Daily Current Affairs Quiz22 & 23 June, 2025 International Affairs 1. U.S. Launches Strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Sites Context: In a dramatic escalation of the Israel-Iran conflict, the United States launched direct strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, dropping 30,000-pound bombs on key uranium enrichment sites. The unprecedented attack marks a significant shift in U.S. engagement, prompting fears of a full-blown regional war. This Mission was named as “Operation Midnight Hammer”. Iran’s Nuclear Facilities Targeted in Airstrikes The US-Israel joint strike, part of a coordinated military operation, hit three of Iran’s most sensitive nuclear sites: 1. Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant 2. Natanz Nuclear Facility 3. Isfahan Nuclear Complex Consequences of U.S. Involvement TH 2. Strait of Hormuz Why in News? Iran’s parliament, the Majlis, has reportedly approved the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in response to the attacks by the U.S. on Iranian nuclear facilities, the country’s state-owned media PressTV reported. What is the Strait of Hormuz? The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most strategically important maritime chokepoints in the world. Situated at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, it connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, serving as a vital artery for global energy transport. Geographical Significance Global Energy Lifeline Alternate Routes & Strategic Moves Due to the Strait’s vulnerability to geopolitical tensions: Importance in Global Affairs Any disruption to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz can: UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) Q. Which one of the following straits is nearest to the International Date Line? (2008) (a) Malacca Strait (b) Bering Strait (c) Strait of Florida (d) Strait of Gibraltar Ans: (b) National Affairs 1. e-Raktkosh Portal Context: In a major move aimed at saving lives and reducing costs for patients with rare blood groups and genetic blood disorders, the Union Health Ministry is set to integrate the Rare Donor Registry of India (RDRI) with e-Rakt Kosh, the national blood bank management and availability platform. e-Raktkosh Portal e-Raktkosh is a comprehensive, centralized IT solution developed to streamline and standardize the functioning of blood banks across India. It supports transparency, traceability, and efficiency in the blood donation life cycle. Key Features of e-Raktkosh Understanding Blood Disorders What is a Blood Disorder? A blood disorder is a medical condition that affects the components of blood—red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), plasma, or platelets—and hinders their normal function. TH 2. Delhi’s First Artificial Rain Project to Tackle Pollution Context: The Delhi government, in partnership with IIT-Kanpur and the Department of Environment, is launching its first cloud seeding (artificial rain) pilot project to combat severe winter air pollution. What is Artificial Rain? Why Delhi Needs It Cloud Seeding What is Cloud Seeding? Cloud seeding is a scientific technique used to enhance precipitation by artificially dispersing chemical substances—such as silver iodide, potassium iodide, or dry ice—into clouds. These act as condensation or ice nuclei, encouraging the formation of raindrops or snowflakes. Applications of Cloud Seeding Types of Cloud Seeding UPSC Prelims PYQ 2025 Q. Artificial way of causing rainfall to reduce air pollution makes use of (a) silver iodide and potassium iodide (b) silver nitrate and potassium iodide(c) silver iodide and potassium nitrate (d) silver nitrate and potassium chloride Ans: (a) silver iodide and potassium iodide Banking/Finance 1. SEBI Initiates Comprehensive Review of Mutual Fund Regulations Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has launched a comprehensive review of the mutual fund (MF) regulatory framework to make it more investor-centric and industry-friendly, while improving the overall ease of doing business for stakeholders. Key Objectives of the Review Focus Areas of Reform Strategic Significance TH 2. SEBI Eases Startup Regulations and Introduces Major Reforms for AIFs, REITs, and PSUs Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), in its latest board meeting, introduced a comprehensive set of regulatory changes aimed at improving the capital-raising ecosystem for startups, simplifying delisting norms for PSUs, and enhancing operational flexibility for AIFs, REITs, and InvITs. These changes come amid global financial uncertainties and are expected to boost domestic fundraising and investment flows. Key Reforms for Startups Co-Investment Vehicle (CIV) Framework under AIFs REITs and InvITs Regulation Changes Simplified PSU Delisting Norms BS 3. SEBI Proposes Guardrails for AI and ML in Indian Securities Markets Context: In a timely and forward-looking move, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has released a discussion paper titled “Guidelines for Responsible Usage of AI/ML in the Indian Securities Market.” This consultation initiative aims to regulate the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) applications—particularly algorithmic trading—on Dalal Street. Why It Matters? While AI doesn’t introduce fundamentally new risks to markets, it can amplify existing vulnerabilities such as market manipulation, flash crashes, systemic contagion, and biased decision-making. SEBI’s proactive stance is meant to ensure investor protection, financial stability, and ethical use of AI technologies in securities trading. Key Elements of SEBI’s Proposed Framework Implications TET 4. Credit Rating Agencies Seek Government Intervention Contex: Credit Rating Agencies (CRAs) in India have approached the Ministries of Finance and Corporate Affairs, seeking immediate regulatory clarity on rating unlisted debt instruments worth over ₹1 lakh crore. These include Pass-Through Certificates (PTCs) and unlisted corporate bonds—a vital part of the country’s wholesale debt ecosystem. What’s the Issue? Why This Matters TET 5. Bank of Maharashtra Partners with SBI Card to Launch Co-Branded Credit Cards Context: In a strategic move to strengthen its retail offerings, Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) has announced a co-branding partnership with SBI Card to launch co-branded credit cards aimed at fulfilling the financial and lifestyle needs of its customer base. Key Highlights of the Partnership 6. Outward Direct Investment (ODI) Context: India is witnessing a significant surge in outward direct investment (ODI) by domestic corporations, raising questions about whether this reflects increasing global competitiveness or underlying concerns about the business environment at home. Indian outward investment has jumped from $4 billion in 2014–15 to $29 billion in 2024–25, a 625% increase over a decade. What is ODI? Overseas Direct