Daily GK Update- 14th Sept, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Fast Track Immigration Programme: The Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) was launched by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in September 2025. This initiative accelerates immigration for pre-verified Indian nationals and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders at designated airports. The programme aims to reduce waiting times and streamline immigration procedures in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of speed, scale and scope. After its initial launch in July 2024 at Indira Gandhi International Airport, the FTI-TTP was extended to seven major airports including Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Cochin and Ahmedabad. Recently, it was further expanded to five additional airports – Lucknow, Thiruvananthapuram, Tiruchirappalli, Kozhikode and Amritsar. The programme is planned to cover 21 major airports across India, including upcoming hubs like Navi Mumbai and Jewar.

 

2. Cyrtodactylus vanarakshaka: Recent research has identified a new bent-toed gecko species in the montane forests of central Assam’s Dima Hasao district. Named *Cyrtodactylus vanarakshaka*, this discovery marks Assam’s rich biodiversity and the critical role of forest conservation. The species belongs to the *Cyrtodactylus khasiensis* group, known for its unique morphology and limited geographical range. The species was found on the forested slopes of Jatinga in the Barail Hills, ecological transition zone. The name *vanarakshaka* comes from Sanskrit, meaning “forest protector”. It honours the Assam Forest Department for its dedication to preserving the region’s forests and wildlife. The naming also pays tribute to frontline staff who have sacrificed their lives in forest protection efforts. Researchers used both physical characteristics and molecular analysis to confirm the species. It exhibits distinct features that separate it from other members of the *Cyrtodactylus khasiensis* group. This group is known for high endemism, meaning species are often found only in specific, limited areas.

 

3. Red Ivy Plant: Recent research at the Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden & Research Institute (JNTBGRI), Kerala, has led to the development of a novel wound-healing pad. This innovation uses nanotechnology and a bioactive molecule from the red ivy plant (Strobilanthes alternata). The product promises efficient wound care with natural and synthetic components combined. Scientists at JNTBGRI identified acteoside, a powerful natural compound, in red ivy for the first time. Acteoside is known for its pharmacological properties but had not been linked to this plant before. This discovery underpins the wound pad’s healing effectiveness. The wound-healing pad features a multi-layered structure. It includes a thin electro-spun nanofibre layer made from biodegradable, non-toxic polymers. This layer ensures gas exchange, allowing the wound to breathe. Acteoside is incorporated at a low concentration of 0.2%, alongside the antibiotic neomycin sulfate. The polymers used are FDA-approved, ensuring safety and compatibility.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Brazil’s Supreme Court Sentences Former President Jair Bolsonaro to 27 Years in Prison for Coup Plot: Brazil’s Supreme Court sentenced zto 27 years and 3 months in prison for plotting a coup to stay in power after losing the 2022 election, making him the first ex-president in the country’s history convicted for attacking democracy.A panel of five justices delivered the verdict, with four voting to convict him on multiple charges including organising a coup, attempting to violently abolish democracy, and taking part in an armed criminal organisation, while one judge voted to acquit.Justice Carmen Lucia said the case reflected Brazil’s past, present, and future, noting strong evidence that Bolsonaro acted with the purpose of eroding democracy and institutions.

 

2. India Backs UN Resolution on Palestine Two-State Solution: India recently voted in favour of a United Nations General Assembly resolution endorsing the New York Declaration. This resolution calls for a peaceful settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the implementation of a two-state solution. The resolution was adopted with 142 countries supporting, 10 opposing, and 12 abstaining. India’s vote reflects its longstanding foreign policy stance supporting Palestinian self-determination and dialogue-based peace. The New York Declaration was introduced by France and co-chaired with Saudi Arabia during a high-level UN conference in July 2025. It aims to end violence in Gaza and establish a sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel. The declaration urges collective international action for a lasting peace in the region. India’s vote aligns with the majority of nations advocating the two-state solution. It reaffirms India’s commitment to peaceful dialogue and the rights of Palestinians. India’s stance reinforces its balanced approach to Middle East diplomacy, seeking stability and justice through negotiation rather than conflict.

 

3. NASA Finds Potential Biosignatures on Mars Surface: NASA’s Mars rover Perseverance has discovered the strongest signs yet that life might have existed on Mars. In 2024, the rover analysed a rock named Cheyava Falls and detected chemical and structural features suggesting possible ancient microbial activity. This discovery has sparked global interest in extraterrestrial life. However, the evidence remains inconclusive and requires further study. The rover found the Cheyava Falls rock during its exploration. Instruments detected clay, silt, organic carbon, sulphur, oxidised iron, and phosphorus in the sample. These materials on Earth often preserve signs of past microbial life. The rock’s chemical makeup hints at electron-transfer reactions that microbes use to generate energy. This combination is a potential biosignature. Biosignatures are objects or structures indicating possible biological origin. They may form by living organisms or through non-biological processes. The substances found could have been created without life, making the evidence ambiguous. Scientists must distinguish between biological and abiotic origins to confirm life’s presence.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. SAMBHAV Secures Military Communications: India has made leap in defence technology with the deployment of SAMBHAV, its first fully indigenous secure mobile communication system. This development was prominently showcased during Operation Sindoor in 2025. The Indian Army used SAMBHAV-enabled smartphones instead of foreign apps, ensuring secure and encrypted communication free from external surveillance. This marks a milestone in India’s journey towards technological sovereignty and digital security in defence. Operation Sindoor was a critical military operation where the Indian Army relied solely on the SAMBHAV ecosystem. The Army Chief, General Upendra Dwivedi, confirmed that foreign communication apps like WhatsApp were completely replaced by the homegrown M-Sigma app running on SAMBHAV devices. This ensured that sensitive command and control messages remained confidential and immune to hacking or interception. The operation demonstrated the effectiveness of combining strategic planning with robust indigenous technology.

 

2. Exercise Siyom Prahar: The Indian Army recently conducted Exercise Siyom Prahar from 8 to 10 September 2025 in Arunachal Pradesh. This major field training exercise focused on validating the use of drone technology in modern tactical operations. Held in realistic battlefield conditions, the exercise marked a key milestone in enhancing operational preparedness by integrating drones across various combat roles. Exercise Siyom Prahar aimed to test and develop new tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) for future battlefields. The primary goal was to ensure drones could be seamlessly employed alongside traditional forces. The exercise emphasised the need for rapid decision-making and effective integration of drone data with conventional firepower. Drones were used for persistent surveillance and battlefield reconnaissance. They also played roles in target acquisition and precision strikes. This wide scope demonstrated the transformative impact of unmanned aerial systems in improving combat effectiveness and situational awareness.

 

3. INS Aravali: The Indian Navy commissioned INS Aravali, a new shore-based facility in Gurugram, in September 2025. This base enhances India’s maritime domain awareness and information warfare capabilities. Positioned in the National Capital Region, INS Aravali acts as a critical node in the Navy’s command and control network. It embodies technological advancement and strategic collaboration across oceans, reinforcing India’s maritime security posture. INS Aravali is located in Gurugram, a key area within the National Capital Region. This strategic placement supports the Navy’s information and communication centres. It strengthens the Navy’s command network by linking various naval platforms and allied partners. The base is vital for real-time maritime awareness and operational resilience.

 

 

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Albania Appoints World’s First AI-Generated Minister to Fight Corruption: Albania has appointed the world’s first AI-generated government minister named Diella, with the aim of making the nation corruption-free.Prime Minister Edi Rama added Diella as a digital minister in his cabinet, responsible for overseeing public tenders.Diella will ensure 100% transparency and corruption-free procedures in public fund tenders.Since its launch, Diella has been presented as a woman wearing traditional Albanian attire and has been assisting people with navigating government services online.

 

2. DeFi Risks and Regulation Amid Growing Global Adoption: Decentralised Finance (DeFi) has seen rapid global growth by 2025. It offers innovative financial services without traditional banks. However, concerns have risen about its misuse for illicit activities, especially terrorist financing. This calls for urgent regulatory attention and risk management. By mid-2025, DeFi users reached 14.2 million wallets worldwide. The market is projected to grow from $30.07 billion in 2024 to $178.63 billion by 2029 at a 43% annual rate. India ranks third in DeFi value according to the 2024 Global Crypto Adoption Index. DeFi platforms use blockchain technology to offer services such as savings, lending, remittances, and insurance via smart contracts and decentralised applications. DeFi operates without intermediaries like banks. Transactions happen peer-to-peer through smart contracts on blockchains. Users access DeFi via digital wallets that often require minimal or no identity verification. Multiple wallets can be created easily without providing personal details such as phone numbers or emails. This anonymity facilitates fast access but also creates vulnerabilities.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. India Explores Isobutanol Blending With Diesel Fuel: India is advancing its biofuel strategy by testing 10% isobutanol blends with diesel. The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) is conducting trials after ethanol-diesel blends failed to meet expectations. This shift aims to boost energy security, support farmers, and reduce fossil fuel imports. Ethanol blending has been a key biofuel policy in India, especially in petrol. The country achieved 20% ethanol blending ahead of schedule. However, ethanol’s use with diesel faced technical barriers. Its corrosive nature and water absorption caused engine and pipeline issues. Despite this, ethanol blending raised farmer incomes . Corn prices doubled due to increased ethanol demand, benefiting rural economies. Isobutanol is a four-carbon alcohol used industrially as a solvent. It offers higher energy density than ethanol, closer to diesel’s energy content. It absorbs less water, reducing corrosion risks. These traits make it a promising diesel blend component. Isobutanol can also be used as a standalone fuel or mixed with compressed natural gas (CNG) for agricultural machinery.

 

2. UK-India Infrastructure Financing Bridge: The UK-India Infrastructure Financing Bridge (UKIIFB) marked its first anniversary in September 2025. The initiative, launched jointly by the Indian and U.K. governments in 2024, aims to boost infrastructure investment in India. Despite initial project delays, the focus has shifted to eight strategic recommendations to de-risk investments. The second year emphasises renewable energy and improving India’s global competitiveness in infrastructure finance. UKIIFB was created to channel investments into India’s infrastructure sector. India requires $2 trillion by 2030 to meet its infrastructure needs. The initiative is led by the City of London Corporation from the U.K. side and NITI Aayog from India. It aims to attract global investors by addressing risks and inefficiencies in Indian infrastructure projects. The first year revealed that initial projects were dropped. The main challenges include regulatory complexity, operational risks, and limited competition. The infrastructure sector is dominated by a few large firms, reducing innovation and efficiency. India’s procurement processes need alignment with global standards like the U.K.’s Five Case Model. Transparency and predictability in construction remain concerns for investors.