Daily Current Affairs Quiz
18 September, 2025
National Affairs
1. First Time India’s CO2 Emissions Dip
Source: IE
Context:
Carbon dioxide emissions from India’s electricity sector dropped by 1% in the first half of 2025 compared to H1 2024. First sectoral decline outside Covid years, electricity accounts for ~40% of India’s annual greenhouse gas emissions.
Analysis Source: Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), for Carbon Brief.
Contributing Factors
- Weather Factors:
- Milder summer temperatures reduced electricity demand.
- Monsoon rainfall was ~30% above normal in pre-monsoon period (March–May).
- Fewer and less intense heatwaves reduced air-conditioning load (~10% of summer electricity demand).
- Structural Factors:
- Accelerated deployment of renewable energy.
- India added 25.1 GW of clean electricity capacity in H1 2025 (~70% higher than H1 2024).
- Total power generation increased by 9 TWh, while fossil fuel (mainly coal) generation fell by 29 TWh.
- Solar (+17 TWh), wind (+9 TWh), hydro (+9 TWh), and nuclear (+3 TWh) generation increased.
Government Initiatives for Reducing Electricity Sector Emissions
- National Solar Mission & NAPCC: Promotes solar, wind, hydro, and distributed generation.
- Green Energy Corridors: Efficient evacuation of renewable power.
- Energy Storage & Flexibility: Battery storage integration with solar and wind.
- Energy Efficiency: PAT scheme, smart meters, and demand-side management.
- Policy & Incentives: Renewable Energy Certificates, tax benefits, state RPOs.
2. India to Set Up First Joint Military Stations and Tri-Services Education Corps
Source: IE
Context:
India’s Armed Forces are moving towards greater integration to enhance operational efficiency and jointness among the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Key Developments:
- Three Joint Military Stations:
- Announced at the three-day Combined Commanders’ Conference (CCC) 2025 in Kolkata.
- Will integrate logistics, infrastructure, repair, maintenance, stores, and supplies under a common lead service.
- Potential locations under discussion: Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Gwalior, Pune, and Secunderabad.
- Aim: Optimise manpower, infrastructure, and assets, and test tri-service integration ahead of theatre commands implementation.
- Tri-Services Education Corps:
- Education branches of Army, Navy, and Air Force will merge.
- Objectives: Increase jointness, rationalise manpower, optimise administration, and foster better integration of personnel.
3. Bharat Innovates 2026
Source: TOI
Context:
India is launching Bharat Innovates 2026, a flagship initiative to showcase its deeptech innovations and attract global investment, reflecting its intent to position as a reliable partner in an evolving geopolitical landscape.
Launch Details:
- Dates & Venue: June 17–19, 2026, Nice, France.
- Applications: 430+ ventures applied, majority from healthcare, medtech, energy, AI, space & defence. Open until Sept 30, 2025.
- Nodal Institution: IIT Bombay, under Ministry of Education & guidance of Principal Scientific Adviser.
Focus Areas of Innovation:
The ventures span critical domains, including:
- Biotechnology and MedTech
- Industry 4.0, Smart Cities, and Mobility
- Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing
- Space and Defence
- Semiconductors and Advanced Materials
- Agrifood Technologies and Sustainable Energy
- Rare-earth minerals
Key Objectives:
- Connect Indian deeptech ventures with global capital.
- Position India as a predictable partner amid supply chain and trade uncertainties.
- Showcase innovations in biotech, AI & quantum computing, Industry 4.0, smart cities, space, defence, semiconductors, agri-food, medtech, sustainable energy, advanced materials, rare-earth minerals.
4. CAG to Launch AI-Powered LLM and Digital Audit Platform
Context:
The Comptroller and Auditor-General of India (CAG) is set to leverage artificial intelligence and digitisation to modernise the country’s auditing process. A large language model (LLM) and the ‘Connect Portal’ are at the core of this transformation, aimed at improving efficiency, transparency, and consistency in audits.
Key Highlights:
AI-Powered Large Language Model (LLM)
- First version expected by November 2025.
- Trained on decades of inspection reports to capture institutional knowledge.
- Capabilities:
- Analyse large datasets efficiently.
- Generate documents, including inspection reports.
- Assist auditors in preparing comprehensive, consistent audit reports.
Digitisation of Audit Processes
- Ongoing digitisation at Central and State levels will enable remote or hybrid audits.
- This will allow near real-time monitoring and reduce physical audit dependencies.
‘Connect Portal’
- To be launched at the annual conference of State Finance Secretaries.
- Features:
- Provides 10 lakh audit entities with a unified digital interface.
- Enables entities to directly respond to audit queries, observations, and inspection reports.
- Ensures transparency and accountability in the audit process.
Banking/Finance
1. RBI Sets Up Regulatory Review Cell and Advisory Group on Regulation
Source: BS
Context:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has established a Regulatory Review Cell (RRC) and an Advisory Group on Regulation (AGR) to strengthen the institutional framework for periodic review of regulations for banks and other regulated entities.
Regulatory Review Cell (RRC):
- Launch Date: October 1, 2025
- Objective: To ensure that all RBI regulations undergo a comprehensive internal review every 5–7 years.
- Function: Operates under the Department of Regulation and conducts phased reviews of regulations.
Advisory Group on Regulation (AGR):
- Purpose: To channel industry feedback into RRC reviews and leverage external expertise.
- Composition: Six-member panel chaired by Rana Ashutosh Kumar Singh, MD, State Bank of India.
- Members:
- T T Srinivasaraghavan, former MD, Sundaram Finance
- Gautam Thakur, chairman, Saraswat Co-operative Bank
- Shyam Srinivasan, former MD & CEO, Federal Bank
- Ravi Duvvuru, former President & Chief Compliance Officer, Jana Small Finance Bank
- N S Kannan, former MD & CEO, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance
- Tenure: Initial 3 years, renewable for 2 more years. Provision to co-opt additional experts if needed.
2. SEBI Plans to Broaden Participation in Non-Agricultural Commodity Derivatives
Source: ET
Context:
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is exploring reforms to deepen participation in India’s commodity derivatives markets, particularly in the non-agriculture segment.
India’s commodity derivatives market
India’s commodity derivatives market involves standardized financial contracts (like futures and options) whose value is derived from commodities such as gold, oil, and agricultural products, allowing producers and investors to manage price risks and speculate on market movements.
Key Highlights:
Engagement with Government
- SEBI will consult with the government to permit banks, insurance companies, and pension funds to invest in non-agricultural commodity derivatives.
- Current participation of these institutions in such markets is restricted.
Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs)
- SEBI is considering allowing FPIs to trade in non-cash settled, non-agricultural commodity derivative contracts.
- This move could enhance liquidity and global integration of Indian commodity markets.
Focus Areas
- The reforms target non-agriculture commodities such as metals, energy products, and other industrial commodities.
- Excludes agricultural derivatives, which are more politically and socially sensitive.
SEBI’s Initiatives
- Formation of a working group for non-agricultural commodities with a four-point agenda:
- Real-time margin collection
- Promotion of new exchange products
- Support for logistics services, including tools for critical mineral exploration
- Boosting SME participation and potentially allowing select derivatives for FPIs
- By December, commodity brokers will come under a unified reporting system to simplify compliance.
MCX Initiatives
- MCX aims to expand participation in metal contracts across:
- Commercial participants: Large and small-to-medium metal producers and consumers
- Financial participants: Broker-members, investors, mutual funds, ETFs, banks
- Banks can support the ecosystem as lenders, corporate bankers, and market participants.
3. Bima Sugam India Federation Launches Official Website
Context:
The Bima Sugam India Federation (BSIF), the nodal entity for implementing the Bima Sugam electronic insurance marketplace, has launched its official website. The initiative is backed by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) as part of creating India’s first digital public infrastructure for insurance.
Bima Sugam India Federation (BSIF)
BSIF is a public-private initiative launched by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) to create a unified digital infrastructure for the Indian insurance industry. It aims to provide a seamless, transparent, and accessible platform for all insurance-related services.
Key Features:
- Unified Marketplace: Offers a one-stop platform for life, health, and general insurance products from various insurers.
- Digital Transactions: Facilitates policy purchase, renewal, portability, and claims through a paperless process using just the policy number.
- Transparency and Accessibility: Ensures transparency in insurance transactions and enhances accessibility for consumers.
Bima Sugam: India’s Electronic Insurance Marketplace
Bima Sugam is India’s first unified electronic insurance marketplace, launched by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). It is designed to provide a seamless, transparent, and digital platform for insurance transactions across life, health, and general insurance.
4. CRED-IndusInd Bank Co-Branded Credit Card Launch
Source: ET
Context:
CRED has launched a new credit card program offering rewards across all e-commerce platforms, with instant and flexible redemption on flights, hotels, hundreds of merchants, and thousands of products.
First Card: CRED IndusInd Bank RuPay Credit Card.
Key Features
- Wide Reward Redemption: Flights, hotels, merchants, and products.
- Instant and Flexible Redemption: Rewards can be redeemed immediately and across multiple platforms.
- Premium Consumer Targeting: Focus on affluent, digitally-savvy users.
- Lifestyle Integration: Merges banking, product, and digital experiences into a unified offering.
Agriculture
1. BASAI 2025: Conference on Biologicals for Sustainable Agriculture
Source: BL
Context:
The Biological Agri Solutions Association of India (BASAI) will host BASAI 2025, a two-day conference on ‘Biologicals for sustainable agriculture. A climate resilient approach’ in New Delhi on September 22–23.
Theme:
“Biologicals for sustainable agriculture — A climate resilient approach”
Objective:
- Promote climate-resilient and sustainable farming through the use of bio-stimulants, biofertilizers, and biopesticides.
- Showcase science-backed solutions for enhancing productivity while protecting the environment.
Focus Areas / Key Themes:
- Climate-smart agriculture and resilient farming practices
- Residue-free food production
- Women’s leadership in agri-biologicals
- Fertilizer use efficiency
- Role of biological solutions in climate mitigation
Special Features:
- Exhibition of Innovations: Companies showcase the latest technologies and products in agri-biologicals.
- Knowledge Sharing: Sessions and discussions to guide policymakers, farmers, and industry stakeholders.
2. EDII & NABARD Launch Regional GI Facilitation Centre in Gujarat
Source: Times of India
Context:
Location: Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad
Collaborators: EDII and NABARD
Objective:
- To support artisans and entrepreneurs in Gujarat by facilitating Geographical Indication (GI) registration for traditional crafts and agro-products.
- To enhance market access, preserve cultural heritage, and promote sustainable rural development.
Key Highlights:
- Inauguration: By Shaji K V, Chairman of NABARD and member of EDII’s governing board.
- Significance: EDII Director General Dr. Sunil Shukla highlighted the centre’s role in preserving India’s heritage and promoting global market access for artisans.
- Products in Focus: 12 traditional crafts and agro-products in advanced stages of GI registration, including:
- Patari Craft (Jasdan)
- Beadwork (Dahod)
- Kites (Khambhat)
- Dhabla & Shawls (Saurashtra)
- Dabu Block Printing (Deesa)
- Mud Mirror Work (Kutch)
- Kodari, White Ragi, Varai (Dang)
- Cow Ghee (Gir)
- Bamboo Mat Weaving (Dadra & Nagar Haveli)
- Seashell Craft (Diu & Daman)
Impact:
- Facilitates branding and market outreach for traditional products.
- Strengthens artisan livelihoods and promotes cultural preservation.
3. Centre for Startups and FPOs Launched in Madurai
Source: TH
Location: Madurai, Tamil Nadu
Initiative: Establishment of a new centre aimed at supporting startups and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in the region.
Key Highlights:
- Objective: To provide a conducive environment for the growth and development of startups and FPOs, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector.
- Facilities: The centre is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, including incubation spaces, training facilities, and access to resources that facilitate business development and scaling.
- Support Mechanisms: Entrepreneurs and FPOs will receive mentorship, networking opportunities, and guidance on business strategies, financial planning, and market access.
- Collaborations: The initiative involves partnerships with various stakeholders, including government agencies, educational institutions, and industry experts, to ensure comprehensive support for the beneficiaries.
Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in India
An FPO is a legal entity formed by farmers, usually registered as a producer company, cooperative, or society, to collectively undertake activities like production, procurement, marketing, and value addition of farm produce.
Objectives:
- Improve farmer incomes through collective bargaining and better price realization.
- Facilitate access to credit, technology, and inputs.
- Promote market linkages and direct sales to reduce dependency on intermediaries.
- Encourage adoption of modern and sustainable agricultural practices.
Facts To Remember
1. EVMs to have colour photos of candidates soon, says EC
Beginning with the Bihar Assembly election, ballot papers on the electronic voting machines will display colour photographs of the candidates, the Election Commission said
2. Ex-Hurriyat chief Abdul Gani Bhat passes away
Former Hurriyat chairman Professor Abdul Gani Bhat, who became the face of Delhi-Srinagar talks with the NDA government in the 2000s, passed away in Sopore in north Kashmir on Wednesday. He was 89.
3. A change in mindset helped: Grand Swiss champion Vaishali
India’s R. Vaishali defended her title in the Grand Swiss Chess League, which no other player in the open or women’s section had done before. But it was a tournament the 24-year-old from Chennai was not keen to play in the first place.
4. 3 IIMs among worlds top 100B-schools: QS Global MBA Rankings
Three Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) Bangalore, Ahmedabad and Calcutta have figured in worlds top 100B-schools, according to QS Global MBA, Online MBA and Business Masters Rankings 2026.
5. Swachhata Hi Seva 2025
The Department of Justice is observing the Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign 2025 under the Swachhotsav theme. The campaign will continue till 2 October to strengthen volunteerism and collective action for cleanliness.
6. Tokyo 2025: Neeraj Chopra Cruises into Final with First-Attempt 84.85m Throw
India’s javelin star and World Champion Neeraj Chopra is once again in the spotlight as he gears up for the men’s javelin throw final at the World Athletics Championships 2025 in Tokyo, Japan, this afternoon. The match will begin at four PM indian timings.
7. Annapurna Devi Launches Childcare Centres for Women’s Welfare in Delhi
Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi, along with Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, today inaugurated the 502 Palna-Anganwadi cum Creche Care Centres in New Delhi.
