Context: Sales of listed private non-financial companies registered 7.1% growth (y-o-y) during Q4-2024-25 compared with 8% growth in the previous quarter and 6.9% in Q4 2023-24, according to data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Overall Sales Growth Sector-wise Highlights Input Costs and Profitability Unlisted Companies Vs Listed Companies Unlisted Public Company An unlisted public company is a public company that is not listed on any stock exchange; therefore, it may raise finance through the issue and sale of shares to the public. The jurisdictions vary in criteria for listing. However, for a public company to be registered, it should meet minimum share capital and the number of shareholders. Listed Vs Unlisted Companies
Bank of Maharashtra Partners with SBI Card to Launch Co-Branded Credit Cards
Context: In a significant move to deepen financial inclusion and enhance customer engagement, Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) has partnered with SBI Card, one of India’s leading credit card issuers, to launch co-branded credit cards offering a host of consumer benefits. Key Highlights of the Co-Branded Credit Cards:
Assam’s Solar Pump Initiative
Context: Over 70% of Assam’s population depends on agriculture, with 85% of farmers holding small or marginal land. Only 21.54% of net sown area is irrigated (2022), compared to the national average of 49.92%. Erratic monsoons, droughts, and expensive diesel pumps create high uncertainty for rain-fed farming. Farmers lack access to affordable irrigation and awareness of income diversification options like horticulture. A Multi-Stakeholder Partnership Lead Organisations: Key Intervention Sites: Intervention Design: Clean Energy Meets Livelihoods Key Outcomes Monitoring and Scalability Why This Matters
Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM-GKAY)
Context: The Union government is confident of maintaining the wheat-rice distribution ratio under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM-GKAY) in 2025–26, owing to record wheat procurement, which has already crossed 30 million tonnes (mt) in the current Rabi marketing season. This marks a crucial development ahead of key state elections, particularly in Bihar and West Bengal, where subsidised food aid remains a major political tool. What is PM-GKAY? Overview The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM-GKAY) is a food security welfare scheme launched in March 2020 as part of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package (PMGKP) to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the poor. Key Features Timeline and Funding Challenges and Concerns Related Government Initiatives UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ) Mains Q. What are the salient features of the National Food Security Act, 2013? How has the Food Security Bill helped in eliminating hunger and malnutrition in India? (2021)
Privacy is a Fundamental Right but is Subject to Reasonable Curbs: HC
Context: In a significant ruling impacting digital evidence in matrimonial disputes, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has upheld the admissibility of WhatsApp chats obtained without consent. The court emphasized that while privacy is a fundamental right under Article 21, it is not absolute and may yield to the right to a fair trial, also protected under Article 21. Legal Provisions Referenced Right To Privacy The right to privacy is the fundamental right of individuals to control the dissemination and use of their personal information, maintain personal autonomy, and protect their dignity. It encompasses the right to make personal decisions without unwarranted interference, safeguard personal data, and enjoy private spaces free from surveillance. Right to Privacy is a Fundamental Right in Which Case? In India, the right to privacy was recognized as a fundamental right in the case of Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (Retd.) and Anr. v. Union of India and Ors. (2017). This landmark judgment by the Supreme Court affirmed that the right to privacy is an intrinsic part of the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21 of the Constitution. What are Fundamental Rights? Fundamental rights are a set of basic human rights that are guaranteed to citizens by Articles 12 to 35 of the Indian Constitution, which are contained in Part III. They serve as a safeguard against potential abuses of power by the
Rare Earth Minerals and Magnets
Context: India is finalizing a ₹3,500–5,000 crore incentive scheme to boost the domestic production of rare earth minerals and magnets, critical for electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy, and defense applications. The scheme is expected to be approved within the next fortnight, according to a senior government official. Key Highlights Rare Earth Elements (REEs): Rare Earth Magnets:
International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC)
Context: With tensions escalating between Israel and Iran, India is closely monitoring the potential impact on its strategic infrastructure investments — particularly the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC) The International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC) is a 7,200-kilometre multi-modal trade corridor that connects India with Iran, Central Asia, Russia, and Europe through an integrated network of ship, rail, and road routes. It aims to reduce the time and cost of cargo movement between major trade hubs such as Mumbai, Moscow, Tehran, Baku, Bandar Abbas, and Astrakhan. Originally signed on 16 May 2002 by India, Iran, and Russia, the project has since expanded to include several Eurasian economies. Key Objectives Synchronisation with Ashgabat Agreement INSTC aligns with the Ashgabat Agreement, a multilateral pact aimed at facilitating goods transit between Central Asia and the Persian Gulf. Members (Year of Joining): INSTC Member Countries Full Members: Observers: Note: Turkmenistan is not a formal member but has been invited to join by India. Geostrategic and Economic Significance
Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 19 June, 2025
Daily Current Affairs Quiz19 June, 2025 International Affairs 1. G-7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada Context: The 50th G-7 Summit in Kananaskis, Canada, highlighted growing internal divisions amid global turmoil, including the Russia-Ukraine war, Israel-Iran tensions, and Gaza bombardment. Summit Disruptions and U.S. Influence Failure on Key Global Issues India-Canada Bilateral Reset Group of Seven (G7) What is the G7? The Group of Seven (G7) is a high-level intergovernmental forum comprising Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with the European Union participating as a non-enumerated member. The G7 promotes shared values of pluralism, liberal democracy, and representative governance. Key Features: Global Impact & Criticism: 2. The UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) 2025 Context: The UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) 2025, held in Nice, France, from June 9-13, focused on accelerating action to conserve and sustainably use the ocean. Co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, the conference brought together heads of state, ministers, scientists, and other stakeholders to address Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water). Key Outcomes: India is actively involved, having recently hosted the second Blue Talks in New Delhi to prepare for the conference. The Blue Talks focused on India’s blue economy and sustainable growth, aligning with the UNOC’s theme of “Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean”. National Affairs 1. Operation Sindhu Context: Amid escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, India has launched Operation Sindhu to evacuate Indian nationals. The first batch of evacuees—110 students—will reach New Delhi on Thursday. Evacuation Details TH 2. India–Croatia Ties Deepen Context: During his visit to Zagreb, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held bilateral talks with Croatian PM Andrej Plenković, focusing on expanding cooperation in defence, space, infrastructure, and technology. Key Announcements Coastal Infrastructure & Economic Opportunities TH 3. India Hits Record High in QS World University Rankings 2026 Context: India achieved its strongest-ever presence in the QS World University Rankings 2026, with 54 institutions featured — up from 46 in 2025 and 45 in 2024, marking a 390% rise since 2014. Key Highlights New Entrants and Trends Challenges Remain Global Context TOI Banking/Finance 1. SEBI Approves Compliance Easing, IPO Reforms to Aid Startups, PSUs, and FPIs Context: In its latest board meeting, SEBI introduced major relaxations to boost IPO participation, ease startup compliance, and support foreign fund flows into government securities. These steps also aid reverse flipping—startups shifting domicile back to India. Key Announcements BS 2. SEBI Approves Major Regulatory Reforms Context: In a major step to enhance ease of doing business, investor access, and startup ecosystem participation, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) approved several key reforms during its latest board meeting chaired by Tuhin Kanta Pandey. The reforms span ESOP eligibility, PSU delisting, AIF flexibility, and FPI norms for government securities. Key Reforms Announced by SEBI Founders Allowed to Retain ESOPs Post-IPO Voluntary Delisting Framework for PSUs Co-Investment Vehicle (CIV) Framework for AIFs Simplified FPI Framework for Government Bond Investors One-Time Settlement Scheme for Delayed VCF Wind-Ups Relaxation for Merchant Bankers Angel Investors Must Be Accredited Investors (AIs) Settlement Scheme for NSEL Brokers Mint 3. SEBI Approves Key Regulatory Reforms for REITs, InvITs, and Merchant Bankers Easing Regulations for REITs and InvITs Relaxations for Merchant Bankers (MBs) 4. FM Urges Fintechs to Tackle Cyberfraud, Expand Global Footprint Context: At the Digital Payments Awards 2025, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman urged fintech startups to develop robust solutions to counter cyber frauds, including digital arrests, deepfakes, and scams by fly-by-night operators. Key Highlights 5. Gold Price Surge Driving Core Inflation: Crisil Context: Crisil has reported that rising gold prices, driven by global economic uncertainty, are significantly contributing to India’s core inflation—despite headline CPI inflation dropping to a 75-month low of 2.8% in May 2025. Core inflation rose to 4.2%, up 111 basis points year-on-year. Key Highlights Global Comparison BS 6. SEBI Promotes Use of CeFCoM Platform for Safe Payments to Advisers and Analysts Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is actively urging investors to use the Centralized Fee Collection Mechanism (CeFCoM) to make payments to SEBI-registered investment advisers and research analysts, enhancing security and transparency in financial transactions. Key Highlights: Upcoming Measures: TET 7. First Abu Dhabi Bank Adopts eMACH.ai for Digital Lending Transformation Context: First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the UAE’s largest bank, has partnered with Intellect Design Arena to implement the eMACH.ai Lending platform, marking a major milestone in its digital transformation strategy. Key Highlights: 8. India Lags in SWIFT ISO 20022 Migration Ahead of November 2025 Deadline Context: India’s top private banks are behind schedule in migrating to the SWIFT ISO 20022 cross-border payments messaging standard, with only State Bank of India (SBI) having fully transitioned. Current Status Risks of Non-Compliance Benefits of ISO 20022 Challenges in India Agriculture 1. Technology Adoption in Agriculture: Drones and Digital Tools Drive Productivity Context: India’s agricultural sector is witnessing a significant push towards technology adoption through agri-drones and digital platforms. These innovations aim to improve productivity, reduce input costs, and create rural employment. Agri-Drones: Scaling Up Rapidly Digital Agriculture Mission & Agri Stack Challenges Way Forward BS 2. Government Plans Amendments to Seed Act to Curb Spurious Seeds Context: The Government of India is preparing to amend the Seed Act to tackle the rising issue of spurious and low-quality seeds, which has significantly impacted crop yields and farmer incomes across the country. Key Highlights Expected Features of the Amended Seed Act Mint Facts To Remember 1. New system to deliver elector ID cards within 15 days of update: EC The Election Commission (EC) on Wednesday introduced a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) enabling the delivery of voter ID cards within 15 days of an update to the electoral rolls. 2. MGNREGS to Resume in West Bengal from August 1: Calcutta High Court The Calcutta High Court has ordered the Union government to resume MGNREGS implementation in West Bengal from August 1, 2025, ending a suspension that began in March 2022. 3. India–Canada Ties Reset: High Commissioners to Return, Trade Talks
SEBI Approves Compliance Easing, IPO Reforms to Aid Startups, PSUs, and FPIs
Context: In its latest board meeting, SEBI introduced major relaxations to boost IPO participation, ease startup compliance, and support foreign fund flows into government securities. These steps also aid reverse flipping—startups shifting domicile back to India. Key Announcements BS
SEBI Approves Major Regulatory Reforms
Context: In a major step to enhance ease of doing business, investor access, and startup ecosystem participation, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) approved several key reforms during its latest board meeting chaired by Tuhin Kanta Pandey. The reforms span ESOP eligibility, PSU delisting, AIF flexibility, and FPI norms for government securities. Key Reforms Announced by SEBI Founders Allowed to Retain ESOPs Post-IPO Voluntary Delisting Framework for PSUs Co-Investment Vehicle (CIV) Framework for AIFs Simplified FPI Framework for Government Bond Investors One-Time Settlement Scheme for Delayed VCF Wind-Ups Relaxation for Merchant Bankers Angel Investors Must Be Accredited Investors (AIs) Settlement Scheme for NSEL Brokers Mint
