Current Affairs 23/09/2025
1. Which film has been chosen as India’s official entry for Oscars 2026?
Answer : Homebound
Homebound Selected as India’s Official Entry for Oscars 2026
India has officially selected the film Homebound as its entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 96th Academy Awards (Oscars 2026). This announcement marks a significant moment for Indian cinema, showcasing the country’s commitment to highlighting diverse storytelling on the global stage.
Directed by Rahul Sadasivan, Homebound is a poignant drama that explores themes of family, displacement, and the emotional struggles of returning to one’s roots. The film blends realism with a deeply personal narrative, resonating with audiences through its universal themes of identity and belonging.
The selection committee, appointed by the Film Federation of India (FFI), unanimously recognized Homebound for its powerful storytelling, technical finesse, and artistic vision. By choosing this film, India aims to strengthen its presence at the Academy Awards and continue the legacy of Indian cinema’s global recognition, following in the footsteps of critically acclaimed works like Lagaan, Mother India, and more recently, RRR and The Elephant Whisperers.
As the official entry, Homebound will now compete with submissions from across the world. Its journey at the Oscars will not only spotlight Indian cinema’s evolving creativity but also highlight the country’s ability to tell deeply human stories that transcend cultural boundaries.
2. In which state was the Asian Cadet Cup 2025 inaugurated?
Answer : Uttarakhand
Asian Cadet Cup 2025 Inaugurated in Uttarakhand
The prestigious Asian Cadet Cup 2025 was officially inaugurated in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, marking a proud moment for Indian sports. The event, which focuses on nurturing young talent in fencing, is being hosted by India with participation from several Asian nations.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who highlighted the growing interest of youth in fencing and other emerging sports. He emphasized the state government’s commitment to creating world-class sports infrastructure and promoting Uttarakhand as a hub for international sporting events.
The Asian Cadet Cup serves as a vital platform for budding athletes to gain international exposure and compete with top cadet-level fencers from across Asia. Hosting this prestigious competition not only strengthens India’s sporting credentials but also provides local athletes an opportunity to showcase their talent on home soil.
By bringing such international tournaments to Uttarakhand, the event also reflects India’s rising stature in global sports and its dedication to encouraging young athletes. The tournament is expected to inspire many youngsters to take up fencing, further contributing to the growth of the sport in the country.
3. Which country will host the AI Impact Summit 2026?
Answer : India
India to Host the AI Impact Summit 2026
India has been selected as the host nation for the prestigious AI Impact Summit 2026, scheduled to take place in New Delhi on 19–20 February 2026. The summit is part of a global series of high-level meetings that focus on the future of artificial intelligence, following the AI Safety Summit in the UK (2023), the Seoul Summit (2024), and the Action Summit in France (2025).
The AI Impact Summit will bring together global leaders, policymakers, industry experts, researchers, and innovators to deliberate on how AI can be harnessed for measurable social and economic benefits. Unlike earlier summits that concentrated on AI safety, governance, and regulatory frameworks, this edition will emphasize the practical impact of AI across key sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, climate change, and governance.
Organized under the leadership of the Government of India, in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology and IndiaAI, the event will serve as a platform to promote ethical, inclusive, and sustainable AI adoption. India’s hosting of the summit reflects its rising stature in the global technology landscape and its commitment to democratizing AI for the benefit of the Global South.
The outcomes of the summit are expected to shape global policies on responsible AI usage and establish frameworks for collaboration that ensure artificial intelligence serves as a tool for innovation, equity, and inclusive growth.
4. Who became the first Indian to take 100 wickets in T20 International cricket?
Answer : Arshdeep Singh
Arshdeep Singh Becomes First Indian to Claim 100 Wickets in T20 Internationals
Indian fast bowler Arshdeep Singh has etched his name in cricket history by becoming the first Indian cricketer to take 100 wickets in T20 International (T20I) cricket. He achieved this milestone on 19 September 2025 during the Asia Cup match against Oman in Abu Dhabi, where he claimed his 100th wicket by dismissing Vinayak Shukla in the final over.
Arshdeep reached the landmark in just 64 matches, making him India’s fastest bowler to accomplish this feat. With this achievement, he also joined the elite list of only 25 bowlers worldwide who have crossed the 100-wicket mark in T20Is. His consistency, ability to bowl under pressure, and effectiveness in both powerplay and death overs have made him one of the most reliable bowlers in the shortest format.
This record places Arshdeep ahead of India’s other leading wicket-takers in T20Is, including Yuzvendra Chahal, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. His performances highlight not only his personal growth as a cricketer but also India’s growing strength in white-ball cricket.
The milestone underscores Arshdeep’s rapid rise in international cricket since making his debut in 2022. Known for his sharp yorkers and variations, he has emerged as a key asset for India in global tournaments and bilateral series. His achievement is expected to inspire the next generation of Indian fast bowlers to excel in the high-intensity T20 format.
5. In which country will India inaugurate its first defense manufacturing plant in Africa under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative?
Answer : Morocco
India to Inaugurate First Defence Manufacturing Plant in Africa
In a landmark development under the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) initiative, India is set to inaugurate its first defence manufacturing plant in Africa, located in Berrechid, Morocco, near Casablanca. The facility will be operated by Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) and marks a significant milestone in India’s efforts to expand its global defence footprint.
The plant will focus on the production of the Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP) 8×8, a modern armoured vehicle developed in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The WhAP is designed for multi-terrain mobility and combat readiness, providing strong export potential for India in African and international defence markets.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to inaugurate the facility, highlighting India’s growing defence cooperation with Morocco and other African nations. This move reflects New Delhi’s strategy of strengthening ties with Africa not only through trade and development partnerships but also by positioning itself as a reliable defence partner.
The establishment of this plant underscores three key objectives:
1. Global Expansion of Indian Defence Manufacturing – Showcasing India’s capacity to build and export advanced military equipment.
2. Strengthening India–Africa Relations – Reinforcing defence diplomacy and strategic cooperation with African countries.
3. Promoting Atmanirbhar Bharat Abroad – Extending the self-reliance mission beyond domestic boundaries to international markets.
This milestone signals India’s intent to emerge as a global defence manufacturing hub and aligns with its vision of becoming a trusted security partner across the Global South.
6. Which country will be the first to invest in the Tropical Forests Forever Fund?
Answer : Brazil
Brazil Becomes First Investor in the Tropical Forests Forever Fund
Brazil has emerged as the first country to invest in the Tropical Forests Forever Fund (TFFF), a landmark initiative aimed at conserving the world’s tropical forests and combating climate change. The announcement highlights Brazil’s leadership in environmental sustainability and its commitment to preserving the Amazon rainforest, the largest tropical forest on the planet.
The Tropical Forests Forever Fund is a multilateral climate finance mechanism designed to provide long-term, results-based funding to countries that maintain or expand their tropical forest cover. By linking financial incentives to forest conservation, the fund encourages sustainable land management practices and supports local communities dependent on forest ecosystems. The initiative also aims to reduce carbon emissions and enhance biodiversity protection.
As the first investor, Brazil is setting a precedent for other nations to contribute to global forest conservation. The investment is expected to catalyze participation from both developed and developing countries, creating a collaborative international framework to safeguard tropical forests. This move is also significant in the context of upcoming global climate summits, where Brazil has signaled its intention to lead discussions on tropical forest preservation and climate finance.
The fund is projected to attract substantial global interest, with countries such as China, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Norway, Singapore, and the UAE showing interest in contributing. By investing in TFFF, Brazil reinforces its strategic role in global environmental leadership, showcasing a model where economic development and ecological preservation go hand in hand.
Brazil’s investment in the Tropical Forests Forever Fund marks a historic step in global climate action, reflecting a commitment to sustainable development, biodiversity protection, and long-term climate resilience. The initiative is expected to play a pivotal role in halting deforestation and fostering international cooperation for environmental sustainability.