Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 25 July, 2025

Daily Current Affairs Quiz
25 July, 2025

National Affairs

1. eShram Portal

Context:

The Ministry of Labour and Employment launched the eShram portal on 26th August 2021 to create a National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW) seeded with Aadhaar. The portal aims to offer unorganised workers a Universal Account Number (UAN) and facilitate access to welfare schemes through a unified digital platform.

Objectives of eShram Portal

• Register unorganised workers across India on a single platform.
• Assign a Universal Account Number (UAN) based on self-declaration.
• Enable direct benefit transfers and scheme access for social security.
• Act as a foundational database for welfare delivery and labour market insights.

Key Developments:

Launch of eShram as a “One-Stop-Solution” (21 October 2024)

• Aligned with Budget 2024–25 vision.
• eShram portal upgraded to offer integrated access to welfare and social security schemes.
• Workers can view scheme eligibility, track benefits availed, and receive consolidated service delivery through the same portal.

Schemes Integrated with eShram Portal

Scheme Name	Implementing Ministry
Pradhan Mantri Street Vendors Atmanirbhar Nidhi (PMSVANidhi)	MoHUA
Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)	DFS
Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)	DFS
National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS)	MoRD
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS)	MoRD
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G)	MoRD
Ayushman Bharat – PM Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)	MoHFW
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U)	MoHUA
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)	MoFAH&D
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana (PM-KMY)	MoA&FW
Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS)	MoRD
Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS)	MoRD
One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC)	MoCAF&PD
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)	MoWCD

Impact

• eShram is evolving from a registration platform to a comprehensive service delivery portal.
• Integration with flagship welfare schemes ensures targeted and inclusive support to vulnerable populations.
• The portal provides critical support during emergencies, such as pandemic-induced lockdowns, by streamlining benefits.

PIB

2. India–UK CETA and Vision 2035

Context:

India and the United Kingdom signed a historic Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) in July 2025, along with endorsing a strategic long-term roadmap titled India–UK Vision 2035. This marks a landmark shift in bilateral ties post-Brexit, promoting economic, technological, defence, climate, and educational cooperation.

What is India–UK CETA?

The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is a modern Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that:

• Grants zero-duty access on 99% tariff lines for Indian exports.
• Covers goods, services, investments, mobility, and social security through the Double Contribution Convention (DCC).
• Aims to empower labour-intensive sectors, MSMEs, professionals, women entrepreneurs, and youth.

Key Provisions of CETA

1. Goods and Market Access

• Zero-duty access on 99% of tariff lines, covering 100% of India’s export value to the U.K.
• Major beneficiaries: textiles, gems & jewellery, leather, marine products, processed food (tariffs cut from 70% to 0%).
• Sensitive sectors like dairy remain protected via exclusion lists.

2. Services and Skilled Mobility

• Broader access for IT, finance, legal, education, consulting, and architecture sectors.
• Liberalised visa norms for:
  • Contractual Service Suppliers
  • Intra-Corporate Transferees
  • Independent Professionals
• Mutual recognition of qualifications in healthcare, engineering, and other regulated sectors.

3. Social Security – DCC

• Double Contribution Convention (DCC): Exempts Indian professionals from UK social security payments for up to 3 years.
• Improves competitiveness and take-home income for Indian firms and workers abroad.

4. Inclusive and MSME-Oriented Growth

• Special focus on MSMEs, women-led enterprises, artisans, farmers, and youth entrepreneurs.
• Access to the UK’s $63.4 billion agricultural market for items like tea, coffee, spices, fruits, and meat (excluding sensitive dairy).
• Establishment of SME contact points, paperless trade processes, and digital customs clearance.

India–UK Vision 2035

The India–UK Vision 2035 outlines a comprehensive blueprint under five key pillars:

1. Growth and Jobs

• Target: Double bilateral trade to $112 billion by 2030 (from $56 billion).
• Focus on legal, insurance, financial, and asset management reforms to attract mutual investments.
• Infrastructure financing via UK-India bridge mechanisms and BII.

2. Technology and Innovation

• Joint AI centre, 6G trials, biotech cooperation, and India–UK Critical Minerals Guild.
• Partnerships on semiconductors, quantum tech, and cybersecurity.
• Strengthening of startup ecosystems through catapults, biofoundries, and incubators.

3. Defence and Strategic Security

• 10-year Defence Industrial Roadmap covering:
  • Electric propulsion
  • Underwater systems
  • Directed energy weapons
• Elevated 2+2 dialogue, military drills, and joint counter-terror frameworks.
• Greater UK logistical dependence on India in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

4. Climate and Clean Energy

• Collaboration on green hydrogen, offshore wind, SMRs (small modular reactors), and climate finance.
• Alignment through ISA, OSOWOG, ZEVTC, and India–UK Forest Partnership (focus on agroforestry and blue carbon).
• Net Zero Innovation Partnership to accelerate clean tech R&D and deployment.

5. Education and People-to-People Ties

• Launch of UK university campuses in India, dual degrees, and credential recognition.
• Implementation of the Young Professionals Scheme.
• Green Skills Partnership to equip youth for the global climate economy.

Strategic Benefits to India

Sector	Benefits to India
Trade	Exponential export growth, zero-duty access, MSME expansion
Employment	Job creation in textiles, food processing, engineering, IT
Mobility	Streamlined visa norms and recognition of Indian professionals abroad
Innovation	AI, 6G, biotech, green hydrogen, semiconductors, quantum research
Climate Action	Finance, clean energy access, carbon trading opportunities
Defence	Co-development in advanced technologies, enhanced maritime presence
Global Reform	Common stance on reforming UN, WTO, IMF and other multilateral bodies

BS

3. Scheme for Promotion of Culture of Science (SPoCS)

Context:

The Scheme for Promotion of Culture of Science (SPoCS) is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, designed to promote scientific temper, curiosity, and informal science education across the country. Implemented by the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), the scheme primarily targets students and the general public, especially in underrepresented regions.

Key Objectives

• Foster a culture of science and innovation.
• Enhance public engagement with science through interactive and experiential learning.
• Promote informal science education aligned with national educational goals.

Core Components of SPoCS

The scheme provides financial and technical support for setting up the following institutions:

• Science Cities
• Science Centres
• Innovation Hubs
• Digital Planetariums

Implementation and Impact

• 27 Science Centres have been established under SPoCS across India.
• These centres have collectively recorded a cumulative footfall of over 15 lakh visitors in FY 2024–25.

Inclusivity and Regional Outreach

• Special focus is given to underrepresented and remote regions.
• Category-III Science Centres/Digital Planetariums are set up in areas with populations under 5 lakh.

PIB

4. UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3

Context:

India has successfully conducted flight trials of the UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile (ULPGM)-V3 at the NOAR test range in Kurnool, marking a major step forward in the country’s indigenous drone warfare capabilities.

What is ULPGM-V3?

ULPGM-V3 (UAV-Launched Precision Guided Missile – Version 3), also referred to as ULM-ER (Extended Range), is an advanced air-to-surface precision missile designed to be launched from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It is engineered to engage both static and mobile targets with minimal collateral damage.

• Developed by: DRDO
• Partners: Bharat Dynamics Ltd. (BDL), Adani Defence, MSMEs, and Indian start-ups under Make in India
• Objective: Enable high-precision autonomous drone strikes, reducing dependency on manned combat aircraft.

Evolution and Variants

1. ULPGM-V1 – Baseline prototype
2. ULPGM-V2 – Standard production-ready model
3. ULPGM-V3 / ULM-ER – Extended-range, advanced version with improved seeker and targeting systems

Key Features of ULPGM-V3

• Precision Fire-and-Forget Capability:
  Imaging Infrared (IIR) seeker for all-weather, day-night target acquisition
• Extended Range:
  • Up to 4 km during day
  • Up to 2.5 km at night, powered by dual-thrust solid propulsion
• Advanced Targeting and Control:
  • Two-way datalink for real-time mid-course updates and enhanced accuracy
• Warhead Versatility:
  • Configurable for anti-tank, bunker-busting, and anti-personnel missions
• Lightweight UAV Integration:
  • Weighs just 12.5 kg
  • Compatible with Rustom, TAPAS-BH, and other medium-altitude long-endurance UAVs

Banking/Finance

1. National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA)

Context:

Shri Nitin Gupta (Retd. IRS), former Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) — India’s apex independent regulator for accounting and auditing standards.

About National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA)

What is NFRA?

NFRA is a statutory body under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), tasked with overseeing and enhancing the quality, credibility, and transparency of financial reporting and auditing practices in India.

• Constituted on: 1st October 2018
• Legal Backing: Section 132(1), Companies Act, 2013
• Headquarters: New Delhi

Objectives and Mandate

• Regulate and enforce compliance with accounting/auditing standards.
• Recommend accounting and auditing policies and best practices.
• Monitor audit quality and suggest systemic improvements.
• Investigate professional misconduct of auditors.
• Safeguard public and investor interest through credible disclosures.

Who Falls Under NFRA?

NFRA regulates auditors and auditing for:

• All listed companies (Indian and foreign stock exchanges).
• Unlisted public companies meeting any of the following:
  • Paid-up capital ≥ ₹500 crore
  • Turnover ≥ ₹1,000 crore
  • Outstanding loans/deposits/debentures ≥ ₹500 crore
• Insurance companies, banks, power companies, and entities under special Acts.
• Foreign subsidiaries or associates of Indian companies contributing ≥ 20% of consolidated income/net worth.
• Any company or entity referred by the Central Government in the public interest.

2. NSDL to Launch ₹4,000 Crore IPO

Context:

The National Securities Depository Ltd (NSDL), India’s oldest depository, is set to launch its much-anticipated Initial Public Offering (IPO) on July 30, 2025. This public issue will mark a significant milestone in India’s capital market infrastructure and regulatory compliance.

What is an IPO (Initial Public Offering)?

An Initial Public Offering (IPO) is the process by which a privately held company or a government-owned enterprise (such as LIC) raises capital by offering its shares to the public for the first time.

IPO Process

• Purpose:
  • To raise funds from new investors for expansion, debt repayment, or other business needs.
• Post-IPO:
  • After a successful IPO, the company becomes a publicly listed entity and its shares are traded on a stock exchange.

Market Significance

• Second Listed Depository:
  • NSDL will become the second publicly listed depository in India after Central Depository Services (India) Ltd (CDSL), which was listed in 2017 on the NSE.
• SEBI Mandate Compliance:
  • SEBI regulations mandate that market infrastructure institutions like depositories and exchanges dilute promoter stakes and go public to ensure transparency, accountability, and public participation.

About NSDL

• Established: 1996
• Role: Facilitates electronic holding and settlement of securities in India.
• Market Position: One of the two major depositories in the country, alongside CDSL.
• Key Services: Demat services, settlement infrastructure, e-voting, and more.

BS

3. PayPal World: A Unified Platform for Global Payments and Digital Wallets

Context:

PayPal has announced the launch of PayPal World, a next-generation platform that aims to integrate various global payment systems and digital wallets into a single, seamless network for both consumers and businesses.

What is PayPal World?

• A technology-agnostic, unified platform designed to streamline cross-border transactions and payments across multiple payment systems and wallets.
• Expected to launch globally in Fall 2025, with initial support for PayPal and Venmo.

Benefits for Consumers

• Cross-Border Convenience: Enables users to shop, pay, and send money internationally using their domestic wallets and currencies.
• Currency Flexibility: No need for foreign exchange conversion or switching between apps.

Strategic and Technical Features

• Interoperability: Launch partners include:
  • Mercado Pago
  • NPCI International Payments (UPI)
  • Tenpay Global
  • Venmo
  • PayPal itself
• Scalable Infrastructure: Uses open APIs and a cloud-native approach to ensure seamless real-time payment operations worldwide.
• Digital Wallet Aggregation: Integrates different payment networks without requiring users to migrate or adopt new apps.

4. Hong Kong Monetary Authority Fines Indian Overseas Bank’s HK Branch for AML Violations

Context:

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has imposed a penalty of HK$850,000 (approx. ₹9.3 crore) on the Hong Kong branch of Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) for breaches of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF) regulations.

Key Highlights:

• Reason for Penalty: Failure to comply with AML/CTF requirements under Hong Kong’s legal and regulatory framework.
• Directive Issued:
  • IOB must review transaction alerts generated by its transaction monitoring system.
  • The bank is required to submit a remedial action plan to the HKMA addressing compliance gaps.

About Indian Overseas Bank (IOB)

• Founded: 1937
• Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
• MD & CEO: Ajay Kumar Srivastava

5. Shriram Life Insurance Partners with ESAF Small Finance Bank to Boost Financial Inclusion

Context:

On July 23, 2025, Shriram Life Insurance Company (SLIC) announced a strategic partnership with ESAF Small Finance Bank to distribute life insurance products to underserved communities across India. ESAF will serve as a corporate agent, offering Shriram Life’s insurance solutions through its extensive branch network.

Key Highlights:

• Objective:
  • To enhance insurance penetration among first-time buyers, low-income families, and rural households.
• Distribution Channel:
  • ESAF Bank’s 788 branches and 1,095 customer service centres will offer Shriram Life’s products.
• Target Segment:
  • Households earning ₹4–15 lakh annually, especially those traditionally excluded from formal insurance.
• Product Range:
  • Includes term insurance, endowment plans, ULIPs, and annuities—designed to be simple, affordable, and relevant.

BS

Agriculture

1. Parliamentary Panel Recommends Reforms in Organic Agriculture

Context:

The Estimates Committee of Parliament has released a comprehensive report urging the Ministry of Agriculture to institutionalize reforms for sustainable farming. It proposes a shift towards natural and organic agriculture while reinforcing the role of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and embracing digital technologies like artificial intelligence (AI).

Key Recommendations

Boost to Organic and Natural Farming

• MSP for Organic Crops: Formalize the 20–30% premium via declared MSPs.
• Viability: Ensure organic farming is economically and scientifically sound.
• Input Support: Address shortages of bio-fertilizers and high labour costs through enhanced subsidies under schemes like MOVCDNER.

Strengthening Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)

• Performance Ranking: District-wise KVK rankings to boost accountability.
• Evaluation Revival: Resume third-party assessments (last done in 2018 by NILERD) to track progress.

Climate Resilience via NICRA

• Promote climate-resilient crop varieties, risk models, and farmer training to manage climate shocks.

Use of AI and Digital Tools

• AI Alerts: Integrate AI for real-time weather, pest, and crop health monitoring.
• Tech Access: Ensure affordable digital tools via partnerships with tech firms and agri-institutes.

Market Access and Retail Infrastructure

• Establish dedicated organic retail outlets and improve logistics for better price realization.

BL

2. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)

Context:

Launched in 2015-16, the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) is a flagship scheme of the Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The aim is to ensure enhanced access to irrigation, water-use efficiency, and sustainable water resource management to benefit Indian farmers.

Objectives

• Expand cultivable area under assured irrigation.
• Improve on-farm water use efficiency (“Per Drop More Crop“).
• Promote sustainable water conservation practices.
• Ensure integrated development of water resources for agriculture.

Major Components of PMKSY

1. Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP)

• Focuses on faster completion of long-pending major and medium irrigation projects.
• Supports development of distribution networks in command areas.

2. Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP)

HKKP consists of the following four sub-components:

• Command Area Development & Water Management (CAD&WM) – implemented pari-passu with AIBP.
• Surface Minor Irrigation (SMI) – improves irrigation in rainfed areas.
• Repair, Renovation and Restoration (RRR) of Water Bodies – rejuvenates existing water bodies.
• Ground Water Development (GW) – addresses areas with poor irrigation access (approved only till 2021–22 for committed liabilities).

3. Watershed Development Component (WDC)

• Implemented by the Department of Land Resources, Ministry of Rural Development.
• Aims to restore ecological balance and improve productivity in rainfed regions.

4. Per Drop More Crop (PDMC)

• Initially part of PMKSY, now under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) since January 2022.
• Promotes micro-irrigation techniques like drip and sprinkler systems.
• Implemented by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.

PIB

Facts To Remember

1. CM launches health initiatives to offer patients timely care

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday launched a slew of initiatives, including 34 new Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and eight Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs), to build a “digital, affordable, and accessible” healthcare system in Delhi.

2. Namperumalsamy, India’s first retina specialist, passes away

Madurai-based Aravind Eye Hospital’s chairman emeritus P. Namperumalsamy died at the age of 85. He is survived by his wife Nachiar and two sons, Venkatesh Prajna and Vishnu Prasad.

3. Ajay Seth appointed as IRDAI chairman

Former Finance and Economic Affairs Secretary Ajay Seth was appointed as the chairman of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) for a three-year term.

4. Hulk Hogan, icon in professional wrestling, dies at age 71, says WWE

Hulk Hogan, the moustachioed, headscarf-wearing icon in the world of professional wrestling, has died at the age of 71, Florida police and WWE said.

5. Brazil to join South Africa’s Gaza genocide case against Israel at ICJ

Brazil finalises its submission to join South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the Foreign Ministry said.

6. BFI fetes medallists of World Boxing Cup

Indian boxers who won medals at this year’s World Boxing Cup in Brazil and Kazakhstan were felicitated by the Boxing Federation of India (BFI).

7. Nitin Gupta assumes charge as NFRA chief

Nitin Gupta, a retired IRS officer, has assumed charge as chairperson of the National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA).