Daily Current Affairs Quiz
27 September, 2025
National Affairs
1. Ek Din Ek Ghanta Ek Saath
Source: PIB
Context:
As part of the Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2025 campaign (17 Sept. – 2 Oct.), Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi called citizens to participate in Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath, a one-hour nationwide voluntary cleanliness drive at 8:00 AM.
Led by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) and the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation (DDWS), MoJS.
Aim:
- Reinforce jan andolan (people’s movement) for cleanliness.
- Eliminate garbage-prone areas, maintain cleaner public spaces, and promote sustainable, plastic-free practices.
Features:
- Mass Participation: Over 5 crore citizens, including local bodies, NGOs, SHGs, students, and officials.
- Target-Oriented: Focused on 7 lakh Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs) and 3 lakh public areas.
- Inclusivity: Engagement of political leaders, gram panchayats, and diverse communities.
- Sustainability Focus: Promotion of zero-waste festivals, eco-friendly decorations, and plastic reduction initiatives.
2. Ministry of Ayush Launches “Prayas” Integrated Neuro-Rehabilitation Centre at AIIA Goa
Source: PIB
Context:
The Ministry of Ayush launched “Prayas”, India’s first integrated Neuro-Rehabilitation Centre at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), Goa.
About Prayas:
- Type: Multi-disciplinary, integrated neuro-rehabilitation centre.
- Host Institution: AIIA, Goa
- Launch By: Ministry of Ayush
- Unique Feature: Combines Ayurveda, Yoga, Physiotherapy, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and modern Paediatrics under a single roof.
Aim and Function:
- Focus: Paediatric neuro-rehabilitation for children with neurological and developmental conditions.
- Objectives:
- Deliver holistic, patient-centric care.
- Combine traditional knowledge with modern rehabilitation sciences.
- Develop evidence-based solutions for neuro care.
- Act as a research and training hub for Ayush-based innovations.
- Support families through comprehensive multidisciplinary therapies.
3. The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 (FCRA)
Source: IE
Context:
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) cancelled the FCRA license of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s NGO following a violent protest in Leh, citing that his statements “incited” unrest.
About FCRA:
- The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 (FCRA) regulates the acceptance and utilisation of foreign donations by individuals and NGOs in India.
- Historical Context: Initially enacted in 1976 to prevent foreign interference in domestic affairs.
- Objective: Ensure foreign funds are used for intended purposes and that recipients uphold democratic values.
- Governing Body: Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Key Features:
- Mandatory Registration: NGOs must register and obtain a 5-year license; renewal is required within six months of expiry.
- Banking Mandate: Foreign contributions must be received only in a designated SBI account, New Delhi.
- Prohibition on Transfer: NGOs cannot transfer foreign funds to unregistered entities.
- Barred Recipients: Certain categories cannot receive foreign funds, including:
- Election candidates
- Journalists/media companies
- Judges, government servants, and legislators
- Political parties and political organisations
- Exemption for Relatives (2022 Update): Contributions from relatives abroad up to ₹10 lakh need not be notified, penalty applies only for non-intimation.
- Cancellation Grounds: MHA can cancel registration for violations such as false statements, non-activity for two years, fund misutilisation, or “public interest” reasons.
4. Sabki Yojana, Sabka Vikas
Source: News on Air
Context:
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) will launch the People’s Plan Campaign (PPC) “Sabki Yojana, Sabka Vikas” from 2nd October 2025 to kickstart the preparation of Panchayat Development Plans (PDPs) for FY 2026–27.
Objective:
- Strengthen participatory, transparent, and accountable local governance.
- Improve service delivery and development outcomes in rural areas.
- Make Gram Sabhas decisive forums for inclusive planning and decision-making.
Key Features:
- Participatory Planning: Local communities actively involved in planning and prioritisation of development projects.
- Tribal Empowerment Focus: Special emphasis under Adi Karmayogi Abhiyaan to ensure tribal inclusion in decision-making.
- Alignment with National Goals: PDPs to reflect broader national development objectives while addressing local needs.
- Enhanced Accountability: Promotes transparency and monitoring of resource utilisation at the Panchayat level.
Banking/Finance
1. RBI Stops Dollar Purchases in July 2025 Amid Rupee Depreciation
Context:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) refrained from purchasing US dollars in July 2025, marking the first zero-dollar purchase month since February 2014. Instead, the central bank sold dollars to stabilise the rupee.
Key Highlights:
- Rupee Depreciation:
- The rupee fell 2.23% in July 2025, its sharpest monthly fall of the year.
- Earlier declines: May (1.21%), January (1.16%), February (1.02%).
- RBI’s Intervention:
- No dollar purchases in July, instead, RBI sold $2.54 billion in the spot forex market.
- Shift from reserve accumulation to active currency stabilisation.
- Forex Reserves Impact:
- Reserves fell by $10.87 billion, from $6,99,736 million (July 4) to $6,88,871 million (August 1).
- Decline also influenced by fluctuations in Euro, Pound, and Yen values.
- External Pressures:
- US imposed 50% tariff on Indian goods (effective August 27, 2025).
- Geopolitical tensions (Russia-Ukraine, Israel-Iran).
- Foreign investor outflows added stress on the rupee.
Reason for Refraining from Dollar Purchases
| Reason | Details |
|---|---|
| Stabilise the Rupee | Rupee depreciated 2.23% in July 2025; RBI sold $2.54 billion to curb volatility. |
| Policy Priority Shift | RBI prioritized currency stability over reserve accumulation to prevent inflation, investor panic, and rising import costs. |
| External Pressures | US tariffs, foreign capital outflows, and geopolitical tensions contributed to rupee depreciation, RBI’s dollar sales eased market panic. |
Impact
| Impact | Details |
|---|---|
| Rupee Stability | Reduces short-term volatility and restores market confidence. |
| Forex Reserves Dip | Reserves fell by $10.87B, continued interventions could weaken buffers. |
| Imported Inflation | Helps limit costlier imports, especially crude oil. |
| Trade Competitiveness | Moderate depreciation supports exporters while avoiding extreme volatility. |
| Market Sentiment | Signals RBI’s proactive stance, reassuring investors and curbing panic outflows. |
2. Weakness of Rupee
Context:
Right through September, every passing week, the Indian rupee (INR) has been hitting all-time lows in its exchange value with the US dollar (USD). On September 23, the lowest level of 88.6 rupees to a US dollar was recorded.
- INR has depreciated over 3% since Jan 2025, sharper than many emerging markets.
- Against Other Majors: Weakened versus euro and pound, indicating broad-based depreciation.
Causes of INR Weakness
| Cause | Details / Explanation |
|---|---|
| Trade Imbalance | – Exports stagnant due to global protectionism. – High imports of oil (~85% dollar-priced), electronics, fertilizers → worsens current account deficit (CAD). |
| Investment Slowdown | – Weak corporate earnings and global uncertainty → FPI and FDI inflows sluggish or negative. – Example: Net FPI outflows of $1.5 bn recently, reducing dollar supply. |
| Relative Currency Demand | – Higher global demand for USD over INR, especially amid global financial tightening. |
| Growth Concerns | – Subdued GDP growth (~6.1% in Q1 FY26) lowers investor confidence. |
| Global Financial Tightening | – Attractive US asset returns pull capital out of India. |
3. Bank of Baroda Gains Approval for Bullion Exchange Operations at GIFT City
Source: TH
Context:
Bank of Baroda has been authorised by the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) to operate as a Trading-Cum-Clearing Member (TCM) on the India International Bullion Exchange IFSC Limited (IIBX) at GIFT City.
Bullion Exchange
A Bullion Exchange is a marketplace where precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum, and other metals are traded in standardized forms. These exchanges facilitate buying, selling, and price discovery for bullion, usually in the form of bars, coins, or certificates.
Key Features of a Bullion Exchange:
- Standardization: Metals are traded in specified weights and purity levels.
- Price Discovery: Transparent pricing based on demand-supply dynamics.
- Trading Types: Can include spot trading (immediate delivery) and futures trading (contracts for future delivery).
- Participants: Banks, financial institutions, bullion dealers, exporters/importers, and sometimes retail investors.
- Regulation: Exchanges are usually regulated by a financial authority, ensuring fairness and transparency.
4. RBI Survey on International Trade in Banking Services (ITBS) 2024–25
Source: RBI Annual Survey (2025)
Context:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released its annual Survey on International Trade in Banking Services (ITBS) for 2024–25, highlighting the performance of Indian banks’ overseas operations and foreign banks in India.
Key Highlights:
| Category | Indian Banks Abroad | Foreign Banks in India |
|---|---|---|
| Branch / Employee Growth | – Overseas branches ↑ 1.9% – Employee strength ↑ 6.1% | — |
| Consolidated Balance Sheet Growth | – Branches ↑ 9.1% – Subsidiaries ↑ 4.2% | ↑ 17.5% |
| Credit Growth | Lending ↑ 5.6% | ↑ 8.4% |
| Deposit Growth | Deposit mobilisation ↑ 9.4% | ↓ 6.8% (vs. 16.4% last year) |
| Income & Profitability | – Overseas branches: • Interest income ↑ 8% (vs. 72% last year) • Interest expenses ↑ 9% (vs. 87.5% last year) • Income-to-assets ratio ↓ 5.9% – Subsidiaries: • Income-to-assets ratio ↑ 7.4% | – Subsidiaries: Income-to-assets ratio ↓ 7.1% |
| Fee Income Trends | ↑ 4.3% | ↑ 9.4% |
| Main Fee Income Drivers | Credit-related services, trading, payments, trade finance | Same (credit-related, trading, payments, trade finance) |
Top Locations for Indian Banks’ Fee Income (2024–25):
- Hong Kong (new leader)
- UAE
- Singapore
- UK (declined sharply)
Significance
- Reflects global policy shifts and slowing interest income after last year’s high growth.
- Indicates strong deposit mobilisation abroad but weakening domestic deposit growth of foreign banks.
- Shows shifting global hubs, with Hong Kong overtaking the UK as the key fee-generating centre.
5. NPCI International & QNB Enable UPI Payments for Indian Travellers in Qatar
Source: BS
Context:
In September 2025, NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), a wholly owned subsidiary of NPCI, in partnership with Qatar National Bank (QNB), launched QR-based Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services for Indian travelers in Qatar.
Key Highlights:
- First Merchant: Qatar Duty Free, Hamad International Airport, Doha.
- UPI Integration: Qatar becomes the 8th country to adopt UPI, after Bhutan, France, Mauritius, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and UAE.
- Payment Conversion: Transactions settle instantly, converting INR to QAR at prevailing forex rates.
- Payment Solution Provider: NETSTARS, a Japanese Payment Aggregator (PA).
6. RBI Renews Statement of Commitment to FX Global Code
Source: BS
Context:
In September 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reaffirmed its commitment to global best practices in the foreign exchange (FX) market by renewing its Statement of Commitment (SoC) to the FX Global Code.
The Foreign Exchange (FX) Market, also called the Forex Market, is a global marketplace for buying, selling, and exchanging currencies. It is the largest and most liquid financial market in the world.
Key Highlights:
- Purpose: Ensures that RBI conducts its FX market operations in line with internationally recognised principles of good practice.
- Role: RBI acts as a Market Participant under the Code.
- First Published: The FX Global Code was first published in 2017.
- Review: Reviewed twice by the Global Foreign Exchange Committee (GFXC) – first in July 2021 and later in December 2024.
About FX Global Code:
- Objective: Sets global principles of good conduct to promote the integrity and effective functioning of the wholesale FX market.
- Background: Developed through a strategic partnership between central banks and market participants worldwide.
- Significance: Reinforces RBI’s adherence to transparency, fairness, and market integrity in FX operations.
7. SEBI Raises Custodian Net Worth Requirement to ₹75 Crore
Source: ET
Context:
In September 2025, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) increased the minimum net worth requirement for custodians from ₹50 crore to ₹75 crore to strengthen risk management systems.
Key Highlights:
- Regulatory Amendment: Through the SEBI (Custodian) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025, modifying the SEBI (Custodian) Regulations, 1996.
- Separate Capital Requirement: New capital adequacy must be maintained separately from other business funds. This means that custodians must keep the funds required to meet SEBI’s new minimum net worth (Rs 75 crore) distinct from any other business or operational funds.
- Custodian: In the financial markets, a custodian is a specialized financial institution that safeguards and manages financial assets on behalf of clients, such as mutual funds, banks, corporations, or individual investors.
Custodian Responsibilities:
- Maintain strong governance structures.
- Implement robust risk management policies.
- Develop scalable infrastructure and adequate technical capacity.
- Prevent financial loss due to theft, fraud, or professional misconduct.
- Avoid exaggerated claims regarding services or achievements.
8. Societe Generale expands in India with the launch of the GIFT City branch
Source: BL
Context:
Paris-based Societe Generale has launched a new IFSC Banking Unit (IBU) at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), Gujarat, to enhance its financial services for Indian clients.
About the Societe Generale IBU:
- Purpose: Strengthen the bank’s ability to deliver innovative and tailored structured finance solutions.
- Leadership: Headed by Mihir Baxi, who will also continue as Director, Corporate Coverage, Societe Generale India.
- Focus Sectors: Investment-intensive sectors including:
- Renewable energy
- Roads and transportation infrastructure
- Transmission infrastructure
- Data centres
- Technology and telecommunications
About GIFT City:
- Location & Purpose: India’s first operational International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat; aims to be a global financial hub.
- Regulatory Authority: Governed by International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) with liberalized rules for cross-border financial transactions.
- Core Activities: Banking, insurance, capital markets (stocks, bonds, derivatives), fund management, forex, and bullion trading.
- Infrastructure & Incentives: High-tech offices, smart city facilities, tax benefits, and world-class financial ecosystem.
9. Kerala Bank Signs MoU with KSUM to Launch FinTech Innovation Zone
Context:
Kerala Bank, in collaboration with the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), has launched a FinTech Innovation Zone to promote digital innovation in cooperative banking. The initiative was inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan during an IT Conclave organized by Kerala Bank.
Key Highlights:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| FinTech Innovation Hub | A 1,000 sq. ft. hub to be set up at Kerala Bank’s IT Department, Kakkanad (Kochi). |
| Startup Support | Cohort-based FinTech Accelerator programmes to identify and nurture promising startups. |
| Co-Creation | Development of digital banking solutions tailored for Kerala Bank and cooperative banking sector. |
| Role of KSUM | Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) will handle: – Setting up the hub – Designing accelerator programmes – Incubation and technical advisory – Investor relations – Access to funding schemes (innovation grants, seed loans) |
10. Nidhi Aapke Nikat
Source: Mint
Context:
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) will organise its monthly outreach initiative, Nidhi Aapke Nikat, on 29 September 2025 across multiple districts in India. The programme aims to provide pensioners and stakeholders with doorstep services and grievance redressal.
Objective:
- Facilitate submission of Digital Life Certificates (DLCs) for pensioners.
- Provide on-the-spot assistance and grievance resolution for employees, employers, and pensioners.
- Spread awareness about EPFO schemes and services.
Key Details:
- Camps are usually held on the 27th of every month; if the date falls on a holiday, the programme is shifted to the next working day.
- Helpdesks and service kiosks will be set up in multiple locations across districts, including Jaipur, Tonk, Dausa, Jhunjhunu, Ajmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Kota, and several others in Rajasthan.
11. RBI Issues Revised Directions for Settlement of Deceased Customers’ Accounts and Lockers
Source: BL
Context:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued the “Settlement of Claims in respect of Deceased Customers of Banks) Directions, 2025”, aiming to streamline and standardise procedures for settling claims on deceased customers’ bank accounts and safe deposit lockers.
Key Highlights:
Settlement Timeline:
- Claims must be settled within 15 calendar days of receiving all required documents.
- For safe deposit lockers and articles in safe custody, banks must process claims within 15 days and coordinate inventory with claimants.
Simplified Procedure for Small Deposits:
- Applicable when accounts lack a nominee or survivorship clause.
- Threshold limits:
- Co-operative banks: Rs 5 lakh
- Other banks: Rs 15 lakh (banks may set higher limits)
- Claims above threshold may require additional documents such as a succession certificate or legal heir certificate.
Standardised Documentation:
- Uniform documentation requirements to reduce divergence in banks’ practices.
- Payment to a nominee or survivor in accounts with nominations/survivorship clause is considered valid discharge of liability.
Compensation for Delay:
- If settlement is delayed due to the bank:
- Deposit accounts: Interest at Bank Rate + 4% per annum on the due settlement amount.
- Lockers/articles in safe custody: Rs 5,000 per day of delay.
- Banks must communicate reasons for delays to claimants.
Agriculture
1. Soilification Technology
Source: TH
Context:
Researchers at the Central University of Rajasthan (CUoR) successfully cultivated wheat in Ajmer’s desert land using an innovative biotechnology method called ‘soilification’, demonstrating a breakthrough in combating desertification and enhancing arid agriculture.
About Soilification Technology:
- A biotechnological approach that transforms loose desert sand into soil-like medium suitable for farming.
- Mechanism:
- Polymers: Cross-link sand particles to create structured soil.
- Bioformulations: Boost microbial activity, improving nutrient cycling and soil health.
- Water Retention: Reduces irrigation needs by binding sand particles.
- Stress Resistance: Strengthens crops against heat and arid conditions.
- Crops Tested: Wheat, bajra, guar gum, and chickpea.
Key Features:
- Reduced irrigation cycles (3–4 vs 5–6 in conventional desert farming).
- High yield: Wheat seed-to-harvest ratio of 1:20, double that of untreated desert soil.
- Low-cost and eco-friendly, converting barren desert into cultivable land.
Significance:
- Desertification Control: Mitigates Thar desert expansion toward NCR.
- Water Security: Optimizes groundwater usage in arid regions.
- Food Security: Enables cultivation of staple crops in desert areas.
Facts To Remember
1. Jonathan, a cut above the rest in air pistol
Jonathan Antony came up with a startling performance to outclass the field as he beat Luca Arrighi of Italy with a 8.5 point margin for the air pistol gold in the Junior World Cup at the Dr. Karni Singh Range, Tughlakabad.
2. MiG-21 Fighter Jets
On September 26, 2025, the Indian Air Force (IAF) formally decommissioned its last MiG-21 squadron at the Chandigarh Air Force Station. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the MiG-21 as a symbol of India-Russia defence cooperation and a machine that shaped India’s military aviation history.
3. Himachal Pradesh’s Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve Joins UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves
The Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in Himachal Pradesh has been inducted into the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves. The announcement was made at the World Congress of Biosphere Reserves in Hangzhou, China, underscoring the region’s value as a model for sustainable development.
4. Book Launch: MoS Dr. L Murugan Releases “Same Heart, Same World”
The Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Dr. L Murugan, released Dr. Maneesha V Ramesh’s book “Same Heart, Same World” during Mata Amritanandamayi’s 72nd birthday celebrations in Kollam, Kerala.
5. Prime Minister Modi virtually flags off Gujarat’s first Amrit Bharat Express train
Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually flagged off the Amrit Bharat Express between Odisha’s Berhampur and Udhna at Surat in Gujarat. On the occasion, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has said that Surat’s Udhna railway station is being renovated under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
6. World Tourism Day
World Tourism Day (WTD) is commemorated each year on 27 September.
7. PM Modi Launches Women Employment Scheme for Bihar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today launched Bihar’s Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana through video conferencing from New Delhi.
