Daily Current Affairs Quiz7&8 December, 2025 National Affairs 1. The Evolution of Pension Reforms in India Context: India’s rapidly ageing population poses a growing pension challenge. Over 153 million Indians are aged 60+, projected to rise to 347 million by 2050. Despite formal sector provisions, 88% of senior citizens work in the informal economy, lacking pensions or reliable social security. The government has progressively revised pension schemes to enhance financial inclusion, social protection, and long-term savings behaviour. Key Pension Schemes and Evolution a) Social Assistance Schemes b) Contributory Pension Schemes Policy Reforms and Labour Codes Bridging Informal Sector Gaps Challenges 2. Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) Bill, 2025 Source: TH Context: On September 25, 2025, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the draft Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2025, proposing to repeal the Indian Statistical Institute Act, 1959. The draft Bill has sparked widespread protests among students and academicians, who argue that it threatens ISI’s academic autonomy and governance framework. About the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) Key Changes Proposed in the Draft ISI Bill, 2025 Banking/Finance 1. Rupee Breaches 90 Against US Dollar Amid External Pressures Source: IE Context: Key Drivers of Depreciation Economic Implications Policy and Market Response 2. Sebi Grants In-Principle Approval to Raajmarg Infra InvIT Source: BS Context: Purpose and Objectives Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) Types of InvITs SEBI Criteria For InvITs: Criteria Public InvIT Private InvIT Asset Type Completed, revenue-generating infrastructure (≥80% of assets) Same Minimum Asset Size ₹500 crore ₹250 crore Investors ≥1,000 Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs) only Listing Mandatory on stock exchange within 12 months Not mandatory Distribution ≥90% of net distributable cash flows, semi-annual Same Debt Limit Max 49% of asset value Same Agriculture 1. World Soil Day: Grasslands, Not Trees, Are Key to India’s Climate Resilience Source: TH Context: India’s semi-arid grasslands and savannahs, often termed “wastelands” since colonial times, are now recognised as critical ecosystems for biodiversity, pastoral livelihoods, and climate resilience. Grasslands differ from forests as most biomass is underground, concentrated in deep, fibrous root systems that stabilize soils, enhance structure, and store carbon. Historical Undervaluation Soil and Carbon Benefits Livelihoods and Community Role Policy Implications 2. Pesticides Management Bill Source: BS Context: The government has reopened consultations on the long-pending Pesticides Management Bill (PMB), aimed at modernising India’s pesticide regulatory framework. About Pesticides Management Bill (PMB) Objective Key Focus Areas Key Industry Concerns: Licensing and Regulatory Control Sampling and Inspection Company Bans Data Protection and Innovation 3. e-NAM 2.0 Source: BS Context: The Centre’s electronic National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) 2.0, aimed at enhancing mandi operations, is facing data migration challenges in Rajasthan. Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu were selected as pilot states for the new platform. electronic National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) Objectives Key Features (e-NAM 2.0) Features of e-NAM 2.0 Facts To Remember 1. Suruchi and Sainyam make it a gold-silver finish for India Suruchi Singh (245.1) clinched the women’s 10m air pistol gold, while compatriot Sainyam (243.3) took the silver as India made a big splash on the opening day of the season-ending ISSF World Cup Final in Doha. 2. Simranpreet Kaur claims women’s 25m pistol gold Young Simranpreet Kaur overcame a challenging field to win the women’s 25m pistol gold, while men’s 50m rifle 3-position exponent Aishwary Pratap Tomar bagged a silver on ISSF World Cup Final debut. 3. ICAR Urges Universities to Launch Courses in Natural Farming The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has urged all State and Central agricultural universities, as well as universities with agriculture departments, to introduce undergraduate and postgraduate courses and research programmes in natural farming. 4. UMEED Portal for Waqf Properties Officially Closed After Six-Month Window The UMEED Central Portal for management of Waqf Properties has been officially closed for uploads on the 6th of this month.  5. Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan Launches Silver Jubilee Celebrations of Brahma Kumaris’ Om Shanti Retreat Centre Vice President C P Radhakrishnan today launched Rajat Rashmiyan, formally marking the commencement of the silver jubilee celebrations of Brahma Kumaris’ Om Shanti Retreat Centre (ORC) in Gurugram, Haryana. 6. MNRE Denies Reports of Halting Renewable Energy Financing in India The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has clarified that no advisory has been issued to pause or halt new renewable energy financing, refuting reports of lending restrictions amid overcapacity concerns.  7. Rajnath Singh Inaugurates 125 Infrastructure Projects Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh inaugurated 125 strategically significant infrastructure projects including Shyok Tunnel, across 7 States and 2 Union Territories constructed by The Border Roads Organisation (BRO). 8. Veteran actor Kalyan Chattopadhyay passes away at 82 Veteran actor Kalyan Chattopadhyay passed away at the age of 82. Recently, he had been hospitalised due to age‑related illness and breathed his last on Sunday night.