Daily Current Affairs January 16

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January 16 | Daily Current Affairs 2024

Important Days – Daily Current Affairs January 16

1. What is the main highlight of Lamakaan’s 15th-anniversary celebration?
A) A week-long cultural festival in Hyderabad.
B) A three-day cultural extravaganza with music, talks, and performances.
C) Exclusive workshops on ghazal writing.
D) A poetry competition featuring Khumar Barabankvi’s works.
E) Only musical performances over three days.
Answer: B) A three-day cultural extravaganza with music, talks, and performances.

Event and Location:

• Event: Lamakaan’s 15th Anniversary Celebration
• Date and Location: January 17–19, 2025, Hyderabad, Telangana

Mandates and Objectives:

• Purpose:
  • Celebrate 15 years of Lamakaan, Hyderabad’s renowned open cultural space.
  • Showcase a range of cultural activities for the community.
• Event Highlights:
  • Day 1 (January 17):
    • Untamed Baataan: A conversation between Zaynab Ali and Anuj Gurwara at 6 p.m.
    • Khumar: A ghazal recital by Adnan Salem at 8 p.m., featuring works of Khumar Barabankvi.
  • Days 2 and 3: Expected to include more music, performances, and interactive talks.

Tabular Summary:

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Obituary – Daily Current Affairs January 16

2. Which of the following is correct about David Lynch’s career and contributions?
A) He directed the iconic film The Godfather.
B) His last major project was Twin Peaks: The Return in 2017.
C) Lynch received five Oscar nominations during his career.
D) He never directed feature films, focusing solely on TV series.
E) He was an acclaimed music composer, not a filmmaker.
Answer: B) His last major project was Twin Peaks: The Return in 2017.

Event and Location:

• Event: Passing of David Lynch
• Date and Location: January 16, 2025, Los Angeles, United States

Mandates and Objectives:

• Legacy:
  • Acclaimed American filmmaker, writer, and artist.
  • Known for his surrealistic and groundbreaking works in cinema and television.
• Notable Achievements:
  • Received three Oscar nominations for Best Director (The Elephant Man, Blue Velvet, Mulholland Drive).
  • Co-created the cult classic TV series Twin Peaks.
  • Awarded an Honorary Oscar for lifetime achievement in 2000.
• Key Works:
  • Films: Eraserhead (1977), The Elephant Man (1980), Blue Velvet (1986), Mulholland Drive (2001).
  • Television: Twin Peaks (1990) and Twin Peaks: The Return (2017).

Tabular Summary:

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Ranking – Daily Current Affairs January 16

3. According to the QS World Future Skills Index, which of the following statements about India is correct?
A) India ranks first globally in the overall index.
B) India’s job market is among the most ready to recruit AI-skilled talent.
C) India struggles to attract venture capital funding.
D) India’s demographic challenges mirror those of ageing societies like Japan.
E) India’s universities performed poorly in QS rankings.
Answer: B) India’s job market is among the most ready to recruit AI-skilled talent.

Event and Location:

• Event: QS World Future Skills Index Highlights India’s Job Market
• Date and Location: January 16, 2025, New Delhi

Key Findings:

• India’s Strengths in Future Skills:
  • Ranked 2nd globally in the Future of Work indicator with a score of 99.1, just behind the US.
  • Recognized as a Future Skills Contender, placed 25th overall across four indicators:
    • Skills Fit: Alignment of the education system with industry needs.
    • Academic Readiness: Ability to deliver future-oriented skills.
    • Future of Work: Job market’s readiness to recruit in-demand skills like AI and digital technologies.
    • Economic Transformation: Capacity to leverage skills-led industrial growth.
• India’s Unique Opportunities:
  • A developing economy with high GDP growth, a young population, and a thriving start-up culture.
  • Notable readiness to integrate AI and digital technologies into the workforce.

Areas for Improvement:

• Enhancing higher education systems to align better with industry needs.
• Strengthening industry-academic collaboration to produce job-ready graduates.

Significance:

• India is positioned to lead in AI, digital, and green technologies, leveraging its resilient investment ecosystem and demographic advantages.

Tabular Summary:

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Banking and Finance – Daily Current Affairs January 16

4. Which of the following is true about the Eighth Pay Commission?
A) The minimum salary will increase to ₹30,000 for central government employees.
B) The Commission is expected to submit its report by 2026.
C) The expected fitment factor is 2.57.
D) The Commission will benefit only retired defense personnel.
E) The Seventh Pay Commission was implemented in 2021.
Answer: B) The Commission is expected to submit its report by 2026.

Event and Location:

• Event: Approval of the Eighth Pay Commission
• Date and Location: January 16, 2025, New Delhi

Mandates and Objectives:

• Purpose:
  • To review and recommend revisions to salaries, pensions, and allowances for central government employees and pensioners.
• Expected Submission Date: By 2026
• Beneficiaries:
  • Around 50 lakh employees and 65 lakh pensioners, including defense personnel.
• Proposed Changes:
  • Fitment Factor Increase: From 2.57 to 2.86.
  • Minimum Salary: Increase from ₹18,000 to ₹51,480.
  • Minimum Pension: Increase from ₹9,000 to ₹25,740.

Important Terms Explained:

• Fitment Factor:
  • A multiplier used to calculate revised salaries. Higher values result in significant increases.
• Pay Commission:
  • Set up every decade to revise salaries, pensions, and allowances of government employees.

Tabular Summary:

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5. Which of the following measures has the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduced to promote cross-border transactions in Indian Rupee (INR)?
A) Non-residents can settle transactions using INR through Special Non-resident Rupee Accounts (SNRR).
B) Indian exporters must use only INR accounts for export payments.
C) Only Indian banks can open accounts for non-residents under FEMA regulations.
D) Transactions between non-residents in INR are prohibited under FEMA.
E) The RBI has MoUs with 10 countries to encourage local currency transactions.
Answer: A) Non-residents can settle transactions using INR through Special Non-resident Rupee Accounts (SNRR).

Event and Location:

• Event: RBI’s Measures to Promote Cross-Border Transactions in INR
• Date and Location: January 16, 2025, Mumbai

Mandates and Objectives:

• Purpose:
  • To encourage cross-border transactions in Indian Rupee (INR) and partner countries’ local currencies.
  • Reduce reliance on USD for international trade.
• Key Measures Introduced:
  • Overseas branches of authorized dealer banks can open INR accounts for non-residents.
  • Non-residents can now use balances in Special Non-resident Rupee Accounts (SNRR) and Special Rupee Vostro Accounts (SRVA) to:
    • Settle transactions with Indian residents.
    • Conduct bona fide transactions with other non-residents.
    • Make investments, including FDI in non-debt instruments.
  • Indian exporters allowed to open foreign currency accounts overseas to settle trade transactions.

Existing Agreements:

• RBI has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with central banks of:
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Indonesia
  • Maldives

Context:

• Decision follows a review of Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999, in consultation with the central government.
• Introduced amidst the INR reaching a historic low of ₹86.70 per USD.

Tabular Summary:

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6. What is the primary goal of the ‘Incubating Incubators Initiative (i-Cube)’ launched by SBI Foundation and NSRCEL?
A) To provide funding for startups across India.
B) To establish incubation centres exclusively in urban areas.
C) To enhance incubation ecosystems in underserved regions like the northeast and hill states.
D) To train entrepreneurs to scale their businesses internationally.
E) To replace existing incubators with new ones.
Answer: C) To enhance incubation ecosystems in underserved regions like the northeast and hill states.

Event and Location:

• Event: Launch of ‘Incubating Incubators Initiative (i-Cube)’
• Date and Location: January 16, 2025, Bengaluru, Karnataka

Mandates and Objectives:

• Purpose:
  • Foster entrepreneurial ecosystems in India’s underserved regions, such as the northeast and hill states.
  • Provide resources, mentorship, and strategic guidance to existing incubators and accelerators.
• Key Initiatives:
  • Establish and enhance incubation centres in historically underrepresented regions.
  • Delivered under:
    • ‘Innovators for Bharat’ programme at SBI Foundation.
    • ‘Ecosystem Capacity Building Initiative’ at NSRCEL.
  • Equip incubators to scale their services and refine their impact on the startup ecosystem.

Significance:

• Supports local entrepreneurship by addressing regional disparities in incubation infrastructure.
• Strengthens India’s startup ecosystem, particularly in underrepresented areas.

Tabular Summary:

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7. What is the primary feature of the new MSME loan scheme introduced by Punjab & Sind Bank?
A) Collateral-free loans of up to ₹2 lakh for MSMEs.
B) Loans of up to ₹25 lakh processed through a digital Straight Through Process (STP).
C) A 30-day approval period for loan applications.
D) Manual assessment of applications to ensure accuracy.
E) Loans under this scheme are only for large enterprises.
Answer: B) Loans of up to ₹25 lakh processed through a digital Straight Through Process (STP).

Event and Location:

• Event: Launch of Digital MSME Loan Scheme by Punjab & Sind Bank
• Date and Location: January 6, 2025, New Delhi

Mandates and Objectives:

• Purpose of the Scheme:
  • Provide instant loans up to ₹25 lakh to MSMEs via a fully digital process.
  • Enhance credit delivery to small businesses and entrepreneurs.
• Key Features:
  • Leverages Straight Through Process (STP) powered by a Business Rule Engine (BRE) for seamless and automated processing.
  • Loan assessment is based on:
    • Cash flow analysis
    • Digital account statements
    • GST returns
  • Provides in-principle loan approval in 15 minutes, ensuring faster and more efficient service.

Other Initiatives by Punjab & Sind Bank:

1. PSB e-Apna Ghar & PSB e-Apna Vahan: Digital home and vehicle loans offering approvals within 15 minutes.
2. Digital Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Renewal: Collateral-free loans up to ₹2 lakh for farmers, with instant renewal options.
3. PM MUDRA Yojana Loans: Collateral-free loans up to ₹50,000 available digitally.

Significance:

• Reinforces the bank’s digital transformation journey by reducing manual intervention.
• Enhances accessibility for underserved sectors, particularly MSMEs and farmers.

Tabular Summary:

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Business and Economy – Daily Current Affairs January 16

8. According to the ILO’s World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2025 report, which statement is correct?
A) Global unemployment rates increased to 10% in 2024.
B) India’s GDP growth rate for 2025 is forecasted at 6.4%.
C) Southern Asia’s GDP growth was 3% in 2024.
D) Youth unemployment globally is at a historic low of 5%.
E) The report solely focuses on European countries.
Answer: B) India’s GDP growth rate for 2025 is forecasted at 6.4%.

Event and Location:

• Event: Release of the ILO Report on Labour Market Trends
• Date and Location: January 16, 2025, Geneva

Mandates and Objectives:

• Key Observations in the Report:
  • Global Labour Market Recovery:
    • Recovery has slowed post-COVID-19 due to the global economic slowdown.
    • Global unemployment remains steady at 5%, historically low but with limited job creation.
  • India’s Performance:
    • India underpins Southern Asia’s GDP growth, contributing to the region’s 6.2% growth in 2024 and forecasted 5.8% in 2025.
    • India’s GDP growth rate: 6.9% in 2024, forecasted 6.4% in 2025, driven by monetary easing, public investment, and domestic demand.
  • Youth Unemployment:
    • Youth unemployment globally remains high at 12.6%, significantly above the overall unemployment rate.

ILO Recommendations:

• Embrace new approaches to social justice for creating decent work.
• Invest in education and skills development to boost employment.
• Leverage remittances from migrants to support economic development in poorer countries.

Tabular Summary:

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9. What was Axis Bank’s net profit for Q3 of the financial year ending December 31, 2024?
A) ₹6,304 crore
B) ₹10,534 crore
C) ₹6,000 crore
D) ₹5,920 crore
E) ₹6,500 crore
Answer: A) ₹6,304 crore

Event and Location:

• Event: Axis Bank Q3 Financial Results
• Date and Location: January 16, 2025, Mumbai

Mandates and Objectives:

• Key Financial Highlights for Q3 FY2024:
  • Net Profit: ₹6,304 crore, reflecting a 4% year-on-year (YoY) growth compared to the same quarter last year.
  • Operating Profit: ₹10,534 crore, showing a 15% YoY growth.
• Significance:
  • Axis Bank continues to demonstrate steady growth as India’s 3rd largest private sector bank, maintaining profitability and operational efficiency.

Tabular Summary:

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Appointments – Daily Current Affairs January 16

10. What is the role of the newly formed Mullaperiyar High Power Committee?
A) To oversee the construction of a new dam in Mullaperiyar.
B) To handle safety and operational concerns of the Mullaperiyar Dam.
C) To manage water-sharing agreements between Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
D) To dissolve all previous dam-related committees.
E) To monitor irrigation projects across India.
Answer: B) To handle safety and operational concerns of the Mullaperiyar Dam.

Event and Location:

• Event: Formation of the Mullaperiyar High Power Committee
• Date and Location: January 16, 2025, Idukki, Kerala

Mandates and Objectives:

• Purpose:
  • Address safety and operational concerns of the Mullaperiyar Dam.
  • Monitor and assess dam safety measures.
• Formation Details:
  • Constituted by the Union Jal Shakti Ministry.
  • Formed after dissolving the earlier Mullaperiyar Monitoring Committee.
• Committee Leadership:
  • Chaired by the Chairman of the National Dam Safety Authority.

Composition:

• Seven members, including:
  • Additional Chief Secretaries from Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
  • Chairman of the Cauvery Cell (Tamil Nadu).
  • Chairman of the Irrigation Department (Kerala).

Significance:

• Long-pending demand of the Mullaperiyar Protection Council and Kerala government.
• Ensures a dedicated focus on the safety audit and operational oversight of the Mullaperiyar Dam.

Tabular Summary:

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Awards – Daily Current Affairs January 16

11. Which of the following statements is true regarding the 2025 Nuclear-Free Future Awards?
A) The awards are limited to individuals from India.
B) S.P. Udayakumar will receive the Solution Award.
C) The awards honor efforts to eliminate nuclear weapons, power, and uranium mining.
D) The event will be held in Salzburg, Austria.
E) The laureates are chosen solely by public voting.
Answer: C) The awards honor efforts to eliminate nuclear weapons, power, and uranium mining.

Event and Location:

• Event: 2025 Nuclear-Free Future Awards Ceremony
• Date and Location: March 4, 2025, The Great Hall at Cooper Union, New York City

Mandates and Objectives:

• Purpose:
  • To honor individuals and groups working to end nuclear weapons, power, uranium mining, and related risks.
• Key Laureates:
  • S.P. Udayakumar (India): Receives the Resistance Award for his leadership in opposing the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant and advocating for environmental justice.
  • Márcia Gomes de Oliveira and Norbert Suchanek (Brazil/Germany): Awarded in the Education category for founding the International Uranium Film Festival.
  • Edwick Madzimure (Zimbabwe): Receives the Solution Award for amplifying women’s voices in anti-nuclear and climate justice activism.
  • Lifetime Achievement Awards:
    • Joanna Macy, a scholar and anti-nuclear activist.
    • Posthumously to Klee Benally, a Navajo activist and musician.

Background Information on the Awards:

• Founded: 1998 by Claus Biegert, a German journalist and activist.
• Significance: Recognizes unsung heroes of the nuclear age who champion a nuclear-free world.
• Organizers: Co-presented by Beyond Nuclear and International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW), Germany.

Tabular Summary:

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12. When and where will the 16th Bharat Gandharva Yatra take place?
A) February 15–19, 2025, in Chennai.
B) February 19–23, 2025, at Chowdiah Memorial Hall, Bengaluru.
C) February 19–25, 2025, in Mumbai.
D) March 1–5, 2025, in Hyderabad.
E) February 20–24, 2025, in Kolkata.
Answer: B) February 19–23, 2025, at Chowdiah Memorial Hall, Bengaluru.

Event and Location:

• Event: 16th Edition of Bharat Gandharva Yatra
• Date and Location: February 19–23, 2025, Chowdiah Memorial Hall, Vyalikaval, Bengaluru

Mandates and Objectives:

• Organiser: Bharatiya Samagana Sabha.
• Purpose:
  • Celebrate Indian classical music and its diverse forms.
  • Provide a platform for renowned artistes to showcase their talent.
• Event Highlights:
  • Week-long performances featuring celebrated musicians from various genres of Indian classical music.

Significance:

• The festival has established itself as a prominent cultural event for Indian classical music enthusiasts.
• Aims to preserve and promote India’s rich musical heritage.

Tabular Summary:

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13. Who received the Ezhuthachan Award for 2024, and why?
A) Pinarayi Vijayan, for his political contributions.
B) Thunchaththu Ezhuthachan, for founding the Malayalam language.
C) N.S. Madhavan, for his overall contribution to Malayalam language and literature.
D) HMP HIG, for his outstanding poetry in Malayalam.
E) A.K. Ramanujan, for his English translations of Malayalam works.
Answer: C) N.S. Madhavan, for his overall contribution to Malayalam language and literature.

Event and Location:

• Event: Presentation of Ezhuthachan Award 2024
• Date and Location: January 16, 2025, Durbar Hall, Secretariat, Thiruvananthapuram

Mandates and Objectives:

• Purpose of the Award:
  • Instituted by the Kerala government to honor outstanding contributions to the Malayalam language and literature.
  • Named after Thunchaththu Ezhuthachan, regarded as the father of the Malayalam language.
• Recipient:
  • N.S. Madhavan, a celebrated writer and social commentator.
  • Recognized for his significant works, including Higuita, Thiruth, Choolaimedile Savangal, Pancha Kanyakakal, and Lanthan Batheriyile Luthiniyakal.
• Award Details:
  • Includes a cash prize of ₹5,00,000 and a citation.

Significance:

• Highlights the importance of preserving Malayalam as a language.
• Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan emphasized efforts like the Malayalam Bill to promote the language’s use in government and judiciary.

Tabular Summary:

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Science and Technology – Daily Current Affairs January 16

14. What is the purpose of the Third Launch Pad (TLP) approved by the Union Cabinet at Sriharikota?
A) To support satellite servicing missions.
B) To serve as a backup to the Second Launch Pad and support Next Generation Launch Vehicles.
C) To replace the First and Second Launch Pads.
D) To focus solely on private satellite launches.
E) To assist in international space station missions.
Answer: B) To serve as a backup to the Second Launch Pad and support Next Generation Launch Vehicles.

Event and Location:

• Event: Approval for the Third Launch Pad (TLP)
• Date and Location: January 16, 2025, Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh

Purpose and Objectives:

• Primary Purpose:
  • Serve as a standby launch pad to the existing Second Launch Pad (SLP).
  • Support Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLV) and LVM3 vehicles with semi-cryogenic stages.
  • Enhance launch capacity for future Indian human spaceflight missions and exploration efforts like the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) and the Indian Crewed Lunar Landing.
• Vision for the Future:
  • Critical for India’s space programme expansion during the Amrit Kaal, with a target of 25-30 years of evolving space transportation needs.

Implementation Details:

• Project Duration:
  • To be completed within 48 months (4 years).
• Estimated Cost:
  • ₹3984.86 crore.
• Design Approach:
  • A universal and adaptable configuration to accommodate NGLVs and other advanced launch systems.
  • Leverage industry participation and ISRO’s expertise from previous launch pads.

Significance:

• Boosts India’s space ecosystem by enabling higher launch frequencies.
• Provides critical support for human spaceflight missions like Gaganyaan and future lunar exploration missions.

Tabular Summary:

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15. Which of the following was achieved by India through the SpaDeX mission?
A) Launching two satellites into a geostationary orbit.
B) Demonstrating spacecraft rendezvous, docking, and undocking technology.
C) Developing reusable space launch vehicles.
D) Establishing India’s first private space station.
E) Deploying interplanetary probes to Mars and Venus.
Answer: B) Demonstrating spacecraft rendezvous, docking, and undocking technology.

Event and Location:

• Event: Successful Execution of SpaDeX Docking Experiment by ISRO
• Date and Location: January 16, 2025, Bengaluru

Key Achievements of SpaDeX Mission:

• India became the fourth nation in the world (after the USA, Russia, and China) to achieve space docking capabilities, a critical milestone for space exploration.
• The mission involved two satellites:
  • SDX01 (Chaser)
  • SDX02 (Target)
• These satellites successfully performed rendezvous, docking, and undocking maneuvers autonomously.

Significance of Space Docking Technology:

1. Space Station Operations:
   • Enables assembly of space stations, such as the proposed Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) by 2035.
2. Satellite Servicing:
   • Allows repair and maintenance of satellites in orbit.
3. Sample Return Missions:
   • Essential for retrieving samples from celestial bodies (e.g., Chandrayaan-4 Lunar Sample Return Mission).
4. Interplanetary Exploration:
   • Supports human and robotic missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

Technical Highlights:

• Launched on December 30, 2024, using the PSLV-C60 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
• Key stages of docking:
  • Satellites reduced inter-satellite distance incrementally from 20 km to 3 meters, culminating in successful docking.
  • Post-docking, power transfer between the two satellites was validated.

Future Implications:

• Strengthens India’s self-reliance in space technologies.
• Paves the way for advanced missions, including:
  • Chandrayaan-4
  • Gaganyaan (Human Spaceflight)
  • Development of India’s space station.

Tabular Summary:

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National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs January 16

16. Which of the following statements is correct about the Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan app?
A) It focuses solely on tourism in Ladakh.
B) It was launched during the 77th Navy Day celebrations in Delhi.
C) It includes battlefield sites like Siachen, Galwan, and Longewala.
D) It provides exclusive content only for retired army personnel.
E) It aims to promote tourism for international travelers only.
Answer: C) It includes battlefield sites like Siachen, Galwan, and Longewala.

Event and Location:

• Event: Launch of Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan App
• Date and Location: January 15, 2025, Pune, Maharashtra

Mandates and Objectives:

• Purpose:
  • To promote battlefield tourism by providing civilians access to significant military sites.
• Key Features of the App:
  • Provides historical insights, battle accounts, and stories of bravery.
  • Includes a permission application process for visits to restricted areas.
• Primary Objectives:
  • Boost tourism at iconic battlefield sites such as Siachen Base Camp, Galwan, and Longewala.
  • Preserve military history and instill a sense of patriotism.
  • Support local economies near battlefield sites.

Significant Battlefield Locations:

• Siachen Base Camp: Highest battlefield in the world, accessible up to 15,000 ft.
• Galwan Valley: Site of the 2020 India-China clash.
• Longewala: Famous for the 1971 Indo-Pak war, featured in the movie Border.
• Kargil and Dras War Memorial: Memorials honoring soldiers of the 1999 Kargil war.
• Other Locations: Kibithoo and Bum-La (Arunachal Pradesh), Rezang-La and Pangong Tso (Ladakh), and Cho-La (Sikkim).

Tabular Summary:

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17. Which of the following statements is correct about the Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP)?
A) It is operational at 15 airports across India.
B) It requires manual immigration clearance for registered passengers.
C) It uses e-gates for pre-verified passengers to bypass immigration queues.
D) It is exclusively for international travelers without Indian passports.
E) The program charges a fee for registration.
Answer: C) It uses e-gates for pre-verified passengers to bypass immigration queues.

Event and Location:

• Event: Launch of Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP)
  Date and Location: January 16, 2025, Hyderabad, Telangana

Mandates and Objectives:

• Purpose:
  • To streamline immigration processes for Indian passport holders and OCI cardholders.
  • Part of the government’s Viksit Bharat @2047 vision to improve international travel facilities.
• How it Works:
  • Pre-verified passengers register online and submit biometric data (fingerprints and facial scans) at FRROs or airport counters.
  • Use of dedicated e-gates for scanning boarding passes, passports, and biometric verification.
• Key Features:
  • Operational at seven airports, including Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Cochin, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad.
  • The first phase will expand to 21 airports across the country.
  • Free of cost for eligible passengers during its initial phase.

Tabular Summary:

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18. What is the focus of the Pongal Kalai Vizha organized by the Tourism Department in Puducherry?
A) A week-long beach festival featuring international artists.
B) A two-day cultural event celebrating Pongal at Gandhi Thidal.
C) A culinary fest highlighting traditional Pongal recipes.
D) A private event with ticketed entry for Pongal celebrations.
E) A religious procession to mark Pongal celebrations.
Answer: B) A two-day cultural event celebrating Pongal at Gandhi Thidal.

Event and Location:

• Event: Pongal Kalai Vizha Cultural Fete
• Date and Location: January 17–18, 2025, Gandhi Thidal, Puducherry

Mandates and Objectives:

• Purpose:
  • To celebrate Pongal, a major harvest festival in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, with cultural events.
• Key Highlights:
  • Venue: Gandhi Thidal, a prominent location near the beach.
  • Timing: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Entry Fee: Free for all visitors.

Tabular Summary:

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19. Which of the following is true about EKA Mobility’s launch at Bharat Mobility Auto Expo 2025?
A) The company will exclusively launch electric two-wheelers.
B) EKA Mobility’s electric bus can carry up to 150 passengers.
C) The lineup includes medium and heavy-duty electric trucks.
D) EKA Mobility is based in Mumbai.
E) The event is scheduled from January 10 to January 15.
Answer: C) The lineup includes medium and heavy-duty electric trucks.

Event and Location:

• Event: EKA Mobility Launch at Bharat Mobility Auto Expo 2025
• Date and Location: January 17–22, 2025, Bharat Mobility Auto Expo

Mandates and Objectives:

• Purpose:
  • Launch a comprehensive range of electric commercial vehicles (EVs) and debut innovative technology.
• Product Lineup:
  • Electric Buses: City, intercity, and shuttle applications with advanced technology.
  • Electric Trucks: Medium and heavy-duty variants for intra-city and long-haul logistics.
  • Small Commercial EVs: Modular platforms for both passenger and cargo transportation.
• Technology Debut:
  • EKA Connect: A management platform to optimize vehicle performance and operational efficiency.

Company Background:

• Parent Company: Pinnacle Industries Limited.
• Headquarters: Pune, Maharashtra.
• Notable Achievements:
  • Won bus orders worth ₹150 crore from UPSRTC.
  • Backed by Mitsui & Co. and VDL Groep.

Tabular Summary:

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20. What is the primary goal of the ‘Skill Sprint’ internship programme launched in Telangana?
A) To exclusively focus on IT professionals in Hyderabad.
B) To enhance the entrepreneurial skills of industrialists.
C) To bridge the gap between academia and industry for students and unemployed youth.
D) To provide job opportunities solely in the healthcare sector.
E) To conduct short-term training sessions in coding only.
Answer: C) To bridge the gap between academia and industry for students and unemployed youth.

Event and Location:

• Event: Launch of ‘Skill Sprint’ Internship Programme
• Date and Location: January 16, 2025, Hyderabad, Telangana

Mandates and Objectives:

• Purpose:
  • Enhance the skills of students and unemployed youth.
  • Address the gap between educational institutions and industry needs.
• Collaborating Entities:
  • T-Works: A hardware prototyping centre.
  • Young India Skills University: Focuses on skill development and industry-ready training.
• Government Commitment:
  • Transform Telangana into a hub of skilled human resources.
  • Equip youth with job-ready skills tailored to industry requirements.

Key Features:

• Focus on hardware prototyping and relevant skills for industrial applications.
• Designed to improve employability and meet the demands of modern industries.

Tabular Summary:

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21. What is the primary purpose of the International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC) at Kakkanad?
A) To serve as a cultural museum.
B) To host industrial exhibitions, conferences, and trade fairs.
C) To function as a research centre for Kerala’s industries.
D) To provide residential facilities for industrial workers.
E) To be an exclusive convention centre for government events.
Answer: B) To host industrial exhibitions, conferences, and trade fairs.

Event and Location:

• Event: Opening of the International Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC)
• Date and Location: January 18, 2025, Kakkanad, Kochi, Kerala

Mandates and Objectives:

• Purpose:
  • Provide a venue for industrial exhibitions, trade fairs, and conferences.
  • Boost Kerala’s infrastructure for hosting large-scale events.
• Developed By:
  • Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (KINFRA).
• Facilities at IECC:
  • Main Hall: Air-conditioned with a capacity of 640 seats.
  • Mini Hall: Seating for 100 people.
  • Other Amenities: Dining hall, kitchen, VIP lounges, guest rooms, and boardroom.
• Cost of Development:
  • Approximately ₹90 crore.

Significance:

• Enhances Kerala’s position as a hub for business and industrial activities.
• Supports regional and international events in a modern, fully equipped venue.

Tabular Summary:

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22. What was the primary theme of ‘Kochi Dialogue 2025’, where GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi delivered a special address?
A) India’s Energy Policies in the Gulf
B) India’s Look West Policy in Action: People, Prosperity and Progress
C) Strengthening India’s Relationship with ASEAN
D) Economic Growth in South Asia
E) Expanding Trade Agreements with the European Union
Answer: B) India’s Look West Policy in Action: People, Prosperity and Progress

Event and Location:

• Event: Kochi Dialogue 2025
• Date and Location: January 16, 2025, Kochi, Kerala

Mandates and Objectives:

• Organisers:
  • Centre for Public Policy Research and the Ministry of External Affairs.
• Theme:
  • India’s Look West Policy in Action: People, Prosperity and Progress.
• Key Speaker:
  • Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

Key Points Discussed:

• India-GCC Relationship:
  • Deep ties built on historical cooperation in sectors like energy.
  • Expatriate Population: A significant number of Indian expatriates living and working in the Gulf region.
• Focus Areas:
  • Strengthening economic, cultural, and diplomatic relations.
  • Enhancing people-to-people ties, promoting mutual prosperity and progress.

Tabular Summary:

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23. What is Andhra Pradesh’s economic goal as stated by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu?
A) To become a $1 trillion economy by FY 2035-36.
B) To become a $2.40 trillion economy by FY 2046-47.
C) To achieve a population growth rate of 5% by 2030.
D) To reduce its debt to zero by FY 2046-47.
E) To introduce a five-child policy to boost population growth.
Answer: B) To become a $2.40 trillion economy by FY 2046-47.

Event and Location:

• Event: Andhra Pradesh’s Economic Vision for FY 2046-47
• Date and Location: January 16, 2025, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh

Mandates and Objectives:

• Economic Goal:
  • Transform Andhra Pradesh into a $2.40 trillion economy by FY 2046-47.
• Debt Management:
  • The government is negotiating with lending agencies to refinance loans, reducing interest rates and easing debt repayment.

Population Policy:

• With the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) projected to decline to 1.51 by 2026 from 1.54 in 2021, the government plans to:
  • Give legal sanctity to the two-child rule to facilitate population growth.

Significance:

• The initiatives aim to ensure fiscal sustainability and support long-term economic growth while addressing demographic challenges.

Tabular Summary:

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24. What is the primary objective of the Protection and Enforcement of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2024?
A) To establish new airports in underdeveloped regions.
B) To reduce leasing and financing costs for airlines.
C) To increase taxes on international air travel.
D) To prioritize government ownership of airlines.
E) To ban aircraft leasing in India.
Answer: B) To reduce leasing and financing costs for airlines.

Event and Location:

• Event: Approval of Aircraft Leasing Bill
• Date and Location: January 16, 2025, New Delhi

Mandates and Objectives:

• Purpose of the Bill:
  • Lower leasing and financing costs for airlines in India.
  • Provide legal assurance to lessors for repossessing leased aircraft, reducing associated risks.
  • Indirectly contribute to reducing airfares for passengers.
• Significance:
  • Boosts the aviation sector by making leasing more affordable.
  • Enhances India’s competitiveness as a global hub for aircraft leasing and financing.

Context:

• The Indian aviation sector relies heavily on leased aircraft due to high purchase costs.
• Ensuring legal clarity and protection for lessors fosters trust and reduces financing risks.

Tabular Summary:

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25. What is the primary objective of the SVAMITVA Scheme launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi?
A) To provide employment opportunities in rural India.
B) To distribute financial assistance to farmers.
C) To provide property owners in rural areas with ‘Record of Rights’.
D) To promote agricultural exports from rural areas.
E) To implement large-scale irrigation projects.
Answer: C) To provide property owners in rural areas with ‘Record of Rights’.

Event and Location:

• Event: Distribution of Property Cards under SVAMITVA Scheme
• Date and Location: January 18, 2025, Virtual Event (via video conferencing)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Purpose of SVAMITVA Scheme:
  • Provide ‘Record of Rights’ to rural property owners using advanced drone technology for surveying.
  • Facilitate monetization of properties and enable institutional credit through bank loans.
  • Reduce property-related disputes and improve the assessment of properties and property tax in rural areas.
  • Aid in village-level planning by creating accurate maps of inhabited areas.
• Progress:
  • Drone Survey Completed: In 3.17 lakh villages, covering 92% of targeted villages.
  • Property Cards Prepared: Nearly 2.25 crore cards for 1.53 lakh villages.
  • Full Saturation Achieved: Puducherry, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Tripura, Goa, Uttarakhand, and Haryana.
• Upcoming Milestone:
  • Prime Minister will distribute over 65 lakh property cards across 50000 villages in 230 districts of 10 States and 2 Union Territories on January 18, 2025.

Significance:

• Boosts economic progress in rural areas by formalizing property ownership.
• Enhances financial inclusion by enabling rural property owners to access institutional loans.
• Strengthens property rights and reduces land-related disputes.

Tabular Summary:

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Over All Review

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