Daily Current Affairs Quiz19 March, 2025 International Affairs 1. Israel Launches Air Strikes on Gaza Context: Air strikes were carried out by Israel across the entirety of the Gaza Strip. At least 400 Palestinians dead, majority of them women and children, according to local health officials. These are considered the deadliest attacks on the Gaza since the outbreak of the 17 month war. Reason for Attack Military Developments International Reaction Possible Consequences Source: TH 2. NASA Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams Return After 286 Days in Space Context: NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams returned to Earth on March 18, 2025, after an extended 286-day mission in space. Key Highlights Mission Details Challenges and Political Backdrop Post-Return Process The return of Wilmore and Williams marks the end of an unexpected and extended mission that tested both technology and human endurance. Their resilience, professionalism, and adaptability highlight the unpredictable nature of space exploration and the unwavering spirit of astronauts in facing challenges with composure. Source: TH 3. Global Shifts in Financial Systems and the Rise of Dollar Alternatives Context: Written by Shyam Saran, former Foreign Secretary, highlighting China‘s and Brics+ initiatives to promote alternatives to the US dollar-dominated financial system. Key Developments China’s Efforts in Cross-Border Digital Currency Systems Brics+ Initiatives Growth of the Petroyuan Proposed Brics Currency – “The Unit” Broader Geopolitical and Economic Context India’s Position With the rise of mBridge, Brics Bridge, Brics Clear, and the petroyuan market, the global financial system is evolving. India must stay flexible and strategic, participating without overcommitment, ensuring it is not marginalized as the global economy shifts. Source: BS 4. US Building on Strong Security Partnership with India: Tulsi Gabbard Context: US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard affirmed commitment to strengthening the security partnership with India. Gabbard noted vast potential for continued growth and investment in shared security and economic interests between the US and India. National Affairs 1. Supreme Court on Lokpal’s Jurisprudence Context: A Bench led by Justice B.R. Gavai decided to examine whether constitutional court judges (including High Court and Supreme Court judges) come under the jurisdiction of the Lokpal. Key Highlights: Lokpal’s Stand Supreme Court’s Observation Significance The ruling could provide clarity as to whether serving High Court and Supreme Court judges are answerable to the Lokpal. It has serious ramifications for judicial independence and accountability in India. Lokpal and Lokayukta 2. The Future of Free Speech Global Survey Context: A new global survey by The Future of Free Speech, an independent U.S.-based think tank, has ranked India 24th out of the 33 countries surveyed on the question of support for free speech. Its report, titled ‘Who in the World Supports Free Speech?’ states that “while abstract support for free speech remains strong, commitment to protecting controversial speech is eroding in many parts of the world.” Global Context The survey ranks 33 countries on public support for free speech. India’s Ranking and Score Key Findings on India a) Contradictions and Disconnect b) Disconnect Between Public Sentiment and Reality Public Perception vs. Observers’ Assessment Conclusions from the Report Source: TH 3. India AI Mission Context: The India Artificial Intelligence (AI) Mission has signed an MoU with the Parliament to access its data for training indigenous large language models (LLMs). Other datasets from Doordarshan and All India Radio will be used. Computational Infrastructure Focus on Indigenous and Proprietary Tech Collaboration and Talent Development India U.S. Tech Partnership Strategic Vision 4. Chandrayaan-3 Data About Water on Moon Context: As countries like the US, China, Russia, and India develop plans for long-term stations on the moon, water available on the moon itself is emerging as a vital resource. Aside from meeting the drinking and sanitary needs of astronauts, scientists are also working on using moon water as fuel for rockets launched from the natural satellite. Key Highlights: Study and Findings Temperature Measurements Key Insights Significance Next Steps By documenting the thermal environment and ice distribution of the moon, this PRL study represents a large step forward. It opens up several opportunities for utilizing lunar water resources outside the poles, which will be a great boost to future exploration, habitation, and resource utilization on the Moon. Source: TH 5. Election Commission to Start Aadhaar-Voter Card Linkage Process Context: The Election Commission (EC) announced that the linkage of voter ID cards with Aadhaar will be carried out as per existing laws and Supreme Court directions. The EC confirmed that technical consultations between its experts and UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) will start soon. High-Level Meeting Held Clarifications from the Government Constitutional Standpoint Supreme Court Development Key Takeaways Banking/Finance 1. S&P upgrades ratings for Shriram Finance, Muthoot & Sammaan Capital Context: Following the regulatory changes by RBI, S&P Ratings upgraded the ratings of Muthoot Finance, Shriram Finance, and Sammaan Capital. The newly adopted regulatory provisions strengthened the financial stability and also promoted sustainable growth. RBI’s Scale based Regulation Framework Key Regulatory Measures Effects on Financial Companies What is S&P? The Standard and Poor’s 500, or simply the S&P 500, is a stock market index tracking the stock performance of 500 of the largest companies listed on stock exchanges in the United States. S&P’s Observation Indeed, the scale based regulation approach of the RBI has forged a stronger and more stable financial ecosystem for large NBFCs. As a result, Muthoot Finance, Shriram Finance, and Sammaan Capital among the institutions are well positioned to sustain growth and long term trust in the market. Source: BS 2. Moody’s Review of IndusInd Bank’s Ratings Context: Moody’s is reviewing the Baseline Credit Assessment (BCA) of IndusInd Bank for possible downgrade.The review is in line with the recent revelation of an accounting discrepancy amounting to ₹2,100 crore, which could impact the net worth of the bank to the extent of 2.35%. What is Baseline Credit Assessment (BCA)? Baseline credit assessments are based on the entity’s standalone financial health, without considering any support it might get from related companies.  Current Ratings Bearer Meaning of BCA Fundraising Move IndusInd bank is undergoing the microscope of judgments along with