Context: Evidence-based policy-making is promoted by the Indian government through policies like the National Data Sharing and Accessibility Policy (NDSAP), 2012. Key Challenges in Grassroots Data Usage Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) State Participation and Data Gaps Significance and Application of PAI The Way Forward TH
Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 20 May, 2025
Daily Current Affairs Quiz20 May, 2025 National Affairs 1. Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI): Evidence-Based Decision-Making in Indian Governance Context: Evidence-based policy-making is promoted by the Indian government through policies like the National Data Sharing and Accessibility Policy (NDSAP), 2012. Key Challenges in Grassroots Data Usage Panchayat Advancement Index (PAI) State Participation and Data Gaps Significance and Application of PAI The Way Forward TH 2. e-Zero FIR Initiative Context: The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) has launched a new system to automatically convert cybercrime complaints involving ₹10 lakh or more into First Information Reports (FIRs). Objective and Impact Key Authorities Involved Strategic Significance Relevance for India TH 3. LibTech India Report on MNREGA Context: While the scheme saw a rise in household registrations, actual delivery of promised employment has declined. This disconnect between enrolment and actual workdays points to deeper implementation challenges. The scheme’s legal guarantee of 100 days of employment is not translating into practice for the majority of beneficiaries. About MGNREGA Key FY 2024–25 Findings (LibTech India Report) Mismatch Between Registrations and Work Delivered State-Level Trends Wage Payment System Issues Two-Stage Payment Process Delay Compensation Formula Major Challenges Identified Recommendations / Way Forward TH 4. ‘Sagar Mein Samman’ (SMS) Launch & Objective Key Features of SMS Policy Maritime Gender Inclusion Achievements (2014–2024) Vision & Alignment 5. Operation Olivia 2025 Overview 2025 Milestone Significance Banking/Finance 1. RBI Issues Revised Draft Guidelines on RE Investment in AIFs Context: The RBI observed improved financial discipline among Regulated Entities (REs) regarding AIF investments after prior regulatory interventions. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) had also introduced due diligence norms for AIF investors and investments. New draft guidelines aim to tighten exposure norms, enhance risk containment, and align with SEBI frameworks. Key Provisions of the Draft Directions New Proposal on AIF Investments Background and Context Regulatory Response and Relaxation Provisioning Requirement for Conflict Exposure Implications TH & BS 2. SEBI Warns Mauritius-Based FPIs Over Non-Disclosure of Adani Shareholding Details Background Warning Issued to Mauritius-Based Funds Nature of Violations and Concerns Possible Consequences BS 3. Sebi Raises Anchor Investor Limits for Lower-Rated Bond Issues to Boost Market Appeal Key Regulatory Changes by SEBI Mandatory Use of Electronic Book Provider (EBP) Platform Impact and Benefits TET 4. Anchor Investors in IPOs Strategic Role in IPO Ecosystem Regulatory Framework and Safeguards (As per SEBI) Impact on IPO Dynamics Who Qualifies as an Anchor Investor Distinction from Other Investor Categories Key Benefits to the IPO Process Policy Implications 5. NSDL Electronic Bidding Platform (NSDL-EBP) Background & Regulatory Context Purpose and Advantages of NSDL-EBP Registration and Participation Operational Features Strategic and Policy Significance Policy Implication for Issuers 6. Sebi Revises Audit Committee and Internal Audit Norms for Market Infrastructure Institutions Revised Audit Committee Composition Rights and Participation Audit Committee Functions Internal Audit Requirements Objective TET 7. Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs) in India What are MIIs? These are considered critical financial infrastructure akin to roads or power grids for the economy, ensuring efficient capital allocation and financial stability. Purpose and Economic Significance Why Are MIIs Systemically Important? Key MIIs in India a) Stock Exchanges (SEBI Recognized): b) Depositories: c) Clearing Corporations: National Stock Exchange (NSE) Governance Imperatives 8. TCS-Khan Bank Alliance Context: Why This Is Significant Key Capabilities Introduced via TCS BaNCS BS 9. RBI Approves Emirates NBD’s Transition to Wholly Owned Subsidiary in India Key Announcement About the WOS Framework Significance for Emirates NBD Bank Profile: Emirates NBD WOS in India: Current Landscape Agriculture 1. Uttar Pradesh Attracts ₹6,772 Cr Investment in Ethanol Sector Ethanol Production and Investment Highlights Ethanol and Clean Energy Goals Economic Impact of Sugarcane and Ethanol 2. India’s Emerging ‘Rent-a-Bee’ Pollination Economy Key Highlights: TOI 3. Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (2025) Launch & Duration Primary Objectives Six-Point Strategy of the Agriculture Ministry Key Features 4. AI in Agriculture Introduction Real-World Applications of AI in Farming 1. Precision Irrigation 2. Pest and Disease Detection 3. Smart Equipment 4. AI-Driven Crop Planning Challenges in AI Adoption 1. Connectivity Gaps 2. Outdated Equipment 3. Talent Shortage 4. Data Ownership & Ethics BL Facts To Remember 1. GS1 to Introduce Next-Generation QR Codes from 2027 for Enhanced Transparency The initiative aims to improve product transparency, traceability, and consumer protection. GS1, a global standards organization, plans to launch next-generation QR codes starting in 2027. 2. Scottie Scheffler Clinches Third Major Title with PGA Championship Victory He won by a margin of five strokes over Americans Harris English, Davis Riley, and Bryson DeChambeau. Scottie Scheffler, World No. 1 golfer, won his third Major title by capturing the 2025 PGA Championship. 3. Rajasthan Launches Crackdown on Fake Fertilisers and Hoarding Ahead of Kharif Season Campaign Launch and Duration
Only 0.001% of Earth’s Deep Seafloor Visually Explored, Finds New Study
Context: A landmark study published in Science Advances reveals the staggering gap in visual exploration of the Earth’s deep ocean — defined as areas 200 meters or more below sea level. Despite covering two-thirds of Earth’s surface, this ecosystem remains largely uncharted. Key Highlights: Importance of Visual Imaging in Deep Ocean Research: Scope of the Study Methodology and Estimates Geographical Disparity and Bias Implications and Challenges TH
Govt releases 3 new crop varieties developed by BHU
Context: Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has recently developed and released three new crop varieties aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and resilience, particularly in Uttar Pradesh. These include two rice varieties and one mustard variety, each tailored to address specific agronomic challenges and improve farmer outcomes.The Times of India Malaviya Manila Sinchit Dhan-1 (Rice) Malviya Dhan 105 Sub-1 (Rice) Malviya Nidhi (Mustard)
India Set to Launch Satellite-Based Handheld Soil Testing Tool for Farmers
Context: The Government of India is working on a real-time, handheld digital soil testing tool using satellite-based technology. This tool aims to replace traditional soil testing, which is time-consuming, labour-intensive, and dependent on government laboratories. Key Features of the Digital Soil Testing Tool Technological Backbone Advantages Over Traditional Methods Complementary Initiatives Economic Context Significance Mint
Genome-Edited Rice Varieties
Context: India has released the world’s first gene-edited rice varieties developed using CRISPR-Cas9 technology. Deployment & Timeline Government Support & Programme Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) & Farmer Protection Addressing Budget Constraints BS
PayU Gets Final RBI Approval to Operate as Payment Aggregator
Key Highlights:
SEBI Expands Scope of Electronic Book Mechanism for Debt Market Efficiency
Context: SEBI has made Electronic Book Provider (EBP) platform usage mandatory for all private placement debt issues of ₹20 crore or more. Expanded Scope of Applicability Objective of the Move Background Implications
External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs)
Context: Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) in India are increasingly turning to External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs) for cheaper and more diversified funding as domestic banks delay passing on the benefits of recent repo rate cuts. External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs) Definition: Key Sources of ECBs: Regulatory Framework: Usage Restrictions: Permissible Use and Limits: Sector-Specific Limits:
Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR)
Context: Shapoorji Pallonji Group has asked the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to give its unit, Sterling Investment Corp, three years to meet enhanced capital adequacy norms in relation to a recent bond issue, said people with knowledge of the matter. What is Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR)? The Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) is a key financial metric used to assess a bank’s ability to withstand financial stress by maintaining sufficient capital reserves. It is a regulatory requirement that ensures banks can absorb potential losses while continuing to operate, thereby protecting depositors and maintaining financial system stability. Key Features of CAR: Components of CAR CAR Requirements in India (as per RBI norms): (Note: These are above the Basel III minimum requirement of 6%, reflecting India’s cautious regulatory stance.) Why is CAR Important?
