Current Affairs - Places

Oil India Ltd (OIL) announced its first confirmed natural gas discovery off the Andaman Islands, marking a major milestone in India’s offshore energy exploration. The Hydrocarbon Resource Assessment Study (HRAS) has estimated around 371 million metric tonnes of oil equivalent (MMTOE) in the Andaman Basin, which is part of the Bengal-Arakan sedimentary system. Located at the tectonic boundary between the Indian and Burmese plates, the basin contains favorable geological conditions such as stratigraphic traps. This discovery significantly boosts India’s prospects for future energy self-reliance while highlighting the strategic importance of the Andaman region in hydrocarbon exploration.

The 2nd National Mediation Conference 2025 was inaugurated in Bhubaneswar by the Chief Justice of India, Justice BR Gavai. The event highlighted the importance of mediation as a tool for dispute resolution, stressing that its effectiveness comes from consistent practices rather than solely from legal provisions. The two-day conference featured five interactive technical sessions chaired by Supreme Court judges, creating a platform for exchanging knowledge and best practices in mediation. Hosting the conference in Bhubaneswar also emphasises the growing importance of regional centers in advancing legal reforms and strengthening alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in India.

The 71st National Film Awards ceremony took place at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on September 23, 2025. President Droupadi Murmu felicitated the winners, including Mohanlal, who received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. New Delhi, as the capital city, often hosts major national events, and Vigyan Bhawan is a prominent venue for such high-profile ceremonies. The awards recognised excellence across various categories in Indian cinema, highlighting socially relevant films, veteran actors, and new-age talents, emphasizing the city’s role as a hub for cultural and cinematic celebrations.

Dubai is preparing to launch a 15-km dedicated corridor for driverless transport, known as the Dubai Autonomous Zone (DAZ), by 2026. This initiative is part of the city’s ambitious goal to make 25% of daily trips autonomous by 2030. The corridor will connect major hubs such as Al Jaddaf Metro Station, Dubai Creek Harbour, and Dubai Festival City. It will integrate multiple transport modes including RoboTaxis, RoboBuses, autonomous shuttles, delivery bots, and self-driving marine abras. Partnerships with Uber and WeRide will also bring app-based RoboTaxi services to the public, reinforcing Dubai’s global leadership in smart mobility.

Dr. S. Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister, hosted the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) Foreign Ministers' Meeting in New York. FIPIC, initiated by India in 2014, brings together 14 Pacific Island Countries to strengthen cooperation in areas such as trade, climate change, and sustainable development. Hosting the meeting in New York, a major diplomatic hub, underscores India’s commitment to enhancing its engagement with Pacific Island nations while facilitating discussions on regional and global issues. The gathering provided an opportunity for collaborative dialogue, reinforcing India’s strategic partnerships and promoting mutual interests in the Indo-Pacific region.