Daily Current Affairs January 02

Dear Champions, as you all know that a lot of competitive exams have been notified consequently. Candidates have to prepare themselves according to the level of competition and expectation of the Recruitment board. Regarding that one of the most important topic is Daily Current Affairs January 02. Current Affairs in the form of contemporary events of national & international play a crucial role in almost every competitive exams like Banking, Insurance, SSC, UPSC, TNPSC, Railway etc.

Current affairs are the most dynamic yet scoring among all sections and need to be prepared from the right source. Here, we cafunsta team, providing Daily GK Updates, Current Affairs Questions, and Monthly current affairs pdf.

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January 02 | Daily Current Affairs 2025

Important Days – Daily Current Affairs January 02

1. What is the primary purpose of Global Family Day?
A) Promote economic growth worldwide
B) Foster unity, peace, and appreciation for families
C) Celebrate traditional family values only
D) Encourage cultural festivals
E) Highlight financial independence of families
Answer: B) Foster unity, peace, and appreciation for families

Event and Location:

• Event: Global Family Day
• Date: January 1 (celebrated annually)
• Location: Observed worldwide

Mandates and Objectives:

• Unity and Peace: Emphasize global harmony through familial bonds.
• Conflict Resolution: Encourage action-oriented approaches to address global conflicts.
• Strengthening Families: Promote traditions and practices that enhance family ties and support community well-being.

Historical Background:

• Proposed in November 1997, inspired by the book One Day In Peace.
• Officially celebrated on January 1, 2000, to mark the start of the International Decade for the Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World.
• Recognized by the United Nations in 1999.

Significance:

• Unity in Diversity: Encourages harmony among different cultures and communities.
• Promotion of Peace: Raises awareness about reducing violence globally.
• Community Engagement: Inspires educational and celebratory activities that unite people for a common cause.
• Global Awareness: Highlights the role of families in fostering peace and resolving conflicts.

Role of Family Traditions:

• Strengthen bonds through shared activities like family storytelling or creating family trees.
• Foster a positive atmosphere by exchanging New Year’s wishes and setting goals.

Importance:

• Bridging Cultural Differences: Encourages embracing diversity and learning about different traditions.
• Promoting Cultural Exchange: Offers a platform to experience and appreciate new customs.
• Enhancing Family Bonds: Highlights the significance of spending quality time with family.
• Global Awareness: Advocates for collective efforts to address pressing global challenges.

Types of Families in India:

1. Joint Family: Multiple generations living together and sharing responsibilities.
2. Nuclear Family: A couple and their children living independently.
3. Extended Family: Includes several generations maintaining close connections.
4. Patrilocal Family: Wife moves to the husband’s family post-marriage.
5. Matrilocal Family: Husband moves to the wife’s family post-marriage.
6. Bilocal Family: Couple alternates between living with either partner’s family.
7. Neolocal Family: Couple establishes a new household, separate from both families.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

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2. What is the primary objective of the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC)?
A) To regulate Big Tech companies
B) To promote foreign investment in e-commerce
C) To de-platformise e-commerce and empower small businesses
D) To centralise logistics and delivery services
E) To create a government-owned e-commerce platform
Answer: C) To de-platformise e-commerce and empower small businesses

Event and Location:

• Event: ONDC celebrates three years of operations and 15 million monthly transactions.
• Date: December 31, 2024
• Location: New Delhi, India

Mandates and Objectives:

• ONDC, a government-promoted initiative, aims to:
  • De-platformise e-commerce by separating key components like product discovery, seller operations, and logistics.
  • Provide an alternative to Big Tech platforms such as Uber, Ola, and major e-retailers.
  • Empower small businesses by offering a fair and inclusive digital commerce environment.
• Use Cases:
  • Food delivery.
  • E-retail ordering.
  • Cab and auto-hailing services.

Significance:

• Promotes competition and reduces monopolistic practices by Big Tech.
• Enables small and medium businesses to access a broader market.
• Contributes to economic growth and prosperity by supporting entrepreneurship.

Important Terms Explained:

• ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce):
  • A government-supported open network for digital commerce transactions.
  • Designed to unbundle services such as product listing, payment, and delivery to promote inclusivity.
• De-platformisation:
  • Reducing dependency on a few dominant platforms by creating decentralized ecosystems.
• Big Tech Firms:
  • Large technology companies that dominate certain industries, such as Amazon and Google in e-commerce.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

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3. When is the foundation day of DRDO celebrated?
A) January 2
B) December 31
C) January 1
D) February 15
E) March 5
Answer: C) January 1

Event and Location:

• Event: DRDO’s 67th Foundation Day celebrations.
• Date: January 1, 2025
• Location: DRDO Headquarters, New Delhi

Mandates and Objectives:

• Develop Indigenous Capabilities: Equip Indian Armed Forces with advanced indigenous technologies and equipment.
• Encourage Private Sector Collaboration: Provide technologies and free access to DRDO patents to enhance private sector participation.
• Focus on Start-ups: Include start-ups in research efforts to foster innovation and create new defence technologies.
• Promote Dual-Use Technologies: Develop technologies for both defence and civilian use to create a transformative impact.

Key Highlights:

• DRDO Chairman Dr. Samir V Kamat presented the achievements and roadmap for 2025.
• In 2024, 256 Licensing Agreements for Transfer of Technologies (ToTs) were signed.
• Over 18,000 tests have been conducted for private industries and Defence Public Sector Units (DPSUs) in three years.
• Raksha Mantri urged DRDO labs to identify and complete 100 critical projects by 2025.
• Felicitation of the design team of the Long-Range Hypersonic Anti-Ship Missile.

Significance of 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms’:

• DRDO’s role is critical in aligning with evolving technological trends.
• Labs are to conduct two open days every month for interaction with industry and youth.

Important Terms Explained:

• DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation):
  • Premier R&D agency for India’s defence technologies.
• Transfer of Technology (ToT):
  • A process where DRDO shares its developed systems and technology with private industries to enable production.
• Mission Mode Projects:
  • Projects undertaken with a focus on meeting specific, critical defence needs.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

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4. What is the leading cause of cervical cancer?
A) Smoking
B) Poor nutrition
C) Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection
D) Genetic factors
E) Stress
Answer: C) Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection

Event and Location:

• Event: January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, a time to spotlight awareness, prevention, and early detection of cervical cancer.
• Date and Location: January 2025, United States.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Cervical Cancer Overview:
  • Over 14,000 cases diagnosed annually in the U.S. nearly 300 deaths in Florida each year.
  • Cervical cancer is preventable through vaccinations and early screenings.
  • It is not genetic but is primarily caused by HPV.
• Prevention and Screening Recommendations:
  • HPV vaccine can prevent 90% of HPV-related cancers.
  • Screenings recommended for women:
    • 21–29 years: Pap test every three years.
    • 30–65 years: Pap test every three years or hrHPV testing every five years.
  • Programs like the Vaccines for Children (VFC) provide no-cost HPV vaccines to eligible adolescents.
• Support Programs:
  • Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program: Offers free screenings for low-income, uninsured women aged 50–64.
  • Patient Navigation Programs: Assist women in accessing and navigating healthcare services.

Important Terms Explained:

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV):
  • A common virus that can lead to cervical and other cancers if persistent.
  • Spread through sexual contact; most infections clear naturally, but some lead to cancer.
• Pap Test:
  • Screening method to detect precancerous or cancerous cells on the cervix.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

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Banking and Finance – Daily Current Affairs January 02

5. What type of bank account is classified as dormant under RBI guidelines starting January 1, 2025?
A) Accounts with no transactions for 12 months
B) Accounts with zero balance for over 6 months
C) Accounts with no transactions for 24 months
D) Accounts with mismatched KYC details
E) Inactive accounts with minimum balance maintained
Answer: C) Accounts with no transactions for 24 months

Event and Location:

• Event: Closure of three specific types of bank accounts under new RBI guidelines (effective January 1, 2025).
• Date and Location: January 1, 2025, India.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Accounts Subject to Closure:
  1. Dormant Accounts:
     • Accounts with no transactions for two years or more.
     • Vulnerable to hacking and fraud; closed to protect customer and banking security.
  2. Inactive Accounts:
     • Accounts with no transactions for the past 12 months.
     • Customers must perform at least one transaction to avoid closure.
  3. Zero Balance Accounts:
     • Accounts maintaining a zero balance for prolonged periods.
     • Closure aims to reduce financial risks and reinforce KYC compliance.

Recommendations:

• Reactivate Accounts:
  • Dormant: Visit the bank branch and complete required formalities.
  • Inactive: Perform at least one transaction.
• Maintain Balance: Avoid prolonged zero balance to ensure account activity.

Important Terms Explained:

• Dormant Account:
  • An account with no customer-initiated transactions for 24 months or more.
  • Attracts additional scrutiny for fraud prevention.
• KYC (Know Your Customer):
  • A process ensuring banks verify and maintain updated customer information to prevent misuse.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

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Business and Economy – Daily Current Affairs January 02

6. What was the amount of financial assistance India announced for earthquake-hit Vanuatu?
A) $100,000
B) $300,000
C) $500,000
D) $1,000,000
E) $250,000
Answer: C) $500,000

Event and Location:

• Event: India announces $500,000 aid for earthquake relief in Vanuatu.
• Date: January 2, 2025
• Location: New Delhi, India

Mandates and Objectives:

• Provide financial assistance for relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction after the 7.4 magnitude earthquake in Vanuatu on December 17, 2024.
• Demonstrate India’s commitment to Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and regional stability.
• Support Vanuatu under the Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative (IPOI) launched in 2019.

Significance of the Aid:

• Expresses solidarity with Vanuatu, a member of the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC).
• Strengthens India’s role as a responsible responder in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Reflects India’s broader commitment to disaster risk reduction and management in the Asia-Pacific.

Important Terms Explained:

• Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative (IPOI):
  • Launched by PM Narendra Modi in 2019.
  • Aims to ensure stability, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.
  • Disaster risk reduction and management is one of its pillars.
• Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR):
  • India’s framework for providing aid during natural disasters or emergencies.
  • Focuses on rehabilitation, reconstruction, and long-term recovery efforts.
• Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC):
  • A grouping to strengthen India’s relationship with Pacific Island nations.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

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7. Which category contributed the largest share to India’s textile and apparel exports during April-October FY 2024-25?
A) Cotton Textiles
B) Ready-Made Garments (RMG)
C) Man-Made Textiles
D) Handicrafts
E) Carpets
Answer: B) Ready-Made Garments (RMG)

Event and Location:

• Event: Update on India’s textile and apparel trade statistics.
• Date: January 2, 2025
• Location: New Delhi, India

Mandates and Objectives:

• Highlight India’s contribution to global textile and apparel trade (3.9%).
• Provide data on export and import trends for the textile and apparel (T&A) sector, including handicrafts.
• Showcase India as the 6th largest exporter of T&A globally with a trade surplus in the sector.

Key Highlights:

1. Exports:
   • Total T&A (incl. handicrafts) exports during April-October FY 2024-25: $21,358 Mn, a 7% increase from $20,007 Mn in the same period of FY 2023-24.
   • Largest export contributors:
     • Ready-Made Garments (RMG): $8,733 Mn (41% share).
     • Cotton Textiles: $7,082 Mn (33% share).
     • Man-Made Textiles: $3,105 Mn (15% share).
2. Imports:
   • Total T&A (incl. handicrafts) imports during April-October FY 2024-25: $5,425 Mn, a 1% decline from $5,464 Mn in the same period of FY 2023-24.
   • Largest import contributors:
     • Man-Made Textiles: $1,859 Mn (34% share).
     • Cotton Textiles: $1,721 Mn (31.7% share).
3. Trends and Observations:
   • Exports Growth: Observed in most categories except wool (-19%) and handloom (-6%).
   • Imports Growth: Increased for cotton textiles due to demand for long-staple cotton fibre.
   • Geopolitical Impact: Initial export slowdown in FY 2024 due to Red Sea and Bangladesh crises.

Significance:

• Demonstrates India’s rising self-reliance and increasing production capacity in textiles.
• Highlights efforts to balance demand-supply gaps, particularly in man-made and cotton textiles.

Important Terms Explained:

• Ready-Made Garments (RMG): Pre-stitched clothing directly ready for sale to consumers.
• Man-Made Textiles: Synthetic textiles such as polyester and nylon, often imported to meet domestic demand.
• Long-Staple Cotton: High-quality cotton with longer fibers, crucial for producing premium textiles.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

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8. What percentage reduction in emission intensity of GDP did India achieve between 2005 and 2020?
A) 25%
B) 30%
C) 36%
D) 40%
E) 45%
Answer: C) 36%

Event and Location:

• Event: India reports a decline in greenhouse gas emissions and GDP emission intensity (January 1, 2025).

Mandates and Objectives:

• Emission Reduction Achievements:
  • Overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions decreased by 7.93% in 2020 compared to 2019.
  • Emission intensity of GDP reduced by 36% between 2005 and 2020, indicating successful decoupling of economic growth from emissions.
• Future Commitments:
  • Aim to reduce GDP emission intensity by 45% by 2030 from 2005 levels.
  • Target to achieve 50% cumulative installed power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.
  • Plan to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5–3 billion tonnes through forest and tree cover by 2030.

Important Terms Explained:

• Emission Intensity of GDP:
  • The amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced per unit of gross domestic product.
  • A lower emission intensity indicates a more efficient, lower-carbon economy.
• LULUCF (Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry):
  • A sector that can act as a carbon sink, absorbing more CO₂ than it emits, thus reducing net national emissions.

Static GK Information:

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Appointments – Daily Current Affairs January 02

9. Who has been appointed as the CEO of UIDAI effective January 1, 2025?
A) Amit Agrawal
B) Bhuvnesh Kumar
C) Arvind Kumar
D) Ravi Shankar Prasad
E) Kiran Kumar
Answer: B) Bhuvnesh Kumar

Event and Location:

• Event: Appointment of Bhuvnesh Kumar as CEO of UIDAI.
• Date: January 1, 2025
• Location: New Delhi, India

Mandates and Objectives:

• New Leadership:
  • Bhuvnesh Kumar, a 1995 batch IAS officer from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, assumed the role.
  • Kumar succeeds Amit Agrawal, who has been appointed Secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals.
  • Kumar continues to hold the role of Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY).
• UIDAI’s Mission:
  • Oversee India’s Aadhaar digital identity infrastructure.
  • Enhance governance and service delivery through Aadhaar-based services.

Professional Background of Bhuvnesh Kumar:

1. Central Government Roles:
   • Additional Secretary, MEITY.
   • Joint Secretary, MEITY.
2. State-Level Roles (Uttar Pradesh):
   • Principal Secretary, Departments of Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, and Fisheries.
   • Secretary, Finance and Technical Education.
   • Secretary, Planning, Vocational Education, and Sports & Youth Welfare.
   • Divisional Commissioner, Department of Land Revenue.

Aadhaar Milestones and Trends:

1. Milestones:
   • Cumulative Aadhaar Enrolments: Over 1.41 billion individuals.
   • e-KYC Verifications: Completed over 21.8 billion.
   • Routine Authentications: Surpassed 1.27 billion transactions.
   • Updates/Corrections Processed: 1.07 billion cases.
2. Recent Trends:
   • Aadhaar enrolment saturation: New enrolments dropped below 1 million for the first time in October 2024.
   • December 2024: Only 9.3 lakh new Aadhaar numbers were generated.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

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10. Who administered the oath of office to Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar as the 23rd Governor of Kerala?
A) Pinarayi Vijayan
B) Arif Mohammed Khan
C) Nitin Madhukar Jamdar
D) Sharada Muraleedharan
E) A N Shamseer
Answer: C) Nitin Madhukar Jamdar

Event and Location:

• Event: Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar sworn in as the 23rd Governor of Kerala (January 2, 2025).
• Date and Location: January 2, 2025, at Raj Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Governor’s Role:
  • Represents the President of India in Kerala.
  • Facilitates coordination between the state government and the Union government.
• Succession:
  • Arlekar succeeded Arif Mohammed Khan, who was transferred as the Governor of Bihar.

Important Terms Explained:

• Governor:
  • Constitutional head of a state in India.
  • Appointed by the President of India, typically for a five-year term.
• Raj Bhavan:
  • Official residence of the Governor of a state in India.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

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11. Who administered the oath of office to Arif Mohammad Khan as the 42nd Governor of Bihar?
A) Nitish Kumar
B) K. Vinod Chandran
C) Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar
D) Tejashwi Yadav
E) Nitin Jamdar
Answer: B) K. Vinod Chandran

Event and Location:

• Event: Arif Mohammad Khan sworn in as the 42nd Governor of Bihar.
• Date and Location: January 2, 2025, at Raj Bhavan, Patna.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Governor’s Role:
  • Acts as the constitutional head of the state of Bihar.
  • Facilitates coordination between the state and central governments.
• Succession Details:
  • Arif Mohammad Khan succeeded Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, who was appointed as the Governor of Kerala.
  • The oath was administered by Patna High Court Chief Justice K. Vinod Chandran.

Important Terms Explained:

• Governor:
  • The ceremonial head of a state in India, appointed by the President of India.
  • Responsible for upholding the Constitution and ensuring the state’s governance aligns with constitutional provisions.
• Raj Bhavan:
  • The official residence of the Governor in a state.
  • Serves as the venue for official ceremonies, including the swearing-in of the Governor.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

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Awards – Daily Current Affairs January 02

12. Who among the following received the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2024?
A) Jyothi Yarraji
B) Gukesh D
C) Aman Sehrawat
D) Swapnil Kusale
E) Salima Tete
Answer: B) Gukesh D

Event and Location:

• Event: Announcement of the National Sports Awards 2024.
• Date: January 2, 2025
• Location: New Delhi, India

Mandates and Objectives:

• Recognize and reward excellence in sports, sportsmanship, and coaching.
• Encourage contributions to Indian sports at the national and international levels.

Key Highlights:

1. Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2024:
   • Awarded for the most outstanding sports performance over four years.
   • Recipients:
     • Gukesh D (Chess)
     • Harmanpreet Singh (Hockey)
     • Praveen Kumar (Para-Athletics)
     • Manu Bhaker (Shooting)
2. Arjuna Awards 2024:
   • Awarded for consistent performance and leadership in sports.
   • Total Recipients: 32
   • Notable Awardees:
     • Jyothi Yarraji (Athletics)
     • Vantika Agrawal (Chess)
     • Abhay Singh (Squash)
3. Arjuna Awards (Lifetime):
   • Notable Recipients:
     • Sucha Singh (Athletics)
     • Murlikant Rajaram Petkar (Para-Swimming)
4. Dronacharya Award 2024:
   • Awarded to coaches for excellence in training athletes.
   • Regular Category:
     • Deepali Deshpande (Shooting)
   • Lifetime Category:
     • Armando Colaco (Football)
5. Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar 2024:
   • Recipient: Physical Education Foundation of India
6. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy 2024:
   • Winner: Chandigarh University
   • 1st Runner-Up: Lovely Professional University
   • 2nd Runner-Up: Guru Nanak Dev University

Important Terms Explained:

• Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award:
  • India’s highest sporting honor for individual excellence over the previous four years.
• Arjuna Award:
  • Recognizes consistent sports performance and qualities of leadership.
• Dronacharya Award:
  • Given to coaches for their consistent efforts in training athletes for international success.
• MAKA Trophy:
  • Awarded to the overall top-performing university in the Khelo India University Games.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

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Science and Technology – Daily Current Affairs January 02

13. What did IIT Bombay researchers discover to address soil contamination?
A) A new type of fertilizer
B) A bacteria capable of consuming toxic pollutants
C) A chemical treatment for soil
D) A genetically modified crop variety
E) An advanced irrigation technique
Answer: B) A bacteria capable of consuming toxic pollutants

Event and Location:

• Event: Discovery of bacteria capable of cleaning pesticides from soil and improving crop yield.
• Date: January 2, 2025
• Location: IIT Bombay, Mumbai, India

Mandates and Objectives:

• Address soil contamination caused by toxic compounds.
• Enhance agricultural productivity by removing harmful pesticides.
• Provide a sustainable alternative to expensive and inadequate traditional methods.

Challenges with Traditional Methods:

• Chemical treatments and soil removal:
  • High cost.
  • Temporary solutions that fail to fully resolve soil contamination.

Significance of Discovery:

• The bacteria identified:
  • Consume toxic pollutants in the soil.
  • Release helpful nutrients as by-products, enhancing soil quality and plant growth.
• Potential to revolutionize sustainable farming practices.

Important Terms Explained:

• Soil Contamination: The presence of harmful substances like pesticides or heavy metals that reduce soil fertility.
• Toxic Pollutants: Harmful chemical residues, often from pesticides, that can damage crops and ecosystems.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

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14. What is the role of nano-formulation of melatonin in treating Parkinson’s disease?
A) Reverses dopamine-secreting neuron death
B) Enhances antioxidative and neuroprotective properties
C) Increases dopamine production directly
D) Prevents all forms of neurodegeneration
E) Treats sleep disorders without affecting PD
Answer: B) Enhances antioxidative and neuroprotective properties

Event and Location:

• Event: Discovery of the therapeutic potential of nano-formulation of melatonin for Parkinson’s disease.
• Date: January 2, 2025
• Location: Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali

Mandates and Objectives:

• Investigate melatonin’s neuroprotective role in managing Parkinson’s disease (PD).
• Address the limitations of melatonin, such as poor bioavailability and brain delivery, using a nanocarrier.
• Study the molecular pathways melatonin regulates to reduce oxidative stress and improve neuron health.

Key Findings:

• Melatonin delivered through Human Serum Albumin (HSA) nano-formulation showed:
  • Sustained release and improved bioavailability.
  • Enhanced antioxidative and neuroprotective properties.
  • Better removal of unhealthy mitochondria (mitophagy) and mitochondrial biogenesis.
• Targeted delivery to the brain significantly reduced rotenone-induced toxicity in an in vitro PD model.
• Overexpression of BMI1 (epigenetic regulator):
  • Induces mitophagy and reduces oxidative stress.
  • Protects neurons from degeneration.
• Published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, demonstrating better neuroprotective effects in vitro and in vivo.

Significance:

• Nano-melatonin could be a potential therapeutic for PD and other disorders linked to dysregulated mitophagy.
• Safer and more effective than conventional melatonin for improving neuronal health.

Important Terms Explained:

• Parkinson’s Disease (PD):
  • A neurodegenerative disorder caused by the death of dopamine-secreting neurons in the brain.
  • Symptoms include tremors, rigidity, and difficulty in movement.
• Melatonin:
  • A hormone secreted by the pineal gland in response to darkness.
  • Regulates sleep-wake cycles and shows potential as a neurotherapeutic drug.
• Mitophagy:
  • A process that identifies and removes damaged mitochondria, reducing oxidative stress.
• BMI1:
  • An epigenetic regulator that controls gene expression and influences mitophagy.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

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Defence – Daily Current Affairs January 02

15. Where is the 18th edition of Exercise Surya Kiran being held?
A) Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand
B) Kathmandu, Nepal
C) Saljhandi, Nepal
D) Shivalik Ranges, India
E) Pokhara, Nepal
Answer: C) Saljhandi, Nepal

Event and Location:

• Event: 18th edition of India-Nepal Joint Military Exercise “Surya Kiran.”
• Date: December 29, 2024 – January 13, 2025
• Location: Nepal Army Battle School, Saljhandi, Western Nepal

Mandates and Objectives:

• Enhance Interoperability: Strengthen coordination between Indian and Nepalese armies.
• Focus Areas:
  • Jungle Warfare: Training for operations in dense forest regions.
  • Counter-Terrorism: Strategies for mountainous terrains.
  • Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR): Preparedness for disaster response under the United Nations Charter.
• Operational Preparedness: Improve aviation, medical training, and environmental conservation skills.

Participating Forces:

• Indian Army: Kumaon Regiment (334 personnel).
• Nepalese Army: Tara Dal Battalion.

Historical Context:

• Previous Edition: 17th edition held in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, India (November 24 to December 7, 2023).
• Significance: Reflects the strong military ties and mutual security cooperation between India and Nepal.

Strategic Importance:

• Bilateral Relations: Reinforces trust and shared defense priorities.
• Regional Stability: Enhances collective capabilities to address common security and disaster challenges.

Important Terms Explained:

• Surya Kiran Exercise: Annual joint military training conducted alternately in India and Nepal, aimed at improving interoperability and disaster response capabilities.
• Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR): Operations focused on providing aid and support during natural disasters or emergencies.

Static GK Information:

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International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs January 01

16. What is the primary objective of Russia’s newly introduced tourist tax, effective January 1, 2025?
A) To provide subsidies to hotel chains in Russia.
B) To enhance regional tourism infrastructure and boost local economies.
C) To reduce administrative burdens on tourists.
D) To increase Russia’s competitiveness in global tourism.
E) To implement a new tax system for all businesses.
Answer: B) To enhance regional tourism infrastructure and boost local economies.

Event and Location:

• Event: Introduction of tourist tax and elimination of coal export taxes in Russia (January 1, 2025).

Mandates and Objectives:

• Tourist Tax:
  • Replace the resort fee with a new tax starting at 1%, increasing to 3% by 2027.
  • Minimum daily charge: 100 rubles (~$0.9 USD).
  • Revenue directed towards regional tourism infrastructure and local economic growth.
• Coal Export Tax Removal:
  • Supports anthracite, coking coal, and thermal coal industries.
  • Balances economic development with sector-specific relief measures.

Important Terms Explained:

• Tourist Tax:
  • A structured levy incorporated into lodging costs.
  • Adopted through the Russian Tax Code amendments in July 2024.
• Coal Export Tax Removal:
  • Removal of export taxes on coal products effective January 1, 2025, to aid industry competitiveness.

Static GK Information:

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National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs January 02

17. Which IIT became the first to offer MBBS and postgraduate medical programs?
A) IIT Delhi
B) IIT Bombay
C) IIT Madras
D) IIT Kharagpur
E) IIT Kanpur
Answer: D) IIT Kharagpur

Event and Location:

• Event: IIT Kharagpur ventures into medical education.
• Date: December 30, 2024
• Location: IIT Kharagpur, West Bengal

Mandates and Objectives:

• IIT Kharagpur is the first IIT in India to offer:
  • MBBS and postgraduate medical programs.
  • Healthcare services.
• Achieved through strategic partnerships with AIIMS Kalyani and AIIMS Delhi.
• Plans to expand further with the Dr. B.C. Roy Multi-Specialist Research Centre.

Significance of the Initiative:

• Diversifies the academic scope of IITs.
• Strengthens India’s healthcare education by leveraging IIT Kharagpur’s interdisciplinary approach.
• Enhances healthcare services through collaborations with premier medical institutions.

Important Terms Explained:

• MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery):
  • Undergraduate program for medical students, foundational to becoming a doctor.
• Dr. B.C. Roy Multi-Specialist Research Centre:
  • A medical facility and research center under IIT Kharagpur, named after Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, a renowned physician and freedom fighter.
• AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences):
  • Premier group of public medical colleges in India.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

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18. What is the primary objective of the FAME-II scheme?
A) Promote hybrid vehicle manufacturing
B) Incentivize electric mobility in India
C) Provide subsidies for public transportation
D) Establish state-level EV manufacturing hubs
E) Fund traditional fuel-based vehicles
Answer: B) Incentivize electric mobility in India

Event and Location:

• Event: Progress update on the FAME-II Scheme.
• Date: January 2, 2025
• Location: New Delhi, India

Mandates and Objectives:

• Promote electric mobility through demand-side incentives.
• Support environment-friendly, affordable public transport.
• Reduce India’s dependence on fossil fuels and enable sustainable mobility.

Key Highlights of FAME-II Scheme:

• Launched in 2019 with an outlay of ₹11,500 crore.
• Supports:
  • Electric 2-wheelers (e-2Ws), 3-wheelers (e-3Ws), 4-wheelers (e-4Ws), and buses (e-buses).
  • Electric Vehicle Public Charging Stations (EV PCS): 10,985 sanctioned, 8,812 allocated for installation.
• Incentivized 16.15 lakh EVs as of October 31, 2024:
  • e-2Ws: 14.27 lakh.
  • e-3Ws: 1.59 lakh.
  • e-4Ws: 22,548.
  • e-buses: 5,131.
• Expenditure Breakdown: ₹8,844 crore spent.
  • ₹6,577 crore for subsidies.
  • ₹2,244 crore for capital assets.
  • ₹23 crore for other expenses.

Significance:

• Phased manufacturing program to boost domestic EV production.
• Policy initiatives like reduced GST on EVs and enabling state EV policies.
• Contributes to India’s transition to sustainable mobility and reduces environmental impact.

Important Terms Explained:

• FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles):
  • India’s flagship scheme to promote electric and hybrid vehicles.
  • FAME-II focuses on EV demand, public transport, and charging infrastructure.
• Public Charging Stations (PCS):
  • Infrastructure to charge electric vehicles, crucial for EV adoption.
• Sustainable Mobility:
  • Transport solutions designed to reduce environmental and energy impacts.

Static GK Information:

Tabular Summary:

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Over All Review

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