Daily Current Affairs Quiz26 April, 2025 International Affairs 1. U.S.–Iran Nuclear Talks Context: U.S. and Iran have held two recent rounds of nuclear talks in Muscat and Rome, mediated by Oman. A third technical round is confirmed, signaling cautious optimism for progress. Background and Breakdown Current Nuclear Threat Landscape Regional Shifts and Pressure Trump Administration’s Strategy Diplomatic Opportunity Strategic Recommendations TH National Affairs 1. T.N. Startup Summit Context: Instilling entrepreneurial education at the school level is key to shaping the future. Educational institutions have a pivotal role in providing early exposure to creative thinking among students, said experts in a session organised at The Hindu-Tamil Nadu Startup Summit 2025 held in Chennai. Key Themes from the Panel 1. The Case for Inclusive Policy: More Than a Moral Imperative “We must build ecosystems where no innovator is left behind — not by gender, not by ability.”– Prateek Madhav, AssisTech Foundation Tamil Nadu’s start-up landscape has seen exponential growth, but lacks a formal inclusion policyCall to action: Embed inclusion and assistive tech into the state’s start-up policy framework 2. Assistive Technology: A Sector with Impact and Promise India now boasts 500+ assistive technology start-ups, many from Tamil NaduThese ventures are empowering people with disabilities, enhancing access and independenceMadhav noted that persons with disabilities contribute up to 7% of India’s GDP — an economic force not to be overlooked What Tamil Nadu Needs Now To lead the next wave of start-up innovation, Tamil Nadu must think beyond valuation and growth. It must invest in inclusive innovation, policy-backed ecosystems, and diverse leadership. The message from Chennai is clear: Inclusion is not a footnote; it is the future. TH 2. India–France Rafale-M Deal Context: India and France to formally announce a ₹63,000-crore government-to-government deal for 26 Rafale-M fighter jets. The deal includes 22 single-seat, carrier-operable Rafale-M jets and 4 twin-seat trainer variants (non-carrier compatible). Official signing is being conducted remotely due to French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu deferring his visit for personal reasons. Timeline and Delivery Operational Context Previous Rafale Procurement TH 3. India’s Poverty Reduction By World Bank Context: India has made significant progress in reducing poverty, with extreme poverty measured at $2.15 per day in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms falling from 16 per cent in 2011–12 to 2.3 per cent in 2022–23, according to the World Bank. The decline lifted 171 million people above the internationally comparable poverty line. Key Findings from the World Bank (2022–23): Urban vs Rural Poverty Trends Methodological Caveats: India’s rapid decline in both monetary and non-monetary poverty is noteworthy, especially at a time when global poverty reduction is slowing. However, experts stress the importance of robust data collection and transparency to ensure accurate policy direction. BS 4. Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty What It Is: Objectives: Coverage: India’s Status Why the BBNJ Treaty Is Urgently Needed Challenges to BBNJ Treaty Implementation Way Forward for Effective BBNJ Implementation The BBNJ Treaty represents a crucial opportunity to safeguard the high seas. However, without swift action, inclusive governance, and equitable funding, its promise will remain unfulfilled.Protecting our oceans demands urgency, collaboration, and innovation—because marine ecosystems cannot wait. 5. DRDO Achieves Milestone in Hypersonic Weapon Development Context: The Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), a DRDO unit, conducted a long-duration ground test of an Active Cooled Scramjet Subscale Combustor at the newly established Scramjet Connect Test Facility in Hyderabad. The combustor sustained operation for over 1,000 seconds, marking a major achievement in India’s hypersonic propulsion programme. Key Highlights Strategic and Technical Implications Sonic, Supersonic and Hypersonic Missiles The main difference between hypersonic, supersonic, and sonic missiles lies in their speed. Sonic missiles travel at the speed of sound (Mach 1), while supersonic missiles travel faster than the speed of sound (Mach 1 and above), and hypersonic missiles travel at speeds five times faster than the speed of sound (Mach 5 and above).  Sonic Missiles Supersonic Missiles Hypersonic Missiles This successful long-duration test is a foundational leap for India’s hypersonic cruise missile programme, showcasing readiness for full-scale systems development and reinforcing India’s strategic defence capabilities. The Indian Express 6. Simla Agreement BackgroundFollowing the Pahalgam terror attack, India has decided to hold the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and other bilateral agreements, including the Simla Agreement, “in abeyance.” Pakistan has reciprocated similarly. Simla Agreement: Origins, Context, Provisions, and Significance Origins and Context Objectives of the Simla Agreement Key Provisions of the Simla Agreement Significance of the Simla Agreement Criticism and Limitations Simla Agreement Status Legal and Strategic Analysis The suspension of IWT and Simla Agreement reflects growing hostility in India-Pakistan ties post-Pahalgam attack. While immediate impacts on water sharing and LoC management may be limited, it marks a significant recalibration of India’s strategic and legal approach toward Pakistan. The Indian Express Science & Tech 1. Adobe Launches Free Content Authenticity App Context: Adobe has introduced a free “Content Authenticity” app aimed at helping digital creators protect their work. Motorola Unveils Razr 60 Series: BS Banking/Finance 1. EPFO Introduces Revamped Form 13 to Simplify PF Transfer Process Context: The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced a revamped version of Form 13 to streamline PF account transfers for members changing jobs.  Key Changes in the New System Benefits for EPF Subscribers New Functionalities in the System Relaxed Aadhaar Requirement Impact on the EPF Ecosystem Expected Long-Term Benefits The new system aligns with EPFO’s ongoing efforts to digitize and modernize its operations, simplifying processes and providing better services to subscribers. This reform will create a more efficient, transparent, and seamless system for those saving under the Employees’ Provident Fund scheme. TH 2. Indian Bank Announces Reduced Interest Rates on Home and Vehicle Loans Key Changes: Benefits for Borrowers: Additional Offers: Impact on Borrowers: TH 3. Direct Tax Collection in FY25 Context: The provisional net direct tax collection for the financial year 2024-25 marginally fell short of the revised target, growing 13.57 per cent to ₹22.26 trillion, data released by the finance ministry showed. The net direct tax collection in FY24 was ₹19.60 trillion. Key Highlights: Breakdown of