Daily Current Affairs Quiz03 January, 2026 International Affairs 1. U.S. forces capture Maduro after strikes on Venezuela Source: TOI Context: US President Donald Trump confirmed US carried out large scale military strikes against Venzeula and captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.  Venezuela Basics Neighbouring Countries of Venezuela Leadership & Politics Economy 2. Asteroid Bennu and the Origins of Life Context: New scientific studies of samples brought back from asteroid Bennu suggest that many of the fundamental chemical ingredients required for life on Earth may have originated in space, lending strong support to theories of extraterrestrial contributions to life’s emergence. Key Discovery About the Mission National Affairs 1. Indian Army Procures Suryastra Long-Range Rocket Launcher Source: TH Context: Under emergency procurement (EP) powers, the Indian Army has signed a ₹293 crore contract with NIBE Limited, in collaboration with Israel, for the supply of an advanced long-range rocket launcher system, significantly boosting India’s deep-strike artillery capabilities. About the Weapon System – Suryastra 2. ASUSE (Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises) Context: In a significant step towards statistical transparency and data literacy, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has released its first-ever reader-friendly guide to help users better understand official surveys conducted in India. About Know Your Survey: A User Guide to ASUSE Objectives 3. PM Pays Tribute to Savitribai Phule Source: News on Air Context: On the birth anniversary of Savitribai Phule, the Prime Minister paid homage to her enduring legacy, recalling her lifelong commitment to education, equality, and social transformation—values that continue to shape India’s social justice discourse. About Savitribai Phule (1831–1897) Who She Was Early Life Key Contributions 4. Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation (PRAGATI) Context: Following the 50th review meeting of PRAGATI, the Cabinet Secretary highlighted that land acquisition has emerged as the single largest cause of infrastructure project delays, accounting for around 35% of stalled or delayed projects. This underscores persistent Centre–State and inter-departmental coordination challenges in India’s infrastructure push. About Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation (PRAGATI) What it is Launched Objectives 5. Cetacean Morbillivirus Detected in Arctic Waters Source: IE Context: Scientists have, for the first time, detected cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV) in Arctic waters, using drones to collect whale breath (blow) samples. This marks a major advance in non-invasive wildlife disease surveillance and signals changing disease dynamics in polar ecosystems. About Cetacean Morbillivirus (CeMV) What it is Where it is found Origin 6. Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) Context: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has approved 22 additional projects under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS), involving a fresh investment of ₹41,863 crore. This marks a major push to deepen India’s electronics manufacturing ecosystem beyond final assembly. About the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) What it is Nodal Ministry Launch & Outlay Tenure 7. Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR) Context: On January 1, 2026, the Droupadi Murmu launched a series of initiatives under Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR)—a key pillar of the Skill India Mission—at an event organised by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre. Key Launches & Announcements 1. #SkillTheNation Challenge 2. IGNOU Centre at Rairangpur, Odisha 3. Conferment of AI Certificates About Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR) Learning Model & Partnerships Aims & Significance 8. MoSPI Launches New Logo & Mascot ‘Sankhyiki’ Source: PIB Context: On 1 January 2026, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) unveiled its new logo and official mascot ‘Sankhyiki’ in New Delhi, signalling a renewed effort to modernise its institutional identity and strengthen public engagement with official statistics. Key Highlights Objectives of the Initiative 9. India’s Silk Value Chain to Cross ₹1.1 Lakh Crore by 2030 Context: India is aiming to significantly scale up its sericulture sector, positioning silk as a high-value agricultural and export commodity through productivity enhancement, technological adoption, and wider geographical spread. Key Announcement Central Silk Board (CSB) What it is Established Headquarters Government Initiatives Banking/Finance 1. Government Rolls Out ₹7,300 crore Schemes to Ease MSME Financing Source: BS Context: To improve access to affordable credit for export-oriented MSMEs, the government has rolled out new credit-linked support schemes, aimed at strengthening liquidity, boosting exports, and enhancing bank lending. Key Announcement Scheme 1: Collateral Support for Export Credit Scheme 2: Credit Support under Export Promotion Framework 2. Government Panel Reviews Foreign Banks’ Plans to Open Branches in India Source: BS Context: India is reviewing proposals from foreign banks to expand their presence amid a calibrated liberalisation of the financial sector and evolving FDI and trade commitments. About the IDC Mechanism Eligibility to Become a Foreign Bank in India Foreign banks are permitted to operate in India under a regulated and calibrated framework to balance financial openness with systemic stability. The entire process is governed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in consultation with the Government of India. Who qualifies as a foreign bank? A foreign bank is a banking institution that: Capital Requirements Modes of Entry into India Foreign banks can operate in India through three routes: 3. SEBI Working on Technology Road Map for Stock Exchanges & MIIs Source: BS Context: With capital markets becoming more complex and technology-driven, the market regulator is stepping up efforts to future-proof India’s market infrastructure institutions (MIIs). Key Development About the Technology Road Map Focus Areas Highlighted by SEBI AI-Driven Regulatory Initiatives SEBI has already deployed or is developing several artificial intelligence (AI) tools: Sensex at 40: Broader Perspective Agriculture 1. India Surpasses China to Become the World’s Largest Rice Producer Source: TOI Context: India has overtaken China to rank No. 1 globally in rice production, reflecting sustained gains from improved irrigation, high-yielding varieties, and supportive procurement policies. Global Status State-wise Rice Production (2023–24) (As per Economic Survey, Statistical Appendix) Rank State Production Share 1 Telangana 16.63 MT ~12.17% 2 Uttar Pradesh 15.72 MT ~11.50% 3 West Bengal 15.12 MT ~11.06% Other major rice-producing states:Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Odisha, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Assam. Geographical Features of Rice Production in India 1. Climate Belt 2. Water Geography

Daily Current Affairs Quiz01 & 02 January, 2026 National Affairs 1. Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment Report, 2024 Context: The Union Minister of Jal Shakti has released the Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment Report, 2024, which indicates a net improvement in India’s groundwater status compared to 2017, marked by higher recharge and moderated long-term extraction. This reflects important spatial and temporal changes in a critical geographical feature — groundwater. Key Highlights of the Report: 1. Changing Groundwater Status (Spatial Trends) 2. Role of Water Bodies & Conservation Structures 3. Persistent Regional Imbalances Despite national improvement, groundwater stress remains spatially concentrated in: 4. Climatic Sensitivity Reasons for Groundwater Depletion (Geographical Perspective) Initiatives Addressing Groundwater Stress Challenges Linked to Groundwater as a Geographical Resource Way Forward (Geography-Informed Strategy) 2. BSNL Launched Voice over WiFi (VoWiFi) Services Source: PIB Context: State-run telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has launched Voice over WiFi (VoWiFi) services across all telecom circles in India, enabling users to make voice calls and send SMS over Wi-Fi networks. The move significantly enhances connectivity in areas with weak or no mobile network coverage, especially indoors and in remote regions. What is Voice over WiFi (VoWiFi)? 3. Central Excise (Amendment) Act, 2025 Context: TH Context: The Union Government has notified the Central Excise (Amendment) Act, 2025, along with related tax changes on tobacco products, to be effective from February 1, 2026. The reform ends the GST Compensation Cess, revises central excise duties, and seeks to raise tobacco prices in line with public health and fiscal objectives. About the Central Excise (Amendment) Act, 2025 The Central Excise (Amendment) Act, 2025 amends the Central Excise Act, 1944 to restructure excise duties on tobacco and tobacco-related products, which continue to remain outside the full GST framework. Key Features of the Act 1. Revision of Central Excise Duties The Act updates excise rates to maintain and enhance the overall tax burden after the discontinuation of the GST compensation cess. Revised duty rates include: 2. Public Health Objective 3. GST Rate Restructuring on Tobacco This replaces the earlier structure that combined GST with a compensation cess. 4. New Valuation Mechanism About GST Compensation Cess The GST Compensation Cess was an additional levy on select goods (including tobacco) to compensate States for revenue losses due to GST. 4. Centre Pre-Publishes Draft Rules for Four Labour Codes Source: Mint The Ministry of Labour and Employment has pre-published the draft Rules for implementation of the four Labour Codes, inviting public comments within 45 days. The move marks a major step towards operationalising India’s landmark labour law reforms, covering wages, industrial relations, social security, and occupational safety. What Is the Key Announcement? Code-wise Key Provisions 1. Code on Wages – Draft Rules 2. Code on Social Security – Draft Rules 3. Women & Night-Shift Employment 4. Industrial Relations Code – Draft Rules 5. SPREE 2025 Scheme Source: PIB Context: The Ministry of Labour and Employment has extended the deadline of the SPREE 2025 scheme to January 31, 2026, providing additional time for employers and employees to avail benefits under the Employees’ State Insurance framework. About SPREE 2025 Objective Key Features 6. DRDO Carries Out Successful Salvo Launch of Pralay Missiles Source: TOI Context: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a salvo launch of two indigenously developed Pralay missiles from the same launcher, marking a significant milestone in India’s conventional missile capability. Key Details of the Test About the Pralay Missile 7. Ancient Savannas of Western Maharashtra Source: TH Why in News? A new ecological study published in People and Nature, a journal of the British Ecological Society, has shown that the savannas of western Maharashtra are ancient ecosystems, not degraded or deforested landscapes. The study uses medieval Marathi literature, oral traditions, archival records, and ecological evidence to trace open tree–grass savanna landscapes back at least 750 years, well before colonial-era timber extraction. It challenges the dominant policy narrative that treats savannas as degraded forests and calls for distinct conservation approaches that respect both biodiversity and local cultural histories. What are Savannas? Savannas vs Forests (Conceptual Difference) Indian Ecological Terminology (Historical) Types of Savannas in Maharashtra 8. Market Access Support (MAS) Scheme Source: PIB Context: The Government of India has launched a ₹4,531 crore Market Access Support (MAS) scheme for a six-year period (FY 2025–26 to FY 2030–31) to strengthen the global reach, visibility, and competitiveness of Indian exporters through structured, outcome-oriented interventions. The scheme was unveiled by the Department of Commerce and forms part of the broader ₹25,060 crore Export Promotion Mission, approved by the Union Cabinet in November 2025. About Market Access Support (MAS) Implementing Ministries & Institutions What MAS Provides Under the MAS framework, the government will offer financial and institutional support for: Additional features include: MSME-Centric Design Understanding the Export Promotion Mission (EPM) Banking/Finance 1. Financial Stability Report (FSR), December 2025 Source: Mint Context: The Reserve Bank of India released the December 2025 edition of the Financial Stability Report (FSR) on 31 December 2025, warning that near-term risks to India’s economy and financial system may arise from global geopolitical and trade-related uncertainties. About the Financial Stability Report (FSR) Key Highlights of FSR – December 2025 1. Global Macrofinancial Risks 2. Domestic Macrofinancial Risks 3. Financial Institutions’ Health 4. Regulatory and Supervisory Initiatives Overall Assessment The December 2025 FSR reaffirms that India’s financial system is resilient and well-capitalised, even as global uncertainties and market vulnerabilities rise. The RBI, however, stresses the need for continued vigilance amid external shocks. 2. Banks Allowed to Set Up Their Own Pension Funds under NPS Source: TH Context: India’s pension regulator, the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), has permitted banks to sponsor and independently set up pension funds to manage assets under the National Pension System (NPS). The move aims to enhance competition, efficiency, and depth in India’s pension ecosystem. What Has Changed? Eligibility Conditions for Banks Banks seeking to sponsor pension funds must meet criteria related to: These safeguards ensure that only financially strong and

Daily Current Affairs Quiz30 & 31 December, 2025 International Affairs 1. India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Source: TH The India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA), concluded in December 2025 and announced after negotiations that began in March 2025, marks a major step in India’s strategy of trade diversification and deeper economic integration with high-income economies. The agreement was finalised under the leadership of Narendra Modi and Christopher Luxon, and is being described as one of India’s fastest-concluded FTAs (nine months). What is the India–New Zealand FTA? It is a comprehensive trade and investment agreement covering: The FTA is designed not merely as a tariff-cutting pact, but as a long-term framework for economic cooperation and access to the Oceania–Pacific region. What zero-duty access will India get? In return: How much FDI is New Zealand committing? Notably, the agreement includes binding timelines and clawback provisions if investment commitments are not met — a first in India’s FTAs. Key New Elements in the Agreement Why is India accelerating FTAs? India’s rapid push for FTAs reflects strategic, economic and geopolitical compulsions: This is India’s third FTA in 2025, after agreements with the UK and Oman. National Affairs 1. INSV Kaundinya Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended New Year greetings to the crew of INSV Kaundinya, who are currently on a maritime voyage, praising their enthusiasm and dedication as India prepares to welcome 2026. About Kaundinya INSV Kaundinya is a historic stitched sailing vessel of the Indian Navy, reconstructed to revive and showcase India’s ancient maritime traditions and long-distance seafaring heritage. Key Highlights: Development & Launch 2. Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) Context: Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is India’s flagship health assurance scheme that provides up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization in empaneled public and private hospitals. In 2025, the scheme was expanded significantly when Odisha and Delhi formally joined AB-PMJAY. Key Features 3. Parvati-Arga Bird Sanctuary Declared Eco-Sensitive Zone Source: News on Air Context: The Parvati–Arga Bird Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh has been notified as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to strengthen ecological protection around the sanctuary. Key Facts About the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) Activities under ESZ 4. India Ranks 3rd in Global Rare Earth Reserves Source: ET Context: India has emerged as the world’s third-largest holder of rare earth reserves, underscoring its growing strategic importance in critical minerals essential for modern technologies and clean energy transitions. Key Highlights: Rankings (REO Reserves): About Rare Earth Elements (REEs) India’s Resource Base 5. Amit Shah Inaugurates Redeveloped Batadrava Than, Assam Source: PIB Context: Amit Shah, Union Home Minister of India, inaugurated the redeveloped Batadrava Than in Assam, marking a significant step towards preserving Assam’s spiritual, cultural, and Vaishnavite heritage. About Batadrava Than Key Features of the Redevelopment 6. Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR-120) Source: PIB Context: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR-120) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, marking a major milestone in India’s indigenous rocket artillery capabilities. About Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR-120) The Pinaka LRGR-120 is an indigenously developed, precision-guided rocket variant of the Pinaka Multi‑Barrel Rocket System, designed for long-range, high-accuracy battlefield strikes. Developed by Aim of the System 7. PM Highlights Narsapuram Lace Craft in Man Ki Baat Context: The Prime Minister, in Man Ki Baat, highlighted the Narsapuram Lace Craft as a model of women-led economic empowerment, cultural continuity, and sustainable livelihoods. The recent conferment of the Geographical Indication (GI) tag has brought renewed national focus to this centuries-old craft of the Godavari region. About Narsapuram Lace Craft Narsapuram Lace Craft is a handmade crochet lace tradition, where artisans use a single crochet hook and fine cotton threads to create intricate lace patterns. The craft is known for its precision, patience, and high skill, resulting in products such as lace trims, table linens, garments, and decorative items. Region Historical Background Banking/Finance 1. India Becomes the World’s 4th Largest Economy Source: ET Context: India has officially emerged as the world’s fourth-largest economy, overtaking Japan, marking a major milestone in its economic journey and reinforcing its position as the fastest-growing major economy globally. Key Highlights Global Ranking Snapshot Growth Drivers Recent Growth Performance 2. RBI Releases “Report on Trend and Progress of Banking in India 2024–25” Source: TH Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released its statutory annual publication, the “Report on Trend and Progress of Banking in India 2024–25”, in accordance with Section 36(2) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. The report provides a comprehensive assessment of the health, performance, and evolving risks of India’s banking system. Purpose of the Report Key Findings of the Report 1. Bank Frauds: Fewer Cases, Higher Amounts Reason for spike in value: Legal context: 2. Fraud Profile: Type-wise Trends 3. Bank-wise Contribution to Frauds 4. Trend Across Bank Groups 5. Resilience & Growth of Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) (Often described as the “resilient 11-11-11” growth pattern) 6. Profitability 7. Capital Adequacy & Leverage 8. Asset Quality 9. Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) 10. Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) 3. SEBI Surplus Transfer Proposal Source: BS Context: During the Winter Session of Parliament, the government introduced the Securities Markets Code, 2025 Bill, which seeks to consolidate securities market laws. A key concern arises from Clause 124, which proposes the transfer of the annual surplus of the market regulator to the Consolidated Fund of India (CFI). What Does Clause 124 Propose? How SEBI’s General Fund Works (Current System) 4. Govt Plans to Amend SARFAESI Act to Include Special Situation Funds (SSFs) Source: Business Standard Context: The Union government is considering amending the SARFAESI Act, 2002 to expand the definition of “financial institution” to include Special Situation Funds (SSFs), with the aim of speeding up recovery of stressed assets and NPAs. About SARFAESI Act, 2002 What are Special Situation Funds (SSFs)? Proposed

Daily Current Affairs Quiz28 & 29 December, 2025 National Affairs 1. Kavach System Source: TH Context: The Indian Railways has missed the December 2025 deadline for operationalising the Kavach automatic train protection system on the Mumbai–Delhi and Delhi–Howrah (Kolkata) routes. The Railways now expects completion sometime in 2026 What is KAVACH? KAVACH is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system of Indian Railways, designed to prevent train collisions, over-speeding, and signal passing at danger (SPAD). Key Objectives How KAVACH Works Major Features 2. Passenger Assistance Control Room (PACR) Source: TH What is the News? The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has established a 24×7 Passenger Assistance Control Room (PACR) to fast-track grievance redressal for air passengers and strengthen crisis response in civil aviation. What is Passenger Assistance Control Room (PACR)? The Passenger Assistance Control Room (PACR) is a permanent, round-the-clock integrated control centre that: Objectives of PACR 3. PARAM Rudra Supercomputer Unveiled at IIT-Patna Source: TOI What is the News? On 26 December 2025, the PARAM Rudra supercomputer was inaugurated at Indian Institute of Technology Patna, marking the first PARAM Rudra High-Performance Computing (HPC) system in Bihar. About PARAM Rudra Framework & Development The National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) The National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) is a flagship initiative of the Government of India to build a world-class supercomputing infrastructure, strengthen high-performance computing (HPC) capabilities, and support advanced research and innovation across the country. Launch & Nodal Agencies 4. PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) What is the News? Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called upon States to replicate the Centre’s PRAGATI platform, establish Data Strategy Units, and create deregulation cells to strengthen outcome-oriented, data-driven governance. The remarks were made at the National Conference of Chief Secretaries, a forum for Centre–State coordination. What is PRAGATI? PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) is a technology-enabled governance platform launched in 2015 by the Prime Minister’s Office. PRAGATI is a technology which ensure fast-track decision-making and effective implementation of critical government projects. Core Functions 5. Gandikota Canyon: India’s ‘Grand Canyon’ with Untapped Heritage Potential Why in News? Gandikota Canyon has drawn renewed attention as a spectacular but underdeveloped natural–heritage site, even as the state explores plans to enhance tourism infrastructure. What is Gandikota Canyon? Gandikota Canyon is a dramatic river gorge carved by the Penna (Pennar) River, renowned for its steep cliffs and striking geological formations.It is often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of India.” Location 6. Kanger Valley National Park Why in News? The Chhattisgarh government, with support from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), has initiated detailed biodiversity surveys at Kanger Valley National Park as part of efforts to seek its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. What is Kanger Valley National Park? Kanger Valley National Park is a biodiversity-rich protected area known for: It is regarded as one of the most ecologically significant national parks in Central India. Location 7. Regional Level Pollution Response Exercise 2025 (RPREX-25) What is the News? The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) conducted the Regional Level Pollution Response Exercise 2025 (RPREX-25) off the coast of Mumbai, Maharashtra, in December 2025. ICG is the central coordinating authority for marine pollution response in India. Objective of RPREX-25 About RPREX-25 Exercise Design The exercise followed a two-phase approach: Phase I: Planning & Coordination Phase II: Full-Scale Sea Exercise Banking/Finance 1. Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Bill, 2025 Context: The Indian Parliament has passed the Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Bill, 2025, introducing wide-ranging changes to insurance laws that had remained largely static for decades. The reforms significantly liberalise the sector but raise concerns about whether consumer protection has been sidelined. Key Provisions of the Amendment Bill 1. 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) The most significant change is raising the FDI cap in Indian insurance companies from 74% to 100% of paid-up equity. This allows full foreign ownership under the automatic route, intended to attract capital, global expertise, and innovation. 2. Liberalisation of Reinsurance The Bill lowers net-owned fund requirements for foreign re-insurers from ₹5,000 crore to ₹1,000 crore, making it easier for global reinsurers to establish a presence in India and deepen the reinsurance market. 3. Stronger Regulatory Powers for IRDAI The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) gets enhanced powers to: This is meant to strengthen consumer protection and oversight. 4. Policyholders’ Rights and Protection Measures New provisions include: 5. Ease of Doing Business The Bill simplifies compliance procedures, expands regulatory definitions (e.g., of “insurance intermediary”), and reduces bureaucratic hurdles, helping insurers grow and innovate. 6. Operational Autonomy for LIC LIC gets greater freedom to open zonal offices and manage regional operations without prior government approval, expediting its organisational flexibility. 2. Aryaman Finance Receives CoR from RBI to Operate as NBFC Source: What is the News? In December 2025, Aryaman Finance (India) Limited (AFIL) received a Certificate of Registration (CoR) from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to commence operations as a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC). AFIL is a wholly owned subsidiary of Aryaman Financial Services Limited (AFSL). Regulatory Basis NBFC Category Assigned Type-II NBFC–ND–ICC AFIL has been classified as a: Meaning: Permitted Functions of AFIL As a Type-II NBFC-ND-ICC, AFIL can: About the Parent Company (AFSL) Entry into NBFC space enables business diversification beyond capital markets. 3. Canara HSBC Life Insurance Partners with Equitas Small Finance Bank What is the News? Canara HSBC Life Insurance has entered into a strategic bancassurance partnership with Equitas Small Finance Bank to expand life insurance access across India. What is Bancassurance? Bancassurance is a distribution model in which banks sell insurance products (life, health, and general insurance) to their customers, acting as corporate agents, brokers, or referral partners of insurance companies. It leverages the bank’s wide branch network, customer trust, and data to expand insurance coverage. Insurance Products Offered 4. PayNearby Gets NPCI TPAP Licence; Launches ‘Saathi’ App What is the News? Fintech firm PayNearby has received a Third-Party Application Provider (TPAP) licence from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

Daily Current Affairs Quiz27 December, 2025 National Affairs 1. Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana Context: In December 2025, the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) completed 25 years, marking a landmark achievement in India’s efforts to transform rural connectivity and infrastructure. About Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) PMGSY is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) aimed at providing all-weather road connectivity to eligible, previously unconnected rural habitations, thereby integrating villages with: Launch Objective Nodal Ministry Key Features of PMGSY 2. Five Digital Governance Reforms on Good Governance Day 2025 Source: PIB Context: On 25 December 2025, Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions (MoPP&P), launched five transformative digital governance initiatives of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on the occasion of Good Governance Day, during the National Workshop on Good Governance Practices 2025 in New Delhi. Five Transformative Digital Initiatives Launched Compendium on Reservation for Ex-Servicemen (ESM) AI-Powered Recruitment Rules Generator Tool e-HRMS 2.0 Mobile App iGOT AI Platforms KDLL 2.0 3. PM-VIKAS Scheme Source: PIB Context: In December 2025, the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management, Kundli (NIFTEM-K) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) to implement the Pradhan Mantri Virasat Ka Samvardhan (PM-VIKAS) Scheme, aimed at skill development and livelihood generation for minority communities. What is PM-VIKAS? PM-VIKAS is a Central Sector Scheme implemented by the Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) to provide skill development, entrepreneurship support and livelihood opportunities to minority communities across India. It integrates and subsumes earlier livelihood-oriented schemes of the Ministry to ensure convergence, scale and outcome-based delivery. Key Objective 4. India to Assume Chairpersonship of Kimberley Process Source: TOI Context: In December 2025, it was announced that India will assume the Chairpersonship of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) from January 1, 2026. Key Highlights: About the Kimberley Process (KP) 5. India Successfully Test-Fires ‘K-4’ Missile from INS Arighaat Context: In December 2025, India successfully test-fired the ‘K-4’ Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) with a range of ~3,500 km from INS Arighaat, India’s second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), in the Bay of Bengal, off the coast of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Key Highlights: About K-4 SLBM Banking/Finance 1. Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India fines Reliance General Insurance ₹1 crore Source: TH Context: The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has imposed a ₹1 crore penalty on Reliance General Insurance Company for violations related to commission payments, outsourcing norms and corporate governance guidelines. Key Findings by IRDAI Sections & Norms Violated Insurance Act, 1938 Section 40 – Limits on Commission Section 102(b) – Penalty for Contravention IRDAI (Outsourcing of Activities by Indian Insurers) Regulations IRDAI Corporate Governance Guidelines IRDAI (Payment of Commission) Regulations 2. SEBI Simplifies Procedure for Issuing Duplicate Securities Source: ET Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has simplified and standardised the process for issuance of duplicate securities certificates, doubling the threshold for simplified documentation from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh to ease investor compliance. Key Changes Announced by SEBI Key Changes Introduced by SEBI 3. Insurers to Move Away from One-Size-Fits-All Models Source: TOI Context: Insurance companies in India are set to change how they price policies and manage risk as the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) introduces two major reforms from April 2026. What Are the Two Big Changes? 1. Risk-Based Capital (RBC) Norms What are RBC Norms? Risk-Based Capital (RBC) norms require insurers to maintain capital proportional to the actual risks they assume, instead of a flat, one-size-fits-all solvency requirement. In India, RBC norms are being introduced by Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI). Why Were RBC Norms Needed? Under the earlier framework: RBC corrects this distortion by linking capital → risk exposure. 2. Ind AS 117 (India’s version of IFRS 17) What is Ind AS 117? Ind AS 117 is India’s accounting standard for insurance contracts, aligned with IFRS 17, issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).It replaces the existing Ind AS 104, bringing uniformity, transparency, and comparability in insurance accounting. Why Was Ind AS 117 Introduced? Earlier accounting allowed insurers to: Ind AS 117 corrects this by aligning revenue recognition with insurance service delivery. 4. IRDAI Gets More Powers to Prevent Mis-selling Source: TOI Context: The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has been granted enhanced statutory powers to curb insurance mis-selling through provisions in the Sabka Bima Sabki Raksha (Amendment of Insurance Laws) Bill, 2025, recently cleared by Parliament. Key Objective of the Amendments Major Regulatory Powers Granted to IRDAI 1. Commission Disclosure & Regulation This marks a shift from opaque pricing to informed consumer choice. 2. Stronger Conflict-of-Interest Norms (Bancassurance Focus) 3. Tighter Control Over Intermediaries 5. India’s IPO Market Hits Record Highs Context: India’s IPO market has touched historic highs, raising about ₹3.8 lakh crore through 701 IPOs during 2024–25, surpassing the total capital raised in the previous four years combined. This reflects strong investor confidence, deepening capital markets, and robust corporate fundraising. About Initial Public Offering (IPO) An Initial Public Offering (IPO) is the process by which a private company offers its shares to the public for the first time, raising equity capital and becoming a publicly listed company on stock exchanges such as National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). Types of IPOs in India Fixed Price Issue Book Building Issue (Most common in India) Stages of an IPO Process 1. Preparation & Due Diligence 2. DRHP Filing 3. Pricing & Bidding 4. Basis of Allotment 5. Listing 6. SBI launches YONO 2.0 Source: ET Context: India’s largest public sector bank, State Bank of India (SBI), has launched YONO 2.0, an upgraded version of its flagship digital banking platform YONO (You Only Need One). What is YONO 2.0? YONO 2.0 is a fully integrated digital banking ecosystem that combines: into a single, seamless platform with a common KYC and login framework. Key Features of YONO 2.0