Daily Current Affairs Quiz
24 September, 2025
National Affairs
1. Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025
Source: PIB
Context:
The Union Education Ministry has launched the Viksit Bharat Buildathon 2025, inviting school students across India to participate in a large-scale innovation contest.
Key Highlights:
- Participants: Students from Classes 6 to 12 across six lakh schools.
- Launch: Announced by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
- Prize Pool: ₹1 crore to be awarded to winning teams.
Objective of the Buildathon:
- Encourage grassroots innovation among school students.
- Promote ideation and creation of products under four themes: Vocal for Local, Atmanirbhar Bharat, Swadeshi, and Samriddhi.
- Celebrate young innovators and make them key drivers of India’s Viksit, Samriddhi, and Atmanirbhar journey.
- Inspire self-reliance, sustainable growth, and position India as a global innovation hub.
2. NITI Aayog Evaluates Innovation Indicators to Boost India’s GII Ranking
Source: ET
Context:
NITI Aayog is reviewing certain Global Innovation Index (GII) indicators to identify gaps and help India improve its global innovation ranking. The move follows suggestions from the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) to focus on key parameters for targeted interventions.
Key Highlights:
| Indicator | Rank in 2023 | Rank in 2025 | Observation / Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall GII Rank | – | 38 | Improved from 81st in 2015 to 38th in 2025 |
| GDP per Unit of Energy | 71 | 76 | Decline in energy productivity |
| Domestic Industry Diversification | 10 | 19 | Reduced industrial diversification |
| Females Employed with Advanced Degrees | – | 101 / 139 | Low representation of women in advanced-degree roles |
Objective:
- To identify weaknesses in specific indicators and propose corrective measures for faster improvement in India’s GII ranking.
- NITI Aayog will coordinate with stakeholder ministries for implementing targeted interventions.
- Performance Snapshot:
- India improved in 8 GII indicators but worsened in 2 indicators in the short term.
- Year-on-year rise in GII ranking has been gradual, necessitating focused reforms.
3. Combined Operational Review and Evaluation (CORE) Programme
Source: PIB
Context:
The Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ IDS) has launched the Combined Operational Review and Evaluation (CORE) Programme in New Delhi a five-day professional engagement initiative aimed at strengthening civil-military synergy and strategic leadership.
About CORE Programme:
- Provides a forum for civil-military dialogue on national and regional security.
- Facilitates strategic review, leadership development, and joint problem-solving.
Key Features
- Themes:
- Regional and global security challenges
- Technological transformation in warfare
- Strategic communication and inter-agency coordination
- Methodology:
- Lectures, discussions, and interactive sessions with subject-matter experts
- Emphasis on joint problem-solving and cross-domain learning
- Focus Areas:
- Strengthening civil-military synergy
- Enhancing strategic awareness among future leaders
- Encouraging holistic decision-making in complex, multidimensional threat scenarios
4. Nine Bonnet Macaques Found Dead in Kerala
Context:
The Forest department has registered a case into the mysterious deaths of nine Bonnet macaques near Palode in Thiruvananthapuram.
About Bonnet Macaques
- Scientific & Common Name: Bonnet Macaque (Macaca radiata)
Key Characteristics:
- Distinctive Feature: “Bonnet-shaped” hair whorl on the head
- IUCN Status: Least Concern (LC) due to wide distribution
Habitat & Distribution:
- Endemic to southern India
- Found in Western Ghats, southern plains, and urban fringes
- Adaptable to evergreen forests, dry deciduous forests, plantations, and villages
- Both arboreal and terrestrial, often live close to humans
5. India’s First AI-Enabled Nature Experience Centre at Betla National Park
Source: IE
Context:
A first of its kind AI-enabled nature experience centre is set to come up at Betla National Park, a part of the Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Jharkhand. This cutting-edge facility will transport visitors into the heart of the jungle, allowing them to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of nature.
Aim: To recreate realistic jungle life using cutting-edge technology for tourism, education, and research
Features of the AI-Enabled Centre
Technology & Tools:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) assistants for guided learning
- 3D holographic projections to display lifelike animals
- Augmented Reality (AR) and immersive soundscapes (waterfalls, bird calls, predator-prey interactions)
- Simulation of ecosystem dynamics, including herd movements, food-sharing, and predator-prey behaviour
Functions:
- Enhances eco-tourism experiences in Palamu Tiger Reserve
- Promotes interactive wildlife and conservation education
- Supports researchers with virtual wildlife observation and study tools
About Betla National Park
- Only national park in Jharkhand
- Forms the core area of Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR); total PTR area: 1,129.93 sq km
- Notified as a National Park in 1986
- Among the first nine tiger reserves under Project Tiger (1973)
Banking/Finance
1. S&P Retains India’s GDP Growth Forecast at 6.5%
Source: TH
Context:
S&P Global Ratings has maintained India’s GDP growth forecast for FY2025-26 at 6.5%, highlighting strong domestic demand and a supportive monsoon.
Key Highlights:
| Indicator | Forecast / Value | Notes / Drivers |
|---|---|---|
| GDP Growth (FY26) | 6.5% | Growth retained by S&P Global Ratings |
| Recent GDP Growth (Q1 FY26) | 7.8% | April–June 2025 quarter |
| Inflation (FY26) | 3.2% | Revised downward due to lower food inflation |
| Monetary Policy Outlook | 25 bps rate cut expected | RBI expected to adjust policy given low inflation |
| Key Growth Drivers | Strong domestic demand, benign monsoon, income tax & GST cuts, accelerating government investment | Consumption and investment expected to rise significantly |
2. Unclaimed Deposits
Context:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has directed all banks to launch a 3-month drive (October–December 2025) to settle unclaimed funds such as deposits, dividends, interest warrants, and pensions.
What are Unclaimed Deposits?
Unclaimed deposits are funds held in bank accounts, fixed deposits, recurring deposits, or other financial instruments that remain unclaimed by the account holder or beneficiary for a specified period, usually due to inactivity, non-withdrawal, or lack of communication with the bank.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Types of Unclaimed Deposits | – Savings/Current Account Balances: Dormant accounts – Fixed/Recurring Deposits: Maturity proceeds not claimed – Interest Warrants & Dividends: Payments issued but not encashed – Pension/Gratuity Payments: Benefits unclaimed by beneficiaries |
| Time Frame | – Savings/Current Accounts: Not operated for 10 years – Term Deposits: Not claimed within 10 years from maturity – Such funds are transferred to Depositor Education and Awareness (DEA) Fund at RBI – Depositors can claim funds later with applicable interest |
| Handling by Banks | – Maintain separate ledger for unclaimed deposits – Periodic reporting to RBI is mandatory – May transfer funds to DEA Fund or Unclaimed Deposits Fund per RBI norms |
3. FACE: India’s First Fintech SRO Expands Beyond Digital Lending
Source: BS
Context:
The Fintech Association for Consumer Empowerment (FACE), recognised by the RBI in July 2024 as India’s first Self-Regulatory Organisation for Fintech (SRO-FT), has emerged as a key industry body within just one year of recognition.
Fintech Association for Consumer Empowerment (FACE)
The Fintech Association for Consumer Empowerment (FACE) is India’s first Self-Regulatory Organisation for Fintech, recognised by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in July 2024.
Role
- Acts as a key industry body for fintech companies in India.
- Promotes consumer protection, transparency, and ethical practices within the fintech ecosystem.
- Facilitates engagement between fintech players and regulators.
Self-Regulatory Organisation for Fintech (SRO-FT)
A Self-Regulatory Organisation for Fintech (SRO-FT) is an industry body empowered to create, monitor, and enforce standards for fintech companies under the supervision of RBI.
Key Features:
- Autonomy: Operates independently but follows RBI oversight.
- Regulatory Functions:
- Sets industry-wide codes of conduct and operational standards.
- Monitors compliance and ensures ethical fintech practices.
- Addresses consumer grievances and promotes transparency.
- Objectives:
- Protect consumer interests.
- Promote responsible innovation in fintech.
- Reduce regulatory burden on RBI while ensuring sectoral integrity.
FACE as SRO-FT:
- FACE is the first recognised SRO for fintech in India.
- Works to empower consumers and ensure fintech firms follow best practices.
4. Centre May Get Powers to Empanel Private ODR Firms for MSME Delayed Payments
Source: Mint
Context:
The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) is exploring a proposal to empower the central government to empanel private online dispute resolution (ODR) firms to handle delayed payments cases, a move aimed at faster recovery of dues for MSMEs.
Proposed Changes:
| Aspect | Current Scenario | Proposed Changes |
|---|---|---|
| MSME ODR Portal | Launched in June 2025; allows MSMEs to file digital claims and monitor disputes with large firms, PSUs, and government agencies. | N/A |
| Authority for Empanelment | Currently, only state governments can empanel private ODR firms via MSEFCs under the MSME Development Act, 2006. | Central government to be empowered to empanel private ODR service providers, similar to states. |
| Effectiveness | State-level MSEFCs are largely ineffective: – 250,000+ claims pending – Less than 10% resolved mutually | Strengthen dispute resolution, especially in regions with limited private ADR institutions (e.g., north-eastern states, tier-II/III cities). |
| Implementation Status | Active portal, but resolution backlog exists | Proposal in progress; implementation may take time |
5. SEBI-Registered Investment Advisers (RIAs)
Context:
Sebi-registered investment advisers (RIAs), who provide fee-based, conflict-free financial advice, have seen their numbers shrink sharply—from 1,350 a few years ago to 962—despite growing investor demand for unbiased guidance.
SEBI-Registered Investment Advisers (RIAs)
A SEBI-registered Investment Adviser (RIA) is a professional or firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) who provides personalised investment advice to clients on securities, financial products, and portfolio management.
Key Features
- Registration Requirement:
- Mandatory for individuals/firms giving investment advice for a fee or remuneration.
- SEBI maintains a publicly available RIA registry.
- Scope of Advice:
- Securities including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, derivatives.
- Portfolio management and financial planning.
- Personalized recommendations based on client’s risk profile, investment horizon, and financial goals.
- Fiduciary Duty:
- RIAs must act in the best interest of clients.
- Must disclose all conflicts of interest and avoid misleading advice.
- Regulatory Oversight:
- Governed by SEBI (Investment Advisers) Regulations, 2013.
- Subject to audits, compliance checks, and penalties for violations.
- Types of RIAs:
- Individual advisers – Certified professionals with relevant qualifications.
- Corporate advisers – Firms providing advisory services, may employ multiple certified professionals.
Current Challenges
| Category | Challenges | Details / Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Regulatory Complexity | Registration & Membership | RIAs must obtain SEBI registration and BASL membership (BSE subsidiary) for supervision. |
| Compliance Burden | Multiple requirements: PMLA/KYC updates, record-keeping, marketing approvals; consume significant time and resources. | |
| Application Delays | Delays in processing applications and renewals leave advisers in limbo, affecting client onboarding. | |
| Operational Burden | Resource Constraints | Individual and mid-sized RIAs often lack funds or manpower to meet compliance needs. |
| Cost & Time | Monthly compliance can cost ₹2.5–3 lakh and require 15–20 hours of work per month. | |
| Impact on Advisers | Licence Surrenders | Some advisers surrender licences due to regulatory uncertainty. |
| Partial Relief | New relaxations (removal of CIBIL reports, proof of address, net worth statements) helpful, but accountability and communication gaps persist. |
6. Bank of Baroda Launches eRUPI P2P Digital Gifting on bob इ(e) Pay UPI
Source: BL
Launch Details:
- Launch: Bank of Baroda (BoB) introduced eRUPI Person-to-Person (P2P) digital gifting on its bob इ Pay UPI app.
- Platform: Powered by NPCI’s e-RUPI system, interoperable across UPI platforms.
Feature Highlights:
- Voucher Value: ₹1 to ₹10,000; users can issue unlimited vouchers subject to daily UPI transaction limits.
- Usage: Redeemable at UPI-enabled merchants across platforms.
- Security: Vouchers are non-transferable and refunded if unredeemed within validity.
- Category: Initially available for Food, with plans to expand to other services.
7. HSBC India PMI: September 2025
Source: BS
Context:
HSBC India’s Flash Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) for September 2025 indicates moderation in growth momentum in both manufacturing and services sectors amid global trade tensions and domestic policy changes.
Key Highlights:
| Indicator | September 2025 | August 2025 | Trend / Observation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing PMI | 58.5 | 59.3 | Expansion continues (PMI > 50), but growth moderated; new export orders slowest rise in 6 months due to 50% US tariffs; domestic demand resilient via festive season & GST cuts. |
| Services PMI | 61.6 | 62.9 | Continued expansion, slightly slower than August. |
| Composite PMI Output | 61.9 | 63.2 | Sustained expansion in overall economic activity. |
| Input Costs | Moderated | – | Manufacturers reported higher costs for cotton, steel, oil; services firms saw slower wage-driven expenses. |
| Output Charges | Rose at slower pace | – | Despite factory-gate prices climbing at fastest rate in 12 years. |
| Employment | Manufacturing: 3% hiring; Services: 5% hiring | – | Job creation cooling, especially in private sector. |
Awards
1. 71st National Film Awards (2023)
Dadasaheb Phalke Award
- Conferred on Mohanlal by President Droupadi Murmu.
- Mohanlal: “Cinema is the heartbeat of my soul. Jai Hind.”
President’s Address
- Praised Mohanlal’s versatile contributions to Indian cinema.
- Highlighted growth of films focusing on women’s struggles, courage, and role in shaping society.
- Stressed adequate representation of women on jury panels.
- Noted cinema’s role in spreading awareness of social issues, especially among youth.
- Appreciated encouragement for children’s films; six child actors won awards.
Major Awards
| Category | Winner(s) |
|---|---|
| Best Feature Film | 12th Fail (Hindi) |
| Best Male Actor (tie) | Shah Rukh Khan (Jawan), Vikrant Massey (12th Fail) |
| Best Female Actor | Rani Mukerji (Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway) |
| Best Director | Sudipto Sen (The Kerala Story – Hindi) |
| Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment | Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (Hindi, Karan Johar) |
| Best Feature Film Promoting National/Social/Environmental Values | Sam Bahadur (Hindi, Meghna Gulzar) |
| Best Children’s Film | Naal 2 (Marathi) |
| Best Animation/VFX/Gaming/Comic Film | Hanu-Man (Telugu) |
Facts To Remember
1. Legendary Dickie Bird passes away aged 92
Harold “Dickie” Bird, the charismatic and much-loved former cricket umpire from England who officiated in 66 Tests and three World Cup finals, has passed away. He was 92.
2. Dembele, Bonmati crowned the best in the world
Ousmane Dembele won the Ballon d’Or for leading Paris Saint-Germain to its first Champions League title, and Aitana Bonmati received the women’s award for a third successive year.
3. OECD Raises India’s FY26 Growth Forecast to 6.7%; S&P Retains 6.5%
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and S&P Global Ratings released fresh outlooks for India’s economy for FY26, highlighting strong domestic demand but warning of export headwinds.
4. Cooperative Banks to Offer Aadhaar-Enabled Payment Services
UIDAI has unveiled a revised framework enabling cooperative banks to provide Aadhaar-based authentication and eKYC services, aiming to expand digital financial services in rural and semi-urban India.
