Daily Current Affairs Quiz3 & 4 December, 2025 National Affairs 1. Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) Context: India is preparing to submit its next round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for the 2035 horizon under the Paris Agreement. Experts emphasise the need for a clear, economy-wide transition plan to meet long-term net-zero goals while sustaining growth. About NDCs India’s Current NDC Targets Target Details Emissions Intensity Reduction Reduce CO₂ emissions per unit of GDP by 45% (2005–2030). Non-Fossil Power Capacity Achieve 50% of total installed capacity from non-fossil sources (solar, wind, hydro, nuclear, biomass) by 2030. Carbon Sink Expansion Add 2.5–3 Bt CO₂ through afforestation and agroforestry by 2030. LIFE Movement Promote low-carbon lifestyles and resource-efficient habits. Adaptation in Vulnerable Sectors Scale up climate-resilient investments in agriculture, water, coastal systems, Himalayan ecology, health, and disaster management. Climate Finance & Technology Mobilise domestic and international funds to expand renewables, adaptation, and indigenous climate technologies. Key Challenges Challenge Explanation Rising Absolute Emissions GDP growth offsets efficiency gains; peak emissions expected only ~2035. Coal Dependence Coal remains crucial for grid stability; rapid phase-down difficult without storage/CCS. Investment Needs ~$62 billion annually required through 2035 for renewables, storage, and grids. Technology Gaps Lack of commercially scalable long-duration storage, green hydrogen, CCS. Climate Finance Shortfall Global funding insufficient; India must self-finance major transition costs. Just Transition Pressures Coal-heavy states need worker retraining, economic diversification, and welfare support. Adaptation Lag Rising heatwaves, urban pollution, and extreme weather outpace adaptation efforts. 2. National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) Source: TH Context: The NCBC recently recommended excluding 35 communities, mostly Muslim, from West Bengal’s Central OBC list, after reviewing inclusions made in 2014. Constitutional & Legal Basis Composition Functions Powers 3. PM-WANI (Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) Source: PIB Context: Overview Key Features 4. WHO Issues First Global Guideline on Infertility Source: TH Context: About the Guideline Key Features 5. India Re-elected to IMO Council Source: News on Air Context: About the IMO Council Formation & Role About the International Maritime Organization (IMO) History Aim Major Functions 6. WorldSkills Asia Competition (WSAC) 2025 Source: PIB Context: About WorldSkills Asia Competition History India’s Performance 7. Bioremediation Context: What is Bioremediation? Types of Bioremediation 1. In-situ Bioremediation (On-site) 2. Ex-situ Bioremediation (Off-site) 8. India Re-Elected to UNESCO Executive Board (2025–29) Context: UNESCO Executive Board Establishment & Headquarters Composition & Membership 9. INS Aridaman – India’s Third Indigenous SSBN Source: ET Context: Construction & Indigenous Content Historical Milestones 10. INS Taragiri – Fourth Nilgiri-Class Advanced Stealth Frigate Source: TH Context: Project 17A Ship List Key Features Banking/Finance 1. Masala Bond Source: TH Context: What is a Masala Bond? Introduction & Regulation Objectives Key Features 2. Big Banks or More Agile Banks? Source: BS Context: India’s banking sector is witnessing a major shift driven by digital innovation, competition from fintechs, evolving customer needs, and heightened regulatory expectations. This has sparked an important policy and market question: Are large banks better suited for future challenges, or are smaller, more agile banks the real drivers of innovation? Big Banks: Strengths and Limitations Big Banks in India include institutions such as SBI, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Bank of Baroda, known for their nationwide presence and large balance sheets. Strengths Limitations More Agile Banks: Strengths and Limitations Agile banks include small finance banks (SFBs), payments banks, digital-first banks, and tech-driven NBFCs/neo-banks. Strengths Limitations RBI Norms for Bank Mergers in India The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) plays a central role in approving, regulating, and supervising all bank mergers. RBI ensures that mergers strengthen systemic stability, protect depositors, and maintain financial discipline. Key RBI Norms & Requirements for Bank Mergers 3. RBI’s Annual Report of the Ombudsman Scheme 2024-25 Source: Mint Context: The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) 2024-25 Integrated Ombudsman Scheme (IOS) report highlights a steep rise in customer grievances—driven largely by private banks’ aggressive retail expansion. The data signals systemic weaknesses in grievance redressal, customer onboarding, and credit discipline within the rapidly growing retail loan ecosystem. Key Highlights: Surge in Complaints Private Banks Now Lead in Complaints Why Are Complaints Rising? What Is the Ombudsman Scheme of RBI? The Ombudsman Scheme is a complaint redressal mechanism created by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to resolve customer grievances related to banking, NBFCs, and digital payments. It provides cost-free, fair, and speedy resolution of complaints against regulated financial service providers. Purpose of the Scheme Regulatory Gaps Revealed Inefficiencies in Redressal Credit Bureaus: A New Flashpoint Larger Implications for Banking Retail Customers Still Seen as “Depositors First” Financial Stability Angle Way Forward Agriculture 1. Cluster-Based Natural Farming Source: The Tribune Context: At a recent meet hosted by NABARD at Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur, agricultural experts highlighted the importance of cluster-based natural farming models. The approach promotes collective adoption of sustainable, chemical-free farming practices among geographically proximate farmers, enhancing productivity, resilience, and market linkages. What is Cluster-Based Natural Farming? Benefits of Cluster-Based Natural Farming Key Highlights from the NABARD Meet Policy Alignment Policy Objective Role of Cluster-Based Natural Farming Sustainable agriculture Promotes chemical-free, soil-friendly practices Farmer income enhancement Collective marketing ensures better price realization Climate resilience Crop diversification and livestock integration reduce risk SDG alignment Contributes to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption), and SDG 15 (Life on Land) Challenges Identified Relevance to Jharkhand and Other States Economy 1. Top-Three Quantum Economy by 2047 Source: News on Air Context: The Frontier Tech Hub of NITI Aayog, in collaboration with IBM, has released a national roadmap aimed at transforming India into one of the world’s top-three quantum economies by 2047. The plan focuses on developing homegrown quantum computing hardware and software, nurturing at least 10 globally competitive quantum start-ups, and capturing a significant share of the global quantum software and services market. Strategic Goals Roadmap Highlights Facts To Remember 1. Former England batter Robin Smith passes away Former England batter Robin Smith passed away aged 62, English county side Hampshire announced. The South Africa-born Smith, who played 62 Tests between 1988

Daily Current Affairs Quiz2 December, 2025 National Affairs 1. Fourth Edition of Kashi-Tamil Sangamam Begins in Varanasi Source: News on Air Context: The fourth edition of Kashi-Tamil Sangamam commenced today in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath jointly inaugurating the event. The grand opening ceremony is scheduled at Namo Ghat this evening. Theme and Objective: 2. Hornbill Festival 2025 Context: The 26th edition of the Hornbill Festival began on Monday in Nagaland, amid renewed friction between the state and the Centre over the Protected Area Regime (PAP). Organised by the state tourism department with a budget of ₹7 crore, this is the first festival since the re-imposition of the PAP last December. Background: Cultural Importance 3. Government Pushes for Food Safety with Labs and Irradiation Units Source: News on Air Context: The Government of India is taking proactive measures to enhance food safety and quality across the country by promoting the establishment of food testing laboratories and irradiation units. Food Testing Laboratories Food Irradiation Units Key Benefits 4. Central Excise Amendment Bill 2025 Context: The Union government has introduced the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, alongside a companion cess bill, to overhaul the taxation of tobacco, pan masala, gutkha, and other “sin goods.” This legislative step comes as the GST compensation cess regime, introduced post-GST to compensate states for revenue losses, nears its end. Key Proposals Tax Structure Highlights 5. Heron Mk II UAVs Source: TH Context: India is expanding its unmanned aerial surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities in the backdrop of Operation Sindoor. The armed forces have initiated emergency procurement of Heron Mk II UAVs, a move aligned with strengthening high-altitude and maritime situational awareness. Heron Mk II UAV 6. Sanchar Saathi App Source: TH Context: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has mandated that all new smartphones sold in India from March 2026 must come with the Sanchar Saathi app pre-installed, with functionalities fully enabled. The directive aims to prevent the circulation of non-genuine and stolen handsets and strengthen telecom security. About the Sanchar Saathi App Sanchar Saathi is a government-developed mobile application aimed at telecom security and consumer protection. It helps: Banking/Finance 1. SEBI to Revamp Master Circular for Stock Exchanges Source: Mint Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) is set to revise the master circular for stock exchanges in the coming months. The move aims to simplify regulations, improve clarity, and enhance the ease of doing business in India’s capital markets. Objective: Simplify regulations, improve clarity, and enhance ease of doing business Key Features of Proposed Revamp Broader Regulatory Agenda 2. Banking Correspondent (BC) Sakhis Source: Mint Overview The Need Selection & Training Services Offered Community Impact Benefits for Banks Challenges Recommendations for Strengthening 3. India’s Current Account Deficit Source: IE Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reported that the country’s current account deficit (CAD) moderated to $12.3 billion, or 1.3% of GDP, in July–September 2025 (Q2 FY26), down from $20.8 billion, or 2.2% of GDP, in the year-ago period. Current Account Deficit (CAD) The Current Account Deficit occurs when a country’s total imports of goods, services, and transfers exceed its total exports over a specific period. In simpler terms, it means the country is spending more on foreign trade than it is earning. Components of the Current Account: Significance: 4. National Strategy for Financial Inclusion 2025–30 Source: ET The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), led by Governor Sanjay Malhotra, released the National Strategy for Financial Inclusion (NSFI) 2025–30. The strategy, approved by the Sub-Committee of the Financial Stability and Development Council, sets out a roadmap to deepen financial inclusion in India over the next five years. Strategic Objectives (“Panch-Jyoti”) The framework identifies five key strategic objectives supported by 47 action points: Implementation Significance 5. Sebi Management Pushes Back Against Public Disclosure of Assets Source: ET Context: The senior management of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has expressed opposition to a proposed rule requiring top officials to publicly declare their assets and liabilities, citing privacy concerns and potential speculation. Key Details: Current Disclosure Norms: Global Context: Facts To Remember 1. Italian tennis icon Pietrangeli passes away at the age of 92 Nicola Pietrangeli, a two-time winner of the French Open, died aged 92, Italy’s tennis federation announced. 2. RBI appoints Usha Janakiraman executive director The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said that it has appointed Usha Janakiraman Executive Director (ED) with effect from December 1. 3. PMJAY Expansion for 70+ Age Group Covers 700K Treatments Since Launch The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (ABPMJAY), India’s flagship health insurance scheme, was expanded in October 2024 to include people aged 70 years and above. As of October 2025, the scheme has authorised over 700,000 treatments worth ₹1,471 crore for this age group, significantly reducing out-of-pocket expenses for elderly beneficiaries. 4. Lok Sabha Passes Manipur GST Bill On the first day of the Winter Session 2025, the Lok Sabha passed the Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Second Amendment) Bill, 2025, which replaces an Ordinance implementing GST reforms in Manipur. The passage occurred amid disruptions by Opposition members demanding a debate on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.