Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) recently revised compliance rules for the Social Stock Exchange (SSE), drawing attention to the growing role and constraints of social impact auditors professionals who verify the real-world impact of social enterprises. Key Updates: Social Auditors & Challenges: Social Stock Exchange (SSE):
Qatar Enables UPI Payments, Qatar Duty Free Becomes First Merchant
Source: TH Context: NPCI International Payments Ltd. (NIPL), in collaboration with Qatar National Bank (QNB), has launched UPI acceptance in Qatar. The initiative will make transactions easier for Indian travelers visiting Qatar, especially at tourist attractions and shopping outlets. Key Highlights: Aspect Details Partnership NIPL (subsidiary of NPCI) with Qatar National Bank (QNB) Technology Provider NETSTARS’ payment solution powers the integration Coverage UPI-enabled QR code payments accepted across Qatar via QNB-acquired merchants First Merchant Qatar Duty Free outlets Benefit Indian tourists can make instant, secure, and seamless payments via UPI at major tourist locations
RBI Issues Directions for Digital Payment Transaction Authentication Mechanism
Source: BS Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued new guidelines mandating two-factor authentication (2FA) for all digital payment transactions in India, effective April 1, 2026, to enhance transaction security and reduce fraud. Key Highlights:
GST Appellate Tribunal (GSTAT) Launched
Context: GSTAT is a statutory appellate body under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) laws, designed to provide taxpayers with a specialized, independent forum for appeal and dispute resolution. The launch marks a key milestone in the evolution of India’s GST regime and strengthens the institutional framework for indirect tax dispute resolution. Key Features: Aspect Details Objectives – Provide a nationwide, specialized forum for GST disputes– Ensure jargon-free, transparent, and time-bound appellate decisions– Facilitate digital-by-default filings and virtual hearings– Reduce legal friction, enhance cash flows for MSMEs and exporters, and instill trust in the tax system– Uphold the principle of ‘One Nation, One Forum for Fairness and Certainty’ Structure & Composition Principal Bench: New DelhiState Benches: 31 Benches across 45 locations in India Members per Bench – 2 Judicial Members– 1 Technical Member (Centre)– 1 Technical Member (State) Purpose of Composition Designed to balance judicial expertise and technical knowledge from both Central and State administrations
World Food India (WFI) 2025
Source: PIB Context: In line with this vision, MoFPI launched World Food India (WFI), its flagship international event designed to showcase India’s rich food culture and attract global investment in 2017. Two more editions were held in 2023 and 2024, and the 4theditionis set to be held from 25thto 28thSeptember 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. About WFI 2025: Aim: Key Features:
India Successfully Test-Fires Agni-Prime Missile from Rail-Based Launcher
Source: TOI Context: India successfully conducted its first-ever test of the Agni-Prime intermediate-range ballistic missile from a rail-based mobile launcher on 24 September 2025. Strategic Significance Operational Context
India’s Forest Cover Expanded by 2.5% in a Decade
Source: BS Context: The Government of India has released its first-ever dedicated publication on forest accounting, highlighting trends in forest cover and condition between 2010-11 and 2021-22. The study, conducted by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), follows the UN System of Environmental Economic Accounts (SEEA) Framework (2018). Key Findings: Category 2010-11 / 2001-02 2021-22 / 2024 Change Remarks Total Forest Area (sq km) 697,898 715,342 +17,444 (+2.5%) Net addition over 10 years due to afforestation, reforestation, conservation Very Dense Forests (VDF, >70% canopy) 83,502 102,502 +19,000 (+22.7%) Indicates improved forest quality and successful conservation Moderately Dense Forests (MDF, 40–70% canopy) 318,745 307,673 −11,071 Decline in medium-density forests Open Forests (OF, 10–40% canopy) 295,651 305,167 +3.2% Driven by plantations, natural regeneration, afforestation on degraded lands State-wise Forest Area Growth (sq km) Net Increase Kerala +4,137 Karnataka +3,122 Tamil Nadu +2,606 Madhya Pradesh & Maharashtra Significant contribution to national growth Forest Loss & Environmental Impact Value Primary forest loss (2024) 18,200 ha (up from 17,700 ha in 2023) Tree cover loss (2001–2024) 2.31 million ha → 1.29 Gt CO₂ emissions Humid primary forest loss (2002–2024) 3,48,000 ha (15% of total tree cover loss) Forest Encroachment Area (sq km) Total area under encroachment 13,056 Madhya Pradesh 5,460.9 Assam 3,620.9 Karnataka 863.08 Maharashtra 575.54 Tamil Nadu 157.68 Encroachment removed 409.77
DRDO–SFC Successfully Test-Fire Agni-Prime Missile from Rail-Based Mobile Launcher
Source: TH Context: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) conducted a successful test of the Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) Agni-Prime under full operational conditions. Key Highlights:
India’s First Overseas Defence Manufacturing Facility in Morocco
Source: News On Air Context: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh began his maiden visit to Morocco by inaugurating India’s first overseas defence manufacturing facility in Berrechid, marking a milestone in India–Morocco defence ties. The facility, established by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), reflects India’s strategic push to expand its global defence manufacturing footprint. About the Facility: Aim: Key Features:
Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 24 September, 2025
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
