Daily Current Affairs Quiz
19 August, 2025
National Affairs
1. The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2025 Report
Context:
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) released its State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2025 Report, showing global undernourishment at 8.2% (673 million people). India has been a decisive contributor to this decline.
Key Highlights:
- India’s Progress: Prevalence of undernourishment reduced from 13% (2020–22) to 12% (2022–24), meaning 30 million fewer hungry people.
- Global Picture: Undernourishment down from 9.4% in 2020 to 8.2% in 2025.
- Hidden Hunger: Micronutrient deficiency remains a concern globally despite caloric improvements.
Understanding Hunger
- Definition: A state of chronic undernourishment due to lack of sufficient calories or nutrients.
- Forms:
- Undernourishment – calorie deficiency.
- Malnutrition – poor diet lacking protein/micronutrients.
- Hidden Hunger – micronutrient deficiencies (iron, iodine, vitamin A, zinc).
Causes of Hunger in India
- Poverty & Inequality: 11.28% still multidimensionally poor (NITI Aayog, 2023).
- Agricultural Challenges: Low productivity, erratic monsoons, high post-harvest losses (~13%).
- High Food Prices: 60% population cannot afford a healthy diet (FAO).
- Weak Infrastructure: ₹92,000 crore lost annually in post-harvest losses (ICAR, 2022).
- Climate Change & Conflict: Crop losses, pandemics, and wars disrupting food supply.
- Health & Sanitation: NFHS-5 shows 35.5% children stunted and 19.3% wasted.
Consequences of Hunger
- Human Capital Loss: Poor learning outcomes, low adult productivity.
- Economic Burden: 2–3% of India’s GDP lost annually (Global Nutrition Report, 2021).
- Health Risks: Anaemia, TB, infections, micronutrient-linked impairments.
- Social Instability: Hunger drives unrest, migration, and conflict.
- SDG Failure: Direct barrier to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), indirect to SDG 3, 4, 8.
India’s Role in Combating Hunger
- Strengthened PDS: ONORC, Aadhaar linkage, subsidised grains for 800M people.
- Nutrition Schemes: PM POSHAN (school meals), POSHAN Abhiyaan, ICDS, Anaemia Mukt Bharat.
- Digital & Tech Support: e-NAM, AgriStack, AI tools for supply chain & crop monitoring.
- Agrifood System Reforms: Cold chains, FPOs, women-led enterprises, climate-resilient crops.
- Global Model: India’s governance in food security seen as replicable across Global South.
2. Impeachment Motion Against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)
Context:
The Opposition is considering an impeachment motion against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, raising questions on the rare and stringent removal process of a CEC under the Constitution.
About the CEC Removal Process
Constitutional Authority:
- The CEC is appointed under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution.
- Removal safeguards are meant to ensure independence and neutrality of the Election Commission.
Grounds for Removal:
- Proved Misbehaviour: corruption, abuse of office, or failure to discharge duties.
- Incapacity: inability to perform constitutional functions.
Procedure of Removal:
- Initiation: Motion can be introduced in either House of Parliament, supported by at least 50 MPs.
- Inquiry: A judicial inquiry committee examines evidence and validates charges.
- Voting in Parliament: Motion must be passed by a two-thirds majority of members present and voting in both Houses.
- Presidential Action: Once approved by Parliament, the President orders removal (no discretion).
- Other Election Commissioners: Can be removed only on the recommendation of the CEC, further strengthening independence.
Historical Note:
- No Chief Election Commissioner has ever been removed since Independence.
- The high constitutional threshold ensures protection against political interference.
3. India to Land Astronaut on the Moon by 2040
Context:
Union Minister Jitendra Singh announced in the Lok Sabha that India will land an astronaut on the Moon by 2040. This declaration is part of a broader roadmap to establish India as a global space power and aligns with the Viksit Bharat @2047 vision.
About India’s Moon Mission
What it is:
- India’s proposed crewed lunar mission by 2040 is a long-term national vision.
- It aims to showcase human space exploration beyond Earth orbit.
- It integrates scientific, economic, and security goals with space capability.
Objectives:
- Demonstrate human exploration capacity beyond Earth.
- Build indigenous capacity for lunar habitation and resource utilisation.
- Enhance India’s role in the $45 billion global space economy.
Key Features:
- Human Landing: An Indian astronaut to step on the Moon by 2040.
- Indigenous Development: Use of Indian-built launch vehicles, life-support, and lunar surface technologies.
- Global Collaboration: Joint missions with advanced space agencies for tech sharing.
- Strategic Vision: Supports India’s global standing in space and national development.
Other Planned Milestones in India’s Space Programme
- 2026 – Vyommitra Mission: Uncrewed mission with humanoid robot Vyommitra to test systems.
- 2027 – Gaganyaan Mission: India’s first human spaceflight with astronauts in low Earth orbit.
- 2035 – Bharat Antariksh Station: India’s indigenous space station for long-duration research.
- 2040 – Crewed Moon Landing: Historic step with an Indian astronaut on the lunar surface.
4. Ethanol-Blended Petrol (E20)
Context:
India had set a target in 2021 to achieve 20% ethanol blending in petrol (E20) by 2025. Vehicles modified for E20 compatibility started rolling out from April 2025. While aimed at reducing carbon emissions and oil import dependency, the move has raised concerns among vehicle owners about mileage, corrosion, and higher maintenance costs.
What is Ethanol?
- A biofuel made from biomass (sugarcane molasses, broken rice, maize, lignocellulosic materials).
- Acts as an oxygenate when blended with petrol → enables better combustion.
Production Process
- From molasses (C-heavy & B-heavy) via fermentation using enzymes (invertase, zymase).
- From food grains & lignocellulosic material after conversion into fermentable sugars.
Fuel Properties
- Calorific Value (CV): Lower than petrol → theoretically reduces mileage.
- Octane Number: Higher than petrol → reduces engine knocking.
- Hygroscopic Nature: Ethanol attracts water → risk of corrosion in tanks, pipes, and injectors.
Impact on Vehicles
- Older Vehicles (pre-BS-VI, mostly carbureted): Cannot adapt easily; risk of corrosion and clogging.
- Modern Vehicles (BS-IV & BS-VI, ECU-equipped): Can recalibrate spark timing & combustion; less affected.
- Government’s Position: Part replacement (rubber/gaskets) is inexpensive and needed only once in a vehicle’s lifetime.
Global Comparison – Brazil’s Ethanol Story
- Brazil uses E27 petrol after decades of phased policy (since 1975).
- Government built strong production capacity, subsidies, and flex-fuel engine adoption.
- Indian scenario differs: Most pre-2020 vehicles not designed for flex-fuel.
Banking/Finance
1. SEBI Proposes Changes in Minimum Public Shareholding and Public Offer Norms
Context:
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has released a consultation paper to increase flexibility in Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS) and Minimum Public Offer (MPO) requirements. The proposal seeks to simplify fundraising and give listed companies more time to comply with shareholding norms.
Minimum Public Offer (MPO)
MPO refers to the minimum percentage of equity that must be offered to the public at the time of IPO (Initial Public Offer).
Regulation
- Governed under Rule 19(2)(b) of SCRR, 1957.
- Linked to post-issue market capitalization of the company.
- SEBI proposes to raise the MPO for companies approaching listing.
- Thresholds of post-issue market capitalisation revised to:
- ₹4,000 crore – ₹50,000 crore
- ₹50,000 crore – ₹1 lakh crore
- ₹1 lakh crore – ₹5 lakh crore
- Above ₹5 lakh crore
Minimum Public Shareholding (MPS)
MPS is the minimum percentage of shares in a listed company that must be held by the public (non-promoters).
Regulation
- Governed under Rule 19A of Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rules, 1957 (SCRR) and SEBI Listing Regulations.
- Current requirement: 25% public shareholding within 3 years of listing.
- Proposed: For companies with post-issue market cap ₹50,000 crore – ₹1 lakh crore:
- 15% public shareholding within 5 years of listing.
- 25% public shareholding within 10 years of listing.
2. Sebi Proposes Stricter Norms for Sectoral & Thematic Indices in Derivatives
Context:
On 29 May 2025, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) released a consultation paper proposing stricter norms for sectoral and thematic indices used in derivatives trading. The move aims to ensure that indices are broad-based and not dominated by a few stocks, thereby reducing concentration risks.
Key Highlights:
- Minimum Constituents:
- Each sectoral/thematic index must have at least 14 stocks.
- Stock Weightage Cap:
- No single stock can have more than 20% weight in the index.
- Combined weight of the top 3 stocks capped at 45%.
- Remaining stocks must follow a descending order of weightage.
What are Derivatives?
A derivative is a financial instrument whose value is derived from the value of an underlying asset such as stocks, bonds, currencies, commodities, or indices.
Types of Derivatives:
- Forwards – Customized contracts between two parties to buy/sell an asset at a future date at a pre-agreed price (not traded on exchange, OTC).
- Futures – Standardized contracts to buy/sell an asset at a set price on a future date (traded on exchanges like NSE, BSE, MCX).
- Options – Contracts that give the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy/sell an asset at a specified price within a set time.
- Call Option = Right to Buy
- Put Option = Right to Sell
- Swaps – Agreement to exchange cash flows or liabilities (e.g., interest rate swaps, currency swaps).
What are Sectoral and Thematic Indices?
- Sectoral Indices track companies belonging to a specific sector such as banking, IT, FMCG, pharma, metals, energy, etc.
- Thematic Indices track companies across multiple sectors but grouped around a particular theme, e.g., infrastructure, ESG, consumption, services.
Why Important for Derivatives Trading?
- These indices are used for Futures & Options (F&O) contracts, allowing investors to hedge, speculate, or take exposure in a sector/theme without investing in individual stocks.
- Provide liquidity and risk management tools for institutional and retail investors.
3. Special Mention Accounts (SMA) and Non-Performing Asset (NPA)
Context:
The Union government is considering a proposal to extend the non-performing asset (NPA) classification period for loans given to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from the current 90 days to 180 days.
Key Highlights:
- Objective: To provide relief to cash-strapped MSMEs affected by steep US tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and liquidity stress.
- Comparison: Agriculture sector already enjoys longer repayment moratoriums (180–360 days). MSMEs, with cyclic/seasonal cash flows, seek similar flexibility.
- SMA Relaxation: The government may also relax the timeline for Special Mention Accounts (SMA), which are early indicators of loan stress.
Special Mention Accounts (SMA)
- A Special Mention Account (SMA) is a category introduced by RBI to identify and monitor incipient stress in loan accounts before they turn into Non-Performing Assets (NPAs).
- Objective: Early warning system for banks and financial institutions to take corrective action.
Classification of SMA Accounts
RBI (2014 framework) classifies SMA based on number of days a loan is overdue (principal or interest):
- SMA-0: Principal/interest overdue 1–30 days.
- SMA-1: Principal/interest overdue 31–60 days.
- SMA-2: Principal/interest overdue 61–90 days.
If overdue >90 days → NPA.
Non-Performing Asset (NPA)
An NPA is a loan or advance where the borrower has failed to make interest or principal payments for a specified period, indicating financial stress.
- As per RBI, a loan becomes NPA if interest or principal remains overdue for more than 90 days.
- Applies to commercial banks and financial institutions.
4. Tata AIA Launches Momentum 50 Index Fund
Context:
On August 19, 2025, Tata AIA Life Insurance Co Ltd launched the Momentum 50 Index Fund, with its New Fund Offer (NFO) priced at ₹10 per unit. The NFO will remain open until August 25, 2025.
Key Highlights:
- Portfolio: Invests in 50 high-momentum stocks selected from the BSE 500 universe, based on their recent strong performance.
- Unique Feature: Combines equity investment potential with life insurance protection for policyholders.
Momentum 50 Index Fund
A Momentum Index Fund is a type of equity-linked fund that invests in a basket of stocks selected based on their recent performance trend.
- The Momentum 50 Index Fund tracks the BSE 500 Momentum 50 Customised Index, consisting of 50 high-momentum stocks from the BSE 500 universe.
- Objective: To capture stocks likely to continue outperforming based on past price and earnings trends.
5. IRDAI Directs Insurers to Undertake QIS for Risk-Based Capital Framework
Context:
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has directed insurance companies to conduct a Quantitative Impact Study (QIS 2) as part of the transition to a Risk-Based Capital (RBC) regulatory framework for the Indian insurance industry.
Quantitative Impact Study (QIS)
A Quantitative Impact Study (QIS) is a regulatory exercise conducted by IRDAI to assess the impact of proposed regulatory changes—specifically the Risk-Based Capital (RBC) framework—on Indian insurance companies.
- Purpose: To evaluate solvency requirements and capital adequacy under a risk-sensitive approach.
- Replaces the traditional fixed-solvency margin system with a framework aligned to global standards.
Key Objectives of RBC Framework
- Principle of RBC: Insurers will hold capital proportionate to the risks they undertake, including investment, underwriting, operational, and market risks.
- Objective: Strengthen financial stability, enhance policyholder protection, and support globalisation of India’s insurance industry.
- Moves Indian insurers closer to international solvency norms.
Agriculture
1. SRMIST Hosts ‘Agri Startup 2.0’ to Promote Sustainable Farming
Context:
SRM College of Agricultural Sciences, part of SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Kattankulathur, organised ‘Agri Startup 2.0’, a platform bringing together farmers, youth, women entrepreneurs, and innovators to foster sustainable agriculture solutions.
Key Highlights:
- Organisers:
- SRMIST College of Agricultural Sciences.
- In collaboration with Isha Save Soil Movement, active in Tamil Nadu for nearly three decades.
- Focus Areas:
- Revitalising soil health.
- Promoting natural farming.
- Enhancing farmers’ livelihood.
- Ensuring toxin-free food for all.
- SRMIST Initiatives:
- Runs a College of Agricultural Sciences in Achirapakkam.
- Provides land and financial support to agriculture-related start-ups.
- Supports research and incubation initiatives for sustainable farming.
Significance:
- Encourages agripreneurship and innovation in farming.
- Promotes natural farming methods for environmental sustainability.
- Strengthens rural livelihoods while ensuring food security.
Facts To Remember
1. Modi meets Shukla, says India is proud of his achievement
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday met Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who became the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS).
2. Rajya Sabha passes Indian Ports Bill
The Rajya Sabha passed the Indian Ports Bill, 2025, that replaces the Indian Ports Act of 1908.
3. Bengal CM announces scheme for migrant workers facing harassment
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a new scheme to provide monthly cash incentives to migrant workers who return to the State after facing harassment in other States.
4. 23% of PM Jan Dhan accounts inoperative
As many as 23% of the total 56.04 crore Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) accounts are inoperative, said Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary.
5. Top Indians for Archery Premier League in October
Ace archers such as Olympians Deepika Kumari and B. Dhiraj in recurve and V. Jyothi Surekha and Abhishek Verma in compound are among the Indian archers named for the inaugural Archery Premier League (APL), scheduled to be held at the Yamuna Sports Complex in Delhi in October.
6. Kapil and Girish bag gold medals in Asian meet
Kapil Bainsla won the air pistol gold in the junior men’s event by beating Ilkhombek Obidjonov of Uzbekistan by 0.6 point in the 16th Asian shooting championship in Shymkent, Kazakhstan.
7. LIC launches campaign to revive lapsed policies
State-owned Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) launched a nationwide campaign to revive lapsed individual insurance policies, effective from August 18 to October 17. LIC is offering concession on late fees of up to 30 per cent, or a maximum of ₹ 5,000, for allnon-linked insurance plans.
8. Bank of Maharashtra and SBI Card Launch Co-Branded Credit Card
On August 19, 2025, Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) and SBI Card jointly launched the “Bank of Maharashtra SBI Card” in three variants to offer enhanced value, convenience, and lifestyle benefits to customers.
9. Government Launches PM Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana Portal for Employers
The Union Government has launched the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY) portal to facilitate implementation of its new employment-linked incentive programme aimed at boosting job creation.
10. Unemployment Rate Declines to 5.2% in July: PLFS Data
The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) on 18 August 2025 shows that India’s unemployment rate has fallen, with notable improvements in rural employment indicators.
