Context: Exim Bank withdrew its planned â‚ą2,500 crore 10-year bond issuance after investors demanded higher-than-expected yields, according to multiple market sources. Bonds in Corporate Financing Bonds serve as a form of loan between an investor and a corporation. When a company issues bonds, it borrows a specific amount of money from investors, agreeing to pay back the principal amount along with periodic interest payments until the bond matures. Once the bond matures, the company repays the principal, concluding the bond agreement. Bonds vs. Other Methods of Raising Capital Bonds vs. Bank Loans Key Features of Bonds Why Companies Issue Callable Bonds Corporate Bonds vs. Government Bonds
Human Development Report (HDR) 2025
Title of Report A Matter of Choice: People and Possibilities in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (UNDP) Why in News? India has been ranked 130th out of 193 countries in the United Nations Human Development Report (HDR) 2025, titled “A Matter of Choice: People and Possibilities in the Age of AI” by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The report highlights steady progress in human development indicators for India but flags persistent inequality and gender gaps as critical areas of concern. Key Highlights of Human Development Report 2025 Global Insights: India’s Performance Progress in Key Areas Regional Comparison: India vs. Neighbours Country HDI Rank (2025) HDI Value China 75 Sri Lanka 78 Bhutan 127 India 130 0.685 Bangladesh 130 (tied) Nepal 145 Myanmar 149 Pakistan 168 Global HDI Leaders (2023) Rank Country HDI Value 1 Iceland 0.972 2 Norway 0.970 2 Switzerland 0.970 4 Denmark 0.962 5 Germany 0.959 5 Sweden 0.959 7 Australia 0.958 8 Hong Kong (China SAR) 0.955 8 Netherlands 0.955 17 United States 0.938 How Can Artificial Intelligence Contribute to Human Development? Challenges Policy Recommendations: How Can India Address Human Development Challenges? About HDR: Human Development Index (HDI): India’s HDI improvement in 2025 reflects tangible progress in health, education, and income. However, sustained attention to inequality, gender gaps, and inclusive AI adoption will be critical to unlocking high human development status and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ) Prelims Q. The Multi-dimensional Poverty Index developed by Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative with UNDP support covers which of the following? (2012) Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans: (a) Mains Q. Despite consistent experience of high growth, India still goes with the lowest indicators of human development. Examine the issues that make balanced and inclusive development elusive. (2016)
Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 8 May, 2025
Daily Current Affairs Quiz8 May, 2025 International Affairs 1. India-UK FTA Context: The recently finalised India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) could become a template for India’s ongoing FTA negotiations with major partners like the EU and the US. The deal signals a major policy shift as India agrees to slash automobile import tariffs from 100% to 10%, albeit with quotas to limit volume. Read more>> 2. IMO’s Draft Net-Zero Framework Context: The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has approved a draft Net-Zero Framework aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the shipping sector, with a goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Key Features of the Framework Significance of the Framework 3. The Lancet Report on Sexual Violence Against Children Context: A global meta-analysis published in The Lancet (1990–2023) led by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), University of Washington, provides the first age-standardized estimates of child sexual abuse globally using consistent metrics. Key Findings POCSO Act The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act came into effect on 14th November 2012. It was enacted in response to India’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1992. The aim of the Act is to address sexual exploitation and abuse of children, which were either not specifically defined or inadequately penalized in existing laws. Key Features of the POCSO Act National Affairs 1. Human Development Index (HDI) Report 2025 Title of Report A Matter of Choice: People and Possibilities in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (UNDP) Why in News? India has been ranked 130th out of 193 countries in the United Nations Human Development Report (HDR) 2025, titled “A Matter of Choice: People and Possibilities in the Age of AI” by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The report highlights steady progress in human development indicators for India but flags persistent inequality and gender gaps as critical areas of concern. Key Highlights of Human Development Report 2025 Global Insights: India’s Performance Progress in Key Areas Regional Comparison: India vs. Neighbours Country HDI Rank (2025) HDI Value China 75 Sri Lanka 78 Bhutan 127 India 130 0.685 Bangladesh 130 (tied) Nepal 145 Myanmar 149 Pakistan 168 Global HDI Leaders (2023) Rank Country HDI Value 1 Iceland 0.972 2 Norway 0.970 2 Switzerland 0.970 4 Denmark 0.962 5 Germany 0.959 5 Sweden 0.959 7 Australia 0.958 8 Hong Kong (China SAR) 0.955 8 Netherlands 0.955 17 United States 0.938 How Can Artificial Intelligence Contribute to Human Development? Challenges Policy Recommendations: How Can India Address Human Development Challenges? India’s HDI improvement in 2025 reflects tangible progress in health, education, and income. However, sustained attention to inequality, gender gaps, and inclusive AI adoption will be critical to unlocking high human development status and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ) Prelims Q. The Multi-dimensional Poverty Index developed by Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative with UNDP support covers which of the following? (2012) Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans: (a) Mains Q. Despite consistent experience of high growth, India still goes with the lowest indicators of human development. Examine the issues that make balanced and inclusive development elusive. (2016) 2. Cabinet Approves â‚ą60,000 Cr. Scheme for Industrial Training Institute (ITI) Upgradation Scheme Context: The Union Cabinet has approved a new â‚ą60,000 crore Industrial Training Institute (ITI) upgradation scheme aimed at improving skilling infrastructure across the country. The initiative will focus on 1,000 government ITIs, using a hub-and-spoke model in partnership with industry players. Scheme Duration and Budget Allocation Objectives National Centres of Excellence for Skilling BS 3. State Performance Ranking Report by Care Edge Ratings Context: The 2025 State Performance Ranking Report by Care Edge Ratings (a Care Ratings subsidiary) has received wide media attention. Although prepared by a private entity, it gained semi-official stature through a foreword by the CEO of NITI Aayog. Methodology 2025 Rankings Limitations of Utility Policy Recommendations BS 4. Revised SHAKTI Policy for Coal Linkages Context: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has accorded its approval for the Revised SHAKTI (Scheme for Harnessing and Allocating Koyala Transparently in India) Policy for Coal Allocation to Power Sector. Key Features of the Revised SHAKTI Policy Implications SHAKTI (Scheme for Harnessing and Allocating Koyala Transparently in India) Policy The Government of India replaced the old Letter of Assurance (LoA) – Fuel Supply Agreement (FSA) regime with the SHAKTI (Scheme for Harnessing and Allocating Koyala Transparently in India) policy, notified by the Ministry of Coal on 22 May 2017. This aims to ensure transparent allocation of domestic coal to the power sector. Key Features Transition from LoA-FSA Linkage Mechanisms PIB 5. INS Kiltan Arrives in Singapore for IMDEX Asia 2025 Context: INS Kiltan, part of the Indian Navy, has arrived in Singapore to participate in IMDEX Asia 2025 at the Changi Exhibition Centre. The visit is a key element of India’s ongoing operational deployment, reinforcing the growing maritime cooperation between India and Singapore. INS Kiltan (P30) IMDEX Asia IMDEX Asia is recognized as Asia’s leading naval and maritime defence exhibition, showcasing the world’s naval elite and cutting-edge maritime innovations. Since its launch in 1997, the event has become a key platform for debuting new vessels, systems, and technologies across the global maritime industry. PIB 6. SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) Scheme Context: India is poised to play a crucial role at the 2025 World Bank Land Conference, set to take place from May 5th to 8th at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington, D.C. A high-level Indian delegation, led by Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR), will present India’s transformative SVAMITVA Scheme, alongside the Gram Manchitra platform. SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) Scheme SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) scheme is a collaborative effort of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, State
Indo-Pacific Logistics Network (IPLN)
Context: IPLN (Indo-Pacific Logistics Network) is a multilateral initiative aimed at developing a shared logistics framework to enable efficient and coordinated civilian disaster response across the Indo-Pacific region. It facilitates faster deployment of humanitarian aid through enhanced logistical infrastructure and interoperability between participating countries. Key Features Participating Countries Launch and Initiatives
INS Kiltan Arrives in Singapore for IMDEX Asia 2025
Context: INS Kiltan, part of the Indian Navy, has arrived in Singapore to participate in IMDEX Asia 2025 at the Changi Exhibition Centre. The visit is a key element of India’s ongoing operational deployment, reinforcing the growing maritime cooperation between India and Singapore. INS Kiltan (P30) IMDEX Asia IMDEX Asia is recognized as Asia’s leading naval and maritime defence exhibition, showcasing the world’s naval elite and cutting-edge maritime innovations. Since its launch in 1997, the event has become a key platform for debuting new vessels, systems, and technologies across the global maritime industry. PIB
The Lancet Report on Sexual Violence Against Children
Context: A global meta-analysis published in The Lancet (1990–2023) led by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), University of Washington, provides the first age-standardized estimates of child sexual abuse globally using consistent metrics. Key Findings POCSO Act The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act came into effect on 14th November 2012. It was enacted in response to India’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1992. The aim of the Act is to address sexual exploitation and abuse of children, which were either not specifically defined or inadequately penalized in existing laws. Key Features of the POCSO Act
IMO’s Draft Net-Zero Framework
Context: The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has approved a draft Net-Zero Framework aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the shipping sector, with a goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Key Features of the Framework Significance of the Framework
SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas)Â Scheme
Context: India is poised to play a crucial role at the 2025 World Bank Land Conference, set to take place from May 5th to 8th at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington, D.C. A high-level Indian delegation, led by Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR), will present India’s transformative SVAMITVA Scheme, alongside the Gram Manchitra platform. SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) Scheme SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) scheme is a collaborative effort of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, State Panchayati Raj Departments, State Revenue Departments and Survey of India. Status
Revised SHAKTI Policy for Coal Linkages
Context: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has accorded its approval for the Revised SHAKTI (Scheme for Harnessing and Allocating Koyala Transparently in India) Policy for Coal Allocation to Power Sector. Key Features of the Revised SHAKTI Policy Implications SHAKTI (Scheme for Harnessing and Allocating Koyala Transparently in India) Policy The Government of India replaced the old Letter of Assurance (LoA) – Fuel Supply Agreement (FSA) regime with the SHAKTI (Scheme for Harnessing and Allocating Koyala Transparently in India) policy, notified by the Ministry of Coal on 22 May 2017. This aims to ensure transparent allocation of domestic coal to the power sector. Key Features Transition from LoA-FSA Linkage Mechanisms PIB
State Performance Ranking Report by Care Edge Ratings
Context: The 2025 State Performance Ranking Report by Care Edge Ratings (a Care Ratings subsidiary) has received wide media attention. Although prepared by a private entity, it gained semi-official stature through a foreword by the CEO of NITI Aayog. Methodology 2025 Rankings Limitations of Utility Policy Recommendations BS
