Daily Current Affairs January 18 & 19

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January 18 & 19 | Daily Current Affairs 2024

Important Days – Daily Current Affairs January 18 & 19

1. When did the Lokpal of India celebrate its first Foundation Day?
A) January 15, 2024
B) January 16, 2025
C) January 14, 2025
D) January 16, 2024
E) January 17, 2025
Answer: B) January 16, 2025

Event and Location:

• Event: Lokpal of India Commemorates First Foundation Day
• Date: January 16, 2025
• Location: New Delhi, India

Mandates and Objectives:

• To function as an anti-corruption ombudsman, ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.
• Strengthen public trust by combating corruption and enhancing democratic principles.

Key Highlights of the Celebration:

• Occasion: Marked 11 years since the establishment of Lokpal (January 16, 2014).
• Chairperson’s Address (Justice A.M. Khanwilkar):
  • Simplify complaint registration for better accessibility.
  • Integrate advanced technologies like AI for efficient data management.
  • Recruit forensic and cyber experts for enhanced investigations.
  • Collaborate with agencies such as the CBI, CVC, and the judiciary.
• Chief Guest’s Remarks (Justice Sanjiv Khanna):
  • Emphasized the Lokpal’s role in maintaining accountability and upholding democratic principles.
  • Stressed the need for Lokpal’s independence and objectivity to sustain public trust.

Dignitaries Present:

• Chief Guest: Chief Justice of India, Justice Sanjiv Khanna
• Notable Participants:
  • Justice N. Santosh Hegde (former Lokayukta of Karnataka)
  • Padma Bhushan awardee Anna Hazare (virtual participant)
  • Attorney General R. Venkataramani
  • Representatives from the Bar Council of India, CAG, CBI, and CVC

Important Terms Explained:

• Lokpal:
  • Anti-corruption ombudsman in India, established under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.
  • Handles complaints against public servants for acts of corruption.
• CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation):
  • India’s premier investigative agency tasked with handling corruption and high-profile cases.
• CVC (Central Vigilance Commission):
  • Supervises vigilance administration and ensures transparency in government operations.
• Forensic Accounting:
  • A specialized field of accounting that investigates financial crimes and irregularities.

Tabular Summary:

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2. Where was the 20th Raising Day ceremony of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) held?
A) Hyderabad, Telangana
B) Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh
C) Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
D) Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
E) Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
Answer: C) Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh

Event and Location:

• Event: 20th Raising Day Ceremony of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
• Date: January 19, 2025
• Location: Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh

Mandates and Objectives:

• Recognize the contribution of NDRF in disaster management and emergency response.
• Strengthen India’s disaster resilience and promote innovative strategies for disaster management under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• Announce new initiatives and infrastructure projects to enhance NDRF capabilities.

Key Highlights of the Event:

• Chief Guest: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah.
• Inaugurations and Foundation Stones:
  • Projects worth ₹220 crore, including:
    • South Campus of National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM).
    • 10th Battalion of NDRF.
    • Regional Response Centre at Supaul Campus.
    • Integrated Shooting Range at the National Police Academy, Hyderabad.
    • Regional Forensic Science Laboratory, Tirupati.
• Collaboration: Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu provided land for key projects at no cost to the Centre.

Key Announcements by Shri Amit Shah:

1. Disaster Resilient Infrastructure:
   • India established the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
   • CDRI now has 48 member countries.
2. NDRF Achievements:
   • Credibility established internationally in disaster response.
   • Zero casualties achieved during two major storms in the past two years.
   • Recognized for disaster efforts in Nepal, Indonesia, Turkey, Vietnam, and more.
3. Financial Commitments:
   • Disaster management funding increased from ₹12,500 crore to ₹61,000 crore between the 12th and 14th Finance Commissions.
   • Over ₹1.2 lakh crore allocated for infrastructure projects in Andhra Pradesh.

Impact on Andhra Pradesh:

• Amaravati Development:
  • ₹27,000 crore allocated for Amaravati projects through HUDCO and the World Bank.
• Key Projects in Andhra Pradesh:
  • ₹11,000 crore for Visakhapatnam Steel Plant.
  • AIIMS project worth ₹1,600 crore.
  • Green hydrogen hub in Visakhapatnam with ₹2 lakh crore investment.
  • Water from Polavaram project to reach the entire state by 2028.

Important Terms Explained:

• NDRF (National Disaster Response Force): A specialized disaster response unit in India under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• NIDM (National Institute of Disaster Management): A government body for capacity building in disaster resilience.
• CDRI (Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure): An international initiative led by India to promote disaster-resilient infrastructure globally.

Tabular Summary:

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Sports – Daily Current Affairs January 18 & 19

3. Where is the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 scheduled to be hosted?
A) India
B) England
C) Pakistan
D) Australia
E) South Africa
Answer: C) Pakistan

Event and Location:

• Event: India Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Announced
• Date: January 18, 2025 (reported)
• Tournament: ICC Champions Trophy 2025, ninth edition.
• Host: Pakistan

Tournament Details:

• Dates: February 19 to March 9, 2025, with a contingency day on March 10 for the final.
• Format: Round-robin stage featuring eight teams.

India Squad Highlights:

• Captain: Rohit Sharma
• Vice-Captain: Shubman Gill
• Key Players: Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja.
• Wicketkeepers: Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul

Key Match Fixtures:

• India vs. Pakistan: February 23, 2025, at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
• India vs. New Zealand: March 2, 2025, at the same venue.
• Semi-finals and finals contingent on team qualification.

Significance:

• India enters the tournament as defending ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 champions.
• The competition will test India’s all-format players in high-pressure games.

Teams Participating:

• Teams: Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, South Africa, Australia, England.

Tabular Summary:

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4. Whose record did Novak Djokovic break for the most Grand Slam matches played?
A) Rafael Nadal
B) Andy Murray
C) Pete Sampras
D) Roger Federer
E) Ken Rosewall
Answer: D) Roger Federer

Event and Location:

• Event: Djokovic Breaks Federer’s Record for Grand Slam Match Count
• Date: January 17, 2025
• Location: Australian Open, Melbourne, Australia

Key Highlights:

• New Record:
  • Djokovic surpassed Roger Federer, playing his 430th Grand Slam match, the most in tennis history.
• Match Details:
  • Djokovic defeated Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria in the second round, winning 6-1, 6-7 (4), 6-3, 6-2.
  • Career Grand Slam Record: 379 wins and 51 losses, with an .881 winning percentage.
  • Federer’s previous record: 429 matches (369 wins, 60 losses, .860 winning percentage).

Career Milestones of Novak Djokovic:

• Most Grand Slam Singles Titles: Holds 24, the highest for any male player.
• Grand Slam Finals Played: A record 37 finals, surpassing Federer by 6.
• ATP Rankings: Most weeks ranked No. 1.
• Potential Records:
  • A 25th Grand Slam title would further his lead.
  • Matching Margaret Court’s record of 11 Australian Open titles.
  • Becoming the oldest man to win a Grand Slam title (current record held by Ken Rosewall in 1972).
  • Reaching his 100th tour-level title, behind Jimmy Connors (109) and Federer (103).

Challenges at the Australian Open:

• Faced tough matches in the early rounds:
  • First Round: Defeated Nishesh Basavareddy (19 years old, ranked 107th).
  • Second Round: Overcame Jaime Faria (21 years old, ranked 125th).
• Coaching Update: Djokovic is now coached by former rival Andy Murray, adding a new dimension to his career.

Important Terms Explained:

• Grand Slam Matches: Refers to matches played in the four major tennis tournaments: Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open.
• ATP Rankings: A ranking system for male tennis players, based on their performance in tournaments.
• Margaret Court: A former tennis player who holds the record for most Grand Slam singles titles (24).

Tabular Summary:

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5. Where did Ankita Raina and Naiktha Bains win the ITF W50 Doubles title?
A) Kashiwa, Japan
B) Wimbledon, UK
C) DLTA Complex, New Delhi
D) Roland Garros, France
E) Melbourne Park, Australia
Answer: C) DLTA Complex, New Delhi

Event and Location:

• Event: Ankita Raina and Naiktha Bains Win ITF W50 Doubles Title
• Date: January 18, 2025
• Location: DLTA Complex, New Delhi

Mandates and Objectives:

• Objective: Achieve success in the doubles competition of the ITF W50 event after Ankita’s singles first-round exit.
• Strengthen Ankita Raina’s return to form after a nine-month drought in doubles titles.

Key Highlights:

1. Victory Details:
   • Final Opponents: Jessie Aney and Jessica Failla (American fourth seeds).
   • Scoreline: 6-4, 3-6, 10-8.
   • Duration: One hour and 42 minutes.
2. Past Record:
   • Ankita’s last doubles title: April 2024, at the Kashiwa event in Japan, with partner Chia Yi Tsao (Taipei).
3. Match Summary:
   • First Set: Dominant start with a 6-4 win, breaking the Americans’ serve early.
   • Second Set: Americans made a comeback, breaking Ankita and Naiktha’s serves for a 6-3 win.
   • Super Tiebreak: Narrowly clinched the decider 10-8.

Performance Analysis:

• Strengths:
  • Tactical plays and consistent service returns helped Ankita and Naiktha gain crucial points.
• Challenges:
  • The pair struggled to hold serves during the second set but recovered in the tiebreak.

Important Terms Explained:

• ITF W50: A professional tennis event under the International Tennis Federation with a $50,000 prize pool.
• DLTA Complex: The Delhi Lawn Tennis Association Complex in New Delhi, a prominent venue for tennis events in India.
• Super Tiebreak: A deciding set where the first team to score 10 points with at least a 2-point margin wins.

Tabular Summary:

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Banking and Finance – Daily Current Affairs January 18 & 19

6. How much did the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) sell in the forex market in November 2024?
A) $8.52 billion
B) $20.9 billion
C) $30.8 billion
D) $20.2 billion
E) $51.1 billion
Answer: D) $20.2 billion

Event and Location:

• Event: RBI’s Record Forex Intervention in November 2024
• Date: November 2024
• Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

• Stabilize the rupee amid heavy Foreign Portfolio Investor (FPI) outflows and global economic pressures.
• Counter the impact of a strengthening US dollar on emerging market currencies.

Key Highlights:

• Record Intervention:
  • RBI sold $20.2 billion in the forex market, marking its largest intervention in a single month.
  • Net short position in the forward market rose to $58.9 billion in November, up from $49.18 billion in October.
• Spot Market Activity:
  • RBI purchased $30.8 billion and sold $51.1 billion in the spot market during November 2024.
• Rupee Depreciation: Despite aggressive intervention, the rupee depreciated by 0.48% against the US dollar.
• FPI Outflows: Foreign investors withdrew $2.1 billion from Indian equities in November.
• Global Economic Factors:
  • Strengthening of the US dollar due to the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy.
  • A smaller-than-expected rate cut (25 basis points in December) reduced expectations of significant monetary easing.

Comparative Analysis:

• First Half of FY 2024-25:
  • RBI was a net buyer, purchasing $8.52 billion in the spot market.
• Shift in November 2024:
  • RBI became a net seller, offloading $20.9 billion.

Important Terms Explained:

• Foreign Exchange (Forex) Market: A global marketplace for exchanging national currencies.
• Spot Market: A market where financial instruments, such as currencies, are traded for immediate delivery.
• Forward Market: A market where contracts are made to buy or sell an asset at a predetermined price for delivery at a future date.
• Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPI): Investors who invest in financial assets such as stocks or bonds in a foreign country.

Tabular Summary:

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7. What is the primary objective of the RBI’s decision to allow overseas banks to open INR accounts?
A) Boost foreign currency reserves
B) Promote the global use of the Indian Rupee
C) Strengthen Indian exporters’ domestic operations
D) Attract foreign tourists to India
E) Support the issuance of Indian bonds abroad
Answer: B) Promote the global use of the Indian Rupee

Event and Location:

• Event: RBI Allows Overseas Banks to Open INR Accounts
• Date: January 18, 2025 (reported).
• Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

• Promote INR in Global Trade: Enhance the use of the Indian Rupee for cross-border transactions.
• Ease of Operations for Non-Residents: Allow non-residents to use INR accounts for transactions and investments.
• Support for Exporters: Enable Indian exporters to open INR accounts overseas, reducing currency conversion costs and improving operational efficiency.

Key Highlights:

• Cross-Border Transactions: Non-residents can settle payments in INR with other non-residents, making international trade easier.
• Investment Opportunities: Balances in INR accounts are eligible for foreign investments, including Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in non-debt instruments.
• Exporter Benefits: Indian exporters can use these accounts to receive proceeds and pay for imports, lowering dependency on foreign currency conversions.

Context and Background:

• Special Rupee Vostro Accounts (SRVAs): Introduced in July 2022, allowing foreign banks to maintain INR accounts with Indian banks for trade settlements.
• Objective: Reduce reliance on dominant foreign currencies like the US Dollar and strengthen the Rupee’s global standing.

Implications:

• Global Trade Efficiency: Encourages smoother cross-border transactions and lowers associated costs.
• Attraction of Foreign Investments: Simplifies investment processes, increasing India’s appeal to global investors.
• Rupee Appreciation: Expands the Rupee’s global utility, fostering its stability and strengthening its value over time.

Important Terms Explained:

• Special Rupee Vostro Accounts (SRVAs): Accounts held by foreign banks in Indian banks to facilitate trade settlements in INR.
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Investment made by a foreign entity in India’s economy, contributing to long-term growth and development.

Tabular Summary:

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8. What was Kotak Mahindra Bank’s standalone net profit (PAT) for Q3 FY25?
A) ₹4,701 crore
B) ₹3,305 crore
C) ₹3,005 crore
D) ₹6,554 crore
E) ₹7,196 crore
Answer: B) ₹3,305 crore

Event and Location:

• Event: Kotak Mahindra Bank Q3 FY25 Results Announcement
• Date: January 18, 2025
• Location: Mumbai

Key Highlights:

1. Financial Performance:
   • Standalone PAT:
     • Reported at ₹3,305 crore, a 10% YoY increase from ₹3,005 crore in Q3 FY24.
   • Consolidated PAT:
     • ₹4,701 crore, up 10% YoY from ₹4,265 crore in Q3 FY24.
2. Revenue Metrics:
   • Net Interest Income (NII):
     • ₹7,196 crore, up 10% YoY.
   • Other Income:
     • ₹2,623 crore, up 14% YoY.
   • Net Interest Margin (NIM):
     • Declined to 4.93% from 5.22% in Q3 FY24.
3. Growth in Advances and Deposits:
   • Net Advances:
     • Grew 15% YoY to ₹4.13 lakh crore.
   • Average Deposits:
     • Increased 15% YoY to ₹4.58 lakh crore.
4. Asset Quality:
   • Gross NPA (GNPA):
     • Reduced to 1.50% from 1.73% in Q3 FY24.
   • Net NPA (NNPA):
     • Slightly increased to 0.41% from 0.34% YoY but improved sequentially from Q2 FY25 (0.43%).
   • Provision Coverage Ratio (PCR):
     • Stood at 73%.

Additional Highlights:

• Capital Adequacy:
  • Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR): 22.8%.
  • CET1 Ratio: 21.7%.
• Key Challenges:
  • Credit Stress: Stabilizing in personal loans and credit cards; microfinance loan stress expected to normalize by next quarter.
  • RBI Embargo:
    • Restrictions on onboarding new digital customers and issuing credit cards continue.
    • Bank actively engaging with RBI to address concerns.
• Future Plans:
  • Board approved raising ₹10,000 crore through non-convertible debentures (NCDs) in FY26.

Important Terms Explained:

• Net Interest Margin (NIM): Measures the difference between interest income generated and interest paid, expressed as a percentage of average earning assets.
• Provision Coverage Ratio (PCR): Indicates the percentage of provisions made against gross NPAs. A higher PCR reflects better risk management.
• Gross NPA (GNPA): The total value of loans classified as non-performing.
• Net NPA (NNPA): GNPA after subtracting provisions.

Tabular Summary:

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Appointments – Daily Current Affairs January 18 & 19

9. Who has been appointed as the new Ombudsman and Ethics Officer of the BCCI?
A) Justice Ranjan Gogoi
B) Justice Arun Mishra
C) Justice Dipak Misra
D) Justice N. V. Ramana
E) Justice S. A. Bobde
Answer: B) Justice Arun Mishra

Event and Location:

• Event: Appointment of Justice Arun Mishra as Ombudsman and Ethics Officer of BCCI
• Date: January 18, 2025
• Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

• Oversee ethical practices within the BCCI and ensure governance integrity.
• Address and resolve disputes arising in Indian cricket.

Career Highlights of Justice Arun Mishra:

• Elected to the Bar Council of Madhya Pradesh in 1989 and 1995 with record votes.
• Served as the youngest Chairman of the Bar Council of India in 1998-99.
• Judicial Career:
  • Appointed Judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court (1999).
  • Elevated to Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court (2010).
  • Became Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court (2012).

BCCI Administrative Updates:

• Secretary: Devajit Saikia elected, replacing Jay Shah (now ICC Chairman).
• Treasurer: Prabhtej Singh Bhatia appointed as Treasurer.
• Updates align with India’s preparation for a home cricket series against England.

Important Terms Explained:

• Ombudsman: Independent official resolving grievances and ensuring fairness in an organization.
• Ethics Officer: Ensures adherence to ethical norms and proper governance in an organization.
• BCCI: Governing body for cricket in India, managing domestic and international matches.

Tabular Summary:

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10. Who has been appointed as the new Director General (DG) of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)?
A) Anish Dayal Singh
B) Vitul Kumar
C) Gyanendra Pratap Singh
D) Sakshi Mittal
E) Rajiv Rai Bhatnagar
Answer: C) Gyanendra Pratap Singh

Event and Location:

• Event: Appointment of Gyanendra Pratap Singh as CRPF Director General
• Date of Announcement: January 19, 2025
• Tenure: Till November 30, 2027, or until further orders.
• Appointing Authority: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).

Mandates and Objectives:

• Strengthen the leadership of the CRPF, India’s largest paramilitary force.
• Utilize Singh’s expertise in counter-insurgency and law enforcement for addressing challenges such as internal security and naxalism.

Key Highlights:

1. Background of G.P. Singh:
   • Batch and Cadre: 1991 batch IPS officer from the Assam-Meghalaya cadre.
   • Previous Role: Director General of Police (DGP), Assam.
   • Key Assignments:
     • Served in critical roles in the Northeast and at the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
     • Worked with the Special Protection Group (SPG), ensuring security for high-profile individuals.
2. Professional Achievements:
   • Played a crucial role in managing law and order during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in Assam (2019).
   • Led anti-corruption efforts in Assam as Director of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption.
   • Headed the Rhino Protection Task Force in Assam (2021).
3. CRPF Leadership:
   • Succeeds Vitul Kumar, who served as acting DG following the retirement of Anish Dayal Singh on December 31, 2024.
   • Expected to enhance CRPF’s operational readiness in areas affected by naxalism and insurgency.

Important Terms Explained:

• CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force):
  • India’s largest paramilitary force tasked with maintaining internal security and combating insurgencies.
• NIA (National Investigation Agency):
  • A central agency combating terrorism and other national security-related issues.
• SPG (Special Protection Group):
  • Provides security to the Prime Minister and former Prime Ministers of India.

Tabular Summary:

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Science and Technology – Daily Current Affairs January 18 & 19

11. What is the name of Pakistan’s first indigenous Electro-Optical satellite launched by China?
A) PRSS-1
B) PakSat-MM1
C) PRSC-EO1
D) PakTES-1A
E) ICUBE-Q
Answer: C) PRSC-EO1

Event and Location:

• Event: China launches Pakistan’s first indigenous Electro-Optical Satellite (PRSC-EO1)
• Date: January 17, 2025
• Location: Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, China

Purpose of PRSC-EO1:

• Enhance Pakistan’s capacity in:
  • Natural disaster management
  • Resource monitoring
  • Urban planning
  • Agricultural development

Technology and Launch Details:

• Technology: Advanced electro-optical sensors for high-resolution Earth imaging.
• Launch Vehicle: Long March-2D rocket.
• Time of Launch: 12:07 PM (Beijing Time).

Significance:

• Demonstrates Pakistan’s progress in space technology for sustainable development.
• Reflects strong China-Pakistan space cooperation, enhancing Pakistan’s strategic space objectives.

Historical Context of China-Pakistan Space Cooperation:

• 2018:
  • Launch of PRSS-1 (Pakistan’s first optical remote sensing satellite).
  • Launch of PakTES-1A, a smaller observation satellite.
• 2024:
  • Deployment of PakSat-MM1, a communication satellite.
  • Data collaboration for ICUBE-Q CubeSat, involving lunar exploration.

Important Terms Explained:

• Electro-Optical Satellite (EO-1): A satellite equipped with sensors that use light and electronic signals to capture high-resolution images of Earth.
• Long March-2D Rocket: A Chinese carrier rocket used for deploying satellites into low Earth orbit.
• China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC): The primary manufacturer of China’s space launch vehicles.

Tabular Summary:

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12. What is the name of the ISRO mission that successfully germinated black-eyed pea seeds in space?
A) SPACE-GROW
B) CROPS
C) PLANT-EX
D) AGRI-SPHERE
E) LOBIA-1
Answer: B) CROPS

Event and Location:

• Event: First Black-eyed Pea Sprouts in Space by ISRO
• Date: January 18, 2025 (reported)
• Location: Aboard ISRO’s Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS).

Mandates and Objectives:

• Study sustainable plant growth in space to support long-term space missions.
• Develop agricultural methods for creating food sources in space, essential for astronaut health.

Mission Highlights:

• Mission Name: CROPS (Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies).
• Breakthrough: Successful germination of black-eyed pea (lobia) seeds in space.
• Growth Conditions:
  • Controlled Earth-like atmospheric conditions (temperature, light, humidity).
  • Medium: Porous clay pellets simulating soil.
  • Water delivery via electric valve for moisture regulation.

Challenges in Space Agriculture:

• Microgravity: Disrupts root growth and nutrient delivery.
• Radiation: Damages plant DNA and affects growth.
• Temperature Variations: Extreme changes risk plant survival.
• Limited Sunlight: Impacts photosynthesis, especially in deep space.

Cultivation Methods Used:

• Hydroponics: Nutrient delivery through liquid solutions.
• Aeroponics: Mist-based nutrient delivery to optimize resource usage.
• Soil-like Media: Simulates Earth-like soil for plant growth.

Germination Process:

• Water injected into the growth medium after launch.
• Sensors monitored oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.
• Seeds sprouted on the 4th day, with two leaves emerging by the 5th day.

Future Focus:

• Extend plant growth stages beyond sprouting.
• Develop active control systems for consistent plant growth.
• Integrate space-grown plants into closed-loop life support systems.

Important Terms Explained:

• Hydroponics: Growing plants without soil, using nutrient-rich water solutions.
• Aeroponics: A soil-free method where plants are grown in an air or mist environment with nutrient sprays.
• Closed-Loop Life Support System: A system that recycles air, water, and waste to support human life in space.

Tabular Summary:

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13. What is the name of the Blue Origin rocket that recently completed its maiden flight?
A) Vulcan
B) Ariane 6
C) New Glenn
D) Starship
E) Blue Moon
Answer: C) New Glenn

Event and Location:

• Event: Blue Origin Launches New Glenn on Maiden Flight
• Date: January 18, 2025 (reported)
• Location: Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida

Mandates and Objectives:

• Successfully test Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket, a reusable orbital-class vehicle.
• Expand Blue Origin’s capabilities for competitive space exploration and commercial missions.

Key Highlights of the Launch:

• Rocket Name: New Glenn, named after John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth.
• Size: 320 feet (98 meters), five times larger than Blue Origin’s earlier rockets.
• Payload: Prototype satellite, retained inside the second stage for testing.
• Mission Duration: Six hours, ending with the second stage in a stable orbit to avoid space debris.

Launch and Landing:

• Launch Site: Historic Complex 36, rebuilt by Blue Origin with a $1 billion investment.
• Booster Recovery: First-stage booster targeted for a barge landing in the Atlantic for reuse.
• Delays: Launch postponed from Monday due to ice buildup in the rocket’s systems.

Future of New Glenn:

• Planned Flights: Six to eight launches in 2025, including missions for satellites, cargo, and astronauts.
• Lunar and Mars Missions: Blue Origin’s lunar lander, Blue Moon, will support NASA’s Artemis program.

Industry Context:

• Major Competitors:
  • SpaceX’s Starship (400 feet tall).
  • United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan.
  • Europe’s Ariane 6.
  • NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS).
• NASA Collaboration:
  • Escapade Mars mission (rescheduled to late 2025).
  • Lunar missions under NASA’s Artemis program.

Important Terms Explained:

• New Glenn: Blue Origin’s reusable orbital rocket designed for heavy-lift capabilities.
• Complex 36: Historic Cape Canaveral launch pad, previously used for NASA’s Mariner and Pioneer missions, now rebuilt by Blue Origin.
• Blue Moon: Blue Origin’s lunar lander, supporting NASA’s Artemis program for moon exploration.

Tabular Summary:

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14. What is the name of India’s first indigenous surgical tele-robotic system used for the world’s first robotic cardiac telesurgeries?
A) Da Vinci
B) SSI Mantra
C) RoboCardia
D) TeleSurgix
E) MediBot
Answer: B) SSI Mantra

Event and Location:

• Event: World’s First Cardiac Telesurgery Performed Using India’s SSI Mantra
• Date: January 9 and 10, 2025
• Location: Gurugram (control centre) and Jaipur (surgical site), India
• Distance Covered: 286 km

Mandates and Objectives:

• Enable remote cardiac surgeries using cutting-edge robotic technology to bridge healthcare gaps.
• Provide world-class surgical expertise to underserved areas with reduced financial and logistical burdens.

Key Highlights:

1. Technological Breakthrough:
   • Performed using SSI Mantra, India’s first indigenous surgical tele-robotic system developed by SS Innovations.
   • Achieved exceptionally low latency of 35-40 milliseconds for precise control.
2. Surgeries Conducted:
   • Internal Mammary Artery Harvesting:
     • Duration: 58 minutes.
   • Robotic Beating Heart Totally Endoscopic Coronary Artery Bypass (TECAB):
     • Considered one of the most complex cardiac surgeries.
3. Leadership and Team:
   • Led by Dr. Sudhir Srivastava, Founder of SS Innovations, from Gurugram.
   • Supported by Dr. Lalit Malik, Chief of Cardiac Surgery at Manipal Hospital, Jaipur.

Impact on Healthcare:

• Accessibility: Brings surgical expertise to remote and underserved communities.
• Timely Interventions: Reduces delays for critical procedures.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Eliminates the need for patients to travel to urban centres.
• Democratization of Robotic Surgery: First steps toward making advanced surgical care accessible across India.

Important Terms Explained:

• Telesurgery: Remote surgery performed using robotic systems controlled by surgeons located far from the surgical site.
• SSI Mantra: India’s first indigenous tele-robotic surgical system, designed to democratize access to robotic surgery.
• Totally Endoscopic Coronary Artery Bypass (TECAB): A minimally invasive heart surgery performed without opening the chest.

Tabular Summary:

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International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs January 18 & 19

15. Which African country was recently admitted as a “partner country” of the BRICS bloc?
A) Ethiopia
B) Nigeria
C) Uganda
D) South Africa
E) Egypt
Answer: B) Nigeria

Event and Location:

• Event: Nigeria Admitted as Partner Country of BRICS Bloc
• Date: January 18, 2025
• Location: Abuja, Nigeria

Mandates and Objectives:

• Strengthen South-South cooperation and enhance Nigeria’s role in global governance reform.
• Expand the influence of the BRICS bloc (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) on the global stage by incorporating key economies.
• Counter the dominance of Western alliances like the G7 and reduce dependence on the US dollar in global trade.

Key Highlights:

• Nigeria’s Admission:
  • Admitted as a partner country (not full member).
  • Becomes the 9th partner country, joining Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan.
• Strategic Importance of Nigeria:
  • Sixth-largest population globally and largest in Africa.
  • One of Africa’s top economies and a major oil producer.
  • Aligns with BRICS’s goals of expanding its influence in Africa and the Global South.
• BRICS Expansion:
  • Recently added members: Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and UAE (2024).
  • Countries invited or applied for membership: Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Azerbaijan.
• Future Goals of BRICS:
  • Alternative Payment System: Develop a system independent of the US dollar.
  • Global Governance: Advocate reforms in institutions like the UN and IMF.

Important Terms Explained:

• BRICS:
  • Formed: 2009 (Brazil, Russia, India, China; South Africa joined in 2010).
  • Purpose: Counterbalance to Western-dominated G7 nations.
  • 2025 Chair: Brazil.
• Partner Country Status:
  • Allows participation in BRICS events but does not grant full membership or voting rights.
• South-South Cooperation: A framework of collaboration among developing countries in areas such as trade, technology, and development strategies.

Tabular Summary:

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National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs January 18 & 19

16. What is the total amount of the revival package approved by the Union Cabinet for RINL?
A) ₹10,300 crore
B) ₹11,140 crore
C) ₹9,800 crore
D) ₹12,500 crore
E) ₹10,440 crore
Answer: B) ₹11,140 crore

Event and Location:

• Event: Cabinet Approves ₹11,440 Crore Revival Package for RINL
• Date: January 18, 2025 (reported).
• Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

• Objective of Revival Package:
  • Address RINL’s financial crisis and operational inefficiencies.
  • Enhance steel production to stabilize the Indian steel market.
  • Safeguard employee livelihoods and ensure the plant’s sustainability.

Key Features of the Revival Plan:

• Package Components:
  • ₹10,300 crore equity capital infusion.
  • ₹1,140 crore working capital loans converted into 7% non-cumulative preference shares, redeemable after 10 years.
• Operational Plans:
  • Begin production with two blast furnaces in January 2025.
  • Expand to three blast furnaces by August 2025.
• Strategic Measures:
  • Secure raw materials and modernize plant infrastructure.
  • Focus on long-term competitiveness and sustainability in the steel sector.

Financial Health of RINL:

• Net Worth: Negative ₹4,538 crore (as of March 31, 2024).
• Current Assets: ₹7,686.24 crore.
• Current Liabilities: ₹26,114.92 crore.
• Loan Defaults: Defaulted on capital expenditure loans and interest payments in June 2024.

Important Terms Explained:

• Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL): A public sector steel producer commonly known as Vizag Steel, responsible for significant steel production in India.
• Preference Shares: A type of share that gives holders preference in dividend payments but usually no voting rights.
• Equity Capital: Funds raised by a company through the sale of shares to investors.
• Non-Cumulative Preference Shares: Shares where missed dividend payments are not carried forward.

Tabular Summary:

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17. What is the primary goal of the National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0?
A) Increase mobile tower installations in urban areas
B) Connect 1.7 lakh villages with broadband
C) Enhance international internet speed rankings
D) Provide free internet to rural households
E) Replace 4G networks with 5G in urban areas
Answer: B) Connect 1.7 lakh villages with broadband

Event and Location:

• Event: India’s Digital Leap: Launch of NBM 2.0 & Sanchar Saathi App
• Date: January 17, 2025
• Location: India

National Broadband Mission 2.0 (NBM 2.0):

• Objective:
  • Expand broadband access to 1.7 lakh villages across India.
  • Ensure 60 out of every 100 rural households have broadband access.
  • Provide a minimum fixed broadband download speed of 100 Mbps.
• Expected Impact:
  • Bridge the digital divide between urban and rural areas.
  • Foster inclusive growth by improving connectivity for remote regions.

Sanchar Saathi Mobile Application:

• Purpose: Enhance telecom security and empower users.
• Features:
  • Report Fraudulent Communications: Allows users to flag suspected fraudulent calls and SMS.
  • Manage Mobile Connections: Enables users to identify and manage all connections in their name.
  • Block Lost Devices: Swiftly block, trace, or recover lost or stolen mobile devices.
  • Verify Device Authenticity: Check handset authenticity to avoid counterfeit purchases.
• Platform Availability: Android and iOS.

Intra-Circle Roaming (ICR) at DBN-Funded 4G Sites:

• Objective: Allow subscribers of BSNL, Airtel, and Reliance to access 4G services from a single Digital Bharat Nidhi-funded tower.
• Significance:
  • Improves connectivity in remote areas.
  • Enhances user flexibility by providing access across multiple telecom service providers.

Important Terms Explained:

• National Broadband Mission (NBM): A government initiative to enhance broadband penetration across India.
• Sanchar Saathi App: A telecom security app by the Department of Telecommunications to empower users against fraud and secure their devices.
• Intra-Circle Roaming (ICR): A facility allowing telecom users to access services from other operators within the same telecom circle.
• Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN): A government fund aimed at supporting digital infrastructure development in India.

Tabular Summary:

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18. Which city in Odisha is set to host the new FinTech hub established through the MoU with Singapore?
A) Cuttack
B) Rourkela
C) Bhubaneswar
D) Puri
E) Sambalpur
Answer: C) Bhubaneswar

Event and Location:

• Event: Odisha-Singapore MoU for Launching FinTech Hub in Bhubaneswar
• Date: January 17, 2025
• Location: Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Mandates and Objectives:

• Purpose: Establish a Global Competency Centre in Bhubaneswar to advance InsureTech innovation and financial inclusion.
• Partners: Odisha’s Electronics and IT Department and Singapore’s Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN).
• Goals:
  • Drive innovation in FinTech.
  • Develop tailored solutions for financial inclusion.
  • Support India’s national vision of “Insurance for All” by 2047.

Key Highlights:

• Significance:
  • Strengthens Odisha’s role in the global FinTech landscape.
  • Aims to build a sustainable InsureTech ecosystem.
• Leadership Remarks:
  • Mohan Charan Majhi (CM, Odisha): Focus on making Odisha a leader in FinTech innovation.
  • Sopnendu Mohanty (CEO Designate, GFTN): Aligns with India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, enhancing financial inclusion.
• Additional Collaborations:
  • Eight MoUs signed between Odisha and Singaporean entities, covering:
    • Skill development
    • Green energy
    • Industrial park development

Important Terms Explained:

• InsureTech: A branch of FinTech focusing on innovations in the insurance sector, enhancing accessibility, efficiency, and affordability of insurance services.
• “Insurance for All” by 2047: A vision to ensure universal access to appropriate life, health, and property insurance for all Indian citizens.
• Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN): A Singapore-based entity specializing in financial and technological solutions for global challenges.

Tabular Summary:

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19. Under the SVAMITVA scheme, how many property cards were distributed on January 18, 2025?
A) 50 lakh
B) 65 lakh
C) 75 lakh
D) 1 crore
E) 2.25 crore
Answer: B) 65 lakh

Event and Location:

• Event: PM Modi Distributes Property Cards under SVAMITVA Scheme
• Date: January 18, 2025
• Location: Across 10 states and 2 Union Territories

Mandates and Objectives:

• Provide legal property ownership records to rural residents through property cards.
• Bridge the gap in land governance and foster financial inclusion in rural areas.
• Strengthen rural economies by enabling property monetization for bank loans and reducing disputes.

Key Highlights:

• Property Cards Distributed:
  • 65 lakh property cards were distributed in more than 50,000 villages.
  • Cumulatively, the scheme has issued nearly 2.25 crore property cards since its inception.
• Coverage:
  • Spanning 10 states: Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh.
  • 2 Union Territories: Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
• Drone Surveys Completed:
  • 3.17 lakh villages mapped with 92% coverage of rural Abadi areas.
  • A total of 67,000 sq. km surveyed, with an estimated land value of ₹132 lakh crore.

Impact and Benefits:

• Land Digitization:
  • 98% of land records digitized, facilitating better infrastructure planning.
• Women Empowerment:
  • Strengthened women’s property rights, enhancing social and economic stability.
• Global Recognition:
  • International workshop planned in March 2025 to showcase the SVAMITVA model to global audiences.

Important Terms Explained:

• SVAMITVA Scheme:
  • Abbreviation: Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas.
  • Launch Date: April 24, 2020 (National Panchayati Raj Day).
  • Objective: Provide Record of Rights to property owners in rural areas using drone and GIS technology.
• Bhu-Aadhaar: A unique identifier for land parcels in India, akin to Aadhaar for individuals.

Tabular Summary:

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20. What is the name of the enhanced take-home ration (THR) introduced in Jharkhand for severely malnourished children?
A) Shishu Suraksha
B) Shishu Balak
C) Shishu Shakti
D) Shishu Poshan
E) Shishu Sampatti
Answer: C) Shishu Shakti

Event and Location:

• Event: Jharkhand Rolls out Enhanced Take-home Ration for Severely Malnourished Children
• Date: January 18, 2025
• Location: Chakradharpur block, West Singhbhum district, Jharkhand

Mandates and Objectives:

• Objective: Address severe malnutrition in children aged 6 months to 6 years and make Jharkhand malnutrition-free.
• Pilot Project: Four-month feasibility study of Shishu Shakti distribution in Chakradharpur block.

Key Highlights:

• Enhanced Nutrition:
  • Shishu Shakti packets contain energy, protein, and micronutrients superior to regular THR.
  • Made from locally sourced grains, pulses, nuts, and millet for cost efficiency and better nutritional outcomes.
• Implementation:
  • 397 severely malnourished children identified in the block.
  • Children will receive Shishu Shakti alongside home-cooked meals.
  • The Women, Child Development and Social Security Department will monitor the results.

Existing Nutrition Programs in Jharkhand:

• Hot Cooked Meals: Provided daily to children aged 3–6 years at 38,523 Anganwadi centres.
• Supplementary Nutrition:
  • Reaches over 11 lakh beneficiaries monthly.
  • Includes eggs for complete nutrition, funded by the state government.
• Micronutrient-Fortified Foods: Energy-dense food provided to improve mothers’ and children’s nutritional status.

Challenges Addressed:

• National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5):
  • Reports 3.9 lakh malnourished or underweight children in Jharkhand.
• Combat Malnutrition: Holistic measures taken to improve nutritional outcomes and reduce child mortality.

Important Terms Explained:

• Shishu Shakti: Enhanced food packets aimed at combating malnutrition in young children, containing locally sourced and nutrient-rich ingredients.
• Anganwadi Centres: Rural childcare centres under India’s Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme, providing nutrition, education, and healthcare to children and mothers.
• NFHS (National Family Health Survey): A nationwide survey conducted in India to assess health and nutrition indicators.

Tabular Summary:

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Over All Review

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