Daily Current Affairs Quiz20 & 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. Member Countries (10): Key Frameworks: India–ASEAN Relations: 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. Member Countries (4): Key Areas of Cooperation: About BRICS A grouping of major emerging economies advocating for multipolar global governance, financial reform, and South–South cooperation. Member Countries (5): Key Institutions: 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: Objective: 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. Parameters Measured The AQI in India is based on 8 key pollutants monitored under the National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP): 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): Objectives: Key Features: Recent Discoveries: 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: Purpose of MPI: Global Findings (109 Countries): India-Specific Findings: Key Recommendations: 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) 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: 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: Significance: 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: Background: Objective: Key Partner Countries (Proposed Expansion): 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: About GSTR-3B: 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: Background: Proposed Mechanism: Policy Implications: 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: Structural Changes: Significance: 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: Government Support & Policies: Research and Innovation: Community Engagement: Significance: Facts To Remember 1. Phichitpreechasak wins as Tanvi falls at the final hurdle Around 2 p.m. here on Sunday, India’s

Daily Current Affairs Quiz18 & 19 October, 2025 National Affairs 1. UNEP’s State of Finance for Forests (SFF) 2025 Report Source: UNEP Context: The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has released the State of Finance for Forests (SFF) 2025 Report, warning that global investments in forests must triple by 2030 to meet international climate, biodiversity, and land restoration goals. The report provides a comprehensive overview of global and country-level trends, highlighting both the progress made and the persistent gaps in forest finance. Key Global Findings: India-Specific Insights Read more>> 2. COP30 in Belém, Brazil Context: The 30th Conference of Parties (COP30) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), scheduled for November 2025 in Belém, Brazil, comes at a time of deepening climate anxiety. The 1.5°C target is slipping out of reach, the U.S. has withdrawn from the Paris Agreement, and global faith in multilateral climate diplomacy is being tested. COP30 is positioned as a defining moment to shift from commitments to concrete climate action. About COP30 and Global Climate Diplomacy Paris Agreement Context 3. Tejas Mk1A Source: TH Context: The Mk1A is an advanced and upgraded variant of India’s indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), jointly developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA). It represents a significant step in enhancing India’s defense self-reliance and combat capability. About Tejas Mk1A Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) The Mk1A is an advanced and upgraded variant of India’s indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), jointly developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA). It represents a significant step in enhancing India’s defense self-reliance and combat capability. Key Features 4. Synchronous All India Elephant Estimation (SAIEE) 2021–25 Source: IE Context: After a delay of over a year, the Union Environment Ministry and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) released the results of the Synchronous All India Elephant Estimation (SAIEE) 2021–25 in Dehradun. The latest census estimates India’s total elephant population at 22,446 individuals, marking a comprehensive update on the status of the country’s largest terrestrial mammal. About SAIEE 2021–25: Key Findings: Population Trends: 5. NITI Aayog, DP World Launch ‘We Rise’ Initiative for Women Entrepreneurs Source: PIB Context: NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) and DP World have jointly launched ‘We Rise – Women Entrepreneurs Reimagining Inclusive and Sustainable Enterprises’, a programme aimed at nurturing women-led MSMEs and making them export-ready. About the Initiative: Key Features: 6. UNTCC Chiefs’ Conclave 2025 Source: PIB Event Overview: Purpose: Major Sessions and Initiatives: 7. Scheme for Innovation and Technology Association with Aadhaar (SITAA) Context: The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has launched the Scheme for Innovation and Technology Association with Aadhaar (SITAA) to strengthen Aadhaar authentication security and counter emerging threats such as deepfakes, spoofing, and biometric fraud. What is SITAA? SITAA is an innovation-led collaborative programme designed to bring together startups, academic institutions, and industry partners to develop advanced, indigenous technologies that enhance the security and resilience of Aadhaar-based authentication systems. Objectives Key Features Collaborative Innovation Framework Three Focused Innovation Challenges Banking/Finance 1. LIC Launches Jan Suraksha (880) & Bima Lakshmi (881) Plans Source: Economic Times Context: Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) launched two new life insurance plans — Jan Suraksha (Plan 880) and Bima Lakshmi (Plan 881) — under its first product launches post the GST regime. These plans aim to cater to specific demographics, focusing on financial inclusion and women empowerment. LIC Jan Suraksha (Plan 880) Type: Non-participating, non-linked individual savings plan. Target Audience: Lower-income individuals. Key Features: Significance: Promotes long-term savings and life cover for economically weaker sections. LIC Bima Lakshmi (Plan 881) Type: Non-linked plan with life cover and periodic money-back options. Target Audience: Exclusively women. Key Features: Significance: Supports women’s financial empowerment and provides periodic liquidity along with life cover. 2. Getepay Partners with ESAF SFB to Deploy Payment Switch “VEGA” Context: Getepay, a leading Payment Aggregator, partnered with ESAF Small Finance Bank (ESAF SFB) to deploy VEGA, a next-generation payment switch. Aim: To enhance India’s digital payment infrastructure by integrating Getepay’s advanced payment technology with ESAF SFB’s financial network. About VEGA: 3. Lxme Launches India’s First Women UPI “Lxmepay” Source: BS Context: Lxme, India’s leading financial platform for women, launched LxmePay, the country’s first Unified Payments Interface (UPI) exclusively for women, aimed at empowering them to manage money smarter and build long-term wealth. Purpose: Key Features: 4. Bajaj Finserv AMC Introduces ‘Pay with Mutual Fund’ Feature Source: BL Context: Bajaj Finserv Asset Management Company (AMC) has launched ‘Pay with Mutual Fund’, a first-of-its-kind feature that allows investors to make daily UPI payments directly from their mutual fund investments. Purpose: Key Features: 5. RBI’s Application Tracking System (ATS) What is ATS? Purpose: Key Features: Agriculture 1. Social Alpha & Sustain Plus Tie-Up with PRADAN to Strengthen Agri Value Chain in Jharkhand Source: BL Objective: Partnership Structure: Implementation Focus: Significance: Facts To Remember 1. Jyothi scripts history with World Cup Final bronze V. Jyothi Surekha Vennam on Saturday became the first Indian woman compound archer to win a medal at the World Cup Final, clinching a bronze with a flawless performance in Nanjing (China). 2. Tanvi outclasses Liu, moves into World Juniors final The decibel levels at the National Centre of Excellence (NCE) rose in sync with the music beats, but one spectator could barely look at the action unfolding on the Centre Court. 3. India Post to Launch 24–48 Hour Guaranteed Speed Post Service by January The Department of Posts (India Post) is set to introduce a guaranteed 24–48 hour Speed Post service by January, aiming to enhance delivery efficiency and compete with private courier firms. 4. Rajnath Singh Commissions First Batch of BrahMos Missiles from Lucknow Unit Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday commissioned the first batch of BrahMos missiles manufactured at the Lucknow unit of BrahMos Aerospace Ltd, marking a significant milestone in India’s defence indigenisation and manufacturing capabilities. 5. Egypt Invites Indian Firms to Set Up Industrial Zone in Suez Canal Economic Zone During his two-day