (BIRC 2025) is scheduled to take place on October 30–31, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. Organized by the Indian Rice Exporters Forum (IREF) in collaboration with APEDA under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, the event focuses on promoting India’s rice industry. India, being the largest producer and exporter of rice globally, including premium basmati rice, will use this platform to discuss trade opportunities, technological advancements, and sustainable practices in rice production. Hosting the conference in New Delhi underscores the city’s role as a hub for major national and international trade events.

India has established its first defence manufacturing plant in Africa at Berrechid, Morocco, through Tata Advanced Systems Maroc. This facility focuses on producing Wheeled Armoured Platforms and represents a milestone under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which seeks to make India self reliant in defence production. The inauguration coincided with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s official visit, marking the first ever visit by an Indian Defence Minister to Morocco. This development enhances bilateral defence cooperation, strengthens India’s strategic outreach in Africa, and positions India as a global defence exporter. It also opens opportunities for joint projects, training, and industrial partnerships.

India’s logistics cost has been officially estimated at 7.97% of GDP, replacing earlier inflated figures of 13–14%. This estimate is based on a hybrid methodology combining secondary data with large scale nationwide surveys, ensuring a precise and data driven assessment. The report highlights improved efficiency in logistics, as reflected in reduced freight costs and turnaround times, and supports policy measures under the National Logistics Policy. Platforms like ULIP, NICDC, and programs such as SMILE and GatiShakti contribute to streamlining infrastructure, enhancing multimodal transport, and promoting India as a competitive global logistics hub.

Asia’s largest rail operations command centre has been established at Sabarmati in Ahmedabad, serving as the hub for the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC). This state-of-the-art facility manages operations across a 1,506 km stretch spanning five states. The Sabarmati Operations Command Centre is equipped with advanced features like AI-ready systems, automated alarms, and disaster management capabilities. It also boasts a massive real-time monitoring video wall, making it the most advanced facility of its kind in the region. The centre plays a vital role in improving efficiency, safety, and coordination for freight movement in India.

The ICGS Adamya, the first of eight Adamya-class Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), was commissioned at Paradip Port in Odisha. Built by Goa Shipyard Limited, this vessel enhances India’s coastal security and patrolling capabilities. Paradip Port, established in 1962 by Late Biju Patnaik and declared India’s eighth major port in 1966, is Odisha’s only major port. Located at the confluence of the Mahanadi River and the Bay of Bengal, the port plays a crucial role in maritime trade and strategic naval operations. Commissioning of ICGS Adamya here highlights the port’s significance in India’s defence infrastructure.