Daily Current Affairs Quiz15 November, 2025 International Affairs 1. Blue Origin’s New Glenn Rocket Successfully Launches NASA’s Escapade Mission Context: Blue Origin achieved a major milestone by launching its New Glenn rocket for the second time ever and for the first time on a NASA mission. This marks an important step for the company in establishing reliability in the heavy-lift launch market dominated by SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy and United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan. Key Highlights: Successful Launch of New Glenn First NASA Mission for Blue Origin Payload: Rocket Lab-Built Spacecraft Mission Purpose: Studying Mars’ Magnetosphere National Affairs 1. WHO Global Tuberculosis (TB) Report 2025 Source: TH Context: The annual global assessment by the World Health Organization (WHO) on TB trends, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment at global, regional, and national levels. Aim: Global TB Trends (2023–2024) TB Trends in India Initiatives to Reduce TB Global Level: India Level: Challenges to TB Reduction in India Recommendations 2. UNEP Global Cooling Watch 2025 Context: Published by: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) at COP30, Belém, Brazil (2025). Aim: Key Trends Identified Successes Highlighted Limitations Identified UNEP Recommendations 3. ARISE Program Context: Aim: Climate Investment Funds (CIF) Aim: Key Features of CIF 4. Export Promotion Mission (EPM) Source: PIB Background: Aim Key Features 5. Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 What it is: Key Provisions of the DPDP Act Implementation Timeline 6. Manipur Tribal Body Seeks Removal of ‘Any Kuki Tribes’ (AKT) Category Source: TH Context: A major tribal organisation in Manipur, Thadou Inpi Manipur, has urged the Central Government and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to remove the “Any Kuki Tribes (AKT)” category from the state’s Scheduled Tribes (ST) list. The demand has gained support from other groups, including the Meitei Alliance and representatives of the Hmar community. What Is “Any Kuki Tribes (AKT)”? Why Is There Opposition to AKT? 1. Lack of Clarity 2. Risk of Misuse 3. Overlap With Existing Tribes 4. Not Meeting Constitutional Criteria 5. Ethnic & Security Concerns Banking/Finance 1. RBI Recognises SRPA as Self-Regulatory Body for Payment System Operators Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has formally recognised the Self-Regulated PSO Association (SRPA) as a self-regulatory organisation (SRO) for the payment system operators (PSO) sector, a key step in strengthening governance, oversight, and compliance in India’s digital payments ecosystem. What is SRPA? The Self-Regulated PSO Association (SRPA) is an industry-led body formed to: SRPA is an industry-led body consisting of major payment system operators, including: More PSOs are expected to join after RBI’s formal approval. Why RBI Granted SRO Status to SRPA? Role of an SRO in the Payments Sector An SRO: India already has SROs for other sectors, such as: SRPA is now the dedicated SRO for payment system operators. What Will SRPA Do Now? According to its leadership, SRPA will: Significance for India’s Digital Payments Ecosystem 2. Flexible Inflation Targeting (FIT) Framework in India Source: TH Context: Introduced in 2016, FIT provides a forward-looking monetary policy mandate for the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to maintain inflation at 4% ± 2%. The current FIT cycle is ending in March 2026; the RBI is reviewing the framework for the next five years (up to 2030–31). Objective: Maintain price stability, protect the poor, encourage savings and investments, and support sustainable economic growth. What Is FIT? The Flexible Inflation Targeting (FIT) framework is India’s modern monetary policy system, introduced in 2016 through amendments to the RBI Act, 1934. It gives the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) a clear, forward-looking mandate to maintain price stability while supporting economic growth. Why Was FIT Introduced? Key Questions in FIT Review Key Considerations for FIT and Macroeconomic Stability 3. RBI Extends Trade Relief to Exporters Facing Tariff Headwinds Context: Key Measures Announced: Significance: 4. SEBI Proposes to Simplify Offer Documents Context: Current offer documents for IPOs and FPOs are often lengthy and complex, making it difficult for retail investors to read and engage meaningfully. Key Proposals: Significance: 5. Sebi to Revamp Settlement Rules, Curb Penalties Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has launched a review of its case settlement rules to simplify calculations, address concerns about inflated penalties, and make the process more accessible for market participants. What Is the Case Settlement Framework? SEBI’s settlement mechanism allows individuals or entities accused of market violations to settle cases by paying a settlement amount without undergoing lengthy litigation.It helps: Key Objectives 6. SEBI to Deliberate on Conflict of Interest Report in December 2025 Context: Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) plans to discuss an expert panel report on conflict of interest regulations for its senior officials at the next board meeting on December 17, 2025. The move follows governance scrutiny after conflict-of-interest allegations against former SEBI chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch, which involved claims of undisclosed offshore investments (refuted by Buch and her husband). Why the Review Now? 1. Governance Concerns 2. Need for Enhanced Transparency What the Expert Panel Report Covers SEBI’s expert committee has submitted recommendations including: 1. Stricter Disclosure Requirements 2. Cooling-Off & Recusal Rules 3. Higher Monitoring & Internal Audits 4. Clarity on Permissible Investments 7. Federal Bank Launches ‘Bharat Surotsav’ Context: Federal Bank unveiled ‘Bharat Surotsav’, a signature cultural initiative celebrating India’s music and dance heritage, in Chennai. The launch highlights the bank’s efforts to connect with audiences through arts and culture while reinforcing its brand identity. Key Highlights: Agriculture 1. Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act (PPV&FRA), 2001 Source: PIB Context: Aim: Key Features of PPV&FRA Act, 2001 2. Plant Genome Saviour Awards Source: PIB Context: A national recognition scheme instituted under Section 39(1)(iii) of PPV&FRA. Honors farmers and communities conserving traditional and endangered plant varieties. Purpose: 2025 Recipients: Significance: Facts To Remember 1. Yesteryear star Kamini Kaushal passes away at 98 Actor Kamini Kaushal, one of Hindi cinema’s earliest female stars who began her career with the classic Neecha Nagar in 1946 and went on to act in a host of films right till 2022, died in her

Daily Current Affairs Quiz13&14 November, 2025 National Affairs 1. Climate Risk Index 2026 (Germanwatch, COP30) Source: IE Context: The Climate Risk Index (CRI) 2026, released by Germanwatch at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, assesses global human and economic losses from extreme weather events (EWEs) over 1995–2024. The report highlights deepening climate vulnerabilities, especially in the Global South. About the Climate Risk Index (CRI) Key Findings of the CRI 2026 Report India’s Vulnerability According to CRI 2026 Nature of Disasters Affecting India Impacts of Climate Change on India What India Should Do: Key Recommendations 2. Passport Seva Programme (PSP V2.0) Context: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has launched an upgraded version of its Passport Seva Programme (PSP V2.0), along with the Global Passport Seva Programme and the e-passport initiative for citizens in India and abroad. This is part of MEA’s efforts to enhance digital services, simplify processes, and improve user experience. Key Highlights: Additional Details 3. WHO Global TB Report 2025 Source: TH Context: According to the WHO Global TB Report 2025, India has recorded a 21% annual decline in tuberculosis (TB) incidence between 2015 and 2024, nearly double the global average of 12%. This decline is among the highest globally, reflecting India’s robust strategies in TB detection, treatment, and elimination. Key Highlights: What is Tuberculosis (TB)? India’s TB Control Strategies Driving Success Intervention Key Features / Actions Impact / Objective Ni-kshay Digital Ecosystem Real-time case reporting and monitoring through Ni-kshay Portal Improved traceability of patients and medicine delivery Active Case Finding & Community Screening Door-to-door TB screening in high-risk districts; Involvement of ASHAs, local health workers, and TB Champions (cured patients) Early detection of TB cases and enhanced community outreach Strengthened Diagnostics Expansion of CB-NAAT/Truenat molecular tests; Wider availability of chest X-ray and sputum testing units Rapid, accurate diagnosis and timely treatment initiation Drug-Resistant TB Management Adoption of shorter MDR-TB regimens (BPaL, BPaLM); Focus on drug susceptibility testing (DST) Effective management of drug-resistant TB cases Nutrition Support – Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana Monthly ₹500 DBT support to TB patients Improved treatment adherence and nutritional recovery Challenges That Still Remain Government’s Target 4. GI Tag Fee Reduced to ₹1,000 Source: TH Context: At the Tribal Business Conclave in New Delhi, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced a significant reduction in the Geographical Indications (GI) tag application fee, from ₹5,000 to ₹1,000, aimed at encouraging tribal artisans to register and protect traditional products. Key Highlights: GI Tags Distributed Geographical Indications (GI) Geographical Indications (GIs) are a type of intellectual property (IP) that identify goods as originating from a specific geographical region, where quality, reputation, or other characteristics are essentially linked to that location. India has over 400 registered GIs, covering agricultural, handicraft, and industrial products. Legal Framework in India 5. SC Directs Jharkhand to Protect Pristine Saranda Forest Source: TOI Context: The Supreme Court of India on Thursday directed the Jharkhand government to declare 31,468.25 hectares (≈314 sq. km.) of the Saranda forest as a wildlife sanctuary, balancing the need for biodiversity protection with sustainable iron ore mining. About Saranda Forest 6. India’s Carbon Emission Rise Slower in 2025, Says Report Source: IE Context: According to the Global Carbon Project, India’s carbon emissions in 2025 are expected to rise slower than previous years, reflecting the impact of favourable monsoon conditions and increased use of renewable energy. The findings were released amid COP30 discussions in Belém, Brazil. Key Highlights: 7. Challenges in Conducting the Household Income Survey (HIS 2026) Context: The HIS 2026, to be conducted by the National Statistics Office (NSO), is aimed at collecting household income data for the first time in nearly two decades. Unlike consumption surveys, which households are generally comfortable reporting, income data collection faces unique difficulties, particularly because a majority of Indians work in the informal sector and do not file taxes. Understanding income is crucial for evaluating living wages, earnings adequacy, and social protection policies (linked to Article 43 of the Constitution). Key Challenges 8. India Skills Report 2026 Source: TH Context: The India Skills Report 2026 highlights a major shift in India’s labour market, driven by rapid adoption of artificial intelligence, automation, and digital transformation. For the first time in five years, women’s employability has overtaken men, marking a significant change in workforce dynamics. Key Highlights: 9. Cohort Connect 2025 Source: PIB Context: The Union Minister of State for Science & Technology launched the Phenome National Conclave on Longitudinal Cohort Studies: Cohort Connect 2025 at CSIR–IMMT, Bhubaneswar.The initiative is part of Phenome India, aimed at building large-scale, India-specific health datasets for precision medicine and long-term disease prediction. Key Highlights: 10. Indian Railways Introduces AI-Based Locking Monitoring System ‘DRISHTI’ Context: Indian Railways is deploying an advanced Artificial Intelligence–powered Locking Monitoring System named ‘DRISHTI’ to strengthen freight train security, improve transparency in cargo movement, and reduce manual monitoring challenges. The system automatically detects unlocked, open, or tampered wagon doors in real time, enabling faster response and safer logistics. What is ‘DRISHTI’? Developed By Objectives Key Features Banking/Finance 1. SEBI Conflict-of-Interest (CoI) and Disclosure Overhaul Source: BS Context: A high-level committee, chaired by Pratyush Sinha (former CVC), with Injeti Srinivas as vice-chair, was constituted by SEBI in March 2025 under Chairperson Tuhin Kanta Pandey. The committee aimed to strengthen CoI regulations following past allegations against former SEBI chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch. The review highlighted gaps in SEBI’s existing CoI framework, including insufficient disclosure requirements and inadequate safeguards for board members and senior officials. Key Recommendations: Comprehensive Disclosure Insider Status and Trading Restrictions Conflict Management and Recusals Ethics, Compliance, and Oversight Regulatory Enforcement Objectives 2. 16th Finance Commission Context: As the 16th Finance Commission cycle begins on 1 April 2026, the Union government has asked all ministries and departments to submit detailed information on central sector and centrally sponsored schemes that are ending or continuing beyond 31 March 2026. This is aimed at aligning scheme allocations, funding, and outcomes with the Finance Commission cycle. 16th Finance Commission Cycle (2026–2031) Key Objectives Implications 3. Jan Samarth Portal Source: Mint

Daily Current Affairs Quiz11 & 12 November, 2025 National Affairs 1. Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh 2025 Source: PIB Context: Nationwide celebrations under Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh 2025 have commenced to mark two significant milestones — the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, revered as Dharti Aaba, and 150 years of the national song “Vande Mataram.” About Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh 2025 Organisations Involved: Aim: 2. Rural Unemployment Down, Urban Joblessness Up – PLFS Report Source: TH Context: The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for July-September 2025 highlights trends in employment, unemployment, and sectoral distribution across rural and urban India. Key Highlights: 3. Exercise Malabar 2025 Source: PIB Context: Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sahyadri has reached Guam in the Northern Pacific Ocean to participate in Exercise Malabar 2025, reaffirming India’s commitment to maritime cooperation, regional stability, and strategic interoperability among the Quad nations — India, the United States, Japan, and Australia. About Exercise Malabar 2025 Exercise Malabar is a multilateral naval exercise that brings together the navies of India, the United States, Japan, and Australia. It serves as a premier platform to enhance maritime security coordination, interoperability, and joint operational capabilities among the participating nations in the Indo-Pacific region. Origin: History and Evolution: Nations Involved: 2025 Host: 4. India–Sri Lanka Joint Military Exercise ‘Mitra Shakti XI–2025’ Source: TH Context: The 11th edition of the India–Sri Lanka Joint Military Exercise “Mitra Shakti XI–2025” has commenced at the Foreign Training Node, Belagavi (Karnataka). The exercise underscores the two nations’ shared commitment to strengthening regional security, military cooperation, and interoperability under UN peacekeeping mandates. About Exercise Mitra Shakti XI – 2025: ‘Mitra Shakti’ is a bilateral joint military exercise held annually between the Indian Army and the Sri Lankan Army. It aims to enhance defence cooperation, improve interoperability, and foster mutual understanding between the two forces in conducting sub-conventional and peacekeeping operations. Nations Involved: Aim: 5. Delhi Enforces GRAP Stage III Source: News on Air Context: The Delhi government has implemented Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-III) after the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) crossed 400, entering the ‘Severe’ category for the first time this season. The move comes as part of the region’s coordinated air pollution control strategy to curb emissions and safeguard public health. About Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP): The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a dynamic and adaptive pollution-control framework designed to combat air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR). It prescribes stage-wise actions based on daily AQI readings to ensure timely intervention. Established In: 2017, following directions from the Supreme Court of India, based on recommendations of the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA). Organisation Involved:Implemented by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in coordination with: Aim: To reduce air pollution in Delhi-NCR through graded, coordinated, and evidence-based actions, thereby protecting public health and aligning with the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) objectives. Key Features: Banking/Finance 1. Banks Seek Lower Stage-II Provision Floor under RBI’s Draft ECL Framework Source: BS Context: Indian banks are preparing to approach the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) seeking a reduction in the proposed Stage-II provisioning floor under the Expected Credit Loss (ECL) framework. The ECL-based loan-loss provisioning system, aligned with global accounting standards (IFRS 9), is proposed to come into effect from April 1, 2027, replacing the current incurred-loss model. About the ECL Framework The Expected Credit Loss (ECL) framework is a forward-looking provisioning system that requires banks to estimate and set aside funds based on the probability of future loan defaults, rather than waiting for an actual default to occur.It aims to enhance the accuracy and timeliness of credit risk recognition, thereby strengthening financial stability and transparency in banking operations. Objective: Background: Understanding the Three Stages Under the RBI’s draft ECL norms, banks must classify loans based on changes in credit risk since initial recognition: Key Concern: Sharp Rise in Stage-II Provisioning Draft ECL Framework – At a Glance Parameter Current System Proposed ECL Framework Basis Incurred Loss Expected Credit Loss (forward-looking) Stage-I Provision ~0.25–0.40% No major change expected Stage-II Provision 0.4% (SMA-1, SMA-2) 5% (proposed) Stage-III (Impaired Loans) 15%–100% (based on asset quality) Expected to continue Transition Start — April 1, 2027 Transition Period — 4 years (till FY31) 2. IRDAI Chief Urges Insurers to Build Trust Through Transparency and Good Governance Source: TOI Context: On the occasion of the First Insurance Lokpal Day (November 11, 2025), Ajay Seth, Chairman of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), emphasized that trust, transparency, and responsible conduct are the cornerstones of a robust insurance sector. About Bima Bharosa Platform The Bima Bharosa platform is IRDAI’s integrated online grievance redressal system that enables policyholders to register, track, and resolve insurance-related complaints across all insurers in India. Purpose: To ensure transparency, accountability, and timely resolution of consumer grievances in the insurance sector. Key Features: Role of Bima Lokpal and the Ombudsman Network The Bima Lokpal (Insurance Ombudsman) is a quasi-judicial authority that provides free and impartial dispute resolution for policyholders dissatisfied with the insurer’s response or grievance outcome. Legal Basis: Established under the Redressal of Public Grievances Rules, 1998, and supervised by IRDAI. Key Functions: Focus on Rural and Semi-Urban Expansion IRDAI’s Vision 2047 – “Insurance for All”: Key Focus Areas: 3. Ageas Federal Life Insurance Partners with Muthoot Microfin to Expand Insurance Access in Underserved India Source: BL Context: In a strategic move to deepen life insurance penetration in non-metro and underserved regions, Ageas Federal Life Insurance has entered into a distribution partnership with Muthoot Microfin Ltd, one of India’s leading microfinance institutions. The collaboration aligns with IRDAI’s “Insurance for All by 2047” vision and aims to bridge the country’s significant protection gap. Key Highlights: 4. Sahakar Digi Pay and Sahakar Digi Loan Apps Source: IE Context: Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Monday launched two new digital platforms — Sahakar Digi Pay and Sahakar Digi Loan — aimed at driving the digital transformation of urban cooperative banks (UCBs) and enhancing their competitiveness in India’s increasingly