UPSC Mains Current Affairs for 20 September 2025

WAVES Bazaar 2.0 – Empowering Digital Content Creators

September 20, 2025

WAVES Bazaar Latest News

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 platform.
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 live.
- Generated over Rs. 1,300 crore in business leads during its first summit in Mumbai.
- Facilitated Rs. 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 guidance.
- 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:
- Democratize 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.
- Diversify beyond films into music, gaming, animation, and short-form content.
- Attract investments and build sustainable collaborations for long-term growth.
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 rooms.
- Expanding access to regional creators who often lack digital infrastructure.
- Sustaining international partnerships beyond initial events.
Looking ahead, WAVES Bazaar could become the centralised gateway for Indian creative exports, offering not just visibility but also monetisation, mentorship, and global collaboration.

Source: IE

WAVES Bazaar FAQs

Q1: What is WAVES Bazaar?

Ans: WAVES Bazaar is a government-backed hybrid portal for Indian content creators to connect with buyers, financiers, and global platforms.

Q2: What new features are being introduced in its second phase?

Ans: The second phase includes online pitching sessions, secure viewing rooms, AI matchmaking, and knowledge hubs.

Q3: How does WAVES Bazaar support India’s creative economy?

Ans: It democratizes opportunities, boosts international collaborations, and promotes India as a global content hub.

Q4: What global initiatives are linked to WAVES Bazaar?

Ans: The platform has hosted events in Toronto and Melbourne, generating ₹100 crore worth of investment discussions.

Q5: How many creators and buyers are currently on the platform?

Ans: WAVES Bazaar has onboarded over 6,000 creators and 5,500 buyers so far.

Voter Name Deletion: Process, Legal Provisions, and Online Gaps

September 20, 2025

Voter Name Deletion Process Latest News

Recently, the Leader of Opposition in Loka 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 application.
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 constituency.
It can be downloaded from the Election Commission’s voter portal (voters.eci.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 claim.
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 area.
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.

Source: IE | LM

Voter Name Deletion Process FAQs

Q1: What legal provisions allow voter name deletion?

Ans: Section 22 of the RP Act, 1950 empowers EROs to delete names after inquiry if the voter has died, shifted residence, or is ineligible.

Q2: How can electors apply for voter name deletion?

Ans: Electors use Form 7 under the 1960 Rules, either for themselves or another elector, submitted offline to BLOs or online via the ECINet portal.

Q3: What details are required in Form 7 for voter deletion?

Ans: Applicants provide their name, EPIC, phone number, and details of the elector objected to, citing reasons like death, underage, shifting, or non-citizenship.

Q4: How are voter deletion forms processed by authorities?

Ans: EROs issue notices, allow seven days for response, hold hearings, and BLOs verify claims before finalising deletion decisions through ECINet.

Q5: What gaps exist in the online voter deletion system?

Ans: No proof is required while filing Form 7, and EPIC-phone links aren’t verified, enabling misuse like in Aland, though deletions need ERO/BLO inquiries.

Rising Public Debt of States – A Decadal Analysis by CAG

September 20, 2025

Rising Public Debt of States Latest News

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 categorized 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 16.66% (2013-14) to 22.96% (2022-23).
Contribution to National GDP: States’ debt equaled 22.17% 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, etc.
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 GSDP.
- 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 expenditure.
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 expenditure.
Risk:
- GST compensation loans and COVID relief borrowing have altered debt dynamics.
- 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 relations.

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 targets.
Institutional mechanisms: Strengthening state finance commissions and CAG oversight for sustainable fiscal federalism.

Source: IE

Rising Public Debt of States FAQs

Q1: Why has the public debt of Indian states increased significantly between 2013-14 and 2022-23?

Ans: Debt rose 3.39 times due to higher borrowing needs, GST compensation loans, and COVID-19-related fiscal stress.

Q2: Which states recorded the highest and lowest debt-to-GSDP ratios in 2022-23?

Ans: Punjab (40.35%) had the highest and Odisha (8.45%) the lowest, reflecting inter-state variations in fiscal sustainability.

Q3: What is the “Golden Rule of Borrowing” in public finance?

Ans: The rule mandates borrowing only for capital expenditure, but 11 states used borrowings to fund current expenditure.

Q4: How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect states’ debt-to-GSDP ratio in FY 2020-21?

Ans: It rose to 25% due to contraction in GSDP and increased borrowings for relief measures.

Q5: What reforms are needed to ensure sustainable debt management among Indian states?

Ans: Stricter adherence to FRBM targets, rationalisation of subsidies, diversification of revenue, and debt management transparency.

CAG Uses AI Audits to Detect Fraud in State Schemes

September 20, 2025

AI Audits Latest News

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 states.
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 documents.

Digitisation of Financial Management Systems

There have been progresses by states in adopting digital tools for public financial management.
Key systems include:
- the 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 reporting.
- 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 completion.
  - 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 works.
- e-voucher systems, and
- The Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme (DILRMP).
  - DILRMP is a Central Sector Scheme launched by the GoI to computerize, digitize, and modernize 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 records.

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 infrastructure.
- 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 flow.
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.

Source: IE | ToI | OB

AI Audits FAQs

Q1: What did the CAG reveal about AI audits in state schemes?

Ans: CAG stated that AI and ML-based audits detected large-scale fraud, helping save state resources and improving governance transparency and accountability.

Q2: What is the main focus of CAG’s digitisation efforts?

Ans: CAG prioritises digitisation to enable remote audits, reduce executive hassles, ensure timely reporting, and achieve 100% checks of GST and Income Tax databases.

Q3: Which digital tools support financial management in states?

Ans: States use IFMIS, WAMIS, GePNIC, e-voucher systems, and DILRMP to improve transparency, accountability, and efficiency in financial operations and governance.

Q4: Where has the CAG successfully conducted remote audits so far?

Ans: Remote audits were conducted for GST, stamp and registration, e-procurement, works, and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) schemes, with plans to expand to all departments.

Q5: Why is auditing local governments considered important by the CAG?

Ans: Nearly 15 cities generate over 50% of India’s GDP. Stronger audits can boost efficiency, contributing an additional 1.5% to annual national economic growth.