Daily Current Affairs January 06

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 06. 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 06 | Daily Current Affairs 2024

Important Days – Daily Current Affairs January 06

1. What is the primary purpose of National Bird Day, observed annually on January 5?
A) To celebrate migratory birds’ arrival
B) To raise awareness about bird conservation and their ecological significance
C) To promote birdwatching as a hobby
D) To commemorate bird species that have gone extinct
E) To encourage the domestication of rare bird species
Answer: B) To raise awareness about bird conservation and their ecological significance

Event and Location:

• Event: National Bird Day 2025 celebrated on January 5.
• Date: January 5, 2025
• Established By: Avian Welfare Coalition in 2002

Purpose:

• Raise Awareness: Focuses on the ecological significance of birds and the urgent need for conservation.
• Conservation Goals: Highlights the threats birds face due to habitat destruction, climate change, and illegal trade.

Historical Context:

• Coincides with the early 20th-century wild bird preservation movement.
• Acknowledges conservationists’ efforts, including the recovery of species like the California Condor and Bald Eagle.

Importance of Birds:

• Pollinators: Aid in plant reproduction.
• Seed Dispersers: Help in forest regeneration.
• Environmental Indicators: Reflect the health of ecosystems through their presence or absence.

Challenges Highlighted:

• Habitat Loss: Due to deforestation, urbanization, and agricultural expansion.
• Climate Change: Disrupts migration patterns and breeding conditions.
• Illegal Trade: Poaching for the pet industry harms populations of species like parrots and songbirds.

Conservation Success Stories:

• California Condor: Population recovered from just 27 individuals in the 1980s due to captive breeding and habitat restoration.
• Bald Eagle: Removed from the endangered species list through pesticide bans and habitat conservation.

Tabular Summary:

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Banking and Finance – Daily Current Affairs January 06

2. How much gold did the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) add to its reserves in November 2024, as reported by the World Gold Council (WGC)?
A) 5 tonnes
B) 8 tonnes
C) 10 tonnes
D) 12 tonnes
E) 15 tonnes
Answer: B) 8 tonnes

Event and Location:

• Event: RBI adds 8 tonnes of gold to its reserves.
• Date: November 2024 (as reported on January 6, 2025)
• Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra

Mandates and Objectives:

• Global Gold Accumulation in November 2024:
  • Central banks worldwide collectively added 53 tonnes of gold.
  • RBI contributed 8 tonnes, continuing its 2024 buying streak.
• Reasons for Gold Accumulation:
  • Driven by the need for stable and secure assets amid global economic uncertainties.
  • Gold’s price dip in November 2024, following the U.S. elections, provided an opportunity for central banks to purchase.
• Emerging Markets’ Role:
  • Central banks in emerging markets remained key buyers in 2024.

Important Terms Explained:

• World Gold Council (WGC):
  • An authority on the global gold market that monitors gold supply, demand, and trends.
• Gold Reserves:
  • Gold holdings maintained by central banks as a part of their foreign exchange reserves to ensure economic stability.

Tabular Summary:

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Business and Economy – Daily Current Affairs January 06

3. What was the Services Sector PMI for India in December 2024, and what does it indicate?
A) 58.4; indicates contraction
B) 59.3; indicates expansion
C) 54.1; indicates contraction
D) 50.0; indicates stagnation
E) 56.8; indicates mild expansion
Answer: B) 59.3; indicates expansion

Event and Location:

• Event: India’s Services Sector PMI hits a four-month high.
• Date: January 6, 2025
• Location: Nationwide

Mandates and Objectives:

• Services PMI for December 2024:
  • Rose to 59.3, up from 58.4 in November 2024.
  • A PMI above 50 signals expansion, while below 50 indicates contraction.
• Comparison with Manufacturing PMI:
  • Manufacturing PMI dropped to a 12-month low of 54.1 in December.
• Key Drivers for Growth:
  • Demand buoyancy led to higher new business inflows.
  • Firms expanded capacity and recruited additional workers.
  • Service providers maintained optimism about future growth, citing factors like new customer enquiries and increased marketing budgets.

Challenges:

• Rising Input Costs:
  • Businesses faced increased costs for food, labour, and materials.
  • Firms raised their charges to offset these costs.
  • Inflation in service charges was highest in the Transport, Information, and Communication sector.
• Quarterly Trends:
  • Despite improvement in December, the average Services PMI for Q3 FY25 was lower than Q2 FY25.
  • Manufacturing PMI’s weaker performance dampened overall optimism for GDP growth.

Important Terms Explained:

• PMI (Purchasing Managers’ Index):
  • Measures economic activity in the manufacturing and services sectors based on surveys of purchasing managers.
  • A PMI above 50 indicates expansion; below 50 indicates contraction.
• Demand Buoyancy:
  • Refers to sustained strong demand for goods and services, driving business growth.

Tabular Summary:

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Appointments – Daily Current Affairs January 06

4. Who recently took over as the Air Officer Commanding of the Base Repair Depot, Tughlakabad?
A) Air Commodore Rishi Seth
B) Air Commodore Debakinandan Sahu
C) Air Marshal Anil Chauhan
D) Air Commodore Ashok Roy
E) Air Vice Marshal Rajiv Sharma
Answer: B) Air Commodore Debakinandan Sahu

Event and Location:

• Event: Air Commodore Debakinandan Sahu assumes command at Tughlakabad Base Repair Depot.
• Date: January 6, 2025
• Location: Tughlakabad, Delhi

Mandates and Objectives:

• About the New Commander:
  • Commissioned into the Aeronautical Engineering stream of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on May 30, 1994.
  • Alumni of prestigious institutions like the Air Force Technical College (AFTC), Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), and College of Air Warfare, Secunderabad.
  • Known for expertise in aviation and Guided Weapon Missile Systems.
• Previous Roles:
  • Chief Engineering Officer at a premier Air Force Base.
  • Held key staff positions at Operational Command Headquarters and Air Headquarters.
• Recognition:
  • Awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) by the President of India on January 26, 2023, for distinguished service.

Tabular Summary:

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Awards – Daily Current Affairs January 06

5. Which film won Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy at the 82nd Golden Globes 2025?
A) Wicked
B) Anora
C) Emilia Perez
D) A Real Pain
E) The Substance
Answer: C) Emilia Perez

Event and Location:

• Event: The 82nd Golden Globes celebrated outstanding achievements in film and television.
• Date: January 6, 2025
• Location: United States

Key Wins:

1. Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy:
   • Winner: Emilia Perez
   • The French narco-musical, directed by Jacques Audiard, chronicles the transformation of a Mexican drug lord into a woman.
2. Major Awards for Emilia Perez:
   • Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldana.
   • Best Original Song: “El Mal.”
   • Best Non-English Language Film.
3. Other Film Highlights:
   • Best Motion Picture – Drama: The Brutalist.
   • Best Actor in a Drama: Adrien Brody for The Brutalist.
   • Best Actress in a Comedy: Demi Moore for The Substance.
4. Television Awards:
   • Best Television Series – Drama: Shogun.
   • Shogun also saw wins for Hiroyuki Sanada, Tadanobu Asano, and Anna Sawai.
   • Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy: Hacks.

Important Terms Explained:

• Golden Globes:
  • An annual awards ceremony recognizing excellence in film and television.
  • Often regarded as a precursor to the Academy Awards.
• Narco-Musical:
  • A genre blending narratives about drug trade with musical elements.

Tabular Summary:

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International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs January 06

6. Which country was recently admitted as a full member of the BRICS bloc of developing nations, as announced by Brazil?
A) Malaysia
B) Indonesia
C) Turkey
D) Saudi Arabia
E) Azerbaijan
Answer: B) Indonesia

Event and Location:

• Event: Indonesia admitted as a full member of BRICS.
• Date and Location: January 6, 2025, Brazil

Mandates and Objectives:

• Purpose of BRICS:
  • Reform global governance institutions to give more representation to developing economies.
  • Strengthen South-South cooperation among member nations.
  • Explore alternatives to the US Dollar for trade and financial transactions.
• Indonesia’s Entry:
  • Approved at the Johannesburg Summit in August 2023.
  • Formally joined after its newly elected government was formed in late 2024.

Important Terms Explained:

• BRICS:
  • Founded in 2009 with Brazil, Russia, India, and China.
  • South Africa joined in 2010.
  • Expanded in 2024 to include Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the UAE.
  • Serves as a counterweight to Western global economic structures.
• South-South Cooperation:
  • Economic and technical cooperation among developing countries to foster growth and self-reliance.

Tabular Summary:

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7. What major change in global climate policy was highlighted at the COP29 UN Climate Summit in 2024?
A) Introduction of a global carbon tax
B) Elimination of the donor-recipient framework in climate action
C) Commitment by developing nations to reduce emissions by 2030
D) Creation of a global sustainability fund
E) Revision of emission reduction targets for the G7 nations
Answer: B) Elimination of the donor-recipient framework in climate action

Event and Location:

• Event: COP29 UN Climate Summit marked a shift in global climate policy.
• Date: November 2024
• Location: Baku, Azerbaijan

Mandates and Objectives:

• Purpose of the 1992 Climate Treaty:
  • Address global concerns over climate change collectively.
  • Developed nations, led by the G7, committed to reducing emissions in acknowledgment of their historical contribution.
  • Developing countries agreed to tackle climate issues in exchange for technology transfer and climate finance.
• Key Shift at COP29:
  • Scrapping the traditional ‘donor-recipient’ model that divided the global south and north.
  • Shifted focus to developing countries leading sustainability efforts.
  • Highlighted the imbalance in research capacities and the need for self-reliance in the global south.

Important Terms Explained:

• G7:
  • A group of the world’s advanced economies: US, UK, Canada, Japan, Germany, France, and Italy.
  • Historically influential in global climate negotiations.
• Donor-Recipient Model:
  • A system where developed nations provided funds and technology to developing countries to address climate change.
• COP (Conference of the Parties):
  • Annual UN climate summits where countries negotiate actions under the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change).

Tabular Summary:

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8. What is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), which is currently rising among children in China?
A) A gastrointestinal virus similar to norovirus
B) A respiratory virus causing colds and lung infections
C) A viral infection affecting the cardiovascular system
D) A mosquito-borne viral disease
E) A waterborne infection
Answer: B) A respiratory virus causing colds and lung infections

Event and Location:

• Event: Rise in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections among children in China.
• Date: January 4, 2025
• Location: China

Mandates and Objectives:

• What is HMPV?
  • Belongs to the same family of viruses as Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
  • Causes upper respiratory tract infections like colds and more severe illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
  • Discovered in 2001 and is recognized as a significant health issue, especially among young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
• Symptoms:
  • Cough, fever, blocked nose, shortness of breath.
  • Severe cases can lead to bronchitis (inflammation of airways) or pneumonia (fluid-filled lungs).
• Key Concerns:
  • Increase in HMPV infections among children under 14 years in China.
  • Possible behavioral or environmental factors causing the rise; genetic mutations in the virus are unlikely but require further testing.
• Precautionary Measures:
  • Wash hands regularly with soap for at least 20 seconds.
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Maintain distance from unwell individuals and stay home when sick.
  • Cover mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing.

Important Terms Explained:

• HMPV (Human Metapneumovirus):
  • A respiratory virus causing infections like RSV and the flu.
  • Spread via respiratory droplets, similar to COVID-19 and influenza.
• Supportive Treatment:
  • No vaccines or specific antiviral treatments are available.
  • Treatment focuses on symptom relief and stabilizing vital signs.

Tabular Summary:

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9. What was a key focus of discussions during US NSA Jake Sullivan’s farewell visit to India?
A) Strengthening trade relations
B) Civil nuclear cooperation and advanced technology partnerships
C) Expansion of cultural exchange programs
D) Establishing a new military alliance
E) Negotiating trade tariffs between India and the US
Answer: B) Civil nuclear cooperation and advanced technology partnerships

Event and Location:

• Event: US NSA Jake Sullivan’s farewell visit to India.
• Date: January 6, 2025
• Location: New Delhi, India

Mandates and Objectives:

• Key Topics of Discussion:
  • Advanced Technology Collaboration:
    • Focused on Artificial Intelligence, semiconductors, biotechnology, and defence innovation.
    • Reinforced ties under the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) launched by PM Modi and President Biden.
  • Civil Nuclear Cooperation:
    • Steps are being finalized to remove longstanding regulations hindering collaboration between India’s nuclear entities and US companies.
• Statements by Leaders:
  • PM Modi highlighted the India-US partnership scaling new heights in technology, defence, space, and biotech.
  • Jake Sullivan emphasized advanced technologies as a cornerstone of future bilateral relations, making the world a better place.
• iCET Initiative:
  • A strategic collaboration framework initiated in 2022 to foster cooperation in critical and emerging technologies.
  • Third round of iCET talks took place during Sullivan’s visit.

Additional Engagements:

• NSA Jake Sullivan met Indian NSA Ajit Doval and emphasized their personal rapport as a driving force behind the initiative.
• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar discussed bilateral, regional, and global cooperation with Sullivan, appreciating his contribution to the India-US partnership.

Important Terms Explained:

• iCET (Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology):
  • A bilateral initiative to boost collaboration in cutting-edge technologies like AI, semiconductors, and defence innovation.
• Civil Nuclear Cooperation:
  • Agreements between nations for the peaceful use of nuclear energy, including power generation and related technologies.

Tabular Summary:

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National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs January 06

10. What significant facility has IIT-Madras recently developed to aid marine research?
A) Deepwater Ocean Simulation Facility
B) Asia’s Largest Shallow Wave Basin
C) Advanced Marine Research Laboratory
D) Coastal Engineering Simulation Centre
E) India’s First Wave-Current Interaction Simulator
Answer: B) Asia’s Largest Shallow Wave Basin

Event and Location:

• Event: IIT-Madras commissions Asia’s largest shallow wave basin.
• Date: January 6, 2025
• Location: Thaiyur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Mandates and Objectives:

• Purpose of the Facility:
  • Facilitate advanced marine research.
  • Support the resolution of challenges faced by Indian ports, waterways, and coastal engineering.
  • Boost India’s technological self-reliance in marine research.
• Features of the Facility:
  • Indigenously developed by IIT-Madras.
  • Located at Discovery, IIT-M’s satellite campus in Thaiyur, a Chennai suburb.
  • Capable of handling multidirectional shallow wave and current interaction simulations.

Important Terms Explained:

• Shallow Wave Basin:
  • A controlled facility used for simulating shallow water waves.
  • Helps study interactions of waves and currents in various coastal and marine conditions.
  • Used in port development, waterway management, and coastal engineering projects.

Tabular Summary:

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11. What is the primary target of Telangana’s newly announced Green Energy Policy for the next decade?
A) Adding 10,000 MW renewable energy capacity
B) Creating 1 lakh jobs and ₹2 lakh crore investments
C) Developing only solar power plants in government land
D) Establishing floating solar projects exclusively
E) Reducing pollution through renewable energy alone
Answer: B) Creating 1 lakh jobs and ₹2 lakh crore investments

Event and Location:

• Event: Telangana unveils its ambitious Green Energy Policy.
• Date: January 6, 2025
• Location: Telangana

Mandates and Objectives:

• Key Goals:
  • Attract ₹1.98 lakh crore investments in renewable energy.
  • Create 1.14 lakh jobs by 2030.
  • Add 20,000 MW renewable energy capacity by 2030.
• Policy Incentives:
  • Stamp duty reimbursement for land acquisitions related to green energy.
  • Electricity duty exemptions for MSMEs using solar or wind power for 8 years.
  • GST refund on capital investments in renewable energy projects.
  • Waiver of Pollution Control Board NOCs for faster procedural approvals.
  • Reclassification of land for renewable energy projects to non-agricultural status without usage limits.
• Special Initiatives:
  • Promotion of rooftop solar installations on government schools, Indiramma houses, and public buildings.
  • Support for women’s self-help groups to establish solar plants (500 KW to 2 MW capacity).
  • Establishment of a renewable energy incubation centre to promote innovation in clean energy technologies.
  • Focus on floating solar projects through competitive bidding on reservoirs.

Important Terms Explained:

• Green Energy Policy:
  • Framework for promoting renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and green hydrogen.
  • Ensures economic growth while reducing carbon emissions.
• Open Access to Green Energy:
  • Allows industries to directly buy green energy from producers, bypassing state distribution entities.
• Hybrid Energy Models:
  • Combining solar, wind, and other renewable sources to optimize energy production.

Tabular Summary:

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12. What is the primary objective of the KSRTC Arogya Scheme launched by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah?
A) Provide subsidized transportation services for employees
B) Offer free educational benefits to employees’ children
C) Provide cashless medical treatment for KSRTC employees and their families
D) Increase salaries for KSRTC employees to cover medical expenses
E) Offer housing benefits for KSRTC employees
Answer: C) Provide cashless medical treatment for KSRTC employees and their families

Event and Location:

• Event: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah launches KSRTC Arogya Scheme.
• Date: January 6, 2025
• Location: Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru

Mandates and Objectives:

• Objective of the Scheme:
  • Provide cashless medical treatment for over 34,000 KSRTC employees and their dependents.
  • Benefit nearly 1.5 lakh individuals (employees and their families).
• Key Features of the Scheme:
  • Covers treatment in 275 hospitals and 4 diagnostic centres across Karnataka.
  • Includes eye, dental, Ayurvedic, Prakriti, Unani, and Homeopathic treatments.
  • No upper limit for inpatient treatment expenses.
  • Reimbursement system: KSRTC will reimburse hospitals within 30 days.
  • Employees only pay for consumables; other costs covered by the scheme.
• Employee Contributions:
  • ₹650 per month deducted from employees’ salaries, increased annually by ₹50.
  • KSRTC sets aside ₹20 crore annually, with a 5% yearly increase.
• Expansion:
  • The scheme will extend to BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC within three months.
• Additional Benefits:
  • Health cards issued to all employees for ease of access.
  • Training-related medical costs covered without salary deductions.

Important Terms Explained:

• KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation):
  • A government-owned transport service provider in Karnataka.
  • Ensures welfare schemes for its employees and dependents.
• Cashless Medical Treatment:
  • Employees can avail of treatment without upfront payment; costs are directly covered by the employer or reimbursed.

Tabular Summary:

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13. Where was India’s first organic fisheries cluster launched, and what is its primary focus?
A) Arunachal Pradesh; large-scale fish exports
B) Mizoram; chemical-based aquaculture
C) Assam; improving inland fish farming
D) Sikkim; sustainable and organic fish farming
E) Manipur; development of fish breeding technology
Answer: D) Sikkim; sustainable and organic fish farming

Event and Location:

• Event: Centre launches India’s first organic fisheries cluster.
• Date: January 6, 2025
• Location: Soreng District, Sikkim

Mandates and Objectives:

• About the Organic Fisheries Cluster:
  • Focuses on an ecologically healthy fish farming system avoiding chemicals, antibiotics, and pesticides.
  • Aims to produce organic fish for eco-conscious markets globally.
  • Aligns with Sikkim’s reputation for organic and sustainable agricultural practices.
• Additional Initiatives:
  • Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh inaugurated and laid the foundations for 50 projects worth ₹50 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) in Guwahati.
  • These projects cover all northeastern states except Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram.

Important Terms Explained:

• Organic Fisheries Cluster:
  • A system that avoids harmful chemicals, promoting fish farming practices that are eco-friendly and sustainable.
• Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY):
  • A flagship scheme to enhance fish production, improve income for fish farmers, and promote sustainable aquaculture practices.

Tabular Summary:

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14. What is the primary focus of the railway projects inaugurated and launched by the Prime Minister recently?
A) Introduction of private trains in India
B) Enhancing connectivity, modernisation, and employment generation
C) Increasing the speed of trains to 500 km/h
D) Setting up luxury-only train services across states
E) Eliminating manual ticketing systems nationwide
Answer: B) Enhancing connectivity, modernisation, and employment generation

Event and Location:

• Event: PM inaugurates and lays the foundation stone for railway projects across India.
• Date: January 6, 2025
• Location: Nationwide

Mandates and Objectives:

• Key Initiatives:
  • Modernisation of railway infrastructure, including advanced stations like Cherlapalli New Terminal Station in Telangana.
  • Expansion of rail connectivity with new divisions such as the Rayagada Railway Division in Odisha.
  • Enhanced connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir through projects like the Chenab Bridge and Anji Khad Bridge.
• Core Focus Areas:
  • Connectivity: Improved rail links in tribal and remote areas, fostering economic growth and inclusion.
  • Modernisation: Introduction of advanced terminals, solar-powered stations, and high-speed train initiatives.
  • Employment Generation: Promotion of Made-in-India initiatives, job creation through station redevelopment, and the establishment of Gati Shakti University for railway-specific skills.
• Significance for Regions:
  • Jammu and Kashmir: Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail line and Chenab Bridge enhance regional connectivity.
  • Odisha: Projects worth ₹70,000 crore to boost tourism, trade, and industrial growth.
  • Telangana: Cherlapalli Terminal to ease congestion and promote eco-friendly operations.

Important Terms Explained:

• Chenab Bridge:
  • World’s tallest railway arch bridge, enhancing connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.
• Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals:
  • Infrastructure aimed at improving trade and industrial activities through better logistics.
• Amrit Bharat Stations:
  • Redevelopment projects focused on modernising railway stations nationwide.

Tabular Summary:

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15. What is the key feature of the Maiya Samman Yojana recently enhanced by Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren?
A) Free education for women aged 18–50 years
B) Distribution of ₹1,000 monthly to all rural women
C) Direct transfer of ₹2,500 monthly to women aged 18–50 years
D) Skill development programs for women
E) Free healthcare services for women in Jharkhand
Answer: C) Direct transfer of ₹2,500 monthly to women aged 18–50 years

Event and Location:

• Event: Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren enhances Maiya Samman Yojana and transfers ₹1,415.44 crore to beneficiaries.
• Date: January 6, 2025
• Location: Namkum, Ranchi, Jharkhand

Mandates and Objectives:

• Objective of the Scheme:
  • Provides ₹2,500 monthly (₹30,000 annually) to 56.61 lakh women aged 18–50 years via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
  • Focuses on empowering women and boosting household incomes, particularly in rural areas.
• Key Features:
  • Increased monthly honorarium from ₹1,000 to ₹2,500 starting December 2024.
  • Universal eligibility within the specified age group to ensure dignity and inclusivity.
  • Aims to alleviate debt-induced poverty and promote financial independence among women.
• Social and Economic Impact:
  • Addresses the gendered economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic by stimulating local economies through increased consumer spending.
  • Recognized as a transformative welfare initiative boosting women’s autonomy.
  • Widely credited for the electoral success of the INDIA bloc in Jharkhand.
• Statements by CM Hemant Soren:
  • Emphasized women’s role in state development and self-reliance.
  • Criticized opposition parties for mocking the initiative and making false promises.

Tabular Summary:

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16. What is the primary objective of the ‘Faral Sakhi’ initiative launched in Mira Bhayandar?
A) To train women in modern culinary arts
B) To empower women entrepreneurs in traditional snack production
C) To promote international export of snacks from Mira Bhayandar
D) To create self-help groups for all types of businesses
E) To organize snack fairs during festivals
Answer: B) To empower women entrepreneurs in traditional snack production

Event and Location:

• Event: Launch of ‘Faral Sakhi’ Initiative in Mira Bhayandar.
• Date: January 6, 2025
• Location: Mira Bhayandar, Maharashtra

Mandates and Objectives:

• Primary Goal:
  • Empower women entrepreneurs by supporting their production of traditional festive snacks, or ‘Faral’, through:
    • Comprehensive training in business operations.
    • Access to professional kitchen facilities provided by MBMC.
    • Sales spaces and marketing support, including municipal advertisements.
• Achievements:
  • During the Diwali season, over 3 tons of snacks were sold, highlighting the initiative’s success.

Collaborating Partners:

• Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC):
  • Provides facilities and operational support to women entrepreneurs.
• Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) of NITI Aayog:
  • Offers skilling, mentoring, financial, and market linkage support.
  • Linked to its ‘Award to Reward’ program for scaling women-led businesses.

Key Features of WEP:

• Launched in 2018, transitioned to a public-private partnership in 2022.
• Focus areas include access to finance, skilling, mentoring, compliance assistance, and market linkages.

Tabular Summary:

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17. What is the main objective of the recent amendment to the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023?
A) To promote exports through subsidies
B) To increase tariffs on imports of luxury goods
C) To mandate stakeholder consultations for inclusive decision-making
D) To establish new trade zones in rural areas
E) To limit the government’s power in trade policy formulation
Answer: C) To mandate stakeholder consultations for inclusive decision-making

Event and Location:

• Event: Amendment to the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023 by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
• Date of Amendment: January 2, 2025
• Authority: The amendment was made under the Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992.

Objective:

• Ensure inclusive decision-making by involving stakeholders like importers, exporters, and industry experts in the formulation or amendment of trade policies.
• Provide a structured mechanism for stakeholders to offer feedback, and inform them of reasons for non-acceptance of their suggestions.

Key Features of the Amendment:

1. Inclusivity:
   • Creates a platform for stakeholders to voice their opinions and contribute meaningfully to trade policies.
   • Promotes transparency in decision-making.
2. Ease of Doing Business:
   • Aims to strengthen collaboration and trust between the government and trade participants.
   • Reflects the government’s commitment to improving the trade ecosystem in India.
3. Retention of Authority:
   • While ensuring inclusiveness, the government retains the final decision-making authority to handle exceptional circumstances and ensure smooth policy implementation.
4. Global Trade Competitiveness:
   • Aligns with the FTP 2023’s goal to achieve $2 trillion in exports by 2030.

Tabular Summary:

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Over All Review

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