Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 20&21 October, 2025

Daily Current Affairs Quiz
20&21 October, 2025

National Affairs

1. India’s Balancing Act Between the Quad and BRICS Ahead of ASEAN Summit 2025

Source: TH

Context:

India’s foreign policy priorities are being tested at the upcoming ASEAN Summit (October 26–28, 2025, Kuala Lumpur) and the associated East Asia Summit (EAS). Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend, with key leaders from the Quad (U.S., Japan, Australia) and BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) either present or observing.

About ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)

ASEAN is a regional intergovernmental organization promoting economic growth, political stability, and regional cooperation among Southeast Asian nations.

• Founded:
  • 8 August 1967 (Bangkok Declaration)
• Headquarters:
  • Jakarta, Indonesia

Member Countries (10):

1. Indonesia
2. Malaysia
3. Singapore
4. Thailand
5. Philippines
6. Brunei Darussalam
7. Vietnam
8. Laos
9. Myanmar
10. Cambodia

Key Frameworks:

• ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) – tariff reduction and trade promotion.
• ASEAN Connectivity 2025 – physical and digital integration.
• ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific (AOIP) – supports a rules-based, inclusive Indo-Pacific, aligning with India’s Act East Policy.

India–ASEAN Relations:

• India became a Sectoral Dialogue Partner (1992), Full Dialogue Partner (1996), and Strategic Partner (2012).
• Key cooperation areas: trade, connectivity (India–Myanmar–Thailand Highway), digital innovation, maritime security, and education.

About Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue)

An informal strategic grouping among India, the United States, Japan, and Australia, aimed at ensuring a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region.

• Formed:
  • Initially in 2007, revived in 2017 amid rising regional tensions and China’s assertiveness.

Member Countries (4):

1. India
2. United States
3. Japan
4. Australia

Key Areas of Cooperation:

• Maritime security and freedom of navigation.
• Emerging technologies – AI, semiconductors, critical minerals.
• Climate action and renewable energy partnerships.
• Health cooperation and pandemic preparedness (Vaccine Partnership).
• Infrastructure investment and resilient supply chains.

About BRICS

A grouping of major emerging economies advocating for multipolar global governance, financial reform, and South–South cooperation.

• Founded:
  • 2009 (as BRIC); South Africa joined in 2010, forming BRICS.

Member Countries (5):

1. Brazil
2. Russia
3. India
4. China
5. South Africa

Key Institutions:

• New Development Bank (NDB) – headquartered in Shanghai.
• Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) – to ensure financial stability.

2. Delhi-NCR Implements Stage II of GRAP as AQI Crosses 300

Source: TOI

Context:

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) invoked Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) after Delhi-NCR’s Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeded 300, indicating “very poor” air quality.

About GRAP:

• Full Form: Graded Response Action Plan
• Purpose: Provides stage-wise interventions to manage deteriorating air quality in Delhi-NCR.
• Established: Introduced in 2017 under Supreme Court directives and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
• Latest Revision: December 2024 by CAQM to include predictive measures based on IMD and IITM forecasts.

Objective:

• To create a graded, preemptive system for air quality management by defining specific actions at different AQI levels.

Stages and Measures:

Stage	Category	AQI Range	Key Actions
I	Poor	201–300	Dust control, waste removal, vehicle norms enforcement
II	Very Poor	301–400	Mechanical sweeping, C&D (construction & demolition) monitoring, DG set regulations
III	Severe	401–450	Restrictions on BS-III/IV vehicles, construction limits
IV	Severe+	Above 450	Truck entry bans, work-from-home orders, halting C&D projects

What is AQI (Air Quality Index)?

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a numerical scale used to communicate the level of air pollution in a specific area, indicating how clean or polluted the air is and what associated health effects might be a concern for the public.

• Developed by:
  • Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India.
• Launched in India:
  • 2014, under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, with the slogan “One Number – One Colour – One Description.”

Parameters Measured

The AQI in India is based on 8 key pollutants monitored under the National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP):

1. PM₁₀ (Particulate Matter ≤10 microns)
2. PM₂.₅ (Particulate Matter ≤2.5 microns)
3. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂)
4. Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂)
5. Carbon Monoxide (CO)
6. Ozone (O₃)
7. Ammonia (NH₃)
8. Lead (Pb)

3. Chandrayaan-2’s CHACE-2 Makes First-Ever Observation of Solar CME Impact on Moon

Source: IE

Context:

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced that the CHACE-2 payload onboard the Chandrayaan-2 lunar orbiter has made the first-ever direct observation of the Sun’s Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) impacting the Moon.

About CHACE-2 (Chandra’s Atmospheric Composition Explorer-2):

• Type: Neutral gas mass spectrometer
• Mission: Part of Chandrayaan-2 orbiter
• Launch Date: 22 July 2019, aboard GSLV Mk-III M1
• Purpose: Study the Moon’s lunar exosphere (extremely thin atmosphere)

Objectives:

• Analyze chemical composition, spatial and temporal variations, and density of the lunar exosphere (mass range: 1–300 amu)
• Detect water vapour and heavier molecules
• Understand lunar surface–exosphere interactions

Key Features:

• Successor to CHACE (Chandrayaan-1) and MENCA (Mars Orbiter Mission) instruments
• Measures neutral gases and isotopic abundances in situ
• Detects noble gases such as Argon-40 and their distribution
• Provides real-time data on exosphere composition and dynamics
• Assists in modeling lunar surface processes and space weather effects

Recent Discoveries:

• On 10 May 2024, CHACE-2 recorded the first evidence of a CME-induced increase in lunar exosphere pressure
• Observed a tenfold rise in total number density of neutral atoms, validating theoretical predictions
• Provided critical insights into how solar activity alters lunar atmospheric conditions
• Implications for future lunar bases and space weather prediction

4. Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) 2025 Report

Source: UNDP

Context:

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) jointly released the Global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) 2025 Report titled “Overlapping Hardships: Poverty and Climate Hazards.” The report highlights how poverty and climate risks intersect, affecting over a billion people worldwide.

Published by:

• United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) & Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI)

Purpose of MPI:

• Measures acute poverty beyond income, capturing multiple deprivations in health, education, and standard of living
• Guides evidence-based policy aligned with SDG-1 (No Poverty)

Global Findings (109 Countries):

• Population in MPI Poverty: 1.1 billion (18.3%) live in acute multidimensional poverty
• Severity: 43.6% of poor people (~501 million) experience severe poverty (deprived in ≥50% of MPI indicators)
• Children: Represent 51% of global poor, highlighting intergenerational poverty
• Middle-Income Countries: Home to 740 million poor people, showing income-based measures underestimate deprivation
• Regional Concentration: Sub-Saharan Africa (49.2%) and South Asia together account for 83% of global poverty
• Rural Areas: 83.5% of the poor live in rural regions, despite constituting 55% of population
• Climate-Poverty Nexus: 80% of poor live in areas exposed to droughts, floods, or extreme heat
• Post-Pandemic Progress: Poverty reduction has slowed or stagnated due to inflation, conflict, and climate shocks

India-Specific Findings:

• Significant Reduction: Multidimensional poverty dropped from 55% (2005–06) to 16.4% (2019–21), lifting ~414 million people out of deprivation
• Child Poverty: Remains high, especially in nutrition, sanitation, cooking fuel, and housing
• Climate Exposure: ~99% of India’s poor live in climate-vulnerable regions
• Policy Drivers: Targeted welfare schemes like PM-Awas Yojana, Swachh Bharat Mission, Ujjwala, and Jal Jeevan Mission
• Challenges:
  • Rural–urban disparities
  • Climate-induced vulnerability
  • Gender and child deprivations
  • Data limitations for policy evaluation
  • Fiscal constraints in many states

Key Recommendations:

• Integrate Poverty & Climate Policies: Climate-resilient welfare, green infrastructure, and disaster preparedness
• Localized Data Monitoring: District-level MPI dashboards for real-time, evidence-based policymaking
• Invest in Green Livelihoods: Renewable energy, organic farming, and circular economy employment
• Global Financial Support: Mobilize climate finance and concessional aid for dual poverty-climate challenges
• Child- and Gender-Sensitive Interventions: Focus on nutrition, clean fuel, education, and maternal health

5. INS Vikrant

Context:

Prime Minister of India celebrated Diwali onboard INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier. He lauded the armed forces for valour and success in Operation Sindoor.

About INS Vikrant (IAC-1)

• First indigenously built aircraft carrier of India.
• Symbol of technological self-reliance and naval modernization under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
• Named after the historic INS Vikrant that played a key role in the 1971 Indo-Pak War.
• Officially commissioned on 2 September 2022 by the Prime Minister at Cochin.
• Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) under the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) programme.
• Designed by the Directorate of Naval Design (DND).

Key Features

Feature	Details
Dimensions	262 m long, 62 m wide, 18 decks high (≈ 2 football fields)
Displacement	~45,000 tonnes — largest warship built in India
Aircraft Capacity	30 aircraft, including MiG-29K jets, Kamov-31, MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, future indigenous aircraft
Crew & Facilities	1,600 personnel, 16-bed hospital, 2,400 compartments (functions as “city at sea”)
Operational Status	Achieved full operational clearance in 2024; part of Western Naval Command
Propulsion	Four gas turbines, speeds up to 28 knots (52 km/h)

Banking/Finance

1. Indian Economy Shows Resilience Amid Global Challenges: RBI Report

Source: The Economic Times

Context:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released its latest report highlighting India’s economic performance amid global uncertainties. The report points to robust domestic demand, controlled inflation, and a healthy banking system as key factors behind India’s resilience.

Key Highlights:

• Economic Growth:
  • India continues to be one of the fastest-growing major economies, supported by a revival in private consumption and public investment.
  • The report notes that real GDP growth remains above 7%, driven by urban demand, infrastructure spending, and service sector expansion.
• Inflation and Monetary Stability:
  • Headline inflation has moderated within the RBI’s target band, thanks to easing food and fuel prices.
  • The central bank’s monetary policy stance remains focused on anchoring inflation expectations while supporting growth.
• Banking and Financial Sector:
  • India’s banking system is well-capitalized, with declining non-performing assets (NPAs).
    Credit growth remains strong, particularly in retail and MSME segments.
• External Sector:
  • Despite global headwinds, India’s external position remains stable, supported by strong remittances and resilient services exports.
  • Foreign exchange reserves continue to provide a cushion against external shocks.
• Structural Strengths:
  • The report underscores the impact of digitalization, fiscal prudence, and supply-side reforms in bolstering the economy’s medium-term prospects.

2. RBI May Ease Approval Norms for Banks to Float Subsidiaries

Source: BS

Context:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is considering a major regulatory reform that could allow commercial banks to set up subsidiaries without prior approval from the central bank. The move is part of RBI’s broader agenda to enhance ease of doing business in the financial sector and promote operational flexibility for banks.

Key Highlights:

• Approval Requirement: Banks may no longer need RBI’s nod to float subsidiaries, except in cases involving insurance or asset management, where permissions from IRDAI and SEBI will still be required.
• Objective: To enhance operational flexibility for banks and reduce regulatory bottlenecks.
• Legal Basis: Section 6 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, specifies permissible non-core banking businesses.
• Segmentation Rule: RBI will propose that subsidiaries should operate in segments distinct from their parent banks (e.g., if a bank provides housing loans, its subsidiary may focus on affordable housing finance).
• Ease of Doing Business: Part of RBI’s broader efforts to streamline financial regulations and reduce micro-management.
• Historical Note: RBI has not approved any bank subsidiary in nearly two decades.
• Next Steps: Draft guidelines on forms of business and investment for banks to be released shortly.

Significance:

• Enhances ease of doing business for banks.
• Promotes segmented diversification in financial services.
• Aligns with RBI’s aim of streamlining banking operations and reducing regulatory friction.

3. RBI Pushes to Expand Rupee Settlements with Trade Partners

Source: ET

Context:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is taking steps to expand rupee-based trade settlement mechanisms with major trading partners to promote rupee internationalisation and reduce dependence on the US dollar.

About the Initiative:

• The RBI is working on establishing direct rupee reference rates against currencies of key partner countries such as the UAE dirham and Indonesian rupiah.
• This will eliminate the need for a third-currency reference (like the dollar), making transactions more efficient and less volatile.
• The initiative is aligned with India’s broader goal of strengthening the rupee’s global standing and enhancing ease of trade settlements.

Background:

• India currently maintains daily rupee reference rates for USD, EUR, GBP, and JPY.
• The new reference rate framework will extend to currencies of trade partners in the Gulf, ASEAN region, and Mauritius.
• The effort supports the Rupee Trade Settlement System (RTS) introduced in July 2022, allowing foreign trade invoicing and payments in Indian rupees.

Objective:

• To promote rupee internationalisation and reduce reliance on the US dollar.
• To cut transaction costs, mitigate currency risks, and make trade settlements faster.
• To support India’s ambition of becoming a global economic powerhouse by 2047.

Key Partner Countries (Proposed Expansion):

• United Arab Emirates (UAE)
• Indonesia
• Mauritius
• Other ASEAN and Gulf nations

4. GSTR-3B

Context:

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has extended the deadline for filing the GSTR-3B return for certain taxpayers, in view of the Deepavali festival.

About the Update:

• The CBIC issued a notification extending the deadline for GSTR-3B, the monthly summary return under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime.
• The extension applies to taxpayers registered in specific states and Union Territories where Deepavali festivities may affect timely filing.

About GSTR-3B:

• What it is: A monthly self-declaration form through which registered GST taxpayers report summary details of outward and inward supplies, input tax credit (ITC), and tax liability.
• Frequency: Filed monthly by regular taxpayers.
• Purpose: To ensure timely tax payment and accurate reporting under the GST framework.

5. SEBI Proposes Relaxation for Transfer of Pre-2019 Securities

Source: BS

Context:

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed amendments to the Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements (LODR) Regulations, 2015, aimed at facilitating the transfer and dematerialisation of securities executed before April 1, 2019. This move seeks to provide relief to investors who missed earlier deadlines for regularising such holdings.

Purpose of the Proposal:

• Simplify the demat process for security transactions executed before April 2019.
• Provide one more opportunity for investors to re-lodge transfer deeds for physical securities.
• Address hurdles caused by rejected transfer deeds, corporate dissolutions, non-cooperative transferors, or misdirected submissions.

Background:

• SEBI discontinued transfer of physical securities from April 1, 2019, to encourage full dematerialisation.
• Despite this, some investors were unable to regularise holdings, creating persistent operational challenges.

Proposed Mechanism:

• Temporary relaxation under Regulation 40(1) of LODR for a specific period (sunset clause to be notified).
• Transfers to be permitted after due diligence by registrars, transfer agents (RTAs), and listed entities.
• Securities will be directly credited into demat accounts upon successful registration.

Policy Implications:

• Provides investor relief and reduces bottlenecks in demat conversion.
• Aligns with SEBI’s broader goal of full dematerialisation while allowing genuine cases to be regularised.
• Helps improve corporate governance and market efficiency by reducing physical shareholding.

6. Unclaimed Shares Portal Set for Major Upgrade

Source: ET

Context:

The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs is planning to upgrade the integrated unclaimed shares and dividends portal to accelerate claim settlements and improve investor convenience.

Portal 2.0 Features:

• The upgraded portal, termed Integrated Portal 2.0, will leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics to expedite claim verification and reduce settlement time to about 15 days.
• Target Settlement: Claims to be processed within 15 days.
• Technology Integration: Use of artificial intelligence and data analytics to expedite verification, identify dormant accounts, and streamline scrutiny.
• Mobile App: Investors will be able to apply and track claim status via an app.
• Online KYC & Aadhaar Verification: Incorporation of KYC updates and Aadhaar-based face authentication for claimants.

Structural Changes:

• Delinking from MCA21: Portal will operate independently but fetch data via API from MCA21, insulating it from technical glitches of the MCA21 V3 system.
• Previous delays in settlements were partly due to technical issues with MCA21 V3, which led to extended deadlines for filing company financials.

Significance:

• Facilitates faster transfer of unclaimed shares, dividends, and matured debentures to investors or heirs.
• Strengthens corporate governance and investor protection.
• Supports digital governance and efficient use of technology in financial services.

Agriculture

1. India’s Agricultural Climate Initiatives: Building a Climate-Resilient Agri-Ecosystem

Source: BL

Context:

India’s agriculture is increasingly vulnerable to climate change, with extreme weather events affecting yields, soil health, and livelihoods. To address this, farmers, government agencies, and civil society are collaborating to implement climate-resilient practices across the country.

Key Highlights:

Climate-Resilient Farming Practices:

• Agroforestry: Integrating trees with crops to enhance biodiversity, prevent soil erosion, and improve micro-climates.
• Natural/Organic Farming: Adoption of organic inputs (cow dung, biofertilizers) to reduce chemical dependence.
• Water Management: Techniques like rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation, and efficient water use for sustainable irrigation.

Government Support & Policies:

• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): Expands irrigation coverage and promotes water-use efficiency.
• Soil Health Management Scheme: Encourages soil testing and balanced fertilization for sustainable productivity.
• Climate-Smart Villages: Model villages demonstrating resilient and sustainable agricultural practices.

Research and Innovation:

• Drought-Resistant Crop Varieties: Developed by ICAR to withstand erratic weather patterns.
• Climate Forecasting Models: Provide timely information to farmers for informed decision-making.
• Digital Tools & AI: Predictive analytics for crop management and early warning of extreme weather events.

Community Engagement:

• Capacity-building programs educate farmers on sustainable practices.
• Access to quality seeds, tools, finance, and market linkages is strengthened.
• Women farmers and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) are being empowered for local implementation.

Significance:

• Enhances food security and farmers’ resilience to climate shocks.
• Reduces dependency on chemical inputs and promotes sustainable agriculture.
• Supports India’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and climate adaptation goals.

Facts To Remember

1. Phichitpreechasak wins as Tanvi falls at the final hurdle

Around 2 p.m. here on Sunday, India’s Tanvi Sharma and Thailand’s Anyapat Phichitpreechasak started warming up on adjacent practice courts at the National Centre of Excellence, ahead of their World junior badminton championships final.

2. Legendary horse trainer Padmanabhan passes away

The Indian horse racing fraternity bid goodbye to one of its most brilliant trainers, S. Padmanabhan, popularly known as Paddy, who passed away at Bengaluru. He was 71 and is survived by wife Sharmila Padmanabhan, who was a pillar of support.

3. Zoravar wins a ‘hair-razing’ medal

Zoravar Singh Sandhu ’s trap bronze at the World Championships in Athens on Friday was historic, but calling it a hair-raising performance would be a tad too much. Yet, it proved ‘hair-razing’ for a certain few. 

4. Panwar’s gold caps India’s campaign

Olympian Balraj Panwar won his first medal at the continental level with the single scull gold as India wrapped up the campaign in the Asian Rowing Championships in Vietnam on a high.

5. 146 Bird Species Recorded in Kaziranga Survey

The Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, Assam, recorded 146 bird species in its latest avian survey, highlighting the park’s rich biodiversity.

6. India to Induct 800-km BrahMos and Upgraded Astra Missiles

India plans to significantly enhance its precision strike capabilities with the induction of 800-km extended range BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and the over 200-km Astra air-to-air missiles in the next two to three years.

7. 26% of PMJDY Accounts in PSBs Are Inoperative

The share of inactive Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) accounts in public sector banks (PSBs) has risen to 26% as of September 2025, up from 21% in September 2024, indicating a slowdown in account activity under India’s flagship financial inclusion scheme.