Daily Current Affairs Quiz8 November, 2025 National Affairs 1. Google Announces Project Suncatcher Source: IE Context: Google has unveiled Project Suncatcher, a pioneering initiative to build AI-powered data centres in space to utilise uninterrupted solar energy and reduce the environmental impact of terrestrial data centres. About Project Suncatcher A Google-led research project to deploy solar-powered AI data centres aboard satellites, equipped with advanced TPUs (Tensor Processing Units) and connected through high-speed optical communication links. Launched by: Google’s AI and Advanced Infrastructure Division, as part of its long-term climate sustainability and next-generation computing roadmap. Aim of the Initiative Key Features 2. Ethiopia to Adopt India’s Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) Context: Ethiopia has announced that it will adopt India’s Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) model to combat rural poverty and enhance women’s economic empowerment. This marks a significant recognition of India’s rural development approach at the global level. About DAY-NRLM India’s flagship rural poverty alleviation and women’s empowerment programme under the Ministry of Rural Development, focused on sustainable livelihoods, financial inclusion, and community-based institution building through Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Background / Evolution Key Features of DAY-NRLM Feature Details 1. Social Mobilisation & SHG Network • 10.05 crore rural women mobilised• 90.9 lakh SHGs formed across 28 States & 6 UTs 2. Community Resource Persons Model • Deployment of trained CRPs such as Bank Sakhis, Krishi Sakhis, Pashu Sakhis• Ensures last-mile delivery of financial, agricultural & livestock services 3. Financial Inclusion & Credit Access • ₹11 lakh crore collateral-free credit disbursed to SHGs• 98% repayment rate; globally acclaimed for credit discipline 4. Livelihood Diversification • Support to 4.62 crore Mahila Kisans• 1.95 lakh Producer Groups supported• 3.74 lakh rural enterprises supported under SVEP 5. Skill Development Initiatives • DDU-GKY for placement-linked skilling• RSETIs for entrepreneurship training• 74+ lakh youth trained (cumulative, mid-2025) 6. Sustainable Agriculture • 6,000 Integrated Farming Clusters established• Promotes agro-ecological & climate-resilient farming practices 7. Digital Inclusion • Full integration with DBT and Digital Public Infrastructure• Ensures transparency, direct benefit flow, and efficient service delivery 3. Bangladesh joins UN Water Convention Context: Bangladesh has become the first South Asian country to accede to the United Nations Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (UN Water Convention). The Convention, adopted in 1992, aims to promote equitable, sustainable and cooperative management of shared water resources. It was originally a regional treaty and became globally open to all UN member states in 2016. About the Convention: Why Bangladesh Joined: Potential Impact on India–Bangladesh Relations: Why India is Concerned: 4. Economics and a Mamdani Model, Big Apple Style Source: TH Context: As 2025 concludes, Zohran Mamdani has been elected as the incoming Mayor of New York City (NYC). His welfare-focused agenda — including free public buses, rent freezes, and universal childcare — has reignited global debate on sustainable welfarism in market-based economies. Key Highlights: Global Return of Welfarism: The Two Sides of Welfare: Balancing Rawls and Pareto: The ‘Mamdani Model’: Towards Sustainable Welfarism Chatterjee suggests creating a “Rawls–Pareto thermostat” — welfare systems that are compassionate during crises but efficiency-oriented as capacity grows. Key features: Fiscal and Social Discipline: Banking/Finance 1. World Bank’s Financial Sector Assessment (FSA) 2025 Source: BL Context: The World Bank’s Financial Sector Assessment (FSA) 2025, conducted jointly with the IMF under the FSAP framework, reviewed India’s financial system, highlighting achievements since 2017 and recommending reforms for future growth. Key Findings: Institutional Observations: Emerging Risks and Recommendations: 2. IBBI Proposes Mandatory Disclosure of Beneficial Ownership for Insolvency Bidders Source: BS Context: The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) has proposed a stricter disclosure framework requiring bidders under the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) to declare their Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO). The reform aims to prevent misuse of IBC’s clean slate provision, strengthen due diligence, and ensure transparency in the resolution ecosystem. Mandatory UBO Disclosure Framework Aligned with RBI Norms Section 32A Affidavit Requirement Exemption for Listed Entities Strengthened Due Diligence for RPs & CoC New Measures for Cases Involving Financial Crimes 3. India Retains Cap on Voting Rights for Large Shareholders in Banks Source: BS Context: India plans to maintain existing limits on voting rights for large shareholders in domestic banks, even as the government works to attract more foreign investment and liberalise the financial sector. This signals that reforms will remain cautious in scope. Key Highlights: Agriculture 1. FAO Releases ‘The State of Food and Agriculture 2025’ Report Context: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has released its flagship report, The State of Food and Agriculture 2025, titled “Addressing Land Degradation Across Landholding Scales.” The report highlights how human-induced land degradation is undermining global food production, soil health, and climate resilience. About the Report Key Findings of the Report Successes Identified Gaps and Failures Key Challenges FAO Recommendations Facts To Remember 1. Raahul wins ASEAN championship, becomes India’s 91st Grandmaster Chennai’s V.S. Raahul became India’s 91st Grandmaster by winning the sixth ASEAN individual chess championship at Ozamiz City, the Philippines, on Friday, with a round to spare. 2. China Commissions Third Aircraft Carrier ‘Fujian’ to Expand Naval Power China has officially commissioned its third aircraft carrier, Fujian, after successful sea trials. The commissioning ceremony was held at a naval base in Hainan Province and attended by President Xi Jinping. This marks a major step in China’s efforts to modernize its navy and project power beyond its regional waters. Advanced Technology: 3. Indian Army’s Southern Command Conducts Tri-Services Exercise TRISHUL to Strengthen Joint Operations Indian Army’s Southern Command is participating in a series of Tri-Services exercises to validate full-spectrum land-sea-air integration embodying the mantra of JAI – Jointness, Atmanirbharta and Innovation in action under Exercise TRISHUL. 4. VP C.P. Radhakrishnan Hails Gyan Bharatham Mission, Praises Classical Language Status for Prakrit  Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan today lauded the Government’s Gyan Bharatham Mission for preserving Jain manuscripts and praised the move to grant Classical Language status to Prakrit.  5. NHAI Launches Lavender Plantation Along Jammu-Srinagar Highway to Boost Aesthetics