Daily Current Affairs and GK | 20 September 2025

Topic: Important Days

1. International Day of Peace 2025: 21 September

• International Day of Peace is celebrated every year on 21 September to to strengthen the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and people.
• The theme of International Day of Peace 2025 is "Act Now for a Peaceful World".
• United Nations General Assembly established the International Day of Peace in 1981.
• In 2001, International Day of Peace was designated as a period of non-violence and cease-fire.
• The United Nations General Assembly has declared it a day dedicated to strengthening the ideals of peace through 24-hour non-violence and observance of ceasefire.
• The day promotes global solidarity to build a peaceful and sustainable world.

Topic: State News/Tamil Nadu

2. The ‘Anbu Karangal’ program for orphaned children’s education was launched by CM Stalin in Tamil Nadu.

• The launch coincided with the birth anniversary of former CM C.N. Annadurai.
• The program provides monthly financial aid of ₹2,000 for the education of orphaned children or those who lost one parent.
• The aid will continue until the children turn 18 and complete their school education.
• In the first phase, 6,082 children are set to benefit from this scheme.
• The initiative is part of the state government’s ‘Thayumanavar’ programme, aimed at supporting the poor.
• He cited welfare measures such as the Chief Minister’s Breakfast Scheme, aid for disabled and transgender persons, and support for children orphaned during COVID-19.
• Stalin stated that these initiatives are not vote bank politics but reflect the government’s duty to uplift marginalized people.

Topic: MoUs and Agreements

3. An MoU signed between IIT Kanpur and Vietnam National University (VNU).

• An MoU has been signed between the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur and Vietnam National University (VNU) to foster academic and research collaboration across several cutting-edge fields.
• The collaboration will emphasize AI applications in medical diagnosis, hospital systems for Vietnam, and AI-driven education, including language learning technologies.
• It will also cover infrastructure defect detection with advanced AI tools and initiatives for smart city development.
• Additionally, material prediction, carbon–carbon applications, and drone technology for rescue and agriculture will be focused on.
• Drone technology will be developed for rescue operations and agricultural uses.
• A high-level VNU delegation visited IIT Kanpur to finalize collaboration areas.
• IIT-K Director Prof. Manindra Agrawal said the partnership will enhance capacity building and help tackle pressing problems faced by both India and Vietnam through joint research.

Topic: National News

4. EPFO launched ‘Passbook Lite’ for simplified PF tracking.

• A new feature called ‘Passbook Lite’ has been introduced on the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) website to make PF account tracking easier.
• The launch of the feature was announced by Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.
• It was stated that all EPFO services will now be accessible through a single login for more than 70 million subscribers.
• Earlier, members had to use a separate portal to check their contributions, withdrawals, and balances.
• With the new system, a summary view of account details is being provided directly on the main EPFO website.
• The older passbook portal will continue to function for detailed account information with graphical displays.
• According to the Labour Ministry, the simplified service is expected to reduce website load and improve access for users.
• A new option has also been enabled for downloading Annexure K, the certificate required during PF transfers.
• The document, once shared only between PF offices, can now be downloaded in PDF format by employees.
• This will allow members to track transfer status, verify updated balances, and maintain permanent digital records important for EPS calculations.

Topic: Summits/Conferences/Meetings

5. The logo and flagship initiatives for the India-AI Impact Summit 2026 unveiled by MeitY.

• On 18 September, the Ministry of Electronics and IT officially unveiled the logo and flagship initiatives for the India-AI Impact Summit 2026.
• It will be the first time a nation from the Global South hosts the prestigious international AI summit.
• The newly launched logo, inspired by the Ashoka Chakra, was designed to represent ethical governance and constitutional values.
• Neural flares radiating from the design were used to symbolize AI’s role in bridging divides and promoting inclusive growth.
• Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that India has reached 38,000 GPUs, surpassing the earlier target of 10,000.
• A total of 570 AI Data Labs are planned across the country, with 30 already dedicated in the first phase.
• The IndiaAI Fellowship Program was expanded to provide support to 13,500 students and researchers across multiple disciplines.
• The two-day summit, scheduled for February 19–20, 2026, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, will host global leaders and innovators.
• Eight foundational AI model projects selected from over 500 proposals will be launched to address key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and governance.
• The summit, framed around the principles of People, Planet, and Progress, will aim to shape a shared vision for responsible and inclusive AI.

Topic: MoUs/Agreements

6. An MoU on critical mineral exploration signed by HCL and OIL.

• On September 19, 2025, Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) and Oil India Limited (OIL) signed an MoU for cooperation in critical mineral exploration.
• The collaboration is focused on the development of copper and associated strategic minerals.
• HCL, a Miniratna PSU under the Ministry of Mines, is engaged in copper mining, processing, and marketing.
• Oil India, a Maharatna PSU under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, is known for its expertise in oil and gas exploration.
• The company has diversified into the mineral sector to complement its energy portfolio.
• The agreement was exchanged in the presence of HCL CMD Sanjiv Kumar Singh and OIL CMD Dr. Ranjit Rath.
• Senior officials from both organizations were also present during the signing ceremony.
• The collaboration is aligned with the objectives of the National Critical Mineral Mission of the Government of India.
• The MoU is considered a crucial step towards ensuring mineral security for India’s industrial and technological needs.
• By this partnership, the nation’s energy security and strategic mineral requirements are expected to be significantly strengthened.

Topic: Government Schemes and Initiatives

7. On September 17, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the 8th Rashtriya Poshan Maah, alongside the Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan.

• The initiative emphasizes a renewed focus on nutrition for national development.
• The Poshan Abhiyaan was first introduced on March 8, 2018, in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan.
• It aims to combat malnutrition by promoting diverse diets, breastfeeding, and active community participation.
• Poshan Maah is celebrated every September.
• September coincides with the Prime Minister’s birthday month and highlights the importance of health and nutrition as drivers of national progress.
• The 8th Poshan Maah edition integrates nutrition with early childhood education.
• It supports the National Education Policy 2020 through the Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi initiative.
• Environmental sustainability is a key focus of this year’s campaign.
• The Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam tree plantation initiative connects nutrition with eco-consciousness.
• This year’s programme also emphasizes the role of men in caregiving and nutrition.
• The aim is to foster shared responsibilities within households.
• The Poshan Tracker app, launched in 2021, has over 9.14 crore beneficiaries.
• The PM POSHAN Scheme, formerly the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, serves meals to more than 11.8 crore students across 11.2 lakh schools.
• The scheme improves both nutrition and school attendance.
• A 9.5% increase in material costs for the PM POSHAN Scheme has been approved for FY 2025-26.
• This accounts for food price inflation, adding ₹954 crore to the central government’s expenditure.
• Poshan Pakhwada, observed in March-April, emphasizes the critical first 1,000 days from conception to age two.
• This period is essential for preventing malnutrition and ensuring lifelong health.
• The Children Nutrition Park at the Statue of Unity in Gujarat promotes healthy eating habits.

Topic: State News/Gujarat

8. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Gujarat on September 20.

• He attended the ‘Samudra se Samriddhi’ event. During the visit, he launched development projects worth over ₹34,200 crore.
• He addressed a public gathering Bhavnagar and inaugurated various initiatives.
• He conducted an aerial survey of the Dholera Special Investment Region.
• He also visited the National Maritime Heritage Complex in Lothal. This complex is being developed at a cost of ₹4,500 crore.
• Prime Minister unveiled maritime projects worth over ₹7,870 crore.
• These include infrastructure upgrades at major Indian ports.
• He inaugurated the Mumbai International Cruise Terminal at Indira Dock.
• He laid the foundation stone for a container terminal at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata.
• At Deendayal Port in Kandla, the Tuna Tekra Multi-Cargo Terminal will be developed.
• Kamarajar Port in Ennore will get firefighting facilities and improved road connectivity.
• A seawall will be built at Car Nicobar Island. Deendayal Port will also get a cargo berth and a Green Bio-Methanol Plant.
• Ship repair facilities will be set up in Patna and Varanasi.
• In Gujarat, Modi launched and laid foundations for projects worth over ₹26,354 crore.
• These cover sectors like energy, healthcare, highways, and urban transport.
• The HPLNG Regasification Terminal launched at Chhara Port.
• A new petrochemical project launched at the Gujarat IOCL Refinery.
• Green energy initiatives include the 600 MW Green Shoe Initiative.
• Also included are the PM-KUSUM 475 MW solar feeder and the 45 MW Badeli Solar PV Project.
• Dhordo village will be fully powered by solar energy under these plans.
• In the healthcare sector, two hospitals will be expanded.
• These are Sir T. General Hospital in Bhavnagar and Guru Govind Sinh Government Hospital in Jamnagar.
• The foundation stone was also laid for four-laning of 70 kilometres of national highways.
• Dholera Special Investment Region is planned as a smart, sustainable industrial city.

Topic: MoUs/Agreements

9. India and New Zealand have completed the third round of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations.

• The talks took place in Queenstown, New Zealand. Both countries expressed a strong commitment to deepen economic cooperation.
• They aim to conclude a fair and mutually beneficial agreement soon.
• The discussions focused on expanding trade and investment between the two nations.
• These efforts align with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
• The FTA negotiations were formally launched on March 16 this year.
• The launch followed a meeting between India’s Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and New Zealand’s Trade Minister Todd McClay.
• The third round featured constructive discussions on all major components of the agreement.
• India’s bilateral goods trade with New Zealand reached $1.3 billion in 2024–25.
• This reflects a growth of nearly 49% compared to the previous year.
• The FTA is expected to boost trade volumes and attract greater investment.
• It will also help improve supply chain stability. Additionally, it will create a transparent and predictable environment for businesses in both countries.

Topic: Indian Economy

10. Japan-based Rating and Investment Information, Inc. (R&I) has raised India’s sovereign credit rating to ‘BBB+’.

• The outlook for the rating has been maintained as “Stable”. This marks India’s third credit rating upgrade in 2025.
• Earlier upgrades came from S&P in August and Morningstar DBRS in May.
• These upgrades reflect growing global confidence in India’s economic strength.
• R&I noted India’s strong growth performance and large economic size.
• It highlighted the role of India’s young population and domestic consumption.
• The agency also credited government policies for supporting economic momentum.
• Progress in fiscal consolidation was acknowledged. This was driven by increased tax revenues and reduced subsidies.
• R&I found India’s debt levels manageable due to high economic growth.
• External indicators were also viewed positively. These include a modest current account deficit and strong services exports.
• Remittance inflows and a low external debt-to-GDP ratio were noted.
• Foreign exchange reserves were described as adequate. R&I said financial system risks remain limited.
• The government has increased capital spending. However, it has still managed to lower the fiscal deficit.
• This was achieved through strong revenue generation and spending controls.
• Recent U.S. tariff hikes were identified as a risk. But India’s limited reliance on U.S. exports reduces the potential impact.
• Domestic demand-led growth further insulates the economy.
• R&I also commented on the GST reform. It acknowledged short-term revenue losses.
• But it expects higher consumption to offset the negative effects.
• The agency praised the Modi government’s economic policies. These include efforts to attract foreign investors and boost infrastructure.
• They also involve strengthening legal institutions and reducing energy dependence.
• This is the third upgrade by a major rating agency in five months.
• It underscores global trust in India’s medium-term growth outlook.
• The Indian government remains committed to inclusive, high-quality growth.
• It also aims to maintain fiscal discipline and economic stability.