Context: The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai) is preparing to launch the Bima Sugam digital marketplace in December 2025 to enhance transparency and efficiency in insurance services. About Bima Sugam Key Features Significance Other Digital Interventions National Health Claims Exchange (NHCX) Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA ID) Cashless Everywhere Initiative (2024)
Sebi Considers Settlement Netting for FPIs & Mutual Fund Regulation Overhaul
Source: BS Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey said the regulator is examining whether foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) can be allowed to net their settlements for trades executed within the same day, a move that would mark a major shift from the current trade-wise settlement regime. Settlement Netting for FPIs Current Regime Proposed Change Related Reforms
Capital Gains Account Scheme (CGAS)
Source: BL Context: Key Changes Capital Gains Account Scheme (CGAS) Types of CGAS Deposits Deposit Account-A Deposit Account-B (Term Deposit) Capital Gain Term Deposit Account Features
RBI Adds Seven Unauthorised Forex Platforms to Alert List
Source: FE Context: Recent Additions RBI has added seven new entities/platforms: With this addition, the total number of unauthorised forex entities on RBIâs alert list has risen to 95. Forex Trading Platforms Forex (Foreign Exchange) trading platforms are software applications that allow individuals and institutional investors to buy, sell, and manage currencies in the global foreign exchange market. Purpose: Electronic Trading Platforms (ETPs) Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999
Axis Bank Launches Curated Corporate Salary Programme for Startâup Employees
Source: BL Context: Features of the Programme
RBIâs MuleHunter.ai Detects Fraudulent Mule Accounts in Real-Time
Context: Mule Account A mule account is a bank account used to receive, transfer, or withdraw money on behalf of someone else, often for illegal or fraudulent activities.The person operating the accountâcalled a money muleâmay knowingly or unknowingly help criminals move illicit funds. Related RBIH Initiatives Significance
India Will Become Hub of Natural Farming: PM Modi
Source: TH Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the South India Natural Farming Summit 2025 in Coimbatore, an event organised by farmersâ associations to promote the ideals of noted organic farming scientist G. Nammalvar. He outlined Indiaâs vision to emerge as a global centre for natural farming, backed by science, traditional wisdom, and strong government support. Key Highlights: Indiaâs Vision for Natural Farming Role of Science, Tradition & Youth Progress Under National Mission on Natural Farming (NMSF) Strengthening FPOs & Promoting Minor Millets Support Through Government Schemes Advocacy for Multi-Crop Agriculture
Groundwater Contamination
Source: TH Context: India is facing a deepening groundwater contamination crisis that threatens public health, agriculture, economic productivity, and long-term human capital. The Annual Groundwater Quality Report 2024 shows widespread contamination across hundreds of districts, exposing millions of people to toxic substances such as uranium, fluoride, nitrate, and arsenic. This is not only an environmental issue but a major economic and developmental challenge. Scale of the Crisis alarming contamination levels enormous economic losses Human Capital at Risk severe health impacts deepening inequality Impact on Agriculture and Exports declining soil and crop health threats to export markets unsustainable water extraction Way Forward Nationwide, real-time groundwater monitoring Strict enforcement on industrial effluents and sewage Sustainable agricultural reforms Decentralised treatment and purification Farmer awareness and export-readiness Manage over-extraction
Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 20 November, 2025
Daily Current Affairs Quiz20 November, 2025 National Affairs 1. Government May Widen PMJJBY & PMSBY Coverage Source: Mint Context: The Centre is considering raising the insurance cover under the flagship schemes: Proposed Changes Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) Eligibility: Coverage: Objective: Key Features: Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) Eligibility: Coverage: Objective: Key Features: 2. YUVA AI for ALL â National AI Literacy Initiative Source: PIB Context: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), under the IndiaAI Mission, has launched âYUVA AI for ALLâ, a first-of-its-kind free course that introduces the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to all Indians, especially the youth. Launched By: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), under the IndiaAI Mission Course Overview: Objectives: Key Features / Modules: Significance: 3. BIRSA 101 Gene Therapy Source: PIB Launch: Indiaâs first indigenous CRISPR-based gene therapy for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)Developed By: CSIRâInstitute of Genomics & Integrative Biology (IGIB)Industry Partner: Serum Institute of India (SIIPL) â for technology transfer, scale-up, and affordable deploymentNamed After: Birsa Munda, on his 150th birth anniversary Objective How BIRSA 101 Works Key Features 4. Gujarat Hosts a Wild Tiger in Ratanmahal Sanctuary Context: For the first time in decades, a wild tiger has permanently settled in Gujaratâs Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary, staying for nine continuous months. Gujarat now hosts all three big catsâAsiatic lion, Indian leopard, and tigerâwithin a shared natural landscape, a unique ecological milestone in India. About Ratanmahal Wildlife Sanctuary Location: History: Key Ecological Features 5. ISRO Tests Bootstrap Mode Start on CE20 Cryogenic Engine Source: ET Context: ISRO has successfully demonstrated the bootstrap mode start of the CE20 cryogenic engineâwhich powers the upper stage of the LVM3 rocketâmarking a major step toward enhancing mission flexibility and multiple-restart capability for future launches. Key Details of the Test: Test Conducted Under Vacuum What Is Bootstrap Mode Start? Why This Matters Enables Multiple In-Flight Restarts Future missionsâespecially multi-orbit deployments and complex space manoeuvresârequire the CE20 engine to restart multiple times. Reduces Weight and Increases Payload Capacity Key for Advanced Missions Banking/Finance 1. IRDAIâs Bima Gram API Source: TH Context: The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has introduced the Bima Gram API to digitally strengthen insurance penetration in rural India. The pilot phase has been successfully completed. Key Features of Bima Gram API Digital Validation of Rural Policies Reduction of Manual Processes Enhanced Speed & Reporting Efficiency Creation of Baseline Datasets 2. NBFCs Seek Reforms in Debt Recovery & Funding Framework Source: ET Context: During the pre-Budget meeting with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, representatives of the Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) sector, especially NBFCs, presented key demands aimed at improving liquidity, recovery efficiency, and deposit mobilisation. Key Demands Made by NBFCs Dedicated Refinance Window for NBFCs Amendments to SARFAESI Act Current Issue Proposal Remove TDS on Non-Individual Borrowers Education Loan Deduction Benefit for NBFCs 3. Bima Sugam Context: The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai) is preparing to launch the Bima Sugam digital marketplace in December 2025 to enhance transparency and efficiency in insurance services. About Bima Sugam Key Features Significance Other Digital Interventions National Health Claims Exchange (NHCX) Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA ID) Cashless Everywhere Initiative (2024) 4. Sebi Considers Settlement Netting for FPIs & Mutual Fund Regulation Overhaul Source: BS Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey said the regulator is examining whether foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) can be allowed to net their settlements for trades executed within the same day, a move that would mark a major shift from the current trade-wise settlement regime. Settlement Netting for FPIs Current Regime Proposed Change Related Reforms 5. Capital Gains Account Scheme (CGAS) Source: BL Context: Key Changes Capital Gains Account Scheme (CGAS) Types of CGAS Deposits Deposit Account-A Deposit Account-B (Term Deposit) Capital Gain Term Deposit Account Features 6. RBI Adds Seven Unauthorised Forex Platforms to Alert List Source: FE Context: Recent Additions RBI has added seven new entities/platforms: With this addition, the total number of unauthorised forex entities on RBIâs alert list has risen to 95. Forex Trading Platforms Forex (Foreign Exchange) trading platforms are software applications that allow individuals and institutional investors to buy, sell, and manage currencies in the global foreign exchange market. Purpose: Electronic Trading Platforms (ETPs) Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999 7. Axis Bank Launches Curated Corporate Salary Programme for Startâup Employees Source: BL Context: Features of the Programme 8. RBIâs MuleHunter.ai Detects Fraudulent Mule Accounts in Real-Time Context: Mule Account A mule account is a bank account used to receive, transfer, or withdraw money on behalf of someone else, often for illegal or fraudulent activities.The person operating the accountâcalled a money muleâmay knowingly or unknowingly help criminals move illicit funds. Related RBIH Initiatives Significance Agriculture 1. India Will Become Hub of Natural Farming: PM Modi Source: TH Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the South India Natural Farming Summit 2025 in Coimbatore, an event organised by farmersâ associations to promote the ideals of noted organic farming scientist G. Nammalvar. He outlined Indiaâs vision to emerge as a global centre for natural farming, backed by science, traditional wisdom, and strong government support. Key Highlights: Indiaâs Vision for Natural Farming Role of Science, Tradition & Youth Progress Under National Mission on Natural Farming (NMSF) Strengthening FPOs & Promoting Minor Millets Support Through Government Schemes Advocacy for Multi-Crop Agriculture 2. Groundwater Contamination Source: TH Context: India is facing a deepening groundwater contamination crisis that threatens public health, agriculture, economic productivity, and long-term human capital. The Annual Groundwater Quality Report 2024 shows widespread contamination across hundreds of districts, exposing millions of people to toxic substances such as uranium, fluoride, nitrate, and arsenic. This is not only an environmental issue but a major economic and developmental challenge. Scale of the Crisis alarming contamination levels enormous economic losses Human Capital at Risk severe health impacts deepening inequality Impact on Agriculture and Exports declining soil and crop health threats to export markets unsustainable water extraction Way Forward Nationwide, real-time groundwater monitoring
Rajasthan Launches Chatbot-Based Veterinary Service
Context: The Rajasthan Animal Husbandry Department has introduced an innovative digital chatbot platform to provide livestock owners with quick access to veterinary advice. Objective Key Features