Daily Current Affairs Quiz19 September, 2025 National Affairs 1. India’s SDG Progress: Health Gaps Remain Despite Improved Ranking Source: TH Context: In June 2025, India ranked 99th out of 167 countries in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index, its best-ever performance, improving from 109 in 2024. While progress is evident in basic services and infrastructure, SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) remains a major challenge, with India off-track on several health targets. Key Highlights: Challenges Identified Recommendations for Accelerated Progress Policy Significance 2. Equalising Primary Food Consumption in India Source: TH Context: The publication, in February 2024, of a household consumption survey by the National Sample Survey (NSS) Office, after a gap of over a decade, has made it possible to estimate the poverty rate in India. What is Primary Food Consumption? Features of Primary Food Consumption Current Reality (NSS 2024 Survey) Public Distribution System (PDS) Challenges in Equalising Food Consumption Restructuring PDS for Nutrition Security 3. State of Global Water Resources Report 2024 – WMO Context: Just around a third of rivers across the globe had water within the normal range in 2024 and almost 60 per cent of them either showed too much or too little water for the sixth year running, according to the ‘The Status of Global Water Resources in 2024 Report’ from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) released.  Key Global Findings: Regional Trends Key Messages from WMO Banking/Finance 1. RBI’s New Master Direction on Payment Aggregators (2025) Context: On September 2025, RBI issued a revised Master Direction for PAs. Major fintechs like PhonePe, Paytm, and Cred have stopped offering rent payment via credit cards as a result. What Changed? Why RBI Did This? Impact On Fintechs On Users Exam Relevance 2. SEBI Gives Clean Chit to Adani Group in Hindenburg Case Context: On September 18, 2025, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) concluded its investigation into allegations by U.S.-based shortseller Hindenburg Research against the Adani Group. The case mainly involved Adani Ports & SEZ Ltd. and Adani Power Ltd. Background: Role of SEBI in the Case Important SEBI Acts and Regulations (For Exams) Act/Regulation Year Purpose/Key Provisions Exam Relevance SEBI Act 1992 Establishes SEBI as market regulator; protects investors, promotes fair trading, regulates intermediaries. Foundation of SEBI’s powers, must know sections like Section 11 (functions of SEBI). Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act – SCRA 1956 Governs listing, recognition of stock exchanges, and trading of securities. SEBI empowered to regulate stock exchanges. Important for listing rules, delisting, recognition of stock exchanges. Depositories Act 1996 Provides framework for dematerialisation and working of depositories like NSDL, CDSL. Related to demat accounts, electronic shareholding. Companies Act (SEBI-linked provisions) 2013 Covers corporate disclosures, corporate governance, issue of securities, shareholder protection. SEBI coordinates with MCA, exam focus on disclosure & governance norms. Prevention of Fraudulent and Unfair Trade Practices (PFUTP) Regulations 2003 Prevents price rigging, insider trading, circular trading, misleading disclosures. Invoked in Adani–Hindenburg type probes. Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements (LODR) Regulations 2015 Prescribes disclosure norms for listed companies (quarterly results, shareholding patterns, related-party transactions, corporate governance). Core for corporate governance & transparency. Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPI) Regulations 2019 Regulates investment by foreign institutional investors (FIIs/FPIs). Defines categories of FPIs. Key for exam after Adani–Hindenburg controversy. 3. EPFO Launches ‘Passbook Lite’ and Online Access to Annexure K Source: Mint Context: On September 18, 2025, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) introduced two major digital reforms to improve transparency and member convenience.Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced the launch of “Passbook Lite” on the EPFO members’ portal and direct online access to Annexure K. Key Highlights: About EPFO 4. PhonePe Gets RBI Authorisation as Online Payment Aggregator Source: BL Context: PhonePe received final authorisation from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to function as an online payment aggregator (PA). Enables PhonePe to directly onboard merchants, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and expand its digital financial services. What is a Payment Aggregator (PA)? Significance of RBI Approval for PhonePe RBI’s Role and Regulatory Relevance 5. RBI Conducts VRR Auctions to Infuse Liquidity Source: BL Context: The Reserve Bank of India conducted two variable rate repo (VRR) auctions on Friday to infuse liquidity in the banking system. RBI’s Liquidity Management Strategy Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) Reduction Key Concepts for Exams Facts To Remember 1. CM launches new curricula for govt. schools replacing initiatives introduced by AAP Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched three new curricula – Rashtraneeti, Science of Living, and New Era of Entrepreneurial Ecosystem & Vision (NEEEV) – for the Delhi government schools. 2. Antim wins bronze, opens India’s tally Antim Panghal (53kg) redeemed some pride after her ignominious Paris Olympics performance as she claimed a bronze medal at the World wrestling championships in Zagreb and joined Vinesh Phogat in winning two Worlds bronze medals. 3. Sachin finishes fourth; Neeraj disappoints Defending champion Neeraj Chopra endured a nightmarish outing at the World Championships’ men’s javelin throw final to end a disappointing eighth even as debutant compatriot Sachin Yadav logged in a personal best to finish a creditable fourth. 4. Neysa Empanelled as Cloud Service Provider under IndiaAI Mission The empanelment is expected to accelerate Neysa’s growth, both in India and in international markets. Neysa, an AI Cloud services startup founded by Sharad Sanghi, has been officially empanelled under the IndiaAI Mission as one of its approved Cloud service providers.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz18 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 Government Initiatives for Reducing Electricity Sector Emissions 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: 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: Focus Areas of Innovation: The ventures span critical domains, including: Key Objectives: 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) Digitisation of Audit Processes ‘Connect Portal’ 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): Advisory Group on Regulation (AGR): 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 Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) Focus Areas SEBI’s Initiatives MCX Initiatives 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: 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 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: Focus Areas / Key Themes: Special Features: 2. EDII & NABARD Launch Regional GI Facilitation Centre in Gujarat Source: Times of India Context: Location: Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), AhmedabadCollaborators: EDII and NABARD Objective: Key Highlights: Impact: 3. Centre for Startups and FPOs Launched in Madurai Source: TH Location: Madurai, Tamil NaduInitiative: Establishment of a new centre aimed at supporting startups and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in the region. Key Highlights: 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: 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