Daily News Quiz and UPSC Key Pointers: 23 September 2025

1. The Significance of Ayurveda Day 2025: Health and Planetary Well-being
Ayurveda Day, observed annually, took on a special theme in 2025, focusing on the profound connection between human health and the planet’s health. The day emphasizes the ancient Indian system’s holistic approach, which views human life as an integral part of nature. Celebrations and discussions highlighted how Ayurvedic principles can offer sustainable solutions to modern health and environmental challenges, promoting a lifestyle that benefits both the individual and the ecosystem.
Q&A:
Q: What was the central theme of Ayurveda Day 2025?
A: The central theme was the intrinsic link between human health and planetary well-being, advocating for Ayurveda as a sustainable model for both.
Q: How does Ayurveda view the relationship between humans and nature?
A: Ayurveda views human life as deeply interconnected with nature, suggesting that a healthy environment is fundamental to human health.
Q: Why is this topic important for competitive exams?
A: It touches upon government initiatives in the AYUSH sector, environmental conservation, and India’s efforts to promote its traditional knowledge systems globally.
Read More: The Significance of Ayurveda Day 2025: Health and Planetary Well-being



2. India-France Civil Nuclear Dialogue: Expanding Horizons
The recent India-France civil nuclear dialogue marks a significant step in strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations. This high-level talk focused on collaboration in new nuclear technologies, including the development of small modular reactors (SMRs) and responsible nuclear waste management. This partnership is crucial for India’s energy security goals and underscores the trust and cooperation between the two countries in a critical sector.
Q&A:
Q: What is the primary focus of the recent India-France civil nuclear dialogue?
A: The dialogue focuses on advancing cooperation in new nuclear technologies, such as small modular reactors (SMRs) and nuclear waste management.
Q: How does this dialogue benefit India’s long-term goals?
A: It enhances India’s energy security by facilitating access to advanced nuclear technology and supporting its clean energy transition.
Q: What does this partnership signify in the context of international relations?
A: It reflects a deep level of strategic trust and a shared commitment to peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
Read More: India-France Civil Nuclear Dialogue: Expanding Horizons



3. Voyage of Valor: The Historic All-Women Samudra Pradakshina
A landmark event in Indian maritime and spiritual history was achieved with the completion of the first-ever all-women Samudra Pradakshina (circumambulation of India by sea). This voyage, undertaken by a team of courageous women from the Indian Navy and other services, was not just a physical journey but a powerful symbol of women’s empowerment and resilience. It involved sailing around the Indian peninsula, showcasing nautical skills and paying homage to the country’s coastal heritage.
Q&A:
Q: What is ‘Samudra Pradakshina’ as achieved in this context?
A: It refers to the historic circumnavigation of the Indian peninsula by sea, accomplished for the first time by an all-women crew.
Q: What is the broader significance of this achievement beyond sailing?
A: It stands as a monumental symbol of gender equality, breaking stereotypes and inspiring future generations of women in challenging fields.
Q: Which organizations were involved in this mission?
A: The mission featured personnel from the Indian Navy and other defense services, highlighting interdisciplinary collaboration.
Read More: Voyage of Valor: The Historic All-Women Samudra Pradakshina



4. Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY: 7 Years of India’s Health Revolution
Completing seven years, Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) has cemented its position as the world’s largest government-funded health insurance scheme. It has been instrumental in providing a health safety net for millions of underprivileged families, offering cashless hospitalization coverage. The scheme has significantly reduced out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare and has moved India closer to the goal of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Q&A:
Q: What is the primary objective of the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme?
A: Its primary objective is to provide free health insurance coverage for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to economically vulnerable families.
Q: Why is PM-JAY considered a revolutionary scheme?
A: Due to its massive scale, it is the world’s largest health protection scheme, directly impacting the financial well-being of poor households.
Q: How does the scheme contribute to India’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
A: It directly contributes to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by aiming to achieve Universal Health Coverage.
Read More: Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY: 7 Years of India’s Health Revolution



5. TRAI’s FM Radio Policies: A Core Topic for Governance Studies
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) plays a pivotal role in shaping the country’s FM radio landscape through its consultation papers and policies. These policies address critical issues like migration to new license terms, reserve prices for auctions, and promoting content diversity. Understanding TRAI’s functioning and its recommendations is essential for governance and polity sections of exams, as it reflects the working of an independent regulator in India.
Q&A:
Q: What is the role of TRAI in the context of FM radio?
A: TRAI recommends policies and regulations for the FM radio sector, including auction terms and licensing frameworks, to ensure its orderly growth.
Q: Name one key issue recently addressed by TRAI for the radio sector.
A: TRAI has recently provided recommendations on the reserve price for the third batch of private FM radio phase-III auctions.
Q: Why is studying TRAI important for competitive exams?
A: It helps candidates understand the role and impact of independent regulatory bodies in the economic and governance structure of India.
Read More: TRAI’s FM Radio Policies: A Core Topic for Governance Studies



6. Your Essential Guide to T20 World Cup Champions
The ICC T20 World Cup is a premier international cricket tournament that captivates audiences worldwide. For aspirants, knowing the past winners, memorable performances, and key records is crucial for the sports section of general knowledge. From India’s inaugural win in 2007 to recent champions, this guide covers the legacy of the tournament, which tests cricketing skills in the shortest and most dynamic format of the game.
Q&A:
Q: Which team won the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup in 2007?
A: India won the first-ever T20 World Cup held in South Africa in 2007.
Q: Which team has won the most T20 World Cup titles?
A: As of 2024, England and the West Indies are tied for the most titles, with two wins each.
Q: Why should an exam aspirant be aware of such sports events?
A: Sports form a significant part of the general awareness syllabus, and questions about major tournaments and winners are frequently asked.
Read More: Your Essential Guide to T20 World Cup Champions



7. Operation Aaghaat: A Deep Dive for UPSC Success
Operation Aaghaat is a crucial nationwide mock drill conducted by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to test India’s preparedness for chemical disasters. The exercise involves multiple agencies and aims to validate standard operating procedures, improve coordination, and raise public awareness about safety measures during industrial accidents involving hazardous chemicals.
Q&A:
Q: What is the primary objective of Operation Aaghaat?
A: Its main objective is to assess and enhance India’s preparedness and response mechanisms for chemical (industrial) disasters.
Q: Which body is responsible for conducting Operation Aaghaat?
A: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) conducts these nationwide mock drills.
Q: Name one key stakeholder involved in these drills.
A: Various stakeholders include the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), state disaster response forces, and industries handling hazardous materials.
Read More: Operation Aaghaat: A Deep Dive for UPSC Success



8. Article 356: Your Essential Guide to President’s Rule
Article 356 of the Indian Constitution is a critical provision that grants the Central government the power to impose President’s Rule in a state. This occurs when the President, on the Governor’s report, is satisfied that a state’s government cannot function in accordance with the constitutional provisions. It is a contentious topic, often debated for its potential misuse, and is a vital part of the polity syllabus for all competitive exams.
Q&A:
Q: Under what circumstances can President’s Rule be imposed under Article 356?
A: It can be imposed if the state government cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, typically due to a breakdown of constitutional machinery.
Q: Who submits the report that typically initiates the process?
A: The Governor of the state submits a report to the President detailing the constitutional crisis in the state.
Q: What is the maximum duration for which President’s Rule can be imposed initially?
A: It can be imposed for a maximum of six months at a time, subject to parliamentary approval.
Read More: Article 356: Your Essential Guide to President’s Rule

9. 71st National Film Awards: Celebrating a Legacy of Cinematic Excellence
The 71st National Film Awards honored the best of Indian cinema from 2022, with the ceremony held in 2024. The awards celebrated a diverse range of films across languages, highlighting powerful storytelling and technical brilliance. The Malayalam disaster drama ‘2018 – Everyone is a Hero’ was adjudged the Best Feature Film, while the prestigious Best Actor award was shared by Allu Arjun for ‘Pushpa: The Rise’ and Kriti Sanon for ‘Mimi’, showcasing the pan-Indian appeal of cinematic talent.
Q&A:
Q: Which film won the Best Feature Film award at the 71st National Film Awards?
A: The Malayalam film ‘2018 – Everyone is a Hero’, based on the devastating Kerala floods, won the Best Feature Film award.
Q: Who shared the Best Actor award and for which films?
A: Allu Arjun won for ‘Pushpa: The Rise’ (Telugu) and Kriti Sanon won for ‘Mimi’ (Hindi), marking a rare instance of a shared award.
Q: Why are the National Film Awards significant for exam preparation?
A: Questions about award winners, especially in the fields of art and culture, are frequently asked in exams like UPSC, SSC, and PSC.
Read More: 71st National Film Awards: Celebrating a Legacy of Cinematic Excellence



10. The Ballon d’Or: Understanding Football’s Most Coveted Individual Prize
The Ballon d’Or is an annual football award presented by France Football magazine, recognizing the best male and female footballers in the world. It is considered the most prestigious individual honor in the sport. The 69th edition of the award was claimed by Lionel Messi, following his iconic FIFA World Cup victory with Argentina in 2022, further cementing his legendary status in football history.
Q&A:
Q: What is the Ballon d’Or award?
A: It is an annual award given by France Football to the best male and female football players in the world based on their performances in the previous season.
Q: Who won the 69th Ballon d’Or award and what was the primary reason?
A: Lionel Messi won his eighth Ballon d’Or, largely due to his phenomenal leadership in guiding Argentina to win the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Q: Why should sports awards be part of current affairs for exams?
A: Major international sports awards are a key component of the general knowledge section, reflecting global events and achievements.
Read More: The Ballon d’Or: Understanding Football’s Most Coveted Individual Prize



11. India’s Tax Revolution: The Ongoing Journey of GST Simplification
The Goods and Services Tax (GST), implemented in 2017, represents one of India’s most significant economic reforms, creating a unified national market. The focus has now shifted to its simplification and rationalization. The GST Council, a federal body, continuously works on measures like rate rationalization, reducing compliance burdens, and plugging revenue leakages to make the tax system more efficient and taxpayer-friendly.
Q&A:
Q: What was the fundamental goal behind implementing the GST in India?
A: The primary goal was to create “One Nation, One Market, One Tax” by subsuming a multitude of central and state indirect taxes into a single, unified tax.
Q: Which body is responsible for making key decisions related to GST?
A: The GST Council, chaired by the Union Finance Minister and comprising state finance ministers, is the apex decision-making body.
Q: What is the current focus of GST reforms?
A: The current focus is on simplification of tax slabs, easing compliance procedures, and enhancing revenue collection efficiency.
Read More: India’s Tax Revolution: The Ongoing Journey of GST Simplification



12. Pillars of GS3 Success: Mastering Agriculture and Financial Inclusion
For the GS3 paper of the UPSC Mains, a strong grasp of India’s agricultural sector and financial inclusion initiatives is non-negotiable. Key topics include schemes like PM-KISAN for income support and PM Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) for crop insurance. In financial inclusion, the success of the Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile (JAM) trinity and the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) in promoting direct benefit transfers and formal banking access are critical areas of study.
Q&A:
Q: Name one key agricultural scheme aimed at providing income support to farmers.
A: The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme provides direct income support to eligible farmer families.
Q: What is the significance of the JAM Trinity?
A: The JAM (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, Mobile) Trinity enables direct, leak-proof transfer of subsidies to beneficiaries, ensuring greater efficiency and transparency.
Q: Why is financial inclusion a crucial topic for GS3?
A: It is directly linked to economic growth, poverty alleviation, and achieving sustainable development goals, making it a core area for the economics and social development sections.
Read More: Pillars of GS3 Success: Mastering Agriculture and Financial Inclusion



13. India’s Rivers: A Turning Tide – Analysing the CPCB’s Water Quality Report
A recent report by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) indicates a mixed but slightly improving picture for India’s rivers. While many stretches, especially near urban centers, remain heavily polluted, efforts under the Namami Gange programme and other river conservation projects are showing positive results in certain areas. The report underscores the ongoing challenge of industrial effluent and untreated sewage discharge, highlighting the need for sustained action.
Q&A:
Q: What is the primary function of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) regarding rivers?
A: The CPCB monitors and reports on the water quality of rivers across India, identifying polluted stretches and recommending corrective actions.
Q: Which flagship mission is focused on the rejuvenation of the Ganga river?
A: The Namami Gange Programme is the integrated conservation mission for the Ganga River.
Q: What are the major sources of river pollution in India as per the report?
A: The main sources are the discharge of untreated domestic sewage from cities and towns, and industrial effluents.
Read More: India’s Rivers: A Turning Tide – Analysing the CPCB’s Water Quality Report



14. India-Sri Lanka Defence Diplomacy: A Strategic Partnership for Maritime Security
The defence relationship between India and Sri Lanka is a crucial pillar of their bilateral ties, focused heavily on maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). This cooperation includes joint naval exercises (like SLINEX), training of Sri Lankan defence personnel, and high-level dialogues. This partnership is vital for countering common challenges such as smuggling, piracy, and ensuring freedom of navigation in a strategically important area.
Q&A:
Q: What is the name of the joint naval exercise between India and Sri Lanka?
A: The bilateral naval exercise is called SLINEX (Sri Lanka-India Naval Exercise).
Q: Why is the India-Sri Lanka defence partnership strategically important?
A: It is key to maintaining stability and security in the Indian Ocean Region, which is a vital maritime trade route for both countries.
Q: Apart from exercises, how does India assist Sri Lanka in defence?
A: India provides extensive training to Sri Lankan military personnel and engages in capacity-building initiatives.
Read More: India-Sri Lanka Defence Diplomacy: A Strategic Partnership for Maritime Security



15. India-Israel Strategic Partnership: Key Sectors of Deepening Collaboration
The India-Israel relationship has evolved into a multi-faceted strategic partnership. Key areas of collaboration include advanced defence technology, where India is a major importer of Israeli systems like drones and missiles. In agriculture, Israeli drip irrigation technology is revolutionizing water use in Indian farms. Additionally, cooperation spans cybersecurity, space technology, and healthcare, making it a comprehensive partnership of mutual benefit.
Q&A:
Q: Name a critical area of defence collaboration between India and Israel.
A: Collaboration in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drones, and missile defence systems is a significant aspect.
Q: How has Israel contributed to India’s agricultural sector?
A: Through the establishment of Centers of Excellence in agriculture that introduce advanced Israeli technologies like drip irrigation to Indian farmers.
Q: Beyond defence and agriculture, name another sector of Indo-Israeli cooperation.
A: Cybersecurity and space technology are other rapidly growing areas of strategic collaboration.
Read More: India-Israel Strategic Partnership: Key Sectors of Deepening Collaboration



16. Constitutional Conundrum: Can Governors Be Held to Timelines on Assenting Bills?
A significant constitutional debate has emerged regarding the role of Governors in giving assent to bills passed by state legislatures. The core issue is whether Governors can indefinitely withhold their assent, effectively stalling legislation passed by an elected government. The Supreme Court has repeatedly emphasized that Governors must act on the aid and advice of the council of ministers and cannot delay assent unnecessarily, as it undermines the democratic process.
Q&A:
Q: Which article of the Indian Constitution deals with the Governor’s power to assent to bills?
A: Article 200 of the Indian Constitution outlines the options available to a Governor when a bill is presented for assent.
Q: What is the primary concern raised about the Governor’s role in this process?
A: The concern is that inordinate delay in granting assent, without a clear constitutional timeline, can lead to a stand-off between the state executive and the legislature.
Q: How has the Supreme Court viewed such delays?
A: The Supreme Court has stated that Governors must not hold back bills indefinitely and should exercise their powers in a manner that respects the elected state government.
Read More: Constitutional Conundrum: Can Governors Be Held to Timelines on Assenting Bills?