Daily Current Affairs Quiz21 & 22 April, 2025 International Affairs 1. WHO Finalizes Draft of Pandemic Agreement for Equitable Response Context: After 13 rounds of negotiations over three-and-a-half years, the WHO’s Intergovernmental Negotiating Body finalized the draft WHO Pandemic Agreement on April 16, 2025. The draft will be presented for formal adoption at the upcoming World Health Assembly in May 2025. Scope and Significance: Equity in Pathogen Sharing and Benefits: Commitment to Health Workers and Technology Transfer: Role of Pharmaceutical Companies: Historical and Political Context Treaty’s Strategic Focus Areas (as per Nature): TH 2. India Tackles $40 Billion Trade Surplus with the US Context: India’s trade surplus with the US has been a key concern for the Trump administration. In FY25, the surplus reached $41.18 billion (up from $35.33 billion in FY24). The surplus is a crucial issue in discussions for a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). Government’s Strategy to Address Surplus Upcoming Trade Negotiations Key Developments Impact of US Tariffs India’s Trade Deficit Trade Surplus Data (India’s Exports to US) BS National Affairs 1. Vice-President’s Remarks on Judiciary Context: Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, at a recent public event, raised important concerns related to judicial independence, procedural transparency, and judicial overreach. His speech reignited the national debate on separation of powers, judicial accountability, and the scope of constitutional powers in a parliamentary democracy. Key Issues Raised by the Vice-President: In Support of the Vice-President’s Concerns Against the Concerns Judicial Review and Constitutional Balance TH 2. India Successfully Conducts Second Satellite Docking Context: India’s space agency ISRO achieved a significant milestone by successfully conducting the second docking of two satellites under the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX). This marks a major step toward India’s ambitions in long-duration space missions and human spaceflight programs. Key Events and Timeline Satellites Involved: Global Significance: With this success, India becomes the fourth country — after the U.S., Russia, and China — to demonstrate satellite docking in space. Technological Significance TH 3. 15th BRICS Agriculture Context: Social, economic, and political empowerment of small and marginal farmers especially women as central to global agricultural strategies. Key Highlights: What is Sustainable Agriculture? Sustainable agriculture includes eco-friendly and resource-efficient farming practices that: Why India Needs Sustainable Agriculture Key Government Initiatives for Sustainable Farming What is BRICS? The 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting marks a crucial global step toward transforming food systems into being farmer-centric, resilient, and environmentally sound.India reaffirmed its vision of agriculture-led inclusive growth, with smallholder empowerment and sustainability at the core of future policymaking. TH Science & Tech 1. India Nears Stage-II of Nuclear Power Programme Context: India’s nuclear energy programme is set to enter a transformative phase as the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, nears commissioning. According to the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), the PFBR is expected to achieve first criticality by 2025-26 and full commissioning by September 2026. This development signals the beginning of Stage-II of India’s three-stage nuclear programme aimed at recycling spent fuel and enhancing energy sustainability. Key Features of the PFBR The PFBR will utilise spent fuel from Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) and breed more fissile material than it consumes—crucial for India’s long-term goal of using thorium-based reactors in Stage-III. Regulatory Milestones This approval was a key step toward operational readiness and safe commissioning. India’s Nuclear Roadmap Current Installed Capacity: Upcoming Additions: Long-term Goal: Strategic Significance TH Banking/Finance 1. RBI Empowers Minors Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced a progressive step toward financial empowerment of minors, allowing children aged 10 years and above to open and manage their own savings and term deposit accounts independently. Key Provisions from RBI’s Circular Why This Matters Potential Use Cases: This move reflects RBI’s forward-looking approach in nurturing a financially aware generation. It also paves the way for minors to gradually adopt digital payment tools under supervision, helping India transition into a more cashless and financially aware economy. TH 2. India’s Fiscal Management and Debt Context: During her interaction with the Indian diaspora in San Francisco, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed key issues related to India’s fiscal deficit and debt management. She reassured that the government’s debt was being managed prudently and that there was no risk of the fiscal deficit going out of control. Fiscal Deficit Management Debt Reduction Efforts Bilateral Trade Agreement with the US India’s Global Leadership and Growth: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reassured stakeholders that India’s fiscal policies are on track, with clear goals for reducing the fiscal deficit and managing debt responsibly. Despite challenges, the government’s focus on maintaining fiscal discipline and pursuing strategic global partnerships will likely sustain India’s economic growth and strengthen its role on the world stage. The anticipated Bilateral Trade Agreement with the US is expected to further bolster bilateral relations and economic ties. BS 3. RBI Finalises LCR Guidelines for Digitally Enabled Deposits Context: RBI issued final norms for computing Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR), effective from April 1, 2026. Aims to improve banks’ liquidity resilience in a non-disruptive manner and align with global standards. Key Changes in Final LCR Norms Runoff Factor Changes for IMB-Linked Deposits Institutional Deposit Treatment Implications for the Banking Sector Valuation of High-Quality Liquid Assets (HQLAs) BS & TET 4. RBI Draft Direction on Export and Import of Goods and Services Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a draft direction on the export and import of goods and services and the Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Goods and Services) Regulations, 2025. Stakeholders have been invited to submit their feedback by the end of this month. Key Provisions of the Draft Direction Potential Concerns The RBI’s draft direction introduces a significant shift in the handling of export and import transactions by authorised dealers. While the increased flexibility could encourage businesses, there may be concerns over the potential inconsistency in enforcement and the administrative burden on SEZ units and service providers. BS 5. RBI Draft Guidelines on Gold Loans Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI)‘s draft guidelines on gold loans

Daily Current Affairs Quiz19 April, 2025 International Affairs 1. U.S. May “Move On” from Russia-Ukraine Peace Efforts Rubio’s Statement in Paris 2. Upcoming Peace Talks in London 3. U.S.-Ukraine Minerals Agreement 4. Kremlin Response and Renewed Tensions TH 2. Trump Administration Revokes Visas of Over 1,000 Students Context: Amid heightened immigration enforcement in the United States, more than 1,000 international students have reportedly had their visas revoked or SEVIS records terminated since late March, with Indian students making up 50% of the known cases, according to the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). Key Developments Legal Backlash & Diplomatic Context Background Data BS National Affairs 1. A Pillar for a Viksit Bharat 2047 Context: “Viksit Bharat” is more than a vision—it’s a national commitment to achieving inclusive, equitable, and sustainable growth by 2047. Central to this vision is a future-ready logistics ecosystem that drives connectivity and accessibility across India. However, to truly realize this vision, the logistics sector must undergo a green transformation. Current Challenges: 1. High Carbon Emissions 2. Heavy Reliance on Road Transport Green Transition Strategies: 1. Rail Freight Expansion 2. Electrifying Road Transport 3. Green Maritime Transport 4. Sustainable Warehousing 5. Air Transport Decarbonising logistics is not just about emission reduction—it’s about building a resilient, competitive, and inclusive economy. With: India can lead the world in creating a sustainable logistics framework, essential to the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 and the Net Zero 2070 goal. TH Banking/Finance 1. CBIC Overhauls GST Registration Framework Context: In a major push to enhance the ease of doing business, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has issued fresh instructions to standardize the Goods and Services Tax (GST) registration process. These reforms address long-standing complaints about inconsistent procedures, unnecessary document requests, and administrative overreach by field officers. Why It Matters: The GST registration process is the first touchpoint for any business entering the formal economy. By removing friction, the government aims to increase compliance, support MSMEs, and build a more efficient tax ecosystem. Key Highlights of the CBIC Directive: 1. Standardized Document Checklist 2. Ban on Irrelevant Queries 3. Faster, Time-Bound Approvals 4. Stricter Physical Verification Protocol 5. Higher Threshold for Additional Document Demands BS 2. FinMin Pushes Banks to Boost eNWR Lending Context: In a significant policy push to improve credit access for farmers and agribusinesses, the Union finance ministry has urged all banks — public, private, regional rural, and cooperative — to integrate with the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company (NCGTC) and the eKisan Upaj Nidhi (eKUN) portal. These platforms facilitate pledge-based financing through electronic negotiable warehouse receipts (eNWRs), enabling farmers to secure loans against stored produce. Current Status: Key Directives from the Finance Ministry: 1. Mandatory Participation Across Banking Sectors 2. Awareness and Outreach Campaigns 3. Bank Recommendations for Implementation 4. Enhanced Credit Support through eNWR Policy Implications: BS 3. No GST on UPI Transactions Over ₹2,000 Context: The central government on Friday dismissed speculation that Goods and Services Tax (GST) may be levied on Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions above ₹2,000, calling such reports “false, misleading, and baseless.” In an official statement, the Finance Ministry clarified: “Currently, there is no such proposal before the government.” This comes in response to online reports that suggested a potential tax on high-value UPI transactions. The clarification aims to reassure digital payment users and stakeholders amid rising concerns. No MDR, No GST The ministry explained that GST is applicable only to certain services — such as the merchant discount rate (MDR) — which may be charged on digital payments made via specific instruments. However, no MDR is currently levied on UPI-based person-to-merchant (P2M) transactions. In fact, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) had removed MDR on UPI and RuPay transactions back in January 2020 to promote digital payments. “Since no MDR is charged on UPI transactions, there is consequently no GST applicable to these transactions either,” the statement read. Context & Impact UPI has become a cornerstone of India’s digital economy, processing billions of transactions every month. Any move to impose GST on UPI would not only raise transaction costs but also undermine financial inclusion and the push towards a cashless economy. This clarification reinforces the government’s commitment to maintaining a zero-charge framework for UPI payments and supporting seamless, affordable digital transactions for users and merchants alike. BS 4. Family Offices Prefer AIF Route in GIFT City Over FIFs Context: Family offices, particularly those based abroad, are increasingly opting for Category III Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) in GIFT City instead of setting up Family Investment Funds (FIFs). Key Insights Family Investment Funds (FIFs) FIF in Gift IFSC aims to provide a formal structure to manage their investment funds, by setting up a dedicated entity to manage their investment activities, set up by a single-family office or entities under family control, to invest globally. Financial Growth and Future Projections The Category III AIF route in GIFT City is gaining significant traction among family offices due to favorable tax regimes, global volatility, and investment diversification opportunities. This shift is poised to continue as GIFT City evolves into a major hub for international investment flows. BS 5. HDFC AMC Posts Steady SIP Inflows Context: The mutual fund industry faced challenges in Q4FY25 due to volatile market conditions, but HDFC Asset Management Company (AMC) managed to maintain strong performance, especially in systematic investment plan (SIP) inflows and equity assets under management (AUM). Key Financial Highlights Product and Strategic Developments HDFC AMC continues to deliver solid performance despite a challenging market environment, maintaining steady SIP inflows and growth in equity AUM. The company’s strategy of product diversification and digital expansion will likely drive future growth in FY26 and beyond. BS Economy 1. ₹2,250 Cr Export Promotion Mission Context: In response to escalating global trade tensions and tariff uncertainties, the Indian government has introduced key measures to support exporters, especially in the gems and jewellery sector, and is expediting the rollout of the ₹2,250 crore Export Promotion Mission, announced in the Union Budget 2025–26. Key

Daily Current Affairs Quiz18 April, 2025 National Affairs 1. Supreme Court Puts Hold on Waqf Appointments and De-Notifications Context: The Supreme Court, led by CJI Sanjiv Khanna, recorded the Union government’s assurance that: Freeze on Waqf Appointments Supreme Court’s Balanced Approach TH 2. India Justice Report 2025 Context: Indian prisons are grappling with unprecedented overcrowding and a severe shortage of healthcare staff, according to the India Justice Report 2025, which focuses on gaps in staffing and medical care in correctional facilities. Overcrowding at Crisis Levels Critical Shortage of Mental Health Professionals Healthcare Staffing in Deep Deficit Lack of Disability Data and Systemic Oversight Urgent Need for Reform The India Justice Report 2025 paints a grim picture of public health in Indian prisons, exposing urgent gaps in staffing, infrastructure, and mental health support. With the prison population set to rise, immediate reforms in staffing norms, health monitoring systems, and budget allocations are essential to uphold human rights and public health standards. TH 3. Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) for Coal Plants in India Context: A recent study commissioned by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser and conducted by the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Bengaluru, has urged the Union Environment Ministry to reconsider its blanket mandate requiring all coal-fired thermal power plants to install Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems. What are Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems? Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems are technologies used to remove sulfur dioxide (SO2) from flue gases produced by combustion processes, such as in power plants. This process helps reduce air pollution and mitigates acid rain formation. FGD systems come in various types, including wet and dry systems, each with its own advantages and applications.  Background: FGD Mandate and Compliance Status Key Finding: Most Indian Coal is Low in Sulphur Environmental Trade-Offs Policy Recommendation A Call for Evidence-Based Environmental Regulation The study challenges the one-size-fits-all FGD policy, arguing that a science-backed, differentiated strategy would better balance air quality concerns, climate implications, and economic feasibility. As India rapidly expands its power generation capacity, policies must evolve in tandem with scientific findings and contextual realities. TH 4. TruthTell Hackathon Context: As part of the government’s ’32 Create in India Challenges’, the TruthTell Hackathon was launched as a global contest to develop AI-based tools that can detect and combat false content in real-time—across live news, social media, and videos. The initiative is spearheaded by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting in collaboration with the India Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA). Grand Showcase Winners Top 5 Winning Teams and Innovations Objective & Impact This initiative aligns with India’s broader efforts to position itself as a global hub for ethical and secure digital innovation, especially in the media-tech and content verification spaces. The Indian Express Science & Tech 1. Signs of Life Beyond Our Solar System Context: In an exciting breakthrough, scientists utilizing the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have detected what they describe as the strongest signs yet of potential life beyond our solar system. The discovery involves the detection of chemical fingerprints in the atmosphere of the exoplanet K2-18 b, which may indicate the presence of biological processes. Discovery of Gases in K2-18 b’s Atmosphere What Does This Mean? About K2-18 b The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is the largest and most powerful space telescope ever built, designed to observe the universe primarily in the infrared spectrum. Launched in 2021, it aims to probe the universe’s earliest phases, study the formation of galaxies, stars, and planets, and explore the atmospheres of exoplanets, making it a time machine in space.  TH 2. Kerala Launches Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Pilot with IIT Bombay Context: The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) and IIT Bombay have partnered on a pilot initiative to test the feasibility of Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology in Kerala. This project could pave the way for Electric Vehicles (EVs) to play a transformative role in grid management and renewable energy integration. What is Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Technology? V2G is a technology that allows electric vehicle batteries to discharge electricity back into the grid when the vehicle is idle. Key functions of V2G include: Other use cases like Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) and Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) also exist, but V2G remains the most commercially and technically pursued application. How is V2G Used Globally? V2G is actively deployed in advanced EV markets such as Europe and the U.S., where: These examples showcase how V2G enhances both grid reliability and sustainability. What’s the Current Scenario in India? India is at an early stage of V2G adoption: Challenges: To enable full-scale V2G in India, regulatory reforms, tariff mechanisms, and smart grid investments are essential. Details of the KSEB-IIT Bombay V2G Pilot Project Kerala is witnessing fast EV adoption and rapid growth in rooftop solar. However, the State faces: The KSEB-IIT Bombay project aims to: The Kerala V2G pilot is a pioneering move in India’s journey toward smart, decentralized energy systems. While challenges persist, strategic collaborations like KSEB-IIT Bombay can set the stage for grid-interactive electric mobility, helping the country meet its renewable and sustainability goals. TH 3. The Lancet Planetary Health Context: A new study published in The Lancet Planetary Health has revealed that climate change and extreme weather events are significantly disrupting the global blood donation and transfusion ecosystem, potentially endangering the lives of individuals reliant on timely blood supply. Key Findings from the Study 1. Disruptions Across the Blood Supply Chain 2. Sensitivity of Blood Products 3. Disease Transmission Concerns Implications for Public Health Systems The study underscores the urgent need for climate-adaptive healthcare strategies, particularly in blood supply management. Without proactive steps, rising global temperatures could jeopardize emergency medical care and routine surgeries, especially in climate-vulnerable regions. BS Banking/Finance 1. Parliamentary Panel Pushes for Third-Party Evaluation and Revision of Minimum Pension Under EPS Context: A parliamentary panel has urged the Labour Ministry to complete the third-party evaluation of the Employee Pension Scheme (EPS) by end of 2025. This marks the first such evaluation of the scheme since its inception 30 years ago. The review