Daily Current Affairs Quiz12 September, 2025 National Affairs 1. Vultures and Pandemic Preparedness in India Source: TH Context: Vultures, once abundant in India (40+ million in the 1980s), have declined by 95% since the 1990s mainly due to diclofenac (a veterinary drug) use. Their disappearance poses ecological and public health risks, linking biodiversity decline to zoonotic disease spillovers. They are part of the Central Asian Flyway (CAF), connecting migratory ecosystems across 30+ countries. About Vultures in India Importance of Vultures for Public Health Read more>> 2. Border Wing Home Guards (BWHG) Source: TH Context: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is considering raising BWHGs along the China border, similar to their deployment on the India-Pakistan border. Aim: Assist ITBP & Army in intelligence gathering, presence, and local engagement. About BWHG 3. Great Nicobar Island Project Source: TH Context: The Government of India has approved the Great Nicobar Island Project, a multi-component development plan aimed at boosting India’s strategic and economic presence in the Indian Ocean Region. Project Overview: Major Components: Read more>>> 4. India Flags Off ‘Samudra Pradakshina’ Source: Indian Expree Context: The Defence Minister of India virtually flagged off Samudra Pradakshina from the Gateway of India, Mumbai. This expedition marks India’s first tri-service all-women circumnavigation sailing mission, demonstrating women empowerment, maritime skill, and strategic outreach. About the Expedition: Key Features: 5. All India Debt and Investment Survey (AIDIS) & Situation Assessment Survey (SAS) of Agricultural Households Source: PIB Context: The National Statistical Office (NSO) under Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) announced that the All India Debt and Investment Survey (AIDIS) and the Situation Assessment Survey (SAS) of Agricultural Households will be conducted between July 2026 and June 2027. These surveys are part of the 81st round of the National Sample Survey (NSS) and aim to provide comprehensive insights into household finances and agricultural livelihoods. All India Debt and Investment Survey (AIDIS): Situation Assessment Survey (SAS) of Agricultural Households: 6. PM to Launch ‘Gyan Bharatam’ Portal Source: TOI Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the International Conference on India’s Manuscript Heritage on Friday and launch the ‘Gyan Bharatam’ portal—a dedicated digital platform for manuscript digitisation, preservation, and public access. Key Highlights: 7. Capacity of Dams Halved Due to Sedimentation: IISER Report Source: ET Context: A study by the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Bhopal has revealed that dams and reservoirs across India have lost nearly 50% of their storage capacity due to heavy sedimentation build-up, significantly reducing their effectiveness in flood control, irrigation, and power generation. Key Highlights of the Study: Implications: Recommended Measures: Banking/Finance 1. Nabfid to Submit Infra Financing Report Source: BS Context: National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (Nabfid) will prepare a report on infrastructure financing challenges. To be submitted to the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance within 15 days. Key Issues Discussed About Nabfid 2. RBI to Allow Lenders to Remotely Lock Phones for Defaulted Loans Source: Mint Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) plans to permit lenders to remotely lock mobile phones purchased on credit if borrowers default, aiming to reduce non-performing assets (NPAs) in small-ticket consumer loans. Key Proposal: What you need to know from exam point of view? This initiative would fall under RBI’s guidelines for secured lending and asset-backed financing, specifically: What are Non-Performing Assets (NPAs)? A Non-Performing Asset (NPA) is a loan or advance where the borrower has stopped making interest or principal repayments for a specified period, indicating the asset is not generating income for the lender. Criteria (as per RBI): Read more>> 3. NABARD to Launch Centralised Digital Lending Platform for RRBs Source: BL Context: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is developing a centralised digital lending platform for Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) to strengthen their competitiveness against non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) and microfinance institutions (MFIs). This initiative is part of a broader strategy following the One State-One RRB policy, which came into effect on May 1, 2025, consolidating 43 RRBs into 28 banks. Key Highlights: Facts To Remember 1. Veteran Congress leader P.P. Thankachan passes away Kerala’s veteran Congress leader and former Speaker P.P. Thankachan, 87, passed away at a hospital in Ernakulam. 2. C.P. Radhakrishnan to take oath as Vice-President today C.P. Radhakrishnan will take the oath of office as Vice-President at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. 3. Pooja ensures third medal for India Olympian Pooja Rani rallied to edge past Poland’s Emilia Koterska 3-2 in a hard-fought quarterfinal bout to move into the women’s 80kg semifinals and secure a third medal for India at the World boxing championships in Liverpool. 4. Govt Likely to Refocus on Marketing, Credit Support in PM Vishwakarma Scheme The PM Vishwakarma Scheme, launched by the Ministry of MSME to formalise and support traditional artisans and craftspeople, has already enrolled 3 million beneficiaries, surpassing its target three years ahead of FY28. The government is now shifting focus to the marketing and credit support components for the scheme’s next phase. 5. Public Sector Banks Manthan Summit 2025 Public Sector Banks (PSBs) will hold a two-day Manthan Summit from September 12, 2025, focusing on strategies to transform into globally competitive institutions aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. 6. RBI Governor to hold open house for staff to boost functioning Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra has introduced an open house for current and retired employees on improving the central bank’s functioning.