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
71st National Film Awards (2023)
Dadasaheb Phalke Award President’s Address 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) Other Key Awards Category Winner(s) Best Supporting Male Actor Vijayaraghavan (Pookkaalam – Malayalam), M.S. Bhaskar (Parking – Tamil) Best Supporting Female Actor Urvashi (Ullozhukku – Malayalam), Janki Bodiwala (Vash – Gujarati) Best Debut Film Aatmapamphlet (Marathi, Ashish Bende) Best Cinematography The Kerala Story (Prasantanu Mohapatra) Best Screenplay Baby (Telugu, Sai Rajesh Neelam), Parking (Tamil) Best Dialogue Writer Deepak Kingrani (Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai – Hindi) Music Awards Category Winner Best Male Playback Singer P.V.N.S. Rohit (Premisthunna – Baby, Telugu) Best Female Playback Singer Shilpa Rao (Premisthunna – Baby, Telugu) Best Music Direction G.V. Prakash Kumar (Vaathi – Tamil), Harshavardhan Rameshwar (Animal – Hindi) Best Lyrics Karsarla Shyam (Ooru Palleturu – Balagam, Telugu) Child Artistes Language-Specific Best Films Language Film Assamese Rongatapu 1982 Bengali Deep Fridge Tamil Parking Kannada Kandeelu Marathi Shamchi Aai Odia Puskara Punjabi Godday Godday Chaa Telugu Bhagavanth Kesari
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.
Bank of Baroda Launches eRUPI P2P Digital Gifting on bob इ(e) Pay UPI
Source: BL Launch Details: Feature Highlights:
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 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.
