Daily Current Affairs Quiz19 August, 2025 National Affairs 1. The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2025 Report Context: The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) released its State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2025 Report, showing global undernourishment at 8.2% (673 million people). India has been a decisive contributor to this decline. Key Highlights: Understanding Hunger Causes of Hunger in India Consequences of Hunger India’s Role in Combating Hunger TH 2. Impeachment Motion Against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Context: The Opposition is considering an impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, raising questions on the rare and stringent removal process of a CEC under the Constitution. About the CEC Removal Process Constitutional Authority: Grounds for Removal: Procedure of Removal: Historical Note: IE 3. India to Land Astronaut on the Moon by 2040 Context: Union Minister Jitendra Singh announced in the Lok Sabha that India will land an astronaut on the Moon by 2040. This declaration is part of a broader roadmap to establish India as a global space power and aligns with the Viksit Bharat @2047 vision. About India’s Moon Mission What it is: Objectives: Key Features: Other Planned Milestones in India’s Space Programme TH 4. Ethanol-Blended Petrol (E20) Context: India had set a target in 2021 to achieve 20% ethanol blending in petrol (E20) by 2025. Vehicles modified for E20 compatibility started rolling out from April 2025. While aimed at reducing carbon emissions and oil import dependency, the move has raised concerns among vehicle owners about mileage, corrosion, and higher maintenance costs. What is Ethanol? Production Process Fuel Properties Impact on Vehicles Global Comparison – Brazil’s Ethanol Story TH Banking/Finance 1. SEBI Proposes Changes in Minimum Public Shareholding and Public Offer Norms Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has released a consultation paper to increase flexibility in Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS) and Minimum Public Offer (MPO) requirements. The proposal seeks to simplify fundraising and give listed companies more time to comply with shareholding norms. Minimum Public Offer (MPO) MPO refers to the minimum percentage of equity that must be offered to the public at the time of IPO (Initial Public Offer). Regulation Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS) MPS is the minimum percentage of shares in a listed company that must be held by the public (non-promoters). Regulation ET 2. Sebi Proposes Stricter Norms for Sectoral & Thematic Indices in Derivatives Context: On 29 May 2025, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) released a consultation paper proposing stricter norms for sectoral and thematic indices used in derivatives trading. The move aims to ensure that indices are broad-based and not dominated by a few stocks, thereby reducing concentration risks. Key Highlights: What are Derivatives? A derivative is a financial instrument whose value is derived from the value of an underlying asset such as stocks, bonds, currencies, commodities, or indices. Types of Derivatives: What are Sectoral and Thematic Indices? Why Important for Derivatives Trading? Mint 3. Special Mention Accounts (SMA) and Non-Performing Asset (NPA) Context: The Union government is considering a proposal to extend the non-performing asset (NPA) classification period for loans given to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from the current 90 days to 180 days. Key Highlights: Special Mention Accounts (SMA) Classification of SMA Accounts RBI (2014 framework) classifies SMA based on number of days a loan is overdue (principal or interest): If overdue >90 days → NPA. Non-Performing Asset (NPA) An NPA is a loan or advance where the borrower has failed to make interest or principal payments for a specified period, indicating financial stress. BS 4. Tata AIA Launches Momentum 50 Index Fund Context: On August 19, 2025, Tata AIA Life Insurance Co Ltd launched the Momentum 50 Index Fund, with its New Fund Offer (NFO) priced at ₹10 per unit. The NFO will remain open until August 25, 2025. Key Highlights: Momentum 50 Index Fund A Momentum Index Fund is a type of equity-linked fund that invests in a basket of stocks selected based on their recent performance trend. ET 5. IRDAI Directs Insurers to Undertake QIS for Risk-Based Capital Framework Context: The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has directed insurance companies to conduct a Quantitative Impact Study (QIS 2) as part of the transition to a Risk-Based Capital (RBC) regulatory framework for the Indian insurance industry. Quantitative Impact Study (QIS) A Quantitative Impact Study (QIS) is a regulatory exercise conducted by IRDAI to assess the impact of proposed regulatory changes—specifically the Risk-Based Capital (RBC) framework—on Indian insurance companies. Key Objectives of RBC Framework BS Agriculture 1. SRMIST Hosts ‘Agri Startup 2.0’ to Promote Sustainable Farming Context: SRM College of Agricultural Sciences, part of SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Kattankulathur, organised ‘Agri Startup 2.0’, a platform bringing together farmers, youth, women entrepreneurs, and innovators to foster sustainable agriculture solutions. Key Highlights: Significance: BL Facts To Remember 1. Modi meets Shukla, says India is proud of his achievement Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who became the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS). 2. Rajya Sabha passes Indian Ports Bill The Rajya Sabha passed the Indian Ports Bill, 2025, that replaces the Indian Ports Act of 1908.  3. Bengal CM announces scheme for migrant workers facing harassment West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a new scheme to provide monthly cash incentives to migrant workers who return to the State after facing harassment in other States. 4. 23% of PM Jan Dhan accounts inoperative As many as 23% of the total 56.04 crore Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) accounts are inoperative, said Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary.  5. Top Indians for Archery Premier League in October Ace archers such as Olympians Deepika Kumari and B. Dhiraj in recurve and V. Jyothi Surekha and Abhishek Verma in compound are among the Indian archers named for the inaugural Archery Premier League (APL), scheduled to be held at the