Current Affairs 20 September 2025

India Sees First-Ever Drop in CO₂ Emissions for the First Half of 2025.

• India recorded a 1% drop in CO₂ emissions from the electricity sector in the first half of 2025.
• This is the first time emissions have fallen outside a crisis period like the COVID-19 lockdown.
• The decline is due to increased clean energy growth, lower electricity demand, and a mild summer.
• The electricity sector accounts for nearly 40% of India's total greenhouse gas emissions.
• This drop marks a significant shift in India’s emissions trend.

Australia Raises Emissions Reduction Target to 62% by 2035.

• Australia has set a new emissions reduction target of 62% by 2035 (based on 2005 levels).
• This is a major increase from the previous target of 43% by 2030.
• The new target is part of Australia’s commitment under the Paris Climate Agreement.
• The update comes as the country faces increasing climate-related risks and extreme weather events.
• The announcement was made by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

IRDAI Launches "Bima Sugam" Online Insurance Marketplace.

• IRDAI has launched Bima Sugam, a digital insurance marketplace.
• It will offer various insurance products including life, health, motor, travel, and general insurance.
• The platform is being rolled out in phases.
• Full operations are expected to begin by December 2025.
• The portal is managed by the Bima Sugam India Federation (BSIF) under IRDAI’s supervision.
• It aims to make insurance access easier and more transparent for consumers.

India and Canada to Resume Trade Talks and Strengthen Collaboration.

• India and Canada agreed to resume bilateral talks on trade, defence, energy, and critical minerals.
• The decision came during pre-Foreign Office consultations on September 19, 2025.
• This step aims to stabilize and improve strained diplomatic relations.
• The agreement follows discussions between PM Narendra Modi and Canadian PM Mark Carney at the June 2025 G7 Summit.
• Both leaders emphasized restoring stability and strengthening their partnership.

Marium Fatima Achieves Title of Bihar’s First Woman FIDE Master.

• Marium Fatima from Muzaffarpur becomes Bihar’s first Woman FIDE Master (WFM).
• This is a historic achievement for Bihar in the sport of chess.
• The WFM title is awarded by the International Chess Federation (FIDE).
• Her success highlights talent and perseverance in a competitive sport.
• Marium’s achievement reflects the growing prominence of women in Indian sports, especially chess.