Daily Current Affairs (03 – Sep – 25)

Daily Current Affairs (03 – Sep – 25)

1. 25th SCO Summit –

• The 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit held in Tianjin, China (Aug 31–Sept 1, 2025) gathered record leaders, shaping debates on multipolarity, security cooperation, and regional connectivity.

25th SCO Summit (2025)

• Theme: “Promoting the Shanghai Spirit: SCO in Action” – highlighting mutual trust, benefit, equality, multilateral dialogue, and collective response to regional and global uncertainties.
• Location & Dates:Hosted by China in Tianjin from August 31 – September 1, 2025 at the Tianjin Meijiang Convention & Exhibition Center.
• Special Feature:Largest SCO Summit to date, signaling the organisation’s growing role in Eurasian geopolitics.

24th SCO Summit

• Held in Astana, Kazakhstan on July 3–4, 2024.
• Key Outcome: Reaffirmed commitment to regional security, economic cooperation, and set the stage for an expanded Tianjin agenda in 2025.

SCO Summit Hosted by India

• 23rd SCO Summit (2023):India hosted the Summit virtually on July 4, 2023.
• Key Highlights:
• Adoption of the New Delhi Declaration.
• India opposed any endorsement of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) due to sovereignty concerns over the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
• Focus on digital connectivity, startups, counter-terrorism, and reformed multilateralism.

Upcoming SCO Summit (2026)

• 26th SCO Summit: Scheduled to be held in Pakistan in 2026 (as per SCO’s rotational presidency system).
• Will be closely watched due to India–Pakistan tensions and the geopolitical balancing within the grouping.

Key Outcomes of the 25th SCO Summit

• Tianjin Declaration:The central political outcome of the summit, the Tianjin Declaration, strongly condemned the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack in India, which killed 26 people.
• The declaration called for perpetrators and sponsors to be brought to justice and emphasized that double standards in the fight against terrorism are unacceptable.

2. Devastating Earthquake Strikes Afghanistan –

• Afghanistan was struck by a 6.0-magnitude earthquake, killing over 800 people highlighting the country’s extreme vulnerability to seismic hazards.

Afghanistan Vulnerability to Seismic Hazards

• Afghanistan is one of the most earthquake-prone countries due to its location at the collision zone of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates.
• Many quakes in Afghanistan are shallow, releasing high energy at the surface, causing severe damage.

Major Earthquake Zones: 

• Hindu Kush (Northern Afghanistan):Known for both shallow and deep-focus quakes due to the sinking of the Indian Plate’s lithosphere.
• The Hindu Kush region (spans Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, Myanmar and Pakistan), forms part of the Alpide Belt, the world’s second most seismically active zone after the Circum-Pacific Belt. 
• Since 1900, Hindu Kush region has experienced 12 earthquakes above magnitude 7, underscoring its high seismic activity.
• Sulaiman Range (Southeastern Afghanistan & Western Pakistan):Characterized by destructive shallow, thrust fault quakes.
• Active Fault Systems: Faults like the Chaman Fault and Main Pamir Thrust (or Pamir Frontal Thrust) are major sources of seismic activity in Afghanistan.

3. Global Peace Index 2025 –

• The 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI) by the Institute for Economics & Peace offers a hopeful view amid global turmoil. It ranks countries based on peace, governance, social trust, and security. Iceland tops the list for the 18th consecutive year. Other peaceful nations include Ireland, New Zealand, and Switzerland. Singapore stands out as Asia’s sole representative in the top 10. India ranks 115th, reflecting ongoing challenges.

Iceland

• Iceland remains the world’s most peaceful country since 2008. Low crime and minimal militarisation define its society. Police do not carry firearms, denoting public safety and trust. Community bonds are strong. Everyday life reflects calmness, with public spaces safe enough for children to be unattended.

Other Countries

• Austria is fourth, supported by strong governance and low crime.
• Switzerland holds fifth place, maintaining neutrality and effective social policies.
• Singapore ranks sixth and is Asia’s only top 10 country. Its strict laws and efficient governance keep crime rates very low.
• Portugal (7th) is known for warm culture and low crime.
• Denmark (8th) impresses with welfare and inclusive policies.
• Slovenia (9th) achieves stability through social harmony.
• Finland (10th) combines education, equality, and transparent governance to ensure peace.

India’s Position and Challenges

• India is placed 115th in 2025.
• Regional disputes, urban crime, and internal tensions impact its peace ranking.
• Despite rich cultural diversity, India faces hurdles in achieving higher safety and harmony.

4. Rajit Punhani Appointed CEO of FSSAI –

• Shri Rajit Punhani, a 1991-batch IAS officer of the Bihar cadre, officially took charge as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) on 1st September 2025.
• His appointment marks a major administrative transition at a time when India is intensifying its focus on food safety, public health, and regulatory modernization.

5. New Delhi to Host 2026 Badminton World Championships –

• In a major announcement that excites Indian sports fans, New Delhi will host the 2026 Badminton World Championships in August next year, marking the tournament’s return to India after 17 years. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) made the declaration during the closing ceremony of the 2025 Championships in Paris, signalling India’s growing prominence as a global sporting destination.

A Long-Awaited Return

• India last hosted the BWF World Championships in 2009 at Hyderabad. The 2026 edition will not only bring the event back to India but also mark its return to Asia after 8 years, the last Asian host being Nanjing, China in 2018.
• Hosting this flagship event reaffirms India’s stature in international badminton and reflects the country’s capabilities in organizing large-scale global sporting events.

MCQ Quiz

Q1. The Srivilliputhur–Meghamalai Tiger Reserve (SMTR) is located in which state ?

1. a) Tamil Nadu
2. b) Andhra Pradesh
3. c) Maharashtra
4. d) Odisha

Q2. As per the report, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra recently stated that India is on track to become the world’s third-largest economy. Which scheme did he credit as a key driver of financial inclusion and inclusive growth ?

1. a) Atal Pension Yojana (APY)
2. b) Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)
3. c) Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY)
4. d) Stand Up India Scheme

Q3. Which Indian organisation became the first to win the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2025 for its work in girls’ education ?

1. a) Pratham Foundation
2. b) Educate Girls (Foundation to Educate Girls Globally)
3. c) Smile Foundation
4. d) Teach For India

Q4. With reference to Vikram 3201, consider the following statements:

1. Vikram 3201 is India’s first fully indigenous 32-bit microprocessor.
2. It is designed primarily for commercial applications such as smartphones and laptops.
3. The processor has been developed jointly by ISRO and the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL), Chandigarh.

Which of the statements given above are correct ?

1. a) 1 and 3 only
2. b) 1, 2 and 3
3. c) 3 only
4. d) 2 only

Explanation-

• Vikram 3201 is indeedIndia’s first fully indigenous 32-bit microprocessor, specifically space-grade.
• Statement 2: Incorrect
• Unlike commercial processors used in consumer devices like smartphones or laptops, Vikram 3201 is designed for launch vehicles and spacecraft systems, i.e., space missions — not consumer electronics.
• Statement 3: Correct
• It has been jointly developed by ISRO and the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL), Chandigarh, a key facility under the Department of Space.

Q5. With reference to semiconductors and the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), consider the following statements:

1. Semiconductors are materials that can behave as both conductors and insulators.
2. The India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) was launched in 2021 with the aim of establishing a self-reliant semiconductor and display manufacturing ecosystem in India.
3. The Design-Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme under ISM focuses on promoting large-scale chip manufacturing facilities in India.
4. Semiconductors are crucial not only for consumer electronics but also for sectors like defense, space, and healthcare.

Which of the statements given above are correct ?

1. a) 1, 2 and 4 only
2. b) 1, 3 and 4 only
3. c) 2, 3 and 4 only
4. d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation-

• Statement 1: Correct
• Semiconductorshave the unique property of behaving as both conductors and insulators, enabling precise control of electrical signals — this is why they are vital to electronic circuits.
• Statement 2: Correct
• The India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) was launched in December 2021 with a budget of ₹76,000 crore to create a self-reliant semiconductor and display ecosystem.
• Statement 3: Incorrect
• The Design-Linked Incentive (DLI) scheme under ISMdoes not promote large-scale manufacturing directly.
• It is specifically aimed at supporting chip design, including ICs, SoCs, and other components — especially by startups and domestic companies.
• Statement 4: Correct
• Semiconductors are essential not just for smartphones and computers but also for defense systems, space technology, medical equipment, and more — forming the backbone of digital and automated systems.