Table of Contents

Daily Current Affairs – 24 September 2025 | Top News

Daily Current Affairs: Key highlights and Insights

GST 2.0 Rationalisation

The Goods and Services Tax (GST), India’s landmark indirect tax reform launched in July 2017, has undergone multiple tweaks. The latest round of reforms, effective September 22, 2025, termed “GST Bachat Utsav” by the Prime Minister of India, aims at simplifying the rate structure. This will resolve classification disputes, correct inverted duty structures, and boost household consumption.

Key Features of GST 2.0 –

• Rate rationalisation —

Transition from a 4-slab system (5%, 12%, 18%, 28%) to a 2-slab system —
- Merit rate: 5% (516 items, mostly food items, agricultural machinery, medical devices).
- Standard rate: 18% (640 items, industrial goods, small cars, bikes).

• Special slabs:

25% for rough diamonds, semi-precious stones.
5% for cut and polished diamonds.
3% for precious metals like gold, silver,
40% for sin/de-merit goods like pan masala, tobacco, aerated beverages, yachts, luxury cars.

12% slab abolished, except for bricks (retained under special composition scheme).

Services covered — Exemptions and cuts –
- Life and health insurance – exempted from GST (earlier 18%).
- Hotels with per day tariff rate of below or equal to Rs 7,500 have seen a cut in GST rate to 5% without ITC (input tax credit) from 12% with ITC
- Salons, spas, wellness services – reduced from 18% to 5%.

• Passing benefits to consumers —

The Finance Ministry has asked its officers in the field to compile monthly data reports on price change of commodities pre and post-GST rate rationalisation.
These reports will be compiled by the Ministry for the next six months in a bid to ensure that the benefits get passed on to the consumers.

Economic Rationale of GST 2.0 –

• Boost to household consumption —

Lower GST rates are expected to increase disposable income, spur demand, and incentivise investments.
The government aims to offset revenue loss from cuts on over 375 items through higher

• Correcting Inverted Duty Structure (IDS) —

IDS occurs when the input tax rate (on raw materials or services) is higher than the output tax rate (on the finished product), leading to capital blockage.
Example: If textile fabric attracts a 12% GST (input tax), but the finished garments attract only an 5% GST (output tax), this creates an IDS.
Relief provided by aligning many inputs and outputs into the same

Implementation and Compliance Reforms –

Simplified registration – more technology-driven and time-
Pre-filled returns to minimise manual errors and
Automated refund process for exporters and IDS
Amendment to CGST Act 2017 (Section 54(6)): This will provide for 90% provisional refund for IDS cases, similar to zero-rated

Challenges –

Revenue concerns: For Centre and States despite expected consumption
IDS issues: Persist in bicycles, tractors, fertilisers, textiles, corrugated boxes,
Enforcement gap: No legal provision to prevent profiteering, reliance on monitoring

Way Forward –

Address residual IDS issues and ensure benefit transfer to consumers through stricter anti- profiteering mechanisms.
Strengthen state finances via improved compliance and digital
Periodic slab reviews to maintain balance between revenue neutrality and ease of
Enhance trust-based compliance by sustaining tech-enabled registration, return filing, and

Conclusion –

GST 0 marks a major restructuring of India’s indirect tax regime, focusing on simplification, boosting consumption, and improving compliance.
While it promises relief to households and businesses, addressing challenges will determine the long-term success of these reforms.

River Pollution in India

The CPCB’s latest report shows a marginal reduction in polluted river stretches across India, though several rivers, especially in Maharashtra, remain critically contaminated.

Introduction –

Rivers are the lifelines of India, sustaining agriculture, industry, and millions of
However, unchecked urbanisation, untreated sewage, and industrial eﬄuents have turned several rivers into highly polluted water bodies.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) regularly monitors river health, measuring

biological oxygen demand (BOD) levels to identify polluted stretches.

BOD measures the oxygen consumed by microorganisms to decompose organic matter in water, serving as a key indicator of organic pollution in aquatic ecosystems.
Its latest report indicates a marginal reduction in the number of polluted river stretches across India, though concerns remain about severely contaminated segments.

River Pollution in India –

River pollution in India has been a persistent challenge, with most urban centres discharging untreated sewage directly into rivers.
Industrial units, despite regulations, contribute chemical pollutants, while agricultural runoff adds pesticides and fertilisers.
According to CPCB, a polluted river stretch is defined as two or more consecutive locations on a river where BOD levels exceed 3 mg/L, rendering water unfit for

• Major Causes —

Untreated sewage – Cities generate over 72,000 MLD of sewage, of which only about 30% is treated.
Industrial eﬄuents – Chemical and textile hubs like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu release toxic waste.
Agriculturalrunoff – Fertilisers and pesticides flow into rivers during
Encroachments and sand mining – These degrade river ecosystems and

• Impact —

Decline in aquatic
Unsafe drinking and bathing water, leading to waterborne
Economic loss to fisheries and
Social unrest, as seen in protests around rivers like the Yamuna and
The Ganga, Yamuna, Sabarmati, Godavari, and Musi are among India’s most polluted rivers, with stretches frequently falling into the CPCB’s “Priority I” category, meaning they require immediate remediation.

News Summary –

• Marginal Improvement —

According to CPCB’s 2023 report, the number of polluted river stretches decreased from

311 to 296, covering 271 rivers across 32 states and Union Territories.

• Most Affected States —

Maharashtra continues to top the list with 54 polluted stretches.
Kerala (31), Madhya Pradesh and Manipur (18 each), and Karnataka (14) also reported significant pollution.

• Priority Classifications —

Priority I (BOD > 30 mg/L) – 37 stretches, down from 46 in 2022. These include the Yamuna in Delhi, the Sabarmati in Ahmedabad, the Chambal in Madhya Pradesh, and stretches of the Tungabhadra and Sarabanga.
Priority V (BOD 3.1–6 mg/L) – Indicating less polluted stretches needing minimal

• Rivers Showing Deterioration —

Despite marginal progress overall, certain rivers recorded worsening

• These include Jhelum (J&K), Ganga and Sikrahna (Bihar), Hasdeo and Mahanadi (Chhattisgarh), Cauvery and Tungabhadra (Karnataka), Periyar (Kerala), and Krishna (Telangana).

• Long-Term Monitoring —

CPCB, in collaboration with State Pollution Control Boards, monitors water quality at over

4,700 locations under the National Water Quality Monitoring Programme.

• Institutional Interventions —

Following a 2018 directive by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), states are mandated to prepare river rejuvenation action plans.
The current CPCB report emphasises catchment management, sewage treatment, and floodplain protection as critical measures for reducing river

Challenges in River Rejuvenation –

Infrastructure gaps — Sewage treatment plants (STPs) are under-capacity or non-functional in many cities.
Coordination failures — Overlapping jurisdictions between CPCB, State Boards, and local authorities hinder accountability.
Funding and monitoring — Many state-level action plans lack financial backing and robust
Urbanisation pressures — Continuous encroachments and waste generation outpace clean-up

Future Outlook –

While the marginal reduction in polluted stretches offers cautious optimism, India’s river rejuvenation efforts must scale up
Initiatives like the Namami Gange Mission, Jal Jeevan Mission, and the push for decentralised sewage treatment are steps in the right
However, tackling agricultural runoff, enforcing industrial compliance, and engaging communities will be crucial for sustainable outcomes.

FPIs to Trade in Gold and Silver

SEBI is reviewing a proposal to let foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) trade in non-cash settled, non- agricultural commodity derivatives. If approved, FPIs could invest in gold, silver, zinc, and other base metals, expanding investor participation and deepening India’s commodity market.

Commodity Derivatives: An Overview –

Commodity derivatives are financial contracts linked to physical commodities like oil, gold, or
They help participants manage price risks or profit from market

• How They Work?

Underlying Asset: Value is derived from commodities such as farm produce, energy, or
Financial Contracts: Parties agree on future transactions at fixed prices and
Price Fluctuation: Contract value changes with commodity price

• Purpose and Use —

Hedging: Producers and consumers secure prices to avoid losses from
Speculation:Traders invest to profit from expected price

• Key Types of Contracts —

Futures:Binding contracts to buy/sell at a fixed price on a future
Options:Provide the right, not obligation, to transact at a set price within a

• Underlying Commodities —

Agricultural:Wheat, corn, cotton,
Energy:Crude oil, natural
Metals:Gold, silver, copper,

SEBI’s Proposal: FPI Entry into Commodity Derivatives –

SEBI is reviewing a proposal to allow foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) to trade in non-cash settled, non-agricultural commodity derivatives, including
While a committee is already working on strengthening the agricultural commodities segment, a separate group will be set up to develop the non-agricultural space.
The move follows SEBI’s recent approval of a single automatic window for foreign investors, even as FPIs have oﬄoaded over ₹60,000 crore in equities since July 2025.

Current Commodity Trading Rules for Foreign Investors –

In India, commodities traded on exchanges are divided into hard commodities (metals and energy) and soft commodities (agricultural and processed products).
Presently, foreign investors are allowed to trade only in cash-settled non-agricultural contracts, such as natural gas, crude oil, and index-based futures and options.
However, they are barred from trading in ferrous metals, base metals, and precious metals

under current regulations.

• Expanded Trading Access for FPIs —

With the proposed regulatory changes, FPIs will be allowed to trade in physically settled non-agricultural commodities such as gold, silver, zinc, and lead.
This expansion, covering base and ferrous metals along with precious metals, will give FPIs access to markets where India is a significant global player.
Experts suggest this move will enhance capital efficiency and provide investors with broader opportunities, especially in commodities like gold and silver.

Why SEBI Wants FPIs in Non-Cash Commodities?

Allowing FPIs in non-cash, non-agricultural commodities aims to deepen India’s commodity markets and improve price discovery.
With their financial strength and research capabilities, FPIs can boost liquidity, especially in longer-duration contracts where trading is currently weak.
This would help industrial users hedge more effectively and reduce costs from monthly
Greater participation could also encourage Indian corporates to hedge domestically instead of relying on international exchanges.
SEBI’s push reflects the need for stronger, more liquid markets amid global geopolitical

India’s Growing Noise Crisis

Noise has silently emerged as a serious yet under-recognised health threat in Indian cities. Though legally identified as an air pollutant under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, and medically linked to hypertension, sleep disorders, stress, and cognitive decline that reduce life expectancy, it continues to be neglected.

Despite its dual recognition, India has made little investment in systematic monitoring or data collection to gauge the scale of the problem.

Legal Framework for Noise Pollution in India –

According to the Central Pollution Control Board, noise is defined as unwanted
While sound that pleases is considered music, any sound that causes pain, irritation, or annoyance qualifies as noise.

• Legal Provisions —

Under Section 2(a) of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, noise is classified as an air pollutant.
Noise regulation is governed by the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, framed under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
These rules outline permissible noise levels, designate silence zones, and impose restrictions on loudspeakers, horns, construction equipment, and firecrackers.
They also assign enforcement responsibilities to

• Permissible Noise Limits —

The Rules define acceptable noise levels by area and time:
- Industrial Areas: 75 dB during the day, 70 dB at
- Commercial Areas: 65 dB during the day, 55 dB at
- Residential Areas: 55 dB during the day, 45 dB at
- Silence Zones (100 metres around hospitals, schools, and courts): 50 dB during the day, 40 dB at night.
Daytime is defined as 6 am to 10 pm, and nighttime as 10 pm to 6 These thresholds aim to protect health and ensure civic order.

The Heavy Toll of Urban Noise –

Indian towns and cities regularly face noise levels well above safe
While the WHO recommends daytime exposure below 55 dB and India’s rules set similar thresholds, traffic corridors often cross 70 dB.
Because noise intensity rises tenfold with every 10 dB increase, this exposure is far more damaging than it appears.
The worst impact is borne by vulnerable groups such as street vendors, delivery workers, traffic police, and residents of informal settlements.
For these groups, constant urban noise is not just an irritation but a daily occupational hazard that undermines health and well-being.

Why Noise Pollution Remains Unchecked?

India’s noise crisis persists due to three systemic
First, inadequate monitoring leaves policymakers blind, as noise data remains sporadic and incomplete compared to air quality tracking.
Second, weak enforcement and cultural acceptance of noisy practices prevent meaningful
Third, fragmented governance — split between pollution boards, municipalities, and police — dilutes responsibility and limits
As a result, symbolic steps like honking bans or festival crackdowns fail to address the deeper structural causes, leaving noise pollution an unaddressed public health crisis.

Tackling Noise Pollution: The Way Forward –

Addressing noise pollution requires treating it on par with air and water pollution through evidence-based, public-health-focused interventions.
Monitoring must be expanded with real-time sensors and machine learning to identify sources like traffic, construction, and industry.
Health studies should track noise exposure near schools, hospitals, and low-income
Urban planning must integrate noise mitigation with green buffers, zoning, and sustainable mobility measures such as electric buses and cycling.
Governance reforms should strengthen enforcement, ensure inter-agency coordination, and enhance accountability.
Finally, community engagement is vital—awareness campaigns and partnerships with local leaders can help shift cultural norms while ensuring inclusive solutions.

Noise as a Public Health Equity Issue –

The fight against noise pollution must prioritise equity, as those most exposed often lack the means to shield themselves.
Quiet living conditions should be a universal right, not a luxury. India’s experience with air pollution shows how neglect worsens harm and deepens inequality.
Noise is already recognised as an air pollutant, but effective action demands stronger political and civic will.
By embedding noise control into clean-air agendas, urban planning, and public health strategies, India can safeguard lives, protect vulnerable communities, and uphold the fundamental right to quiet.

Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) 2025

Recently, the Union Minister for Commerce and Industry launched the Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) 2025 in New Delhi.

About Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) 2025 –

It represents a significant milestone in benchmarking logistics performance across States and Union Territories.
It was conceived on the lines of the Logistics Performance Index of World Bank in 2018
It is prepared by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

• LEADS 2025 Framework is as follows —

• Objective Indicator: It consists of regulatory and institutional support and logistics enablers.

Perception indicators: It consists of Logistics Infrastructure, Logistics Services, Operating and Regulatory Environment, introduced Sustainable Logistics.

• Two major features of LEADS 2025 —

Performance assessment of 5–7 key corridors based on journey time, truck speed, and waiting periods.
API-enabled evaluation of section-wise speeds on major road corridors
Significance: It supports India’s vision of a globally competitive and future-ready logistics ecosystem.

Adi Yuva Fellowship & Adi Karmayogi Volunteers Programme

Recently, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, in partnership with the United Nations in India, launched the Adi Yuva Fellowship and the Adi Karmayogi Volunteers Programme under the Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan.

About Adi Yuva Fellowship –

It is supported by United Nations
It is a first-of-its-kind programme designed to empower tribal youth through structured

learning, mentorship, and career development.

• Features of Adi Yuva Fellowship —

Under this initiative selected tribal youth will undertake a 12-month paid Fellowship, with a tailored learning plan that balances knowledge-building, on-the-job experience, and reflective practice.
Allowances: Fellows will receive monthly allowances, comprehensive health and life insurance, and access to high-quality UN and commercial learning platforms.
This programme will link Fellows to national skilling and employability schemes such as PMKVY 4.0, NAPS, and PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana.
Selection process: The fellows will be selected through a competitive process and placed with UN agencies at the national, state, and district

About Adi Karmayogi Volunteers Programme –

It is supported by
Objective — It will equip tribal youth to act as catalysts for grassroots change and strengthen

last-mile service delivery in tribal regions.

82 UN Community Volunteers as Adi karmayogi Volunteers have been deployed across 82 blocks in 13 districts of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan for an intensive two-month grassroots engagement.
Under this, volunteers will support Village Vision 2030 planning, awareness drives, outreach, and improved access to schemes and services.

Impatiens selvasinghii

Researchers recently found a new plant species named Impatiens selvasinghii in the Kudremukh range of the Western Ghats.

About Impatiens selvasinghii –

It is a new species of flowering
It was discovered in the Kudremukh range of the Western Ghats in Karnataka.

• It is one of the smallest flowered balsams from the Western Ghats.

It has an exceptionally small flower size and prominently-lobed wing petals, which makes it
In India, the genus Impatiens is represented by more than 280 taxa, chiefly distributed in the

Eastern Himalayas and Western Ghats.

Over 210 taxa are endemic to India, of which 130 are endemic to the Western Ghats, and

80% of taxa in the Western Ghats are categorised as endangered.

Barren Island

Minor volcanic eruptions were noticed twice in a span of eight days at Barren Island in Andaman and Nicobar Islands recently.

About Barren Island –

It is a volcanic island located in the Andaman
Popularly known as a submarine emergent volcano, the island is a part of the Indian union territory of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
It lies about 138 kilometers northeast of the territory’s capital, Port

• It lies above the subduction zone of India and Burmese plates.

• It is the only active volcano in the Indian subcontinent.

It is a stratovolcano composed of lava, rock fragments, and volcanic

Sarcophagus

The first-ever scientific dating of a sarcophagus (terracotta coffin) found recently in Kilnamandi village in Tiruvannamalai district indicates that Tamil Nadu might have had trade contact with the north during the time of the Late Harappan civilisation.

About Sarcophagus –

Used to bury leaders and wealthy residents in ancient Egypt, Rome, and Greece, a sarcophagus is a coffin or a container to hold a coffin.
They were intended to be displayed above ground, but they were sometimes entombed or placed in burial chambers.
The word “sarcophagus” comes from ancient Greek Sarx means “flesh,” and phagein means “to eat.” So, “sarcophagus” literally means “flesh-eating.”
This name came from a special type of limestone that people believed could help bodies decompose quickly.
First used in Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece, the sarcophagus gradually became popular throughout the ancient world.

• The earliest stone sarcophagi were used by Egyptian pharaohs of the 3rd dynasty,

which reigned from about 2686 to 2613 B.C.E.

Example: The most famous Egyptian sarcophagus is perhaps the golden sarcophagus of King

International Criminal Court

Recently, the military-led West African nations of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger announced their withdrawal from the International Criminal Court.

About International Criminal Court –

It was established by an international agreement, the Rome Statute, on 17 July
The Rome Statute sets out the Court’s jurisdiction, structures, and
The Statute entered into force on 1 July
It is the only permanent international criminal
Mandate — ICC investigates and, where warranted, tries individuals charged with the gravest crimes of concern to the international community: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression.

• Members — There are 125 member countries, (China, India, Israel, Russia, and the United States are not ICC parties).

Funding — The Court is funded by contributions from the States Parties and by voluntary contributions from Governments, international organisations, individuals, corporations, and other entities.
Composition of International Criminal Court —
- Judges: The court has eighteen judges, each from a different member country, elected to

non-renewable nine-year terms.

The Presidency: Consists of three judges (the President and two Vice-Presidents) elected from among the judges. It represents the Court to the outside world and helps with the organisation of the work of the judges.
Office of the Prosecutor (OTP): OTP is responsible for receiving referrals and any substantiated information on crimes within the jurisdiction of the OTP examines these referrals and information, conducts investigations, and conducts prosecutions before the Court.
Registry: It provides administrative and operational support to the Chambers and the Office of the Prosecutor.

Jurisdiction of International Criminal Court —
- Unlike the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which hears disputes between states, the ICC

handles prosecutions of individuals.

The ICC is only competent to hear a case if:
- the country where the offence was committed is a party to the Rome Statute; or
- The perpetrator’s country of origin is a party to the Rome
- The ICC may only exercise its jurisdiction if the national court is unable or unwilling to do
The ICC only has jurisdiction over offences committed after the Statute’s entry into force on 1 July 2002.

Smog Eating Photocatalytic Coatings

The Delhi government will conduct a time-bound study on “smog-eating” photocatalytic coatings in Delhi to combat air pollution.

About Smog Eating Photocatalytic Coatings –

It is designed to neutralise harmful gases like nitrogen dioxide and volatile hydrocarbons

that contribute to toxic air.

It usually uses titanium dioxide as a coating which has advantages for being low-cost and chemically stable.
Titanium dioxide is also known for its compatibility with traditional construction materials.

Photocatalytic activity helps fight pollution by breaking down harmful substances and organic waste into less toxic or harmless matters using light energy, thereby making air and water cleaner.

What is Smog?

Smog is used to refer to a type of air pollution caused by a combination of smoke (and other pollutants) and fog.
Smog encompasses a broad category of air pollutants created through a multitude of processes that relate specifically to the atmospheric conditions of the formation

• Two distinct types of smog are recognised —

Sulfurous smog: It results from a high concentration of sulfur oxides in the air and is caused by the use of sulfur-bearing fossil fuels, particularly coal.
Photochemical smog: It occurs most prominently in urban areas that have large numbers of automobiles.

Tropical Forests Forever Facility

Brazil will become the first country to announce an investment in the Tropical Forests Forever Facility.

About Tropical Forests Forever Facility –

It is an innovative multilateral global permanent fund dedicated to supporting tropical forest conservation over the long-term.
It is a global initiative led by the Government of
The idea for the fund was presented by the Brazilian government in 2023, at COP28 in the United Arab Emirates.
Goal — The TFFF is a blended finance structure that seeks to mobilise US$125 billion in capital from public and private sector sources.
The fund would be used to pay the tropical forest countries (TFC) a fixed amount of money per hectare of standing forest.

• Financial Mechanism —

It aims to raise capital from two main sources, sponsors and market investors through financial markets by issuing debt instruments such as bonds.
- Sponsors: Sponsors would be the ‘high income’ countries as classified by the World Bank, along with (account for 20 per cent of the total corpus)
- Market Investors: Institutional investors, sovereign wealth funds, and endowments (account for 80 per cent of the total corpus) investing through debt
- Fund Management: Funds are managed via a Multilateral Development Bank (MDB), e.g., World Bank.

Daily Current Affairs – 24 September 2025 MCQs

1. Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct about the ‘Central Pollution Control Board’?

It was established in the year 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act and Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act.
It aids the central and state governments on matters related to prevention, improvement and control of air and water pollution.

Select the correct codes from below –

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

Answer – B

Explanation – The CBCB was established on September 23, 1974 under The Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 as a technical arm of Central Government for environmental research, monitoring, regulation and enforcement in the country. Later, it was entrusted with functions and responsibilities under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. It aids and advises the Central and State Government on matters related to prevention, improvement and control of Air and Water pollution. It plans and organises training programs for people involved in activities for the prevention, improvement and control of Air and Water pollution.

2. Which of the following statement(s) is/are incorrect?

Foreign Direct Investment is aimed to exert control over the management of the companies while the degree of such control in Foreign Portfolio Investment is less.
Foreign Direct Investment is more difficult to sell off while the Foreign Portfolio Investment can be much more volatile.
Foreign Direct Investment creates more productive assets directly but Foreign Portfolio Investment does not create productive assets directly.

Select the correct codes from below –

1 and 2 only
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
None of the above

Answer – D

Explanation – All statements are correct. With FDI, investors are able to exert control over their investments and are typically actively involved in the management of the companies they invest in. Conversely, in FPI the degree of control is less as the investors obtain only ownership right. Therefore, they do not get a say in how their investments pan out because they’re not actively involved in the management or operations of the companies that they’re invested in. One of the most important distinctions between portfolio and direct investment to have emerged in the era of globalisation is that portfolio investment can be much more volatile. Changes in the investment environment in a country can lead to swift changes in portfolio investment. In contrast, FDI is more difficult to pull out or sell off as it implies a controlling stake in a business, and often connotes ownership of physical assets such as equipment, buildings and real estate. FDI investors invest in financial and non-financial assets like resources, technical know-how along with securities. This is contrary to FPI, where investors invest only in financial assets. For an economy as a whole, FDI creates productive assets by investing in factories, machinery & skill and superior technology. In that sense, FDI brings in long-term capital for an economy. FPI doesn’t aid productive asset creation directly. It is just a financial investment. The FPI investment pours funds generally into capital or bond markets for a short period of time, usually enough to make profits. Its destination period is small and its funds are generally considered short term capital.

3. Consider the following statements regarding the Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) 2025 report –

It is an annual report prepared by the Ministry of Finance.
Its framework includes both objective indicators and perception indicators.
One of its key features is the performance assessment of key corridors based on journey time and truck speed.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Answer – B

Explanation – Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) 2025 represents a significant milestone in benchmarking logistics performance across States and Union Territories. It was conceived on the lines of the Logistics Performance Index of World Bank in 2018 It is prepared by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry. LEADS 2025 Framework is as follows — Objective Indicator: It consists of regulatory and institutional support and logistics enablers. Perception indicators: It consists of Logistics Infrastructure, Logistics Services, Operating and Regulatory Environment, introduced Sustainable Logistics. Two major features of LEADS 2025 — Performance assessment of 5–7 key corridors based on journey time, truck speed, and waiting periods. API-enabled evaluation of section-wise speeds on major road corridors Significance: It supports India’s vision of a globally competitive and future-ready logistics ecosystem.

4. Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct about the International Criminal Court?

It can prosecute the state parties to the Rome Statute and not individuals involved in the crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.
India, US and China are not the members of the ICC.

Select the correct codes from below –

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

Answer – B

Explanation -The ICC has the jurisdiction to prosecute individuals for the international crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. India is not a party to the Rome Statute, hence, ICC has no jurisdiction over India or its citizens. Similarly, the US and China are not party to it too.

5. Consider the following statements about Barren Island –

It is the only active volcano in the Indian subcontinent
It is located above the subduction zone of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates
It is classified as a submarine emergent volcano

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Answer – B

Explanation – About Barren Island – It is a volcanic island located in the Andaman Sea. Popularly known as a submarine emergent volcano, the island is a part of the Indian union territory of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It lies about 138 kilometers northeast of the territory’s capital, Port Blair. It lies above the subduction zone of India and Burmese plates. It is the only active volcano in the Indian subcontinent. It is a stratovolcano composed of lava, rock fragments, and volcanic ash.