Daily Current Affairs Quiz:  4 July 2025

Answer: [d] 125%

Explanation:

India’s coffee exports surged by 125% over the last 11 years, reaching USD 1.28 billion in 2023–24, up from USD 800 million in 2014–15. This growth has been largely attributed to strategic efforts by the Coffee Board of India, including market diversification, quality enhancement, and export promotion. Europe remains the leading destination for Indian coffee exports, with key markets including Italy, Germany, and Belgium, followed by Middle Eastern countries, Korea, and Japan. The export growth signifies India’s improving role in global agricultural commodity markets.

Answer: [d] McLaren

Explanation:

Lando Norris clinched his third win of the 2025 F1 season by securing victory at the Austrian Grand Prix. He beat his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri in an intense final battle. Max Verstappen, often a frontrunner, had a disappointing outing and was eliminated on the first lap. Charles Leclerc secured third place for Ferrari, showcasing a strong comeback. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) finished fourth, followed by George Russell (also Mercedes) in fifth. The Red Bull Ring in Austria saw McLaren’s dominance, marking a major shift in team performances for the season.

Answer: [c] Central Electricity Authority (CEA)

Explanation:

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) under the Ministry of Power, in collaboration with BSES, hosted the event in New Delhi.  Electrical Safety Day 2025 was observed on 26th June. Theme: “Smart Energy, Safe Nation” – emphasizing electrical safety in the era of energy transition. The event focused on the safe integration of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), Electric Vehicle (EV) infrastructure, and Rooftop Solar systems. As India’s power systems become more decentralized and digitized, the risks of electrical hazards increase, making public awareness critical.

Answer: [c] Maharashtra

Explanation:

Maharashtra Government inaugurated a Hedging Desk in Pune to help farmers hedge against price fluctuations. This initiative comes under the Balasaheb Thackeray Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project. The Hedging Desk will initially cover cotton, maize, and turmeric, crops known for volatile market prices. NCDEX and its research wing, NICR, are supporting the desk with commodity market expertise and data. The initiative aims to educate and empower farmers in using commodity derivatives for price risk management. Future plans include expanding to more crops and regions.

Answer: [b] To settle long-standing ESI disputes and improve compliance

Explanation:

SPREE (Scheme for Promoting Registration of Employers and Employees) has been relaunched to encourage formal registration under the ESI Act. The Amnesty Scheme 2025 is a one-time initiative aimed at reducing legal disputes and promoting voluntary compliance. Effective Duration: From October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2026. Regional Directors have been empowered to: Withdraw cases where contributions and interest have been paid and Withdraw cases pending for over 5 years without notices against insured persons. Cases involving damages and interest relating to coverage disputes can also be settled—for the first time.

Answer: [c] R. Praggnanandhaa

Explanation:

R. Praggnanandhaa, 19 years old, clinched the UzChess Cup Masters 2025 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. This marks his third major classical tournament win in 2025. He achieved a live classical rating of 2778.3, surpassing Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi to become India’s No.1 chess player. He is now ranked World No. 4 in the classical chess rankings — a historic moment in Indian chess. Praggnanandhaa is a symbol of India’s growing dominance in global chess.

Answer: [c] January 1, 2026

Explanation: 

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has mandated that from 1 January 2026, all two-wheelers manufactured on or after the mentioned date must be equipped with ABS. Additional Mandate by MoRYH includes that all manufacturers must supply two BIS-certified helmets with the purchase of each two-wheeler. The move aims to enhance road safety, reduce fatal accidents, and ensure rider protection. ABS prevents wheels from locking during sudden braking, especially helpful in wet/slippery conditions.

Answer: [b] $13.5 billion surplus

Explanation:

India recorded a current account surplus of $13.5 billion in Q4 FY25, which is 1.3% of the GDP. This is a significant improvement from a deficit of $11.3 billion (1.1% of GDP) in the previous quarter (Q3 FY25). Compared to Q4 FY24, when the surplus stood at $4.6 billion, there has been a sharp rise. The data was released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The improvement is attributed to better trade performance and capital inflows.

Answer: [b] Qatar

Explanation:

First-ever international export of rose-scented litchis from Pathankot, Punjab to Qatar and UAE. Agencies involved: APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) and  Punjab Horticulture Department. This move aims to boost India’s horticultural exports and open up new Gulf markets for Indian fruits. The initiative aligns with the government’s broader plan to promote Indian GI-tagged and exotic agricultural products globally.

Answer: [c] January 1, 2026

Explanation:
RBI responded to a rise in AePS-related frauds, especially at last-mile delivery points (like Business Correspondents and Bank Mitras).  All the revised norms come into effect from January 1, 2026.  RBI aims to streamline AePS transactions, enhance trust, and combat growing frauds in the digital payment ecosystem. The guidelines include Stronger KYC Norms: Acquiring banks must do full KYC of AePS touchpoint operators. Operators inactive for over 6 months need KYC re-verification and  One Operator – One Bank Rule: Operators like Bank Mitras can work with only one acquiring bank, reducing the risk of fraud through multiple accounts. NPCI and the banks will monitor compliance.