Daily Current Affairs Quiz7 November, 2025 National Affairs 1. Centre Argues Right to Vote Not Same as Freedom of Voting Source: The Hindu Context: The Central government has informed the Supreme Court that the “right to vote” and the “freedom of voting” are distinct concepts under the Constitution and election law. This argument was made in response to a petition challenging provisions related to uncontested elections under the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Key Issue Petitioners’ Argument Constitutional Provision Background on NOTA 2. Justice in Food: EAT-Lancet Commission Report Source: The Hindu Context: The new EAT-Lancet Commission Report highlights how global food systems have become central to multiple environmental crises — from climate change and biodiversity loss to water pollution and nutrient imbalance. It calls for a just transition toward sustainable, equitable, and healthy diets that do not compromise affordability or cultural diversity. Food Systems and Planetary Boundaries Key Drivers of Unsustainability Global Outlook Even with comprehensive interventions — such as cutting food waste, raising productivity, and shifting diets — the world may only partially return to planetary safety by mid-century. The Commission also questions the assumption of 127% global GDP growth in 30 years, noting that lower growth and worsening climate shocks may be more realistic scenarios. India’s Food System Challenge Diet Patterns and Nutritional Transition Affordability and Justice Supply-Side Imperatives To ensure a sustainable and just transition, the report suggests: Governance and Structural Justice Addressing Market Power Strengthening Regulation and Accountability Conclusion The idea of justice in food extends beyond nutrition to encompass environmental integrity, equity, and cultural inclusion. India must reorient its food policy toward: The path to food justice lies not merely in changing what people eat, but in transforming how food is produced, distributed, and governed — ensuring that both people and the planet can thrive within safe ecological limits. 3. INS Ikshak Source: PIB Context: INS Ikshak, the third of the Survey Vessel Large (SVL), was commissioned into the Indian Navy in a ceremonial event at Naval Base, Kochi on 06 Nov 2025. The commissioning ceremony was presided over by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, the Chief of the Naval Staff.  Capabilities & Features of INS Ikshak 4. Universal Basic Income (UBI) Source: TH Context: As India faces deepening wealth inequality, rapid automation, and climate-induced displacement, the article argues for Universal Basic Income (UBI) as a central pillar of a modern welfare state. The author contends that UBI, long viewed as utopian, now represents a moral, economic, and democratic necessity for India’s future. Why India Needs a Universal Basic Income Socioeconomic Rationale Administrative and Ethical Advantages Economic Impact and Pilot Evidence UBI as a Democratic Reform Shifting the Citizen–State Relationship Promoting Dignity and Autonomy Implementation Challenges and Fiscal Concerns Cost and Fiscal Feasibility Phased Rollout Digital and Institutional Gaps 5. UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) Scheme Context: The UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme, launched in 2016 to boost regional air connectivity and make flying affordable, is facing critical challenges in achieving its objectives. The programme aimed to connect smaller towns and promote regional development through enhanced air travel. About UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) Launched: 2016 by Government of India. Ministry: Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA). Objective: Key Features: UDAN 2.0 6. India Supports Afghanistan’s Kunar Dam Source: TOI Context: India has expressed support for Afghanistan’s plan to construct a dam on the Kunar River, a move that could significantly affect water availability in Pakistan. About Kunar River Course & Flow Tributaries Mouth Key Features Banking/Finance 1. Big Bank Pursuit: FM Source: BS Context: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman confirmed that talks have begun with the RBI and public-sector banks (PSBs) on forming larger banking entities through potential mergers or other structural routes. Objective: To create world-class banks in India, strengthen the banking ecosystem, and support economic growth. Public Sector Bank Consolidation Customer Engagement & Branch-Level Reforms Credit & Lending Financial Markets & Investor Awareness Fiscal Prudence & Financial Inclusion 2. SEBI Expands IPO Anchor Book Size to Boost Domestic Institutional Participation Source: Mint Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has amended its regulations to revamp the share allocation framework for anchor investors in initial public offerings (IPOs). The move is designed to enhance domestic institutional participation, particularly from mutual funds (MFs), insurance companies, and pension funds. Increased Anchor Portion Reservation Simplified: More shares are reserved for anchor investors, and mutual funds get extra if insurance/pension funds don’t take their full share. Higher Number of Anchor Investors Simplified: Bigger IPOs now allow more anchor investors, reducing concentration and spreading investment among multiple long-term players. Simplification of Discretionary Allotment Simplified: The allocation process is easier and more uniform for anchors, avoiding complicated categories. Regulatory Update 3. SEBI to Review Short Selling and Securities Lending Frameworks Source: BL Context: Markets regulator SEBI will set up a working group to conduct a comprehensive review of short selling and Securities Lending and Borrowing (SLB) frameworks. The move is aimed at improving transparency, efficiency, and market depth in India’s capital markets. Background Key Details Formation of Working Group Securities Lending and Borrowing (SLB) The Securities Lending and Borrowing (SLB) mechanism is a regulated framework that allows investors to lend or borrow shares (securities) for a specified period, usually to facilitate short selling, arbitrage, or to prevent settlement failures. It was introduced in India in 2008 by SEBI through stock exchange platforms and is managed by clearing corporations to ensure safety, transparency, and guaranteed settlement. How It Works About the SLB Mechanism 4. Insurance Brokers Seek ‘Zero-Rate’ GST Source: Mint Context: The Insurance Brokers’ Association of India (IBAI) is pushing for a zero-rated GST structure for insurance products, following the recent GST exemption on retail term and health insurance. The exemption blocked input tax credits (ITC), causing insurers to bear higher costs and trim broker commissions, potentially leading to higher premiums for customers. Key Points What Zero-Rate GST Means 5. Sebi to Streamline Processes Source: BS Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India