Daily Current Affairs Quiz24 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: Objective of the Buildathon: 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: 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: Key Features 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 Key Characteristics: Habitat & Distribution: 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: Functions: About Betla National Park 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 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: FACE as SRO-FT: 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 Current Challenges Category Challenges