Table of Contents

Daily Current Affairs – 22 September 2025 | Top News

An Quick Overview Of Latest News

Rising public debt of states

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) released a first-of-its-kind decadal report (2013-14 to 2022-23) on the fiscal health of states, highlighting a sharp increase in public debt and its implications for fiscal sustainability.

Meaning of Public Debt –

Public debt arises when government expenditures exceed its revenue from taxes and other sources, necessitating borrowing from domestic and international markets.
In essence, public debt includes all liabilities of the government funded through the Consolidated Fund of India or the Consolidated Fund of State (in case of a state government).
This debt is categorised into internal and external components, with internal debt further subdivided into marketable and non-marketable securities.
Marketable government securities, such as G-secs and T-Bills, are issued through auctions, while non-marketable ones include treasury bills issued to state governments and special securities for the National Small Savings Fund.

Debt-to-GDP/GSDP Ratio –

• Meaning —

A Debt-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio/ a Debt-to-Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) ratio is a critical metric assessing a country’s/ a state’s ability to service its debt – indicating its ability to repay debt.
A higher ratio signals greater fiscal risk, while a lower ratio suggests greater stability and capacity to handle debt.

Significance — It is important for prudent fiscal management, as is crucial to evaluate the nature of government deficits—whether they fund capital assets or non-asset-creating expenditures like subsidies.
Acceptable level of debt-to-GDP ratio — The NK Singh Committee (established in 2016 to review and recommend changes to the FRBM Act, 2003) proposed a debt-to-GDP ratio of —
- 40% for the central government and 20% for states,
- Aiming for a combined general government debt-to-GDP ratio of 60%.

Growth in States’ Public Debt –

• Total debt (internal debt and loans and advances from the Centre) increased — From

₹17.57 lakh crore in 2013-14 to ₹59.60 lakh crore in 2022-23 (rose by 3.39 times).

Debt-to-GSDP ratio — Increased from 66% (2013-14) to 22.96% (2022-23).
Contribution to National GDP — States’ debt equaled 17% of India’s GDP in FY 2022-23.

Inter-State Variations in Debt Burden –

Highest Debt-to-GSDP ratios — Punjab (40.35%), Nagaland (37.15%), West Bengal (33.70%).
Lowest ratios — Odisha (8.45%), Maharashtra (14.64%), Gujarat (16.37%).

• Distribution —

As on 31st March 2023, 8 states had public debt liability of more than 30% of their GSDP;
6 states had public debt liability of less than 20% of their GSDP and
The remaining 14 states had public debt liability between 20 to 30% of their respective GSDP in FY 2022-23.

Sources of States’ Public Debt –

Loans raised from the open market through securities, treasury bills, bonds,
Loans from banks such as the State Bank of India (SBI).
Ways and Means Advances (WMA) from Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
Loans from financial institutions such as Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
Loans from the union government. Example, back-to-back loans for GST compensation shortfall and special capital assistance (especially during COVID-19).

Debt Sustainability Indicators –

Debt as percentage of revenue receipts — Varied between 128% (2014-15) and 191% (2020-21).
Debt as percentage of non-debt receipts — Between 127% and 190%.

• Average debt profile —

On an average, the public debt of the states has been about 150% of their revenue receipts/ total non-debt receipts.
Similarly, public debt has ranged between 17-25% of the GSDP and 20% of the
The marked increase of 4%, from 21% of GSDP in FY 2019-20 to 25% in FY 2020-21 is attributable to decrease in GSDP in FY 2020-21 being Covid year

Fiscal Management Concerns –

Golden rule of borrowing — Debt should finance capital expenditure, not revenue
Violation of rule — 11 states (including Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, West Bengal, Kerala, etc.) used borrowings to finance current expenditure.
Example — Andhra Pradesh spent only 17% and Punjab 26% of borrowings on capital

• Risk —

GST compensation loans and COVID relief borrowing have altered debt
Unsustainable fiscal practices resulting in crowding out of productive investment and debt trap potential.
High state debt levels threaten macroeconomic stability and strain Centre-State fiscal

Way Forward –

Fiscal discipline — States must align borrowing with productive capital creation, avoiding use for routine expenditure.
Debt management strategy — Establishing Public Debt Management Agency (PDMA, proposed in the 2015 Union Budget) – enhanced transparency, improved monitoring, and debt restructuring mechanisms.
Strengthening state finances — Diversify revenue sources, rationalise subsidies, improve tax buoyancy, and reduce dependence on central transfers.
Adherence to FRBM Act — Ensure fiscal prudence through legally binding debt and deficit
Institutional mechanisms — Strengthening state finance commissions and CAG oversight for sustainable fiscal federalism.

WAVES Bazaar 2.0

The I&B Ministry has launched the second phase of WAVES Bazaar, introducing AI matchmaking, online pitching, and secure viewing rooms to empower Indian content creators and boost global outreach.

Introduction –

India’s media and entertainment industry is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by digitisation, global collaborations, and the growing power of independent creators.
To strengthen this momentum, the Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry launched

WAVES Bazaar in January 2025 as a hybrid content marketplace.

Now, the portal is entering its second phase, introducing online pitching sessions, secure viewing rooms, and AI-based matchmaking tools to empower content creators and make India a global content hub.

About WAVES Bazaar –

WAVES Bazaar is a government-backed initiative that connects creators, investors, production houses, OTT platforms, distributors, and financiers on one digital
It was designed as a networking and marketplace hub covering films, television, animation, gaming, music, advertising, sound design, radio, and podcasts.
The platform has already —
- Onboarded over 6,000 creators and sellers, and 5,500 buyers and companies.
- Enabled 2,000+ projects to go
- Generated over 1,300 crore in business leads during its first summit in Mumbai.
- Facilitated 100 crore worth of investment discussions via editions in Toronto and Melbourne.
- Attracted buyers and delegations from 40+ countries.

Key Features in the Second Phase –

• Online Pitching and Viewing Rooms —

Budding creators can pitch projects directly to investors, OTT platforms, and production houses.
Secure viewing rooms will allow content buyers to preview projects safely, enhancing trust and transparency.

• AI-Driven Matchmaking —

The portal will leverage AI-based recommendation systems to connect creators with the right financiers, distributors, or production houses.
Automated profile building, project profiling, and pitch deck improvements will guide creators in enhancing visibility.

• Knowledge and Skill Development —

A knowledge hub with webinars and masterclasses by industry experts will provide
AI will offer suggestions for improving creators’ project portfolios and scoring systems to help buyers make informed decisions.

• Global Outreach and Co-Production Opportunities —

WAVES Bazaar will expand its reach through international events and delegations, boosting exposure for Indian creators.
The initiative will strengthen co-production treaties with other countries, ensuring broader market access.

Significance for India’s Creative Economy –

The second phase of WAVES Bazaar is designed to —
- Democratise content creation by giving small and independent creators access to the same opportunities as established players.
- Boost India’s position as a global content hub, with stronger participation in international festivals and co-productions.
- Diversifybeyond films into music, gaming, animation, and short-form
- Attract investments and build sustainable collaborations for long-term
The I&B Ministry envisions WAVES Bazaar as a flagship initiative in India’s digital cultural economy, aligning with the government’s broader goals of enhancing the country’s soft power and creative exports.

Challenges and Future Outlook –

While the initiative has generated strong momentum, its success will depend on —
- Ensuring robust data security and intellectual property protection in viewing
- Expanding access to regional creators who often lack digital
- Sustaining international partnerships beyond initial
Looking ahead, WAVES Bazaar could become the centralised gateway for Indian creative exports, offering not just visibility but also monetisation, mentorship, and global

CAG Flags Fraud in State Schemes

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, K Sanjay Murthy, revealed that AI and ML- based forensic audits have exposed numerous fraudulent cases in state beneficiary schemes.

Speaking at the second State Finance Secretaries Conference, he said these audits can prevent misuse of funds and save significant financial resources for state governments.

CAG Pushes AI-Driven Forensic Audits and Digital Governance –

The CAG of India emphasised the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in detecting fraud during audits of state beneficiary schemes.
Digitisation of audit processes is now the CAG’s top priority to enable remote audits, reduce hassles for executives, ensure timely reporting, and expand coverage — including 100% checks of GST and Income Tax databases.

• Use of AI/ML in Fraud Detection —

AI/ML-based forensic audits have already exposed numerous fraudulent cases across
These tools could save states significant financial resources currently being siphoned off through fraudulent practices.
A key application of remote audits will also include identifying tampering of electronic

Digitisation of Financial Management Systems –

There have been progresses by states in adopting digital tools for public financial
Key systems include —

• Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS),

IFMIS is a digital, web-based platform used by government entities to automate and integrate various financial functions like budgeting, accounting, payments, and

• Works and Accounts Management Information System (WAMIS),

WAMIS is a comprehensive digital system for managing construction projects, covering their entire life cycle from inception to
Developed by C-DAC, it tracks and monitors financial transactions, links them to physical progress, etc.

• Government e-Procurement Platform (GePNIC),

GePNIC is a software system developed by India’s National Informatics Centre (NIC) for conducting all stages of the government procurement process for goods, services, and

e-voucher systems, and

• Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme (DILRMP).

DILRMP is a Central Sector Scheme launched by the GoI to computerise, digitise, and modernise all land records and registration processes across the country
However, the maturity level of these applications varies significantly across states, though digitisation has already improved the finalisation of Monthly Civil Accounts.

Remote Audits Across Departments –

The CAG has successfully conducted remote audits in areas such as GST, stamp and registration, e-procurement, works, and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes.
The next goal is to extend remote auditing to all government departments with digitised

• Auditing Local Governments —

There is need to audit Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), as nearly 15 cities contribute more than 50% of India’s GDP.
Cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad alone account for 30% of GDP and could add 1.5% to annual growth if efficiencies improve.

Conclusion –

Initiatives such as SNA SPARSH will strengthen cash management, while schemes like Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment will help states build IT-driven financial
- SNA SPARSH is a cash management system and a Single Nodal Account (SNA) initiative for India’s Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) that facilitates a “just-in-time” release of funds from central and state consolidated funds.

It integrates the Public Financial Management System (PFMS), the State Integrated Financial Management System, and the e-Kuber platform of the RBI to achieve better transparency, efficiency, and accountability in fund

It is therefore imperative for states to continuously adopt and integrate advanced digital tools, including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), into their public financial management frameworks.
Such integration will not only enhance transparency and accountability but also significantly improve efficiency in governance, thereby ensuring more effective utilisation of public resources and long-term fiscal sustainability.

Process of Voter Name Deletion

Recently, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha had alleged that 6,018 voters’ names were attempted to be deleted from Karnataka’s Aland constituency rolls in 2023 through online forms filed without locals’ knowledge.

He said the state CID sent 18 letters in 18 months to the Election Commission of India (ECI) seeking details, but the ECI has not provided the information so far.

Legal Provisions for Voter Deletion –

Under Section 22 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) can correct or delete names from electoral rolls, either on their own or upon
Before deletion, they must conduct an inquiry, give the voter a chance to respond, and then issue an order.
Names can be removed if the person has died, shifted residence, or is ineligible — such as being under 18 or not a citizen.

Applying for Voter Deletion –

Under the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, electors can seek deletions through Form 7, used to object to inclusion or request removal of names.
The form may be filed for one’s own name or another elector in the same
It can be downloaded from the Election Commission’s voter portal (voters.gov.in), submitted to the Booth Level Officer (BLO), or filed online via the ECINet app.

Filing Form 7 Online for Voter Deletion –

To file Form 7 online, applicants must first create an account and link their phone number to their EPIC number on the voter portal or app.
Only those registered in the same constituency can submit a Form 7 seeking deletion of a name from a particular constituency.
The form requires the applicant’s details — name, EPIC number, phone number — along with the name, EPIC (if available), and address of the person being objected to.
Applicants must choose one of five reasons: death, underage, permanently shifted, already enrolled, or not an Indian citizen.
No proof is required, but applicants must sign a declaration affirming the truth of their
The completed form can be submitted online or printed for oﬄine submission to the Booth Level Officer (BLO).

Processing of Voter Deletion Forms –

Since 2018, the Election Commission has used ERONet, a centralised portal for Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), replacing state-level systems.
In 2024, it was upgraded to ECINet, which integrates about 40 of its existing apps and portals for voters and officers.
- Voters who log on to the voters’ portal or officers who access ERONet are all redirected to the new ECINet portal.
Applications filed online or oﬄine are routed to the ERO or Assistant ERO of the concerned
They must issue a notice to the elector, allow seven days for response, hold a hearing, and then pass an order.
Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are tasked with conducting field visits to verify the claims before a final decision is made.

Gaps in the Online Voter Deletion System –

The voter deletion system has loopholes as no proof is required while filing Form 7, and applicants’ EPIC and phone numbers are not verified.
This allows misuse, such as linking another person’s EPIC to a different phone number, as seen in Karnataka’s Aland constituency.
The Election Commission admitted this vulnerability but noted that deletion attempts were stopped during ERO inquiries.
Officials maintain that safeguards exist under the Representation of the People Act and Registration of Electors Rules, since deletions require a detailed inquiry by the ERO and BLO before approval.

IRIS

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has proposed the Impact of Research and Innovation Scale (IRIS) to measure the impact of biomedical, public health, and allied research projects.

Given ICMR’s role as India’s premier grants-giving and agenda-setting body in health research, IRIS could significantly shape the research ecosystem.

Key Features of IRIS –

ICMR proposes to measure research impact in units called publication-equivalents (PEs).
A research paper published in a peer-reviewed journal that reports results or methods of primary research, or a systematic review and meta-analysis is assigned 1 PE.
While a research paper that is cited in policies or guidelines is assigned 10 PEs.
A patent’s impact is 5 PEs and that of a commercial device being used at scale is 20 PEs.

Advantages of IRIS –

Standardisation – Uniform metric — IRIS provides a common yardstick across disciplines (biochemistry, physiology, biomedical engineering, public health, etc).
Recognition beyond citations — Breaks the conventional citation-driven incentive system and encourages diverse forms of impactful research.
Policy and funding linkage — By tying PEs to funding allocation, IRIS can influence research prioritisation and resource distribution

Concerns and Limitations –

• Theoretical weakness —

PE assignment lacks strong theoretical
It excludes influential For example, commentary, perspective, and narratives review papers will have 0 PE.
In this case, the 1977 paper that introduced the biopsychosocial model of medicine, which transformed medical and public health research, will have no
Articulating new ideas and critical discourse around emerging evidence are at the foundation of research, yet the PE-based system could discourage Indian researchers from pursuing articles of this nature.

• Skewed incentives —

It prioritises commercial devices (20 PEs) over policy-level interventions (10 PEs).
Risks undervaluing basic science, public health programmes, and academic
For example, the RATIONS clinical trial (studied nutrition in tuberculosis patients) and India’s Home-Based Neonatal Care (revolutionised community health programming) will be deemed to be less impactful.

• Risk to research as a public good —

Over-commercialisation may erode the ethos of science as a public
Potential misuse in India’s already weak research ethics culture.

• Need for transparency —

Development of IRIS requires rigorous methods, accountability, and peer

• Suggested approach:

The assignment of PEs to different indicators could be done through a national-level

Delphi study where researchers form a consensus on the assignment.

Data must be shared with independent groups to analyse and validate the

Conclusion –

Measuring research impact is inherently complex, with no universally correct
ICMR must ensure transparency, inclusivity, and ethical safeguards while developing
Balance is essential to incentivise innovation and translation into practice without undermining fundamental research and critical academic discourse.
Ultimately, research evaluation must align with India’s public health priorities and uphold research as a public good.

Isobutanol-Diesel Blending

India is exploring isobutanol-diesel blending as an alternative to ethanol, with a pilot project underway to assess its technical and economic feasibility.

Introduction –

India is pushing forward in its biofuel journey, experimenting with new alternatives to conventional fossil fuels to meet its energy and climate goals.
After ethanol blending with diesel proved technically unsuitable, the government and the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) have turned their attention to isobutanol, an alcohol-based compound with promising blending properties.
Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari recently announced that India is working on pilot projects to evaluate the feasibility of isobutanol-diesel blending, which, if successful, could make India the first country to achieve this breakthrough.

Understanding Isobutanol and Its Properties –

Isobutanol is a four-carbon alcohol widely used as a solvent in industries such as paints and chemicals. Its key attributes include —
- HigherFlash Point: Less volatile and safer than ethanol, lowering fire
- Better Miscibility with Diesel: Compared with ethanol, isobutanol blends more effectively with diesel without requiring extensive chemical
- Versatile Feedstock: Like ethanol, it can be produced from sugarcane syrup, molasses, and grains through microbial fermentation.
These properties make it technically more compatible with diesel engines than

Why Ethanol Blending Failed with Diesel?

Ethanol has been a cornerstone of India’s biofuel policy, especially in petrol blending, where the country has achieved 12% ethanol blending in 2023-24.
However, blending ethanol with diesel faced hurdles —
- LowFlash Point: Increased volatility and fire
- Poor Compatibility: Required chemical additives to stabilise the
- Engine Concerns: Blending caused ignition and combustion irregularities in diesel
Thus, isobutanol emerged as a promising alternative for diesel

Production and Economic Viability of Isobutanol –

Isobutanol production follows a fermentation process similar to ethanol, but with specially engineered microbes that convert natural sugars into isobutanol.
According to the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA):
- A sugar refinery with 150 kilo litres per day (klpd) capacity can produce 125 klpd ethanol

and 20 klpd isobutanol with minor infrastructure modifications.

The use of surplus sugarcane and molasses, already abundant in India, provides a steady raw material supply.
However, the imbalance between rising cane prices and stagnant ethanol procurement prices poses an economic challenge that could extend to isobutanol production.

Technical and Performance Challenges –

While isobutanol blends better with diesel than ethanol, experts highlight several technical considerations:

• Cetane Number —

Isobutanol has a lower cetane number than diesel, which may reduce combustion
This could cause engine knock, reduced power, and long-term

• Additives Requirement —

Cetane improvers would be needed, increasing
Blending beyond 10% isobutanol is not advisable due to performance

• Emission Reduction Potential —

If optimised, the blend can reduce harmful emissions and support the import substitution of fossil fuels.

Pilot Project and Global Context –

ARAI has initiated a pilot project, expected to take about 18 months, to study the impact of isobutanol-diesel blending across different vehicle classes.
If India succeeds, it will become the first nation to commercialise this blend.
Globally, biofuel innovation has largely focused on ethanol, biodiesel, and advanced
India’s foray into isobutanol represents an effort to diversify its biofuel basket while reducing dependence on imported crude oil.

H-1B Visa

The White House has introduced a $100,000 entry fee for H-1B visa holders starting September 21, 2025, causing concern among Indian tech workers and students, the largest H-1B user group. The fee applies only to new entrants to the US, while those already in the country extending or changing status are exempt.

H-1B $100,000 Entry Fee: What Changes, What’s Clear, and What’s Uncertain?

From September 21, 2025, no H-1B petition for workers outside the US will be approved unless the sponsoring employer pays $100,000 upfront.
Without proof of payment, consular stamping will be denied, blocking

• What Is Clear?

The fee applies to all H-1B petitions for workers outside the US, including those needing consular stamping after travel.
The Secretary of Homeland Security may waive the restriction for individuals, companies, or industries if deemed in the US national interest.
The measure will last for 12 months, after which agencies will review it before the White House decides on an extension.

• What Remains Uncertain?

The proclamation does not clarify which sectors may qualify for waivers, though areas like healthcare, defence, and critical technology have historically been
It also leaves ambiguity over the treatment of universities and non-profits, which are usually cap-exempt under H-1B rules but are not explicitly excluded in this order.

Immigration Politics and the H-1B Debate in the US –

Immigration has become one of the most divisive issues in US politics, rising from 1% in 2012 to 14.6% in 2024 as a top voter concern.
Donald Trump’s rhetoric has consistently framed immigration — first low-skilled, now even

skilled migration under the H-1B program — as a threat to American jobs and wages.

This narrative, rooted in economic anxiety and racial undertones, portrays immigrants as displacing the struggling working class already burdened by unemployment, inflation, low wages, and housing crises.
Trump and his camp now extend the same argument against H-1B workers, claiming they “steal” higher-paying tech jobs, echoing the themes of his earlier anti-immigrant

• Criticism of H-1B Visa —

Nativist MAGA (Make America Great Again) Republicans argue that Indian workers are “stealing” American jobs and lowering wages.
They claim H-1B visas, meant for top talent, are used by tech firms to hire mid-level staff at cheaper salaries.
Critics point to the salary gap: in FY2023, 70% of approved petitions for Indians were under $100,000, below the US IT median salary of $104,420.

• Industry Viewpoint —

Industry leaders counter that H-1B visas are essential to fill America’s skills gap, especially in STEM fields.
Data shows that China (3.57 million) and India (2.55 million) produce far more STEM graduates than the US (820,000), underlining the need for global

India at the Epicentre of H-1B Impact –

India, the largest user of the H-1B system with 71% of approvals in FY2024 (far ahead of China at 12–13%), faces the greatest disruption from the $100,000 entry fee.
The new rule threatens the Optional Practical Training (OPT)-to-H-1B pathway for young Indian graduates, as employers may avoid the steep cost.
Families already on H-1Bs risk travel-related
For India’s IT service firms and Global Capability Centres (GCCs), staff rotations to the US become prohibitively expensive, likely shifting more project work to offshore hubs like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune.

Industries Most Impacted by the H-1B $100,000 Fee –

Big Tech and Cloud Firms — Amazon, with 12,000 approvals in early 2025, along with Microsoft, Meta, Google, and Apple, face massive cost hikes as each H-1B hire now costs $100,000 extra.

IT Service Providers — Indian majors like Infosys, TCS, Wipro, HCL and global firms like Cognizant, Capgemini, and IBM depend on H-1Bs for onsite delivery. The levy hits junior roles, central to their
Consulting and Finance — Firms such as JPMorgan Chase use H-1Bs for STEM and quantitative roles. The new surcharge significantly raises costs for these specialised hires.
Startups and Mid-Size Companies — With limited financial capacity, smaller firms are most vulnerable. Many will delay recruitment or offshore roles to avoid the fee
Universities and Research Institutions — Postdoctoral researchers and specialist staff often rely on H-1Bs. Without exemptions, academic employers face unsustainable costs, affecting research and

Fentanyl

In the latest Major’s List sent to the U.S. Congress, President Donald Trump identified 23 countries, including India, Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan, as major sources or transit hubs for illicit drugs, particularly fentanyl, posing a threat to the U.S. and its citizens.

Understanding the Major’s List –

The Major’s List, compiled annually, identifies countries where geography, trade, or industry enable significant narcotics or precursor chemical flows into global markets.
Inclusion does not reflect counternarcotics performance but highlights drug production or transit
However, nations like Afghanistan, Bolivia, Myanmar, Colombia, and Venezuela were flagged as having “failed demonstrably” in meeting international drug-control obligations.

Fentanyl: A Deadly Synthetic Opioid –

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid developed in the 1960s for severe medical pain relief, is now the leading cause of overdose deaths in the U.S.
Illicit fentanyl is nearly 50 times stronger than heroin, with just 2 mg proving fatal by suppressing brainstem respiratory centres.
Between August 2023 and August 2024, over 57,000 Americans died from opioid overdoses, mostly fentanyl-related.
Though overdoses can be reversed with naloxone, rapid administration is crucial to prevent brain injury or death.
In 2022, the U.S. DEA seized enough fentanyl for 379 million lethal doses — enough to kill the nation’s entire population.

Why Regulating Fentanyl Is Difficult?

Unlike plant-based drugs like heroin or cocaine, fentanyl is lab-made using chemical precursors such as N-phenethyl-4-piperidone (NPP) and 4-anilino-N-phenethylpiperidine (4- ANPP).
These compounds have legitimate industrial and pharmaceutical uses, making regulation
In counterfeit labs, traffickers can convert these precursors into fentanyl with basic glassware, solvents, and moderate heat, using common organic chemistry reactions.
Since small amounts of precursors yield large fentanyl quantities and can be discreetly shipped, controlling their diversion into illicit networks has proven extremely

Fentanyl Supply Chain and U.S. Response –

The fentanyl trade is a complex network. China and India produce key precursor chemicals, some of which are diverted into illicit
Mexican cartels process these into fentanyl powder, later pressed into counterfeit pills or mixed with other drugs, and smuggled into the U.S., mainly through the southwest border.

• U.S. Legal and Trade Actions —

The S. has pursued criminal prosecutions, trade penalties, and diplomatic pressure to curb trafficking.
In January 2025, Indian firms Raxuter Chemicals and Athos Chemicals were charged with exporting fentanyl precursors.
A senior executive of Raxuter was arrested in New York for
Following this, the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi revoked visas for business executives linked to trafficking.
In February 2025, the Trump administration imposed 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports and an additional 10% on Chinese imports, citing fentanyl
Tariffs on Canada and Mexico were suspended after stronger border enforcement, but those on China remain.

• Domestic Enforcement and Public Health Measures —

Withinthe S., the DEA has intensified seizures of fentanyl shipments, targeted trafficking networks, and intercepted counterfeit pills disguised as legitimate medicines.
Simultaneously, naloxone distribution has been expanded, alongside public awareness campaigns warning against counterfeit drugs.
Expanded treatment programmes aim to reduce demand and support recovery from opioid addiction.

Aflatoxin

Exporters are disputing Indonesia’s delayed notification of aflatoxins in groundnut shipments from India.

About Aflatoxin –

Aflatoxins are a toxic chemical (a mycotoxin) produced by
The mould-like fungi that produce aflatoxins belong to a large group called Aspergillus (It is produced mainly by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus fungi).
- Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, thrive mainly in agricultural crops but also in soils, rotting food and compost.
- The fungi emerge as spores and form networks of microscopic filaments that can grow on products such as grains and nuts.

These fungi contaminate groundnuts in warm, humid

It can occur in foods such as groundnuts, tree nuts, maize, rice, figs and other dried foods, spices, crude vegetable oils and cocoa beans, as a result of fungal contamination before and after harvest.

• How are people exposed to aflatoxins?

People can be exposed to aflatoxins by eating contaminated plant products (such as peanuts) or by consuming meat or dairy products from animals that ate contaminated
Farmers and other agricultural workers may be exposed by inhaling dust generated during the handling and processing of contaminated crops and feeds.

Health Impacts — This toxin is reported to be genotoxic, carcinogenic, and pose risks to

human and animal health.

Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan

Recently, the Prime Minister of India launched the ‘Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar’ (SNSP) Abhiyaan in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh.

About Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan –

It is aimed at strengthening healthcare services for women and children across India, with a focus on improving access, quality care, and awareness.
It is an initiative by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare(MoHFW) and the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD),
It encourages active participation from private hospitals and healthcare professionals to foster inclusive healthcare delivery.

• Objectives of Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan —

Enhance Women’s Health Through Comprehensive Screening and Services
Promote Family Well-Being via Maternal and Child Care
Foster Behaviour Changes Through Education
Encourage Community Participation and Public Awareness

• Implementation Strategy —

Nationwide Health Camps with Real-Time Monitoring : It will organise more than one lakh health camps across Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and Community Health Centres, coordinated and tracked through the SASHAKT portal.
Multi-Platform Outreach for Awareness: This abhiyan aims to leverage Doordarshan, All India Radio (AIR), and social media campaigns to maximise public awareness and participation
Volunteer and Nikshay Mitra Engagement: The campaign expands participation through Nikshay Mitras and volunteers, who support tuberculosis eradication efforts and community health initiatives.

Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPP)

The Election Commission of India (ECI) recently de-listed a total of 474 more Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPP) for flouting norms, including not contesting elections in the last six years.

About Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPP) –

• These are the parties which are either newly registered parties or those which have not secured enough percentage of votes in the assembly or general elections to become a state party, or those which have never contested elections since being registered.

• Despite not having official recognition, RUPPs enjoy certain benefits —

Tax exemption under Section 13A of the Income Tax Act,
Eligibility for common poll symbols during elections. Common symbols are provided to RUPPs based upon an undertaking that they would put up “at least 5% of total candidates with regard to said Legislative Assembly election of a State”.

• Permission to nominate up to 20 ‘star campaigners’ for canvassing.

• They are, however, required to —

• Contest elections periodically.

• File annual audit accounts and contribution reports.

Disclose donations exceeding Rs. 20,000, and ensure that no donations above Rs. 2,000 are accepted in cash.

What are Registered Parties?

Political parties in the country are registered with the ECI under the provisions of Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act (RPA) 1951.
There are many benefits of registering a
- Firstly, the RPA allows political parties to accept contributions voluntarily offered to it by any person or company other than a government company.
- Apart from this, candidates of registered parties get preference in allotment of election Other candidates are identified as independents and do not get preference in symbol allocation.
- Tax exemption for donations received under Section 13A of the Income Tax Act,
Guidelines for registration of Political Parties mention that if the party does not contest elections continuously for 6 years, the party shall be taken off the list of registered
Registered political parties, in course of time, can get recognition as a state party or national party subject to the fulfilment of the conditions prescribed by the EC in the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968, as amended from time to
Recognised political parties get to reserve a symbol and use it exclusively, whereas unrecognised parties have to choose from a list of free symbols.
Recognition also comes with other benefits, such as free broadcast facilities over Doordarshan and All India Radio, more allowances for campaign expenditure, and free copies of electoral rolls before elections.
Conditions for Recognition as a State Party — A political party shall be treated as a recognised political party in a state if it fulfils any of the following conditions
- The party has to win 3 percent of seats in the Legislative Assembly of the state in the General Election.
- The party has to win one Lok sabha seat for every 25 Lok Sabha seats allotted for the state in the General Election.
- The party has to secure a minimum of 6 percent of votes in a state, and in addition it has won one Lok Sabha or two Legislative Assembly seats in elections.
- The party has to secure 8 percent of votes in a state in the General Election to Lok Sabha or Legislative Assembly.
Conditions for Recognition as a National Party — A political party shall be treated as a national party if it fulfils any of the following conditions —

• Secure at least 6 percent of votes polled in four or more states in the Lok Sabha or Assembly elections, and, in addition, it has at least four members in the Lok Sabha.

• It also has to have at least 2 percent of the total Lok Sabha seats and its candidates come from not less than three states.

• It is recognised as a state party in at least four states.

Both national and state parties have to fulfil these conditions for all subsequent Lok Sabha or state elections. Else, they lose their status.

One-In, One-Out Scheme

An Indian migrant has become the first to be deported from the UK under the new “one-in, one- out” migration deal with France, which swaps illegal arrivals for approved asylum seekers.

About One-In, One-Out Scheme –

It is a migration agreement between the UK and
The deal is aimed at deterring migrants from making dangerous trips across the English Channel from France to the UK in small boats.

• Many migrants without visas or permits departing France by sea attempt to cross to the UK in small, inflatable boats.

They frequently pay large sums of money to gangs who arrange the boats in northern
Journeys can be incredibly dangerous, and people have died making the

Under the new agreement, France will agree to take back asylum seekers who have

crossed over to the UK and who cannot prove a family connection to the UK.

• For each migrant France takes back, the UK will grant asylum to one migrant from France who can prove a family connection to the UK and who have not previously attempted to enter the country illegally.

New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM)

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project recently achieved a 4.88 km tunnel breakthrough under Thane Creek using NATM (New Austrian tunnelling method), marking major progress in excavation.

About New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) –

It was developed between 1957 and 1965 in

• The main idea is to use the geological stress of the surrounding rock mass to stabilise the tunnel itself.

The method uses the strength of the surrounding soil to the greatest extent possible to strengthen the tunnel structure.

• The operation occurs sequentially to take most advantage of the ground conditions.

Additionally, NATM installs ground support on the go and on an as-needed basis, adding reinforcement to the shotcrete where necessary.

• NATM is best suited for short-range (> 2 km) tunnels in regions with variable soil conditions.

Key Facts about Thane Creek –

• It is one of the largest creeks in Asia and is located partly on the coast of the Mumbai metropolis.

It is an inlet along the shoreline of the Arabian Sea that isolates the city of Mumbai from the Indian mainland.
A major part of the creek has been declared a bird sanctuary called Thane Creek Flamingo Bird Sanctuary (TCFS).
It was designated as a Ramsar site, a wetland of international significance, in

Chirality

Recent work by researchers has provided critical insights into how chiral perovskite materials crystallise, unlocking the possibility of building high-performance devices with phase-pure chiral perovskite films.

About Chirality –

It is the property of an object being non-superimposable on its mirror image.
It is found everywhere in nature, from spiral galaxies to the DNA in our cells.

• Chirality’s role in material science —

In materials science, chirality can enable unique light–matter interactions, such as

controlling the spin of electrons or detecting circularly polarized light.

These capabilities help futuristic technologies in quantum optoelectronics, advanced sensors, and spin-based computing.
- Example: Chiral materials can distinguish between left- and right-handed circularly polarised light and influence electron spin.
Applications: It helps in building devices such as circularly polarised light (CPL) detectors,

spintronic components, and neuromorphic photonic synapses

• Why are Perovskites Game-Changers?

Traditionally,most chiral materials studied have been organic in nature.
These organic materials can interact with light effectively, but their poor electrical conductivity has limited their role in optoelectronic
On the other hand Halide perovskites bring together strong optical properties with efficient charge transport.
When combined with chiral molecules, these low-dimensional halide perovskites can yield chiral perovskites that are both functionally versatile and structurally robust.

Challenges — Making high-quality chiral perovskite films for devices requires precise control over how they crystallise – something that has remained poorly understood.

Adamya Fast Patrol Vessel

Recently, the Indian Coast Guard ship fast patrol vessels Adamya was commissioned at Paradip Port.

About Adamya Fast Patrol Vessel –

It is the first ship of the eight in series Adamya-class Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs)
‘Adamya’ meaning ‘indomitable’ is a projection of ICG’s will and commitment in ensuring safe, secure, and clean seas towards the maritime interest of the
Developed by — It has been designed and built indigenously by Goa Shipyard

• Features of Adamya Fast Patrol Vessel —

Carrying Capacity: It displaces 320 tons.
It is propelled by two 3000 KW diesel engines to attain a maximum speed of 28 Knots

along with an endurance of 1500 nm at economical speed.

It is the first ship fitted with indigenously developed two Controllable Pitch Propellers and gearboxes offering superior manoeuvrability, operational flexibility and enhanced performance at sea.
Its weaponry includes a 30 mm CRN 91 gun and two 12.7 mm stabilized remote controlled machine guns, all supported by fire control systems.
The vessel also features an Integrated Bridge System, Integrated Platform Management System, Automated Power Management System and augmenting operational efficiency &

INS Rajali

The Indian Navy’s Eastern Naval Command recently hosted a two-day seminar on Long-Range Maritime Reconnaissance (LRMR) at INS Rajali, Arakkonam, underscoring India’s growing maritime responsibilities and surveillance capabilities.

About INS Rajali –

It is an Indian Naval Air Station located near Arakkonam in Tamil
It was commissioned on March 11, 1992.
It was named as ‘Rajali’, named after an aggressive bird of the Hawk family, predominant in the Tamil Nadu coastal belt.
The air station is spread over 2,200 acres and is located 80 km west of
INS Rajali is the most modern and largest Naval Air Station, with a garrison strength of

4,700 personnel.

It contributes towards two very distinct tasks –Operations and
It operates under the Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy and has the longest military runway in Asia.
It is home to the navy’s INAS 312 squadron which has been at the forefront of maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare with the P8I.
Apart from hosting the P8I fleet, it also operates MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones, providing a technological edge for high-endurance operations in the vast expanses of the Indian Ocean.
INS Rajali is also home to the navy’s Helicopter Training

Exercise Amogh Fury

Indian Army recently conducted a major integrated firepower exercise, codenamed ‘AMOGH FURY’, at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan’s Thar desert.

About Exercise Amogh Fury –

It is an Integrated Fire Power Exercise conducted by the Sapta Shakti Command of the Indian Army.

• Location — Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan’s Thar Desert.

The drill aimed to test combat power, coordination, and operational readiness in real-time battle scenarios, reflecting the force’s preparedness for multi-domain operations.
A key focus of ‘Amogh Fury’ was the integration of modern technologies, including network- centric communication, command-and-control architecture, and real-time surveillance and targeting.

Gulf of Finland

Three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets violated the airspace of NATO member Estonia over the Gulf of Finland recently and remained there for 12 minutes.

About Gulf of Finland –

It is the easternmost extension of the Baltic Sea, located in Northern
It covers an area of 30,000 km. It is one of the largest bodies of brackish water in the world.
The gulf extends for 400 km from east to west but only 19 to 130 km from north to

• It is bordered by Finland in the north, Russia in the east, and Estonia in the south.

Both the Finnish capital city, Helsinki, and the Estonian capital, Tallinn, are located right on the shores of the Gulf of Finland.
At the very eastern end of the gulf is the Russian city of Petersburg.
The gulf is relatively shallow with an estimated average depth of 38
Of low salinity (six parts per thousand), the gulf freezes over for three to five months in
It receives the Neva and Narva rivers and the Saimaa
The gulf faces a humid continental climate with hot summers and relatively harsh
The gulf contains numerous banks, skerries and
The largest include Kotlin Island with the city of Kronstadt (population 42,800), Beryozovye Islands, Lisiy Island, Maly Vysotsky Island, and many others.

Industrial Park Rating System 3.0

Recently, the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry launched the Industrial Park Rating System (IPRS) 3.0 in New Delhi.

About Industrial Park Rating System 3.0 –

It is developed by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) with support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
It aims to further strengthen India’s industrial ecosystem and enhance the competitiveness

of industrial infrastructure.

• Features of Industrial Park Rating System 3.0 —

It will help assess and benchmark facilities, infrastructure, and competitiveness of industrial parks across the country.
The initiative will provide stakeholders with reliable data, encourage best practices, and support the creation of world-class infrastructure.
It introduced an expanded framework with new parameters, including sustainability, green infrastructure, logistics connectivity, digitalisation, skill linkages, and enhanced tenant feedback.
Under IPRS 3.0, industrial parks will be benchmarked and categorised as Leaders, Challengers, and Aspirers based on their performance across key indicators.

Javari Temple

A seven-foot-tall headless Vishnu idol at the Javari temple in Madhya Pradesh’s Khajuraho has grabbed headlines following the Chief Justice of India’s remark during a recent hearing on a petition seeking its restoration.

About Javari Temple –

It is a Hindu temple, which forms part of the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Madhya Pradesh.
- The temples at Khajuraho were built during the Chandella dynasty, which reached its apogee between 950 and 1050 AD.
- The temples are famous for their nagara-style architectural symbolism and their erotic

• Built between 1075 and 1100 AD, the Javari Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

• Architecture —

The temple is built in the Nagara style of

• Situated on a plinth, it contains a sanctum, vestibule, mandapa, and portico but without pradakshinapatha.

It has an exquisitely carved Makara Torana (Capricorn Arch) and
The sanctum of Javari Temple contains a four-armed idol of Lord Vishnu, though it is

now broken and headless.

There are sculptures of Hindu Gods and
The elaborate gateway of the temple is beautiful, and there are images of men and women carved on the walls.

Dadasaheb Phalke Award

Recently, the Government of India announced that Shri. Mohanlal will be conferred with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2023.

About Dadasaheb Phalke Award –

It is given by the Indian government for lifetime contribution to Indian
It was instituted in 1969 the birth centenary year of Dadasaheb
It is the highest award in the field of cinema in
The award’s inaugural recipient was Devika Rani, aptly titled “the first lady of Indian cinema”.
The recipients are recognized for their ‘outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema’.
Award includes: The award comprises a Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) medallion, a shawl, and a cash prize of ₹10 lakh.
It is presented by the President of

Key Facts about Dadasaheb Phalke –

He was born on April 30, 1870, in Trimbak,
He was a film director who is considered the father of Indian
He directed India’s first full-length feature film, Raja Harishchandra in

Striped Dolphin

A pod of striped dolphins, uncommon in Andhra waters, was recently spotted off the coast of Visakhapatnam.

About Striped Dolphin –

The striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) is a streamlined oceanic dolphin, similar in shape and size to the common dolphin.
It is among the most abundant and widespread dolphins in the

• Distribution —

It is found in temperate and tropical waters of all the world’s

• Habitat —

They tend to prefer deeper, more offshore waters and can be found in oceanic waters over the continental shelves.

• Features —

The striped dolphin reaches 2.5-2.6 m (averaging around 2.2-2.3 m) in length, the males being slightly larger.
They have a long, defined rostrum and round forehead (known as a melon).
As the name suggests, the most recognisable features are the ‘stripes’. A dark grey stripe runs from the beak, above the eye, across the flank, and then down to the underside of the A second stripe runs below the eye to the pectoral flipper.
They are usually found in tight, cohesive groups of about 25 to 100
They display a unique behaviour called roto-tailing, when the animal leaps high out of the water and vigorously rotates its tail while airborne.

• Conservation Status —

• IUCN Red List: Least Concern

Daily Current Affairs– 22 September 2025 MCQs

1. Consider the following statements regarding the ‘Impact of Research and Innovation Scale (IRIS)’ proposed by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) –

It assigns a higher value to a research paper cited in policies than to a patented
It measures the impact of research in standardised units called publication-equivalents (PEs).
Its primary objective is to replace all peer-reviewed publications with commercial devices as the main output of research.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 and 2 only
2 only
2 and 3 only
All of the above

Answer – A

Explanation – The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has proposed the Impact of Research and Innovation Scale (IRIS) to measure the impact of biomedical, public health, and allied research projects. Given ICMR’s role as India’s premier grants-giving and agenda-setting body in health research, IRIS could significantly shape the research ecosystem. Key Features of IRIS – ICMR proposes to measure research impact in units called publication-equivalents (PEs). A research paper published in a peer-reviewed journal that reports results or methods of primary research, or a systematic review and meta-analysis is assigned 1 PE. While a research paper that is cited in policies or guidelines is assigned 10 PEs. A patent’s impact is 5 PEs and that of a commercial device being used at scale is 20 PEs. Advantages of IRIS – Standardisation – Uniform metric — IRIS provides a common yardstick across disciplines (biochemistry, physiology, biomedical engineering, public health, etc). Recognition beyond citations — Breaks the conventional citation-driven incentive system and encourages diverse forms of impactful research. Policy and funding linkage — By tying PEs to funding allocation, IRIS can influence research prioritisation and resource distribution effectively.

2. Consider the following statements regarding Isobutanol –

It is highly soluble in water and forms a homogeneous
It is less corrosive and less hygroscopic than ethanol, making it compatible with existing fuel
Its addition to gasoline increases the vapour pressure of the fuel blend to a greater extent than
It has a higher heating value and a higher octane rating compared to

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1 and 3 only
2 and 4 only
2, 3 and 4 only
1, 2 and 4 only

Answer – B

Explanation – Isobutanol , also called isobutyl alcohol, is an alcohol with the chemical formula C₄H₁₀O and one of the four isomers of butanol. It is a clear, colourless liquid with a characteristic odour. It is only moderately soluble in water. It is very flammable and has a flash point that is only slightly above normal room temperatures. Its vapours are heavier than air and can spread unnoticed along the ground. Skin contact, ingestion, and inhalation of isobutanol can be harmful to health. The compound causes skin irritation and severe eye damage, including loss of vision. Applications — It is used as a solvent in the flavour, fragrance, pharmaceutical, and pesticide industries and as a chemical manufacturing ingredient for products such as lacquer, paint strippers, paint primer, and craft paints. It is an approved food additive and is also naturally occurring in some foods and many alcoholic beverages. Isobutanol may also be used as a biofuel because, like ethanol, it can be manufactured from plants. It can be made from ethanol using fermentation processes. It possesses some favourable properties that make it an attractive fuel for internal combustion engines. For instance, when compared to ethanol, isobutanol features a higher heating value. Isobutanol is less corrosive than ethanol and is much less hygroscopic, which enables it to be transported using the existing fuel infrastructure. Moreover, its addition to gasoline does not distort the fuel blend’s vapour pressure to the same extent as ethanol does. All of this while having a high octane rating.

3. With reference to fentanyl, consider the following statements –

Fentanyl is made entirely in laboratories and contains no natural
Fentanyl is approximately 50 times more potent than
Only a few grains of fentanyl can be lethal, which contributes to high rates of overdose

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1 and 2 only
1 and 3 only
2 and 3 only
All of the above

Answer – B

Explanation – It is a potent synthetic opioid like morphine or heroin. It is both a prescribed drug and a drug that is at times made and used illegally. It is made entirely in laboratories, with no natural ingredients. It was developed as a prescription medicine for treating severe pain, such as pain after surgery. When used as prescribed, it is also very effective in treating cancer pain or other types of severe chronic pain that don’t respond to other pain medicines. It is also used with other medicines just before or during an operation to help the anesthetic (numbing medicine) work better. It is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin as an analgesic. It acts in the central nervous system (CNS) or brain to relieve pain. Some of its side effects are also caused by actions in the CNS, such as drowsiness or dizziness. Fentanyl is addictive. Like other opioids, repeated use causes changes in brain activity that cause people to continue using it even when they experience harmful effects. Fentanyl is cheap for drug dealers to make into a street drug, compared to other opioids, but it is more powerful. Because

only a few grains is enough to kill, fentanyl is causing high rates of overdose and overdose deaths.

4. Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?

An independent candidate or someone contesting on behalf of an unrecognised political party can select any symbol from the list of ‘free’ symbols’ available with the Election
Two or more recognised political parties cannot have the same symbol under any

Select the correct codes from below –

1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2

Answer – D

Explanation – As per the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968, the Election Commission allots symbols for anyone contesting in polls. A person contesting on behalf of a recognised political party will inherit the party’s symbol. An independent candidate or someone contesting on behalf of an unrecognised political party has to approach the Commission and get a symbol allotted from the list of ‘free’ symbols available.

A candidate will have to provide three symbols from the free list at the time of submission of nomination papers, one of which will be allocated to him/her.
Any choice other than from the EC’s list will be summarily

In the case of a recognised political party, the Commission allows it to ‘reserve’ a
- For example, if a political party recognised in a particular State wishes to contest in elections in another State, it can ‘reserve’ the symbol being used by it.
- The Commission will oblige, provided the symbol is not being used by anyone
Two or more recognised political parties can have the same symbol provided they are not contenders in the same State or Union Territory.
- Both Federal Party of Manipur and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) use ‘Rising Sun’ as their symbol.
- But if one of the parties wish to open their account in the other State, it will have to contest on a different symbol.

5. Which of the following is/are the criteria for recognition of a state political party?

Securing 8% of the total valid votes polled in the state at a General Election to the Lok Sabha from the state or to the legislative assembly of the
Winning 1 seat in the Lok Sabha for every 25 seats or any fraction thereof allotted to the state at a general election to the Lok Sabha from the state concerned.
Winning a minimum of three percent of total number of seats or a minimum of three seats in the Legislative Assembly, whichever is higher.

Select the correct codes from below –

1 and 3 only
3 only
2 and 3 only
All of the above

Answer – D

Explanation – A party has to fulfil any of the following conditions for recognition as a state party —

A party should secure at least 6% of valid votes polled in an election to the state legislative assembly and win at least 2 seats in that state assembly.
A party should secure at least 6% of valid votes polled in an election to Lok Sabha and win at least 1 seat in Lok Sabha.
A party should win a minimum of three per cent of the total number of seats or a minimum of three seats in the Legislative Assembly, whichever is higher.
If it wins 1 seat in the Lok Sabha for every 25 seats or any fraction thereof allotted to the state at a general election to the Lok Sabha from the state concerned.
If it secures 8% of the total valid votes polled in the state at a General Election to the Lok Sabha from the state or to the legislative assembly of the This condition was added in 2011.

Source – The Hindu

Also read Daily Current Affairs – 23 September 2025 | Top News