Daily Current Affairs 19th September, 2025, Important News Headlines (Daily GK Update)

National News

Shankar, Delhi Zoo’s Lone African Elephant, Dies After 13 Years

• Shankar, the only African elephant in India, died on September 17, 2025, at the National Zoological Park, Delhi, after enduring 13 years of solitary confinement since 2012.
• Aged around 30, Shankar had shown visible signs of stress, including food refusal and stereotypical behavior, highlighting deep concerns about animal welfare, especially for socially isolated species.
• Gifted by Zimbabwe in the late 1990s, Shankar’s death has reignited debate over the ethics of captivity, lack of enrichment, and the urgent need for reform in Indian zoos.

First Hilsa Consignment from Bangladesh Reaches India

• The first consignment of Hilsa fish from Bangladesh reached West Bengal on Wednesday, with only 1,200 tonnes approved for export this festive season—the lowest since 2019.
• Around 32 tonnes arrived via eight trucks at the Petrapole border, but importers fear the short shipment window (Sept 16–Oct 5) may prevent the full quota from reaching India.
• The Bangladeshi Hilsa, prized for its taste and origin from the Padma River, is in high demand across West Bengal, Assam, and Tripura, especially compared to its Indian counterpart from the Hooghly River.

India Records First Half-Year CO₂ Emission Drop in 2025

• India’s CO₂ emissions from the electricity sector recorded a historic 1% decline in the first half of 2025, marking the first non-COVID-related drop in emissions from any sector.
• According to an analysis by CREA, this is due to milder summer temperatures, strong monsoons, and a record 25.1 GW addition in renewable energy capacity.
• Despite a 9 TWh increase in total power generation, coal-based output dropped by 29 TWh, offset by gains from solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear sources.

Yatri Sewa Diwas 2025: Airports Across India Put Passengers First

• Yatri Sewa Diwas 2025, launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation at Hindon Airport, marks a shift in Indian aviation by prioritizing passenger dignity, comfort, and inclusivity over mere infrastructure.
• Inaugurated by Union Minister Rammohan Naidu, the initiative emphasizes a passenger-first approach through medical check-ups, digital upgrades, and standardized services, especially benefiting women, elderly, and differently-abled travelers.
• Building on schemes like UDAN, it addresses key service gaps to transform airports into spaces of equity, accessibility, and citizen-centric care.

India & FAO Launch Blue Ports for Smart Fisheries

• India and FAO have partnered under a Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) to develop Smart & Sustainable Blue Ports, with the first capacity-building webinar held on September 18, 2025.
• Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, emphasized integrating AI, 5G, and automation for efficient, eco-friendly fishing ports.
• Under the PMMSY scheme, ₹369.8 crores is being invested in Vanakbara (Diu), Jakhau (Gujarat), and Karaikal (Puducherry) to develop Smart & Integrated Fishing Harbours, featuring IoT, clean energy, waste management, and traceability systems, enhancing sustainability, exports, and livelihoods in the fisheries sector.

International News

US Fed Cuts Rate by 25 bps, Signals Easing Cycle

• The US Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 4.00%–4.25%, marking its first rate cut in 2025 and signaling the start of a possible easing cycle.
• This decision comes amid moderating economic growth, slowing job gains, and a slight rise in unemployment, while inflation remains above the 2% target but shows signs of easing.
• The Fed emphasized its commitment to its dual mandate of price stability and maximum employment, balancing inflation control with support for the labour market.

Saudi Arabia–Pakistan Defence Pact What is it?

• Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a landmark Mutual Defence Agreement stating that any aggression against one is aggression against both, deepening their strategic alliance amid rising West Asia tensions.
• The pact expands security cooperation with joint intelligence sharing, defence logistics, and possible future joint military exercises, marking a shift from transactional ties to a treaty-level partnership.

Australia Ups Emissions Target to 62% by 2035

• Australia has raised its emissions reduction target to 62% by 2035 (from 2005 levels) under the Paris Climate Agreement, up from its previous 43% target by 2030.
• Announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the move follows a government-commissioned risk assessment warning of worsening extreme weather due to climate change.
• The new target aligns with the Climate Change Authority’s recommended benchmark of 62–70%, aiming to address global criticism of Australia’s heavy fossil fuel reliance.

Banking News

EPFO Launches ‘Passbook Lite’: Faster Claims, Real-Time Tracking

• The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has launched ‘Passbook Lite’ on its member portal, allowing subscribers to view a simplified version of their EPF passbook without separate login.
• This feature offers a quick snapshot of contributions, withdrawals, and balances in one place, enhancing ease of access and reducing load on the existing passbook system.
• Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted this reform alongside other initiatives, including online access to Annexure K (Transfer Certificate) and the ability to track transfer status for greater transparency.

Agreements News

IIT Kanpur and Vietnam National University Sign MoU to Boost Research, AI, and Innovation

• IIT Kanpur and Vietnam National University have signed an MoU to boost academic and research collaboration, focusing on areas like AI in medical diagnosis, AI-driven education, language learning technologies, smart city development, and drone technology for rescue and agriculture.
• The partnership aims to enhance knowledge exchange, support joint research, and benefit students, faculty, and scientists from both institutions through innovation-driven cooperation.

Appointments News

Gourangalal Das Appointed as India’s New Ambassador to South Korea

• Senior diplomat Gourangalal Das has been appointed as India’s new ambassador to South Korea, replacing his current role as Joint Secretary heading the East Asia division at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
• A 1999 batch IFS officer, Das played a key role in India-China negotiations aimed at restoring ties strained by the Eastern Ladakh standoff that has lasted over four years. He is expected to assume his new post shortly.

Defense News

Indian Defence Service of Engineers celebrated its 76th Raising Day

• The Indian Defence Service of Engineers (IDSE) celebrated its 76th Raising Day on September 17, 2025, at Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt, with Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh as Chief Guest.
• He praised IDSE officers for their contributions to national defence infrastructure and urged adoption of new technologies amid evolving security challenges.
• The event also featured cultural performances, and highlighted IDSE’s legacy since its formation on September 17, 1949, in supporting infrastructure for the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and DRDO.

• As part of major defence reforms, India will merge the education branches of the Army, Navy, and Air Force to form a unified Tri-Services Education Corps, and set up three new Joint Military Stations, advancing efforts toward jointness and integration.
• Announced on the final day of the Combined Commanders’ Conference 2025, the move aims to create future-ready armed forces by streamlining military education, enhancing interoperability, and improving resource efficiency.
• The reforms align with directives from the Prime Minister and Defence Minister, marking a significant step in India’s military transformation.

Ranks & Reports News

These 7 Tier II Cities Mint Most Millionaires

• According to the Mercedes-Benz Hurun India Wealth Report 2025, while wealth in India remains concentrated in major metros like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, seven Tier II cities—Ahmedabad, Surat, Jaipur, Vadodara, Nagpur, Visakhapatnam, and Lucknow—are emerging as significant hubs minting millionaires.
• These cities reflect the growing economic vibrancy beyond top metros, driven by technology, financial growth, and wider access to information, signaling a democratization of wealth extending even to smaller towns.

Schemes News

• Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin launched the ‘Anbu Karangal’ (Hands of Love) scheme to provide Rs 2,000 monthly aid to orphaned children until they turn 18 or finish school, aiming to protect their education and well-being.
• In its first phase, 6,082 children will benefit, and laptops were distributed to 1,340 students who lost both parents and secured college admission.
• Falling under the Juvenile Justice Act, the scheme includes a mobile app for applications and monitoring, and aligns with DMK’s welfare-driven agenda ahead of the 2026 assembly elections.

Sports News

Marium Fatima Becomes Bihar’s First Woman FIDE Master

• Marium Fatima from Muzaffarpur, Bihar has made history by becoming Bihar’s first-ever Woman FIDE Master (WFM) in chess.
• Celebrated for her exceptional talent and multiple accolades, her achievement marks a significant milestone for the state’s sporting community.
• The Director General of Bihar State Sports Authority, Ravindran Shankaran, congratulated her on this remarkable success.

Science & Technology News

Vyommitra: ISRO’s AI Half-Humanoid for Gaganyaan

• ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan announced that Vyommitra, an AI-enabled half-humanoid robot, will fly aboard the uncrewed test mission of the Gaganyaan project by the end of December 2025.
• This mission is a vital step towards India’s goal of sending humans to a 400 km orbit for three days and ensuring their safe return.
• The mission will address critical factors like temperature, pressure, humidity, and CO2 levels, and includes an escape system and nine parachutes for safe sea splashdown.
• The project involves collaboration among ISRO, Indian Air Force, Navy, DRDO, and other institutions.

CAG to Launch AI-Based Audit System for Better Oversight

• The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is set to deploy an AI-powered Large Language Model (LLM) to modernize public auditing by enhancing efficiency, transparency, and risk detection.
• With increasing volume and complexity in government transactions, the system will enable automated data analysis, support remote audits, ensure greater consistency, and improve audit coverage through pattern recognition and anomaly detection, helping auditors focus on high-risk areas while reducing time and costs.

Important Days News

International Equal Pay Day 2025: Significance, Challenges & Global Efforts

• International Equal Pay Day is observed on 18 September to promote equal pay for work of equal value and address the persistent gender pay gap, which remains around 20% globally.
• Despite global support, women—especially in healthcare, informal sectors, and as working mothers—continue to face discrimination, unfair wages, and limited access to opportunities.
• The UN, ILO, and UN Women, through the Equal Pay International Coalition (EPIC), urge governments, employers, and civil society to uphold labour rights, foster social justice, and ensure economic empowerment of women as part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

International Talk Like a Pirate Day 2025 What is it?

• International Talk Like a Pirate Day is a parodic holiday celebrated annually on September 19. Created in 1995 by John Baur and Mark Summers from Oregon, it encourages people worldwide to speak like pirates using a stereotypical West Country English accent.
• The idea sparked from a racquetball game injury when one player exclaimed “Aaarrr!” The date was chosen to avoid clashing with the Normandy landings anniversary.