Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 4 June, 2025

Daily Current Affairs Quiz
4 June, 2025

National Affairs

1. Axiom Mission-4

Context:

Launch of Axiom Mission-4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station postponed from June 8 to June 10, 2025, due to weather and final checks.

Mission Details

• Launch Schedule:
  • New Date: June 10, 2025
  • Time: 8:22 a.m. Eastern Time (ET)
  • Location: Launch Complex 39A, NASA Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA
• Reason for Delay:
  • Predicted inclement weather affecting SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft transport.
  • Need for final processing and technical readiness of the spacecraft.
• Docking Timeline:
  • Expected to dock with the ISS at approximately 12:30 p.m. ET on June 11 after ~28 hours in orbit.

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2. FGD Units Not Mandatory for Most Coal Power Plants in India

Context:

A government-appointed expert panel chaired by Principal Scientific Adviser Ajay Sood recommends exempting most thermal power plants (TPPs) from mandatory installation of Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) units.

What Are FGD Units?

• Devices that remove sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emissions from exhaust flue gases of coal-fired power plants.
• Mandated since 2015 to curb air pollution.
• Only 8% of the 600 coal TPPs in India have installed them to date.

Key Recommendations of the Expert Panel

• FGDs not required for ~80% of TPPs.
• Only 66 “Category A” TPPs, located:
  • Within 10 km of NCR or
  • Cities with 1 million+ population,
    must install FGDs.
• SO₂ stack emission standards may be relaxed, as long as National Ambient Air Quality (NAAQ) Standards are met.

Scientific and Policy Rationale

• Ambient SO₂ levels across India range from 10-20 μg/m³, well below the 80 μg/m³ limit.
• Indian coal is inherently low in sulphur.
• Studies show no significant difference in air quality near plants with vs. without FGDs.
• Mandating FGDs nationwide would:
  • Raise electricity costs,
  • Cause implementation delays, and
  • Be unfeasible due to vendor limitations and past COVID-19 disruptions.

Importance

• Eases cost pressures on India’s energy sector.
• Aims to strike a balance between public health protection and energy affordability.
• Reopens the debate on India’s clean coal strategy and environmental regulation priorities.

3. Election Commission Launches Real-Time Voter Turnout Monitoring via ECINET App

Context:

Election Commission of India (EC) introduces a tech-driven system for real-time voter turnout updates, replacing the older manual method.

What’s New?

• ECINET App Integration:
  • Presiding officers at each polling station will directly enter turnout data into the ECINET app every two hours.
  • Data will be automatically aggregated at the constituency level.
• Faster Updates:
  • Real-time or near-real-time updates will replace the previous 4–5 hour delays caused by manual aggregation.
  • Final turnout figures will now be entered before officers leave the polling station after close of polling.

Previous Method

• Data was manually collected by sector officers via:
• Phone calls, SMS, or messaging apps.
• Turnout updates faced long lags due to delayed physical record submissions.

Key Features of the New System

• Every two-hour polling trend updates will continue.
• Constituency-wise data to be made available faster via the updated Voter Turnout app.
• Offline data entry capability included:
• In low-connectivity areas, entries can be made offline and synced later.
• The system will become a permanent part of ECINET infrastructure.

Why It Matters

• Addresses Opposition parties’ concerns over data discrepancies.
• Promotes greater transparency, faster dissemination, and better public trust in electoral data.
• To be implemented starting with the Bihar Assembly election later in 2025.

4. National Polio Surveillance Network (NPSN)

Context:

The Government of India, in consultation with WHO, has proposed a phased drawdown of the NPSN, sparking concern among public health experts amidst ongoing global polio risks.

About NPSN

• Established by the World Health Organization (WHO), the National Polio Surveillance Network comprises over 200 field units across India.
• Played a crucial role in India being declared polio-free in 2014.
• Now proposed to be subsumed into the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP).

Government’s Justification:

• Not an abrupt closure — the transition aims to avoid surveillance gaps.
• Surveillance functions will be absorbed by existing government systems.
• Assurance that critical surveillance activities will continue throughout the process.

Risk Assessment

• Global resurgence of polio makes such a move risky.
• Neighbouring countries still report active polio cases.
• Experts warn against destabilizing a “steady state” surveillance mechanism that took decades to build.

Strategic Implications

• Could potentially jeopardize India’s polio-free status if not carefully managed.
• Might affect preparedness for any re-emergence of wild or vaccine-derived poliovirus.
• Raises larger concerns on public health workforce sustainability during transitions.

5. Indian Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR) 

Context:

Compiled annually by IS4OM under ISRO’s Space Situational Awareness (SSA) program. SSA includes monitoring the space environment, assessing threats, and implementing mitigation.

Key Highlights on India’s Space Operations

• Spacecraft Launched: 136 spacecraft launched in 2024.
• Operational Satellites Owned by Government:
  • 22 in Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
  • 31 in Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO)
• Active Deep Space Missions:
  • Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter (CH2O)
  • Aditya-L1 at Sun-Earth Lagrange Point
• Collision Avoidance Manoeuvres (CAM): 10 CAMs executed by ISRO in 2024.
• Atmospheric Re-Entry: 9 Indian satellites, including Cartosat-2, re-entered Earth’s atmosphere.
• Spacecraft Decommissioning:
  • Scatsat-1, INS-2B, EOS-7 de-orbited after mission completion.
• PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM):
  • POEM-3 and POEM-4 upper stages de-orbited to 350 km altitude as part of technology demonstration.

India’s Role in Global Space Governance

• Chairs the UN working group on Long-term Sustainability of Outer Space activities.
• Chaired the Inter-Agency Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) for 2023-24.
• Hosted 42nd annual IADC meeting.
• Contributed to revision of space debris mitigation guidelines.
• Commitment to achieve Debris Free Space Mission (DFSM) by 2030 for all Indian space actors (government and private).

Global Space Environment in 2024

• Launches: 254 successful launches globally.
• Objects Launched: 2,963 objects placed in orbit.
• Major On-Orbit Break-Up Events: 3 significant fragmentation events.
  • Notably, fragmentation of Long March CZ-6A rocket stage produced ~650 catalogued debris objects.

6. C CARES Version 2.0 Launched to Digitally Empower Coal Workers

Event Highlights

• Launched by: Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Coal and Mines
• Developed by: C-DAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing)

About CMPFO

• Autonomous body under the Ministry of Coal (established in 1948)
• Administers Provident Fund and Pension schemes for coal sector workers
• Serves 3.3 lakh PF subscribers and 6.3 lakh pensioners

Key Features of C CARES 2.0 Portal

• Unified platform integrating coal workers, coal management, and CMPFO
• Enables real-time tracking of PF/Pension claims
• Reduces settlement time and ensures direct benefit transfer to beneficiaries
• Developed in collaboration with SBI for seamless fund transfer

Technological Advancements:

Mobile App for Members

• View personal and employment profiles
• Track claims and raise grievances
• Access PF balance details
• Features an AI-powered Chatbot assistant

Automated Ledger Update

• PF and pension ledgers update automatically using data from coal companies

Prescriptive Dashboards

• For CMPFO and coal companies
• Generates customized reports, identifies trends, and aids in predictive analytics

7. BharatGen: India’s First Indigenous Multimodal AI Large Language Model (LLM) for Indian Languages

Context:

Launched by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, at the “BharatGen Summit” — India’s largest Generative AI and LLM summit and hackathon. BharatGen is a government-funded, AI-based multimodal Large Language Model specifically designed for Indian languages.

Key Features of BharatGen

• Multimodal AI integrating text, speech, and image processing.
• Supports seamless AI applications in 22 Indian languages.
• Designed to be ethical, inclusive, multilingual, and rooted in Indian cultural values and ethos.

Vision and Objectives

• Empower critical sectors including healthcare, education, agriculture, and governance with region-specific AI solutions.
• Facilitate better service delivery through AI that understands local languages and contexts.
• Aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “India’s Techade,” focusing on innovation with inclusion.

Use Cases and Impact

• AI-powered telemedicine enabling doctors to communicate fluently in patient’s native languages, improving trust and healthcare outcomes in remote regions.
• Enhances citizen engagement and grievance redressal through multilingual feedback integration into platforms like CPGRAMS.
• Supports grassroots governance transformation through generative AI technologies.

Related Initiatives and Support

• Anusandhan National Research Foundation (NRF) to boost India’s R&D and innovation ecosystem.
• Flagship government schemes like PM MUDRA Yojana, PM SVANidhi, and PM Vishwakarma Yojana contribute to empowering street vendors, artisans, and micro-entrepreneurs.
• Over 3,000 Agri-tech startups exemplify innovation beyond metro areas, e.g., lavender cultivation in Jammu & Kashmir.

BharatGen Mission Pillars

1. Technology development
2. Entrepreneurship promotion
3. Human resource development
4. International collaboration

Banking/Finance

1. RBI Considers Easing Foreign Ownership Rules to Attract Global Capital in Indian Banks

Context:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is reviewing shareholding and licensing norms to potentially ease foreign ownership restrictions in Indian banks.

• The move follows recent developments, including:
  • RBI’s special permission to Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp to acquire a 20% stake in Yes Bank
  • Ongoing bids by two foreign institutions for a stake in IDBI Bank

Key Existing Constraints on Foreign Investors

• Foreign ownership ceiling for strategic investors is capped at 15%
• Voting rights cap at 26%
• Mandatory dilution of holdings to 26% within 15 years if foreign investors act as “promoters” with managerial influence
• These are some of the strictest banking ownership norms among major economies

What May Change

• Greater openness to regulated foreign financial institutions acquiring larger stakes
• Case-by-case regulatory approvals for foreign investments
• Possible relaxation of timelines for stake dilution requirements
• Review intended to address disincentives for foreign acquisitions and boost long-term capital mobilisation

Strategic Drivers for Policy Shift

• India’s underpenetrated credit market and strong economic growth demand increased banking capital
• Foreign interest is growing, particularly from Asia and Middle East, amid India’s pursuit of regional trade agreements
• Experts highlight that India lags other large economies in attracting adequate banking capital for sustained growth

Significance

• A policy shift could transform the banking capital ecosystem by inviting strong, long-term foreign partners
• Will also strengthen India’s case as a global investment destination in financial services
• Could promote competitive efficiency, capital adequacy, and innovation in Indian banking

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2. Curbing Online Payment Frauds in India

Digital Payment Landscape in India

• UPI Milestone:
  • Monthly UPI transaction volume crossed 18.68 billion
• Other Payment Platforms:
  • Strong growth in IMPS, AePS, and FASTag transactions

Benefits of Digital Adoption

• Financial Inclusion: Brings more citizens into the formal banking system
• Tax Compliance: Supports formalization and reduces the informal economy
• Convenience and Efficiency: Streamlines payments for individuals and businesses

Key Security Initiatives

• RBI’s Regulatory Measures:
  • Mandated two-factor authentication
  • Enabled transaction limit controls
  • Issued Master Directions on Digital Payment Security (Feb 2021)
  • Proposed exclusive internet domain for banks
  • Launched MuleHunter, an AI-based tool to detect mule accounts
• Fraud Response System:
  • Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting & Management System (2021)
    • Helped prevent fraud of approx. ₹4,386 crore
    • Based on 1.34 million complaints

Rising Incidence of Fraud:

• Reported Cases (2014–2024):
  • 63,315 cases of digital payment fraud (₹1 lakh or more)
  • Total losses: ~₹733 crore

Way Forward:

• Awareness as First Line of Defense:
  • User education critical to reducing vulnerabilities
  • Continuous public campaigns needed
• Security vs. User Experience Balance:
  • Real-time fraud detection + ease of use must coexist
• Role of Stakeholders:
  • Banks and payment service providers must:
    • Strengthen cybersecurity architecture
    • Develop next-gen fraud prevention tools
    • Protect data privacy and ensure regulatory compliance

3. HDB Financial Services Gets SEBI Approval

Context:

 HDB Financial Services, a subsidiary of India’s largest private lender HDFC Bank, has received the approval from Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) for its ₹12,500 crore initial public offering (IPO). 

Strategic Importance

• Will be India’s largest-ever NBFC IPO
• Expected to be 5th largest IPO in Indian stock market history
• Despite dilution, HDB Financial Services will remain a subsidiary of HDFC Bank, which currently holds a 94.36% stake

Regulatory & Compliance Highlights

• IPO filing: Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) submitted in October 2024
• SEBI approval was delayed due to:
  • Compliance irregularities, including:
    • Excess shareholder count (Companies Act violation)
    • Irregularities in ESOP issuances by unlisted companies

About HDB Financial Services

• Incorporated: 2007
• Category: Upper-layer NBFC (non-deposit taking) under RBI norms
• Business: Offers secured and unsecured loans across retail and MSME segments

4. Banks Turn Major Investors in Mutual Funds Amid Surplus Liquidity (FY25 Trend)

Context:

Banks, traditionally focused on lending, are now investing heavily in mutual fund schemes, a space that partly competes with them for retail investments. Bank investments in MFs surged 91% YoY to ₹1.19 lakh crore (as of March 21, 2025) vs ₹62,499 crore a year earlier (RBI Bulletin).

Key Reasons Behind the Shift

• Suboptimal credit growth: Bank credit growth slowed to 12.1% in FY25, down from 16.3% in FY24.
• Surplus liquidity: System liquidity stood at ₹1.5 lakh crore surplus as per RBI data.
• Lower loan demand: Due to slower income growth and job market uncertainty.
• Favourable returns: Short-term investments in liquid and money market mutual fund schemes offer higher returns with near-zero risk (e.g. T-bills).
• Ease of execution: Faster deployment via mutual funds than direct lending.

Monetary Policy Context

• The RBI shifted its stance from tight/neutral to accommodative, influencing liquidity trends and short-term returns.
• With inflation moderating, banks no longer need to borrow aggressively.

Behavioural Shifts in Savings

• Households moving away from traditional bank deposits to capital market instruments (e.g. mutual funds, equities).
• As per ex-RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, bank deposits still dominate but are declining in share within total household financial assets.

Where are banks investing?

• Not in equity schemes or SIPs.
• Focus on liquid and debt mutual fund schemes investing in T-bills and other short-term instruments.

5. RBI Signals Rule Review to Ease Foreign Ownership in Indian Banks

Context:

Rising foreign interest in Indian banking and the country’s need for long-term capital.

Background

India’s banking regulator, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), is reviewing existing shareholding and licensing rules to potentially ease foreign ownership norms in Indian banks. This comes amid:

• Increased interest from global financial institutions
• The country’s fast-growing economy and need for deep capital mobilization
• A push to enhance capital flows into the banking sector to sustain high growth

Key Developments

• Yes Bank Deal as Precedent:
  • In a notable move, RBI relaxed norms for Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp to acquire a 20% stake in Yes Bank.
  • This was above the usual 15% cap for strategic foreign investors and is seen as a case-by-case relaxation.
• Ongoing IDBI Bank Bids:
  • Canada’s Fairfax Holdings and Emirates NBD are competing to acquire a 60% stake in IDBI Bank.
  • Emirates NBD recently secured subsidiary status in India, becoming the third major foreign bank to do so after DBS (Singapore) and SBM (Mauritius).
• Current Regulatory Barriers:
  • 15% cap on foreign strategic investor holdings
  • 26% cap on voting rights
  • Mandatory sell-down of promoter stake to 26% within 15 years
  • Complex licensing norms and regulatory disincentives

RBI’s Emerging Approach

• Greater openness to allowing regulated foreign financial institutions to hold larger stakes, subject to:
  • Case-by-case approvals
  • Strong governance record
  • Incorporation as an Indian subsidiary
• Willingness to extend timelines for stake sell-downs
• Internal discussions ongoing; finance ministry may need to amend laws on voting rights

Strategic Implications

• India’s move could:
  • Attract high-quality global investors
  • Improve capital adequacy in the banking sector
  • Bolster FDI in financial services
  • Support government disinvestment plans (e.g., IDBI Bank)
  • Position India as a regional financial hub

6. Moody’s Outlook on India’s Banking Sector – June 2025

Key Highlights:

• Supportive Domestic Economy:
  • India’s strong domestic economic conditions will support overall growth and help preserve banks’ asset quality.
  • Government initiatives such as capital expenditure, middle-class tax cuts, and monetary easing are positive growth drivers.
  • India’s low dependency on goods trade limits exposure to global economic uncertainties.
• Asset Quality Outlook:
  • Systemwide nonperforming loan (NPL) ratio expected to remain stable at 2-3% over the next 12 months (2.5% as of Dec 2024).
  • Asset quality divergence will persist across loan types and banking segments.
• Wholesale Loans:
  • Wholesale loan quality remains healthy due to good corporate profitability and low leverage.
  • Wholesale loans form a significant portion of Indian banks’ loan portfolios alongside retail and agriculture loans.
• Retail Loans:
  • Secured retail loans continue to have low new NPL formation rates.
  • Unsecured retail loans show higher NPL formation, reflecting increased credit risk in this segment.
  • Small private sector banks face weaker asset quality compared to larger private and public sector banks due to unsecured loan exposure.

7. RBI Launches 2024–25 Survey on Foreign Liabilities and Assets (FLA) of Mutual Funds and AMCs

Purpose of the Survey:

• To collect data on external financial liabilities and assets of Mutual Funds (MFs) and Asset Management Companies (AMCs).
• Data reference date: End-March 2025.
• Aims to strengthen India’s external sector statistics and assess financial stability and foreign exposure of the fund management sector.

Utility of the Survey

• Helps RBI monitor foreign liabilities/assets of MFs and AMCs.
• Used in compiling Balance of Payments (BoP) and International Investment Position (IIP) statistics.
• Supports policy formulation and risk assessment in the financial sector.

Recent Related Development

• May 2025: RBI is seeking Union Government approval to allow domestic banks and their foreign branches to lend in Rupees to overseas borrowers — a first-of-its-kind proposal to internationalize the Indian Rupee.

Agriculture

1. ICRISAT Launches Centre of Excellence for South-South Cooperation in Agriculture

Context:

The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), in collaboration with Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), has launched the ICRISAT Centre for Excellence for South-South Cooperation in Agriculture (ISSCA). The centre is a landmark initiative to strengthen agricultural collaboration among Global South countries, especially in Asia and Africa.

Key Objectives

• Promote knowledge exchange, innovation sharing, and capacity building across developing nations
• Offer a common platform for non-patented agricultural technologies
• Tackle shared issues like low farm productivity, climate stress, and soil degradation

Significant Features

• Aimed at democratising agricultural research and knowledge for practical policy-making
• Provides access to over 100 technologies across:
  • Crop improvement
  • Natural resource management
  • Digital agriculture
  • Horticulture
  • Farm mechanisation

Founding Partners

• Government of India
• Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
• ICARDA
• International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)
• Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

MoU Signed with DAKSHIN

• ICRISAT also signed an MoU with DAKSHIN, a government initiative to promote development partnerships and technical collaboration in the Global South.

Strategic Importance

• Positions India as a knowledge and innovation hub for Global South agriculture
• Boosts regional diplomacy through agri-tech cooperation
• Supports SDGs through improved food security, climate resilience, and inclusive development

PIB

2. NITI Aayog’s Dual-Track Strategy for India-US Agricultural Trade

Context:

• India and the US are in advanced talks for a bilateral trade agreement.
• The US’s “reciprocal tariffs” announcement under Donald Trump’s administration caused global trade uncertainties.

Key Recommendations

Dual-Track Approach

• Selective tariff reductions: Lower high tariffs on non-sensitive agricultural imports from the US.
• Targeted concessions: Offer concessions strategically where India faces domestic supply gaps (e.g., edible oils, nuts).

Safeguards for Indian Agriculture

• Protect price stability for producers and consumers.
• Address market volatility through non-tariff barriers on vulnerable sectors like poultry.

Edible Oil Trade

• India is the largest edible oil importer globally.
• The US has a surplus of GM soybean exports.
• Suggested allowing imports of soybean oil to meet domestic demand and reduce trade imbalance without hurting Indian farmers.
• Import duty on crude edible oils (including soybean oil) was cut from 27.5% to 16.5%.

Enhancing India’s Agri-Exports to the US

• Push for increased US market access for key exports: shrimp, fish, spices, rice, tea, coffee, rubber.
• Use duty waivers or tariff rate quotas (TRQs) to expand exports, currently at ~$5.75 billion annually.
• Diversify export portfolio beyond traditional items like basmati rice and frozen shrimp, including processed cereals and value-added products.

Medium-Term Structural Reforms Suggested

• Boost farm sector competitiveness via:
  • Adoption of new technologies
  • Market reforms and private sector participation
  • Better logistics and supply chain development
  • Competitive value chain building

Trade Balance

• India maintains an agricultural trade surplus with the US.
• US exports to India mostly consist of high-value commodities like almonds, pistachios, and walnuts.

3. India’s First International Agri Hackathon Concludes in Pune

Key Announcements & Themes

Technology in Agriculture

• CM Fadnavis emphasized the need to adopt modern technology to overcome climate-related agricultural challenges.
• Called for incubation and field deployment of technologies from the Hackathon.
• Highlighted potential for increased agricultural productivity through agri-tech innovations.

Horticulture Leadership & Crop Achievements

• Maharashtra recognized as a horticultural hub, excelling in grapes, oranges, pomegranates, chickpeas, and vegetables.
• Union Minister applauded farmer-government collaboration in the state’s success.

‘Clean Plant’ Programme Launched

• Objective: Ensure availability of disease-free and productive plants to farmers.
• Total Projects: 9 across India; 3 in Maharashtra
  • Pune: Grapes
  • Nagpur: Oranges
  • Solapur: Pomegranates
• Budget: ₹300 crore
• Nursery Support:
  • ₹3 crore for large nurseries
  • ₹1.5 crore for medium nurseries
  • Target: Production of 8 crore disease-free seedlings annually

International Collaboration

• Partnerships with Israel and the Netherlands for implementing best practices in horticulture.

Government’s Agricultural Vision

• Resolution of Developed India: Cannot be realized without developed agriculture and prosperous farmers.
• Action Points:
  • Increase yield per hectare
  • Reduce input costs
  • Ensure fair market prices
  • Provide compensation for losses

‘Lab to Land’ Initiative

• Aim: Bridge the gap between research and field application.
• Rollout:
  • 16,000 agricultural scientists will work directly with farmers.
  • Supported by Agriculture Department and Agricultural Universities.

Facts To Remember

1. Royal Challengers Bengaluru lift maiden IPL title in 18 years

Virat Kohli and Royal Challengers Bengaluru won their maiden title with a six-run victory over Punjab Kings in the final, ending an 18-year wait for the coveted trophy.

2. PM to flag off Vande Bharat train between Katra and Srinagar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the first Vande Bharat train service to Kashmir on June 6, railway officials said.

3. Govt to conduct Population Census- 2027 in two phases with caste enumeration

The Government has decided to conduct the Population Census – 2027 in two phases, along with the enumeration of castes.

4. India wins presidency of International Institute of Administrative Sciences

India has won the presidency of the International Institute of Administrative Sciences (IIAS) in the election, which was held between India and Austria yesterday. India’s candidacy received widespread support from across the membership with 87 votes out of 141 votes. India, through the Department of Administrative Reforms, is a member state of the IIAS.

5. RBI MPC begins; repo rate likely to be cut further

Reserve Bank of India’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting began today to decide on the repo rate cut. Chaired by RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra, the committee’s decision will be announced on Friday.

6. President Murmu promulgates amendment reserving one-third seats for women in Ladakh Hill Councils

President Droupadi Murmu has promulgated the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (Amendment ) Regulation Rules, 2025 for further amendment in the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Act, 1997 to reserve one-third of the total seats for women.