Daily Current Affairs Quiz11 September, 2025 International Affairs 1. NASA Rover Finds Potential Sign of Ancient Life in Martian Rocks Context: On 10 September 2025, scientists reported that a rock sample collected by NASA’s Perseverance rover from Mars’ Jezero Crater shows potential signs of ancient microbial life, though non-biological processes cannot be ruled out. The findings were published in Nature journal. Key Highlights: About Perseverance Rover National Affairs 1. Adi Sanskriti” Digital Platform Source: TH Context: On 10 September 2025, the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs launched the beta version of “Adi Sanskriti”, a digital platform designed to preserve, promote, and commercialize tribal artforms and heritage. Officials highlighted that it is envisioned to evolve into the world’s first Digital University dedicated to tribal culture and knowledge. Key Features of Adi Sanskriti: 2. Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) Source: TH Context: On 10 September 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) signed a formal agreement with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) to transfer technology for the production of Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLVs). The deal marks a major milestone in industry participation in India’s space sector. About Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV): 3. Unicef Report: “Feeding Profit: How Food Environments Are Failing Children” Source: ET Context: Unicef released its report “Feeding Profit: How Food Environments Are Failing Children”, highlighting the role of the ultra-processed food (UPF) and beverage industry in worsening childhood obesity and unhealthy diets. Key Highlights of the Report: Recommendations by UNICEF 4. Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Program (FTI–TTP) Source: ET Context: On 12 September 2025, Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the FTI–TTP facility at Lucknow, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Tiruchirappalli, and Amritsar international airports through videoconferencing. About FTI–TTP 5. New Fungal Species Discovered in the Western Ghats Context: Indian scientists from MACS–Agharkar Research Institute (Pune), under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), have discovered two new species of Aspergillus section Nigri in the Western Ghats, along with the first reports of two other species in India. About Aspergillus Section Nigri Newly Identified Species 6. India’s First Overseas Atal Innovation Centre Inaugurated Source: PIB Context: The Union Education Minister of India inaugurated India’s first overseas Atal Innovation Centre at the IIT Delhi–Abu Dhabi campus during his UAE visit in September 2025. About the Atal Innovation Centre (Overseas) About Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) Banking/Finance 1. RBI Launches New Microsite for Banknote Information Source: RBI Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched a dedicated microsite for banknotes: indiancurrency.rbi.org.in. The platform is designed to provide the public with comprehensive information on Indian banknotes, replacing the earlier microsite paisaboltahai.rbi.org.in. Key Highlights: Significance: 2. PhonePe Partners with MSME Ministry & SIDBI to Boost Udyam Registrations Source: TH Context: Digital payments platform PhonePe has announced a partnership with the Ministry of MSMEs and the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) to help onboard more small merchants onto the Udyam registration facility. This move aims to increase formalisation of MSMEs, enabling them to access credit and government schemes. Key Highlights: Udyam Registration (MSME Registration in India) 3. SEBI Eases Rules for Foreign Investors in Government Bonds Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) announced that its revised regulations for foreign investors investing exclusively in Indian government securities will come into effect from 8 February 2026. The rules were initially approved at SEBI’s board meeting in June 2025. Key Highlights: About Fully Accessible Route (FAR) Role of FPIs: 4. EPFO 3.0 Initiative Context: The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is expected to deliberate on the EPFO 3.0 initiative at its Central Board of Trustees (CBT) meeting scheduled for October 10–11, 2025. The meeting will be chaired by Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. Key Highlights: What is EPFO 3.0: EPFO 3.0 is a proposed upgrade to the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation’s digital ecosystem aimed at enabling seamless, bank-like services for subscribers. Key Features: Objective: 5. RBI Approves Yes Bank Board Changes for SMBC Nominee Directors Source: BL Context: Yes Bank announced that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved proposed changes in the Articles of Association (AoA) to facilitate the appointment of nominee directors on its board. This follows the planned stake acquisition by Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) and involvement of SBI. Key Highlights: What is Articles of Association (AoA)? 6. Decentralised Finance (DeFi) Context: The DeFi boom has raised national security concerns, with experts warning about potential misuse for terror financing and money laundering. About Decentralised Finance (DeFi) How it Works? Key Features: 7. Mutual Fund–Voluntary Retirement Account (MF-VRA) Scheme Source: ET Context: The Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) has proposed the Mutual Fund–Voluntary Retirement Account (MF-VRA), a retirement savings scheme inspired by the U.S. 401(k) plan, to boost long-term retirement planning in India. Key Highlights: Comparison with U.S. 401(k): Significance for India: 8. Sebi Eases Rules for Privately Placed InvITs, REITs, and Portfolio Managers Source: BS Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has notified a set of amendments to simplify regulations for Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs), Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), and portfolio managers, aiming to improve ease of doing business and align primary and secondary market norms. Key Highlights: Agriculture 1. FPO Ecosystem in India Source: BL Context: Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) have matured into key institutions empowering Indian farmers by aggregating volumes and enhancing bargaining power. Digital technologies and agri-tech startups have improved efficiencies in production, distribution, and services over the last two decades. Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) An FPO is a collective of farmers mainly small and marginal who pool their resources (land, produce, labour) to improve bargaining power, access inputs, and market their produce efficiently. FPOs are registered as producer companies under the Companies Act, or sometimes as cooperatives. Objectives: Challenges: Opportunities and Recommendations: Facts To Remember 1. India’s Nupur, Jaismine assured of medals Paris Olympian Jaismine Lamboria (57kg) and Nupur Sheoran (80+kg) booked berths in the semifinals to ensure medals for India at the World boxing championships in Liverpool. 2. Double delight for Tamil Nadu in