In Current Affairs for 20 September 2025, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial for your upcoming NDA, CDS, CDS OTA, AFCAT, TA, Agniveer Army, Agniveer Navy, Agniveer Air Force, Women Military Police, INET, MNS, ACC exams, SCO, PCSL, CAPF, and SSB interviews, and direct entries for Army, Navy, and Air Force like SSC Tech, TGC, JAG, NCC, TES, 10+2 Cadet. Download a PDF file about current events at the end of this article. Let us now see the Current Affairs.
Current Affairs 20 September 2025
International Red Panda Day 2025
International Red Panda Day is being marked on Saturday, 20 September 2025 (the third Saturday of September). The initiative, launched in 2010 by the Red Panda Network, has now evolved into a worldwide campaign engaging zoos, schools, and conservation groups.
Red pandas, native to the Eastern Himalayas, are found in Nepal, India, Bhutan, Myanmar, and China. Despite being no bigger than a domestic cat, their red fur and long, striped tails give them a foxlike appearance.
These animals are listed as endangered, with their population declining by nearly half in the last two decades. The biggest threats include habitat loss, poaching, and the illegal pet trade. Conservation efforts such as reforestation drives, community participation, awareness programs, and anti-poaching patrols are key steps to protect them.
Arshdeep Singh Creates T20I History
Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh has become the first Indian bowler to claim 100 wickets in T20 internationals, reaching the milestone during India’s Asia Cup 2025 match against Oman.
He achieved the record in just 64 matches, dismissing Vinayak Shukla for his 100th scalp. Making his debut in July 2022 against England, Arshdeep reached this feat in 3 years and 74 days, becoming the fastest fast bowler in the world to reach 100 wickets in terms of matches and deliveries (1,329 balls).
Globally, he is ranked the fourth fastest overall, behind Rashid Khan, Sandeep Lamichhane, and Wanindu Hasaranga.
Bangladesh Resumes Hilsa Exports to India
On 17 September 2025, Bangladesh resumed its seasonal export of the much-loved hilsa fish to India. The first consignment of 32 tonnes entered West Bengal through the Petrapole border, though this year’s quota is the lowest since 2019.
Hilsa, known as the “Queen of Fish”, holds immense culinary and cultural value during Bengal’s festive season, particularly Durga Puja. The prized hilsa from the Padma River of Bangladesh is considered richer in taste compared to hilsa from India’s Hooghly River. Despite excitement over the imports, the reduced supply and tight trade window have raised concerns among consumers and traders.
India Records First CO₂ Emission Decline in 2025
For the first time outside crisis periods like the COVID-19 lockdown, India has reported a decline in carbon dioxide emissions from its power sector. Data from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) and Carbon Brief shows a 1% fall in emissions between January and June 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
The electricity sector accounts for about 40% of India’s total greenhouse gas output. The drop is attributed to the addition of 25.1 GW of clean energy capacity—a 70% increase from last year—including solar, wind, hydropower, and nuclear.
India, the third-largest CO₂ emitter globally, has committed to achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.
QS Global MBA Rankings 2026: Indian Institutes Rise
The QS Global MBA and Business Master’s Rankings 2026 featured 14 Indian institutions, with three IIMs making it to the top 100 worldwide.
- IIM Bangalore secured the 52nd spot (up by one rank).
- IIM Ahmedabad ranked 58th (up two places).
- IIM Calcutta stood at 64th (up one position).
The improvement highlights strengths in employability, return on investment, and academic influence. QS assessed 390+ MBA programs across 80 countries, making the rankings a key guide for global management aspirants.
India Eyes More FTAs in the Gulf
India is prioritizing bilateral trade agreements with Gulf countries instead of a single pact with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal stated that while talks with the GCC bloc slowed, India proceeded with individual deals.
The India-UAE trade pact has been termed the most successful so far, while agreements with Oman and Qatar are in progress. The move aligns with India’s broader strategy of expanding trade ties with multiple countries, including the UK, EU, and Peru.
The GCC, established in 1981 with headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, represents a key regional grouping in the Middle East.
US Imposes $100,000 Fee on H-1B Visas
US President Donald Trump has announced a $100,000 fee on H-1B visa applications, a move expected to significantly impact the technology sector that relies heavily on skilled workers from India and China. The H-1B program, created in 1990, allows companies to employ foreign professionals in specialized fields like IT, engineering, and science.
The visa is typically valid for three years, extendable up to six. Indians have been the largest beneficiaries, accounting for 71% of approvals, followed by China at 11.7%.
Alongside this, Trump has also introduced a “Gold Card” visa program, priced at $1 million for individuals and $2 million for companies, intended to raise funds for debt reduction and other government priorities.
Review Questions
- The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) was established in which year?
A. 1975
B. 1981
C. 1990
D. 2000
ANSWER: B - Which city hosts the headquarters of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)?
A. Abu Dhabi
B. Doha
C. Riyadh
D. Muscat
ANSWER: C - How many member states are part of the GCC?
A. 5
B. 6
C. 7
D. 8
ANSWER: B - Which of the following is NOT a member of the GCC?
A. Bahrain
B. Saudi Arabia
C. Kuwait
D. Jordan
ANSWER: D - The H-1B visa, created in 1990, is mainly designed for which category of
professionals?
A. Artists and entertainers
B. Farmers and agricultural workers
C. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) professionals
D. Journalists and media workers
ANSWER: C - In the QS Global MBA Rankings 2026, which Indian institute secured the
highest position?
A. IIM Ahmedabad
B. IIM Calcutta
C. IIM Bangalore
D. IIM Lucknow
ANSWER: C - What position did IIM Ahmedabad achieve in the QS Global MBA Rankings
2026?
A. 52nd
B. 58th
C. 64th
D. 72nd
ANSWER: B - The Mumbai International Cruise Terminal (MICT) was developed under which
mission?
A. Sagar Mala Mission
B. Cruise Bharat Mission
C. Maritime India Mission
D. Blue Economy Mission
ANSWER: B - International Red Panda Day is observed on which day of September?
A. 1st Saturday
B. 2nd Saturday
C. 3rd Saturday
D. 4th Saturday
ANSWER: C - By mid-2025, India’s CO₂ emissions from its electricity sector dropped by how
much compared to the same period in 2024?
A. 0.5%
B. 1%
C. 2%
D. 3%
ANSWER: B
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