Daily Current Affairs Quiz1 December, 2025 National Affairs 1. NITI Aayog’s Fiscal Health Index (FHI), 2025 Purpose of the Report The Fiscal Health Index (FHI) evaluates the fiscal performance of 18 major Indian states.It focuses on key indicators such as contribution to GDP, public expenditure, revenues and fiscal stability to assess statelevel fiscal health. Top Performing States Achievers Front Runners Moderate Performers Aspirational States Fiscal Health Index (FHI) 2025 – Methodology & Key Indicators Data Sources & Scope Five Major Sub-Indices & Their Minor Sub-Indices Major Sub-Index Minor Sub-Indices Purpose & Insights 1. Quality of Expenditure 1.1 Total Developmental Expenditure / Total Expenditure Measures proportion of budget spent on long-term economic growth & social services 1.2 Total Capital Outlay / GSDP Assesses how much of the state’s economic output is invested in infrastructure & long-term assets 2. Revenue Mobilisation 2.1 State Own Revenue / GSDP Indicates financial independence by measuring state-generated revenue vs. economic output 2.2 State Own Revenue / Total Expenditure Shows the extent to which the state’s expenditures are funded by its own revenue sources 3. Fiscal Prudence 3.1 Gross Fiscal Deficit / GSDP Evaluates borrowing levels relative to economic size, signaling potential debt sustainability concerns 3.2 Revenue Deficit / GSDP Highlights if the state is generating sufficient revenue to cover its operational costs 4. Debt Index 4.1 Interest Payments / Revenue Receipts Measures percentage of revenue receipts used for interest payments, assessing debt servicing capability 4.2 Outstanding Liabilities / GSDP Reflects overall debt burden in proportion to the state’s economic output 5. Debt Sustainability 5.1 Growth Rate of GSDP – Growth Rate of Interest Payments A positive gap suggests debt is manageable; a negative gap indicates fiscal stress Detailed Explanation of Key Indicators 1. Quality of Expenditure 2. Revenue Mobilisation 3. Fiscal Prudence 4. Debt Index 5. Debt Sustainability Key Takeaways Importance of the Report This report provides a guide for states to enhance the stability of their finances and efficiently use their resources to achieve sustainable economic growth. 2. World Social Protection Report (WSPR) 2024-26: ILO Source: PIB Context: According to the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) World Social Protection Report 2024–26, India’s social protection coverage has increased from 24.4% in 2021 to 48.8% in 2024, marking a significant expansion in welfare reach. The report credits key government initiatives for extending benefits such as health insurance, pensions, employment support, and food security to millions of citizens. As per the Ministry of Labour and Employment, nearly 920 million people (65% of the population) are now covered by at least one form of social protection through central government schemes. India’s progress has also contributed to a 5-percentage point rise in global social protection coverage, highlighting its international significance. Overview of the ILO Report Key Government Initiatives Expanding Social Security 1. Ayushman Bharat (AB-PMJAY) 2. Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) 3. eShram Portal 4. Atal Pension Yojana (APY) 5. Poverty Reduction Impact Social Protection Data Pooling Exercise Quick Takeaways Parameter Details Social protection coverage 2021 24.4% Social protection coverage 2024 48.8% People covered (2024) 920 million (65% of population) Key schemes Ayushman Bharat, PMGKAY, eShram, APY, PMJJBY, PMSBY Impact on poverty 24.8 crore people escaped multi-dimensional poverty Data pooling initiative Phase 1 covering 10 states; 200 crore records processed Global contribution +5 percentage points in worldwide social protection coverage 3. Asia Power Index 2025 Source: News on Air Context: In the 2025 Asia Power Index (API) published by the Australia-based Lowy Institute, India has been elevated from a “middle power” to a “major power”, ranking 3rd overall behind the United States and China. This milestone reflects India’s growing economic strength, military capability, and regional influence. Key Highlights: Strategic Implications Banking/Finance 1. Crisil & AMFI Develop Market-Making Framework for AA–BBB Corporate Bonds Source: FE Context: India’s corporate bond market is heavily skewed toward AAA-rated securities, leaving AA–BBB segments illiquid and unattractive despite their higher yields. To address this structural gap, Crisil and the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) are preparing a detailed proposal for a market-making framework for sub-AAA corporate bonds. The initiative aligns with consultations launched by the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) under the Ministry of Finance. Why a Market-Making Framework Is Needed DEA’s Proposed Models The Department of Economic Affairs is reviewing two possible market-making structures: 1. Government-Backed Market Maker 2. Private Entities as Market Makers What the Framework Will Cover Why This Matters? According to industry participants: For Investors For Issuers Agriculture 1. Puducherry Launches NABARD-Supported Smart Farmer ID Cards Source: PIB Context: On 27 November 2025, the Puducherry Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Thiru K. Djeacoumar, launched Smart Farmer Identification Cards (SFIC) at the State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC) meeting. Supported by NABARD under its Farm Sector Promotion Fund, the initiative aims to digitize farmers’ records, streamline access to government schemes, and enhance transparency in agricultural financing. Key Highlights: About Smart Farmer ID Cards (SFIC) Significance 2. Saras Food Festival 2025 Source: News on Air Context: Union Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, will inaugurate the Saras Food Festival 2025 in Delhi. The festival showcases India’s diverse rural cuisine, women-led enterprises, and traditional food culture under the DAY-NRLM (Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission). Key Objectives Key Highlights: Facts To Remember 1. Indira Gandhi International Airport becomes first in India to achieve “water-positive” status Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) has become the first airport to achieve water positive status in the country with a capacity of more than 40 million passengers per annum.   2. India–ADB Sign Over $800 Million in Loans for Key Infrastructure & Skills Projects The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed three major loan agreements worth over $800 million, along with a $1 million Technical Assistance grant, to support infrastructure, renewable energy, metro rail development, and skills enhancement across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Assam. 3. Government Sanctions ₹17 Crore Under PM Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan for Tribal Homestays and Development Over 17 crore rupees have been

Daily Current Affairs Quiz30 November, 2025 National Affairs 1. CSIR-NAL Launches Production Version of Hansa-3 Trainer Aircraft Source: TH Context: The CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), Bengaluru has unveiled the production version of the Hansa-3(NG) trainer aircraft, a fully indigenous two-seater designed to meet India’s growing demand for pilot training. This initiative strengthens India’s self-reliance in aerospace technology and reduces dependence on foreign trainer aircraft. Hansa-3(NG) Related Developments – SARAS Mk-2 2. Brown Butterflies Cause Flutter in Kolkata, Experts Cite Rains Context: Kolkata has recently witnessed an unusual surge in brown butterflies, sparking curiosity and mild concern among residents. Experts confirm that this rise is a seasonal, climate-driven natural phenomenon, primarily influenced by prolonged monsoon rains and favourable ecological conditions. The species responsible for this sudden appearance is the Common Evening Brown (Melanitis leda). Common Evening Brown (Melanitis leda) 3. Dynamic Ground Water Resources of India, 2025 Report Source: TOI Context: The Dynamic Ground Water Resources of India, 2025 report released by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) shows a slight improvement in India’s groundwater recharge. However, 25% of assessed units remain stressed, indicating persistent over-extraction and regional vulnerabilities. Key Findings of the 2025 Report Marginal Increase in Annual Recharge Assessment Coverage Stress Categories (2025) Regions Showing Decline in Recharge Significant drop in groundwater recharge recorded in: Hotspots of Over-Exploitation States/UTs with highest concentration of over-exploited and critical units: Causes States Showing Improvement in 2025 Significant increase in groundwater recharge seen in: Why Did Recharge Improve? Agriculture 1. Scientists Raise Concerns Over ITPGRFA “Compromise Proposal” Source: TH Context: A coalition of scientists, Scientists for Genetic Diversity, has voiced strong opposition to a “compromise proposal” discussed during the 11th session (GB11) of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) in Lima, Peru. The proposal aims to enhance the Multilateral System (MLS), which governs global sharing of plant genetic resources. Key Highlights: Multilateral System (MLS) Scientists’ Concerns Facts To Remember 1. Crisil raises GDP growth forecast to 7% in FY26 Crisil has raised its forecast for the country’s GDP growth to 7% from 6.5% for the current financial year, following the first-half growth of 8% that exceeded expectations. 2. Arunachal Pradesh’s Traditional ‘Dao’ Blade and Yak Churpi Receive GI Tag Arunachal Pradesh secured two new Geographical Indication (GI) tags in November 2025 for its traditional blade ‘Dao’ and the high-altitude dairy product Yak Churpi. The recognition by the GI Registry (DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry) highlights the rich craftsmanship, indigenous food heritage and cultural identity of tribal communities in the state.