Daily Current Affairs – 16-09-2025
Important Days
September 16 - World Ozone Day 2025
The International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, also called World Ozone Day, is observed every year on September 16 to raise awareness about the importance of the ozone layer and the need to protect it.
In 2025, the day marks the 40th anniversary of the Vienna Convention (1985), which laid the foundation for international cooperation on ozone protection. This year’s theme, “From Science to Global Action,” highlights how scientific research first identified ozone depletion and how treaties, policies, and public efforts must work together to safeguard the atmosphere.
Thanks to global agreements like the Montreal Protocol (1987), many ozone-depleting substances have been phased out, and studies show that the ozone layer is slowly recovering. However, experts caution that the process is fragile and requires continued global commitment.
World Ozone Day reminds governments, industries, organizations, and citizens that protecting the ozone layer is essential for shielding life on Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
Sports News
Duplantis Breaks Pole Vault World Record for the 14th Time
Swedish pole vault star Armand “Mondo” Duplantis set a new world record for the 14th time, clearing 6.30 meters at the World Athletics Championships, clinching his third world title.
The 24-year-old, born in Louisiana but representing Sweden through his mother, extended his unbeaten streak to 49 competitions and secured his fifth major crown, including Olympic gold. Duplantis achieved the record height on his third attempt, before leaping into the arms of silver medallist Emmanouil Karalis in celebration.
With this, Duplantis further strengthened his status as the greatest pole vaulter in history, admired for his consistency, dominance, and relentless pursuit of new heights.
Central Zone Wins Duleep Trophy for the 7th Time
In the 62nd Duleep Trophy final, Central Zone defeated South Zone by 6 wickets to claim the title on Monday.
This marks their 7th championship win, and their first since defeating South Zone in 2014-15.
Yash Rathod (194 runs) and Sai Chouhan (136 runs, 16 wickets) delivered standout performances.
South Zone were bowled out for 149 in their first innings, while Central Zone piled up 511 runs.
South Zone managed 426 in their second innings, but Central Zone chased down the 65-run target comfortably to lift the trophy.
Vaishali Secures Candidates Spot After Grand Swiss Triumph
Indian Grandmaster R. Vaishali won the women’s title at the FIDE Grand Swiss Chess Tournament in Uzbekistan, securing a spot in the Candidates Tournament.
She scored 8 points in 11 rounds and defeated Russia’s Kateryna Lagno in the tie-break, claiming her second consecutive Grand Swiss title.
In the open section, Anish Giri (Netherlands) won and qualified for the Candidates. India’s R. Praggnanandhaa finished 7th with 7 points, while D. Gukesh placed 41st.
International News
Australia–PNG Defence Pact with Focus on China’s Pacific Influence
Australia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) will sign a new defence agreement in Port Moresby on Wednesday, coinciding with PNG’s 50th independence anniversary. The pact will allow PNG citizens to join the Australian Defence Force (ADF) with equal pay and open a pathway to citizenship.
Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles called the deal “historic,” noting that the ADF already recruits from New Zealand, Canada, the UK, and the US, and now aims to expand opportunities to Pacific nations. PNG’s Defence Minister Billy Joseph said the agreement will enhance regional security, stressing that a secure PNG and a secure Australia go hand in hand.
The pact builds on the broader 2023 security agreement between the two countries and is seen as part of efforts to balance China’s growing influence in the Pacific.
National News
Supreme Court Stays Certain Provisions of Waqf Amendment Act, 2025
The Supreme Court on Monday declined to suspend the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025 in its entirety, but stayed a few provisions through an interim order.
The court blocked the clause requiring a person to have practised Islam for five years before dedicating property to Waqf, until clear rules are framed on how such eligibility will be determined.
It also halted the provision allowing District Collectors to decide on citizens’ rights, stating it violates the separation of powers. No third-party rights can be created until a tribunal adjudicates, the court said.
On appointments, the Centre may include up to three non-Muslims in the 11-member Central Waqf Council and four in the 22-member board, but the court urged that efforts be made to appoint a Muslim as CEO rather than a non-Muslim.
The court also upheld the abolition of ‘Waqf by user’, observing that unregistered Waqfs since 1923 cannot claim rights now. It added that the legislature was justified in curbing misuse, especially where government land was wrongly claimed as Waqf property.
India’s Second Indigenous Anti-Submarine Warship ‘Androth’ Joins the Navy
The Indian Navy has received Androth, the second indigenously developed Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Shallow Water Craft.
The vessel, constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata, is expected to play a crucial role in countering China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean.
According to a Navy statement, Androth is the second vessel delivered under the project to build eight such ships indigenously. Its induction is seen as a significant step toward strengthening self-reliance in the defense sector. Measuring 77 meters in length, the warship will be fitted with missiles and anti-submarine rockets.
Under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, nearly 80% of the ship’s components have been manufactured domestically, marking a shift from dependence on foreign sources.
Naming the vessel after Androth Island in Lakshadweep underlines India’s commitment to securing its coastal territories.
Agriculture Grows by 3.7%: Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that agriculture in the country has grown by 3.7 percent in the first quarter of the current financial year.
The Central Government's initiative 'One Nation, One Agriculture, One Team' aims to encourage integrated efforts and cooperation in the agricultural sector.
Agriculture in the country has grown by 3.7 percent in the first quarter of the current financial year. This is significantly higher compared to the growth observed in the agricultural sectors of other countries. This is attributed to the hard work of farmers and scientists, and the pro-farmer policies of the Central Government.
Strict action will be taken against those manufacturing and selling fake fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides.
The Central Government will not allow farmers to be exploited. Agricultural extension services are very important.
The unpredictable nature of climate change continues to increase. Therefore, farmers must take crop insurance. The Prime Minister's Crop Insurance Scheme should be effectively implemented.