Daily Current Affairs Quiz25 July, 2025 National Affairs 1. eShram Portal Context: The Ministry of Labour and Employment launched the eShram portal on 26th August 2021 to create a National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW) seeded with Aadhaar. The portal aims to offer unorganised workers a Universal Account Number (UAN) and facilitate access to welfare schemes through a unified digital platform. Objectives of eShram Portal Key Developments: Launch of eShram as a “One-Stop-Solution” (21 October 2024) Schemes Integrated with eShram Portal Scheme Name Implementing Ministry Pradhan Mantri Street Vendors Atmanirbhar Nidhi (PMSVANidhi) MoHUA Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) DFS Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) DFS National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) MoRD Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) MoRD Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G) MoRD Ayushman Bharat – PM Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) MoHFW Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U) MoHUA Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) MoFAH&D Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana (PM-KMY) MoA&FW Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS) MoRD Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS) MoRD One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) MoCAF&PD Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) MoWCD Impact PIB 2. India–UK CETA and Vision 2035 Context: India and the United Kingdom signed a historic Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) in July 2025, along with endorsing a strategic long-term roadmap titled India–UK Vision 2035. This marks a landmark shift in bilateral ties post-Brexit, promoting economic, technological, defence, climate, and educational cooperation. What is India–UK CETA? The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is a modern Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that: Key Provisions of CETA 1. Goods and Market Access 2. Services and Skilled Mobility 3. Social Security – DCC 4. Inclusive and MSME-Oriented Growth India–UK Vision 2035 The India–UK Vision 2035 outlines a comprehensive blueprint under five key pillars: 1. Growth and Jobs 2. Technology and Innovation 3. Defence and Strategic Security 4. Climate and Clean Energy 5. Education and People-to-People Ties Strategic Benefits to India Sector Benefits to India Trade Exponential export growth, zero-duty access, MSME expansion Employment Job creation in textiles, food processing, engineering, IT Mobility Streamlined visa norms and recognition of Indian professionals abroad Innovation AI, 6G, biotech, green hydrogen, semiconductors, quantum research Climate Action Finance, clean energy access, carbon trading opportunities Defence Co-development in advanced technologies, enhanced maritime presence Global Reform Common stance on reforming UN, WTO, IMF and other multilateral bodies BS 3. Scheme for Promotion of Culture of Science (SPoCS) Context: The Scheme for Promotion of Culture of Science (SPoCS) is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, designed to promote scientific temper, curiosity, and informal science education across the country. Implemented by the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), the scheme primarily targets students and the general public, especially in underrepresented regions. Key Objectives Core Components of SPoCS The scheme provides financial and technical support for setting up the following institutions: Implementation and Impact Inclusivity and Regional Outreach PIB 4. UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 Context: India has successfully conducted flight trials of the UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 at the NOAR test range in Kurnool, marking a major step forward in the country’s indigenous drone warfare capabilities. What is ULPGM-V3? ULPGM-V3 (UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile – Version 3), also referred to as ULM-ER (Extended Range), is an advanced air-to-surface precision missile designed to be launched from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It is engineered to engage both static and mobile targets with minimal collateral damage. Evolution and Variants Key Features of ULPGM-V3 Banking/Finance 1. National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) Context: Shri Nitin Gupta (Retd. IRS), former Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) — India’s apex independent regulator for accounting and auditing standards. About National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) What is NFRA? NFRA is a statutory body under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), tasked with overseeing and enhancing the quality, credibility, and transparency of financial reporting and auditing practices in India. Objectives and Mandate Who Falls Under NFRA? NFRA regulates auditors and auditing for: 2. NSDL to Launch ₹4,000 Crore IPO Context: The National Securities Depository Ltd (NSDL), India’s oldest depository, is set to launch its much-anticipated Initial Public Offering (IPO) on July 30, 2025. This public issue will mark a significant milestone in India’s capital market infrastructure and regulatory compliance. What is an IPO (Initial Public Offering)? An Initial Public Offering (IPO) is the process by which a privately held company or a government-owned enterprise (such as LIC) raises capital by offering its shares to the public for the first time. IPO Process Market Significance About NSDL BS 3. PayPal World: A Unified Platform for Global Payments and Digital Wallets Context: PayPal has announced the launch of PayPal World, a next-generation platform that aims to integrate various global payment systems and digital wallets into a single, seamless network for both consumers and businesses. What is PayPal World? Benefits for Consumers Strategic and Technical Features 4. Hong Kong Monetary Authority Fines Indian Overseas Bank’s HK Branch for AML Violations Context: The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has imposed a penalty of HK$850,000 (approx. ₹9.3 crore) on the Hong Kong branch of Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) for breaches of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF) regulations. Key Highlights: About Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) 5. Shriram Life Insurance Partners with ESAF Small Finance Bank to Boost Financial Inclusion Context: On July 23, 2025, Shriram Life Insurance Company (SLIC) announced a strategic partnership with ESAF Small Finance Bank to distribute life insurance products to underserved communities across India. ESAF will serve as a corporate agent, offering Shriram Life’s insurance solutions through its extensive branch network. Key Highlights: BS Agriculture 1. Parliamentary Panel Recommends Reforms in Organic Agriculture Context: The Estimates Committee of Parliament has released a comprehensive report urging the Ministry of Agriculture to institutionalize reforms for sustainable farming. It proposes a shift towards natural and organic