Current Affairs 13 & 14 September 2025

1. Ravi Ranjan appointed as next MD of SBI

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Succession to a Key Role: Ravi Ranjan has been recommended to succeed the current MD, Vinay M. Tonse, whose term is set to conclude on November 30, 2025. This ensures a planned transition for one of the top leadership roles at India's largest public sector bank.
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Extensive Experience within SBI: Ravi Ranjan has a long and distinguished career with SBI, having been with the bank for over 33 years since joining as a probationary officer in 1991. He currently serves as the Deputy Managing Director of Global Markets, overseeing the bank's investment portfolio.
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Rigorous Selection Process: The FSIB's recommendation followed a comprehensive interview process in which nine candidates were evaluated. The bureau selected Ravi Ranjan based on his performance in the interview, his extensive experience, and other relevant parameters.
Foot notes:
About SBI-
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Chairman: C. Sreenivasulu Setty
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Headquarters: Mumbai
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Founded: 1955
2. Udaipur was awarded the Ramsar Wetland City Accreditation in 2025

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First Indian Cities to Receive Accreditation: Udaipur, along with Indore, holds the distinction of being the first two Indian cities to be recognized under the Ramsar Convention's Wetland City Accreditation scheme.
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Recognition of Wetland Conservation Efforts: The accreditation acknowledges Udaipur's exemplary initiatives in safeguarding its urban wetlands, including the five major lakes: Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Rang Sagar, Swaroop Sagar, and Doodh Talai.
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Part of a Global Network: By receiving this accreditation, Udaipur joins a select group of cities worldwide that are recognized for their sustainable wetland conservation practices.
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Benefits of the Accreditation: The status as a "Wetland City" will promote eco-tourism and create sustainable livelihoods for local communities. It also reinforces the city's brand as the "City of Lakes" and a model for balancing urban development with ecological preservation.
3. Sushila Karki Sworn in as Nepal’s First Woman Prime Minister

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Interim Prime Minister amidst Political Turmoil: Sushila Karki's appointment is for an interim government. This move follows massive "Gen Z" protests that led to the resignation of the previous Prime Minister, K.P. Sharma Oli, and the dissolution of parliament.
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A Symbol of Integrity and Neutrality: Karki, 73, is widely respected for her distinguished career as a jurist and her reputation for integrity and fairness. She previously made history as Nepal's first and only woman Chief Justice, serving from 2016 to 2017.
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Endorsement from "Gen Z" Protesters: The recent protests were sparked by a social media ban but quickly evolved into a broader movement against political corruption and nepotism.
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Dissolution of Parliament and Call for Elections: As part of her appointment, Nepal's President Ram Chandra Paudel dissolved the House of Representatives and announced new parliamentary elections to be held in March 2026.
Foot notes:
About Nepal-
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Prime Minister: Sushila Karki
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Capital: Kathmandu
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Currency: Nepalese Rupee
4. India launched SAJEX 2025 

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Strengthening India-Saudi Trade Relations: SAJEX 2025 is a B2B (business-to-business) event designed to create a direct platform for Indian jewelry manufacturers and exporters to connect with Saudi Arabian buyers.
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Focus on Bilateral Economic Partnership: The expo aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, a strategic framework to diversify its economy and reduce dependence on oil.
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Comprehensive Showcase of Indian Craftsmanship: The event featured over 200 exhibitors from India and other countries. Indian companies showcased a wide range of products, including gold jewelry (18k, 21k, 22k), diamonds, colored gemstones, platinum, and lab-grown diamonds, catering to the diverse and evolving tastes of the Saudi market.
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Strategic Platform for Diversification: The launch of SAJEX is a key step for the Indian gems and jewelry industry to diversify its export markets away from traditional destinations like the U.S., where trade has faced recent challenges.
5. Indian Navy commissioned INS Aravali in Gurugram

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A Hub for Information and Communication: The primary purpose of INS Aravali is to strengthen the Indian Navy's information and communication infrastructure.
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Focus on Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA): INS Aravali will play a key role in enhancing India's real-time surveillance and situational awareness across its vast maritime interests. It is designed to work seamlessly with naval units, MDA centers, and other stakeholders.
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Strategic Location in a Landlocked City: The location of INS Aravali in Gurugram, far from the coastline, highlights the shift in modern naval warfare towards a network-centric and knowledge-driven approach. This land-based center will provide administrative and logistical support.
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Alignment with the MAHASAGAR Vision: The commissioning of INS Aravali embodies the Prime Minister's vision of MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions).
6. Navy Inducts Tata-Made Spanish 3D Radar

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First-of-its-Kind Indigenous Capability: With this induction, TASL has become the first private Indian company to successfully develop and integrate a next-generation naval surveillance radar system.
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Advanced Surveillance Technology: The Lanza-N is a highly advanced 3D tactical surveillance radar. It is capable of detecting and tracking a wide array of targets, including low-flying and high-flying aircraft, supersonic fighter jets, anti-radiation missiles, drones, and naval platforms.
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Strategic Collaboration and Technology Transfer: The radar's development is the result of a $145 million deal signed in 2020 between Indra and TASL. Under this agreement, Indra will provide three complete radars, while TASL will locally assemble and integrate core system elements for an additional 20 radars.
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Tailored for the Indian Ocean Region: The Lanza-N radar has been specifically adapted to perform optimally in the challenging environmental conditions of the Indian Ocean Region, including high humidity and extreme heat. T
7. NIFT Patna–ABFRL MoU to Empower Jeevika Women

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Bridging Skills and Employment: The core objective of the MoU is to provide Jeevika women with specialized, industry-relevant training in garment manufacturing, quality control, and machinery operation at NIFT Patna's extension centers.
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Scalable and Inclusive Empowerment: The initiative will initially benefit 3.5 lakh women in the immediate region, with plans to expand to surrounding districts.
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Academia-Industry Synergy: The collaboration is a prime example of how academic institutions and major corporations can work together for social and economic development. NIFT, with its expertise in fashion and textile technology, will provide the training.
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Support for a Key Government Program: The MoU bolsters the "Jeevika" program, which has successfully mobilized millions of women in Bihar into self-help groups.
8. ACC approves Ashutosh Dwivedi appointment as Technical Director at NCL

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Approval of a Key Leadership Role: The ACC's approval is the final step in appointing Dwivedi to a critical board-level position at NCL, a subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL). As Director (Technical), he will be responsible for overseeing all technical operations, including mining, project execution, and safety.
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Selection from a Pool of Candidates: Dwivedi was recommended for the post by the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) on May 28, 2025. He was chosen after a rigorous selection process from a pool of 12 shortlisted candidates, demonstrating his strong qualifications and merit.
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Strategic Importance of the Role: Dwivedi's leadership comes at a crucial time for the coal sector, which is navigating the dual challenges of meeting rising energy demands while also addressing environmental responsibilities.
Foot notes:
About NCL-
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CEO: Harry Sommer
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Headquarters: U.S.
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Founded: 1966
9. Hindi Diwas observed on 14th September

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Commemoration of a Historic Decision: Hindi Diwas is celebrated to mark the day, September 14, 1949, when the Constituent Assembly of India adopted Hindi, written in the Devanagari script, as one of the official languages of the Union. This decision was later formalized under Article 343 of the Indian Constitution, which came into effect on January 26, 1950.
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Symbol of National Unity and Identity: Hindi Diwas emphasizes Hindi's role as a unifying force in a linguistically diverse country like India. It serves as a reminder of the language's contribution to national integration and cultural pride.
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Initiated by Jawaharlal Nehru: The decision to celebrate Hindi Diwas was made in 1953 by India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, to instill a sense of pride and awareness about the Hindi language.
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Distinct from World Hindi Day: Hindi Diwas is a national observance held on September 14 to celebrate the official adoption of the language in India, World Hindi Day is an international event celebrated on January 10 to promote the language globally.
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Official and Public Observances: On this day, various events and programs are organized across the country, especially in schools, colleges, and government offices.
10. Leela Upadhyay to receive Kavya Prabha National Award

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Recognition of a Multifaceted Career: Leela Upadhyay, a correspondent of Dainik Janambhumi, is being recognized for his long and impactful career as a poet, journalist, and lawyer. The award highlights his literary depth, which is reflected in his poems and articles that capture the essence of rural life, cultural roots, and human values in contemporary Assamese literature.
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Date and Location of Conferment: The Kavya Prabha National Award will be officially conferred upon Upadhyay during the International Poetry Conference, which is scheduled to be held on November 1, 2025, at Barekuri in the Tinsukia district of Assam.
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A Voice for the Community: Upadhyay's work is celebrated for its social sensitivity and its strong connection to the communities he represents. He has been a notable voice in Assamese literature, using his writing as a "mirror of people's lives," and has also earned recognition for his contributions to grassroots journalism.
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Past Recognition: This is not the first time Upadhyay has been honored for his work. In 2017, he received the Robin Moran Rural Journalism Award, which recognized his efforts to amplify the voices of ordinary people through his journalistic endeavors.
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