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

Daily Current Affairs Quiz4 June, 2025 National Affairs 1. Axiom Mission-4 Context: Launch of Axiom Mission-4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station postponed from June 8 to June 10, 2025, due to weather and final checks. Mission Details TH 2. FGD Units Not Mandatory for Most Coal Power Plants in India Context: A government-appointed expert panel chaired by Principal Scientific Adviser Ajay Sood recommends exempting most thermal power plants (TPPs) from mandatory installation of Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) units. What Are FGD Units? Key Recommendations of the Expert Panel Scientific and Policy Rationale Importance 3. Election Commission Launches Real-Time Voter Turnout Monitoring via ECINET App Context: Election Commission of India (EC) introduces a tech-driven system for real-time voter turnout updates, replacing the older manual method. What’s New? Previous Method Key Features of the New System Why It Matters 4. National Polio Surveillance Network (NPSN) Context: The Government of India, in consultation with WHO, has proposed a phased drawdown of the NPSN, sparking concern among public health experts amidst ongoing global polio risks. About NPSN Government’s Justification: Risk Assessment Strategic Implications 5. Indian Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR)  Context: Compiled annually by IS4OM under ISRO’s Space Situational Awareness (SSA) program. SSA includes monitoring the space environment, assessing threats, and implementing mitigation. Key Highlights on India’s Space Operations India’s Role in Global Space Governance Global Space Environment in 2024 6. C CARES Version 2.0 Launched to Digitally Empower Coal Workers Event Highlights About CMPFO Key Features of C CARES 2.0 Portal Technological Advancements: Mobile App for Members Automated Ledger Update Prescriptive Dashboards 7. BharatGen: India’s First Indigenous Multimodal AI Large Language Model (LLM) for Indian Languages Context: Launched by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, at the “BharatGen Summit” — India’s largest Generative AI and LLM summit and hackathon. BharatGen is a government-funded, AI-based multimodal Large Language Model specifically designed for Indian languages. Key Features of BharatGen Vision and Objectives Use Cases and Impact Related Initiatives and Support BharatGen Mission Pillars Banking/Finance 1. RBI Considers Easing Foreign Ownership Rules to Attract Global Capital in Indian Banks Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is reviewing shareholding and licensing norms to potentially ease foreign ownership restrictions in Indian banks. Key Existing Constraints on Foreign Investors What May Change Strategic Drivers for Policy Shift Significance BS 2. Curbing Online Payment Frauds in India Digital Payment Landscape in India Benefits of Digital Adoption Key Security Initiatives Rising Incidence of Fraud: Way Forward: 3. HDB Financial Services Gets SEBI Approval Context:  HDB Financial Services, a subsidiary of India’s largest private lender HDFC Bank, has received the approval from Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) for its ₹12,500 crore initial public offering (IPO).  Strategic Importance Regulatory & Compliance Highlights About HDB Financial Services 4. Banks Turn Major Investors in Mutual Funds Amid Surplus Liquidity (FY25 Trend) Context: Banks, traditionally focused on lending, are now investing heavily in mutual fund schemes, a space that partly competes with them for retail investments. Bank investments in MFs surged 91% YoY to ₹1.19 lakh crore (as of March 21, 2025) vs ₹62,499 crore a year earlier (RBI Bulletin). Key Reasons Behind the Shift Monetary Policy Context Behavioural Shifts in Savings Where are banks investing? 5. RBI Signals Rule Review to Ease Foreign Ownership in Indian Banks Context: Rising foreign interest in Indian banking and the country’s need for long-term capital. Background India’s banking regulator, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), is reviewing existing shareholding and licensing rules to potentially ease foreign ownership norms in Indian banks. This comes amid: Key Developments RBI’s Emerging Approach Strategic Implications 6. Moody’s Outlook on India’s Banking Sector – June 2025 Key Highlights: 7. RBI Launches 2024–25 Survey on Foreign Liabilities and Assets (FLA) of Mutual Funds and AMCs Purpose of the Survey: Utility of the Survey Recent Related Development Agriculture 1. ICRISAT Launches Centre of Excellence for South-South Cooperation in Agriculture Context: The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), in collaboration with Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), has launched the ICRISAT Centre for Excellence for South-South Cooperation in Agriculture (ISSCA). The centre is a landmark initiative to strengthen agricultural collaboration among Global South countries, especially in Asia and Africa. Key Objectives Significant Features Founding Partners MoU Signed with DAKSHIN Strategic Importance PIB 2. NITI Aayog’s Dual-Track Strategy for India-US Agricultural Trade Context: Key Recommendations Dual-Track Approach Safeguards for Indian Agriculture Edible Oil Trade Enhancing India’s Agri-Exports to the US Medium-Term Structural Reforms Suggested Trade Balance 3. India’s First International Agri Hackathon Concludes in Pune Key Announcements & Themes Technology in Agriculture Horticulture Leadership & Crop Achievements ‘Clean Plant’ Programme Launched International Collaboration Government’s Agricultural Vision ‘Lab to Land’ Initiative Facts To Remember 1. Royal Challengers Bengaluru lift maiden IPL title in 18 years Virat Kohli and Royal Challengers Bengaluru won their maiden title with a six-run victory over Punjab Kings in the final, ending an 18-year wait for the coveted trophy. 2. PM to flag off Vande Bharat train between Katra and Srinagar Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the first Vande Bharat train service to Kashmir on June 6, railway officials said. 3. Govt to conduct Population Census- 2027 in two phases with caste enumeration The Government has decided to conduct the Population Census – 2027 in two phases, along with the enumeration of castes. 4. India wins presidency of International Institute of Administrative Sciences India has won the presidency of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS) in the election, which was held between India and Austria yesterday. India’s candidacy received widespread support from across the membership with 87 votes out of 141 votes. India, through the Department of Administrative Reforms, is a member state of the IIAS. 5. RBI MPC begins; repo rate likely to be cut further Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting began today to decide on the repo rate cut. Chaired by RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra, the committee’s decision will be announced

Daily Current Affairs Quiz3 June, 2025 National Affairs 1. Union Government Invites Proposals for DDACs in 291 Gap Districts Context: The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has invited proposals to establish District De-Addiction Centres (DDACs) in 291 “gap” districts across 30 States and Union Territories. This is part of the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR). What Are ‘Gap’ Districts? Features of Proposed DDACs States with Highest Number of Gap Districts Who Can Apply? Objectives of DDACs 2. Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023-24 Context: India’s literacy rate has reached 80.9% for individuals aged seven years and above, as reported in the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023–24. Despite this progress, significant disparities persist across gender and urban-rural lines. National Overview Top 5 States/UTs with Highest Literacy (7+ years) Rank State/UT Literacy Rate (%) 1 Mizoram 98.2 2 Lakshadweep 97.3 3 Kerala 95.3 4 Tripura 93.7 5 Goa 93.6 States with Lowest Literacy Rates (7+ years) Rank State Literacy Rate (%) 1 Bihar 74.3 2 Madhya Pradesh 75.2 3 Rajasthan 75.8 Urban-Rural Literacy Divide Gender Gap Key Observations TOI 3. Launch of Bharat Gen: India’s First Indigenously Developed Multimodal AI LLM Context: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched Bharat Gen, India’s first indigenously developed, multimodal, AI-based Large Language Model (LLM) for Indian languages, at the BharatGen Summit. The initiative is supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) and implemented by TIH Foundation for IoT & IoE at IIT Bombay. Main Features of Bharat Gen Key Objectives Institutional Framework Strategic Pillars of BharatGen Mission Highlights from the BharatGen Summit Relevance to Broader Policy Landscape: PIB Banking/Finance 1. Digital Rupee (e₹) Context: The digital rupee (e₹), launched as a pilot in late 2022 by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has witnessed significant scale-up in just two years. Retail transaction value rose from ₹5.7 crore in March 2023 to ₹1,016.5 crore in March 2025 — a 178x increase. This marks the transition of e₹ from an experimental phase to meaningful retail adoption. Use-Case Evolution Strategic Implications Outlook & Policy Relevance 2. NSE’s IPO Plans Face Regulatory Hurdles Context: The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has been trying to launch its Initial Public Offering (IPO) since 2016, but the process has faced repeated regulatory and legal delays. With a new SEBI Chairperson in place, the NSE is pushing for progress, but multiple concerns from Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) remain unresolved. Key Regulatory Hurdles Rationale for Listing Potential Listing Platform NSE’s Response to SEBI Concerns TET 3. Fintech Concern Under RBI’s New DLG Guidelines Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has mandated that regulated entities (REs) make full provisioning for loans sourced via Loan Service Providers (LSPs), regardless of Default Loss Guarantees (DLGs) offered. RBI has prohibited offsetting DLGs against provisioning requirements for stressed loans. Industry Reaction: Risk of Double Provisioning DLG Framework Under RBI Norms Additional Regulatory Requirements for Digital Lenders Way Forward: Industry-RBI Consultative Process Implications for Digital Lending Ecosystem BS 4. RBI’s Pro-Growth Policy Stance Context: RBI has implemented back-to-back rate cuts since February 2025, reducing policy rates by 50 basis points (bps). Effective easing is ~75 bps, as overnight rates are closer to the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF), the lower end of the policy corridor. Aggressive Liquidity Infusion Macroprudential Easing Inflation Dynamics Supporting Easing External Environment Favorable for Easing BS 5. Tri-Party Repo Dealing System (TREPS) Context: Banks are borrowing funds from the Tri-Party Repo (TREPS) market at lower rates and parking them in the RBI’s Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) to earn risk-free arbitrage. The weighted average TREPS rate was 5.66%, while the SDF rate stood at 5.75%, offering a 9 basis points spread. Tri-Party Repo Dealing System (TREPS) Definition and Functionality Key Features Why Mutual Funds Use TREPS? BS 6. Grameen Credit Score (GCS) Context: The Grameen Credit Score (GCS) is a new initiative announced in the Union Budget 2025–26 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. It aims to strengthen rural financial inclusion, with a special focus on self-help group (SHG) members. The Union government expects to roll out GCS within the next three months, pending final approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Purpose and Utility Institutional Framework Linkage with SVAMITVA Scheme Current Status and Economic Potential Significance for Rural Credit Ecosystem BS 7. NITI Aayog Highlights Missing Middle in MSME Policy Context: Medium enterprises form only 0.3% of India’s MSMEs but contribute an outsized 40% of MSME export income. They operate in innovation-driven and globally integrated sectors like pharmaceuticals, auto components, and IT services. Despite their economic importance, they receive limited policy attention, as most schemes are targeted at micro and small enterprises (MSEs), which make up 99% of the MSME base. Economic Contribution and Characteristics Policy Asymmetry and Its Consequences NITI Aayog Recommendations: A Multi-Pronged Policy Approach a. Financial Support b. Innovation and Technology c. R&D and Cluster-Based Innovation d. Digital Access and Awareness 5. Strategic Significance BS 8. Indian Rupee Asia’s Worst Performer Context: The Indian rupee is Asia’s worst-performing currency this quarter. While other emerging Asian currencies gained ground, the rupee remained broadly flat. The underperformance is linked to the Reserve Bank of India’s FX reserve management strategy. RBI’s Forward Dollar Commitments & FX Reserve Focus Market and Macro Context India’s FX Reserve Status Policy Outlook and RBI Strategy Mint 9. RBI Launches Climate Risk Information System (RBI-CRIS) Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched a dedicated climate risk data platform, RBI-CRIS, aimed at equipping financial institutions with critical tools and information to address risks arising from climate change. Key Highlights: 10. RBI Imposes ₹54.78 Crore in Penalties on 353 Regulated Entities Source: Reserve Bank of India Context: To uphold regulatory discipline and enhance financial sector integrity, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed monetary penalties on various regulated entities (REs) for violations of key supervisory norms during FY25. Key Highlights: Objective of Enforcement: 11. RBI to Launch Indigenous ‘IFS Cloud’ Source: Reserve Bank