Daily & Latest Current Affairs in 2025

Current Affairs is a very important part of the overall preparation strategy for various Competitive Entrance and Government Recruitment Exams. Free Time Learning offers Today Current Affairs provides latest and Best Daily Current Affairs for UPSC, IAS/PCS, UPPSC, IBPS, SBI, RBI, SSC, CGL, Railway, APPSC, TSPSC, KPSC, TNPSC, TPSC, UPPSC, MPSC, RPSC, BPSC, MPPSC, UKPSC, MPSC, and other competitive exams.

A)
18 Years
B)
21 Years
C)
23 Years
D)
25 Years

Correct Answer :   18 Years


Prime Minister Narendra Modi has started Vishwakarma Yojana. PM Modi launched this scheme on the occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti and his 73rd birthday.

The PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2023 is a flagship scheme initiated by the Government of India. It is designed to empower and support skilled workers across the nation.

The scheme is named after Lord Vishwakarma, a revered figure in Hindu mythology known as the divine architect and craftsman. Its primary aim is to offer financial assistance, skill development opportunities, and recognition to artisans and craftsmen who have made significant contributions to their respective fields.


PM Vishwakarma Yojana Eligibility Criteria :

Before delving into the application process, it’s essential to comprehend the eligibility criteria for the PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2023:

* Residential Criteria : Applicants must be Indian citizens and residents of India to qualify for this scheme.

* Age Limit : The minimum age for applying to the PM Vishwakarma Yojana is 18 years, with no upper age limit. This inclusivity ensures that artisans of all age groups can participate.

* Occupational Criteria : Eligible applicants should be engaged in traditional artisanal or craftsmanship activities. This category encompasses carpenters, blacksmiths, weavers, potters, sculptors, and other traditional artisans.

* Annual Income : The applicant’s family’s annual income should not exceed a specific limit, as defined by the government. This limit may vary depending on the applicant’s category (e.g., general, SC/ST, OBC).


Benefits of PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2023 :

The PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2023 offers a range of benefits to eligible applicants:

* Financial Assistance : Under this scheme, eligible artisans and craftsmen can receive financial aid to support their crafts and livelihoods. The amount of assistance may vary based on the craft’s nature and the applicant’s specific needs.

* Skill Development : The scheme provides opportunities for skill development and training. Artisans can upgrade their skills and learn new techniques to enhance the quality of their work.

* Recognition and Promotion : Successful applicants will gain recognition for their contributions to traditional crafts. The government also aids in promoting their work, enabling them to reach a broader audience and market their products effectively.

* Access to Markets : The scheme aims to facilitate market access for artisans. This may involve support for marketing their products through e-commerce platforms or participation in exhibitions and fairs.

* Insurance Coverage : In some instances, the scheme may provide insurance coverage to eligible artisans, ensuring they have a safety net in case of accidents or unforeseen events.


How to Apply Online for PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2023 :

Now that we understand the eligibility criteria and benefits of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2023, let’s explore the step-by-step process for applying online:

* Visit the Official Website : Initiate the application process by visiting the official website of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2023. Ensure that you are on the official website to avoid fraudulent schemes.

* Registration : Create an account on the portal by providing your basic details, including name, address, contact information, and occupation. Keep your Aadhar card and other essential documents ready for reference.

* Check Eligibility : After registration, the portal will guide you through a series of questions to determine your eligibility. Answer these questions accurately and honestly.

* Upload Documents : Once your eligibility is confirmed, upload scanned copies of essential documents, including proof of identity, proof of residence, income certificate, and documents related to your craft.

* Submit Application : Review all the information and documents you have provided. Make any necessary corrections. Once satisfied with your application, electronically submit it.

* Acknowledgment : After successful submission, you will receive an acknowledgment or application reference number. Keep this number secure, as it will be used to track your application’s status.

* Verification : Government authorities will review your application and may conduct field visits or interviews to verify your eligibility and the authenticity of your craft.

* Approval and Disbursement : If your application is approved, you will receive the benefits outlined in the scheme. These may include financial assistance, skill development opportunities, and other forms of support.


PM Vishwakarma Yojana Last Date :

It’s crucial to note that the last date for application submission under the PM Vishwakarma Yojana 2023 may vary from year to year and could change based on government notifications. Therefore, applicants are advised to regularly check the official website or consult local government offices for the most up-to-date information regarding application deadlines.

Published On : September 18, 2023
A)
Bandaru Dattatreya
B)
Om Prakash Chautala
C)
Bhagwant Mann
D)
Manohar Lal Khattar

Correct Answer :   Manohar Lal Khattar


Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar launched (14th Sep 2023) a new e-Bhoomi portal that promises to further ease the process of purchasing land for the development of government projects with the consent of landowners.

The government aims at purchasing land in a transparent manner with the consent of the landowners, said Khattar, addressing a press conference here.

He said the offer of land on the new portal would be valid for six months. Farmers can offer their land independently or through listed aggregators. A minimum offer of 10 acres has been made mandatory for voluntary offers made by aggregators.

In yet another step towards resolving land acquisition issues of year 2011 for the expansion of the Industrial Model Township (IMT) Manesar, Khattar inaugurated the ‘No-Litigation Policy-2023 portal’.

This is set to address land-related issues in the villages of Kasan, Kukrola and Sahrawan, situated in the Manesar Tehsil of Gurugram district. The primary objective of this policy is to extend benefits to landowners whose names are recorded in the revenue estate of villages Kasan, Kukrola and Sahrawan in Manesar tehsil of Gurugram district as of the date of the awards declared in award no. 1, 2, and 3 on August 16, 2022.

The chief minister also launched the HMJIS portal in place of the already launched e-Ravana portal to stop illegal mining in the state. There will be more transparency in this new version and there will be a ban on mining-related complaints, he said.


OBC certificate service via PPP launched :

The chief minister said the government will issue OBC (Other Backward Classes) certificate through the Parivar Pehchan Patra (PPP) system. Now, citizens can download their OBC certificates online by accessing the Citizen Saral Portal. If their eligibility is confirmed based on the data available in the OBC category within the PPP, the certificates can be obtained.

He said that 397 schemes and services are currently linked to the PPP.


‘Mukhyamantri Shehri Awas Yojana Portal’ :

Khattar also unveiled the portal for the Mukhyamantri Shehri Awas Yojana, an initiative aimed at ensuring that every economically weaker section has a roof over their heads. With the launch of this portal, the benefits of this scheme will be readily accessible to those in need, in a transparent and expedited manner, he said.

He said that under this scheme, flats would be built in Panchkula, Gurugram, Sonipat and Faridabad, while other cities would offer both plot and flat options. The scheme would be implemented by the Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran, ensuring the provision of essential amenities in the housing colonies.


Relief for farmers who have resown paddy :

Khattar announced that the state government will give ₹7,000 per acre compensation to farmers who had to transplant paddy again due to heavy rains and floods in July. He said the government has launched e-Kshatipoorti portal to deal with issues such as loss of property, livestock or human loss due to rains, floods and riots..

Source : Hindustan Times

Published On : September 18, 2023
A)
Piyush Goyal
B)
Sumitra Mahajan
C)
Om Birla
D)
Droupadi Murmu

Correct Answer :   Om Birla


Union Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan and Speaker, Lok Sabha, Shri Om Birla 17th Sep 2023 launched ‘Skills on Wheels’ initiative with NSDC and IndusInd Bank with a flagging off ceremony. Under the partnership, 60,000 youth will be empowered over a period of five years with the objective of improving livelihood of rural households by providing relevant skills training to its youth population.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Pradhan said that as a customised bus with retrofitted tools, Skills On Wheels will take the  Skill India Mission to the remotest corners of India. The initiative will equip rural youth, particularly women with key Digital Skills and make them job and future-ready, he added.

Under the collaboration, a customized bus with retrofitted tools will promote the 'Skill India Mission’ initiative through 'Skills on Wheels' and will travel across the length and breadth of aspirational and backward districts.

The initiative is aimed at spreading awareness at grass root level about free skill training programs enabling youth to profoundly change the trajectory of their lives through robust skill training. Aligned with this mission, this partnership with IndusInd Bank is aimed at empowering the youth of the nation through the ‘Skills on Wheels’ project.

The objective of Skills on Wheels is to enable a large number of youth to take up industry-relevant skill training that will improve their theoretical as well as practical knowledge and help them in securing a better livelihood by bringing necessary synergy, oversight, and effective coordination.

Aim : It aims to bridge the gap between the skilled people required in the industry and the unemployed youth by ensuring that the right candidate with a passion for a particular job chooses the right course according to his/her academic background, aptitude, and skill set..

Source : PIB

Published On : September 18, 2023
A)
Karnataka
B)
Assam
C)
Maharashtra
D)
West Bengal

Correct Answer :   West Bengal


Santiniketan, the town in West Bengal’s Birbhum district where Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore spent much of his life, has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Established in 1901 by poet and philosopher Tagore, Santiniketan was a residential school and centre for art based on ancient Indian traditions and a vision of the unity of humanity transcending religious and cultural boundaries.

* A ‘world university’ was established at Santiniketan in 1921, recognising the unity of humanity or “Visva Bharati”. Distinct from the prevailing British colonial architectural orientations of the early 20th century and of European modernism, Santiniketan represents approaches toward a pan-Asian modernity, drawing on ancient, medieval and folk traditions from across the region.

* India had been striving for long to get a UNESCO tag for this cultural site located in the Birbhum district.

* A few months ago, the landmark site was recommended for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List by international advisory body ICOMOS.

* The France-based International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) is an international non-governmental organisation that comprises professionals, experts, representatives from local authorities, companies and heritage organisations and is dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of the architectural and landscape heritage around the world.

* “Santiniketan, popularly known today as a university town, a hundred miles to the north of Kolkata, was originally an ashram built by Debendranath Tagore, where anyone, irrespective of caste and creed, could come and spend time meditating on the one Supreme God,” according to a description of the place on the official website of the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. It later became the Nobel laureate’s home and base for activity, it said.

* “Debendranath, who was father of the poet, Rabindranath, was also known as Maharshi (which means one who is both saint and sage), was a leading figure of the Indian Renaissance,” the website said.

* Visva-Bharati in Santiniketan is Bengal’s only central university. The Prime Minister is the chancellor of the varsity.

* It was in 2010 that the Centre had first tried to get the World Heritage tag for Santiniketan. It mounted its campaign again in 2021 and a fresh dossier was prepared by the Archaeological Survey of India with the help of Visva Bharati authorities and submitted to Unesco.

* While speaking at a programme organised to celebrate Tagore’s birth anniversary in Kolkata, Union home minister Amit Shah had said that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 was inspired by the model of education the Nobel laureate had introduced at Santiniketan..

Source : Hindustan Times

Published On : September 18, 2023
A)
September 19
B)
September 18
C)
September 17
D)
September 16

Correct Answer :   September 18


World Bamboo Day is observed annually on September 18. The day serves as a platform for not just raising awareness about the importance of bamboo but also promoting its role in sustainable development, poverty alleviation, environmental conservation and cultural preservation.


World Bamboo Day Date : World Bamboo Day is marked annually on September 18.


World Bamboo Day History :

* World Bamboo Day was established courtesy the efforts of the World Bamboo Organization, a non-profit organization that was founded in 2005 by Susanne Lucas and David Knights to promote bamboo as a valuable and versatile resource.

* In 2009, the WBO organised the first World Bamboo Congress in Bangkok, Thailand which brought together bamboo enthusiasts, experts, researchers and industry professionals from around the world and proposed the idea of creating a dedicated day to celebrate bamboo.

* On September 18, 2009, during the 8th World Bamboo Congress, the participants officially declared September 18 as World Bamboo Day to coincide with the birthday of the renowned bamboo researcher, Nobel Laureate and India's former President, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, who was a strong advocate for bamboo's potential to combat poverty and environmental degradation.

* Following the declaration, World Bamboo Day gained recognition and support from bamboo organisations, environmental groups, governments and bamboo enthusiasts worldwide and the day was dedicated to promote the sustainable and versatile uses of bamboo.


World Bamboo Day Significance :

World Bamboo Day aims to promote the environmental friendly and sustainable resource (as bamboo grows quickly, requires minimal water and pesticides and can be harvested without harming the plant's root system), increase awareness about the diverse uses of bamboo (from construction and furniture making to textiles and culinary applications), emphasises the economic potential of bamboo for communities and businesses (as bamboo-based industries can create jobs and income opportunities in many parts of the world), recognises the cultural significance of bamboo in various societies and its role in traditional crafts, music and rituals.

Given that bamboo is often a habitat for various wildlife species, celebrating bamboo further highlights the importance of conserving bamboo forests for biodiversity, encourages research and innovation in bamboo-related industries and fosters collaboration among governments, organisations and individuals to promote the responsible cultivation and use of bamboo resources..

Source : Hindustan Times

Published On : September 18, 2023
A)
18 September
B)
17 September
C)
16 September
D)
15 September

Correct Answer :   18 September


International Equal Pay Day, celebrated on 18 September, is a significant global observance that highlights the ongoing struggle for equal pay for work of equal value.

This day underscores the commitment of the United Nations to uphold human rights and combat all forms of discrimination, particularly discrimination against women and girls. One pressing issue it addresses is the gender pay gap, which continues to persist in various parts of the world.


The Gender Pay Gap :

The gender pay gap is a stark representation of inequality. It quantifies the difference between the average earnings of men and women, typically expressed as a percentage of men’s earnings. In 2023, women in the United States, for instance, earn an average of 82 cents for every dollar earned by men. This glaring gap means that women have to work more than 15 months to earn what men do in just 12 months.

Significance of International Equal Pay Day :

* Shining a Light on Persistent Inequality : International Equal Pay Day carries immense significance in contemporary society because it underscores the continuing prevalence of pay inequality. Despite decades of progress, this day serves as a global platform for women to draw attention to this issue through various campaigns and initiatives. It highlights the fact that the battle for equal pay is far from over.

* Mobilizing for Change : Moreover, International Equal Pay Day inspires individuals and organizations to join the cause by identifying strategies for its implementation. It fosters dialogue and collaboration among various stakeholders, including governments, businesses, and civil society, to work together in closing the gender pay gap.

* Creating a Fairer Society : Bridging the gender pay gap is not just a moral imperative; it is essential for building a fairer society where everyone has equal opportunities. Paying women less than men for the same work perpetuates systemic injustice. Achieving pay equality contributes to a more equitable and just world.

* Business Benefits : Furthermore, implementing an equal pay system is not only ethically sound but also advantageous for businesses. It sends a positive message about an organization’s values and commitment to equality, which can enhance its reputation and brand. Additionally, equal pay can lead to increased productivity and efficiency by attracting and retaining the best employees, irrespective of their gender. It also reduces the risk of staff turnover, which is costly for businesses.

* Promoting Women’s Empowerment : International Equal Pay Day represents a crucial step toward promoting women’s empowerment in patriarchal societies. When women receive equal pay for equal work, they gain financial independence and greater decision-making power, challenging traditional gender roles and fostering gender equality.

History of International Equal Pay Day :

* Inception in 1996 : International Equal Pay Day traces its origins back to 1996 when it was first observed by the National Committee on Pay Equity. This committee comprised women’s and civil rights organizations dedicated to eradicating wage discrimination based on gender and race. Their ultimate goal was to achieve pay equity for all.

* Official Recognition by the UN : It wasn’t until 2019 that the Equal Pay International Coalition officially recognized International Equal Pay Day as a day for raising awareness and taking action. The United Nations joined this effort in 2020 when they observed the first International Equal Pay Day on September 18, marking a pivotal moment in the global fight for pay equality.

In conclusion, International Equal Pay Day stands as a powerful symbol of the ongoing struggle for pay equity and gender equality. It serves as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to ensure that all individuals are compensated fairly for their labor, regardless of their gender. By acknowledging the significance of this day and working together to address pay inequality, we move closer to a more just and equitable world.

Published On : September 18, 2023
A)
September 16
B)
September 17
C)
September 18
D)
September 19

Correct Answer :   September 17


World Patient Safety Day, observed on the 17th of September every year, serves as a global platform to emphasize the importance of patient safety in healthcare systems worldwide.

Aim : The day aims to create awareness and inspire countries to make patient safety a top priority, ultimately striving to eliminate avoidable errors and negative practices within healthcare settings.


The Evolving Landscape of Patient Safety :

As healthcare systems have evolved with the introduction of new technologies, treatments, and medicines, the complexity of patient care has increased. Ensuring patient safety in this dynamic environment has become a critical challenge that requires continuous attention and improvement.


The 2023 Theme: “Engaging Patients for Patient Safety” :

The theme for World Patient Safety Day 2023 is “Engaging patients for patient safety.” This theme highlights the vital role that patients, their families, and caregivers play in ensuring safe healthcare practices. It underscores the importance of involving patients in their care and decision-making processes.

Objectives of World Patient Safety Day 2023 :

1. Raising Global Awareness : The primary objective is to raise global awareness regarding the active engagement of patients, their families, and caregivers at all levels of healthcare. This engagement is seen as a means to enhance patient safety significantly.

2. Engaging Stakeholders : World Patient Safety Day encourages the active involvement of various stakeholders, including policy-makers, healthcare leaders, health and care workers, patients’ organizations, civil society, and more. These efforts are aimed at improving patient safety policies and practices across the healthcare spectrum.

3. Empowering Patients and Families : Empowering patients and their families to take an active role in their healthcare is a key goal. Informed and engaged patients can contribute to the improvement of healthcare safety by actively participating in their own care and decision-making processes.

4. Advocating Urgent Action : Advocacy for immediate action on patient and family engagement is aligned with the Global Patient Safety Action Plan 2021–2030. The objective is to encourage all partners to take urgent steps towards enhancing patient safety.


The Origins of World Patient Safety Day

World Patient Safety Day was established in May 2019 following the resolution for global action on patient safety adopted by the World Health Assembly. This initiative was the result of the Global Ministerial Summits on Patient Safety conducted annually since 2016. It was driven by strong advocacy and commitment from major international stakeholders.

Published On : September 17, 2023
A)
September 14
B)
September 15
C)
September 16
D)
September 17

Correct Answer :   September 16


World Ozone Day is observed on September 16, every year. Ozone Day is celebrated to raise awareness about the depletion of the ozone layer and to explore potential solutions for its preservation.

* On this day, people from all around the world are encouraged to participate in discussions and seminars related to the Montreal Protocol.

* Numerous commonly used chemicals have been identified as highly detrimental to the ozone layer.

* Life on Earth would be impossible without sunlight. However, the energy emitted by the sun would be too intense for life to thrive on Earth if it weren't for the protective ozone layer.

* This stratospheric layer shields Earth from the majority of the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation.


WORLD OZONE DAY HISTORY :

On 19 December 1994, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 16 September the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, commemorating the date, in 1987, on which the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was signed.

On September 16, 1987, the United Nations and 45 other countries signed the Montreal Protocol, on substances that deplete the Ozone layer. Every year this day is celebrated as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone layer. The purpose of the Montreal Protocol is to protect the Ozone layer by reducing the production of substances that are supposed to be responsible for Ozone layer depletion.


WORLD OZONE DAY 2023 THEME :

The theme for the 2023 International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer is “Montreal Protocol: fixing the ozone layer and reducing climate change.”

This reiterates the recent finding by the Scientific Assessment Panel of the positive impact the Montreal Protocol has on climate change, that ozone recovery is on track, and how climate challenges can be supported through the Kigali Amendment..


Source : India Today

Published On : September 17, 2023
A)
Andrea Meza
B)
Gabriela Isler
C)
Zozibini Tunzi
D)
Erica Robin

Correct Answer :   Erica Robin


Erica Robin, a model from Karachi has been crowned “Miss Universe Pakistan 2023”, becoming the first-ever woman from the country to win the title.

* Four other models from different parts of the country participated in the beauty pageant, including Hira Inam from Lahore, Jessical Wilson from Rawalpindi, Pakistani-American Malika Alvi from Pennsylvania, and Sabrina Wasim.

* Jessica Wilson, a 28-year-old cyber security engineer was named first runner-up while Hira Inam (24), Malyka Alvi (19), and Sabrina Wasim (26) were the rest of the finalists.

* Award-winning actress, mental health advocate, and former Miss International Kylie Verzosa from the Philippines was one of the distinguished panel of judges who picked the winner.

* Robin will be the official representative of Pakistan at the Miss Universe pageant, scheduled to be held in El Salvador later this year.

* Pakistan will be sending five models to compete in the prestigious Miss Universe pageant. This landmark moment marks the first time Pakistan has ever been represented in the world’s most esteemed beauty competition.

Published On : September 16, 2023
A)
15 September
B)
16 September
C)
17 September
D)
18 September

Correct Answer :   16 September


The International Day for Interventional Cardiology, celebrated annually on 16 September, is a significant occasion dedicated to recognizing the crucial field of interventional cardiology and its impact on heart health worldwide.

This day serves as a platform to raise awareness, acknowledge advancements, and emphasize the importance of interventional cardiology in saving lives.


International Day for Interventional Cardiology History :

* Interventional cardio-angiology improves health, increases life expectancy and improves the quality of life. The first coronary angioplasty was performed by Dr. Andreas Grüntzig on 16 September 1977.

* Since then angioplasty has been the procedure that has saved the most grams of myocardium at risk worldwide.

* In September 2022, the General Assembly decided to proclaim 16 September as International Day for Interventional Cardiology and invited stakeholders to observe annually the International Day for Interventional Cardiology in an appropriate manner and in accordance with national priorities, in order to raise public awareness of cardiovascular diseases and procedures, related complications, as well as prevention and care, including through education and the mass media.


International Day for Interventional Cardiology Significance :

* Raising Awareness : The International Day for Interventional Cardiology plays a crucial role in raising public awareness about heart diseases and the role of interventional cardiology in their diagnosis and treatment. It educates individuals about the importance of early detection and timely intervention.

* Highlighting Innovation : This day serves as a platform to showcase the latest innovations and breakthroughs in interventional cardiology. It recognizes the tireless efforts of healthcare professionals and researchers in developing cutting-edge technologies and techniques to save lives.

* Preventing Heart Disease : Interventional cardiology procedures not only treat heart conditions but also have a preventive aspect. Promoting a healthy lifestyle, regular check-ups, and early intervention can reduce the risk of heart disease.

* Global Collaboration : The International Day for Interventional Cardiology encourages collaboration among healthcare organizations, governments, and medical professionals worldwide. It emphasizes the need for international cooperation in addressing the global burden of heart diseases.

* Saving Lives : Ultimately, this day underscores how interventional cardiology has transformed the treatment landscape, allowing for less invasive procedures and faster recoveries. It highlights that early diagnosis and appropriate interventions can significantly increase the chances of survival and improve the quality of life for individuals with heart conditions.

Published On : September 16, 2023