Current Affairs 21/09/2025
1. In which country has Gaurangalal Das been appointed as India’s Ambassador?
Answer : South Korea
Gaurangalal Das Appointed as India’s Ambassador to South Korea
The Government of India has appointed Gaurangalal Das as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Korea (South Korea). A distinguished diplomat belonging to the 2001 batch of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Das has extensive experience in international relations, policy formulation, and global diplomacy.
Prior to this appointment, he served in various important roles, including positions at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and in Indian missions abroad. Notably, Gaurangalal Das has represented India in key diplomatic assignments and worked closely on issues related to strategic affairs, economic cooperation, and regional partnerships.
South Korea holds significant importance for India due to the rapidly growing strategic and economic partnership between the two nations. Bilateral relations cover areas such as trade, investment, defense cooperation, science and technology, and cultural exchange. As India’s new envoy to Seoul, Gaurangalal Das is expected to strengthen these ties further, promoting collaboration in areas such as advanced technologies, renewable energy, and Indo-Pacific security cooperation.
His appointment comes at a crucial time when India and South Korea are working towards enhancing their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), expanding defense ties, and collaborating in emerging fields like semiconductors, AI, and green technologies.
With his strong diplomatic background and experience, Gaurangalal Das is poised to play a pivotal role in deepening India–South Korea relations, thereby contributing to regional stability and mutual growth.
2. When was the 76th Raising Day of Indian Defence Engineers Service celebrated?
Answer : 17 September
76th Raising Day of Indian Defence Engineers Service Celebrated on 17 September 2025
The Indian Defence Engineers Service (IDES), a vital cadre under the Ministry of Defence, celebrated its 76th Raising Day on 17 September 2025. Established to provide dedicated engineering support to India’s defence infrastructure, IDES officers play a crucial role in the construction, maintenance, and modernization of military facilities across the country.
On this occasion, senior officials of the Ministry of Defence highlighted the commendable contributions of IDES officers in strengthening national security through infrastructure development. The service is responsible for planning and executing a wide range of defence-related projects, including airfields, roads in border areas, defence research facilities, and accommodation for armed forces personnel.
Over the decades, the Indian Defence Engineers Service has expanded its scope to include modern construction technologies, sustainable engineering practices, and the use of digital tools like BIM (Building Information Modelling) in defence projects. The IDES has also contributed significantly to projects in high-altitude and difficult terrains, ensuring that India’s armed forces remain operationally ready under all conditions.
The 76th Raising Day served as a reminder of the indispensable role of defence engineers in India’s security architecture. It also provided an opportunity to honor the dedication and professionalism of the officers and staff who continue to contribute to nation-building through their expertise in defence infrastructure.
3. Which state became the first in India to issue ID cards for Self Help Group (SHG) members?
Answer : Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu Becomes First State to Issue ID Cards for SHG Members
In a landmark initiative, Tamil Nadu has become the first state in India to issue Identity Cards (ID cards) for members of Self Help Groups (SHGs). This step marks a significant milestone in recognizing the contribution of SHGs towards women’s empowerment, financial inclusion, and grassroots development.
The introduction of ID cards is aimed at providing formal recognition to SHG members, enabling them to access various government schemes, banking services, and welfare programs with greater ease. These ID cards will serve as an official identity document, validating the membership of women in SHGs and helping them build credibility in financial transactions.
Tamil Nadu has been a pioneer in SHG movements, with lakhs of women actively participating in community-based savings and credit activities. By issuing ID cards, the state government seeks to further empower women by strengthening their socio-economic status, enhancing transparency, and promoting financial independence.
This initiative is also expected to streamline government support programs, ensuring that benefits reach genuine SHG members directly. In the long run, it will contribute to strengthening rural livelihoods, improving financial literacy, and fostering women-led entrepreneurship in the state.
By taking this historic step, Tamil Nadu has set a precedent for other states in India to follow, reinforcing its commitment to women empowerment and inclusive development.
4. Which Foundation Day of Bihar State Women Commission was celebrated on 19 September 2025?
Answer : 24th
Bihar State Women Commission Celebrates 24th Foundation Day on 19 September 2025
The Bihar State Women Commission celebrated its 24th Foundation Day on 19 September 2025, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding women’s rights and promoting gender justice in the state. Established in 2001, the Commission has been actively working as a statutory body to address issues related to women’s safety, equality, and empowerment.
On the occasion of the 24th Foundation Day, senior officials, social activists, and women leaders highlighted the Commission’s achievements in providing a platform for women to seek justice, especially in cases involving domestic violence, dowry harassment, workplace discrimination, and human trafficking. The Commission also plays an important role in advising the state government on policies related to women and monitoring the implementation of welfare schemes.
Over the years, the Bihar State Women Commission has conducted awareness campaigns, legal aid programs, and counseling sessions to strengthen the position of women in society. It has also worked to ensure timely redressal of complaints and advocated for reforms in law enforcement to better address women-related issues.
The 24th Foundation Day celebrations served not only as a moment of reflection on past progress but also as a call to action for achieving greater gender equality, women’s participation in decision-making, and enhanced legal protections in Bihar.
5. India signed an agreement with which country to set up a satellite tracking station?
Answer : Mauritius
India Signs Agreement with Mauritius to Set Up Satellite Tracking Station
In a significant step towards strengthening space cooperation, India has signed an agreement with Mauritius to establish a satellite tracking station in the island nation. This initiative will enhance India’s capabilities in space research, satellite communication, and regional space collaboration.
The tracking station in Mauritius will serve multiple purposes, including monitoring satellite launches, supporting space missions, and improving communication links with satellites in orbit. It will also provide critical support for navigation, meteorology, disaster management, and ocean studies, thereby benefiting both India and Mauritius.
India and Mauritius share a long history of cooperation in areas such as maritime security, trade, education, and cultural exchange. By setting up a satellite tracking facility, India aims to expand its space diplomacy while also providing Mauritius access to advanced space technologies. The facility will help in data sharing related to climate change, weather forecasting, fisheries, and coastal security, which are vital for an island nation like Mauritius.
This agreement also reflects India’s broader vision of using space technology as a tool for regional development and international cooperation, in line with its “Neighbourhood First” and “Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)” policies.
The new satellite tracking station is expected to further strengthen bilateral relations and position Mauritius as a key partner in India’s growing space exploration journey.
6. India partnered with which organisation to build a world-class Blue Port for sustainable fisheries?
Answer : FAO
India Partners with FAO to Build a World-Class Blue Port for Sustainable Fisheries
In a landmark initiative, India has partnered with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations to establish a world-class Blue Port dedicated to sustainable fisheries and marine resource management. This collaboration reflects India’s growing commitment to promoting blue economy principles, ensuring environmental sustainability, and improving the livelihoods of fishing communities.
The proposed Blue Port will serve as a model for sustainable fishing practices, incorporating modern infrastructure, digital monitoring systems, cold-chain facilities, fish processing units, and eco-friendly waste management. By adopting global best practices in fisheries management, the initiative aims to address issues such as overfishing, marine pollution, and habitat degradation, while enhancing export competitiveness.
This partnership with FAO is expected to provide India with technical expertise, international standards, and policy support to strengthen its fisheries sector. It will also help improve traceability and quality control in seafood products, thereby expanding India’s access to global markets.
The Blue Port project is also aligned with India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and the government’s efforts to double the income of fishers and fish farmers through the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). Furthermore, it supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14, which focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and marine resources.
By partnering with FAO, India is not only enhancing its fisheries infrastructure but also taking a decisive step towards making its blue economy resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive.