Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 11 September, 2025

Daily Current Affairs Quiz
11 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:

• Sample Name: Sapphire Canyon sample.
• Location: Bright Angel rock formation in Jezero Crater, believed to be an ancient lake basin formed ~3.5 billion years ago.
• Rock Type: Sedimentary rocks – mudstones and conglomerates.
• Detected Minerals (Potential Biosignatures):
  • Vivianite (iron phosphate).
  • Greigite (iron sulfide).

About Perseverance Rover

• Landed: February 2021.
• Mission Goal: Explore Jezero Crater, collect rock and regolith samples, and seek signs of ancient microbial life.
• Long-Term Plan: Samples may be returned to Earth in future NASA–ESA missions for deeper analysis.

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:

• Three Core Components:
  • Adi Vishwavidyalaya – Digital Tribal Art Academy, aimed at teaching, preserving, and promoting tribal artforms.
  • Adi Sampada – A socio-cultural repository, serving as a digital archive of tribal traditions, folklore, knowledge systems, and heritage.
  • Adi Haat – A digital marketplace for tribal artisans, providing direct online access to consumers and helping expand tribal entrepreneurship.
• Marketplace Integration:
  • Will open digital markets for tribal products, boosting income and reducing middlemen exploitation.
  • Enables global reach for tribal handicrafts, textiles, and art.
• Digital University Vision:
  • Designed to become a first-of-its-kind Digital University globally.
  • Offers knowledge-sharing, training modules, and certification in tribal arts and crafts.

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):

• What it is:
  • A 3-stage, cost-effective launch vehicle designed to deploy small satellites
  • Equipped with three solid propulsion stages and a liquid-based Velocity Trimming Module (VTM) for final orbital adjustments
  • Developed by ISRO
• Objective:
  • Meet growing global demand for small satellite launches
  • Provide low-cost, quick-turnaround, launch-on-demand capability with minimal infrastructure
• Specifications:
  • Size: ~2 meters wide, 34 meters tall (≈11-storey building)
  • Engines & Propulsion:
    • First Stage: Solid fuel
    • Second Stage: Solid fuel
    • Third Stage: Solid fuel
    • VTM: Small liquid-fuel engines (MMH + MON-3) with 16 thrusters for precise orbit placement

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:

• Industry Influence
  • UPF industry has disproportionate control over children’s food environments.
  • Uses financial resources, lobbying, and marketing to resist healthier food policies.
  • Targets schools and communities where regulation is weak.
• Rising Childhood Obesity
  • Low and middle-income countries face the steepest rise in overweight children.
  • UPFs are cheap, widely available, and aggressively marketed in homes, schools, and retail markets.
• Case Studies
  • In Tanzania & Zimbabwe, UPF companies entered schools via public-private partnerships.
  • Built brand loyalty among children and improved corporate image at the cost of health.
• Global Trends
  • Overweight vs. Underweight (2000 vs. 2022):
    • 2000: 13% underweight vs. 11% overweight.
    • 2022: 10% underweight vs. 20% overweight.
  • Being overweight has overtaken underweight as the dominant form of malnutrition in children aged 5–19.

Recommendations by UNICEF

• Robust Safeguards: Protect policy-making from UPF industry interference.
• Conflict-of-Interest Measures: Prevent industry actors from influencing health and nutrition policies.
• Limit Availability & Marketing: Restrict UPFs in schools and children’s environments.
• Promote Healthy Food Environments: Ensure affordable and accessible nutritious foods.

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

• Launched on: 22 June 2024 at Delhi’s IGI Airport.
• Objective: To provide faster, seamless, and secure immigration using biometric authentication at automated e-gates.
• Vision Alignment: Part of ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’ mission for world-class infrastructure.

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

• Commonly called black aspergilli.
• Widely found in soil and plants.
• Industrial and agricultural uses: citric acid production, fermentation, food industry, soil nutrient support.
• Known as “workhorses of biotechnology” due to their versatile applications.

Newly Identified Species

• Aspergillus dhakephalkarii
  • Location: Western Ghats.
  • Features: Rapid growth, brown spores, orange sclerotia.
  • Spores: Smooth and oval-shaped (distinct from spiny spores in other species).
• Aspergillus patriciawiltshireae
  • Location: Western Ghats.
  • Features: Fast-growing, abundant sclerotia, moderate spore production.
  • Spores: Spiny with branching structures splitting into many columns.

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)

• What it is: Premier innovation hub established outside India under the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM).
• Objective:
  • Promote innovation, research, and entrepreneurship among students and young professionals.
  • Strengthen India–UAE collaboration in education, sustainability, and technology-driven solutions.
• Functions:
  • Incubate start-ups and mentor innovators.
  • Provide infrastructure and labs for advanced research.
  • Encourage student exchange, teacher training, and skill-building programs.
  • Serve as a bridge for global knowledge-sharing and innovation networks.

About Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)

• What it is: Flagship initiative by the Government of India to create a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Implementing Agency: NITI Aayog.
• Key Features:
  • Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs):
    • Labs in schools for Classes 6–12 to learn robotics, IoT, 3D printing, electronics.
    • Over 10,000 labs established across India.
  • Atal Incubation Centres (AICs):
    • Business incubators at universities and corporates.
    • Provide mentoring, funding, networking, and infrastructure.
    • 72 AICs supporting 3,500+ start-ups, generating 32,000+ jobs.
  • Entrepreneurial Ecosystem:
    • Focus on sectors like HealthTech, FinTech, AgriTech, EdTech, Food Processing, Drone & Space Tech, AR/VR.
    • Supported over 1,000 women-led start-ups.

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:

• Purpose:
  • To offer an interactive platform for accessing detailed information about Indian banknotes.
  • Enhances public awareness of banknote design, security features, and circulation.
• Features:
  • 360-degree view of banknotes.
  • Multimedia content: videos, audios, animations.
  • Interactive games to educate users about currency.
  • Dedicated section on the exchange of banknotes.
  • Simple and efficient navigation for users of all ages.
• Replacement:
  • Supersedes the earlier microsite paisaboltahai.rbi.org.in with improved user interface and content.

Significance:

• Promotes financial literacy and awareness about currency security features.
• Helps in preventing counterfeiting by educating the public.
• Provides a user-friendly platform for learning about banknotes and their circulation.

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:

• Objective
  • To register more small merchants with Udyam, the government’s official platform for MSME recognition.
  • Formalisation will help merchants become eligible for credit, subsidies, and welfare schemes.
• Role of SIDBI
  • Has already developed an “Assist Platform” to simplify Udyam registration.
  • Works as a facilitator for MSME access to finance and formalisation.
• PhonePe’s Role
  • Will leverage its large merchant base and digital reach to promote Udyam registration.
  • Acts as a digital enabler for small businesses to join the formal economy.

Udyam Registration (MSME Registration in India)

• What: Official online registration for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), replacing Udyog Aadhaar.
• Eligibility: Manufacturing or service MSMEs, classified by investment and turnover:

• Process: Fully digital; requires Aadhaar, PAN, and GSTIN; issues unique Udyam Registration Number.
• Benefits: Access to government schemes, priority sector lending, protection under MSME policies, ease of doing business, export incentives.
• Recent Update: Platforms like Udyam Assist (PhonePe + SIDBI) help informal micro-enterprises formalize digitally.

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:

• Applicability:
  • Applies to Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) who invest only in Indian government bonds under the fully accessible route.
• Relaxed Disclosure Requirements:
  • FPIs under this route need not disclose their investor group details, unlike regular FPIs investing in equity or other debt instruments.
  • Exemptions also cover certain reporting requirements applicable to regular FPIs.

About Fully Accessible Route (FAR)

• Introduced by the RBI in April 2020.
• Permits non-resident investors to invest in specified categories of government securities without restrictions.
• Aimed at attracting global capital flows into India’s bond market.

Role of FPIs:

• FPIs are foreign entities or individuals allowed to invest in Indian securities (equities, corporate debt, or government bonds).
• They bring foreign capital, enhance liquidity, and contribute to market depth.
• Under the FAR, FPIs can invest in government securities with fewer compliance burdens, promoting ease of access and long-term investments.

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:

• Digital Withdrawals: Allows partial withdrawal of provident fund (PF) balances via ATMs or UPI without extensive paperwork.
• Enhanced Pension: The central board may consider raising the minimum monthly pension from ₹1,000 to ₹1,500–2,500, addressing a long-pending demand from trade unions.
• User Convenience: Subscribers can access and manage their PF accounts more like a regular bank account, improving financial flexibility.

Objective:

• To modernize EPFO services and provide instant access to funds while maintaining retirement savings security.
• Boost consumption by enabling PF withdrawals ahead of major festivals or events.

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:

• Nominee Directors Appointment:
  • 2 directors to be nominated by SMBC.
  • 1 director to be nominated by SBI.

What is Articles of Association (AoA)?

• AoA is a legal document that defines the internal rules, powers, and governance structure of a company.
• Purpose:
  1. Specifies how the company is managed and run.
  2. Outlines roles and responsibilities of directors, shareholders, and management.
  3. Regulates decision-making, meetings, and board appointments.
• Relevance to Banks:
  • Any change in board structure, capital, or powers of directors in a private bank requires RBI approval via AoA amendments.

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)

• What it is: A blockchain-based financial system enabling saving, borrowing, investing, and transacting without traditional banks.
• Origin:
  • Rooted in Bitcoin (2009) philosophy of decentralisation and transparency.
  • Expanded with Ethereum (2015) and DAOs (Decentralised Autonomous Organisations).
• Aim:
  • Democratise financial access by removing intermediaries.
  • Offer inclusive, low-cost, borderless financial services.

How it Works?

• Users create crypto wallets (no KYC needed).
• Transactions occur via smart contracts on the blockchain.
• Services include:
  • Decentralised exchanges (DEXs)
  • Lending & borrowing
  • Payments & derivatives
  • Insurance & stablecoins creation
• Governance is managed by token holders in DAOs, not central authorities.

Key Features:

• Disintermediation: Direct peer-to-peer transactions without banks.
• Transparency: Transactions recorded on a public ledger.
• Anonymity: No identity verification required.
• Interoperability: Works across multiple blockchain applications.
• Low-cost & Fast: Avoids interbank or international fees.

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:

• Voluntary Participation: Individuals can opt-in, with or without employer involvement.
• Employer Contributions: Employers can contribute a portion of employees’ salaries, which can be matched by employees.
• Tax Benefits: Contributions may qualify for deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.
• Investment Flexibility: Participants can invest in mutual fund schemes, including lifecycle funds that adjust asset allocation with age.
• Portability: Accounts can be transferred across jobs, ensuring continuity in retirement savings.

Comparison with U.S. 401(k):

• Both are employer-linked, tax-advantaged retirement savings schemes.
• Both aim to encourage long-term retirement planning and supplement existing retirement options.

Significance for India:

• Addresses the challenge of a rapidly aging population, projected to reach 21% of the population by 2050.
• Channels household savings into financial markets, enhancing market depth and long-term stability.
• Promotes a culture of retirement savings among individuals, particularly the working population.

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:

• Minimum Allotment Lot for Privately Placed InvITs
  • Reduced to Rs 25 lakh (earlier Rs 1–25 crore depending on asset mix).
  • Aligns primary market allotment with the secondary market trading lot size.
• Classification of Related Parties
  • Units held by related parties of REIT/InvIT sponsors, investment/project managers not counted as “public” unless they are Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs).
  • Units held by QIB-related parties now counted as public, enhancing transparency.
• Holdco Cash Flow Adjustments
  • Earlier: Holding company had to distribute 100% of SPV cash flows to REIT/InvIT.
  • Now: Holdco can offset its own negative cash flows before distribution, with proper disclosure to unitholders.
• Reporting Timelines Harmonization
  • Quarterly reports to stock exchanges, trustees, and boards, along with valuation reports, are now aligned with financial results timelines.
  • Replaces previous varied schedules.
• Portfolio Manager Disclosure
  • Simplified format for disclosure documents.
  • Must provide Board-specified format along with Form C certificate before client agreement.
  • Ensures clients get essential information for informed investment decisions.
  • A Portfolio Manager is a professional or firm responsible for managing investments on behalf of clients.

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:

• Aggregate produce to achieve economies of scale.
• Increase farmers’ bargaining power in the market.
• Facilitate access to institutional credit, inputs, and technology.
• Promote sustainable farming and better income for members.

Challenges:

• Low equity capital: Only 387 FPOs have paid-up capital exceeding ₹15 lakh.
• Inactive FPOs: Many remain dormant post-registration due to weak governance, inadequate capital, and lack of business avenues.
• Operational issues: Filing returns, conducting AGMs, and maintaining records remain challenging.
• Human resources gap: Shortage of skilled staff for compliance and day-to-day operations.

Opportunities and Recommendations:

• Strengthen FPOs to function as formal institutions.
• Develop mechanisms to ensure organizational stability.
• Encourage farmers to contribute equity capital to fund infrastructure and generate additional income.
• Digital platforms and agri-tech services are enhancing production efficiency, market access, and overall distribution.

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 National junior basketball championships

The Tamil Nadu boys’ and girls’ teams bagged the titles in the 75th National junior basketball in Ludhiana.

3. MCD Launches Integrated Property Tax Module Portal for Factory Owners

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has launched an integrated property tax module portal to simplify and speed up the licensing process for factory owners. The unified single-window application was inaugurated at the Civic Centre by Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh.

4. IARC appoints Abhishek Maheshwari as MD & CEO

International Asset Reconstruction Company has appointed Abhishek Maheshwari as Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer.

5. India Likely to Avoid Legislation on Cryptocurrencies, Prefers Partial Oversight

A recent government document (Sept 2025) indicates that India is unlikely to bring a dedicated law to regulate cryptocurrencies. Instead, the country will maintain partial oversight, given the risks of granting legitimacy to crypto assets and the challenge of regulating decentralised transactions.

6. ICRA Flags Risks from SME Exposure

Credit rating agency ICRA has raised concerns over lenders’ exposure to the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector, highlighting it as a potential risk area for the banking system. At the same time, ICRA noted that bank deposit rates have bottomed out, and further reductions are unlikely if the RBI maintains current policy rates.

7. Bank of Baroda Launches ‘bob Aspire NRE Savings Account’ for Prospective NRIs

Bank of Baroda has introduced the bob Aspire NRE Savings Account, a savings product aimed at Indian citizens planning to move abroad for employment, business, education, or other long-term purposes. The initiative allows prospective Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to open an NRE account from India before departure.