Daily Current Affairs Quiz25 November, 2025 National Affairs 1. Bharat NCAP 2.0 Source: IE Context: The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) has released the draft Bharat NCAP 2.0, updating India’s crash-safety rating framework with higher safety benchmarks and new test categories. Purpose: Key Features: 2. India–France to Jointly Manufacture HAMMER Air-to-Ground Weapons Source: IE Context: India and France have signed a major defence manufacturing agreement to locally produce HAMMER precision-guided air-to-ground munitions, marking a strategic expansion of bilateral defence cooperation. Joint Venture Between BEL & Safran What is HAMMER? 3. NITI Aayog Releases Report on Water Budgeting in Aspirational Blocks Source: PIB Context: NITI Aayog has released a report titled “Water Budgeting in Aspirational Blocks” to strengthen local-level water security, improve resource planning, and align with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. The report highlights water availability, demand assessment, and block-specific recommendations using a digital water budgeting platform. What is Water Budgeting? Key Highlights of the Report Scope of the Study Technology Platform – Varuni Diagnostic Insights Findings Planning Approach Why Are Aspirational Blocks Important? Major Recommendations 4. 53rd Chief Justice of India: Justice Surya Kant Source: News on Air Context: Justice Surya Kant is set to assume office as the 53rd Chief Justice of India (CJI) on 24 November 2025. Office of the Chief Justice of India (CJI): Appointment Procedure: 5. WHO’s “1 Doctor per 1,000 People” Norm Source: TH Context: The Indian government has repeatedly cited a 1:1,000 doctor-population ratio as per the World Health Organization (WHO) over the last decade. However, WHO has clarified that it does not prescribe any specific doctor-population ratio at the country level. Ratios should be determined based on national health labour market dynamics and needs. What WHO Actually Says? Background: India’s Status: 6. Indian Navy Commissions INS Mahe Source: PIB Context: INS Mahe, the first Mahe-class anti-submarine warfare (ASW) shallow watercraft, was commissioned at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. The commissioning was presided over by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, marking the first time an Army chief oversaw a naval warship induction. What is INS Mahe? A newly-built ASW Shallow Watercraft designed to enhance India’s coastal and near-shore anti-submarine capabilities.It is the first ship of the Mahe-class series being inducted into the Navy. Builder: Constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata — one of India’s leading defence shipyards. Key Features of Mahe-Class ASW Shallow Watercraft Purpose & Capabilities Technical Features 7. Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) Bill 2025 Source: IE Context: The Central Government is set to introduce the Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) Bill 2025 in the Winter Session of Parliament.This comes five years after NEP 2020 recommended a single higher-education regulator to replace the fragmented system of UGC, AICTE, and NCTE. About the HECI Bill 2025 A single regulatory authority proposed for higher education (excluding legal and medical education).It aims to merge the functions of: Aims of the Bill Key Features of the HECI Bill 2025 Single Higher-Education Regulator Four Vertical Structure (as prescribed in NEP 2020) i. National Higher Education Regulatory Council (NHERC) ii. National Accreditation Council (NAC) iii. General Education Council (GEC) iv. Higher Education Grants Council (HEGC) Independent, Expert-Driven Governance Reduced Red Tape & Clear Separation of Roles Autonomy for Higher Education Institutions Banking/Finance 1. RBI Bulletin (November 2025): Outlook on Fiscal–Monetary Measures and Growth Momentum Source: BS Context: The RBI’s November 2025 Bulletin, in its feature article “State of the Economy”, highlights that India’s economic momentum is strengthening, supported by coordinated fiscal, monetary, and regulatory actions. These measures are expected to trigger a virtuous cycle of higher private investment, productivity, and long-term growth. Key Highlights from the RBI Bulletin: Economic Momentum Strengthening Inflation and Financial Conditions Impact of Fiscal, Monetary & Regulatory Measures RBI notes that 2025 policy actions are laying the foundation for a virtuous cycle. These actions aim to: Examples of these measures include: Global Economic & Financial Environment Significance of These Findings For the Indian Economy For Policy & Governance 2. NBFCs Face Funding Pressure Despite Healthy Outlook: Crisil Source: BS Context: Crisil Ratings reports that NBFCs face tightened funding conditions despite healthy balance sheets and robust credit demand. Large NBFCs can access bond markets and other funding avenues; mid-sized and emerging players struggle to secure stable, low-cost financing. Growth Outlook Funding Challenges Asset Quality Risks Implications 3. SEBI Proposes Changes to Basic Services Demat Account (BSDA) Source: Mint Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has released a consultation paper (24 November 2025) proposing major revisions to the Basic Services Demat Account (BSDA) framework to ensure that BSDA eligibility reflects the true realizable portfolio value of small investors.The move aims to promote financial inclusion, ease of investment, and lower costs for entry-level investors. What is a Basic Services Demat Account (BSDA)? A Basic Services Demat Account (BSDA) is a low-cost demat account introduced by SEBI in 2012 to reduce charges for small investors. BSDA eligibility depends on the value of securities held in the demat account. Eligibility & Charges As of Feb 2025 (NSDL data): Issues in Existing BSDA Framework SEBI observed several loopholes in the older system (introduced 2012): Valuation ambiguities Operational gaps SEBI’s Key Proposals Exclude ZCZP Bonds from BSDA Portfolio Valuation Exclude Delisted Shares Entirely Treatment of Illiquid Securities Quarterly Reassessment of BSDA Eligibility Digital Flexibility for Beneficial Owners (BOs) Auto-Conversion to BSDA Why SEBI is Revising the Framework Now SEBI’s goal: Reduce friction + Protect small investors + Strengthen financial inclusion. How These Changes Will Benefit Investors Lower Costs for Small Investors Greater Transparency Easier Processes Boost to Retail Participation Experts believe the reforms will: 4. Mutual Funds Seek Middle Ground with Sebi on Broker Fee Cap Source: Mint Context: SEBI recently proposed a major overhaul of mutual fund regulations, including a sharp reduction in brokerage and transaction cost limits that AMCs can charge over and above the Total Expense Ratio (TER). This created industry-wide concerns about margins, research costs, and market competitiveness. Key Proposal by SEBI What is TER? Total

Daily Current Affairs Quiz23 & 24 November, 2025 National Affairs 1. 131st Amendment Bill, 2025 Source: IE Context: The Parliament is up for a heated winter session as the Union Government plans to introduce the contentious Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025 in the upcoming session set to start from December 1, 2025. About the Bill Why the Bill Matters (Broader Implications) 2. Atomic Energy Bill 2025 Source: TH Context: A Bill seeking to open up the civil nuclear sector for private players and a proposed law on Higher Education are among the ten new proposed legislations listed by the government for introduction in the winter session of Parliament, beginning December 1. What’s the Proposal? Other Key Bills on the Agenda Apart from the Atomic Energy Bill, other notable bills listed for the Winter Session include: 3. G-20 Summit in South Africa Source: TH Context: The G-20 Summit was held in Johannesburg, South Africa, for the first time in Africa. The event was notable for the U.S. boycott, even as leaders adopted a new G-20 declaration on climate change. Key Highlights: Modi’s Call to Reassess Global Growth Parameters Australia–Canada–India Technology & Innovation (ACITI) Partnership New G-20 Initiatives Proposed by India U.S. Boycott and Its Impact Climate Change Declaration About G20 History & Formation 4. COP30 Summit Source: TH Context: The 30th Conference of Parties (COP30) to the UNFCCC concluded in Belem, Brazil, with a new consensus agreement titled Global Mutirão. The summit focused on financing, equity, fossil fuels, and deforestation—longstanding points of contention between developed and developing nations. Key Outcomes of COP30 Key Outcome Details / Purpose Two Global Road Maps COP30 President Andrei Lago announced: 1. Road Map to Halt & Reverse Deforestation 2. Road Map for a Just & Orderly Transition Away from Fossil Fuels Purpose of Road Maps • Reduce global dependence on fossil fuels • Mobilise global resources for climate action • Ensure action is just, planned, and equitable Global Mutirão Consensus Agreement “Global Mutirão: Uniting humanity in a global mobilisation against climate change” addressing key contentious issues Climate Finance (Article 9, Paris Agreement) • Developed nations must provide funds to developing countries for clean energy transition • Push for predictable, adequate, and accessible climate finance Trade-Restrictive Climate Measures Advance cooperation on unilateral trade-restrictive measures (e.g., carbon border taxes) affecting developing-country exports Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) Countries urged to update and strengthen NDCs to align with 1.5°C target Focus on bridging ambition–implementation gap 1.5°C Gap Acknowledgement that current commitments are insufficient Countries urged to scale up mitigation, adaptation, and finance India’s Position at COP30 India supported: 5. African Grey Parrots Source: TH Context: An investigation through RTI applications by The Hindu revealed that State Forest Departments across India have no official records of African grey parrot trade, despite their widespread presence in pet markets. The species is Endangered (IUCN) and listed under CITES Appendix I, requiring the highest level of protection. About the Species Legal Requirements for Breeding (CITES Appendix I) To breed African grey parrots legally in India, one must have: Banking/Finance 1. ANMI Urges SEBI to Focus on Investor Education & Eligibility Norms Source: TH Context: The Association of National Exchanges Members of India (ANMI) has submitted recommendations to the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) amid rising retail losses in the Futures & Options (F&O) segments. There is currently debate around reducing expiry days in derivatives contracts but the ANMI believes the real issue lies elsewhere. Key Recommendations from ANMI Futures & Options (F&O) Key Features: Feature Futures Options Obligation Both parties must execute the contract on expiry Only buyer has right; seller has obligation Risk Unlimited potential loss/gain Loss limited to premium paid (for buyer) Premium No upfront cost (except margin) Buyer pays a premium upfront Settlement Cash or physical delivery Usually cash-settled in India Usage Hedging & speculation Hedging, speculation, or income strategies Terminology The Association of National Exchanges Members of India (ANMI) 2. Sebi to Discuss Capping Broker Fees with Mutual Fund Heads Source: Mint Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) plans to meet top executives of asset management companies (AMCs) to discuss a proposal to cap broker fees for executing trades by mutual funds. This is part of Sebi’s broader initiative to overhaul mutual fund costs charged to investors, known as the Total Expense Ratio (TER). Proposed Cap on Broker Fees Total Expense Ratio (TER) Overhaul Total Expense Ratio (TER) The Total Expense Ratio (TER) is the annual fee charged by a mutual fund to manage and operate its scheme. It is expressed as a percentage of the fund’s average assets under management (AUM) and includes all costs related to fund management. Components of TER TER generally includes: TER does not include brokerage or transaction costs for buying and selling securities, which are accounted for separately in fund disclosures. 3. Payout APIs Source: ET Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is investigating a sharp rise in money laundering through bank payout APIs, misused by unregulated Technology Service Providers (TSPs) posing as fintech companies. These entities exploit bulk-payment APIs to transfer large sums without KYC, OTP, or standard checks. What Are Payout APIs? A Payout API (Application Programming Interface) is a software interface provided by banks that allows businesses or authorized entities to automatically send money to multiple recipients in a fast, secure, and scalable manner. Unlike traditional bank transfers where you manually enter details and authenticate each transaction (e.g., using OTPs), a payout API allows bulk transfers programmatically, making it ideal for payroll, vendor payments, or refunds. Key Features Types of Payout APIs 4. Easebuzz Receives RBI Nod to Operate as Full-Service Payment Aggregator Source: BS Context: Fintech firm Easebuzz has been authorised by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a full-service payment aggregator (PA), enabling online, offline, and cross-border payment services for merchants across India. What is a Payment Aggregator (PA)? A Payment Aggregator (PA) is a financial entity that facilitates digital payments for merchants by collecting and processing payments