Daily Current Affairs and GK | 25 September 2025

Topic: Environment and Ecology

1. For the first time, the rare Red-necked Phalarope was seen at Nanjarayan bird sanctuary in Tirupur city, Tamil Nadu.

• Birdwatchers said it is uncommon for this species to stop in an inland water body.
• The sighting was confirmed by Ravindran Kamatchi, president of the Nature Society of Tirupur.
• He was accompanied by society members Nandhagopal and Santosh. They recorded the bird’s presence at the lake.
• This is the 192nd bird species documented in the sanctuary’s water area.
• The Nature Society had earlier recorded the Eurasian Wryneck in November.
• In February 2024, the Pied Avocet was also spotted there.
• The Red-necked Phalarope breeds in the Arctic region. It migrates mainly to Southeast Asian countries during winter.
• The bird feeds on small planktonic invertebrates. It floats on the water supported by thick belly feathers.
• It catches food by spinning rapidly in circles on the water surface.

Topic: Personality in News

2. Harold ‘Dickie’ Bird, umpiring great, passed away at 92.

• On 22 September, Harold Dennis “Dickie” Bird, retired international cricket umpire, passed away at the age of 92.
• He officiated in three World Cup finals during his illustrious umpiring career.
• His first Test match was umpired in 1973.
• Over the next 23 years, he stood in 66 Test matches.
• A total of 76 One-Day Internationals in men’s and women’s cricket were also officiated by him.
• Yorkshire described him as the most famous and popular umpire in cricket’s history.
• Leicestershire recalled him as an iconic figure known for fairness, humour, and love of the game.

Topic: Government Schemes and Initiatives

3. Uttar Pradesh celebrated Ayushman Bharat Diwas on PMJAY’s 7th Anniversary.

• The event was organised to mark seven years of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY).
• Special camps were held across the state where Ayushman Cards were issued.
• Uttar Pradesh was placed at the top in the country for card distribution.
• At least one member in 87% of eligible families was reported to hold an Ayushman Card.
• Out of nine crore targeted beneficiaries, 5.38 crore Ayushman Cards were already issued.
• Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently announced that teachers will also be brought under the scheme.
• Under this scheme, so far 74.4 lakh beneficiaries in the state have received free treatment in listed hospitals, on which a total of Rs 12,283 crore has been spent.
• A total of 6,099 hospitals (2,921 government and 3,088 private) have been empanelled to ensure easy access to healthcare services, the highest number in the country.
• Expenditure on tertiary care services has reached Rs 4,200 crore, which includes cancer, cardiology, orthopedics, organ transplantation, paediatric oncology, plastic surgery and other specialised treatments.

Topic: MoUs/Agreements

4. An MoU signed between DFPD and FCI to strengthen foodgrain management.

• On 23 September, an MoU for the Financial Year 2025–26 was signed in New Delhi by the Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD) and the Food Corporation of India (FCI).
• The agreement sets performance parameters and modernization targets to ensure greater efficiency and accountability in food grain management.
• With this MoU, the Government has strengthened its strategy to adopt a systems-based approach and technology-driven solutions in subsidy operations.
• The MoU focuses on reducing storage losses, improving storage capacity utilization, improving logistics and supply chain performance, and strengthening quality control.
• The use of modern IT solutions and digitization has been emphasized.
• Capacity-building programmes for FCI employees were also included in the plan.
• The Food Corporation of India was established in 1965 under the Food Corporations Act, 1964.
• Its role in procurement, storage, movement, and distribution of foodgrains remains vital for food security.
• The agreement is expected to deliver maximum value for every rupee spent on food subsidy.

Topic: Government Schemes and Initiatives

5. The CSIR scheme to strengthen science and research approved by the Cabinet with an allocation of Rs. 2,277 crores.

• On 24 September, the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) scheme on “Capacity Building and Human Resource Development” was approved by the Union Cabinet.
• An allocation of Rs. 2,277.397 crore was sanctioned for the period 2021-22 to 2025-26 under the Fifteenth Finance Commission cycle.
• The scheme, implemented by CSIR, will cover R&D institutes, national laboratories, institutes of national importance, institutes of eminence and universities across the country.
• It will provide a platform for young researchers aspiring to join academia and industry.
• The scheme will strengthen India’s scientific workforce in Science, Technology, Engineering, Medical, and Mathematical Sciences (STEMM) fields.
• Under this initiative, researchers will be mentored by eminent scientists and professors, thereby strengthening India's scientific and technological workforce.
• Over the last decade, India's concerted efforts in research and development have boosted its position in the Global Innovation Index, to 39th in 2024, according to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
• India was also placed among the top three nations in scientific paper publications.
• The CSIR’s Capacity Building and Human Resource Development (CBHRD) scheme will be operated under an umbrella framework.
• It will include four sub-schemes: Doctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowships, Extramural Research, Emeritus Scientist and Bhatnagar Fellowship programmes.
• Promotion and Recognition of Excellence through Awards, along with Travel and Symposia Grant Schemes, will also be covered to encourage knowledge sharing.

Topic: State News/Bihar

6. Cabinet approved doubling of Bakhtiyarpur – Rajgir – Tilaiya railway line in Bihar.

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the doubling of Bakhtiyarpur – Rajgir – Tilaiya line.
• The railway project will cover a 104 km section in Bihar.
• A total cost of Rs. 2,192 crore has been approved for the project.
• The line passes through four districts in Bihar.
• The project section also provides rail connectivity to major destinations like Rajgir (Shanti Stupa), Nalanda, Pawapuri etc., which attract pilgrims and tourists from across the country.
• The project will provide connectivity benefits to 1,434 villages and 13.46 lakh population.
• Aspirational districts of Gaya and Nawada will also be covered.
• As a result of the capacity enhancement works, there will be additional freight traffic of 26 MTPA (million tonnes per annum).
• The Railways, being an environment-friendly and energy-efficient mode of transportation, will help in achieving climate goals and minimizing the country’s logistics cost.
• It will also reduce oil imports by 5 crore litres and lower CO2 emissions by 24 crore kg, which is equivalent to the plantation of one crore trees.
• The project is part of PM Gati Shakti Plan to enhance multi-modal connectivity.

Topic: Government Schemes and Initiatives

7. Union Cabinet has approved a Rs.69,725 crore package to boost India’s shipbuilding and maritime industries.

• This initiative aims to revitalise the sector through financial support, infrastructure development, technical growth, and policy reforms.
• The Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Scheme (SBFAS) will continue until March 2036.
• It will be supported by a total fund of Rs.24,736 crore.
• A new Shipbreaking Credit Note worth Rs.4,001 crore has been introduced.
• This will encourage environmentally sustainable ship recycling practices.
• A National Shipbuilding Mission will be created to oversee the programme’s execution.
• The government has also cleared a Maritime Development Fund (MDF) worth Rs.25,000 crore.
• This fund will provide long-term financing for maritime infrastructure.
• It includes a Maritime Investment Fund of Rs.20,000 crore.
• The government will hold a 49% stake in this fund.
• There is also an Interest Subsidy Fund of Rs.5,000 crore.
• This will help lower borrowing costs for shipbuilding and related projects.
• A separate Shipbuilding Development Scheme (SbDS) has been approved with a budget of Rs.19,989 crore.
• It aims to expand domestic shipbuilding capacity significantly.
• The scheme will support the creation of large shipbuilding clusters.
• It will also fund infrastructure upgrades and the India Ship Technology Centre.
• The centre will be set up under the Indian Maritime University.
• The scheme includes risk mitigation and insurance support for shipbuilders.
• The overall package is expected to attract investments worth Rs.4.5 lakh crore.
• It is also projected to create nearly 30 lakh new jobs.
• India’s maritime sector currently handles 95% of the country’s trade by volume. It also manages 70% of trade by value.

Topic: MoUs/Agreements

8. The National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with New Space India Limited (NSIL).

• The MoU was signed in New Delhi. The partnership is part of the Mission Mausam initiative.
• Two Direct Broadcast Network stations will be established under this agreement.
• One station will be located in the Delhi-NCR region. The other station will be set up in Chennai.
• These stations will receive satellite data directly and in real time.
• They will gather information from Indian Earth observation satellites.
• They will also receive data from international Earth observation satellites.
• NSIL is the commercial wing of the Department of Space.
• Mission Mausam was approved by government on September 11, 2024.
• It is an initiative by the Ministry of Earth Sciences. It aims to make nation ‘Weather Ready’ and ‘Climate Smart’, meeting the global standards.

Topic: Summits/ Conferences/ Meetings

9. PM Modi chaired the 49th meeting of the PRAGATI platform in New Delhi.

• During the meeting, the Prime Minister assessed the progress of eight major infrastructure projects.
• These projects cover key sectors such as mining, rail transport, water management, industrial development, and electricity.
• They are spread across 15 different States and Union Territories.
• Together, the projects involve investments exceeding ₹65,000 crore.
• These initiatives are seen as essential to boosting economic progress and enhancing public services.
• The review focused on enforcing strict deadlines and improving collaboration among departments.
• Special attention was given to addressing obstacles that delay implementation.
• PM Modi stressed that project delays not only inflate costs but also postpone critical benefits to citizens.
• He encouraged government officials at all levels to prioritize outcomes and deliver tangible improvements.
• The broader aim is to raise living standards and make it easier to do business across the country.
• The PRAGATI mechanism fosters collaboration between central and state governments to fast-track major projects.
• It is intended to eliminate delays and ensure that infrastructure and services are delivered on schedule.
• PRAGATI is the ICT-enabled multi-modal platform for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation.
• It is a digital, multi-layered governance tool designed to accelerate decision-making and ensure timely execution of major initiatives.

Topic: Summits/ Conferences/ Meetings

10. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar held a meeting with foreign ministers from the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC).

• The meeting took place in New York. It was organised on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
• Dr. Jaishankar expressed his happiness at hosting the FIPIC foreign ministers and noted steady progress on the 12-point action plan announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• The action plan was introduced during the FIPIC-III Summit.
• India and the Pacific Island nations continue to work together as development partners.
• Their collaboration is focused on improving the lives of their people.
• Priority areas include healthcare, technology, training, and capacity building.
• Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) is a multilateral platform.
• It was established by the Government of India to strengthen its relationship with the 14 Pacific Island Countries.
• FIPIC was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Fiji in 2014.