Current Affairs 20/09/2025
1. Which country has been granted the world’s first license for polymetallic sulphide (PMS) exploration?
Answer : India
India Becomes the First Country to Receive License for Polymetallic Sulphide Exploration
In a landmark achievement, India has been granted the world’s first license for the exploration of polymetallic sulphides (PMS) in the international seabed. The license was awarded by the International Seabed Authority (ISA), a United Nations body mandated to regulate mineral-related activities in the international seabed area beyond national jurisdiction.
Polymetallic sulphides are rich deposits containing valuable metals such as copper, zinc, lead, gold, and silver, typically formed around hydrothermal vents on the ocean floor. These resources are considered crucial for meeting the growing global demand for strategic and industrial metals, particularly in clean energy technologies, electronics, and advanced manufacturing.
India’s contract allows exploration in a 10,000 sq. km area of the Central Indian Ocean Ridge (CIOR). The project will be spearheaded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) through the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) and related agencies. This development is a major step towards India’s Deep Ocean Mission, which aims to harness ocean resources sustainably while promoting scientific research, technological innovation, and energy security.
The exploration of polymetallic sulphides not only enhances India’s position as a global leader in deep-sea resource exploration but also strengthens its role in the blue economy. If successful, this initiative will contribute significantly to India’s resource security and economic growth, while adhering to international environmental and sustainability standards.
2. In which state did the Indian Army’s first Armoured Division conduct the ‘Jal Shakti Exercise’?
Answer : Punjab
Indian Army’s First Armoured Division Conducts ‘Jal Shakti Exercise’ in Punjab
The Indian Army’s prestigious First Armoured Division recently carried out the large-scale ‘Jal Shakti Exercise’ in the state of Punjab, marking a significant step in testing the synergy between land and water-based operations. The exercise focused on validating the operational readiness of armoured formations in riverine terrain and demonstrated India’s growing emphasis on joint-force capabilities.
Punjab, with its unique riverine topography and strategic location along the western frontier, provided the ideal setting for this high-intensity exercise. The First Armoured Division—also known as the “Black Elephant Division”—tested its tanks, armoured vehicles, bridging equipment, and engineering support systems to ensure smooth movement across water obstacles.
The exercise showcased the Army’s ability to integrate armour, artillery, engineers, aviation, and logistics units in overcoming battlefield challenges. By simulating real-time combat scenarios, it highlighted India’s preparedness to defend against potential threats in sensitive border regions.
This training also falls in line with the Indian Army’s broader strategy of modernisation and adaptability under its “Transformation Roadmap”, which focuses on network-centric warfare, mobility, and integrated battle groups. Such exercises enhance the Army’s confidence in operating under diverse terrains, ensuring operational superiority in future conflicts.
By conducting the ‘Jal Shakti Exercise,’ India reinforced its commitment to maintaining a state of high combat readiness, while also underlining the importance of Punjab as a critical region for strategic defence planning.
3. Where was Asia’s first women’s cancer treatment centre ‘Apollo Athen’ inaugurated?
Answer : New Delhi
Asia’s First Women’s Cancer Treatment Centre ‘Apollo Athenaa’ Inaugurated in New Delhi
In a landmark development for healthcare, Asia’s first dedicated women’s cancer treatment centre, ‘Apollo Athenaa,’ has been inaugurated in New Delhi. The centre, launched by Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd (AHEL), is exclusively focused on addressing cancers that primarily affect women, such as breast, cervical, ovarian, and uterine cancers.
The facility was inaugurated by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, alongside senior leaders of Apollo Hospitals, including Dr. Prathap C. Reddy, Founder–Chairman of Apollo Hospitals. The event also witnessed participation from policymakers, healthcare experts, and oncology specialists.
Apollo Athenaa aims to provide comprehensive, gender-sensitive cancer care with advanced diagnostic tools, robotic and laparoscopic surgical facilities, chemotherapy, radiation, and precision medicine. Beyond treatment, the centre also integrates onco-psychology, physiotherapy, menopausal health support, nutritional counselling, and palliative care, ensuring holistic well-being for patients.
The centre’s design reflects a women-first approach, prioritising privacy, dignity, and emotional comfort. With India witnessing a sharp rise in women-specific cancers—studies show that over half of the cancer burden among women in the country comes from such cases—the opening of Apollo Athenaa marks a significant milestone in bridging gaps in specialised cancer care.
By establishing this pioneering facility, India has positioned itself at the forefront of innovative and inclusive healthcare, offering a model for other nations to follow in tackling the growing challenge of women’s cancers.
4. In which city was the first World Teak Conference 2025 held in India?
Answer : Kochi
Kochi Hosts the First World Teak Conference 2025 in India
The 5th World Teak Conference (WTC 2025), and the first of its kind to be held in India, was successfully inaugurated in Kochi, Kerala, between 17–20 September 2025. The event was organized by the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) in collaboration with TEAKNET India and international forestry organizations such as the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO).
Themed “Sustainable Development of the Global Teak Sector: Adapting to Future Markets and Environments,” the conference brought together scientists, policymakers, industry leaders, conservationists, and forest managers from around the world. Discussions focused on the challenges and opportunities in teak plantation management, climate change adaptation, market trends, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable forest governance.
Kochi, known as the “Queen of the Arabian Sea,” was chosen as the host city due to Kerala’s historical and ecological association with teak. Kerala is home to the Nilambur teak plantations, some of the oldest and most renowned in the world, symbolizing India’s deep legacy in teak cultivation and trade.
The conference highlighted India’s growing role in the global teak sector, particularly in promoting sustainable forestry practices and advancing scientific research. It also created a platform for knowledge exchange, policy dialogues, and international collaborations, ensuring that teak continues to be a vital natural resource for ecological balance and economic growth.
The success of WTC 2025 in Kochi marks a milestone for India, placing it at the forefront of global discussions on sustainable forestry and green economy initiatives.
5. What has Ahmednagar Railway Station been renamed recently?
Answer : Ahilyanagar Railway Station
Ahmednagar Railway Station Renamed as Ahilyanagar Railway Station
In a significant cultural and administrative move, the Ahmednagar Railway Station in Maharashtra has been officially renamed as Ahilyanagar Railway Station. The decision, approved by the Union Home Ministry and executed by the Maharashtra government, reflects the state’s effort to honour Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar, the legendary 18th-century queen of the Holkar dynasty.
The renaming aligns with the earlier decision to rename the Ahmednagar district itself as Ahilyanagar, paying tribute to Ahilyabai’s legacy as a visionary ruler known for her administrative acumen, social reforms, and contributions to temple architecture across India. She is remembered as one of the finest examples of women leadership in Indian history.
While the name has changed, the station code (ANG) remains the same for operational convenience. The move has been welcomed by local communities and cultural organizations, as it reinforces historical pride and acknowledges the contributions of women leaders in Indian heritage.
Renaming public spaces after eminent personalities has become a broader trend across India, aimed at restoring cultural identity and regional pride. In this context, the renaming of Ahmednagar Railway Station to Ahilyanagar not only honours a revered historical figure but also underscores the state’s commitment to preserving and celebrating its socio-cultural heritage.
6. Who has launched India’s first National Geothermal Energy Policy?
Answer : Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
India Launches Its First National Geothermal Energy Policy
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has officially launched India’s first National Geothermal Energy Policy, marking a historic step in diversifying the country’s renewable energy portfolio. This initiative is aimed at harnessing India’s untapped geothermal potential, estimated to be around 10 gigawatts, and promoting sustainable energy solutions to meet growing electricity and heating demands.
Objectives and Goals
The policy is designed to:
• Encourage research and development in geothermal energy technologies.
• Facilitate private sector participation through incentives, including financial support and tax benefits.
• Develop geothermal resource mapping and data repositories to identify high-potential sites across the country.
• Promote integration of geothermal energy into electricity generation, district heating, agriculture, aquaculture, tourism, and desalination projects.
Pilot Projects and Implementation
As part of the policy, the MNRE has approved five pilot projects to assess the feasibility and efficiency of geothermal energy in different regions. These projects will help demonstrate technological viability, optimize resource utilization, and provide a roadmap for large-scale deployment.
Significance
The National Geothermal Energy Policy aligns with India’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2070 and strengthens the country’s focus on a clean, reliable, and sustainable energy future. By tapping into geothermal resources, India aims to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, enhance energy security, and foster innovation in renewable energy technologies.
The launch of this policy not only positions India as a proactive player in geothermal energy development but also reinforces its commitment to achieving global climate goals while promoting economic growth through green energy solutions.