In Current Affairs for 24 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 24 September 2025
China to Introduce K Visa for STEM Talent
Amid rising restrictions and higher costs associated with U.S. H-1B visas, China has unveiled a new immigration pathway known as the K Visa. Beginning October 1, 2025, the initiative will welcome young professionals and researchers from around the globe, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
The K Visa is designed to:
- Attract early-career innovators and scientists.
- Encourage academic, cultural, and entrepreneurial collaborations.
- Provide flexible terms, including multiple entry options, varied lengths of stay, and favorable work conditions.
Eligibility includes recent STEM graduates or experienced professionals holding at least a bachelor’s degree from recognized institutions worldwide or in China. Importantly, applicants will not require sponsorship from a local employer, making the process more accessible.
India Secures Exclusive Rights for Polymetallic Sulphides in Indian Ocean
In a major advancement for deep-sea exploration, India has obtained exclusive rights to explore Polymetallic Sulphides (PMS) in the Carlsberg Ridge of the Indian Ocean. The announcement was made by Union Minister of State for Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh.
A 15-year agreement between the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and the International Seabed Authority (ISA) grants India the ability to survey a 10,000 sq. km area. This achievement makes India the first nation worldwide to hold two PMS exploration contracts, further strengthening its strategic position in ocean resource utilization.
This initiative also complements the Deep Ocean Mission, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which focuses on:
- Seabed mineral exploration.
- Development of advanced deep-sea mining technologies.
- Expansion of India’s Blue Economy.
Polymetallic Sulphides (PMS) are mineral-rich deposits formed by hydrothermal activity on the seafloor. They are a source of key metals such as copper, zinc, silver, gold, platinum, and iron, which hold both economic and strategic importance.
BBNJ Treaty to Enter into Force in January 2026
A significant milestone in international ocean governance has been reached with the BBNJ Treaty (Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction) securing 60 ratifications, which ensures its official enforcement on January 17, 2026.
Developed under the framework of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the treaty is aimed at protecting biodiversity in the high seas—areas beyond 200 nautical miles from any nation’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Key objectives of the treaty include:
- Conservation of marine ecosystems in international waters.
- Fair sharing of marine genetic resources.
- Sustainable use of ocean resources.
- Standardized Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for activities in global waters.
So far, 143 nations including India have signed the agreement, while 60 have ratified it. Recent ratifications came from Sri Lanka, Morocco, Sierra Leone, and St. Vincent & the Grenadines. More are expected during the UN General Assembly High-Level Week in September 2025.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer Receives ‘Living Bridge’ Award
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was conferred the ‘Living Bridge’ Award at a ceremony held in the House of Lords, London, on September 23, 2025. The award recognizes his role in strengthening India-UK relations and overseeing the successful conclusion of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
The landmark FTA, also referred to as the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), is projected to double bilateral trade to USD 120 billion by 2030. It includes provisions for:
- Greater market access and reduced tariff barriers.
- Investment promotion across key industries such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, fintech, education, AI, sustainability, and legal services.
- Mutual recognition of standards, which enhances predictability and safeguards businesses in both countries.
MDL and Tamil Nadu Collaborate on New Shipyard Project
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) has entered into an agreement with the Government of Tamil Nadu to assess the development of a greenfield shipyard on India’s eastern coastline.
The initiative forms part of the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, India’s long-term strategy to strengthen its maritime industry and boost naval readiness. The proposed facility aims to be a state-of-the-art shipbuilding hub, significantly expanding India’s capacity for both commercial and defence vessels.
Establishing such a shipyard will not only enhance naval and maritime infrastructure but also create high-value employment opportunities in Tamil Nadu, while balancing industrial growth between India’s western and eastern coasts.
Review Questions
- MDL signed an MoU with the Government of Tamil Nadu to explore the
development of what?
A. Offshore oil rigs
B. Greenfield shipyard on the eastern coast
C. Defence aviation hub
D. Submarine base
ANSWER: B - Which country’s Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has been awarded the
prestigious ‘Living Bridge’ honour?
A. United States
B. United Kingdom
C. Canada
D. Australia
ANSWER: B - Keir Starmer was honoured for his role in fostering deeper India-UK relations
and successfully concluding which agreement? The Silver Award at the
A. India-UK Defence Pact
B. India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
C. India-UK Climate Action Plan
D. India-UK Technology Partnership
ANSWER: B - The India-UK Free Trade Agreement is also known as:
A. SAFTA
B. CETA
C. RCEP
D. TPP
ANSWER: B - When is the UK parliamentary ratification of the India-UK FTA expected?
A. 2024
B. 2025
C. 2026
D. 2027
ANSWER: C - The BBNJ Treaty focuses on protecting marine life in areas beyond national
jurisdictions. Such areas lie beyond how many nautical miles from a country’s
EEZ?
A. 50 nautical miles
B. 100 nautical miles
C. 150 nautical miles
D. 200 nautical miles
ANSWER: D - The BBNJ Treaty will officially enter into force on:
A. January 1, 2025
B. January 17, 2026
C. December 31, 2026
D. February 15, 2027
ANSWER: B - India has secured exclusive rights for exploration of Polymetallic Sulphides
(PMS) in which region?
A. Mid-Atlantic Ridge
B. Carlsberg Ridge, Indian Ocean
C. East Pacific Rise
D. Mariana Trench
ANSWER: B - Which mission launched by PM Modi focuses on exploration of seabed
minerals, mining technologies?
A. Sagarmala Project
B. Deep Ocean Mission
C. Oceanic Development Programme
D. Maritime Vision 2030
ANSWER: B - Which country announced the launch of the new ‘K Visa’ to attract young
STEM professionals?
A. United States
B. China
C. Japan
D. Germany
ANSWER: B
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