Daily Current Affairs Quiz27 November, 2025 National Affairs 1. Aravalli Hills Source: IE Context: About Aravalli Hills Key Changes Aspect Old Definition New Definition Elevation Hills ≥ 20 m above surrounding terrain Hills ≥ 100 m above local relief Coverage 12,081 mapped hills (20 m+) 1,048 hills (~8.7%) Legal Status Protected under environmental laws Only ~8.7% retain “Aravalli Hill” status; ~90% lose protection Implication for Land Use Restricted mining & construction Large-scale areas now potentially open for mining, real estate, and development Major Hill Ranges in India Hill Range Location (States) Highest Peak (m) Significance Aravalli Hills Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, Gujarat Guru Shikhar (1,722) Oldest fold mountains, prevent desertification, groundwater recharge Vindhya Range Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar Sad-bhawna Peak (~752) Cultural divide N/S India, source of rivers like Betwa Satpura Range Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh Dhupgarh (1,350) Dense forests, tribal settlements, rich biodiversity Western Ghats Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu Anamudi (2,695) UNESCO heritage site, biodiversity hotspot, origin of Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri Eastern Ghats Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu Arma Konda (1,680) Discontinuous, mineral-rich, origin of rivers like Mahanadi Himalayas J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Kangchenjunga (8,586) Young fold mountains, glaciation, climate barrier Shivalik Hills Foothills of Himalayas (Punjab, Haryana, HP, Uttarakhand, Sikkim) — Youngest mountains, all 2. 3.5-Billion-Year-Old Mars Crater Source: TH Context: The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has approved naming a 3.5 billion-year-old crater on Mars after M.S. Krishnan, one of India’s pioneering geologists. The proposal was submitted by two Kerala-based researchers and marks a significant recognition of Indian scientific heritage in planetary nomenclature. Mars Craters A crater on Mars is a circular depression formed primarily by the impact of meteoroids, asteroids, or comets striking the surface. Notable Craters on Mars: Crater Name Location/Region Significance Gale Crater Aeolis region Landing site of Curiosity Rover; evidence of ancient water Jezero Crater Syrtis Major Planum Landing site of Perseverance Rover; ancient river delta Huygens Crater Southern hemisphere Large, heavily eroded crater Hellas Basin Southern hemisphere One of the largest impact basins in the Solar System Gusev Crater Near Martian equator Explored by Spirit Rover; past water flows Mars Crater Named ‘Krishnan Crater’ Kerala Place Names Adopted on Mars IAU approved several Kerala-based names for smaller Martian features associated with the crater: These names will represent smaller craters and a vallis (valley), creating Martian counterparts of well-known Kerala locations. 3. Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE-III) Source: BS Context: The third edition of Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE-III) norms, set to apply between FY28 and FY32, has reignited debate in the Indian automobile industry. While intended to cut fleet-wide CO₂ emissions and improve fuel efficiency, the draft norms raise questions beyond affordability, touching on urban pollution, public health, safety standards, and market structure. CAFE Norms CAFE-III refers to the third phase of Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency norms for automobiles in India. These norms set fleet-wide fuel efficiency and CO₂ emission standards that vehicle manufacturers must meet. Essentially, it requires manufacturers to ensure that the average fuel efficiency of all vehicles they sell meets a specified target. Key Features 4. Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPMs) Scheme Source: TOI Context: The Union Cabinet has approved a first-of-its-kind scheme to promote the manufacture of Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPMs) in India. The scheme aims to enhance self-reliance, reduce import dependence, and position India as a global player in critical magnet supply for strategic industries. Scheme Overview Strategic Importance of REPMs REPMs are critical components with applications in: The scheme will support the entire production value chain, converting: Banking/Finance 1. BHIM Launches Full Delegation Feature on UPI Circle Source: ET Context: The Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM) app, operated by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has rolled out a full delegation feature for UPI Circle. The initiative aims to attract new users to India’s real-time payments ecosystem. BHIM UPI Circle UPI Circle Full Delegation allows a primary user to authorize a secondary user to make independent UPI payments from the primary user’s bank account, within predefined limits and timeframes. Purpose Key Features Feature Details Transaction Limit Up to ₹15,000 per month for the secondary user Delegation Period 1 month to 5 years (as decided by the primary user) Account Requirement Secondary user can transact via the primary user’s UPI-linked account Transparency All transactions are visible to the primary user Independent Payments Secondary user can make payments without prior approval for each transaction 2. EPFO CADRE RESTRUCTURING PANEL Source: ET Context: The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has constituted a committee to undertake cadre restructuring across the organisation. Key Details: Purpose of the Committee: The panel will: 3. Sebi Considers Revising Promoter Definition for IPO-bound Companies Source: BL Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) is exploring changes to how promoters are defined in companies planning initial public offerings (IPOs). The move aims to ensure that promoter status reflects actual control and influence, rather than historical association or nominal holdings, reducing investor confusion and improving transparency. Promoter A promoter in an IPO is an individual or entity who: Key Issues Identified Proposed Changes Proposal Details Basis for Promoter Identification Companies to explain the rationale for naming promoters based on actual control and influence, not historical affiliation or shareholding. Disclosure of Beneficial Owners List individuals/entities with ultimate control and clarify why they are not promoters. Indirect Control Check Confirm that informal arrangements or side agreements do not grant unlisted parties control. Reclassification Rules Avoid mechanical application of promoter reclassification rules to IPO-bound firms. Redefinition of Control Align with takeover regulations, focusing on ability to influence policy/management, rather than numerical thresholds (e.g., 15% voting rights). 4. RBI’s Practical Stance on Family Trusts & Investment Companies Source: ET Context: Key Provisions Feature Details Trustees Must be family members; professional/external trustees generally not permitted. Control Transfer Ownership/control can be transferred to trusts; RBI approval required for significant change (≥26%). Regulatory Oversight Ensures no hidden or informal control passes to outsiders. Compliance with SEBI Rules For trusts holding listed company shares,

Daily Current Affairs Quiz26 November, 2025 International Affairs 1. Hayli Gubbi Volcano Eruption, Ethiopia Source: IE Event Overview Reason for the Eruption About Volcanic Eruptions Key Eruption Materials Recent Global Eruption Examples Major Consequences of Volcanic Eruptions Positive Impacts Negative Impacts National Affairs 1. The State of the World’s Children (SWOC) 2025 Source: TH Context: The State of the World’s Children (SWOC) 2025 report by UNICEF highlights persistent child deprivation in India despite global improvements in child welfare. India carries one of the largest burdens of multidimensionally deprived children, with gaps in education, health, nutrition, sanitation, housing, and water access. Key Highlights of the Report: Key Global Findings Regional & Country-Level Insights Scale of Child Deprivation in India Budgetary Allocation vs. Implementation Gaps Structural Inequities and Vulnerabilities Role of States: Kerala as a Model Recommendations for India (Aligned with UNICEF’s Five-Point Framework) Implications 2. Commitment to Development Index (CDI) 2025 Source: IE Context: The Centre for Global Development (CGD), a US-based think tank, has released the Commitment to Development Index (CDI) 2025, assessing how major economies contribute to global development beyond their borders. What the index measures: The CDI evaluates countries across multiple policy domains that shape global development outcomes. Key components include: India’s Rank: Strengths: Areas of Concern: Banking/Finance 1. Indian Rupee Becomes Asia’s Worst‑Performing Currency in 2025 Source: TH Context: Causes of Rupee Depreciation Global Dollar Strength Trade & Current Account Pressures Capital Outflows Comparative Underperformance RBI’s Measures & Market Intervention Implications of Depreciation Risks Opportunities Factors to Watch for Future Rupee Movement 2. India Records Negative Net FDI in September 2025 Source: TH Context: About Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Forms of FDI Importance of FDI Causes of Negative FDI in September 2025 Implications of Negative FDI FDI vs. FPI: Clarification The figures relate to: FDI is considered more stable, so negative net FDI is a cause for concern. 3. RBI Confirms Inflation Forecasts Are Unbiased Amid Critiques Source: BS Context: RBI Deputy Governor Poonam Gupta clarified that the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) inflation forecasts, used in the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) resolutions, are unbiased. She emphasized that forecast errors are natural, but there is no systematic directional bias in predicting inflation or GDP growth. Inflation Forecasting Framework Multifaceted Approach to Forecasting RBI uses a suite of models and approaches: Growth Projections Balance of Payments (BoP) Data Updates 4. SEBI Eases Qualification Norms for Investment Advisors and Research Analysts Source: ET Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has relaxed educational requirements for Investment Advisors (IAs) and Research Analysts (RAs). This move aims to broaden the talent pool while maintaining professional standards in the capital markets. Investment Advisors vs Research Analysts Feature Investment Advisor (IA) Research Analyst (RA) Primary Role Provides personalized investment advice to clients based on their financial goals, risk profile, and market conditions. Conducts research and analysis of securities, industries, and markets to publish reports and recommendations. Client Interaction Directly interacts with individual or institutional clients to guide investment decisions. Typically interacts with brokers, fund managers, or the public through published research; limited direct client advisory. Regulatory Registration Registered with SEBI as an Investment Advisor under SEBI (Investment Advisers) Regulations, 2013. Registered with SEBI as a Research Analyst under SEBI (Research Analysts) Regulations, 2014. Services Offered Personalized portfolio planning, asset allocation, investment recommendations, risk management. Investment reports, security ratings, target prices, sectoral/stock analysis, market outlook. Fee/Compensation May charge advisory fees, subscription fees, or a percentage of assets under advice; cannot earn brokerage or commissions. Earns salary, consultancy, or commission from publishing reports; cannot give personalized advice to individual clients. Scope of Advice Holistic financial guidance covering multiple asset classes (equities, debt, mutual funds, insurance, etc.). Focused on specific securities or market sectors; does not provide end-to-end financial planning. Accountability Liable for client losses if advice violates SEBI regulations or suitability norms. Liable for accuracy and integrity of research reports; must avoid conflict of interest. Educational Qualification Relaxed Mandatory Certification Remains Objective of the Change 5. SEBI Proposes Simplified Process for Duplicate Securities Certificates Source: BL Context: SEBI aims to overhaul the procedure for issuing duplicate securities certificates to reduce paperwork, standardise documentation, and ease investor compliance. Duplicate Securities Certificates are copies of original physical certificates of financial instruments such as shares, bonds, or mutual fund units that an investor may lose, damage, or have stolen. Current Procedure Proposed Changes 1. Higher Threshold 2. Unified Documentation 3. Newspaper Advertisement 4. Dematerialisation Agriculture 1. Draft Seeds Bill: Key Features, Reforms, Penalties, and Farmer Concerns Source: TH Context: The Union Agriculture Ministry released the Draft Seeds Bill (2024) on November 12, inviting public comments until December 11. The Bill seeks to modernise India’s seed regulatory framework, replacing outdated provisions under the Seeds Act, 1966 and the Seeds (Control) Order, 1983. The government claims the Bill will ensure quality seeds, promote ease of doing business, and retain stringent penalties for serious violations. Historical Background Seed Demand and Surplus Why Reform the 1966 Act? The seed industry argues the 1966 law is outdated because: Industry sees this Bill as long overdue modernization, while farmer groups fear corporate capture and loss of seed sovereignty. Key Provisions of the Draft Seeds Bill 1. Farmers’ Rights Retained Farmers can: Restriction:They cannot sell farm seeds under a brand name without meeting regulatory requirements. 2. Clear Definitions The Bill separately defines: 3. Central and State Seed Committees Central Seed Committee (27 members) Functions: State Seed Committee (15 members) Functions: 4. Mandatory Registration 5. National Register of Seed Varieties A new Registrar will: 6. Seed Testing Framework The Bill proposes: 7. Strong Enforcement Mechanism Seed Inspectors will have powers under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to: 8. Penalties and Punishments The Bill categorizes offences as: Punishments include: This is significantly stricter than the 2019 draft, which had: How the 2024 Draft Differs from 2019 Draft Concerns of Farmers’ Groups 1. Higher Cost of Cultivation Groups like the All India Kisan Sabha argue: 2. Threat to Seed Sovereignty They fear: 3. Over-Centralisation