Daily GK Update- 17th Sept, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Myntra Launches Premium Ethnic Wear Brand ‘Souragya’ in Collaboration with Sourav Ganguly: Myntra Jabong India Private Ltd (MJIPL) has launched a new premium ethnic wear brand ‘Souragya’ in collaboration with Sourav Ganguly, ahead of the Durga Pujo festivities.Under the licensing agreement, MJIPL will provide its design and brand-building expertise to develop and promote Souragya.The brand aims to blend traditional West Bengal craftsmanship with contemporary design, reflecting Sourav Ganguly’s vision of showcasing authentic ethnic silhouettes.

 

2. National Agriculture Conference – Rabi Abhiyan 2025 Kicks Off in New Delhi: The ‘National Agriculture Conference – Rabi Abhiyan 2025’ began at Pusa, New Delhi, organised by the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.The conference, held as a two-day event for the first time, carries the theme ‘One Nation – One Agriculture – One Team’, focusing on coordinated agricultural efforts.Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan assured that there will be no shortage of food grains, fruits, or vegetables, aiming to make India the food basket of the world.

 

3. ADR Report Reveals 21% of Legislators in India Have Dynastic Backgrounds: An Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) analysis revealed that about 21% of sitting MPs, MLAs, and MLCs in India come from dynastic political backgrounds, with the Lok Sabha having the highest share at 31% and State Assemblies the lowest at 20%.Out of 5,204 legislators studied, 1,107 (21%) belong to established political families, highlighting the strong influence of dynastic politics in India.State-wise data shows Uttar Pradesh leading in absolute numbers with 141 dynastic members (23%), followed by Maharashtra with 129 (32%), Bihar with 96 (27%), and Karnataka with 94 (29%).In terms of proportion, Andhra Pradesh tops with 34% dynastic representation, followed by Maharashtra (32%) and Karnataka (29%), underlining the prevalence of dynastic politics in key States.

 

4. PM Modi Launched ‘Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan’ with Poshan Maah 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the ‘Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan’ along with the 8th edition of Poshan Maah, described as India’s largest women and child health mobilisation drive.

The initiative, led jointly by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD),make  aheadl;ine’ will focus on preventive, promotive, and curative healthcare for women, adolescent girls, and children through over one lakh health camps from September 17 to October 2.The campaign will cover screening for NCDs, cancers, anaemia, TB, sickle cell disease, maternal health, along with nutrition counselling, menstrual hygiene awareness, mental health sessions, and AYUSH-based wellness activities.It will mobilise ASHA, Anganwadi workers, ANMs, SHGs, PRI institutions, and youth volunteers under the MY Bharat initiative, with support from government and private hospitals, converging multiple ministries to boost outreach.

5. Seagram’s Royal Stag Ropes in Sidharth Malhotra, Badshah, Naga Chaitanya, and Gamer Payal Dhare as New Brand Ambassadors: Seagram’s Royal Stag appointed Sidharth Malhotra, Badshah, Naga Chaitanya, and gamer Payal Dhare as new brand ambassadors, joining existing ambassadors Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Suryakumar Yadav.The selection represents Royal Stag’s strategy to connect with young consumers by covering diverse cultural sectors such as cinema, music, gaming, and cricket.The new ambassadors praised the brand’s values of courage, individuality, cultural relevance, and breaking barriers, aligning with their personal philosophies.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 16 September – International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South: International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South is observed on 16 September to highlight the role of science, technology, and innovation in promoting sustainable development in developing countries.The day emphasizes the importance of science and technology in addressing global challenges, including poverty, climate change, and health crises.

It aims to strengthen international cooperation by sharing knowledge, best practices, and technological innovations among countries in the Global South.The observance also encourages investment in research and innovation to build capacity, enhance infrastructure, and foster economic growth in developing nations.

 

2. 16 September – International Day for Interventional Cardiology: International Day for Interventional Cardiology is observed on 16 September each year to raise awareness about minimally invasive cardiovascular treatments.The day highlights the role of interventional cardiology procedures such as angioplasty, stenting, and catheter-based therapies in treating heart diseases.It aims to educate the public about heart health, early detection, preventive care, and the importance of timely intervention in cardiovascular diseases.The day also recognizes and honors cardiologists, nurses, and medical teams, while promoting innovation and research in interventional cardiology.

 

3. 17 September – World Patient Safety Day: World Patient Safety Day is observed every year on 17 September, as declared by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2019.The day aims to raise awareness about patient safety, reduce risks and harm in healthcare, and promote global solidarity for safer health systems.Theme 2025 – Safe care for every newborn and every child

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Pacific Reach 2025 Exercise: The Indian Navy’s newest indigenously-built Diving Support Vessel (DSV), INS Nistar, is actively participating in the multinational Exercise Pacific Reach 2025 held in Singapore. This biennial exercise sees over 40 countries collaborating on submarine rescue operations and maritime safety. India’s involvement marks its growing role in international naval cooperation and underwater emergency preparedness. INS Nistar was commissioned on 18 July 2025. It is a Diving Support Vessel with more than 80% indigenous components, reflecting India’s push for self-reliance in defence. The vessel operates under the Eastern Naval Command. It is equipped with Side Scan Sonar for seabed mapping, Observation-class Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), and advanced deep-sea diving systems. INS Nistar’s primary role is to serve as the mothership for India’s Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles (DSRVs).

 

2. Freedom Edge Exercise: The trilateral military exercise “Freedom Edge” began on 15 September 2025. South Korea, the United States, and Japan are conducting the five-day drills in international waters near Jeju Island. This marks the third round of these joint exercises, following previous sessions in June and November of the prior year. The exercise aims to enhance trilateral interoperability and demonstrate a shared commitment to regional peace and stability. The “Freedom Edge” drills focus on multi-domain operations, involving air, sea, and missile defence training. Key activities include ballistic missile defence, air defence exercises, maritime interdiction, and medical evacuation training. These exercises represent the most advanced demonstration of trilateral defence cooperation to date. The drills help the three countries prepare for potential threats and improve their ability to respond collectively.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Anandkumar Velkumar Wins India’s First-Ever Gold at Speed Skating World Championships: Anandkumar Velkumar, 22, created history by winning India’s first-ever gold medal at the Speed Skating World Championships in China, clinching the senior men’s 1000m sprint title with a timing of 1:24.924s.His gold came a day after he secured India’s first senior World medal by winning bronze in the 500m sprint (43.072s) at the same championships in Beidaihe, China.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Startup India-DPIIT Partners with CarDekho Group to Boost Startup Ecosystem in Mobility, Fintech, and Emerging Tech Sectors: Startup India-DPIIT signed an MoU with CarDekho Group to strengthen India’s startup ecosystem in mobility, fintech, insurtech, and emerging technologies.

The collaboration will support DPIIT-recognised startups with mentorship, market access, technology infrastructure, and funding opportunities.Startups will benefit from CarDekho’s wide platforms, including CarDekho, InsuranceDekho, Rupyy, BikeDekho, ZigWheels, PowerDrift, Revv, CollegeDekho, and Crack-ED for collaboration and customer outreach.The partnership will also organise innovation challenges under the Bharat Startup Grand Challenge, offering domain-specific guidance and co-investment support via the Girnar Vision Fund (GVF).

 

2. Muzaffarpur Leads in Student Innovation: The district of Muzaffarpur in Bihar has emerged as the top contributor in the INSPIRE Award Standard Scheme in 2025. With 7,403 student submissions, it surpassed traditional educational hubs nationwide. This marks milestone in promoting creativity among young learners in the region. The INSPIRE Award is a government initiative by the Department of Science and Technology. It aims to nurture creativity and innovation among students from classes 6 to 10. Participants submit original ideas that are novel, practical and socially useful. Ideas are evaluated at district, state and national levels. Top innovations receive financial support and national recognition. Muzaffarpur led the nation with 7,403 ideas submitted by students from both government and private schools. This figure outpaced Bengaluru Urban (7,306) and Bagalkot (6,826). The district’s success reflects strong engagement from schools and teachers. District Education Officer Kumar Arvind Sinha credited this achievement to active participation and encouragement at the grassroots level.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. UCO Bank Gets Government Nod to Facilitate Trade Payments for Sanctioned Nayara Energy: UCO Bank has received government approval to facilitate trade payments for Nayara Energy Ltd, which was sanctioned by the European Union in July.Since being blacklisted, Nayara has requested advance payments or letters of credit before fuel shipments and has reduced operational run rates, with ships diverting from its terminal. Rosneft owns just over 49% of Nayara, which contributes around 8% of India’s refining capacity and 7% of its retail fuel network, while other banks like SBI have stopped processing its transactions.