Daily Current Affairs Quiz20 June, 2025 International Affairs 1. 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 National Affairs 1. 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: 2. 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 government and ensure individuals can enjoy certain freedoms and liberties. 3. Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2.0 Report Context: The Ministry of Education has released the Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2.0 report for 2022–23 and 2023–24, evaluating the performance of States and Union Territories (UTs) on school education quality. The report offers an evidence-based analysis of educational outcomes and infrastructure in alignment with NEP 2020 and UN SDGs. What is PGI 2.0? Key Findings of PGI 2.0 (2022–24) Domain-Specific Performance Overall Trends in PGI 2.0 Report Positive Developments: Persistent Challenges: 4. FASTag-Based Annual Pass Context: In a bid to enhance seamless highway travel, the Union Minister for Road Transport has announced the rollout of a FASTag-based annual pass starting August 15, 2025. This initiative targets private non-commercial vehicles such as cars, jeeps, and vans, and aims to streamline toll payments and cut congestion across India’s national highway network. What is FASTag? What is the FASTag-Based Annual Pass? The annual pass is a prepaid tolling solution for frequent highway travelers using non-commercial private vehicles. Key Features: Banking/Finance 1. RBI Eases Project Finance Norms Context: In a significant move offering relief to lenders, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has finalized its project finance norms with a much-lowered general provisioning requirement for new project loans. The revised guidelines will come into effect from October 1, 2025, and mark a substantial easing from the stricter provisioning rules proposed in May 2023. Key Highlights of RBI’s Final Guidelines Impact BS 2. UNCTAD World Investment Report 2025 Context: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India remained unchanged year-on-year in 2024 at $28 billion even as global FDI flows dropped 11 per cent, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) said. In 2023, FDI inflows into India had plummeted 43 per cent in 2023 to $28 billion.  What is FDI? Key Highlights UNCTAD Insights BS 3. SEBI to Boost Transparency in Trading Costs Through Unbundling of Fees Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is taking steps to improve cost transparency for investors by unbundling trading and clearing charges. This move seeks to provide a clearer cost structure and enhance governance and financial independence of Clearing Corporations (CCs) from stock exchanges. Key Developments Next Steps 4. Sale of listed private non-financial firms rose 7.1% in Q4FY25: RBI Data 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 5. Bank of Maharashtra Partners with SBI Card to Launch Co-Branded Credit Cards Context: In a significant move to deepen financial inclusion