Source: Mint Context: Indian banks are now more cautious about deposit accounts than loans, driven by the rising misuse of dormant accounts as mule accounts in digital fraud. These accounts, typically inactive, are exploited for low-value, high-volume transactions, often linked to money laundering and cybercrime. What are Mule Accounts? How Fraud is Done: RBI’s rules and guidelines to curb digital fraud:
SEBI Plans Further Relaxations for Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs)
Source: BS Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is planning additional relaxations to simplify the registration process for Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs), including a common know-your-client (KYC) framework and wider adoption of India Digital Signature. These moves build on recent measures aimed at making India a more attractive investment destination. Key Highlights:
Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) 2025
Context: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) approved the Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) 2025, replacing the 2009 manual. To accelerate revenue procurement for the Armed Forces and promote Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence manufacturing. Annual revenue procurement under this manual is worth ~₹1 lakh crore. About DPM 2025: Aims:
Exotic Eustoma Blooms in Odisha
Source: TH Context: Scientists at CSIR–National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) have successfully cultivated Eustoma (Lisianthus) for the first time in Odisha, in a polyhouse at Sanatanpali, Sambalpur district. Previously, Eustoma flowers were mostly imported from countries like the Netherlands and Kenya for premium events, weddings, and luxury décor. About Eustoma (Lisianthus): Key Features: Uses:
Manki-Munda System
Source: IE Context: In Kolhan region of Jharkhand, members of the Ho tribal community protested following the removal of certain Mundas, alleging government interference in their traditional Manki-Munda system of self-governance. The protests underline the sensitivity of tribal autonomy and customary governance structures in India. About Manki-Munda System:
Centre to Launch ‘Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan’ & 8th Poshan Maah
Source: TH Context: The Central Government will launch the ‘Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan’ (Healthy Woman, Strong Family Campaign) on 17th September 2025, alongside the 8th Poshan Maah (Nutrition Month). The initiative will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Key Highlights:
Purple Fest 2025
Source: PIB Context: The Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC), in collaboration with Amity University, Noida, organized Purple Fest 2025, a national-level festival focused on the empowerment and inclusion of persons with disabilities (Divyangjan). Key Highlights:
PM Modi Inaugurates India’s First Bamboo-Based Ethanol Plant in Assam
Source: TH Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the country’s first bamboo-based bioethanol plant in Golaghat, Assam, and laid the foundation stone for a ₹7,230-crore polypropylene plant at the Numaligarh Refinery. The initiative is part of India’s broader push for energy self-sufficiency, clean energy, and rural development. What is a Bamboo-Based Bioethanol Plant? A bamboo-based bioethanol plant is an industrial facility that converts bamboo into ethanol, a type of biofuel that can be blended with petrol or used as a renewable energy source. Process: Applications of Ethanol Produced:
2nd National Conference of Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) Heads
Source: PIB Context: Union Home Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate the 2nd National Conference of Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) Heads of States and Union Territories in New Delhi on September 16–17, 2025. Key Highlights:
Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 13 September, 2025
Daily Current Affairs Quiz13 September, 2025 National Affairs 1. PM Launches Gyan Bharatam Portal Source: PIB Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the International Conference on Gyan Bharatam on the theme “Reclaiming India’s Knowledge Legacy Through Manuscript Heritage”. He stressed the importance of preserving India’s manuscript heritage and preventing intellectual piracy, as much of India’s traditional knowledge has historically been copied and patented abroad. Gyan Bharatam Portal India’s Manuscript Heritage 2. PSB Manthan 2025 Source: IE Context: At the PSB Manthan 2025 conclave (two-day event), the government set a long-term vision to make at least two public sector banks (PSBs) enter the world’s top 20 by 2047, aligning with the Viksit Bharat 2047 roadmap. Global Positioning of Indian Banks Focus Areas of PSB Manthan 2025 Banking/Finance 1. SEBI Approves Key Reforms in Public Issues, FPIs, and Mutual Funds Source: ET Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), under Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey, has introduced a set of reforms across IPO norms, foreign portfolio investors (FPIs), real estate investment trusts (REITs), and mutual funds. The aim is to deepen capital markets, boost primary issuance, and ease compliance. IPO and Market Capitalisation Norms Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) REITs and InvITs Mutual Funds Related Party Transactions (RPTs) Other Announcements 2. SEBI Stresses Transparency on Family Settlements Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) clarified before the Bombay High Court that: Deeds of Family Settlement (DFS) Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements (LODR) SEBI’s Stand on DFS Disclosure In short: 3. SEBI Eases FPI Entry with Automatic Registration Window Source: The Economic Times Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has approved the introduction of an ‘automatic window’ to simplify the registration process for Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs). The move aims to boost capital inflows into India by reducing procedural hurdles and enhancing ease of doing business. Key Highlights: Agriculture 1. FPOs Critical to Agtech Adoption in Rural India Source: BL Context: Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) are increasingly being recognised as vital platforms to accelerate the adoption of agricultural technologies (agtech) among small and marginal farmers in rural India. By consolidating farmers, FPOs help address key structural and financial challenges, enabling technology-driven productivity improvements. Key Highlights: Challenges: 2. AI-Powered Monsoon Forecasts Transform Kharif Farming in India Source: PIB Context: Millions of Indian farmers depend on rainfall for Kharif crops, which form the backbone of their income and livelihood. Accurate and timely monsoon forecasts are crucial for decisions on crop selection, sowing schedules, irrigation, and risk management. In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoAFW) has harnessed artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver advanced, farmer-centric monsoon forecasts across India. Key Highlights: Significance and Impact: Facts To Remember 1. Karki is Nepal’s first woman PM Nepal President Ram Chandra Poudel appointed former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as the country’s new Prime Minister and dissolved Parliament, as days of political turmoil showed signs of abating in the Himalayan nation. 2. C.P. Radhakrishnan takes oath as 15th Vice-President of India Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan was sworn in as the 15th Vice-President of India. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in the presence of several dignitaries. 3. Jagdeep Chhokar, co-founder of ADR, passes away at 81 Jagdeep S. Chhokar, co-founder of the non-governmental organisation Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), passed away in Delhi. He was 81. 4. Navy’s latest base INS Aravali commissioned in Gurugram The Indian Navy commissioned its latest Naval Base, INS Aravali, at Gurugram on Friday, marking a major boost to its information and communication infrastructure. 5. Kerala capital to host two-day blue economy conclave Representatives from 29 European countries are expected to attend a two-day blue economy conclave in the State capital on September 18 and 19, Minister for Fisheries Saji Cherian has said. 6. Albania PM appoints AI-generated ‘minister’ to tackle corruption Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama on Friday tapped an Artificial Intelligence-generated ‘minister’ for his cabinet to take on corruption. 7. Mehuli Ghosh places 23rd in rifle 3-position event Mehuli Ghosh shot 583 and placed 23rd in the 50-metre rifle 3-position event in the World Cup in Ningbo, China.