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