Current Affairs 18 September 2025

1. Spinner Varun Chakaravarthy Becomes World No.1 Bowler

-
Ranking: Varun Chakaravarthy has become the world's No. 1 T20I bowler, overtaking New Zealand's Jacob Duffy. He has a rating of 733 points, followed closely by Duffy with 717 points.
-
Indian Legacy: Chakaravarthy is the third Indian bowler to achieve this feat, joining an elite group that includes Jasprit Bumrah and Ravi Bishnoi.
-
Recent Performances: His success can be attributed to his impressive spells in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, particularly against the UAE and Pakistan. He took 1/4 in two overs against the UAE and 1/24 in four overs against Pakistan.
-
Previous Achievement: Chakaravarthy previously held the second spot in February 2025, showcasing his consistency and skill as a spinner.
2. Gourangalal Das appointed as the Ambassador of India to the Republic of Korea

-
Appointment: Shri Gourangalal Das, a 1999 batch Indian Foreign Service officer, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Korea. He is currently serving as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs.
-
Background: Das hails from Barpeta, Assam, and has brought pride to his hometown and state through his remarkable achievements in diplomacy and governance. He has previously served in key positions, including Joint Secretary (US) and Deputy Secretary, External Affairs in the Office of the then Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.
-
Academic Credentials: Das is a meritorious student who stood first in HSLC (1991) and second in HS (Science) (1993). He graduated with Honours in Economics from St. Stephen's College, Delhi, and completed his Master's degree from the Delhi School of Economics.
-
Experience: Das has played a pivotal role in strengthening India's strategic relations and has contributed directly to high-level decision-making and foreign policy formulation.
3. PNB Extends Shri M. Paramasivam’s Term as Executive Director

-
Extension Details: Shri M. Paramasivam's term as Executive Director of Punjab National Bank (PNB) has been extended until March 31, 2027, or until further orders, whichever comes first.
-
Original Term: His original term was set to end on November 30, 2025, but the government has approved an extension to ensure leadership continuity.
-
Experience: Shri M. Paramasivam is a veteran banker with over 34 years of experience, making him a valuable asset to the bank.
-
Role in PNB: As Executive Director, Paramasivam plays a crucial role in shaping the bank's strategic growth, governance, and financial inclusion initiatives.
4. Samuel Umtiti Retires from Football

-
Retirement Age: Samuel Umtiti has retired from professional football at the age of 31, citing a career impacted by injuries, particularly to his left knee.
-
Career Highlights: Umtiti had a decorated career, winning the 2018 FIFA World Cup with France and securing two La Liga titles and three Copa del Rey trophies during his seven-year stint at Barcelona.
-
Injury Issues: Knee problems plagued Umtiti's career, forcing him out of the game for extended periods. Despite struggles, he gave his all and expressed gratitude to clubs, coaches and teammates in an emotional farewell video.
-
Clubs Played For: Umtiti played for several prominent clubs, including Lyon, Barcelona, Lecce and Lille. He earned 31 caps for the French national team, scoring crucial goals, including a memorable match-winner in the 2018 World Cup semi-final.
5. Central Zone Wins Duleep Trophy After 11 Years

-
Victory Details: Central Zone defeated South Zone by six wickets in the final, held at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
-
Match Highlights: Yash Rathod's career-best 194 and Rajat Patidar's attacking century were crucial to Central Zone's win. Rathod hit the winning runs through covers, sealing the victory.
-
Turning Point: When Central Zone was 24 for three, South Zone sniffed a comeback, but Patidar and Akshay Wadkar changed the tempo with counter-attacking strokes, steadying the innings.
-
Previous Win: This win marks Central Zone's first Duleep Trophy title since the 2014-15 season, when they also defeated South Zone in the final.
6. Amaresh Kumar appointed as CVO of CMPFO

-
Appointment Details: Amaresh Kumar, a 2011 batch IRTS officer, has been appointed as the Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) of the Coal Mines Provident Fund Organization (CMPFO) in Dhanbad.
-
Appointment Date: The appointment was made on September 13, 2025, as per the Department of Personnel and Training's circular.
-
Previous CVO: The previous CVO, Shri Ajay Kumar, was prematurely repatriated on January 23, 2025, making way for Amaresh Kumar's appointment.
-
Role and Responsibilities: As CVO, Amaresh Kumar will oversee vigilance activities, ensuring transparency and accountability within the organization.
-
Background: Amaresh Kumar's appointment is part of a series of recent appointments and transfers of officers in various government organizations.
7. P&G Health Names Shashank Srowthy as CFO

-
Appointment Details: Shashank Srowthy has been appointed as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Procter & Gamble Health Ltd, effective October 1, 2025, subject to regulatory approvals.
-
Background: Srowthy brings 14 years of finance experience, primarily within P&G, making him a suitable candidate for the CFO role.
-
Predecessor: He will replace Lokesh Chandak, who will transition to a regional finance position within P&G Asia, effective September 30, 2025.
-
Leadership Transition: This appointment reflects P&G Health's commitment to building a resilient finance structure, enabling sustained growth and operational excellence in the healthcare segment worldwide.
-
Regulatory Framework: The appointment is subject to regulatory approvals, as per Section 196 of the Companies Act, 2013, ensuring compliance with governance standards.
8. Baba Kalyani Awarded ASME Holley Medal for Engineering Excellence

-
Award Details: Baba Kalyani, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Forge, has been honored with the prestigious ASME Holley Medal by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) on September 15, 2025.
-
Recognition: The award recognizes Kalyani's exceptional engineering leadership, delivering significant public benefits, and strengthening global supply chain resilience amid contemporary challenges.
-
Bharat Forge's Achievements: Under Kalyani's leadership, Bharat Forge has become a global leader in forging and precision engineering, serving key sectors like defense, automotive, and aerospace. The company has also pioneered digital manufacturing, green energy components, and lightweight technologies.
-
Global Impact: The ASME Holley Medal highlights India’s growing influence in advanced manufacturing and strategic industrial innovation globally. Kalyani's initiatives provide viable alternatives to overdependence on conventional supply chains and support manufacturing capabilities in India and abroad.
-
Award Significance: The ASME Holley Medal, established in 1924, is one of the oldest and most esteemed awards in engineering worldwide, recognizing individuals or teams for pioneering engineering achievements.
9. World Bamboo Day observed on 18th September

-
Date and Purpose: World Bamboo Day is celebrated annually on September 18 to raise awareness about the importance of bamboo in environmental protection, sustainable development, and cultural heritage.
-
History: The day was officially established in 2009 during the 8th World Bamboo Congress in Bangkok, Thailand, initiated by the World Bamboo Organization.
-
Theme: The theme for World Bamboo Day 2025 is "Next Generation Bamboo: Solution, Innovation, and Design" or alternatively stated as "Bamboo for People, Planet, and Climate Action", focusing on sustainable innovation and environmental protection.
-
Significance: Bamboo is recognized for its rapid growth, versatility, and eco-friendly benefits, including absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide, releasing high levels of oxygen, and preventing soil erosion.
10. Robert Redford, Iconic Actor and Director, passed away

-
Robert Redford passed away at his home in the mountains of Utah, surrounded by loved ones.
-
Redford's career spanned decades, with iconic roles in films like "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" (1969), "The Sting" (1973), and "All the President's Men" (1976). He won an Academy Award for directing "Ordinary People" (1980).
-
Redford's impact on the film industry extends beyond his own work, with the Sundance Film Festival and Sundance Institute continuing to support emerging artists and innovative storytelling.
1 like |
0 comment