Daily Current Affairs Quiz14 & 15 December, 2025 National Affairs 1. Union Cabinet Approves Atomic Energy Bill, 2025 (SHANTI Bill) Source: ET Context: The Atomic Energy Bill, 2025, also called the SHANTI Bill (Sustainable Harnessing of Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India), is the largest nuclear sector reform since 1962, aiming to modernise governance, safety, liability, and private-sector participation in India’s nuclear energy sector. Key Objectives Ministry Current Legal Framework (Before SHANTI Bill) Key Features of SHANTI Bill 1. Private Sector Participation 2. Unified Legal Framework 3. Nuclear Liability Reforms 4. Independent Regulatory Authority 5. Dedicated Nuclear Tribunal 6. Support for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) 2. India Ranks 3rd in Stanford Global AI Vibrancy Index 2025 Source: IE Context: Stanford University has ranked India third globally in its 2025 Global AI Vibrancy Index, reflecting the country’s rapid progress in artificial intelligence preparedness, innovation, and ecosystem development. The index evaluates how well countries are positioned for AI-led economic and governance transformation. About the Stanford Global AI Vibrancy Tool Issuing Institution Coverage Purpose India’s Ranking and Performance Global Position Score Improvement Seven Pillars of AI Vibrancy The index evaluates countries across seven pillars: India performed particularly well in: Global Leaders in AI Vibrancy United States China Key Drivers Behind India’s Rise 3. Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025 Source: HT Context: The Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, 2025 seeks to overhaul India’s higher education regulatory architecture by creating a single umbrella body, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The Bill aims to end multiplicity of regulators, reduce over-regulation, and introduce a “light but tight” regulatory framework. Core Objective of the Bill Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan (Commission) Councils Under the Commission 4. National Blood Transfusion Bill, 2025 Source: TH Context: Thalassaemia patient groups have welcomed the introduction of the National Blood Transfusion Bill, 2025 in Parliament, describing it as a long-awaited reform to improve access to safe, quality blood across India. What is Thalassaemia? Key Provisions of the National Blood Transfusion Bill, 2025 Provision Key Features Objective/Impact National Blood Transfusion Authority Central regulatory authority for blood transfusion services Ensures uniform governance and oversight across all states Uniform National Standards Covers collection, testing, processing, storage, distribution, and transfusion practices Eliminates regional disparities; ensures consistent quality Mandatory Registration of Blood Centres All blood banks and centres must be registered Enhances monitoring, accountability, and compliance Promotion of Voluntary Blood Donation Encourages non-remunerated voluntary donations Reduces dependence on paid/replacement donors; improves safety Stricter Oversight and Penalties Introduces strict penalties for unsafe, unethical, or non-compliant practices Curbs poor screening, storage lapses, and illegal blood trading 5. Siliserh Lake (Rajasthan) and Kopra Jalashay (Chhattisgarh) Added to Ramsar List Context: India has added Siliserh Lake in Rajasthan and Kopra Jalashay in Chhattisgarh to the List of Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar List), taking the total number of Ramsar sites in India to 96. About Siliserh Lake, Rajasthan About Kopra Jalashay, Chhattisgarh Banking/Finance 1. 50 Years of Regional Rural Banks Source: BS Context: India’s Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) completed 50 years in 2025, marking a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards financial inclusion and rural development. Established to bridge the gap between commercial banking and cooperative institutions, RRBs have played a crucial role in extending formal finance to underserved rural and semi-urban regions. Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) Genesis of RRBs Objective Unique Institutional Design Tripartite Ownership Structure Key Features One Nation One RRB Initiative Role in Financial Inclusion and Government Schemes RRBs are key implementation partners for flagship schemes: Recapitalisation and Regulatory Support 2. SEBI Weighs Margin Cut to Boost Non-Expiry Day F&O Trading Source: Mint Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is considering a reduction in margins for equity derivatives trading on non-expiry days to encourage longer-term positions and reduce excessive concentration of trading activity on weekly options expiry days. What Are Margins in F&O Trading? Why SEBI Is Considering This Move Current Margin Structure in India Components of Margin Key Difference from Global Practice Proposed Changes Under Discussion For Non-Expiry Days For Expiry Days 3. Govt Urges Banks to Reprice MSME Loans Source: TOI Context: The Government of India has informed Parliament that banks have been advised by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to link loans to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to an external benchmark, improving monetary policy transmission. Key Measures for MSME Loans Quality Control Orders (QCOs) & MSME Exemptions Key Relaxations: Objective Agriculture 1. Transforming Marathwada: How Natural Farming Rescued the Borole Family from Agrarian Distress Source: NABARD The drought-prone region of Marathwada, particularly Babhulgaon village in Nanded district, has long suffered from crop failures, soil degradation, and farmer indebtedness. Farmer couple Sumantai and Namdeorao Borole turned their ancestral land into a model of natural, diversified farming, demonstrating a successful path to financial stability and ecological restoration. Background: Agrarian Crisis in Marathwada Turning Point: The JIVA Programme The ATM Model: Diversified Farming for Continuous Income Ecological Impact and Biodiversity Restoration Community Learning and Replication Facts To Remember 1. National shooting: Raiza claims golden double in skeet Raiza Dhillon clinched the women’s senior and junior skeet gold in the National shooting in New Delhi. The 21-year-old shot 56 in the women’s final ahead of Yashasvi Rathore (55). Ganemat Shekhon finished third with 45. 2. Nandhidhaa beats Srishti, retains National title P.V. Nandhidhaa beat Srishti Pandey in the 11th round on Saturday to retain her title in the National women’s chess championship at Durgapur. 3. Ministry of Education celebrates Bharatiya Bhasha Utsav 2025 The Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education, celebrated the valedictory Function of Bharatiya Bhasha Utsav (BBU) 2025 on 11th December 2025 on the occasion of National Bal Bhavan, New Delhi. 4. 2025 Passport Index: UAE Retains Top Spot, India at 67th In December 2025, Arton Capital, a Canada-based global financial advisory firm, released the 2025 Passport Index, ranking passports worldwide based on travel freedom and mobility. Top-ranked Passport: United Arab Emirates (UAE) 5. India reaffirms ideals of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam at 11th UNAOC

Daily Current Affairs Quiz13 December, 2025 National Affairs 1. India’s Resolution on ‘Strengthening the Global Management of Wildfires’ Adopted at UNEA-7 Source: PIB Context: India’s resolution on “Strengthening the Global Management of Wildfires” was adopted at the 7th Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) held in Nairobi, Kenya. The adoption reflects broad international consensus on the growing global threat posed by wildfires and the need for coordinated international action. Why Wildfires Are a Global Concern India cited UNEP’s report “Spreading Like Wildfire”, which projects: These projections underscore wildfires as a long-term, climate-driven global risk. United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) Established: Headquarters: 2. Diving Support Craft (DSC) A20 Source: PIB Context: The Indian Navy will commission DSC A20, its first indigenously designed and built Diving Support Craft (DSC), at Kochi, marking a significant milestone in India’s naval self-reliance and underwater operational capability. About Diving Support Craft (DSC) A20 DSC A20 is a purpose-built naval auxiliary vessel designed to support underwater diving operations, including inspection, repair and salvage activities in coastal and near-shore waters. Developed by Objectives Banking/Finance 1. Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999 Context: Indian residents who ask friends, associates, or agents abroad to make initial payments (10–20%) for overseas purchases—such as artwork, luxury watches, or real estate—risk violating the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), even if the transactions are genuine. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has recently issued notices highlighting this issue, invoking Section 3(a) of FEMA. Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999 The Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999 is India’s primary law governing foreign exchange transactions, external trade, and cross-border capital flows. It replaced the more restrictive Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA), 1973. In Force Since Administered By Objectives of FEMA Key Features of FEMA 1. Civil Law Framework 2. Classification of Transactions FEMA divides forex transactions into two categories: a) Current Account Transactions b) Capital Account Transactions Regulatory Powers under FEMA Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Central Government Directorate of Enforcement (ED) Key Concepts under FEMA Difference Between FEMA and FERA Aspect FERA (1973) FEMA (1999) Approach Restrictive Facilitative Nature of law Criminal Civil Focus Conservation of forex Management of forex Presumption Guilty unless proven innocent Innocent unless proven guilty Economic context Closed economy Liberalised economy 3. SEBI Mandates Two Executive Directors to Strengthen Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs) Source: ET Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has notified a comprehensive leadership and governance framework for Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs)—including stock exchanges, clearing corporations and depositories—to strengthen oversight, accountability and risk management. What Are MIIs? MIIs are systemically important entities that provide the core infrastructure for capital markets, such as: They play a critical role in ensuring market integrity, investor protection and financial stability. Key Features of the New SEBI Framework Mandatory Appointment of Two Executive Directors (EDs) SEBI has mandated that every MII must appoint: Both EDs will be full-time and will sit on the governing board of the MII. Transparent Appointment Process Strengthened Reporting and Oversight Revised Internal Reporting Structure Agriculture 1. Centre Increases Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Copra Source: BS Context: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved an increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for copra for the 2026 market season, providing price assurance to coconut farmers amid rising input costs. Revised MSP for Copra (2026 Season) What is Copra? Coconut is a major plantation crop in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and parts of the North-East. Copra converts perishable coconuts into a value-added, shelf-stable product. Copra is the dried kernel (white meat) of mature coconuts. It is obtained by drying fresh coconut kernels either: Once dried, copra becomes a storable and tradable agricultural commodity. What is Minimum Support Price (MSP)? Facts To Remember 1. Nepal to Allow Indian High-Denomination Currency Notes Nepal is set to allow Indian currency notes above ₹100, nearly a decade after banning high-denomination notes. Nepal Rastra Bank is in the final stages of issuing the official notice in the Nepal Gazette. 2. MGNREGA to Get New Name and More Work Days The government is set to rename the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA) as Pujya Bapu Grameen Rozgar Yojana. The mandatory employment days per rural household will rise from 100 to 125 days annually. 3. Italy Becomes First Country to Receive UNESCO Recognition for Its National Cuisine UNESCO has inscribed “Italian cooking” on its Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) List, making Italy the first country in the world to receive recognition for its entire national cuisine, rather than a single dish or culinary practice.

Daily Current Affairs Quiz12 December, 2025 National Affairs 1. Working Paper on Generative AI & Copyright Source: IE Context: The Government of India released a Working Paper on Generative AI & Copyright, introducing the country’s first structured framework for regulating AI training on copyrighted works. The model aims to balance creator rights with AI innovation, addressing disputes such as ANI vs OpenAI (Delhi HC, 2024–25) over unauthorized use of Indian content. Key Issues Identified Objectives of the Framework Key Recommendations 2. Deepavali Inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity Source: News on Air Context: Deepavali, India’s festival of lights, has been officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during the 20th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee held in New Delhi. The recognition highlights the festival’s cultural significance, social practices, and global reach. About Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Living traditions, expressions, rituals, performing arts, craftsmanship, and knowledge systems recognised by communities as part of their cultural identity. Background: Objectives: Features of the ICH Framework: 3. Shilp Didi Programme Source: PIB Context: The Union Textiles Secretary announced that the Shilp Didi Programme, a government initiative to empower women artisans, has significantly increased their incomes, with some participants earning over ₹5 lakh annually. The scheme combines skill development, digital training, and market access to strengthen financial independence for women in the handicrafts sector. About the Programme Objective: Key Features Science & Tech 1. Europe Launches World’s Largest Planetary-Defense Drill on 3I/ATLAS Source: ET Context: Europe has initiated the largest-ever planetary-defense simulation, focused on tracking the fast-approaching object 3I/ATLAS. The exercise is a global collaboration testing the detection, tracking, and response mechanisms for near-Earth threats. Purpose of the Drill Key Features Banking/Finance 1. Is the Falling Rupee a Cause for Alarm? Source: TH Context: The Indian rupee recently depreciated beyond ₹90 per US dollar, sparking political debate and public concern. Economists Madan Sabnavis and Ranen Banerjee assess whether this decline signals deeper economic issues or is a short-term market phenomenon. Why Is the Rupee Falling? The depreciation stems from a combination of fundamental and sentiment-driven factors: Insight: The rupee’s movement reflects forex market demand–supply pressures, not a collapse in confidence. Does a Falling Rupee Signal Economic Weakness? No. Key macro fundamentals remain strong: Conclusion: The depreciation is largely sentiment-driven and transient, not a sign of structural weakness. Potential Benefits and Drawbacks of a Weaker Rupee Benefits: Drawbacks: Net Impact: Mixed effects across sectors; overall neutral to mildly positive. Should India Be Alarmed? Consensus among economists: No immediate cause for alarm. 2. Rural Demand Revival as Incomes Rise: NABARD Survey Source: TOI Context: The eighth round of NABARD’s Rural Economic Conditions and Sentiments Survey (RECSS), presents the clearest evidence of a broad-based revival in rural demand, rising incomes and improved household well-being over the past year. RECSS is a high-frequency, bi-monthly assessment being conducted by NABARD since September 2024. Key Findings: Strong Consumption Growth Driven by Real Purchasing Power Income Growth at Record High Levels Rural Investment Activity Gains Momentum Formal Credit Access Reaches New High Welfare Transfers Support Demand Without Dependency Inflation Perceptions at One-Year Low Improved Loan Repayment Capacity Positive Feedback on Rural Infrastructure & Services High satisfaction reported in: About NABARD’s RECSS 3. RBI Eases Rules on Current, CC and OD Accounts Source: ET Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has relaxed its framework governing the opening and operation of current accounts (CA) and overdraft (OD) accounts, reducing restrictions that earlier tied businesses closely to their lending banks. The revised norms aim to improve operational flexibility for companies while maintaining safeguards against diversion of funds. Comparison: Current Account vs Cash Credit vs Overdraft Aspect Current Account (CA) Cash Credit (CC) Account Overdraft (OD) Account Nature Deposit account Working capital loan facility Short-term credit facility Primary Purpose Routine business transactions Financing day-to-day operational expenses Meeting short-term liquidity gaps Interest on Balance No interest paid Not applicable Not applicable Interest Charged Not applicable Charged only on utilised amount Charged only on overdrawn amount Withdrawals Unlimited Up to sanctioned credit limit Beyond balance up to approved limit Credit Limit Not applicable Sanctioned based on stock, receivables, or drawing power Sanctioned limit based on creditworthiness or security Revolving Nature Not applicable Yes, repaid amount can be reborrowed Yes Linkage Base account for business operations Usually linked to CA Linked to CA or Savings Account Security Not required Generally secured (inventory, receivables) Can be secured or unsecured Cost of Credit Not applicable Lower than OD Generally higher than CC Typical Users Businesses, firms, institutions Manufacturing, trading, MSMEs Businesses and individuals Common Uses Payments, receipts, settlements Inventory purchase, wages, operating costs Temporary cash flow mismatches Key Changes Announced: Higher Loan Threshold for Restrictions Cash Credit Accounts Unrestricted Wider Choice of Banks Rules for Large Borrowers (₹10 crore and above) Non-Lending Banks and Collection Accounts Background: Why the Change Matters Exempted Accounts Certain accounts remain outside these restrictions, including: 4. SEBI Notifies Leadership and Governance Framework for Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs) Source: Mint Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has formalised a comprehensive framework to restructure leadership, reporting lines and governance responsibilities across Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs), including stock exchanges, clearing corporations and depositories. The changes aim to strengthen regulatory oversight, risk management and operational resilience. Key Objectives Major Structural Changes 1. Mandatory Appointment of Two Executive Directors (EDs) MIIs must appoint: Both EDs: 2. Transparent Appointment Process 3. Oversight by Public Interest Directors (PIDs) Revised Reporting and Oversight Structure Executive Reporting Independent Committee Interactions Facts To Remember 1. Axis AMC to Launch Third Private Credit Fund 2. India’s Retail Inflation Rises to 0.71% in November India’s retail inflation rose to 0.71 per cent in November this year on an annual basis, up from a record low of 0.25 per cent recorded in October. 3. Sudha Murty Inaugurates ‘Craftkatha 2025’ to Celebrate India’s Handicraft Heritage Rajya Sabha MP, Sudha Murty, today inaugurated “Craftkatha – 2025”, an exhibition showcasing artisans from across India, as part of the National

Daily Current Affairs Quiz11 December, 2025 International Affairs 1. UNESCO Safeguards Pakistan’s Boreendo Source: HT Context: A clay flute tradition from Pakistan’s Sindh region – with echoes stretching back to the Indus Valley and faint parallels in Gujarat – became the early focal point of the 20th session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage. Boreendo at a Glance National Affairs 1. World Inequality Report 2026 Source: IE Context: The World Inequality Report 2026, released by the World Inequality Lab and edited by Lucas Chancel, Ricardo Gómez-Carrera, Rowaida Moshrif and Thomas Piketty, highlights worsening income, wealth, gender and climate inequality across the world.The report draws on research by over 200 global scholars and follows earlier editions published in 2018 and 2022. Income Inequality in India Comparison with 2022 report Wealth Inequality in India Average levels (PPP terms) Gender Inequality in India Global Inequality Extreme Wealth Concentration Global Distribution of Wealth Shifting Global Income Positions (1980–2025) Gender Inequality (Global) Climate Inequality Policy Concerns Highlighted Failure of Tax Systems Recommended Policy Responses 2. India and Brunei Launch First Defence Joint Working Group Source: TH Context: India and Brunei Darussalam held the inaugural meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Defence Cooperation in New Delhi on 9 December 2025. This marks a milestone in bilateral defence relations, providing a structured platform to coordinate and deepen security and defence ties. Areas of Cooperation Strategic Importance 3. Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) 2026 Source: PIB Context: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released the draft questionnaire for the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) 2026. The survey aims to capture critical data on the health and dynamics of unincorporated, non-agricultural enterprises across India. Key Features of ASUSE Objectives of ASUSE 2026 4. India Launches First Indigenous Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vessel in Varanasi Source: TH Context: On 11 December 2025, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated India’s first fully indigenous hydrogen fuel-cell vessel at Namo Ghat, Varanasi. The vessel is a pilot project by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) aimed at promoting clean energy in inland water transport and advancing India’s net-zero emission goals. Key Features: 5. CITES Marks 50 Years at CoP20 in Samarkand About CITES CoP20(Samarkand, Uzbekistan, 2025) Major Outcomes 6. ISRO to Launch US Commercial Satellite BlueBird-6 Source: TOI Context: In a major boost to Indo-US space collaboration, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch its heaviest American commercial satellite, BlueBird-6, on December 15, 2025, from the Sriharikota spaceport. The launch vehicle LVM3 (Bahubali) will place the 6.5-tonne satellite into low-Earth orbit (LEO). Key Highlights About BlueBird-6 Banking/Finance 1. ADB Raises India’s FY26 Growth Forecast to 7.2% Source: TOI Context: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) raised India’s GDP growth forecast for FY26 to 7.2%, up 70 basis points from its earlier estimate of 6.5%, citing strong domestic consumption supported by recent tax cuts. The growth projection for FY27 remains unchanged at 6.5%. Key Highlights: FY26 Growth Forecast Comparisons Institution Earlier Forecast (%) Revised Forecast (%) ADB 6.5 7.2 Fitch 6.9 7.4 Crisil 6.5 7.0 SBI Research 6.3 7.6 CareEdge 6.9 7.5 IDFC Bank 6.8 7.6 Kotak Mahindra 6.5 7.8 2. RBI Talks to Banks on Uniform Fee Disclosure and Removal of Overlaps Source: ET Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has initiated discussions with authorised banks to ensure uniform disclosure of fees and to address overlaps in retail foreign exchange (forex) services. This move aims to enhance transparency for retail users in transactions involving forex cash, tom (next-day settlement) and spot contracts. Key Highlights: Previous Norms Proposed Measures 3. PFRDA Expands Investment Universe for Pension Funds Source: BS Context: The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has revised investment norms for private pension funds, allowing broader diversification to optimize returns. The changes came into effect immediately with the circular issued on December 10, 2025. Previous Norms Key Changes Implications 4. RBI Likely to Maintain Repo Rate at 5.25% Through FY27: Fitch Source: ET Context: The Reserve Bank of India is expected to keep its policy repo rate unchanged at 5.25% through the next fiscal year after a 25-basis-point cut earlier this month, according to BMI, part of Fitch Solutions. Key Highlights: Economic Rationale Risks and Considerations 5. SEBI Plans Consolidated Financial Asset Statement Source: Mint Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is exploring the creation of a consolidated statement of all financial assets of an individual, in collaboration with other financial sector regulators. The move is aimed at simplifying access to investment information and empowering households with a holistic view of their financial holdings. Key Highlights: 6. SEBI Eases Re-KYC Process for NRIs Source: Mint Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has relaxed the re-KYC process for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), making it easier for them to update their KYC details without being physically present in India. Key Highlights: 7. RBI Urges MFIs to Diversify Asset Classes for Stability Source: ET Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has called on microfinance institutions (MFIs) to expand their lending beyond the traditional joint liability group (JLG) model, in order to strengthen financial stability and enhance contribution to the economy. This was highlighted at a seminar in Kolkata organized by the Association of Microfinance Institutions (AMFI)-West Bengal, where senior RBI officials and industry experts discussed the future of MFI lending. Key Recommendations 8. RBI Proposes Full Disclosure of Forex Transaction Costs for Retail Users Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a draft circular requiring banks and authorised dealers to provide complete disclosure of all fees and charges for retail foreign exchange (forex) transactions. The objective is to improve transparency and enable informed decision-making by individual customers. Scope Current Scenario Proposed Change 9. Banks Increase Borrowing via Certificates of Deposit Source: BS Context: Indian banks have stepped up borrowing through certificates of deposit (CDs) as deposit growth lags behind rising credit demand. In the fortnight ended November 28, 2025, banks raised nearly ₹ 78,000 crore