Daily Current Affairs Quiz15 October, 2025 National Affairs 1. India Hosts First Chiefs’ Conclave of UN Troop Contributing Countries (UNTCC) Source: PIB Context: India hosted the Conclave of Chiefs of UN Troop Contributing Countries (UNTCC) for the first time, in New Delhi from October 14-16, 2025, under the aegis of the Indian Army. Objectives of the Conclave: Participation: Key Highlights: 2. PM Modi Strengthens India–Mongolia Strategic Partnership Source: News on Air Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa on Tuesday, reaffirming India’s commitment to deepening its strategic and developmental partnership with the mineral-rich nation. The talks emphasized cooperation in defence, security, critical minerals, and cultural exchange, with a strong focus on amplifying the voice of the Global South and promoting a rules-based Indo-Pacific. Key Highlights: MoUs Signed (10 total): Key Announcements by PM Modi: 3. Logistics Excellence, Advancement, and Performance Shield (LEAPS) 2025 Source: PIB Context: On the 4th Anniversary of PM GatiShakti in October 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, the Union Minister for Commerce and Industry launched the Logistics Excellence, Advancement, and Performance Shield (LEAPS) 2025. This initiative aims to benchmark and recognize excellence in India’s logistics sector, promoting innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. Key Highlights: Banking/Finance 1. POSB and EPFO May Come Under RBI Oversight After Fraud and Fund Management Concerns Source: IE Context: The Government of India has sought the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) oversight over two major social security institutions — the Post Office Savings Bank (POSB) and the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) — to strengthen internal controls, ensure transparency, and improve fund management practices. Key Developments: 2. EPFO Proposes Major Simplification in PF Withdrawal Rules Source: ET Context: The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has proposed major reforms to simplify partial withdrawals from the Provident Fund (PF), while making full settlement after leaving a job more restrictive. The proposals were approved by the Central Board of Trustees (CBT) to enhance efficiency, digital processing, and long-term savings discipline. Key Proposals at a Glance Aspect Existing Rule Proposed Change Partial Withdrawals 13 separate conditions with varying limits Merged into 3 broad categories – (1) Personal milestones (marriage, illness, education), (2) Housing, and (3) Special circumstances Frequency of Withdrawals Combined limit of 3 for marriage & education Up to 5 times for marriage and 10 times for education Minimum Service Period Varies by purpose Standardised to 12 months Minimum PF Balance No such rule Members must maintain 25% of contributions as minimum balance Withdrawal Limit Fixed per category Up to 100% of eligible balance (after maintaining 25%) Documentation Documents required Auto-settlement through simplified digital claim process Full Settlement (Post-Resignation) Allowed after 2 months Waiting period increased to 12 months Women Employees Allowed early withdrawal under certain conditions May continue under special circumstances Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) Withdrawal after 2 months Waiting period extended to 36 months Rationale Behind the Reform 3. NTT Data Partners with NPCI International to Enable UPI Payments in Japan Source: BS Context: NTT Data has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL) to facilitate the acceptance of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions in Japan. This initiative targets Indian tourists visiting Japan, aiming to make payments seamless and convenient. Key Highlights: 4. Employees Enrolment Scheme, 2025 (EES 2025) Source: BS Context: The Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has announced the Employees Enrolment Scheme, 2025 (EES 2025) to bring more workers under the social security net. The scheme allows employers to voluntarily declare and enrol eligible employees who were previously left out of the EPF system. Key Highlights: EPF Withdrawal Simplification: 5. SEBI’s Relaxation of Minimum Public Shareholding Source: BS Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) recently relaxed the Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS) requirements for large companies at the time of listing. The move allows: Key Changes: 6. IMF Raises India’s FY26 GDP Forecast to 6.6% Source: FE Context: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) revised India’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for FY26 to 6.6%, up 20 basis points from its previous projection of 6.4%, citing a robust first-quarter performance that offset the impact of US interest rate hikes. The FY27 forecast was also revised upward to 6.2%. Key Highlights: Other Forecasts for India (FY26 GDP Growth %): Institution Earlier Current World Bank 6.3 6.5 OECD 6.3 6.7 S&P Global 6.5 6.5 ADB 6.5 6.5 RBI 6.5 6.8 IMF 6.4 6.6 7. Indian Banking Sector Attracts Significant Foreign Investments Source: ET Context: India’s long-term growth prospects, coupled with a more accommodative regulatory environment from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the government, are driving a wave of foreign investments in the country’s banking sector. These transactions aim to create larger and stronger banks, signaling confidence in India’s financial stability and growth potential. Modes of Foreign Investment in Indian Banks Regulatory Environment: 8. India’s First Wearables Payment Ecosystem – Muse & NPCI Key Features: Significance: 9. Curie Money & ICICI Prudential AMC – Instant Mutual Fund Redemption via UPI Key Benefits: Significance: Agriculture 1. IFBA Launches Food Awareness Initiative on World Food Day Source: BL Organisers: Objective: Key Focus Areas: Special Features: 2. Finance Minister Inaugurate Farmers Training and Agro-Processing Centres in Kalyana Karnataka Source: BL Occasion: Districts Covered: Project Details: District-wise Projects: 3. NABARD to Launch Digital Infrastructure for Rural Cooperative Banks Source: NABARD Key Points: Significance: Facts To Remember (15 October 2025) 1. India fails to qualify for AFC Asian Cup On a night where India showed plenty of promise, it had to swallow a bitter pill at the hands of Singapore at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The 2-1 defeat ended any hopes of a third successive AFC Asian Cup qualification. 2. Japan’s 2-hour phone limit Police won’t be rounding up people glued to phones in Japan’s Toyoake, but the mayor believes his two-hour limit can help residents find a healthier relationship with their screens. 3. Government Likely to Raise MGNREGA Allocation Amid Flood-Induced Rural Distress The Central Government is considering an increase in the budget