Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 25 June, 2025

Daily Current Affairs Quiz
25 June, 2025

National Affairs

1. Sustainable Development Report (SDR) 2025

Context:

India has achieved a significant milestone by entering the top 100 countries in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index for the first time. In the 2025 edition of the Sustainable Development Report (SDR) released by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, India has been ranked 99th out of 167 nations, with an overall SDG score of 67.

India’s Ranking

This marks a sharp rise from 109th position in 2024, reflecting sustained progress across key social, economic, and environmental indicators. The SDG Index assesses a country’s performance across the 17 goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015, with a score of 100 representing full achievement.

India’s SDG Rankings Over Time

• 2025: 99th (score: 67)
• 2024: 109th
• 2023: 112th
• 2022: 121st
• 2021: 120th

Global Performance

Country	Rank	SDG Score
Finland	1st	—
Sweden	2nd	—
Denmark	3rd	—
United States	44th	75.2
China	49th	74.4
Maldives	53rd	—
Bhutan	74th	70.5
Nepal	85th	68.6
Sri Lanka	93rd	—
India	99th	67.0
Bangladesh	114th	63.9
Pakistan	140th	57.0

Key Highlights from the 2025 Report

• India’s steady improvement is noted as a positive outlier among developing economies.
• Despite overall progress, global advancement on SDGs has plateaued.
• Only 17% of SDG targets are on track to be met by 2030.
• Key global barriers include:
  • Ongoing geopolitical conflicts
  • Structural economic vulnerabilities
  • Limited fiscal capacity in low-income countries

Dominance of European Countries

• European nations continue to lead the global SDG Index, occupying 19 of the top 20 positions.
• Finland, Sweden, and Denmark retain the top three spots.
• However, even high-ranking nations face setbacks in:
  • Climate change adaptation
  • Biodiversity protection
  • Unsustainable consumption patterns

TH

2. NITI Aayog India’s Data Imperative Report

Context:

Government think tank NITI Aayog proposed institutionalising data ownership, incentivising data quality, and interoperability of data across platforms as measures to improve data quality in the country in view of Indians’ growing dependence on digital public infrastructure. 

NITI Aayog Report

• Report Title: India’s Data Imperative: The Pivot Towards Quality (Released: 25 June 2025)
• Key Finding: Fiscal leakage and faulty/duplicate beneficiary records inflate welfare outlays by 4–7% annually.
• Core Concern: Poor data quality leads to mis-targeted schemes, delayed corrections, and erosion of public trust.

What is India’s Data Ecosystem?

• A digital infrastructure network powering governance, welfare schemes, and financial inclusion across sectors.
• Integrates platforms such as:
  • Aadhaar – identity authentication
  • UPI – real-time financial transactions
  • Ayushman Bharat – health data interoperability
  • DBT – subsidy and benefit transfers
  • Aadhaar e-KYC – cost-effective user onboarding

Key Highlights

• Aadhaar Authentications: 27+ billion
• UPI Transactions: ₹23.9 trillion/month
• Ayushman Bharat IDs Issued: 369 million
• DBT Transfers: ₹5.47 lakh crore across 330+ schemes
• e-KYC Transactions: 1.8 billion
• Digital Penetration: 1.2 billion mobile users; 800 million internet users

Why a Robust Data Ecosystem is Essential

1. Prevent Fiscal Leakage: Reduces duplicate beneficiaries and erroneous payouts (saves 4–7% of welfare budget).
2. Enable Data-Driven Governance: Facilitates AI-backed decision-making and targeted delivery.
3. Build Public Trust: Enhances confidence in digital governance.
4. Strengthen AI Innovation: Clean data is foundational to AI progress in healthcare, agri-tech, and governance.
5. Cross-Ministerial Coordination: Enables real-time, integrated service delivery across departments.

Key Challenges:

• Fragmentation: Siloed systems across ministries
• Lack of Ownership: No designated data custodians
• Legacy IT Systems: Hinders real-time data flow
• Incentive Mismatch: Quantity prioritized over accuracy
• Weak Data Culture: Tolerance for low-accuracy standards

Recommended Measures

• Institutional Ownership: Appoint national/state/district-level data custodians
• Quality Incentives: Link data accuracy with appraisals and budgets
• Interoperability: Use IndEA, NDGFP for format standardisation
• Tools for Improvement: Implement NITI Aayog’s Data Quality Scorecard
• Capacity Building: Train officials for better data governance

TOI & Mint

3. Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India (SPMEPCI)

Scheme Overview

• Scheme Name: SPMEPCI – Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India.
• Official Website: MHI Portal

Key Features

• Objective: Establish India as a global EV manufacturing hub and innovation center.
• Minimum Investment Required: ₹4,150 crore.
• Import Concession: 15% customs duty on EV CBUs (min CIF USD 35,000) for 5 years.
• Focus: Boosting domestic manufacturing, employment generation, and technology transfer.

Government Vision

• Leadership: Spearheaded under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s clean mobility mission.
• Minister’s Statement: Union Minister Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy highlighted the scheme as a step toward Net Zero by 2070, strengthening Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Strategic Impact

• Attracts global EV manufacturers to invest in India.
• Promotes indigenous value chains via Domestic Value Addition (DVA) targets.
• Enhances employment and accelerates India’s green mobility roadmap.

PIB

4. Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan (DAJA): India’s Largest Tribal Empowerment Drive

Context:

The Government of India has launched Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan (DAJA) — an unprecedented tribal empowerment drive across 1 lakh+ tribal villages in 31 States/UTs.

What is DAJA?

• Dharti Aaba Janbhagidari Abhiyan (DAJA) is a nationwide tribal outreach initiative named after Bhagwan Birsa Munda, a revered tribal freedom fighter.
• Launched by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, it aims to saturate government welfare schemes among Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
• Objective: Empower over 5.5 crore tribal citizens through active people’s participation (Janbhagidari).

Key Features

• Coverage: Over 1 lakh tribal villages and PVTG habitations in 31 States/UTs.
• Janbhagidari Model: Community involvement in governance and implementation.
• Five Pillars of DAJA:
  1. Janbhagidari (People’s Participation)
  2. Saturation of Schemes
  3. Cultural Inclusion
  4. Convergence of Government Services
  5. Last-Mile Delivery
• Schemes Integrated: Aadhaar, Ayushman Bharat, PM Kisan, Jan Dhan, PM Ujjwala, pension schemes, Forest Rights Act (FRA) claims.
• Tech Integration: Real-time dashboard monitoring for transparency and accountability.
• Cultural Components: Celebration of tribal food, art, dance, and handicrafts at village camps to revive cultural pride.

PIB

Banking/Finance

1. EPFO Raises Auto-Settlement Limit for Advance Claims to ₹5 Lakh

Context:

In a major move to enhance financial access for formal sector workers, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has increased the auto-settlement limit for advance claims from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh. The step is aimed at expediting disbursal of funds for urgent needs such as illness, education, marriage, and housing.

Background: Auto-Settlement Mechanism Introduced During COVID-19

• The auto-settlement system was first introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure timely financial relief for EPFO members.
• Since then, the facility has been expanded to include:
  • Medical emergencies
  • Education and marriage expenses
  • Housing-related advances
• Claims under this facility are processed automatically by the system, without human involvement—ensuring speed, transparency, and efficiency.

India’s Expanding Social Security Coverage Recognised by ILO

Minister Mandaviya also highlighted India’s growing recognition on the global stage for expanding social protection:

• The International Labour Organisation (ILO) acknowledged India’s achievement in its latest global dashboard.
• 64.3% of India’s population (over 94 crore people) are now covered by at least one social protection scheme.
• In 2015, this coverage was just 19%.
• India now ranks second globally in terms of total number of social protection beneficiaries.

TH

2. Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR)

Context:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will conduct a seven-day Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auction worth ₹1 trillion on Friday, June 27, aiming to absorb excess liquidity from the banking system. The move follows a sharp build-up in surplus liquidity that has pushed the Weighted Average Call Rate (WACR) below the policy repo rate of 5.50%.

Relation Between Variable Rate Repo (VRR) and Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR)

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) uses multiple tools to manage systemic liquidity. Among these are the Variable Rate Repo (VRR) to inject liquidity and the Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) to absorb surplus liquidity from the banking system.

What is Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR)?

• VRRR is a liquidity absorption mechanism where banks park surplus funds with the RBI.
• Conducted via auctions, the interest rate is market-determined through competitive bidding.
• Typically, the VRRR rate is equal to or slightly higher than the standard reverse repo rate.
• VRRR is deployed when the banking system has excess liquidity, making it an effective tool to:
  • Curb inflationary pressures
  • Maintain monetary stability

How it Relates to Variable Rate Repo (VRR):

Tool	Objective	Liquidity Effect
VRR	Inject funds into the banking system	Adds liquidity
VRRR	Mop up surplus funds from banks	Absorbs liquidity

3. S&P Global Upgrades India’s FY26 GDP Growth Forecast to 6.5%

Context:

S&P Global Ratings on Tuesday revised India’s GDP growth forecast for FY26 to 6.5%, up by 0.2 percentage points from its previous estimate. The upgrade was published in its latest Economic Outlook for Asia-Pacific (Q3 2025).

Key Assumptions Driving the Forecast

• Normal monsoon
• Lower crude oil prices
• Income tax concessions
• Monetary policy easing

Focus on Domestic Demand

The report underlined that strong domestic demand would help limit the slowdown in India’s overall GDP growth, in contrast to export-dependent economies in the region which may face greater challenges due to softening global trade.

S&P noted

• Export growth could be constrained by weak external demand.
• Risks to global growth have risen due to geopolitical turbulence in West Asia.
• However, long-term spikes in oil prices are unlikely under current market conditions.

Background and Global Context

In May 2025, S&P had lowered India’s FY26 growth forecast to 6.3%, citing uncertainty stemming from U.S. tariff policy and its spillover effects on global trade. That report, titled Global Macro Update: Seismic Shift in US Trade Policy Will Slow World Growth, warned of rising protectionism and its negative impact on global supply chains.

Global Forecasts

• World Bank (June 2025): Maintained India’s FY26 growth forecast at 6.3% amid rising trade barriers.
• IMF (April 2025): Lowered India’s FY26 forecast by 30 bps to 6.2%, citing trade tensions and global uncertainty.

BS

4. SEBI Proposes Major Governance Overhaul for Market Infrastructure Institutions

Context and Regulatory Background

• MIIs include stock exchanges, clearing corporations, and depositories, regulated primarily under:
  • Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956
  • SEBI Act, 1992
  • Depositories Act, 1996
  • Relevant regulations like SECC Regulations, 2018, and D&P Regulations, 2018

Mandated Functional Segregation: Vertical Structure

MIIs are required to operate through three distinct verticals:

• Vertical 1: Critical Operations (e.g., trading, clearing & settlement)
• Vertical 2: Regulatory, Compliance, Risk Management & Investor Grievances
• Vertical 3: Business Development and Other Functions

SEBI stresses resource prioritization for Verticals 1 & 2 due to their public interest significance.

Rationale for Reform

• The rapid growth in market size, participants, technology usage, and capital flows demands stronger internal governance.
• Concerns:
  • The Managing Director (MD) currently holds overarching authority across all verticals.
  • Other Key Managerial Personnel (KMPs) have lower authority, posing governance risks.
  • Lack of clear role definitions for CTO, CISO, and the proposed Executive Directors (EDs).

Key Proposals for Governance Reform

Appointment of Executive Directors (EDs)

• MIIs must appoint two EDs to independently head Vertical 1 and Vertical 2.
• EDs will serve on the Governing Board alongside the MD.
• EDs must be of comparable stature to the MD; their appointment/re-appointment requires SEBI approval.

Reporting Structures

• EDs report administratively to the MD, but performance evaluation involves independent committee oversight:
  • SCOT (Technology) for ED of Vertical 1
  • ROC and RMC (Compliance and Risk) for ED of Vertical 2
• Department heads (e.g., CTO, CISO, Compliance Officer, CRiO) will report to their respective EDs.

Directorship Restrictions

• MD may hold non-executive director positions in:
  • Section 8 companies (non-profit)
  • Unlisted government companies (non-commercial only)
• EDs may only serve on the board of an MII’s subsidiary, not any other company.

Amendments & Public Consultation

• Indicative amendments to SECC and D&P Regulations have been proposed (Annexure-2).
• Public comments are invited by July 15, 2025 via SEBI’s online portal or email:
  • SEBI Public Comment Portal
  • Subject Line: “Strengthening Governance of Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs)”

SEBI & TET

5. Venture Capital (VC)

Context:

Retail investors in India are increasingly shifting toward bond investments, prompted by volatile equity markets and plateauing fixed deposit (FD) rates. This trend is reshaping the investment ecosystem and drawing attention from venture capital (VC) firms.

What Is Venture Capital (VC)?

• Venture Capital (VC) is a form of private equity financing provided to startups and small businesses with high growth potential.
• VC firms invest in exchange for ownership equity in the startup.
• It is especially useful when a startup cannot raise funds through capital markets, bank loans, or traditional debt instruments.

Types of Venture Capital

Stage	Description
Pre-Seed Stage	Earliest phase, focused on turning an idea into a business plan; often supported by incubators/accelerators.
Seed Funding	Helps startups launch their first product; usually no revenue yet, relies heavily on VC.
Early-Stage Funding	Required to scale production, expand marketing, and sales; divided into Series A, B, C rounds, etc.

Difference: Venture Capital vs. Private Equity

Parameter	Venture Capital	Private Equity
Target	Startups	Mature businesses
Risk	High	Moderate to low
Ownership	Minority stake	Often majority control
Focus	Innovation and growth	Restructuring and profitability

6. L&T Lists India’s First ESG Bonds on NSE Under New SEBI Framework

Context:

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has launched India’s first ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) bonds on the National Stock Exchange (NSE), setting a precedent under SEBI’s new sustainability-linked bond framework notified in June 2025.

Key Highlights:

• SEBI Framework: Issued under SEBI’s ESG and sustainability-linked bond framework (effective June 5, 2025)
• Use of Proceeds: Tied to environmental KPIs including reduced freshwater withdrawal and lower greenhouse gas emissions
• ESG Goals:
  • Water neutral by 2035
  • Carbon neutral by 2040

About SEBI’s ESG Bond Framework

The framework mandates:

• Clear ESG-linked objectives
• Third-party evaluation (like Second-Party Opinions)
• Annual impact reporting against defined KPIs
• Greater transparency in sustainability disclosures

Definition

• Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs): Fixed-income instruments that cannot be converted into equity shares and are typically used by companies to raise long-term funds.
• ESG Bonds: Debt instruments where proceeds are used to finance projects with environmental, social, or governance benefits.

7. RazorpayX Launches India’s First Founder-Friendly Corporate Credit Card for Startups

Context:

RazorpayX, the business banking arm of Razorpay, has introduced a new Corporate Credit Card tailored specifically for startups—an underserved segment in India’s financial ecosystem.

Key Highlights

• Product Name: RazorpayX Corporate Card
• Launched In Partnership With:
  • Mastercard
  • RBL Bank
  • YES Bank
• Target Audience: Early-stage and growth-stage startups
• Key Features:
  • Credit limits up to ₹2 crore
  • No collateral required
  • No personal liability (founders’ personal credit scores/assets not at risk)
  • Low forex markup of 2.5%
• Problem Solved:
  • Over 95% of Indian startups lack access to institutional corporate cards
  • Many founders rely on personal credit cards, affecting their creditworthiness
• Significance:
  • Helps segregate personal and business expenses
  • Closes a major credit accessibility gap in the startup ecosystem
  • Promotes financial discipline and transparency

Definitions

• Corporate Credit Card: A card issued to businesses (not individuals) to help manage operational expenses. Liability lies with the business, not the individual.
• Forex Markup Fee: A fee charged on international transactions; a lower fee reduces the cost of foreign payments.

8. NACH (National Automated Clearing House) 3.0 Platform

Context:

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) is set to roll out NACH 3.0 in the first week of July 2025, aiming to accelerate and secure recurring bank transactions such as salaries, pensions, EMIs, SIPs, and government subsidies under the National Automated Clearing House (NACH) platform.

Key Features of NACH 3.0

• Revamped GUI: User-friendly dashboard for banks with real-time transaction monitoring.
• Faster Credit Processing: Speedy transfer of salaries, pensions, and subsidies.
• Quick Debit Settlements: Timely deduction of EMIs, SIPs, and utility bills.
• Self-Service Features:
  • Easy account creation
  • Password reset without administrator help
• Improved Escalation System: Direct issue resolution and tracking via NPCI.

What is NACH?

• A centralized clearing system designed to handle high-volume, recurring payments.
• Enables bulk transactions such as:
  • Salary credits
  • Government benefits
  • Loan EMIs
  • Insurance premiums
  • Mutual fund SIPs

About NPCI

• Founded: 2008
• HQ: Mumbai, Maharashtra
• CEO: Dilip Asbe
• Major Initiatives:
  • UPI (Unified Payments Interface)
  • IMPS (Immediate Payment Service)
  • RuPay (Domestic card scheme)
  • BBPS (Bharat Bill Payment System)
  • AePS (Aadhaar Enabled Payment System)

9. RBI Issues Final Framework on IRACP Norms for Project Finance Loans to Banks & NBFCs

Context:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released the final guidelines on Income Recognition, Asset Classification, and Provisioning (IRACP) norms specifically for project finance loans, applicable to both banks and NBFCs. These directions aim to align provisioning with the actual credit risk during a project’s lifecycle.

Key Highlights

Provisioning for Projects Under Construction:

• 1% standard asset provisioning
• 1.25% provisioning for Commercial Real Estate (CRE) projects under construction
• Staggered provisioning if the Date of Commencement of Commercial Operations (DCCO) is delayed – provisioning increases quarterly with delay

Provisioning After Project Becomes Operational:

• Standard CRE exposures: 1%
• CRE-RH (Residential housing under CRE): 0.75%
• Other operational projects: 0.40%

Objective of the Framework

• Ensure risk-based provisioning in sync with project lifecycle
• Introduce granularity and discipline in asset classification and provisioning
• Reduce systemic risk and encourage prudent project financing

Applicable Entities

• All Scheduled Commercial Banks
• All Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), including Infrastructure Finance Companies (IFCs)

10. India Post Payments Bank Wins Digital Payments Award 2024–25 for Financial Inclusion Excellence

Context:

The India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), a 100% Government of India-owned entity under the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, has won the Digital Payments Award 2024–25. The award was conferred by the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance for IPPB’s outstanding contribution in expanding digital payment access and driving financial inclusion across India.

Key Highlights:

• Award: Digital Payments Award 2024–25 by DFS, Ministry of Finance
• Ranked 1st among all Payments Banks in India in the Performance Index for FY 2024–25
• Received a Special Mention award for FY 2023–24

About India Post Payments Bank (IPPB)

• Launch Date: September 1, 2018
• Ownership: 100% equity held by Government of India
• Parent Ministry: Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications
• Digital Banking Languages: Services offered in 13 Indian languages
• Coverage: Reaches 11 crore customers across 5.57 lakh villages and towns

Mission: To promote inclusive digital banking and make banking services accessible, simple, and affordable for underserved and unbanked populations.

Agriculture

1. Centre to Launch Crop- and State-Specific Planning Amid Strong Kharif Outlook

Context:

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday announced that the government will adopt a crop-wise and state-specific planning approach to better align agricultural strategies and address regional challenges. The move is aimed at boosting productivity and ensuring timely policy interventions.

Focus on Strategic Crops

Chouhan said the initiative will begin with a review of soybean cultivation in Madhya Pradesh on June 26, followed by similar assessments for cotton and sugarcane. The government will take a targeted approach for crops such as:

• Pulses
• Oilseeds
• Soybean
• Cotton
• Sugarcane

“This crop-specific planning will help tailor interventions to the needs of farmers and regional conditions,” Chouhan stated during a media interaction following a review of the Vikshit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan.

Kharif Sowing Off to a Strong Start

• Kharif crop sowing has surpassed last year’s levels by 10% as of June 20, driven by a favourable southwest monsoon.
• Crops have been planted across 13.74 million hectares, with paddy sowing alone covering 1.32 million hectares, nearly 60% higher than the same period in 2024.
• Oilseed sowing, however, remains sluggish but is expected to pick up as the monsoon advances further into Central India.

Rainfall and Input Preparedness

• India recorded 105 mm of rainfall between June 1 and June 22, just 1% below normal, bolstering expectations of a strong agricultural season.
• Chouhan assured that adequate input arrangements are in place to support kharif sowing across states.

MSP Procurement for Pulses

In a move to support farmers affected by falling prices, the Ministry of Agriculture has approved procurement of moong and urad dal under the Price Support Scheme (PSS) in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

BS

2. Scientists Raise Concerns Over India’s First Genome-Edited Rice Varieties

Context:

A group of eminent scientists under the banner of the ‘Agricultural Scientists Manch’ has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, raising serious concerns over the recent release of India’s first genetically edited rice varieties developed using the CRISPR-Cas9 technology.

Key Concerns

• The scientists warned that IPR (Intellectual Property Rights) issues around CRISPR-Cas9 could undermine the benefits to Indian farmers, potentially making them dependent on foreign seed technologies.
• While acknowledging the precision of CRISPR-Cas9, they cautioned that off-target effects could lead to undesirable consequences.
• There is concern that large-scale cultivation could contaminate India’s native rice germplasm.
• The letter claims that the released rice varieties were cleared without sufficient evaluation.

Released Varieties

The two genome-edited rice varieties, released last month, are:

• ‘Kamala–DRR Dhan-100’
• ‘Pusa DST Rice 1’

These varieties mark a major technological leap in Indian agriculture, with the government framing them as part of a sustainable future in rice cultivation.

BS

Facts To Remember

1. 10 Indian Startups Named in WEF’s Tech Pioneers 2025 List

Ten Indian startups developing cutting-edge technologies in areas ranging from artificial intelligence to space tech have earned global recognition by featuring in the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) prestigious Tech Pioneers 2025 list.

The 10 Indian startups included in the 2025 cohort are:

• Equal
• GalaxEye
• Agnikul
• CynLr
• Dezy
• Digantara
• Exponent Energy
• Freight Tiger
• SolarSquare
• The ePlane Company

These companies represent India’s growing strength in deep tech and climate-focused innovation.

2. Rupee Rises 78 Paise vs Dollar as Oil Falls Amid ME Ceasefire

The rupee closed 78 paisa stronger from its previous close at 85.97 per dollar—the Indian currency’s biggest singleday rise in a month, as oil prices fell to $69 per barrel. The rupee had closed at 86.75/$1.

3. Haryana Set to Ban Hazardous Pesticides on Basmati to Boost Export Competitiveness

List of Pesticides Proposed for Ban

The same 11 insecticides banned in Punjab are expected to be prohibited in Haryana:

• Acephate
• Buprofezin
• Chlorpyriphos
• Propiconazole
• Thiamethoxam
• Profenofos
• Carbendazim
• Tricyclazole
• Tebuconazole
• Carbofuran
• Imidacloprid

These agrochemicals have been detected at levels well above permissible MRLs in exported basmati samples, as per the Punjab Rice Millers and Exporters Association.

4. US-Brokered Ceasefire Between Israel and Iran Sees Tensions Amid Violations

US President Donald Trump declared a ceasefire between Israel and Iran was “in effect” on Tuesday, despite escalating hostilities and mutual accusations of truce violations just before the ceasefire’s scheduled start at 7 a.m. Doha time.