Daily Current Affairs Quiz26 August, 2025 National Affairs 1. Lunar Module Launch Vehicle (LMLV) Context: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced the development of its heaviest rocket ever the Lunar Module Launch Vehicle (LMLV), which is expected to be ready by 2035. What is LMLV? Key Objectives Why is LMLV Important? IE 2. Women’s Employment Rate in India Context:  The Labour Ministry reported that women’s employment rate in India nearly doubled from 22% in 2017-18 to 40.3% in 2023-24, while female unemployment fell from 5.6% to 3.2%. What is it? Read more>> 3. Indian Navy Commissions INS Udaygiri & INS Himgiri Context: The Indian Navy has commissioned two Nilgiri-class stealth guided-missile frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, at Visakhapatnam. This marks the first-ever simultaneous induction of two major surface combatants from different Indian shipyards. About INS Udaygiri About INS Himgiri ET 4. Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP) Context: The International Energy Agency’s ‘Renewables 2024’ report highlights that solar power will drive 80% of global renewable energy growth by 2030. However, ground-based solar faces limitations such as intermittency, weather dependency, and high land requirements. A recent study by King’s College London suggests that space-based solar power (SBSP) could potentially supply 80% of Europe’s renewable energy needs by 2050. What is Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP)? Advantages of SBSP Key Findings of the Study Challenges & Concerns IE Banking/Finance 1. Finance Ministry Allows One-Time Switch from Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) to National Pension System (NPS) Context: The Finance Ministry has introduced a one-time, one-way switch for Central government employees to move from the newly launched Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) to the National Pension System (NPS). Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) vs. National Pension System (NPS): Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) National Pension System (NPS) TH 2. RBI May Intervene if US Tariffs Impact Growth Context: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra signaled readiness to take policy measures if the 50% U.S. tariff, set to take effect this week, negatively impacts India’s economic growth. He also outlined upcoming regulatory reforms for banks. Key Highlights: TH 3. Fitch Retains India’s BBB- Sovereign Rating with Stable Outlook Context: Fitch Ratings has maintained India’s long-term foreign-currency issuer default rating (IDR) at BBB- with a ‘stable’ outlook, citing robust economic growth and strong external finances, despite emerging global trade risks. Key Highlights: ET 4. Corporate Funding Moving Away from Banks – FICCI-IBA Report Context: A joint report by FICCI and the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA), titled “Charting New Frontiers” and prepared by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), highlights a significant transformation in India’s bank lending pattern over the last 14 years, as well as the emerging opportunities and challenges for the sector. Key Highlights: Changing Lending Mix Need for Banks in Emerging Sectors Read more>> BL 5. SBI Requests RBI to Permit Acquisition Financing by Banks Context: State Bank of India (SBI), the country’s largest lender by assets, has sought regulatory approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to allow banks to finance mergers and acquisitions (M&A) of companies. Key Highlights: Current Regulatory Restriction SBI’s Request to RBI Significance BL 6. Bandhan Bank Launches Legacy Savings Account for Affluent Customers Context: On its 10th anniversary, Bandhan Bank has introduced the Legacy Savings Account, a premium banking product designed for high-net-worth and affluent customers, offering exclusive lifestyle and banking benefits. Product Features: About Bandhan Bank 7. RBI Imposes Penalty on Ayodhya Finlease Limited for Regulatory Non-Compliance Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a monetary penalty of ₹1 lakh on Ayodhya Finlease Limited, an NBFC, for violating regulatory guidelines. Key Highlights: Agriculture 1. Beyond Irrigation: Why India Needs Water Intelligence, Not Just Water Access Context: India’s agriculture sector consumes nearly 80% of the country’s freshwater resources, yet irrigation efficiency remains low at around 38%. This inefficiency, coupled with groundwater depletion, threatens long-term food security and environmental sustainability. Key Issues: What is Water Intelligence? Water intelligence focuses on using data-driven tools and advanced technologies for optimal water management rather than merely increasing water supply. Key Components of Water Intelligence: Significance: BL Facts To Remember 1. Double delight for Neeru, Indian girls sweep junior sports pistol Neeru won the women’s trap gold by beating Ray Bassil of Qatar by six points and combined with bronze medalist Aashima Ahlawat and Preeti Rajak to cllinch the team gold for India in the 16th Asian shooting championship in Shymkent, Kazakhstan. 2. PFRDA Calls for Measures to Boost Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) Enrolments The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has urged fresh measures to increase enrolments under the government’s Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), citing modest uptake compared to the Atal Pension Yojana (APY). 3. PM Modi to Inaugurate Hybrid Battery Electrode Production, Flag Off EV Exports from Gujarat Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate localised production of hybrid battery electrodes and flag off battery electric vehicle exports to 100 countries at Hansalpur near Ahmedabad in Gujarat. 4. Minister Raksha Khadse Inaugurates ‘Giving Wings to Dreams Conclave 2025’ Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse today inaugurated the ‘Giving Wings to Dreams Conclave 2025’ in New Delhi.