Daily Top Current Affairs of the day for 18th September 2025
1. PM Modi Launches Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan & Rashtriya Poshan Maah from Dhar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan along with the 8th Rashtriya Poshan Maah from Dhar in Madhya Pradesh. He also inaugurated the PM MITRA (Mega Integrated Textile Region & Apparel) Park’s foundation there. The “5F vision” (Farm-Fibre-Factory-Fashion-Foreign) will guide the park’s development. The campaign aims to improve women’s health and empower families, particularly in tribal and rural areas. The Poshan Maah focuses on nutrition awareness, especially among pregnant women, mothers, and children, to combat malnutrition across India.
2. PM MITRA Park: Foundation of India’s Largest Textile Park in MP
PM Modi laid the foundation stone for India’s first greenfield PM MITRA Park in Bhainsola village, Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh, covering 2,158 acres. Investors have already committed approximately ₹20,746 – ₹23,146 crore ahead of foundation laying. The park will include 81 “plug-and-play” units, a 20 MLD common effluent treatment plant, a solar power plant, and other shared infrastructure to reduce cost and time for investors. It expects to generate about 3 lakh jobs (direct + indirect), especially benefiting cotton farmers in Malwa-Nimar region, promote local value chains, and support sustainable textile manufacturing.
3. Modern Sports Complex Inaugurated in Ahmedabad
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the most modern sports complex of India, located in Naranpura, Ahmedabad, at a cost of ₹825 crore. The facility includes state-of-the-art amenities to promote sports at the grassroots and among youth. It aims at improving India’s performance in national and international sports events by providing training infrastructure.
4. Sirarakhong Hathei Chilli Festival in Manipur
Manipur inaugurated the 14th Sirarakhong Hathei Chilli Festival in Ukhrul district to celebrate the GI-tagged Hathei Chilli, which is famed for its aroma, colour, and flavour. The festival runs from September 16 to 18, with cultural programs, buyer-seller meets, and an exhibition of traditions. The government uses the festival to highlight agricultural heritage, environmental sustainability, and support to small farmers.
5. Revisions in EVM Ballot Paper Guidelines by Election Commission
The Election Commission has revised guidelines under the Conduct of Elections Rules to enhance clarity and readability of EVM-ballot papers. From now, candidate photos will print in colour and occupy three-fourths of the photo space. It will print all candidate names and NOTA (None of the Above) in the same font type to ensure uniformity and reduce confusion. The changes aim to help voters, especially in rural or low-literacy areas, identify their candidate more easily.
6. Trade Deficit Narrows in August
India’s trade deficit dropped to US$26.49 billion in August 2025, down from US$27.35 billion in July, as imports and exports both declined. Exports fell to about US$35.1 billion, while imports were approximately US$61.59 billion. Shipments to the USA plunged sharply owing to 50% duties imposed by the US under Donald Trump’s trade policy over India’s continued imports of Russian oil.
7. Baba Kalyani Wins ASME Holley Medal
Baba Kalyani, the Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Forge, has been awarded the prestigious Holley Medal by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) on 15 September 2025. The award recognizes his “engineering excellence” and leadership in mechanical and manufacturing engineering fields.
8. Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron Visits Mozambique
The First Training Squadron (1TS) of the Indian Navy, comprising INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata, and ICGS Sarathi, entered Maputo, Mozambique on 16 September 2025. The visit celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations between India and Mozambique (1975–2025). The squadron received a warm welcome from Mozambique Navy and India’s defence advisor in Maputo.
9. Proposal for 114 Made-in-India Rafale Jets Reviewed by IAF
The Indian Air Force is reviewing a proposal worth around ₹2 lakh crore to acquire 114 Made-in-India Rafale fighter jets, which would raise its total fleet to 176 jets. The proposal emphasises at least 60% local content under the ‘Make in India’ framework, with Dassault Aviation partnering domestic aerospace firms such as Tata.
10. Burj Khalifa Illuminated for PM Modi’s 75th Birthday
Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, lit up on 17 September 2025 with images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to mark his 75th birthday, celebrating his leadership and initiatives.
11. India-Mauritius Agreement on Satellite Tracking Station Near Diego Garcia
India and Mauritius have agreed to establish a satellite tracking station near the strategic Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean. The move aims to enhance India’s strategic presence and monitoring capability in a region of increasing interest due to rising Chinese naval activity.
12. MoS External Affairs Visits Papua New Guinea
Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for External Affairs, visited Papua New Guinea officially on the occasion of the 50th Independence Day of that country. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, trade, cultural exchanges, and cooperation in the Pacific region.
13. South Korea & USA Agree on Denuclearisation of Korean Peninsula
South Korea and the United States have reached an agreement aimed at denuclearising the Korean Peninsula. The agreement underscores shared concerns over nuclear threats from North Korea and strengthens their diplomatic and security cooperation.
14. Samuel Umtiti Announces Retirement
Samuel Umtiti, former Barcelona defender and 2018 FIFA World Cup winner with France, has retired at the age of 31 due to persistent knee injuries. He cited recurring knee problems that hindered his ability to play at top levels.
Why it is more Significance for Competitive Exams?
Policy & Governance: The PM MITRA Park example shows how government initiatives involve multiple ministries (textiles, agriculture, industry), PPP/SPV models, environmental regulations (effluent treatment, solar power), and investment attraction.
Economy & Trade: The narrowing trade deficit under tariff pressures, and shifts in export/import patterns (not just amounts) are key for questions on trade policy, WTO, etc.
Agriculture & GI (Geographical Indication): The Sirarakhong Hathei Chilli case helps understand GI benefits, rural livelihoods, cultural identity, and how such local products are promoted at state & national levels.
Electoral Reforms: Changes in EVM ballot design show how electoral institutions adapt for voter accessibility and rights.
Defence & Diplomacy: Navy squadrons, bilateral agreements (India-Mauritius), and strategic decisions inform questions in security studies.
Science & Technology, Manufacturing: Made-in-India defence procurement, and advanced engineering awards (ASME Holley) help illustrate India’s focus on self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat), innovation, and global recognition.
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