Daily Current Affairs January 08

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January 08 | Daily Current Affairs 2024

Important Days – Daily Current Affairs January 08

1. What significant setback did the African National Congress (ANC) face in the 2024 general elections?
A) It was banned from participating in elections.
B) It lost its parliamentary majority for the first time in 30 years.
C) Its leaders were arrested for corruption.
D) It failed to secure any seats in Parliament.
E) It formed a government without coalition support.
Answer: B) It lost its parliamentary majority for the first time in 30 years.

Event and Location:

• Event: African National Congress’s (ANC) Foundation Day
• Date: January 8, 2025
• Location: South Africa

Historical Significance:

• Formation:
  • Founded on January 8, 1912, as the South African Native National Congress (SANCC).
  • Renamed African National Congress (ANC) in 1923.
  • Aimed to unite Africans and fight for civil and political rights.
• Key Milestones in the Liberation Movement:
  • 1944: Formation of the ANC Youth League led by Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, and Oliver Tambo.
  • 1952: Defiance Campaign against apartheid policies.
  • 1955: Adoption of the Freedom Charter outlining demands for equality and justice.
  • 1960: Sharpeville massacre prompted ANC to go underground and form the armed wing Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK).
  • 1994: ANC’s historic victory in the first mixed-race elections, with Nelson Mandela as South Africa’s first black President.

Contemporary Challenges:

• 2024 General Elections:
  • ANC won 40.18% of the votes, losing its parliamentary majority for the first time since 1994.
  • Formed a coalition government to retain power.
• Reasons for Decline:
  • Rampant Poverty and Unemployment: Economic challenges remain unresolved.
  • Corruption Allegations: Tarnished the ANC’s image and trust among voters.
  • Failure to Address Inequality: Persistent socio-economic disparities contributed to public discontent.

Key Historical Figures and Contributions:

• Nelson Mandela: First black President of South Africa; a symbol of the anti-apartheid struggle.
• Oliver Tambo: Key strategist for ANC’s global campaigns.
• Walter Sisulu: Advocate for African nationalism and mentor to Nelson Mandela.

Tabular Summary:

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2. What is the primary significance of Earth Rotation Day observed on January 8?
A) It honors the discovery of the Earth’s orbit around the Sun.
B) It celebrates the development of navigation technologies.
C) It commemorates Léon Foucault’s experiment proving Earth’s rotation.
D) It marks the day Earth completed its first rotation of the year.
E) It highlights the slowing of Earth’s rotation over time.
Answer: C) It commemorates Léon Foucault’s experiment proving Earth’s rotation.

Event and Location:

• Event: Earth Rotation Day 2025
• Date: January 8, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Purpose of the Day:
  • Observed annually on January 8 to commemorate French physicist Léon Foucault’s 1851 experiment, which provided the first direct, visual proof of Earth’s rotation.
  • Highlights the scientific significance of Earth’s spin and its effects on life and natural processes.
• Foucault’s Pendulum Experiment (1851):
  • Conducted in Paris, the experiment used a swinging pendulum to visually demonstrate that Earth rotates on its axis.
  • The pendulum’s plane of motion appeared to change direction due to Earth’s rotation beneath it.

Scientific Insights on Earth’s Rotation:

• Key Facts:
  • Earth rotates eastward on its axis at approximately 1,670 km/h at the equator.
  • A day lasts about 24 hours with respect to the Sun and 23 hours, 56 minutes, and 4 seconds with respect to distant stars.
  • Coriolis Effect: Earth’s rotation influences wind and ocean currents, shaping global weather and climate.
• Historical Context:
  • Nicolaus Copernicus (16th Century): Proposed the heliocentric model, suggesting Earth rotates on its axis.
  • Galileo Galilei (1610): Observed celestial phenomena supporting the heliocentric theory.
  • Foucault’s experiment offered the first direct, observable evidence of Earth’s rotation.

Significance of the Day:

• Education and Awareness:
  • Highlights the interconnectedness of natural processes like timekeeping, climate regulation, and the planet’s magnetic field.
  • Serves as a platform to discuss topics such as Earth’s rotation, the solar system, and advancements in science.
• Applications of Understanding Earth’s Rotation:
  • Crucial for navigation systems, satellite operations, space exploration, and predicting natural events like eclipses.

Tabular Summary:

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3. Where was the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention held in 2025?
A) Indore, Madhya Pradesh
B) Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
C) Bhubaneswar, Odisha
D) New Delhi, Delhi
E) Gandhinagar, Gujarat
Answer: C) Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Event and Location:

• Event: 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention
• Date: January 8-10, 2025
• Location: Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Mandates and Objectives:

• Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is celebrated to honor and engage the Indian diaspora in India’s development.
• 2025 Theme: “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat,” highlighting the diaspora’s role in building a developed India.

Key Highlights of the 18th PBD:

• Day 1: Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
  • Focused on leadership potential and reconnecting youth from the diaspora with their roots.
  • Jointly inaugurated by the External Affairs Minister, Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, and the Chief Minister of Odisha.
• Day 2: Inauguration and Special Exhibitions
  • Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
  • Launch of Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train under the Pravasi Teertha Darshan Yojana.
  • Four exhibitions:
    1. Vishwaroop Ram – Universal Legacy of Ramayana
    2. Diaspora’s Contribution to Technology
    3. Spread and Evolution of Indian Diaspora
    4. Heritage and Culture of Odisha
• Day 3: Valedictory Session
  • Addressed by President Droupadi Murmu, who also conferred the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards.

History and Significance:

• First PBD: Celebrated in 2003, under PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
• January 9: Chosen to mark Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India from South Africa in 1915.
• Purpose:
  • Engage the Indian diaspora as partners in India’s progress.
  • Promote cultural exchange and strengthen bonds between India and its global community.

Tabular Summary:

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4. What percentage of Indian standards has been harmonized with international standards by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)?
A) 80%
B) 85%
C) 90%
D) 94%
E) 96%
Answer: D) 94%

Event and Location:

• Event: Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) celebrates 78th Foundation Day
• Date: January 6, 2025
• Location: New Delhi

Key Highlights of the 78th Foundation Day:

• Quality and Innovation:
  • Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi emphasized the importance of quality under the theme “Zero Defect, Zero Effect”, promoting sustainable and eco-friendly products.
• Harmonization of Standards:
  • 94% of Indian standards have been aligned with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards, ensuring global recognition and local impact.
• Quality Control Orders (QCOs):
  • The number of QCOs has grown from 14 (106 products) in 2014 to 186 (760 products) by 2025, reflecting a strengthened commitment to quality control.
• Gold Hallmarking:
  • Over 44.28 crore gold articles have been hallmarked to date. Discussions are ongoing to introduce silver hallmarking.

Key Initiatives:

• Collaborations with Academic Institutions:
  • Formalized Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with institutions such as IIT Tirupati, IIM Nagpur, and NIT Warangal to foster innovation and support sustainable development.
• Outreach Efforts:
  • Launched a state-of-the-art studio, outreach materials, and educational videos on test methods.

Historical Context:

• Established: January 6, 1947, as the Indian Standards Institution (ISI).
• Reorganized: Became BIS under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986 to expand its scope and authority.

Tabular Summary:

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Sports – Daily Current Affairs January 08

5. Who continues to hold the No. 1 position in the ICC Test Rankings for bowlers as of January 8, 2025?
A) Pat Cummins
B) Kagiso Rabada
C) Scott Boland
D) Jasprit Bumrah
E) Ravindra Jadeja
Answer: D) Jasprit Bumrah

Event and Location:

• Event: Jasprit Bumrah retains No. 1 spot in ICC Test Rankings
• Date: January 8, 2025
• Location: Dubai

Mandates and Objectives:

• Jasprit Bumrah achieved a career-best ICC Test ranking rating of 908 points, the highest ever by an Indian bowler.
• This performance comes after his two wickets in the first innings of the Sydney Test during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Important Terms Explained:

• ICC Test Rankings:
  • A global ranking system for cricket players, managed by the International Cricket Council, measuring performance in Test matches.
• Border-Gavaskar Trophy:
  • A Test cricket series played between India and Australia.

Tabular Summary:

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Ranking – Daily Current Affairs January 08

6. Which country has become the world’s second-largest holder of lithium reserves as of January 8, 2025?
A) Chile
B) China
C) Australia
D) Argentina
E) United States
Answer: B) China

Event and Location:

• Event: China becomes world’s second-largest holder of lithium reserves
• Date: January 8, 2025
• Location: Shanghai, China

Mandates and Objectives:

• China’s share of global lithium reserves increased from 6% to 16.5%, securing the second-largest reserves globally, after Chile.
• This surge resulted from discoveries along the 2,800-km West Kunlun-Songpan-Ganzi lithium belt and advancements in lithium extraction technologies.
• The reserves include over 6.5 million tons of proven resources and 30 million tons of resource potential from newly identified lithium salt lakes and mica deposits.

Important Terms Explained:

• Lithium:
  • A key component in rechargeable batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs), electronics, and renewable energy storage systems.
• Salt Lake Lithium Extraction:
  • A cost-effective and environmentally friendly method of lithium extraction, now widely used in China.
• Lithium Mica:
  • A previously underutilized lithium source, now made viable through technological breakthroughs.
• Lithium Triangle:
  • A region in South America comprising Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina, home to the world’s largest lithium resources.

Tabular Summary:

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Business and Economy – Daily Current Affairs January 08

7. Under the IndiaAI Mission, which company has partnered with MeitY to accelerate AI development in India?
A) Google
B) Meta
C) Microsoft
D) IBM
E) Intel
Answer: C) Microsoft

Event and Location:

• Event: Microsoft partners with MeitY under the IndiaAI Mission
• Date: January 8, 2025
• Location: New Delhi, India

Mandates and Objectives:

• The partnership aims to make India a global leader in AI, promoting an inclusive, innovative, and ethical AI ecosystem.
• Microsoft will contribute to the IndiaAI Mission Datasets platform by supporting data collection, synthetic data generation, and collaborating with partners like AI4Bharat.
• A $3 billion investment over two years will bolster India’s cloud and AI infrastructure for skilling, innovation, and adoption.

Key Initiatives by Microsoft:

• Establish an AI Center of Excellence (AI Catalysts) to promote rural AI innovation.
• Support 1 lakh AI innovators through hackathons and AI marketplaces.
• Train 5 lakh students and teachers on AI by 2026.
• Develop AI-enabled solutions in healthcare, education, accessibility, and agriculture.
• Launch AI Productivity Labs in 20 National Skill Training Institutes across 10 states.
• Partner with Indian industries including Mahindra Group, Apollo Hospitals, RailTel, Bajaj Finserv, and UpGrad to leverage AI for creating new revenue streams and advancing research.

Important Terms Explained:

• IndiaAI Mission:
  • A flagship initiative by MeitY to position India as a leader in AI innovation and adoption globally.
• MeitY (Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology):
  • The government body responsible for policies in IT and electronics, driving India’s digital transformation.

Tabular Summary:

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Appointments – Daily Current Affairs January 08

8. Who has been appointed as Austria’s interim leader following the resignation of Chancellor Karl Nehammer?
A) Herbert Kickl
B) Sebastian Kurz
C) Alexander Van der Bellen
D) Alexander Schallenberg
E) Karl Nehammer
Answer: D) Alexander Schallenberg

Event and Location:

• Event: Appointment of Alexander Schallenberg as Austria’s interim leader on January 8, 2025, in Vienna, Austria.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Schallenberg will manage the chancellery and lead the interim government until a new coalition is formed.
• His appointment follows Chancellor Karl Nehammer’s resignation after failed coalition efforts.
• The far-right Freedom Party is tasked with forming a new government, which may take weeks or months.

Important Terms Explained:

• Freedom Party of Austria (FPÖ):
  • A right-wing political party known for its anti-immigration and euroskeptic policies.
  • Won the parliamentary elections in September 2024 but faced challenges in forming a coalition.
• Alexander Schallenberg:
  • Currently Austria’s Foreign Minister (since 2019) and an experienced diplomat.
  • Previously served as Austria’s Chancellor briefly in 2021.

Tabular Summary:

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9. Who is set to succeed Dr. S. Somanath as the ISRO Chairman on January 14, 2025?
A) Alexander Schallenberg
B) Herbert Kickl
C) V. Narayanan
D) K. Sivan
E) R. Chidambaram
Answer: C) V. Narayanan

Event and Location:

• Event: V. Narayanan to take over as ISRO Chairman
• Date: January 14, 2025
• Location: ISRO Headquarters, Bengaluru, Karnataka

Mandates and Objectives:

• V. Narayanan will serve as Secretary, Department of Space, and Chairman, Space Commission, for a two-year term.
• His leadership will oversee Gaganyaan, Chandrayaan-4, and the development of India’s Space Station.

Important Terms Explained:

• V. Narayanan:
  • A renowned expert in rocket propulsion and cryogenics with four decades at ISRO.
  • Played a vital role in cryogenic engine development, enabling India’s ability to launch heavy payloads.
  • Led the Failure Analysis Committee for Chandrayaan-2 and ensured the success of Chandrayaan-3.
• Gaganyaan Mission: India’s ambitious human spaceflight program, targeting near-future execution.
• Cryogenic Propulsion: Technology enabling the launch of heavy satellites, critical to India’s space missions.

Tabular Summary:

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10. Who has been elected as the new President of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI)?
A) Adille Sumariwalla
B) Anju Bobby George
C) Sandeep Mehta
D) Bahadur Singh Sagoo
E) Neeraj Chopra
Answer: D) Bahadur Singh Sagoo

Event and Location:

• Event: Bahadur Singh Sagoo elected as AFI President
• Date: January 8, 2025
• Location: Chandigarh

Mandates and Objectives:

• Bahadur Singh Sagoo, a Padma Shri awardee and 2002 Asian Games gold medalist in shot put, was elected unanimously as the President of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI).
• He succeeded Adille Sumariwalla, who stepped down after serving three consecutive terms.

Key Appointments:

• President: Bahadur Singh Sagoo
• Secretary General: Sandeep Mehta (replacing Ravinder Chaudhary)

Major Announcements and Initiatives:

• New Javelin Invitational Competition:
  • To feature the top 10 javelin throwers in the world, with Neeraj Chopra playing a key role.
  • Organized in partnership with AFI, JSW, and a foreign firm, scheduled for late 2025.
• India’s First Bronze-Level Continental Tour Event:
  • Scheduled for August 10, 2025, in Bhubaneswar.
• Hosting Bids:
  • India has submitted bids to host:
    • 2029 World Junior Championships
    • 2029 World Senior Championships
    • World Relays
    • World Half Marathon

Progress and Challenges During Adille Sumariwalla’s Tenure:

• Progress:
  • Grassroots program expanded from 100 districts to 619 districts.
  • Foreign coaches hired for seven athletic events to boost elite performance.
• Challenges:
  • Doping: Remains a significant issue.
  • Overage Athletes: Under control but needs continuous monitoring.
  • Early Specialization in Training: Requires sustained reforms.

Tabular Summary:

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Awards – Daily Current Affairs January 08

11. Who was awarded the Best Swachh Battalion 2023 trophy during the 63rd raising day celebration of ITBP?
A) 41st Battalion ITBP
B) 45th Battalion ITBP
C) 56th Battalion ITBP
D) 50th Battalion ITBP
E) 60th Battalion ITBP
Answer: C) 56th Battalion ITBP

Event and Location:

• Event: Best Swachh Battalion 2023 award presentation on January 8, 2025, at Khurdha, Odisha.

Mandates and Objectives:

• The award recognizes exceptional cleanliness and sanitation practices within ITBP battalions.
• It aligns with the Swachh Bharat Mission, aiming to promote hygiene and cleanliness across India.

Important Terms Explained:

• Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP):
  • Raised in 1962 to guard the India-China border.
  • Secures a 3,488 km-long border from Karakoram Pass in Ladakh to Jachep La in Arunachal Pradesh.
• Swachh Bharat Mission:
  • Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014.
  • Objective: Eliminate open defecation and improve waste management nationwide.

Tabular Summary:

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National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs January 08

12. How much money has the Andhra Pradesh government announced for the Dr. NTR Vaidya Seva scheme?
A) ₹250 crore
B) ₹400 crore
C) ₹500 crore
D) ₹600 crore
E) ₹750 crore
Answer: C) ₹500 crore

Event and Location:

• Event: A.P. Govt. announces release of ₹500 crore for Dr. NTR Vaidya Seva scheme
• Date: January 8, 2025
• Location: Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh

Mandates and Objectives:

• The funds will clear a portion of outstanding dues to hospitals under the Dr. NTR Vaidya Seva scheme.
• The announcement was made during a meeting between the A.P. Specialist Hospital Association (ASHA) and health department officials in Mangalagiri.

Important Terms Explained:

• Dr. NTR Vaidya Seva scheme:
  • A flagship health insurance program by the Andhra Pradesh government.
  • Provides free medical care for economically weaker sections, covering tertiary and secondary care services.
• A.P. Specialist Hospital Association (ASHA):
  • Represents private hospitals under the NTR Vaidya Seva network.

Tabular Summary:

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13. What is the financial assistance provided under the Shahid Madho Singh Haath Kharcha Scheme for Scheduled Tribe (ST) students in Odisha?
A) ₹2,500
B) ₹5,000
C) ₹7,500
D) ₹10,000
E) ₹15,000
Answer: B) ₹5,000

Event and Location:

• Event: Launch of Shahid Madho Singh Haath Kharcha Scheme
• Date: January 7, 2025
• Location: Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Mandates and Objectives:

• The scheme provides a one-time financial assistance of ₹5,000 to Scheduled Tribe (ST) students enrolling in Class IX and Class XI.
• It aims to reduce dropout rates and encourage the continuation of education among ST students.

Key Features of the Scheme:

• Eligibility Criteria:
  • Must belong to the Scheduled Tribes (ST).
  • Annual family income should not exceed ₹2,50,000.
  • Students must be enrolled in government or government-aided schools.
• Incentive Disbursement:
  • The amount is directly transferred to the student’s bank account.
  • Principals or Headmasters will recommend eligible students through the Odisha State Scholarship Portal.
• Target Beneficiaries:
  • Students from economically weaker ST families to support secondary and higher secondary education.

Historical Context:

• The scheme is named after Shahid Madho Singh, a tribal leader from Odisha who fought against British colonial rule during the First War of Independence in 1857.
• Singh’s legacy as a symbol of tribal resistance inspires the scheme to empower tribal communities through education.

Tabular Summary:

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14. What major enhancement was recently introduced on the e-Shram portal?
A) Integration with new payment gateways
B) Launch of a mobile application
C) Availability in all 22 scheduled languages
D) Inclusion of gig and platform workers’ registration
E) Expansion of the platform to new government schemes
Answer: C) Availability in all 22 scheduled languages

Event and Location:

• Event: e-Shram portal upgraded to support all 22 scheduled languages
• Date: January 8, 2025
• Location: New Delhi

Mandates and Objectives:

• The multilingual functionality was introduced by Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, leveraging the MeitY’s Bhashini project.
• Previously available in English, Hindi, Kannada, and Marathi, the portal now supports all 22 scheduled Indian languages, ensuring wider accessibility for unorganised workers.
• This upgrade aligns with the vision of making the e-Shram portal a ‘One-Stop-Solution’ for accessing welfare schemes.

Key Features of the e-Shram Portal:

• Social Security Access:
  • Integrates 12 welfare schemes, including MGNREGA, ONORC, and IGNDPS, facilitating seamless registration and benefits for unorganised workers.
• Daily Engagement:
  • Records an average of over 30,000 registrations daily by workers seeking access to welfare benefits.
• Future Upgrades:
  • Launch of an e-Shram mobile app, a Single Common Application Form, and payment gateway integration to enhance user convenience.
• Target Beneficiaries:
  • Focuses on registering unorganised workers, including Building and Construction Workers (BoCW) and gig/platform workers.

Important Terms Explained:

• Bhashini Project:
  • An initiative by MeitY to promote digital inclusivity by enabling Indian language support across platforms.
• Unorganised Workers:
  • Workers not covered by formal employment structures, including daily wage earners, construction workers, and gig economy employees.

Tabular Summary:

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15. Who will inaugurate the 38th National Games in Uttarakhand, scheduled from January 28 to February 14, 2025?
A) Pushkar Singh Dhami
B) Amit Shah
C) Narendra Modi
D) Anurag Thakur
E) Droupadi Murmu
Answer: C) Narendra Modi

Event and Location:

• Event: PM Narendra Modi to inaugurate the 38th National Games
• Date: January 28, 2025
• Location: Uttarakhand

Mandates and Objectives:

• The 38th National Games will be held from January 28 to February 14, 2025.
• This edition follows the 2022 National Games hosted by Gujarat, which revived the event after a seven-year hiatus since the 2015 edition.
• Uttarakhand’s Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami confirmed the Prime Minister’s participation and expressed gratitude for his involvement.

Important Terms Explained:

• National Games:
  • A multi-sport event organized every two years, bringing together athletes from across Indian states and union territories.
  • Encourages sports development and identifies talent for international competitions.

Tabular Summary:

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16. What is the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023 designed to address?
A) Promotion of digital literacy among rural populations
B) Regulation of online gaming and e-commerce platforms
C) Protection and consent-based processing of personal data
D) Enforcement of laws against spam calls and fraud
E) Implementation of cybersecurity infrastructure in India
Answer: C) Protection and consent-based processing of personal data

Event and Location:

• Event: Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023 and draft DPDP Rules 2025 explained
• Date: January 8, 2025
• Location: New Delhi, India

Mandates and Objectives:

• The DPDP Act 2023 aims to safeguard personal data and regulate its processing by digital platforms, ensuring consent-based usage.
• The draft DPDP Rules 2025 provide the framework for implementing the Act, focusing on:
  • Parental consent for children’s data processing.
  • Controlled transfer of personal data outside India.
  • Responsibilities of data fiduciaries in processing personal data.

Important Terms Explained:

• Data Fiduciaries: Entities such as social media platforms, e-commerce companies, or gaming platforms that collect and process personal data with user consent. Examples include Facebook, Amazon, Flipkart, and Netflix.
• Consent Managers: Digital platforms approved by the Data Protection Board (DPB) to manage users’ data consent securely. Examples include platforms like Finvu and CAMS Finserv.
• Data Protection Board (DPB): A digital grievance redressal mechanism to ensure compliance with the Act, impose penalties, and resolve user complaints.

Key Features of the DPDP Act:

• Consent-based Processing:
  • Users must provide informed consent in one of India’s 22 official languages for personal data use.
• Grievance Redressal:
  • Users can withdraw consent, seek data corrections, or file complaints via the DPB’s digital platform.
• Penalties for Violations:
  • Penalties up to ₹250 crore for significant breaches, with graded penalties based on severity.

Tabular Summary:

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17. What is the maximum cashless treatment amount provided under the newly announced road accident survivor scheme by Nitin Gadkari?
A) ₹50,000
B) ₹75,000
C) ₹1.5 lakh
D) ₹2 lakh
E) ₹3 lakh
Answer: C) ₹1.5 lakh

Event and Location:

• Event: Nitin Gadkari announces cashless treatment scheme for road accident victims
• Date: January 7, 2025
• Location: New Delhi

Mandates and Objectives:

• The scheme provides cashless treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh for road accident survivors for a maximum of seven days from the accident date.
• Currently active in six states/UTs: Assam, Chandigarh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Puducherry, and Haryana.
• It will be expanded nationwide by March 2025 under the National Health Authority (NHA).

Key Features:

• Golden Hour Care: Aims to provide medical attention during the first hour after an accident, crucial for saving lives.
• Implementation Mechanism: Combines the Ministry’s e-DAR (Detailed Accident Report) and NHA’s Transaction Management System for seamless coordination.
• Tech-Based Interventions: Audio Warning Systems, Emergency Braking Systems, and Vehicle Location Tracking Devices are introduced to prevent accidents.

Important Terms Explained:

• Golden Hour: The first hour after an accident, critical for providing life-saving medical care.
• e-DAR (e-Detailed Accident Report): A digital platform to document accident details and assist with real-time intervention.
• National Health Authority (NHA): The implementing agency for the programme, coordinating with hospitals, police, and state agencies.

Tabular Summary:

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18. What percentage of its total budget allocation for FY25 has Indian Railways utilized by December 2024?
A) 65%
B) 70%
C) 76%
D) 82%
E) 85%
Answer: C) 76%

Event and Location:

• Event: Indian Railways achieves 76% budget utilization in FY25
• Date: January 8, 2025
• Location: New Delhi

Mandates and Objectives:

• Indian Railways spent 76% of its ₹2.65 lakh crore budget allocation for FY25 by December 2024.
• Expenditure Breakdown:
  • ₹1.91 lakh crore from Gross Budgetary Support (GBS).
  • ₹824 crore from external resources.
  • ₹8,733 crore from extra-budgetary resources (Public-Private Partnerships).

Focus Areas of Expenditure:

1. Capacity Augmentation:
   • ₹81,713 crore spent on new lines, doubling, and expansion projects (68% of allocation).
2. Safety Improvements:
   • ₹28,281 crore (82% of allocation) spent on level crossings, track renewals, bridges, and signaling.
3. Rolling Stock:
   • ₹40,354 crore (79% of allocation) spent on upgrading trains and passenger amenities.
4. Customer Amenities:
   • ₹8,238 crore utilized (50% of allocation).

Important Terms Explained:

• Capital Expenditure (Capex): Investments in infrastructure, facilities, and long-term assets aimed at improving railway services.
• Gross Budgetary Support (GBS): Government’s direct financial allocation for public projects.
• Extra-Budgetary Resources: Funds raised through Public-Private Partnerships or other financial instruments beyond the allocated budget.

Tabular Summary:

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Over All Review

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