Current Affairs 19/09/2025
1. Who has been recently awarded the ASME Holley Medal for Engineering Excellence?
Answer : Baba Kalyani
Baba Kalyani Honored with ASME Holley Medal for Engineering Excellence
Pune, India – Baba Kalyani, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Forge Limited, has been awarded the prestigious ASME Holley Medal for Engineering Excellence. This international recognition, conferred by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), highlights his outstanding contributions to the advancement of mechanical engineering, manufacturing technologies, and innovation in the automotive and defense sectors.
The ASME Holley Medal, established in 1924, is awarded annually to individuals who have made exceptional achievements in the field of engineering that benefit society at large. Baba Kalyani’s leadership has transformed Bharat Forge into a global powerhouse in forging and engineering solutions, with a strong focus on cutting-edge technologies such as electric mobility, defense systems, and sustainable manufacturing.
Over the years, Kalyani has been instrumental in pioneering India’s presence in high-value engineering and in positioning the country as a leader in advanced manufacturing. His vision has not only strengthened India’s defense and industrial ecosystem but also created global collaborations that support innovation-driven growth.
This recognition further cements Baba Kalyani’s reputation as one of India’s most respected industrialists and underscores the global impact of his contributions to engineering and technology.
2. Samuel Umtiti, who recently retired, is associated with which sport?
Answer : Football
Samuel Umtiti: A Distinguished Football Career
French footballer Samuel Umtiti, recently retired from professional football, leaves behind a remarkable legacy in the sport. Born on November 14, 1993, in Yaoundé, Cameroon, Umtiti moved to France at a young age and quickly rose through the youth ranks of Olympique Lyonnais (Lyon). His solid defensive skills, composure on the ball, and tactical awareness established him as one of the most promising defenders of his generation.
In 2016, Umtiti secured a high-profile transfer to FC Barcelona, where he contributed to the club’s success in both domestic and European competitions. Known for his ability to read the game and his strong left-footed play, he became a reliable figure in Barcelona’s defensive line during his early seasons.
The pinnacle of Umtiti’s career came in 2018, when he played a crucial role in France’s FIFA World Cup triumph in Russia. His decisive header in the semifinal against Belgium ensured France’s progression to the final, ultimately leading to the nation’s second World Cup title.
Despite later struggles with injuries that limited his playing time, Umtiti’s professionalism and contributions to football remain widely respected. His retirement marks the conclusion of a career that inspired many young defenders, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, determination, and championship glory.
3. Who has been chosen as the new sponsor of the Indian cricket team?
Answer : Apollo Tyres
Apollo Tyres Becomes the New Lead Sponsor of the Indian Cricket Team
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially named Apollo Tyres as the new lead sponsor of the Indian national cricket team, succeeding Dream11. This strategic partnership will see Apollo’s logo featured on the jerseys of both the men’s and women’s teams across Tests, One-Day Internationals, and T20 Internationals.
The sponsorship deal, valued at approximately ₹579 crore, will remain in effect until March 2028. Under this agreement, Apollo Tyres will contribute nearly ₹4.5 crore per match, making it one of the most high-value contracts in Indian sports sponsorship.
Strengthening Brand and Sport
For Apollo Tyres, a globally recognized tyre manufacturer with strong market presence in over 100 countries, this partnership represents a significant brand-building opportunity. Cricket in India commands unmatched viewership, with billions of fans worldwide tuning in for marquee tournaments. The association with Team India provides Apollo Tyres with unparalleled visibility and engagement potential, reinforcing its identity as a trusted global brand.
On the other hand, the BCCI benefits from sustained financial support that strengthens the ecosystem of Indian cricket. Sponsorship deals of this scale not only fuel the operations of the national team but also contribute to infrastructure development, grassroots programs, and the broader promotion of the sport.
The Bigger Picture
This deal further emphasizes the commercial dominance of Indian cricket. No other cricketing nation commands such sponsorship values, highlighting India’s central role in the global cricket economy. It also underlines the importance of long-term corporate partnerships in shaping the growth trajectory of the sport.
As Apollo Tyres begins this association, the brand’s journey with Indian cricket is expected to go beyond visibility, potentially creating campaigns that celebrate the spirit of the game and deepen connections with fans across the country.
4. Which country will host the SCO Summit 2027?
Answer : Pakistan
Pakistan to Host SCO Summit in 2027
Pakistan has been confirmed as the host nation for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in 2027, a significant development in the country’s diplomatic calendar. The announcement was made during recent SCO deliberations, marking Pakistan’s turn to chair and organize the high-level multilateral forum.
The SCO, founded in 2001, is a major intergovernmental organization comprising countries such as China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and several Central Asian nations. Over the years, it has evolved into a key platform for dialogue on regional security, economic cooperation, counterterrorism, and cultural exchange. Hosting the summit offers Pakistan an important opportunity to showcase its role in regional geopolitics and strengthen its economic and diplomatic engagements.
By 2027, the SCO is expected to expand its agenda further, focusing on emerging areas like connectivity, energy security, trade facilitation, and digital transformation. For Pakistan, this summit will not only enhance its visibility on the global stage but also provide a platform to push forward discussions on infrastructure development, trade corridors, and security cooperation—issues that remain central to the region’s stability and growth.
The 2027 summit will therefore be a milestone event, reinforcing Pakistan’s role within the SCO framework and contributing to the organization’s long-term vision of fostering peace, cooperation, and sustainable development across Eurasia.
5. Where was the BIMSTEC Youth Leaders’ Summit 2025 hosted by India?
Answer : Guwahati
Guwahati Hosts BIMSTEC Youth Leaders’ Summit 2025
The city of Guwahati, Assam, served as the venue for the BIMSTEC Youth Leaders’ Summit 2025, hosted by India from September 9 to 11, 2025. Organized by the Bharat Scouts & Guides under the aegis of the Ministry of External Affairs, the summit brought together more than 80 youth leaders from all seven BIMSTEC member countries—Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
The summit focused on empowering youth as active stakeholders in regional cooperation and development. Key discussions revolved around themes such as sustainable growth, digital transformation, entrepreneurship, climate resilience, and cultural exchange. Young representatives from political, social, business, and academic sectors engaged in dialogues aimed at fostering mutual understanding and advancing people-to-people connectivity across the BIMSTEC region.
Inaugurated by the Governor of Assam, the event highlighted the crucial role of Northeast India as a bridge linking South and Southeast Asia. The summit reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening the BIMSTEC framework by investing in youth-led initiatives and enhancing regional collaboration.
By providing a platform for emerging leaders, the BIMSTEC Youth Leaders’ Summit 2025 not only amplified youth voices but also laid the groundwork for future partnerships that align with BIMSTEC’s vision of shared prosperity and holistic development.