Daily Current Affairs January 09

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January 09 | Daily Current Affairs 2024

Sports – Daily Current Affairs January 09

1. What is Martin Guptill’s record for the highest individual score in a Cricket World Cup?
A) 200*
B) 225*
C) 237*
D) 250
E) 215
Answer: C) 237*

Event and Location:

• Event: Martin Guptill announces retirement from international cricket
• Date: January 8, 2025

Career Highlights:

• World Cup Record: Guptill holds the record for the highest individual score in a Cricket World Cup, an unbeaten 237 runs against the West Indies in the 2015 quarter-final.
• Career Stats:
  • ODIs: 198 matches, 7,346 runs, 18 centuries.
  • T20Is: 122 matches, 3,531 runs, New Zealand’s leading run-scorer in the format.
  • Tests: 47 matches, 2,586 runs, including 3 centuries.
  • Total: 367 matches, 14,877 runs across all formats.
• Pivotal Moment: Direct-hit run-out of MS Dhoni in the 2019 World Cup semi-final, helping New Zealand reach the final.

Future Plans:

• Guptill, aged 38, plans to participate in T20 leagues worldwide post-retirement, continuing his cricketing journey.

Personal Reflection:

• Guptill expressed gratitude to his family, teammates, and fans, stating his immense pride in representing New Zealand for 14 years and playing 367 matches.

Tabular Summary:

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Obituary – Daily Current Affairs January 09

2. Which renowned playback singer known for his expressive singing passed away at the age of 81?
A) K.J. Yesudas
B) S.P. Balasubrahmanyam
C) P. Jayachandran
D) M.S. Baburaj
E) Hariharan
Answer: C) P. Jayachandran

Event and Location:

• Event: P. Jayachandran passes away at 81
• Date: January 10, 2025
• Location: Thrissur, Kerala

Mandates and Objectives:

• P. Jayachandran, an iconic playback singer, passed away due to cancer.
• Known for over six decades of captivating music, he sang more than 16,000 songs across Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, and Hindi.
• His soulful renditions ranged from romantic melodies to devotional music.

Career Highlights:

• Began his playback singing career with the song Oru Mullappoo Malayumayi in 1965.
• Notable song: Manjalayil Mungithorthi from the film Kalithozhan.
• Worked with legendary composers like Ilayaraja, A.R. Rahman, G. Devarajan, and many more.

Awards and Recognition:

• Received numerous accolades, including:
  • J.C. Daniel Award
  • Kalaimamani Award
  • National Award
  • Five Kerala State Awards
  • Four Tamil Nadu State Awards

Tabular Summary:

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Business and Economy – Daily Current Affairs January 09

3. Which bank announced the sale of ₹11,500 crore NPAs to asset reconstruction companies (ARCs)?
A) Punjab National Bank
B) Indian Overseas Bank
C) Bank of Baroda
D) Union Bank of India
E) State Bank of India
Answer: B) Indian Overseas Bank

Event and Location:

• Event: Indian Overseas Bank to sell ₹11,500 crore NPAs to ARCs
• Date: January 9, 2025
• Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra

Mandates and Objectives:

• Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) announced the sale of ₹11,500 crore worth of non-performing assets (NPAs).
• Details of Sale:
  • Includes 46 loan accounts, many financed under a consortium arrangement.
  • Some accounts are admitted under NCLT (National Company Law Tribunal).
  • Sale to be conducted via e-auction under the open auction method.
  • Bidding options: Portfolio basis, individual accounts, or groups of accounts.
• Timeline:
  • Eligible ARCs and transferees must submit expressions of interest (EoI) by January 18, 2025.
  • E-auction date: January 30, 2025.

Strategy:

• Focus: Value maximization through measures like SARFAESI actions, compromise settlements, and sales to ARCs.
• Expansion: Considering the sale of small business and educational loan portfolios to improve recovery outcomes and asset quality.
• Improved Asset Quality:
  • Gross NPAs reduced to 2.72% (September 2024) from 11.69% (March 2021).

Tabular Summary:

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4. What is the new name of Emami Ltd’s rebranded male grooming product previously called “Fair and Handsome”?
A) Smart and Glowing
B) Handsome Glow
C) Smart and Handsome
D) Radiant and Strong
E) Dynamic and Handsome
Answer: C) Smart and Handsome

Event and Location:

• Event: Emami rebrands “Fair and Handsome” as “Smart and Handsome”
• Date: January 10, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Rebranding Purpose:
  • Address evolving consumer preferences around fairness, with a shift towards broader definitions like “whitening” and “glowing.”
  • Align with societal changes rejecting fairness as a positive stereotype.
  • Strengthen market presence amidst stagnant fairness product sales and rising demand for other male grooming categories like deodorants and beard care.
• Growth Plans:
  • Current brand revenue: ₹250 crore.
  • Target revenue: ₹1,000 crore in the next 3-4 years through new product rollouts.

Industry Observations:

• Fairness Vocabulary Shift:
  • Terms like “fair” are being replaced with “glowing” and “whitening” to avoid negative connotations.
• Advertising Regulations:
  • The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) issued guidelines in 2014 against reinforcing negative stereotypes based on skin color.
  • In 2020, major companies like HUL and L’Oreal also dropped “fairness” from their branding.

Tabular Summary:

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5. What is the floor price set for the sale of a 20% stake in Adani Wilmar by Adani Commodities?
A) ₹255 per share
B) ₹275 per share
C) ₹300 per share
D) ₹305 per share
E) ₹265 per share
Answer: B) ₹275 per share

Event and Location:

• Event: Adani Commodities to sell up to 20% stake in Adani Wilmar via OFS
• Date: January 9, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Stake Sale Details:
  • Base Offer: 17.55 crore shares (13.5% equity).
  • Oversubscription Option: 8.45 crore shares (6.5% equity).
  • Total Stake: Up to 20%.
  • Floor Price: ₹275 per share.
  • At this price, the sale would generate ₹7,150 crore.

Timeline:

• Bidding Window:
  • Non-retail Investors: January 10, 2025.
  • Retail Investors: January 13, 2025.

Compliance and Future Plans:

• Minimum Public Shareholding Norm:
  • The sale is part of the process to meet regulatory requirements for minimum public shareholding.
• Exit from Adani Wilmar:
  • The Adani group will exit its stake in Adani Wilmar in two stages.
  • First phase: Adani Commodities will sell its stake.
  • Second phase: Adani Enterprises will sell its 31% stake to its joint venture partner, Wilmar International.
• Strategic Focus:
  • The move aligns with the Adani Group’s strategy to focus on core infrastructure businesses.
  • Proceeds will be used for expansions and acquisitions.

Tabular Summary:

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6. Which bank has partnered with Bajaj Broking to launch a unified 3-in-1 account service?
A) HDFC Bank
B) Tamilnad Mercantile Bank
C) Axis Bank
D) Kotak Mahindra Bank
E) ICICI Bank
Answer: B) Tamilnad Mercantile Bank

Event and Location:

• Event: Bajaj Broking partners with Tamilnad Mercantile Bank (TMB) for 3-in-1 account services
• Date: January 9, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Collaboration Details:
  • Partnership between Bajaj Broking, a subsidiary of Bajaj Finance Ltd., and Tamilnad Mercantile Bank (TMB).
  • Introduces a 3-in-1 account integrating banking, broking, and investment services.
• Features:
  • TMB customers can trade online using Bajaj Broking’s platform.
  • Benefits include seamless fund transfers, reduced paperwork, and access to technology-driven trading solutions.
  • Platform supports transparency and ease in trading across exchanges, complemented by research insights.

Strategic Implications:

• Reflects a trend in India’s financial sector towards integrated financial solutions.
• Builds on TMB’s digital transformation, such as its collaboration with Jocata for MSME lending.

Tabular Summary:

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7. By how much is India’s per capita nominal GDP expected to increase in FY25 compared to FY23?
A) ₹25,000
B) ₹30,000
C) ₹35,000
D) ₹40,000
E) ₹50,000
Answer: C) ₹35,000

Event and Location:

• Event: India’s per capita nominal GDP to rise significantly in FY25
• Forecast Increase: ₹35,000 more than FY23

Mandates and Objectives:

• GDP Growth Projections:
  • NSO’s estimate: 6.4% GDP growth in FY25.
  • SBI’s revised forecast: 6.3%, reflecting concerns over manufacturing slowdown and high base effects.
• Nominal GDP Growth: Estimated at 9.7% for FY25, slightly higher than 9.6% in FY24.

Sectoral Growth Highlights:

• Agriculture:
  • Projected to grow by 3.8% in FY25, up from 1.4% in FY24.
  • Driven by policy measures, public infrastructure, and robust growth in allied activities.
• Industry: Expected to grow at 6.2%, a decline from 9.5% in FY24.
• Services: Projected growth of 7.2%, slightly down from 7.6% in FY24.

Key Indicators:

• Private Consumption:
  • Anticipated to grow at 7.3%, driven by strong agricultural performance and moderation in food inflation.
• Investment Growth: Expected to slow to 6.4%, down from 9% in FY24.

Implications for Economic Policy:

• Focus on sustaining agricultural growth and stimulating private investment to maintain economic momentum.
• Policymakers need to address challenges in the manufacturing and services sectors to achieve balanced growth.

Tabular Summary:

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Books and Authors – Daily Current Affairs January 09

8. What is the title of the book released as part of The Hindu Group’s Shrine Series about Sri Parthasarathy Perumal Temple?
A) Thiruvallikeni – Divine Abode of Lord Parthasarathy
B) Triplicane – A Historical Treasure
C) Lord Krishna’s Divine Dwelling
D) The Five Deities of Thiruvallikeni
E) Parthasarathy and His Divine Connections
Answer: A) Thiruvallikeni – Divine Abode of Lord Parthasarathy

Event and Location:

• Event: Release of the book Thiruvallikeni – Divine Abode of Lord Parthasarathy
• Date: January 9, 2025
• Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Mandates and Objectives:

• Part of The Hindu Group’s Shrine Series, documenting historic and puranic details of Indian shrines.
• Highlights the uniqueness of Sri Parthasarathy Perumal Temple:
  • Five deities praised in Nalayira Divya Prabandham.
  • Hosts two Brahmotsavams for Lord Parthasarathy and Lord Yoga Narasimhar.
• Features articles on:
  • Temple history, puranic accounts, and stunning visuals by The Hindu photographers.
  • Temple traditions, prasadams, and significant families associated with the temple.
  • The Vivekananda connection and Thiruvallikeni’s historical origins.

Important Terms Explained:

• Vaikunta Ekadasi:
  • A prominent Vaishnavite festival marking the opening of Vaikunta Dwaram (Heavenly Gate).
• Brahmotsavam:
  • A grand festival celebrated annually in Vaishnavite temples with processions and rituals.
• Nalayira Divya Prabandham:
  • Sacred Tamil hymns by Vaishnavite saints, honoring Vishnu and his incarnations.

Tabular Summary:

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Appointments – Daily Current Affairs January 10

9. Who recently took charge as the Secretary, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance?
A) Ajay Seth
B) Tuhin Kanta Pandey
C) Tarun Bajaj
D) Rajiv Kumar
E) Somanathan V.
Answer: B) Tuhin Kanta Pandey

Event and Location:

• Event: Tuhin Kanta Pandey assumes charge as Secretary, Department of Revenue
• Date: January 9, 2025
• Location: Ministry of Finance, New Delhi

Mandates and Objectives:

• New Role: Shri Tuhin Kanta Pandey, currently the Finance Secretary, took over as the Secretary of the Department of Revenue (DoR), Ministry of Finance.
• Dual Role: Shri Pandey will retain his designation as Finance Secretary alongside his new responsibilities in the DoR.
• Appointment Authority: The appointment was made by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.

Professional Background:

• IAS Officer: 1987 batch, Odisha cadre.
• Previous Roles:
  • Secretary of:
    • DIPAM (Department of Investment & Public Asset Management) since October 24, 2019.
    • DPE (Department of Public Enterprises) since August 1, 2024.
    • Department of Personnel and Training since November 4, 2024.
  • Held positions in the Planning Commission (NITI Aayog), Cabinet Secretariat, and the Ministry of Commerce.
  • Served in the Odisha State Government in various capacities, including administrative head of key departments.

Academic Credentials:

• Masters in Economics: Panjab University, Chandigarh.
• MBA: University of Birmingham, UK.

Tabular Summary:

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10. Who has been named the brand ambassador for the 16th edition of Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFes)?
A) Puneeth Rajkumar
B) Kishore
C) Yash
D) Sudeep
E) Rajinikanth
Answer: B) Kishore

Event and Location:

• Event: Kishore appointed as brand ambassador for BIFFes 2025
• Date: January 9, 2025
• Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka

Mandates and Objectives:

• Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFes):
  • 16th edition to be held from March 1 to 8, 2025.
  • Theme: Sarva Janangada Shantiya Thota (Garden of Peace for All People).
  • Over 200 films from 60 countries to be screened across 13 screens.
• Brand Ambassador: Kishore.
  • A versatile, multiple-award-winning actor.
  • Renowned for his work in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi cinema.
  • Recently featured in Rajinikanth’s Vettaiyan.

Tabular Summary:

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National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs January 10

11. What is the name of the district-level postal stamp exhibition held in Belagavi?
A) Philatexia
B) Ikshupex
C) StampCon
D) Philately Fair
E) Gandhipex
Answer: B) Ikshupex

Event and Location:

• Event: Ikshupex postal stamp exhibition inaugurated
• Date: January 9, 2025
• Location: Belagavi, Karnataka

Mandates and Objectives:

• Ikshupex: A district-level postal stamp exhibition named after Ikshu (Sanskrit for sugarcane).
• Duration: Held from January 8 to January 10, 2025, at Mahaveer Bhavan in Belagavi.
• Highlights:
  • Release of special covers on:
    • Ikshupex mascot Sampark.
    • Silver Jubilee of Satish Sugars.
    • Permanent pictorial postage stamp of Gokak Falls.
    • Adinath Tirthankara drinking Ikshu Rasa (sugarcane juice).
    • Printed postal cards featuring tribals of India.
  • Launch of The Saga of Buddhism, a philately-based book by collector N. Sridevi.

Philately Promotion:

• Superintendent of Police: Bheemashankar S. Guled emphasized philately as a “king of hobbies” and a way to understand history, heritage, and culture.
• Urged students to collect stamps from India and abroad to expand their knowledge.
• Discussed the educational role of stamps featuring eminent personalities and freedom fighters.

Key Notes:

• Sugarcane farmers were felicitated for their contributions.
• Notable attendees included Chief Postmaster General S. Rajendra Kumar, Postmaster General Colonel Sushil Kumar, and senior officers.

Tabular Summary:

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12. Which major project was inaugurated by PM Modi in Delhi on January 3, 2025?
A) Bharat Mandapam
B) World Trade Centre
C) Delhi Metro Phase-IV
D) AIIMS Redevelopment Project
E) National War Memorial
Answer: B) World Trade Centre

Event and Location:

• Event: PM Modi inaugurates development projects, including the World Trade Centre
• Date: January 3, 2025
• Location: New Delhi

Mandates and Objectives:

• Inaugurated Projects:
  • 1,675 flats for residents of JJ clusters under the EWS housing scheme.
  • World Trade Centre at Nauroji Nagar.
  • GPRA Type-II quarters at Sarojini Nagar.
• Key Details of Projects:
  • Eligible beneficiaries of EWS flats pay a nominal contribution of ₹1.42 lakh and ₹30,000 for maintenance over five years.
  • World Trade Centre offers 34 lakh square feet of premium commercial space, replacing over 600 old quarters with state-of-the-art commercial towers.

Tabular Summary:

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13. What is the theme of Assam’s Gunotsav 2025 initiative?
A) “Education for All”
B) “Transforming Education”
C) “Ensuring Quality Education”
D) “Bridging Learning Gaps”
E) “Improving Student Outcomes”
Answer: C) “Ensuring Quality Education”

Event and Location:

• Event: Assam launches Gunotsav 2025
• Date: January 6, 2025 (Phase 1)
• Location: Assam

Mandates and Objectives:

• Theme: “Ensuring Quality Education.”
• Objective: Evaluate and enhance the quality of education in Assam.
• Target Audience: 14.11 lakh students across 16,056 schools.

Phases and Districts:

• Phase 1 (January 6–9, 2025): 11 districts, including Barpeta, Bajali, Sribhumi, Kamrup, and Kokrajhar.
• Phase 2 (January 17–22, 2025): 14 districts.
• Phase 3 (February 5–8, 2025): 10 districts.

Evaluation Focus:

• Student Learning Outcomes.
• Quality of school infrastructure.
• Teacher performance effectiveness.

Institutions Covered:

• Adarsha Vidyalayas.
• Tea Garden Model Schools.
• Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas.
• Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Avasiya Vidyalayas.

Stakeholders:

• External Evaluators:
  • 6,365 evaluators, including Ministers, MPs, MLAs, IAS, IPS, and IFS officers.
  • Full support from the Assam College Teachers’ Association (ACTA).
• Education Minister Ranoj Pegu emphasized:
  • Importance of identifying educational shortcomings.
  • Initiating reforms to improve educational standards.

Tabular Summary:

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14. What is the primary goal of the Bima Sakhi Yojana launched by the Goa government?
A) To provide health insurance for all
B) To empower women by training them as LIC agents
C) To offer educational scholarships to rural women
D) To create self-employment opportunities for farmers
E) To enhance microfinance lending in rural areas
Answer: B) To empower women by training them as LIC agents

Event and Location:

• Event: Goa Government launches Bima Sakhi Yojana
• Date: January 7, 2025
• Location: Goa

Mandates and Objectives:

• Primary Goal:
  • Empower women aged 18-70 years by training them as Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) agents.
  • Promote financial literacy and expand life insurance coverage at the grassroots level.

Key Features:

• Eligibility: Women aged 18-70 years, with at least Class X education.
• Stipend during Training:
  • ₹7,000 per month in the first year.
  • ₹6,000 per month in the second year.
  • ₹5,000 per month in the third year, totaling ₹2.16 lakh over three years.
• Career Opportunities:
  • Participants can work as LIC agents.
  • Opportunity to qualify for development officer roles within LIC for further career advancement.

Government Commitment:

• Goa CM Dr. Pramod Sawant emphasized the scheme’s role in:
  • Women’s empowerment.
  • Enhancing life insurance coverage and creating awareness about its importance.
  • Targeting the creation of 1,000 Bima Sakhis before PM Modi’s next visit to Goa.

Alignment with National Initiatives:

• Supports the ‘Har Ghar Insurance’ initiative to ensure insurance for every household.
• Reflects the central government’s focus on financial inclusion and empowerment.

Tabular Summary:

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Over All Review

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