Daily Current Affairs January 14

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January 14 | Daily Current Affairs 2024

Important Days – Daily Current Affairs January 14

1. What recent initiative was launched by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to prepare for climate-related challenges and ensure sustainability?
A) Meghdoot Mobile App
B) Mission Mausham
C) Doppler Weather Radar Expansion
D) Flash Flood Guidance System
E) Climate Resilience Initiative
Answer: B) Mission Mausham

Event and Location:

• Event: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address on IMD’s 150th Foundation Day
• Date: January 14, 2025
• Location: New Delhi

Mandates and Objectives:

• Celebrate 150 years of India Meteorological Department (IMD) and its contributions to scientific advancement.
• Highlight the integration of modern technology with traditional knowledge to strengthen India’s meteorological capabilities.
• Reflect on IMD’s journey and its impact on disaster management, climate readiness, and public welfare.

Key Highlights:

1. Technological Advancements:
   • Introduction of Doppler Weather Radars, Runway Weather Monitoring Systems, and District-wise Rainfall Monitoring Stations.
   • Launch of supercomputers Arka and Arunika for enhanced weather prediction accuracy.
2. Mission Mausham:
   • Aimed at building a climate-smart nation, ensuring readiness for future climate challenges and sustainability.
3. IMD’s Role in Disaster Management:
   • Contributions in minimizing loss of lives during cyclones and natural disasters.
   • Early warning systems now cover 90% of India’s population.
4. Public-Centric Innovations:
   • Launch of the Meghdoot App, providing weather forecasts in all Indian languages.
   • Real-time updates on lightning strikes, benefiting farmers, fishermen, and coastal communities.
5. Integration with Traditional Knowledge:
   • Mention of ancient Indian contributions to meteorology, including insights from Vedas, Sangam literature, and Brihat Samhita.

Future Vision:

• Developing earthquake warning systems and enhancing IMD’s capabilities in disaster management.
• Strengthening global partnerships through initiatives like the Flash Flood Guidance System for neighboring countries.

Tabular Summary:

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Sports – Daily Current Affairs January 14

2. Which player salvaged a point for Atalanta in their match against Juventus?
A) Douglas Luiz
B) Mateo Retegui
C) Victor Osimhen
D) Theo Hernandez
E) Rafael Leao
Answer: B) Mateo Retegui

Event and Location:

• Event: Atalanta draws with Juventus; AC Milan wins in Serie A
• Date: January 14, 2025
• Location: Milan, Italy

Mandates and Objectives:

• Atalanta aimed to narrow the gap with Serie A leaders Napoli but ended in a 1-1 draw with Juventus.
• AC Milan handed their coach Conceicao his maiden Serie A victory by defeating Como after coming from behind.

Key Highlights:

1. Atalanta vs. Juventus:
   • Mateo Retegui scored a close-range header 12 minutes before full time to secure a point for Atalanta.
   • Retegui made his comeback after four weeks on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury.
   • The result moved Atalanta within four points of the league leaders Napoli.
2. AC Milan vs. Como:
   • AC Milan demonstrated resilience by coming from behind to beat Como.
   • This match marked the first Serie A win for their coach Conceicao.

League Context:

• Napoli remains at the top of the Serie A table, with Atalanta closing the gap after their draw.
• Juventus’ performance keeps them in contention but highlights the competition at the top.

Tabular Summary:

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3. Which team is Rishabh Pant set to play against in his upcoming Ranji Trophy match?
A) Mumbai
B) Saurashtra
C) Vidarbha
D) Tamil Nadu
E) Karnataka
Answer: B) Saurashtra

Event and Location:

• Event: Rishabh Pant confirms his availability for Delhi’s Ranji Trophy match.
• Date: January 14, 2025
• Location: Rajkot, Gujarat

Mandates and Objectives:

• The BCCI has advised top cricketers to participate in domestic cricket following India’s loss to Australia in the five-Test series.
• Rishabh Pant aims to bolster Delhi’s performance in the Ranji Trophy and gain competitive match practice.

Key Highlights:

1. Match Details:
   • Pant will play for Delhi against Saurashtra in a match scheduled from January 23 to 26 in Rajkot.
   • This marks Pant’s return to the Ranji Trophy since he last played in the 2017-18 final against Vidarbha.
2. DDCA Confirmation:
   • Rohan Jaitley, President of the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA), confirmed Pant’s availability.
   • Ashok Sharma, DDCA Secretary, noted that while Pant is confirmed, Virat Kohli’s participation remains undecided.
3. Encouragement from BCCI:
   • Players like Pant and Kohli were urged by the BCCI and head coach Gautam Gambhir to participate in domestic cricket to enhance competitiveness.
4. Team Probables:
   • The Delhi squad includes Harshit Rana, who has been selected for the T20 squad and is unavailable for the Ranji match.

Historical Context:

• Pant last played in the Ranji Trophy final in 2017-18, and Virat Kohli’s last Ranji appearance was in 2012.

Tabular Summary:

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4. How many wickets did Jasprit Bumrah claim during the December 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy to win the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award?
A) 18
B) 20
C) 22
D) 24
E) 26
Answer: C) 22

Event and Location:

• Event: Jasprit Bumrah wins ICC Men’s Player of the Month for December 2024
• Date: January 14, 2025
• Location: Dubai

Mandates and Objectives:

• Recognize exceptional performances in international cricket during December 2024.
• Bumrah’s award celebrates his pivotal role in India’s competitive performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.

Key Highlights:

1. Performance Overview:
   • Claimed 22 wickets in 3 Tests at an outstanding average of 14.22.
   • Achieved a milestone of 200 Test wickets, becoming the fourth-fastest bowler to do so in terms of balls bowled.
   • Set a record for the highest ICC rating points tally by an Indian bowler.
2. Notable Performances:
   • Adelaide Test: Took 4/61, keeping India competitive.
   • Brisbane Test: Secured 6/76 in the first innings and 3/18 in the second.
   • Melbourne Test (Boxing Day): Picked up 4 wickets in the first innings and 5/57 in the second.
3. Additional Achievements:
   • Awarded Player of the Series for his consistency and impact.
   • First bowler to take 200 Test wickets at an average below 20.
4. Competitors for the Award:
   • Pat Cummins (Australia).
   • Dane Paterson (South Africa).

Tabular Summary:

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Banking and Finance – Daily Current Affairs January 14

5. Which of the following is a suggested measure to mitigate the impact of rising insurance costs on economic stability?
A) Reducing premiums through government subsidies
B) Expanding parametric insurance for climate disasters
C) Shortening insurance coverage periods
D) Shifting operational costs to consumers
E) Eliminating insurance for high-risk sectors
Answer: B) Expanding parametric insurance for climate disasters

Event and Location:

• Event: Analysis of the impact of rising insurance costs on economic growth
• Date: January 14, 2025
• Location: Published by Labanya Prakash Jena and Aayush Anand

Mandates and Objectives:

• Assess the consequences of rising insurance costs linked to climate change.
• Recommend measures to improve climate resilience and maintain economic stability.

Key Challenges:

• Economic Instability: Rising premiums divert resources from growth initiatives, potentially stifling economic development.
• Inflationary Pressure: Higher operational costs lead to increased prices, reducing consumer spending.
• Insurance Withdrawal: Insurers retreat from high-risk markets, leaving many businesses uninsured.
• Credit Risk: Lack of insurance impacts loan recoverability and borrower credit profiles.

Recommendations:

1. Resilient Infrastructure: Businesses should invest in infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events and integrate climate-resilient practices.
2. Collaborative Insurance Models: Large businesses should work with insurers to develop customised coverage plans for themselves and their value chain.
3. Short-term Subsidies: Policymakers should provide incentives for resilience-building initiatives, particularly for MSMEs.
4. Parametric Insurance: Expand adaptive insurance models based on metrics like rainfall or wind speeds to enable quicker payouts post-disaster.
5. Long-term Ecosystem Building: Governments should incentivise climate-resilient infrastructure with solutions like Climate Insurance-linked Resilient Infrastructure Financing.

Case Studies:

• India: Between 2019 and 2023, climate disasters caused $56 billion in damages. Specific sectors like hydropower have faced steep insurance premium hikes.
• Global: Insured losses in 2024 reached $140 billion, with uninsured losses rising to $180 billion. Small insurers and reinsurers have gone bankrupt due to extreme weather events.

Important Terms Explained:

• Parametric Insurance: A model where payouts are triggered by pre-set parameters, such as rainfall levels or wind speeds, enabling quicker claims processing.
• Climate Insurance-linked Resilient Infrastructure Financing: A long-term insurance solution offering reduced premiums for adaptive infrastructure investments.

Tabular Summary:

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6. What is the primary feature of the ‘bob Liquid FD’ launched by Bank of Baroda?
A) No penalty on premature withdrawal for deposits over ₹1 crore
B) Flexible tenure options ranging from 12 to 60 months
C) Partial withdrawals allowed without closing the FD
D) Interest rates higher than traditional FDs
E) Minimum deposit starting at ₹10,000
Answer: C) Partial withdrawals allowed without closing the FD

Event and Location:

• Event: Launch of the ‘bob Liquid FD’ by Bank of Baroda
• Date: January 14, 2025
• Location: Mumbai

Mandates and Objectives:

• Introduce an innovative fixed deposit product combining the benefits of FD interest rates with savings account liquidity.
• Provide customers with flexibility and convenience in managing funds without closing the FD.

Key Features:

• Deposit Amount: Minimum of ₹5,000 and multiples of ₹1,000 thereafter, with no maximum limit.
• Tenure: Ranges from 12 months to 60 months.
• Partial Withdrawals: Allowed in multiples of ₹1,000 without closing the FD.
• Penalty Waiver:
  • No penalty for premature withdrawals on deposits up to ₹5 lakh if held for at least 12 months.
  • Penalties for premature withdrawals:
    • Below ₹1 crore: 1% deduction from the applicable interest rate.
    • ₹1 crore and above: 1.5% deduction from the applicable interest rate.
• Interest Accrual: Remaining balance in the FD continues to earn interest at the contracted rate.

Benefits:

• Provides liquidity to address urgent financial needs without disrupting the investment.
• Encourages depositors to save with flexible and customer-centric options.

Tabular Summary:

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7. What is the projected Gross Non-Performing Asset (GNPA) percentage for Small Finance Banks (SFBs) in H1 FY25, as per ICRA?
A) 1.4%
B) 2.1%
C) 2.8%
D) 3.5%
E) 4.0%
Answer: C) 2.8%

Event and Location:

• Event: ICRA report highlights credit growth slowdown and profitability challenges for SFBs
• Date: January 14, 2025
• Location: Mumbai

Mandates and Objectives:

• Assess the credit growth, asset quality, and profitability of Small Finance Banks (SFBs) in FY25.
• Examine challenges like stress in the microfinance segment and rising operational costs.

Key Insights:

1. Credit Growth:
   • Expected to slow to 18-20% in FY25 from 24% in FY24 due to headwinds in the microfinance sector.
   • Growth to recover to 20-23% in FY26, driven by secured asset classes like vehicle loans, gold loans, and housing finance.
2. Asset Quality:
   • GNPA increased to 2.8% in H1 FY25, up by 50 basis points from FY24, due to slippages in microfinance loans.
   • Stress spillover to other asset classes is anticipated, keeping asset quality volatile.
3. Funding Trends:
   • CASA (Current Account Savings Account) deposits reached 28% of total deposits as of September 2024, below universal bank averages.
   • SFBs’ Credit-Deposit (CD) ratio reduced to 89% in September 2024 from 97% in March 2023.
4. Margins and Profitability:
   • Margins expected to compress due to elevated funding costs and increased focus on secured loans.
   • Return on Assets (RoA) projected to decline to 1.4-1.6% in FY25, recovering slightly to 1.6-1.8% in FY26.
   • Profitability to remain under pressure as SFBs manage delinquencies and meet regulatory thresholds for universal bank licenses.

ICRA Recommendations:

• Focus on improving asset quality through better credit risk management.
• Calibrate branch expansions and operational expenses for efficiency gains.
• Strengthen CASA deposits to enhance funding stability.

Tabular Summary:

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Business and Economy – Daily Current Affairs January 14

8. What was the primary driver behind the rise in wholesale price inflation to 2.37% in December 2024?
A) Surge in food inflation
B) Increase in prices of non-food articles, manufactured goods, and fuel
C) Decline in global crude oil prices
D) Easing inflation in cereals, pulses, and wheat
E) Strengthening of the Indian Rupee against the US Dollar
Answer: B) Increase in prices of non-food articles, manufactured goods, and fuel

Event and Location:

• Event: Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation rises in December 2024
• Date: January 14, 2025
• Location: New Delhi

Mandates and Objectives:

• Analyze the reasons behind the uptick in WPI inflation from 1.89% in November to 2.37% in December 2024.
• Evaluate its impact on economic policy, with a focus on the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) rate decision in February 2025.

Key Highlights:

1. WPI Inflation Trends:
   • December 2024: 2.37%
   • November 2024: 1.89%
   • December 2023: 0.86%
2. Drivers of Inflation:
   • Non-Food Articles: Inflation in this category, including oilseeds, rose to 2.46% in December from a deflation of -0.98% in November.
   • Fuel and Power: Deflation reduced to -3.79% from -5.83% in November.
   • Manufactured Goods: Inflation edged up to 2.14% from 2% in November.
3. Easing Food Inflation:
   • Marginal decline in food inflation to 8.47% from 8.63% in November, driven by lower inflation in cereals, pulses, and wheat.
   • However, certain items like potatoes (93.20%) and vegetables (28.65%) continued to experience steep price hikes.
4. Global Factors:
   • Crude Oil: A 5.8% rise in prices in January 2025 due to tighter U.S. sanctions on Russian oil producers.
   • Rupee Depreciation: USD/INR rose above 86.5, increasing import costs.

Outlook and RBI’s Role:

• ICRA’s Prediction: WPI inflation is likely to rise to 3% in January 2025 due to global commodity price hikes, rupee depreciation, and base effects.
• The RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will announce its rate decision on February 7, 2025. Markets anticipate a possible interest rate cut following eased liquidity measures in December 2024.

Tabular Summary:

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9. What is the primary goal of HCLTech’s acquisition of Nuance’s Enterprise Professional Services business?
A) Reduce operational costs in AI development
B) Integrate conversational AI expertise into its offerings
C) Discontinue Nuance’s existing customer contracts
D) Develop standalone AI solutions independent of Microsoft
E) Expand into hardware solutions for contact centers
Answer: B) Integrate conversational AI expertise into its offerings

Event and Location:

• Event: HCLTech acquires Nuance’s Enterprise Professional Services business from Microsoft
• Date: January 14, 2025
• Location: Global announcement

Mandates and Objectives:

• Expand HCLTech’s strategic partnership with Microsoft in AI and contact center solutions.
• Enhance capabilities in Conversational AI by acquiring over 550 professionals from Nuance.
• Strengthen HCLTech’s position in the Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS) market.

Key Highlights:

• Nuance Migration Factory:
  • HCLTech will facilitate customer transitions to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Contact Center, powered by Microsoft’s Copilot technology.
  • Services offered include system integration, application development, and AI transformation.
• Preferred Solutions: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Contact Center becomes HCLTech’s preferred contact center platform, leveraging cloud-based generative AI to enhance customer service.
• Leadership Comments:
  • Anil Ganjoo, Chief Growth Officer at HCLTech, called the acquisition a “bold move” in CCaaS.
  • Charles Lamanna, Corporate VP at Microsoft, highlighted HCLTech’s expertise in contact center transformations.
• Revenue and Reach:
  • HCLTech reported $13.8 billion in consolidated revenues in 2024.
  • Operates in 60 countries with a workforce of over 220,000 employees.

Tabular Summary:

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10. What was India’s net direct tax collection as of January 12, 2025?
A) ₹15.90 lakh crore
B) ₹16.90 lakh crore
C) ₹20.64 lakh crore
D) ₹22.07 lakh crore
E) ₹14.88 lakh crore
Answer: B) ₹16.90 lakh crore

Event and Location:

• Event: India’s net direct tax collection marks significant growth in FY25.
• Date: January 12, 2025 (data cutoff for report).
• Location: Nationwide.

Mandates and Objectives:

• To analyze the growth in direct tax collections and the sectors contributing to it.
• To evaluate progress toward the government’s fiscal year target of ₹22.07 lakh crore for direct tax revenue.

Key Highlights:

1. Net Direct Tax Collection:
   • Reached ₹16.90 lakh crore, a 15.88% year-on-year growth compared to FY24.
2. Gross Direct Tax Collection:
   • Before refunds, collections stood at ₹20.64 lakh crore, a 20% increase year-on-year.
3. Breakdown by Source:
   • Personal Income Tax: Contributed ₹8.74 lakh crore, indicating robust compliance and economic activity.
   • Corporate Tax: Accounted for ₹7.68 lakh crore, reflecting sustained profitability in the corporate sector.
   • Securities Transaction Tax (STT): Totaled ₹44,538 crore, highlighting active financial market trading.
4. Refunds Issued:
   • ₹3.74 lakh crore issued as refunds, marking a 42.49% increase over the previous year.
   • Enhances taxpayer satisfaction and ensures faster processing of tax returns.
5. Government’s Target for FY25:
   • The fiscal year target for direct tax revenue is set at ₹22.07 lakh crore, indicating steady progress toward achieving this goal.

Tabular Summary:

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Appointments – Daily Current Affairs January 14

11. Who has been assigned the Monetary Policy Department following the end of Michael Debabrata Patra’s term?
A) T Rabi Sankar
B) Swaminathan Janakiraman
C) M Rajeshwar Rao
D) Shaktikanta Das
E) To be decided by FSRASC
Answer: C) M Rajeshwar Rao

Event and Location:

• Event: RBI reshuffles portfolios of Deputy Governors as Michael Patra’s term ends
• Date: January 14, 2025
• Location: New Delhi

Mandates and Objectives:

• Reallocate responsibilities within the RBI following the conclusion of Michael Debabrata Patra’s term as Deputy Governor.
• Ensure effective management of the RBI’s 33 departments under the remaining Deputy Governors.

Key Updates:

• M Rajeshwar Rao:
  • Now oversees the Monetary Policy Department, previously managed by Patra.
  • Additional responsibilities include the Economic and Policy Research, Statistics and Information Management, and International Relations departments.
• T Rabi Sankar:
  • Manages 13 departments, including Currency Management, Information Technology, Financial Markets Operations, and Financial Markets Regulation.
• Swaminathan Janakiraman:
  • Handles nine departments, including Supervision, Deposit Insurance, and Credit Guarantee Corporation.

Selection Process for New Deputy Governor:

• Initiated by the Financial Sector Regulatory Appointments Search Committee (FSRASC), chaired by the Cabinet Secretary.
• Includes members such as the Secretary of the Department of Financial Services, the RBI Governor, and three external experts.
• The new Deputy Governor will fill the vacancy left by Michael Debabrata Patra and will likely focus on monetary policy.

Structure of Deputy Governors:

• The RBI traditionally has four Deputy Governors:
  • One economist overseeing monetary policy.
  • One commercial banker.
  • Two internal appointees from within RBI ranks.

Tabular Summary:

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12. Which position did Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay hold before being appointed Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court?
A) Acting Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court
B) Permanent Judge of the Lucknow Bench
C) Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court
D) Chief Justice of the Telangana High Court
E) Chief Standing Counsel in Uttar Pradesh
Answer: C) Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court

Event and Location:

• Event: Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay appointed as the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court
• Date: January 14, 2025
• Location: New Delhi

Mandates and Objectives:

• Justice Upadhyay assumes the role of Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court, succeeding Justice Vibhu Bakhru, who served as acting Chief Justice following Justice Manohan’s elevation to the Supreme Court.
• The appointment aligns with the Supreme Court Collegium’s recommendation, issued a week prior to the announcement.

Career Highlights of Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay:

• Early Career:
  • Born in 1965, Ambedkar Nagar, Uttar Pradesh.
  • Graduated in law in 1991 from Lucknow University and practiced civil and constitutional law at the Allahabad High Court, Lucknow Bench.
• Notable Roles:
  • Appointed Chief Standing Counsel in Uttar Pradesh in 2007.
  • Elevated as a judge of the Allahabad High Court in 2011 and became a permanent judge in 2013.
  • Senior Judge of the Lucknow Bench in March 2023.
  • Appointed Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court in July 2023.
• Significant Contributions:
  • Led a bench at the Bombay High Court emphasizing the enforcement of fire safety norms after a tragic fire incident in October 2023.
  • Advocated preserving the heritage value of the Bombay High Court complex while overseeing plans to relocate to a new facility in Bandra East.

Tabular Summary:

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13. Who among the following is a prominent male member of the newly formed AFI Athletes Commission chaired by Anju Bobby George?
A) Avinash Sable
B) Bahadur Singh Sagoo
C) Neeraj Chopra
D) Adille Sumariwalla
E) Madhu Kant Pathak
Answer: C) Neeraj Chopra

Event and Location:

• Event: Anju Bobby George appointed as Chairperson of Athletics Federation of India (AFI) Athletes Commission.
• Date: January 8, 2025
• Location: Chandigarh

Mandates and Objectives:

• Strengthen athlete representation and advocacy in Indian athletics.
• Promote gender parity with six women among the nine commission members.
• Enhance coordination between retired and active athletes, the government, and international organizations.

Key Highlights:

1. Leadership and Members:
   • Chairperson: Anju Bobby George, a legendary long-jumper and 2003 World Championships bronze medalist.
   • Prominent Members:
     • Neeraj Chopra: Two-time Olympic medalist and javelin star.
     • Jyotirmoyee Sikdar: Former middle-distance runner.
     • Krishna Poonia: Discus thrower and Commonwealth Games gold medalist.
     • Sudha Singh: Steeplechaser and Arjuna Awardee.
     • Avinash Sable: 3000m steeplechaser.
     • Bahadur Singh Sagoo: Shot putter and AFI President.
2. Election Process:
   • Conducted in October 2024.
   • Five members were elected, and four were nominated by the AFI Executive Council.
3. Focus on Gender Parity:
   • Six women members, marking significant progress in gender representation in Indian sports administration.
4. Upcoming Events:
   • Federation Cup: April 21–24, 2025, in Kozhikode, Kerala.
   • National Inter-State Senior Championships: August 20–24, 2025, in Chennai.
   • National Open Championships: September 27–30, 2025, in Ranchi.

Tabular Summary:

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International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs January 14

14. What is the primary focus of the relaunched UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations?
A) Reducing visa requirements for Indian professionals
B) Strengthening bilateral trade and enhancing green technology exchange
C) Addressing immigration issues between the two nations
D) Establishing joint military cooperation agreements
E) Expanding cultural and educational exchanges
Answer: B) Strengthening bilateral trade and enhancing green technology exchange

Event and Location:

• Event: Relaunch of UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks
• Date: January 14, 2025
• Location: London

Mandates and Objectives:

• Relaunch the FTA talks to significantly enhance bilateral trade between the UK and India, which currently stands at GBP 42 billion.
• Focus areas include the exchange of green technologies to address global warming and strengthen economic ties.
• Align the agreement with the broader goal of refreshing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Background and Progress:

• FTA negotiations initially began in January 2022 and paused during general elections in both countries in 2024.
• Resumed talks reflect mutual ambitions to elevate economic and strategic cooperation.
• Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed FTA priorities on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in November 2024.

Key Highlights:

• David Lammy, UK Foreign Secretary, emphasized the FTA as a “floor, not a ceiling” for UK-India relations.
• Bilateral focus extends to democratic ideals, intertwined histories, and shared climate goals.
• UK plans to host External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in the spring of 2025 for further discussions.

Expected Outcomes:

• Substantial enhancement of trade volumes beyond the current GBP 42 billion.
• Strengthening of green technology exchanges to mitigate climate change.
• Deeper business engagement, marked by Indian business delegations meeting UK leadership at 10 Downing Street.

Tabular Summary:

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15. During his official visit to Spain, with whom did External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar discuss bilateral defence cooperation?
A) Pedro Sanchez
B) Felipe VI
C) Margarita Robles
D) Jose Manuel Albares
E) Narendra Modi
Answer: C) Margarita Robles

Event and Location:

• Event: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visits Spain to strengthen bilateral ties.
• Date: January 14, 2025
• Location: Madrid, Spain

Mandates and Objectives:

• Reaffirm the long-standing partnership between India and Spain.
• Strengthen cooperation across sectors, including defence, economy, and cultural exchanges.
• Discuss regional and global issues to explore new avenues of collaboration.

Key Highlights:

1. Meetings with Leaders:
   • Pedro Sanchez, President of Spain: Discussions on progress in bilateral cooperation.
   • King Felipe VI: Jaishankar conveyed greetings from President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing Spain’s role in India’s relations with the EU, Mediterranean, and Latin America.
2. Defence Cooperation:
   • Productive discussions with Defence Minister Margarita Robles on enhancing bilateral defence ties.
3. Strategic Alliances:
   • Participation in the Spain-India Council Foundation session with Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, focusing on “Strategic Alliances for a Changing World.”
4. Indian Community Interaction:
   • Engaged with the Indian diaspora in Spain, addressing regional and global issues.

Historical Context:

• Pedro Sanchez visited India in October 2024, holding delegation-level talks with PM Modi.
• This visit furthered ongoing efforts to deepen bilateral ties in various domains.

Tabular Summary:

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National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs January 14

16. What celestial event is associated with the Makaravilakku festival at Sabarimala?
A) Solar eclipse
B) Lunar eclipse
C) Makara Jyothi
D) Fireworks on the horizon
E) Rising of the full moon
Answer: C) Makara Jyothi

Event and Location:

• Event: Makaravilakku Festival celebrated at the Sabarimala Temple
• Date: January 14, 2025
• Location: Sabarimala, Pathanamthitta, Kerala

Mandates and Objectives:

• Makaravilakku marks the culmination of the annual pilgrimage season to the Sabarimala Temple.
• Celebrates the sun’s transition from Sagittarius to Capricorn, coinciding with Makara Sankranti.

Key Highlights:

1. Makara Jyothi:
   • A celestial phenomenon symbolizing the presence of Lord Ayyappa, viewed from Ponnambalamedu hill.
   • Thousands of devotees witness this sacred light, considered a divine blessing.
2. Thiruvabharanam Procession:
   • Sacred ornaments of Lord Ayyappa are brought to the shrine, marking the start of the festival.
3. Devotee Participation:
   • Pilgrims undertake a 41-day austerity involving fasting, wearing Rudraksha necklaces, and carrying the Irumudi bundle.
   • Thousands gathered at Sabarimala, braving heavy crowds for darshan and rituals.

Spiritual Significance:

• Makaravilakku represents faith, discipline, and spiritual renewal.
• The pilgrimage concludes with the Kuruthi Puja, signifying the end of the devotees’ spiritual journey.

Tabular Summary:

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17. What is the primary challenge highlighted in the CSE report concerning the PM-KUSUM scheme’s implementation?
A) Limited availability of solar pumps
B) Misaligned pump sizes and financial burdens
C) Farmers’ unwillingness to transition to solar energy
D) Lack of government funding for solar modules
E) Absence of awareness campaigns for farmers
Answer: B) Misaligned pump sizes and financial burdens

Event and Location:

• Event: Release of CSE report on PM-KUSUM scheme
• Date: August 7, 2024
• Location: Webinar

Mandates and Objectives:

• Solarise agriculture in India to promote sustainable practices and reduce carbon emissions.
• Aims to replace traditional energy sources in agriculture with solar-powered solutions.
• Target: Achieve full implementation of the scheme by 2026.

Components of PM-KUSUM:

• Component A: Install mini-grids on barren lands.
• Component B: Replace diesel pumps with off-grid solar water pumps.
• Component C: Replace electric pumps with on-grid solar water pumps and set up feeder mini-grids.

Challenges Identified:

• Economic Disincentives: Cheap electricity discourages farmers from adopting solar pumps.
• Oversized Pumps: Farmers often invest in unnecessarily large pumps, increasing costs.
• Centralisation: Implementation is centralised, limiting state-specific adaptability.
• State-Level Inefficiencies: Varying execution models; Punjab relies on a single agency, while Rajasthan uses multiple.

Recommendations:

• Decentralise implementation with local agencies familiar with state-specific needs.
• Offer instalment payment options to ease upfront costs for farmers.
• Increase central assistance based on state-specific requirements and solar module prices.
• Align pump sizes with land and water requirements to minimise unnecessary costs.

Important Terms Explained:

• PM-KUSUM Scheme: Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan, launched in 2019 to solarise agriculture.
• CSE: Centre for Science and Environment, a research organisation focusing on sustainable development and environmental issues.

Tabular Summary:

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18. What is the primary objective of India’s newly launched National Turmeric Board?
A) Promote only domestic consumption of turmeric
B) Regulate turmeric farming and ensure political stability
C) Enhance turmeric exports and ensure remunerative prices for farmers
D) Oversee all spice production and exports in India
E) Develop turmeric exclusively for medicinal purposes
Answer: C) Enhance turmeric exports and ensure remunerative prices for farmers

Event and Location:

• Event: Launch of the National Turmeric Board
• Date: January 14, 2025
• Location: Nizamabad, Telangana

Mandates and Objectives:

• Boost turmeric exports to reach $1 billion by 2030.
• Ensure remunerative prices for turmeric farmers.
• Promote research and development of turmeric products, leveraging its medicinal and health benefits.
• Build skills and capacities for turmeric growers to enhance value addition.
• Focus on quality standards and food safety for premium pricing in domestic and global markets.

Key Highlights:

• Inaugurated by Union Minister Piyush Goyal.
• Board to collaborate with the Spice Board and other government agencies.
• Functions include creating awareness about turmeric’s essential and medicinal properties, improving logistics, and fostering trade in new markets.
  Turmeric in India:
• India accounts for over 75% of global turmeric production.
• Cultivated in 3.05 lakh hectares with a production of 10.74 lakh tonnes.
• Key turmeric-growing states: Telangana, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.

Governance Structure:

• Chaired by Palle Ganga Reddy.
• Members include representatives from the Ministry of AYUSH, Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture, and Commerce, along with turmeric farmers and exporters.
• The board will have a bureaucrat Secretary to oversee operations.

Export Statistics:

• In 2022-23, India exported 1.70 lakh tonnes of turmeric, earning $207.45 million.
• Major export destinations: Bangladesh, UAE, USA, Malaysia.

Tabular Summary:

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19. What is the primary purpose of SECL’s Post-Retirement Benefit (PRB) Cell?
A) To offer employment opportunities to retirees
B) To centralize and streamline post-retirement services for retirees
C) To facilitate health checkups for retired employees
D) To improve coal production efficiency
E) To provide educational assistance for employees’ children
Answer: B) To centralize and streamline post-retirement services for retirees

Event and Location:

• Event: South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) launches Post-Retirement Benefit (PRB) Cell.
• Date: January 2025
• Location: Chhattisgarh

Mandates and Objectives:

• Primary Goal: Offer single-window solutions for retired employees to access post-retirement services efficiently.
• Supporting Initiative: Strengthen Mission Sambandh, which aims to enhance communication and engagement with stakeholders.

Key Features of the PRB Cell:

1. Single-Window Solution:
   • Consolidates post-retirement services such as pensions, provident funds, and medical benefits under one roof.
2. Centralized Services:
   • Retirees no longer need to navigate multiple departments like Personnel, Finance, and Medical.
3. Dedicated Team:
   • Key personnel from relevant departments stationed to resolve issues quickly.
4. Streamlined Processes:
   • Simplifies procedures to minimize delays, miscommunication, and stress for retirees.

Key Benefits:

• Centralized services reduce inconvenience for retirees.
• Faster issue resolution through dedicated officers.
• Enhances welfare for retirees, reflecting SECL’s employee-centric approach.
• Supports Mission Sambandh by fostering better coordination with stakeholders.

Tabular Summary:

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20. What is the total area covered under the 56 new watershed projects approved by the government?
A) 200,000 hectares
B) 300,000 hectares
C) 280,000 hectares
D) 250,000 hectares
E) 350,000 hectares
Answer: C) 280,000 hectares

Event and Location:

• Event: Approval of 56 new watershed projects under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)
• Date: January 14, 2025
• Location: Nationwide across ten states

Mandates and Objectives:

• Primary Goal: Enhance agricultural productivity, address land degradation, and improve climate resilience through integrated watershed management.
• Funding: Total outlay of ₹700 crore under PMKSY.

Key Highlights:

1. Project Scope and Coverage:
   • Number of Projects: 56 new watershed development projects.
   • Total Area: 280,000 hectares across ten states.
   • Per Project Area: Approximately 5,000 hectares (adjusted for smaller hill states).
2. States Involved:
   • Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Nagaland, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim.
3. Project Activities:
   • Soil and Moisture Conservation: Measures to reduce erosion and enhance soil fertility.
   • Rainwater Harvesting: Structures to increase water availability for irrigation.
   • Ridge Area and Drainage Line Treatment: Strategies to improve water flow and storage.
   • Pasture Development: Initiatives to support livestock rearing.
   • Livelihood Support: Assistance for asset-less individuals to enhance income security.
4. Expected Outcomes:
   • Agricultural Productivity: Improved crop yields and farmer incomes.
   • Land Degradation: Rehabilitation of degraded lands through sustainable practices.
   • Climate Resilience: Enhanced water and soil management to mitigate climate change impacts.

Tabular Summary:

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Over All Review

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