Daily Current Affairs Quiz27 June, 2025 National Affairs 1. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Context: During the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Ministers’ meeting held in China, India refused to endorse the joint statement, citing the absence of strong language against terrorism, particularly in the wake of the Pahalgam attack on April 22. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is a multilateral political, economic, security, and defence organization comprising 10 member states across Eurasia. It represents the world’s largest regional organization by area and population, covering approximately 24% of the world’s landmass and 42% of its population. Member States Origins and Development Structure and Governance Key Principles TH 2. Keeladi Excavation Context: The Keeladi archaeological site in Tamil Nadu has become a focal point of both archaeological significance and political contention. The excavations, first launched by archaeologist K. Amarnath Ramakrishna in 2014, unearthed evidence of a sophisticated urban civilisation along the Vaigai River, possibly dating back to the Sangam period (2nd century BCE). Keeladi Excavation Keeladi, a village in Sivaganga district, Tamil Nadu, is located on the banks of the Vaigai River, about 12 km southeast of Madurai. Excavation Highlights Civilisational Significance About the Sangam Age 3. India to Launch Nationwide Household Income Survey Context: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has announced plans to conduct a comprehensive nationwide household income survey beginning next year. This will mark the first systematic attempt in decades to directly measure household income distribution across India. Purpose and Significance Why It Matters Historical Attempts and Challenges Concerns The Indian Express 4. India Launches First Maritime Sector NBFC – Sagarmala Finance Corporation Ltd (SMFCL) Context: The Union Minister of Shipping inaugurated India’s first dedicated maritime sector NBFC, Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL), aimed at bridging financing gaps in maritime infrastructure and boosting sectoral growth in line with the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. Key Highlights Core Objectives Key Functions of SMFCL TOI Banking/Finance 1. Bank of Baroda Launches “bob Flexi SDP” with Variable Contributions Context: Bank of Baroda (a leading PSU) has introduced a new savings product called the bob Flexi Systematic Deposit Plan (SDP). This enhanced version of their Systematic Deposit Plan allows flexible monthly deposits and lock-in interest rates for the full tenure of the plan. Key Features 2. SBI Partners with FPSB India to Integrate CFP Certification into Employee Training Context: The State Bank of India (SBI) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB) India to incorporate the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification into its internal employee training program. Key Highlights About FPSB India About SBI 3. Equitas SFB and Edelweiss Life Insurance Forge Strategic Bancassurance Partnership Context: Equitas Small Finance Bank (SFB) and Edelweiss Life Insurance have entered into a strategic bancassurance partnership to offer life insurance products to Equitas Bank customers. The move aims to deepen insurance penetration and provide holistic financial solutions, especially in underserved regions. Key Highlights 4. IRDAI Flags Concerns During Inspections of Eight Health Insurers Context: The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has conducted routine inspections of several health and general insurance companies to review their adherence to regulatory norms, especially provisions under the new Health Insurance Master Circular issued earlier. Concerns Highlighted Regulatory Background Implications BS 5. Cyberattack on Aditya Birla Capital’s ABCD App Context: Aditya Birla Capital’s flagship digital platform ‘ABCD’ app suffered a cybersecurity breach, compromising the digital gold accounts of hundreds of users. The breach has raised concerns over fintech security and data protection in the financial services sector. Key Highlights Cybersecurity & Financial Sector Implications Economy 1. MSME Credit Crosses ₹40 Trillion Mark in FY25 Context: Credit to India’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector crossed ₹40 trillion as of March 2025, recording a robust 20% year-on-year (YoY) growth, according to a report by CRIF High Mark, a leading credit information bureau. Key Drivers of Growth Credit Distribution Implications BS 2. Poverty Line Context: The World Bank’s updated poverty estimates for India have sparked renewed debate over how poverty is measured and understood in the country. Using a revised methodology and a new $3-a-day poverty line based on 2021 purchasing power parity (PPP), the Bank estimates that just 5.75% of Indians lived in abject (extreme) poverty in 2022–23, a sharp decline from 27% in 2011–12. This translates to: India’s Outdated Domestic Poverty Line India last revised its official poverty line in 2011–12, based on the Tendulkar Committee’s recommendations. Since then: Understanding Poverty Beyond Numbers Two lenses to interpret World Bank’s data: Free food to one-third of India’s population under the National Food Security Act raises questions about the actual material well-being of people not classified as “poor.” Key Takeaways The Indian Express Agriculture 1. Centre Identifies Key Agricultural Interventions for Odisha, West Bengal & Andaman-Nicobar Islands Context: As part of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA), the Ministry of Agriculture conducted a 15-day outreach campaign to gather feedback from 18.5 lakh farmers across Odisha, West Bengal, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Purpose:To identify ground-level challenges and frame region-specific solutions to boost farmer productivity and income. Key Recommendations Based on Farmer Feedback Short-Term Measures: Medium-Term Measures: Long-Term Measures: State/UT-Specific Farmer Feedback Andaman & Nicobar Islands: West Bengal: Odisha: BL 2. ICAR-IISR Develops Eco-Friendly Bio-Pesticide to Combat Cardamom Thrips Context: The Indian Institute of Spices Research (ICAR-IISR), Kozhikode, has developed a bio-pesticide using a native fungus to control cardamom thrips—a major pest responsible for severe crop losses and reduced export quality in India’s cardamom cultivation. Key Highlights BL Facts To Remember 1. Belousov assures Rajnath of timely delivery of S-400 systems to India Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held a comprehensive bilateral meeting with Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov in Qingdao, China, over cooperation in defence and aviation sectors between the two countries. 2. Shubhanshu Shukla 634th astronaut to reach space India’s Shubhanshu Shukla became the 634th astronaut to travel to space as he entered the International Space Station on Thursday after a 28-hour journey. 3. Indian u-17 freestyle wrestlers sign off with 2 gold, 2 bronze