Daily Current Affairs – 09-09-2025

1. The Maternal Mortality Ratio in an economy is defined as :

(a) the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in a year

(b) the number of children born and dead to a couple in their lifetime in a given population.

(c) the birth rate minus death rate per 1000 women in reproductive age

(d) the percentage of women receiving antenatal care during pregnancy

Answer: (a) the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in a year

Explanation:

In NEWS: Kerala’s maternal mortality ratio rises steeply from 18 to 30

Kerala’s MMR Rises to 30:

• Kerala’s MMR increased from 18 to 30 per 1,00,000 live births in the latest SRS bulletin (2021–23).
• Despite this increase, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh still lead as the States with the lowest MMR in India.
• The absolute number of maternal deaths has stayed steady (around 120–140 per year).
• However, live births have declined significantly in recent years (now below 4 lakh).
• This shrinking denominator naturally pushes the MMR upward, even if the health situation hasn’t worsened.
• In 2021, Kerala saw 97 maternal deaths due to COVID-19, which contributed to a spike in MMR (to 51).

Maternal Mortality Ratio:

• MMR refers to the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in a given time period (usually one year). Hence option (a) is correct.
• A maternal death is the death of a woman during pregnancy or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management, but not from accidental or incidental causes.
• It’s a key indicator of maternal health, access to healthcare, and the effectiveness of a country’s health system.
• A high MMR often reflects inadequate access to quality prenatal and delivery care.
• It is used by governments, WHO, and researchers to track progress toward health goals, like the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.1:
• India’s target to reduce its Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) is to achieve fewer than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030, which aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 3).

Factors Affecting MMR:

• Quality of antenatal care
• Skilled birth attendance
• Emergency obstetric care
• Maternal age and health conditions
• Education and awareness
• Socioeconomic and cultural factors

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/keralas-maternal-mortality-rate-up-from-18-to-30/article70025878.ece

2. Consider the following:

1. Narrowing Current Account Deficit

2. Reduced Job Creation

3. High Capital formation

4. Increased Currency volatility

5. Balance of payments Crisis

How many of the above are the impacts of declining FDI in India?

(a) Only two   

(b) Only three   

(c) Only four   

(d) All five

Answer: (b) Only three

Explanation:

In NEWS: A complex turn in India’s FDI story

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI):

• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) refers to investments made by a foreign entity (individuals, companies, or governments) into businesses or production units in India with the intention of establishing a lasting interest or control.
• FDI inflows into India are regulated under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999, and overseen by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).

FDI can come in the form of:

• Setting up new businesses (Greenfield investments)
• Acquiring existing businesses (Brownfield investments)
• Joint ventures
• Buying equity shares in Indian companies

Automatic Route

• No prior government approval is required.
• FDI is allowed up to a certain percentage in specific sectors (e.g., 100% in IT, 74% in telecom).
• Just needs to be reported to RBI post-investment.
• Examples: IT services, Manufacturing, Ecommerce (marketplace model)

Government Route

• Prior approval required from the concerned ministry/department.
• Used for sensitive or strategic sectors.
• Examples: Defense, Media, Satellites, Sectors where investments come from countries sharing land borders with India (especially China)

Current Trends of FDI in India:

• Investments are now focused more on short-term gains (e.g., tax arbitrage) than long-term industrial development.
• Manufacturing, once a top FDI destination, now accounts for just 12% of total inflows.
• Sectoral Distribution:
  • Gaining FDI: Services, finance, energy distribution, hospitality (mostly rent-seeking sectors)
  • Losing FDI: Manufacturing, tech, infrastructure
• Sources of FDI (Top Countries): Singapore, Mauritius, USA, Netherlands and Japan

Why the Decline in Net FDI?

• High Disinvestments
• Post-pandemic instabilities
• Foreign investors pulled out $153.9 billion between FY 2021–25.
• Indian Firms Investing Abroad driven by regulatory hurdles, infrastructure gaps and unstable policies

Impacts of Declining FDI in India

• Reduced capital availability for infrastructure, manufacturing, and innovation-led sectors. Hence 3 is incorrect.
• Slower job creation, especially in labor-intensive industries like manufacturing and services. Hence 2 is correct.
• Lower technology transfer, hindering modernization and productivity improvements.
• Weakening of industrial growth, as FDI is often a driver of sectoral expansion.
• Reduced integration with global value chains, limiting export competitiveness.
• Widening Current Account Deficit (CAD, a fall in FDI increases pressure on India’s external accounts. Hence 1 is incorrect.
• Pressure on the balance of payments, making India more vulnerable to external shocks. Hence 5 is correct.
• Increased currency volatility, as lower FDI inflows reduce foreign exchange reserves. Hence 4 is correct.
• Loss of investor confidence, discouraging both foreign and domestic long-term investments.
• Higher reliance on short-term capital flows, which are more volatile and risky.
• Stunted development of strategic sectors (e.g., clean energy, advanced tech) due to lack of patient capital.
• Slower progress towards becoming a global manufacturing hub under initiatives like “Make in India”.
• Reduced government revenue from associated taxes and duties on foreign investments.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/a-complex-turn-in-indias-fdi-story/article70022990.ece

3. Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: Lightning is recognized as a national-level natural disaster in India and covered under the central State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).

Statement-II: Lightning is responsible for 33% of natural disaster deaths in India.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I

(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I

(c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect

(d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement II is correct

Answer: (d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement II is correct

Explanation:

In NEWS: As lightning strikes rise in Jharkhand, its poor and marginalised tribal communities are most at risk

Lightning:

• Lightning is a sudden electrostatic discharge caused by the buildup of electrical charges in clouds.
• It occurs when oppositely charged particles in the cloud and ground (or within clouds) create a strong electric field.
• When the electrical potential exceeds a threshold, a high-voltage discharge occurs, visible as a lightning bolt.
• Most lightning occurs within clouds, but cloud-to-ground strikes are the most dangerous.
• The discharge rapidly heats the air to about 30,000°C, causing it to expand explosively — this creates thunder.
• Lightning commonly occurs during thunderstorms, especially in hot and humid conditions.
• It is a natural but highly dangerous phenomenon, often causing fatalities, fires, and damage

Lightning Risk in Jharkhand’s Tribal and Rural Communities

• Over the past decade, 1,669 people have died due to lightning strikes in Jharkhand, highlighting a persistent and grave risk.
• The majority of victims are small farmers and members of tribal communities, who work in open fields and hilly terrain, often under tall trees that increase their exposure.
• Jharkhand is one of six highly vulnerable states as per the India Meteorological Department and CROPC.
• Although lightning conductors were installed in schools and public buildings, they are often stolen or non-functional. Many rural schools lack adequate protection.
• The state government provides compensation—₹4 lakh for fatalities and up to ₹2 lakh for injuries—but this does little to restore livelihoods or emotional loss, particularly as most victims were sole earners.
• Though warning systems like the Mausam, Meghdoot, and Damini apps exist, awareness remains low, especially in remote areas lacking mobile connectivity or where people don’t carry phones to work

Lightning – protection in India:

• Lightning is responsible for 33% of natural disaster deaths nationwide. Hence statement II is correct.
• However, lightning is not recognized as a national-level natural disaster in India, and thus is not covered under the central State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). Hence statement I is incorrect.
• Presently, lightning-related deaths are categorized as “accidental deaths” by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), not as a disaster
• Despite repeated demands by states like Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha to classify lightning as a natural disaster (which would enable compensation via SDRF), the Central government has declined, citing the potential to prevent such deaths through awareness programs instead
• At the state level, some governments have declared lightning as a “state-specific disaster”, allowing them to provide ex-gratia support

Impacts of Lightning:

• Lightning causes thousands of deaths in India annually, especially among farmers and rural workers.
• Survivors often suffer from severe burns, neurological injuries, or long-term disabilities.
• Lightning strikes destroy homes, schools, and public infrastructure, particularly in poorly protected rural areas.
• Electrical equipment and power lines are frequently damaged during thunderstorms.
• Livestock losses are common, affecting the livelihoods of tribal and farming communities.
• Lightning can spark forest fires, leading to environmental degradation and biodiversity loss.
• Affected families experience emotional trauma and financial hardship due to sudden loss of earning members.

Source: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/natural-disasters/as-lightning-strikes-rise-in-jharkhand-its-poor-and-marginalised-tribal-communities-are-most-at-risk

4. Consider the following statements with respect to Himalayan brown bear:

1. It is a subspecies of the Brown Bear found only in India.

2. They maintain large territories and mark them with scent to avoid direct encounters.

3. As apex scavengers, these bears contribute to nutrient cycling in alpine ecosystems.

4. Deosai National Park in Pakistan and the Great Himalayan National Park in India are the two notable protected areas of the species.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 3 and 4 only

(c) 1 and 2 only

(d) 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (d) 2, 3 and 4

Explanation:

In NEWS: Human-induced climate change and bears’ habituation to human-made food is causing conflict to rise

Himalayan brown bear:

• It is a subspecies of the Brown Bear, found in India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Tibet. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
• It has a light brown to sandy or reddish coat – hence also called the “Isabelline Bear”.
• It is omnivorous: eats roots, fruits, insects, small mammals, and carrion.
• Enters hibernation in winter, usually from November to March in self-dug snow or rock dens
• It is solitary and territorial, except during mating or with cubs.
• As apex scavengers and predators, bears help regulate herbivore populations and contribute to nutrient cycling in alpine ecosystems. Hence statement 3 is correct.
• They maintain large territories and mark them with scent to avoid direct encounters. Hence statement 2 is correct.
• They are most active during dawn, dusk, and at night to avoid human encounters.

Distribution in India

Found in the Western Himalayas, especially:

• Ladakh
• Himachal Pradesh (Lahaul-Spiti, Pangi Valley)
• Uttarakhand (rare)
• Jammu & Kashmir (Kishtwar, Suru Valley, Thajiwas)

Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List – Critically Endangered (India)
• Wildlife Protection Act (India) – Schedule I

Conservation Efforts:

Protected Areas:

• Deosai National Park (Pakistan): Bear numbers rose from 19 in 1993 to 78 in 2022 due to effective protection
• Great Himalayan National Park (India): Important habitat and refuge within protected network Hence statement 4 is correct.

Community Engagement:

• In Ladakh’s Drass region, community “Bear Guardian” initiatives, workshops, and monitoring have reduced attacks and strengthened coexistence

Primary conflict drivers include:

• Anthropogenic food sources
• Livestock grazing in bear habitats
• Lack of community awareness

Mitigation recommendations:

• Better crop/waste management
• Supervised grazing
• Community watch groups
• Establishing protected zones

Source: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/wildlife-biodiversity/quratulain-balouch-may-have-survived-a-himalayan-brown-bear-attack-but-conflict-between-these-iconic-ursids-and-humans-is-already-increasing-across-the-himalayas

5. Consider the following statements in respect of election to the Vice President of India:

1. The candidate must have a minimum age of 35 years and be qualified to be elected as a member of the Lok Sabha.

2. The electoral college consists of all elected and nominated Members of Parliament from both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.

3. The election is held through a secret ballot using the single transferable vote system

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Answer: (b) Only two

Explanation:

In NEWS: PM votes in the 2025 Vice President election

Election of Vice President:

• The Vice President of India is elected by the members of both Houses of Parliament through a secret ballot using the single transferable vote system, as mandated by Article 66 of the Indian Constitution.
• Electoral College: Consists of all elected and nominated Members of Parliament (MPs) from both the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). Hence statement 2 is correct.
• Voting System: Employs the single transferable vote system, allowing MPs to rank candidates in order of preference. This system ensures proportional representation and minimizes the chances of a candidate winning without broad support. Hence statement 3 is correct.
• The Vice President holds office for a term of five years.
• The election is conducted by the Election Commission of India.

Eligibility of Candidates:

• Must be a citizen of India.
• Minimum age of 35 years.
• Qualified to be elected as a member of the Rajya Sabha. Hence statement 1 is incorrect.
• Must not hold any office of profit under the government.

Role of the Vice President:

• The Vice President is the second-highest constitutional office in India.
• Serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
• Acts as the acting President in case of the President’s absence, death, resignation, or impeachment.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the President of India.

Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2164831

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/pm-modi-to-cast-first-vote-in-vice-presidential-election/article70026942.ece

6. Consider the following:

1. Obstructed drainage due to unplanned urban development

2. Paddy cultivation during the monsoon season

3. Efficient groundwater recharge techniques

4. Ill-timed dam water release

Which of the above factors are responsible for worsening floods?

(a) 1, 2, and 3

(b) 1, 2, and 4

(c) 2, 3, and 4

(d) 1 and 3 only

Answer: (b) 1, 2, and 4

Explanation:

In NEWS: Explained: Why Punjab keeps flooding

Why Punjab keeps flooding:

Natural Factors

• Geography: Punjab, often termed the “land of five rivers,” is naturally flood-prone due to its location in the Indo-Gangetic Plain, where multiple rivers converge.
• Monsoon Rains: Intense and prolonged monsoon rains, especially in upstream regions like Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, lead to the swelling of rivers such as the Sutlej, Beas, Ravi, and seasonal streams like the Ghaggar.

Human-Induced Factors

• Obstructed Drainage: Urban development has led to the construction of highways and culverts without adequate drainage systems, causing water stagnation in both rural and urban areas.
• Dam Management: Ill-timed releases from dams, sometimes without proper coordination, exacerbate downstream flooding.
• Agricultural Practices: The adoption of paddy cultivation, especially during the monsoon, increases water usage and hampers groundwater recharge, making the region more susceptible to flooding.

Hence statements 1, 2, and 4 are correct.

Note: Efficient groundwater recharge helps mitigate floods, not worsen them. Hence statement 3 is incorrect.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/why-punjab-keeps-flooding-10232974/

7. Consider the following statements:

Statement-I: Israel is among the top three arms suppliers to India.

Statement-II: India and Israel has the signed the Free Trade Agreement (FTA)

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Answer: (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

Explanation:

In NEWS: Israeli Finance Minister Smotrich visits India, signs Bilateral Investment Agreement

India–Israel Relations: Key Highlights

1. Establishment of Full Diplomatic Ties:
   India established full diplomatic relations with Israel in 1992, although recognition came earlier in 1950.
2. Strategic Partnership:
   The relationship has evolved into a strategic partnership, especially in defence, agriculture, water management, and cybersecurity.
3. Defence Cooperation:
   Israel is among the top three arms suppliers to India. India imports UAVs, missiles, radars, and border management technologies from Israel. Hence statement I is correct.
4. Agricultural Collaboration:
   Through the India-Israel Agricultural Project (IIAP), Israel has helped set up Centers of Excellence in various Indian states, promoting modern farming techniques.
5. High-Level Visits:
   1. PM Narendra Modi visited Israel in 2017, the first Indian PM to do so.
   1. PM Benjamin Netanyahu visited India in 2018.
6. Counter-Terrorism & Intelligence Sharing:
   India and Israel cooperate closely on counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, and homeland security.
7. Technology and Innovation:
   Israel’s strength in startups, water technology, and renewable energy complements India’s development needs.
8. Water & Irrigation:
   Israel supports India with advanced drip irrigation, desalination, and water reuse technologies.
9. Trade and Economic Ties:
   Bilateral trade stands at around $10 billion (goods + services). Key sectors: diamonds, defence, tech, and agriculture.
10. Free Trade Agreement (FTA):
    Talks for an India-Israel FTA are ongoing but remain inconclusive. Hence statement II is incorrect.
11. Diaspora Connection:
    Around 85,000 Indian Jews live in Israel, creating a cultural bridge between the two nations.
12. UN and Diplomatic Stances:
    India traditionally supported the Palestinian cause but has balanced ties in recent years, often abstaining from anti-Israel resolutions.
13. Recent Context (Gaza Conflict):
    India has reiterated support for Israel’s right to self-defence while also calling for restraint and humanitarian concern in the region.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/business/india-israel-ink-bilateral-investment-treaty/article70025459.ece

8. Consider the following:

1. SMS-based one-time passwords (OTP)

2. App-based authenticators

3. Biometric verification

4. Hardware tokens

How many of the above are the common two-factor authentication (2FA)?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four

Answer: (d) All four

Explanation:

In NEWS: How does two-factor authentication (2FA) work?

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):

• 2FA is a security mechanism that requires users to provide two distinct forms of identification before accessing an account or system.
• The two factors are typically drawn from three categories:
  • Something you know (e.g., password or PIN)
  • Something you have (e.g., OTP, smart card, mobile device)
  • Something you are (e.g., fingerprint, facial recognition)
• Purpose: To enhance digital security by reducing the risk of unauthorized access due to compromised passwords.
• Common 2FA Methods:
  • SMS-based one-time passwords (OTP)
  • App-based authenticators (e.g., Google Authenticator, Authy)
  • Biometric verification (e.g., fingerprint, iris scan)
  • Hardware tokens (e.g., YubiKey). Hence, all four statements are correct.
• Time-Based One-Time Passwords (TOTP) are generated by authenticator apps and change every 30 seconds, increasing security.
• SMS-based 2FA is less secure, as it is vulnerable to SIM-swapping and message interception.
• Hardware tokens provide high security and are resistant to phishing but may be costly and less convenient.
• Push-based 2FA (login approval prompts on phone) is convenient but can be vulnerable to “MFA fatigue” (accidental approvals).
• 2FA significantly reduces the success of phishing, credential theft, and brute-force attacks.
• The RBI mandates 2FA for certain banking and digital payment services in India to enhance cyber security.
• Limitations:
  • User inconvenience
  • Vulnerability of some methods (e.g., SMS)
  • Not all services support strong 2FA
• Passkeys and passwordless authentication (using biometrics + device identity) are emerging as future alternatives to 2FA.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/how-does-two-factor-authentication-2fa-work/article70025620.ece

9. Consider the following statements:

1. The Red Sea is one of the world’s saltiest bodies of water.

2. The Red Sea was formed by tectonic rifting, as the Indian plate moves away from the African plate

3. The Red Sea has extensive coral reefs, especially along the coasts of Egypt, Sudan, and Saudi Arabia, supporting rich biodiversity.

4. The Red Sea experiences huge river inflow which makes the river saltier.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 3 and 4 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 2 and 4 only

Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only

Explanation:

In NEWS: Red Sea cable cut interrupts internet in Asia: How data travels to you under the ocean

Red Sea:

• The Red Sea is a seawater inlet of the Indian Ocean, located between northeastern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
• It is connected to the Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal in the north and to the Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea in the south through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
• Countries bordering the Red Sea include:
  • Africa: Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea
  • Asia: Djibouti (via Bab el-Mandeb), Saudi Arabia, Yemen
• The Red Sea is one of the world’s saltiest bodies of water, due to high evaporation and low rainfall. Hence statement 1 is correct.
• It is approximately 2,250 km long, with an average width of 355 km and a maximum depth of about 2,500 meters.
• The Red Sea was formed by tectonic rifting, as the Arabian plate moves away from the African plate — making it a young ocean basin in formation. Hence statement 2 is incorrect.
• It has extensive coral reefs, especially along the coasts of Egypt, Sudan, and Saudi Arabia, supporting rich biodiversity. Hence statement 3 is correct.
• The Red Sea is a major global shipping route, particularly due to the Suez Canal, which links Europe and Asia — making it geopolitically and economically vital.
• It holds strategic military importance, especially near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a chokepoint for maritime trade.
• The name “Red Sea” is believed to derive from either the seasonal blooms of red-colored cyanobacteria (Trichodesmium) or from ancient directional color systems (where “red” meant south).
• It experiences no river inflow, resulting in very high salinity, typically between 36–41 PSU (Practical Salinity Units). Hence statement 4 is incorrect.
• Periodic conflicts and tensions in surrounding regions (e.g., Yemen crisis, Houthi attacks on ships) have raised concerns over freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/undersea-cables-red-sea-internet-working-simplified-10239041/

10. Which one of the following is not a site for in-situ method of conservation of flora?

(a) Biosphere Reserve

(b) Botanical Garden

(c) National Park

(d) Wildlife Sanctuary

Answer: (b) Botanical Garden

EXPLANATION:

In-situ conservation:

• In-situ conservation means conserving species in their natural habitats.
  Examples include:
  • Biosphere Reserves
  • National Parks
  • Wildlife Sanctuaries
• These areas allow flora and fauna to live and evolve in their natural ecosystems.
• Botanical Gardens, on the other hand, are an example of ex-situ conservation, where plants are conserved outside their natural habitats, often for research, education, or preservation.