Daily Current Affairs Quiz6 June, 2025 National Affairs 1. Ayush Nivesh Saarthi Portal Why in News? About Ayush Nivesh Saarthi Portal Key Features Significance 2. Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0 Why in News? Key Highlights Launch Details Objectives of the Campaign Special Modules Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE Web Portal & Microsite Features 3. Waste Picker Enumeration App Launched under NAMASTE Scheme (MoSJE) Why in News? Major Announcements & Features Waste Picker Enumeration App About the NAMASTE Scheme Full Form: National Action for Mechanised Sanitation EcosystemLaunch Year: July 2023Type: Central Sector Scheme Purpose: Expanded NAMASTE Scheme Scope Objectives of Expanded NAMASTE Scheme Significance 4. India-U.S. Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) Context: India is actively negotiating an early tranche of the proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the United States to protect key export sectors from punitive tariffs. This move is driven by a scheduled 26% reciprocal tariff hike on July 9, 2025, and the need to restore competitiveness for Indian goods affected by previous US trade actions. Key Objectives of India’s Proposal India’s Strategic Proposal Urgency of an Early Tranche Challenges and US Position Strategic and Economic Significance 5. EnviStats India 2025 Released by: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)Framework Used: Framework for the Development of Environment Statistics (FDES 2013) Why in News? 8th edition of EnviStats India 2025: The 8th edition of EnviStats India 2025 was released by MoSPI on 5 June 2025, reflecting a structured statistical profile of India’s environment. Key Environmental Indicators and Trends Energy Generation Trends Fisheries Production Temperature and Rainfall Patterns Biodiversity Snapshot Public Expenditure on Environment (2021–22) New Additions in 2025 Edition Strengths of the Report Key Gaps and Challenges Banking/Finance 1. RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 5.5% Context: In a bid to boost economic growth and ease borrowing costs, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced a 50 basis points (bps) cut in the repo rate, lowering it from 6.00% to 5.50%. This is the third rate cut in 2025 and the largest single cut in over two years. The decision was made following a three-day Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting chaired by RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra. Key Rates Announced Rate Type New Rate Previous Rate Repo Rate 5.50% 6.00% Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) 5.25% – Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) & Bank Rate 5.75% – Why Did RBI Cut Rates? What Does the Rate Cut Mean for You? Lower EMIs for Borrowers Cheaper Credit for Businesses Impact on Fixed Deposits (FDs) Loan and Investment Policy Stance and Outlook Impact on Affordable Housing and Real Estate BS 2. Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) Why in News? Background Role in Debt Recovery Key Impacts Key Challenges Area Details Judicial delays NCLT backlog delays resolution despite CoC approval. Post-resolution uncertainty Implementation risks discourage investor bids. Bhushan Steel verdict SC review of a closed transaction threatens commercial certainty. Infrastructure gaps Insufficient benches, lack of trained professionals. Future-readiness Unclear treatment of IPRs, employee dues, and tech continuity. Suggestions for Reform 3. Flipkart Gets NBFC Licence from RBI Context: Flipkart has received a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) licence from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). This marks the first instance of a large e-commerce player in India being permitted to lend directly. The licence was officially granted on March 13, 2025, as per RBI documents reviewed by Reuters. What This Means Implications 4. IndusInd Bank Accounting Irregularities Context: On March 10, 2025, IndusInd Bank disclosed accounting discrepancies in its derivatives portfolio, with an estimated adverse impact of 2.35% on its net worth as of December 2024. NFRA Investigation Internal Red Flags ICAI Oversight SEBI Action BS 5. RBI Data: Bank Credit and Deposit Trends in FY2024–25 Overall Bank Credit Growth Retail Lending Trends Borrower Profile Shifts Deposit Composition and Interest Rate Trends Key Takeaways 6. Motilal Oswal BSE 1000 Index Fund Launched Context: Motilal Oswal Mutual Fund has launched India’s first index fund tracking the BSE 1000 Total Return Index, offering investors access to a broad-based, passive equity portfolio covering 1,000 companies across large, mid, small, and micro-cap segments. The New Fund Offer (NFO) is open from June 5 to June 19, 2025. Key Highlights Fund Objective & Benchmark Investment Features Why Invest in the Motilal Oswal BSE 1000 Index Fund? Broad Diversification Passive & Cost-Effective Aligned with India’s Growth Story Lower Risk via Index Cap 7. SEBI Notifies Framework for ESG Debt Securities Including Social, Sustainability, and Linked Bonds Notified by: Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)Effective From: June 5, 2025Purpose: To standardize the issuance and monitoring of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)-linked debt instruments in India Context: Markets regulator Sebi came out with an operational framework for issuance of social bonds, sustainability bonds and sustainability-linked bonds, which together will be known as Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) debt securities. What are ESG Debt Securities? Financial instruments issued to raise funds exclusively for projects with positive environmental, social, or governance (ESG) outcomes. Types of ESG Debt Instruments: Key Features of ESG Debt Securities Highlights of SEBI’s Operational Framework 1. Classification Criteria 2. Mandatory Disclosures 3. Independent Review 4. Impact Monitoring & Transparency Significance & Impact Agriculture 1. FAIFA Report Urges Action on Climate-Resilient Agriculture Context: The Federation of All India Farmer Associations (FAIFA) released a report titled “Nourishing the Future: A Report on Climate-Resilient Agriculture” during a seminar in New Delhi on June 5, 2025. The study underscores the growing threats climate change poses to Indian agriculture and outlines key interventions needed to build resilience. Key Climate Risks Identified These factors are disrupting crop cycles in major producing States and threatening farm productivity and rural incomes. Barriers to Sustainable Farming Adoption Recommendations from FAIFA Report Policy and Institutional Actions Public Investment and Research Targeted Subsidies Commendation for Existing Central Schemes The report appreciated government initiatives such as: However, it urged greater targeting and flexibility to meet local needs more effectively. Equity and Adaptation Needs BL Facts To Remember 1. Kaziranga National Park to be expanded to promote tourism The Assam Cabinet, headed by Chief Minister

Daily Current Affairs Quiz5 June, 2025 International Affairs 1. Nicaragua Becomes 101st Country to Ratify WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement Why in News? Background of the Agreement Objectives of the Agreement Key Provisions Prohibited Subsidies WTO Fish Fund UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)  Prelims: Q1. The terms ‘Agreement on Agriculture’, ‘Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures’ and ‘Peace Clause’ appear in the news frequently in the context of the affairs of the (2015)  (a) Food and Agriculture Organization  (b) United Nations Framework Conference on Climate Change  (c) World Trade Organization  (d) United Nations Environment Programme  Ans: C  Q2. In the context of which of the following do you sometimes find the terms ‘amber box, blue box and green box’ in the news? (2016)  (a) WTO affairs  (b) SAARC affairs  (c) UNFCCC affairs  (d) India-EU negotiations on FTA  Ans: A Mains: Q1. What are the key areas of reform if the WTO has to survive in the present context of ‘Trade War’, especially keeping in mind the interest of India? (2018)  Q2. “The broader aims and objectives of WTO are to manage and promote international trade in the era of globalisation. But the Doha round of negotiations seem doomed due to differences between the developed and the developing countries.” Discuss in the Indian perspective. (2016) National Affairs 1. UNESCO Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report 2024–25 Context: The UNESCO Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report 2024–25 has revealed a significant disconnect between high enrolment levels and poor learning outcomes in India, while also highlighting global gender and leadership disparities in education. Key Findings of India’s Position India-Specific Insights Global Trends Positive Trends Negative Trends Way Forward UPSC PYQ Q1. Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail. (2021) 2. India’s Draft National Policy on Senior Citizens Context: A new National Policy for Senior Citizens is under preparation by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The draft was discussed in the 4th meeting of the National Council for Senior Citizens, chaired by Social Justice Minister Virendra Kumar. Stakeholder suggestions have been received, and the policy aims to align with India’s evolving demographic profile. Demographic Shift: Ageing Population Trends Key Focus Areas in the Draft Policy Digital Inclusion of the Elderly Elder Abuse and Grievance Redress Institutional Reforms Progress Under Existing Schemes Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY) Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC) Senior Citizen Portal 2. India’s 2027 Digital Census Context: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has announced that India will conduct its next population Census by March 1, 2027. This will be conducted after a 16-year gap, making it the first Census since 2011. What is Census in India? A Census is the official enumeration of the population, providing comprehensive statistics on: It serves as the primary source of population data used for planning, policy-making, and administrative governance at national, state, district, and local levels. Key Features 2027 Digital Census Improving Representativeness of Sample Surveys Better Understanding of Urbanisation and Population Dynamics Constitutional Significance 2. World Environment Day 2025 Context: About World Environment Day (WED) Plastic Pollution – Key Facts Major Causes of Plastic Pollution in India Impacts of Mismanaged Plastic Waste Environmental Public Health Economic Government Regulations Steps to Strengthen Plastic Waste Management Policy & Enforcement Infrastructure Sustainable Alternatives Awareness & Behavioural Change Technology & Innovation UPSC Mains PYQ Mains  Q. What are the impediments in disposing of the huge quantities of discarded solid waste which are continuously being generated? How do we safely remove the toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our habitable environment? (2018) 3. IRCTC Deactivates 2.5 Crore Fake User IDs to Curb Bot Booking Context: Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has launched a major digital drive, deactivating 2.5 crore suspicious user accounts to crack down on automated bot-based ticket bookings and enhance accessibility for genuine users. Key Features of IRCTC’s Digital Drive Need for the Initiative Significance of the Digital Drive 4. India Adds Menar & Khichan as Ramsar Sites; Total Rises to 91 Context: India has designated Menar (Udaipur) and Khichan (Phalodi) as Ramsar Sites just before World Environment Day (June 5, 2025).With this, India’s total Ramsar Sites reach 91, making it: About the New Ramsar Sites Menar Wetland – Udaipur, Rajasthan Khichan Wetland – Phalodi, Rajasthan About Ramsar Sites & India’s Status What is a Ramsar Site? India and Ramsar Convention India’s Ramsar Rankings (2025) Eligibility Criteria (Any One of 9 Required) 5. Investment Friendliness Index – NITI Aayog Context: Government think-tank NITI Aayog’s upcoming Investment Friendliness Index to rank states on dimensions of opportunity and risk will likely have four or more sub-indicators for a deeper assessment of performance, said two people aware of the development.Launch Timeline. Purpose Index Design Primary Evaluation Dimensions Perception-Based Metrics Strategic Relevance Regional Investment Trends Banking/Finance 1. SEBI Eases IPO Rules for Firms with Large Public Shareholder Base Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has relaxed its stance on approving initial public offerings (IPOs) by companies that already have a large number of public shareholders. This move resolves a regulatory ambiguity that had previously stalled high-profile IPOs, including those by HDB Financial Services and Hero FinCorp. Background of the Issue SEBI’s Clarification and Resolution With this clarification, the regulatory bottleneck has been resolved, paving the way for IPO approvals. Impact and Market Implications BS 2. Rethinking India’s Monetary Policy in 2025 Current Economic Context Historical Parallels & Policy Missteps Lessons from Past Monetary Policy Cycles Critique of Current RBI Approach Policy Recommendations BS 3. Indian Bank Launches New NRE Account Variants and Premium Debit Cards for NRIs Why in News? Key Features of New NRE Savings Accounts Benefits Offered: 4. Canara Bank Abolishes Average Monthly Balance Requirement for SB Accounts Context: Canara Bank has announced the elimination of Average Monthly Balance (AMB) requirements across all types of Savings Bank (SB) accounts. Key Highlights Implications for Customers About Canara Bank Agriculture 1. National Agriculture-Renewable Energy Conference 2025 Highlights Why in News? Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri