Daily Current Affairs Quiz31 October, 2025 National Affairs 1. PM-Poshan Source: IE Context: Several Indian states and union territories such as Rajasthan, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Sikkim, Lakshadweep, Gujarat, and Delhi have proposed expanding the PM-Poshan midday meal scheme to include breakfast for students in government and aided schools. About PM-Poshan Scheme Proposed Expansion Significance 2. UNEP Adaptation Gap Report 2025 Source: TH Context: The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has released its flagship report Adaptation Gap Report 2025, warning that the global finance gap for climate adaptation in developing countries has widened sharply. The report highlights an urgent need for scaling up grant-based and concessional finance to prevent climate vulnerability from turning into a development crisis. About the Report Key Findings 1. Massive Adaptation Finance Gap 2. Debt-Heavy Financing 3. Uneven and Outdated Planning 4. Weak Private Sector Participation 5. Baku–Belém Roadmap (2024) 6. Global Call to Action at COP30 India’s Position and Relevance Aspect Description 1. Alignment with UNEP Goals India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCCs) align with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) framework for mainstreamed adaptation in agriculture, water, and infrastructure sectors. 2. Vulnerability Context India faces increasing climate risks such as heatwaves, floods, cyclones, and glacial melt, emphasizing the urgent need for climate-resilient investments and adaptive infrastructure. 3. Leadership Initiatives India demonstrates global leadership through initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA), Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), strengthening its role in global climate adaptation diplomacy. 4. Financing Challenges Scaling up adaptation efforts in India requires enhanced access to global concessional finance, technology transfer, and capacity-building support for both national and local implementation. Limitations Way Forward 3. KOYLA SHAKTI Dashboard and CLAMP Source: PIB Context: The Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, launched two major digital platforms — KOYLA SHAKTI Dashboard and Coal Land Acquisition, Management Portal (CLAMP) — marking a significant step towards digitization and transparent governance in India’s coal sector. Objective: To enhance efficiency, transparency, and data-driven governance across the coal value chain, aligning with the Government’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Minimum Government, Maximum Governance. KOYLA SHAKTI Dashboard Key Features: CLAMP (Coal Land Acquisition, Management Portal): 4. India Backs Afghanistan’s Plan to Build Dam on Kunar River Source: TOI Context: Amid escalating tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, India has extended support to Afghanistan’s plan to construct a dam on the Kunar River, reinforcing its commitment to the country’s sovereignty, independence, and sustainable water management. About the Kunar River Dam Project India’s Role Geopolitical Context Significance 5. NITI Aayog’s Employment Report Source: PIB Context: A recent NITI Aayog report on employment trends in India’s services sector highlights both its growing role in economic output and its deep structural challenges. While the sector contributes the largest share to India’s GDP and has seen rising employment post-COVID, much of this growth remains informal and insecure. Key Highlights: Expanding Role of the Services Sector Persistent Informality Constraints to Formalisation Demand-Side Challenges and the Role of Policy Artificial Intelligence and Future Employment Risks Policy Recommendations Banking/Finance 1. Insurance Sector at Unstable Equilibrium Source: BS Context: At a major financial sector summit, senior policymakers and industry leaders discussed the evolving landscape of India’s insurance, pension, banking, and fintech sectors. The event featured key addresses from IRDAI, PFRDA, RBI, and industry executives, covering reforms in FDI, rupee internationalisation, CBDC adoption, and regulatory clarity for digital assets. Key Focus Areas 2. Relief for Investment and Research Advisers on Performance Data Disclosure Source: TOI Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has granted interim relief to Investment Advisers (IAs) and Research Analysts (RAs), allowing them to share their past performance data with clients until the Past Risk and Return Verification Agency (PaRRVA) becomes operational. Investment Advisers (IAs) Research Analysts (RAs) Interim Permission Before PaRRVA Launch Creation of PaRRVA SEBI’s Conditional Relief 3. SEBI Tightens Rules for Non-Benchmark Indices like BankNifty and FinNifty Source: ET Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has introduced new norms for exchanges that list derivative products on non-benchmark indices such as BankNifty, Bankex, and FinNifty, to prevent concentration risk and reduce chances of index manipulation. Objective of the New Rules Applicability New Structural Norms for Non-Benchmark Indices Implementation Timeline and Glide Path 4. RBI Pushes for Rupee Internationalisation Source: ET Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is accelerating efforts to internationalise the Indian rupee, with growing instances of exporters invoicing cross-border trade in the local currency. Deputy Governor T. Rabi Sankar stated that rupee internationalisation will be a key pillar in India’s journey towards becoming a developed economy. Rupee Invoicing on the Rise Economic Rationale Strategic Benefits of Rupee Internationalisation RBI’s Broader Vision Background and Policy Initiatives Agriculture 1. Govt to Bring Law Against Substandard Pesticides & Seeds Source: IE Context: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that the Centre will soon introduce a stringent law targeting the sale of substandard seeds and spurious pesticides. The decision comes amid widespread farmer complaints during the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan about poor-quality agricultural inputs leading to crop losses. Key Proposals & Features Rationale & Drivers Challenges & Implementation Risks Significance & Expected Impact 2. APEDA Facilitates First-Ever Air Shipment of GI-Tagged Indi and Puliyankudi Limes to the UK Context: The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has facilitated the first-ever air shipment of GI-tagged Indi Lime (Karnataka) and Puliyankudi Lime (Tamil Nadu) to the United Kingdom, marking a milestone in promoting India’s unique horticultural products globally. About the GI Tag About Indi Lime (Karnataka) About Puliyankudi Lime (Tamil Nadu) Facts To Remember 1. Justice Surya Kant to take over as 53rd Chief Justice of India on November 24 The apppointment of Justice Surya Kant as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI) was notified. He will assume charge on November 24 and will remain CJI for nearly 16 months, till February 9, 2027. 2. Indian boxers’ medal rush continues at