Daily Current Affairs January 29

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January 29 | Daily Current Affairs 2024

Important Days – Daily Current Affairs January 29

1. What is the significance of Indian Newspaper Day observed on January 29?
A) It marks the birth anniversary of a famous journalist
B) It commemorates the introduction of Hicky’s Bengal Gazette
C) It celebrates India’s first radio broadcast
D) It recognizes digital media’s role in modern journalism
E) It was introduced by the Press Council of India in 1954
Answer: B) It commemorates the introduction of Hicky’s Bengal Gazette

Event and Location:

• Event: Indian Newspaper Day, commemorating India’s first newspaper, Hicky’s Bengal Gazette
• Location: Observed across India
• Date: January 29, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Recognize the historic contribution of newspapers in shaping India’s socio-political landscape
• Celebrate freedom of the press and its role in advocating public rights and democracy
• Encourage newspaper reading habits despite the rise of digital media
• Highlight the challenges faced by early newspapers, including censorship under British rule

Important Terms Explained:

• Hicky’s Bengal Gazette:
  • India’s first newspaper, launched by James Augustus Hicky on January 29, 1780
  • Also known as Calcutta General Advertiser
  • Published weekly in Kolkata (then Calcutta)
  • Criticized the British administration, including Governor General Warren Hastings
  • Was shut down in 1782 due to British censorship
• Vernacular Press Act (1878):
  • Introduced by Lord Lytton to curb press freedom in India
  • Allowed the British government to censor vernacular newspapers
  • Criticized for suppressing freedom of expression
• Press Council of India (PCI):
  • Established in 1966 under the Indian Press Council Act, 1965
  • Functions as an autonomous authority to uphold press freedom and maintain journalistic standards
  • Was abolished during Emergency (1975) but re-established in 1979 under the Press Council Act, 1978

Tabular Summary:

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Sports – Daily Current Affairs January 29

2. Which team won the ICC Women’s Championship Trophy for the third consecutive time?
A) India
B) England
C) Australia
D) South Africa
E) New Zealand
Answer: C) Australia

Event and Location:

• Event: Australia wins ICC Women’s Championship Trophy for the third consecutive time
• Location: Melbourne, Australia
• Date: January 29, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Ensuring regular international cricket series for women’s teams
• Strengthening global competition and player development
• Serving as a qualification pathway for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025
• Encouraging growth and expansion of women’s cricket internationally

Important Terms Explained:

• ICC Women’s Championship:
  • Introduced in 2014 to expand women’s cricket and ensure consistent international matches
  • Determines direct qualification for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup
  • Initially featured 8 teams (2014-16, 2017-20), expanded to 10 teams (2022-25 cycle)
• ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup:
  • Flagship tournament for women’s One Day International (ODI) cricket
  • Held every four years by the International Cricket Council (ICC)
  • Next edition: ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025
• ICC (International Cricket Council):
  • Global governing body for cricket
  • Regulates international matches, rankings, and tournaments
  • Organizes World Cups, T20 events, and bilateral series

Tabular Summary:

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3. What is the theme of the 38th National Games held in Dehradun, Uttarakhand?
A) Digital India Games
B) Green Games
C) Swachh Bharat Games
D) Fit India Games
E) One Nation, One Sport
Answer: B) Green Games

Event and Location:

• Event: PM Modi inaugurates the 38th National Games
• Location: Dehradun, Uttarakhand
• Date: January 29, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Promote environmental sustainability through the theme of ‘Green Games’
• Provide a national platform for young athletes to showcase their talent
• Encourage fitness and healthy lifestyle choices among citizens
• Boost Uttarakhand’s economy, tourism, and job creation through sports events
• Strengthen India’s aspirations for hosting the 2036 Olympics

Important Terms Explained:

• National Games of India:
  • A multi-sport event held every four years among Indian states and Union Territories
  • First held in 1924, governed by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA)
  • Provides a competitive platform for emerging athletes
• Green Games Initiative:
  • Eco-friendly practices adopted during the 38th National Games
  • Trophies and medals made from e-waste
  • A tree planted for every medal winner to promote sustainability
• Khelo India Youth Games:
  • A national initiative launched in 2018 to support young athletes
  • Encourages grassroots participation in sports and provides financial assistance
• India’s 2036 Olympics Bid:
  • PM Modi expressed confidence in India hosting the Olympics
  • Boosts infrastructure, tourism, and India’s global sports reputation

Tabular Summary:

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4. Which team won the men’s ice hockey title at the Khelo India Winter Games 2025?
A) Ladakh
B) Maharashtra
C) Tamil Nadu
D) Indian Army
E) ITBP
Answer: D) Indian Army

Event and Location:

• Event: Ladakh tops Khelo India Winter Games 2025; Indian Army wins men’s ice hockey title
• Location: Leh, Ladakh
• Date: January 29, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Promote winter sports culture in India through Khelo India Winter Games
• Encourage young athletes to participate in ice sports such as ice hockey and skating
• Provide a platform for emerging sports talent from different states
• Boost tourism and sports infrastructure in Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir
• Prepare Indian athletes for international winter sports competitions

Important Terms Explained:

• Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG):
  • A national-level winter sports competition under the Khelo India initiative
  • Launched in 2020 to develop winter sports infrastructure and training
  • Hosted in Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir in different phases
• Ice Hockey in India:
  • One of the fastest-growing winter sports in India
  • Ladakh and ITBP teams dominate the competition in national tournaments
  • The Indian Army has consistently performed well in ice hockey championships
• Khelo India Initiative:
  • A flagship sports development program launched in 2018
  • Aims to identify and nurture young sporting talent across India
  • Includes Khelo India Youth Games, Khelo India University Games, and KIWG

Tabular Summary:

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5. Which team won the inaugural Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) title in 2025?
A) Soorma Hockey Club
B) Haryana Hawks
C) Mumbai Rovers
D) Odisha Warriors
E) Punjab Panthers
Answer: D) Odisha Warriors

Event and Location:

• Event: Odisha Warriors win the first Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) title
• Location: Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Stadium, Ranchi
• Date: January 29, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Establish Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) as a premier tournament in Indian women’s hockey
• Promote women’s participation in professional hockey and boost talent development
• Encourage sports infrastructure growth and competitive exposure for female athletes
• Enhance India’s standing in international hockey through domestic league experience
• Provide a platform for emerging hockey players to showcase their talent

Important Terms Explained:

• Women’s Hockey India League (HIL):
  • India’s first franchise-based women’s hockey league
  • Modeled after domestic professional leagues to promote women’s hockey in India
  • Aims to develop grassroots talent and provide competitive match exposure
• Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Stadium:
  • Located in Ranchi, Jharkhand
  • Named after Jaipal Singh Munda, India’s first Olympic hockey captain (1928)
  • A key venue for hockey development in eastern India
• Key Players & Awards:
  • Hero of the Match: Ruturaj Dadaso Pisal (Odisha Warriors)
  • Player of the Tournament: Jyoti (Soorma HC)
  • Best Goalkeeper: Savita (Soorma HC)
  • Upcoming Player: Sonam (Soorma HC)
  • Top Scorers: Yibbi Jansen (Odisha Warriors) & Charlotte Englebert (Soorma HC)

Tabular Summary:

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6. Who won the men’s singles title at the 2025 Senior National Table Tennis Championships?
A) Payas Jain
B) Harmeet Desai
C) Manush Shah
D) Sathiyan Gnanasekaran
E) Sharath Kamal
Answer: C) Manush Shah

Event and Location:

• Event: 2025 Senior National Table Tennis Championships
• Location: Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay Indoor Stadium, Surat, Gujarat
• Date: January 26, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Identify and recognize India’s top table tennis talents
• Provide a platform for players to showcase their skills at the national level
• Encourage greater participation in Indian table tennis
• Promote competitive spirit and talent development in the sport

Important Terms Explained:

• Senior National Table Tennis Championships:
  • Annual national-level tournament for professional table tennis players in India
  • Organized by the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI)
  • Determines the best table tennis players in various categories
• Manush Shah – Men’s Singles Champion:
  • Defeated Payas Jain 4-1 in the final (10-12, 11-6, 11-6, 12-10, 11-8)
  • Showcased attacking gameplay and a dominant comeback after losing the first game
  • Represents the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
• Diya Chitale – Women’s Singles Champion:
  • Defeated Sreeja Akula 4-3 in a hard-fought final (10-12, 8-11, 13-11, 12-10, 11-8, 9-11, 11-9)
  • Made a comeback from 0-2 down to secure the title
  • Also won the women’s doubles title with Sreeja Akula, completing a rare double win

Tabular Summary:

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Banking and Finance – Daily Current Affairs January 29

7. What is the primary goal of the strengthened partnership between SBI Payments and Pine Labs?
A) Expanding international banking operations
B) Driving digital commerce adoption in India
C) Establishing a new financial institution
D) Promoting cryptocurrency transactions
E) Increasing ATM installations across rural areas
Answer: B) Driving digital commerce adoption in India

Event and Location:

• Event: SBI Payments and Pine Labs strengthen their 12-year partnership
• Location: India
• Date: January 25, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Enhance merchant solutions by integrating advanced digital payment tools
• Improve consumer checkout experiences through seamless transactions
• Promote financial inclusion by expanding digital payment accessibility across urban and rural areas
• Boost digital commerce adoption in India by offering secure and convenient payment solutions
• Support small and large businesses in adopting digital payment technologies

Important Terms Explained:

• SBI Payments:
  • A subsidiary of State Bank of India (SBI) focused on digital payment solutions
  • Provides Point-of-Sale (POS) machines, e-commerce payment gateways, and merchant solutions
  • Works towards financial inclusion and cashless transactions
• Pine Labs:
  • A leading merchant commerce platform offering digital payment solutions
  • Specializes in POS machines, Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services, and credit-based transactions
  • Operates across India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East

Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL):

• A short-term financing option allowing consumers to make purchases and pay later in installments
• Offered through digital payment platforms and POS systems
• Gaining popularity in e-commerce and retail transactions

Equated Monthly Installment (EMI):

• A fixed payment option allowing consumers to pay for purchases over a set period
• SBI partnered with Pine Labs in 2019 to enable EMI options on debit card transactions
• Helps in making high-value purchases more affordable

Tabular Summary:

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8. What is the newly set interest rate for the Government of India Floating Rate Bonds 2035 for the period 2025-2030?
A) 6.50%
B) 6.58%
C) 6.66%
D) 6.75%
E) 7.00%
Answer: C) 6.66%

Event and Location:

• Event: RBI sets a 6.66% interest rate on GOI Floating Rate Bonds 2035
• Location: India
• Date: January 25, 2025 – January 24, 2030

Mandates and Objectives:

• Set interest rates on GOI Floating Rate Bonds (FRB) based on the 5-year yield of Government of India securities
• Provide investors with an adjustable return, reflecting market conditions
• Ensure steady income for conservative investors through periodic interest adjustments
• Align government bond interest rates with market trends, making them attractive to investors
• Enhance financial stability by maintaining predictable income streams for long-term investors

Important Terms Explained:

• Government of India Floating Rate Bond 2035 (GOI FRB 2035):
  • Issued on January 25, 2005, as a private placement between the Government of India and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
  • Floating interest rate bond, meaning its interest rate is adjusted every five years
  • Linked to the 5-year yield on Government of India securities
• Floating Rate Bonds (FRBs):
  • A type of government security with an interest rate that changes periodically
  • Helps investors benefit from fluctuating market rates
  • Offers a fixed spread over a benchmark rate, ensuring predictable adjustments
• Yield on Government Securities:
  • Represents the return on investment for government bonds
  • Higher yields indicate higher returns for bondholders, while lower yields signal a declining interest rate environment
• Subordinated Debt from IDFC:
  • When issued in 2005, the GOI FRB 2035 was part of a financial arrangement between the Government of India and the Infrastructure Development Finance Company (IDFC)
  • IDFC’s subordinated debt was transferred to RBI in exchange for these bonds

Tabular Summary:

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Appointments – Daily Current Affairs January 29

9. Who has been appointed as the new CEO of Zoho Corporation in 2025?
A) Sridhar Vembu
B) Shailesh Kumar Davey
C) Girish Mathrubootham
D) Sundar Pichai
E) Nandan Nilekani
Answer: B) Shailesh Kumar Davey

Event and Location:

• Event: Shailesh Kumar Davey appointed as the new CEO of Zoho Corporation
• Location: Zoho Corporation Headquarters, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
• Date: January 27, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Sridhar Vembu steps down as CEO to focus on research & development (R&D)
• Shailesh Kumar Davey takes over as the new group CEO of Zoho Corporation
• Expand Zoho’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) capabilities
• Enhance software optimization, data center efficiency, and cloud services
• Strengthen innovation in IT management solutions under new leadership

Important Terms Explained:

• Zoho Corporation:
  • A global cloud software company specializing in enterprise applications and SaaS (Software as a Service)
  • Founded in 1996 by Sridhar Vembu and Tony Thomas
  • Offers business tools like Zoho CRM, Zoho Mail, and ManageEngine
  • Competes with Salesforce, Microsoft, and Google in cloud services
• Sridhar Vembu’s New Role – Chief Scientist:
  • Focus on deep research in AI, ML, and software innovation
  • Leads Zoho’s future growth strategy through advanced technology development
• Shailesh Kumar Davey – New CEO:
  • Co-founder of Zoho Corporation
  • Alumnus of IIT Madras (B.Tech in Metallurgy, M.Tech in Industrial Management)
  • Previously VP of Engineering at ManageEngine, Zoho’s IT management division
  • Played a key role in Zoho’s infrastructure and software development
• Zoho’s AI & R&D Expansion:
  • Focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
  • Optimizing software, servers, and data centers to improve customer experience
  • Competing with tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon in cloud-based services

Tabular Summary:

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Awards – Daily Current Affairs January 29

10. Why was Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha honored with the Maharaja Hari Singh Award?
A) For his contributions to the field of literature
B) For his reforms and planning in Jammu and Kashmir
C) For his leadership in India’s space research
D) For promoting tourism in Jammu and Kashmir
E) For his role in national defense policies
Answer: B) For his reforms and planning in Jammu and Kashmir

Event and Location:

• Event: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha received the Maharaja Hari Singh Award
• Location: Satyam Resort, Jammu
• Date: January 29, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Recognizing Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s contributions to reforms and planning in Jammu and Kashmir
• Honoring Maharaja Hari Singh’s legacy in shaping modern Jammu and Kashmir
• Promoting peace, inclusive development, and communal harmony
• Encouraging public participation in India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047
• Acknowledging posthumous awardees for their contributions to public welfare

Important Terms Explained:

• Maharaja Hari Singh Award:
  • A prestigious award recognizing contributions toward peace, social development, and governance
  • Named after Maharaja Hari Singh, the last ruling Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir
  • Honors individuals for their role in governance, social reform, and public welfare
• Maharaja Hari Singh:
  • Last ruling Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir (1925–1947)
  • Instrumental in J&K’s integration with India
  • Introduced progressive social reforms such as free education, women’s empowerment, and land reforms
  • Advocated for justice, equality, and modernization of the region
• Viksit Bharat (Developed India) Initiative:
  • Vision for India to become a fully developed nation by 2047
  • Emphasizes economic growth, social equity, infrastructure development, and innovation
  • Encourages collective public participation in nation-building
• All India Urdu Mushaira:
  • A literary and cultural event showcasing renowned poets from Jammu and Kashmir and across India
  • Celebrates India’s rich Urdu poetry tradition
  • Organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages

Tabular Summary:

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Science and Technology – Daily Current Affairs January 29

11. What is the significance of ISRO’s NVS-02 launch on January 29, 2025?
A) It was the first launch of the GSLV-F15 rocket
B) It marked ISRO’s 200th mission from Sriharikota
C) It was the 100th launch from Sriharikota
D) It introduced India’s first private satellite
E) It placed the satellite in a Low Earth Orbit
Answer: C) It was the 100th launch from Sriharikota

Event and Location:

• Event: ISRO’s 100th launch from Sriharikota, deployment of NVS-02 satellite
• Location: Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota
• Date: January 29, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Strengthen India’s regional navigation system (NavIC)
• Enhance Position, Velocity, and Timing (PVT) services
• Replace the IRNSS-1E satellite at 111.75°E
• Improve navigation capabilities with L1, L5, S bands and C-band for ranging
• Incorporate indigenous atomic clocks for precision timekeeping

Important Terms Explained:

• Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC):
  • India’s regional satellite navigation system, developed by ISRO
• Provides two services:
  • Standard Positioning Service (SPS): Available for general users with <20m accuracy
  • Restricted Service (RS): Encrypted, for strategic and military applications
• Covers India and 1,500 km beyond its borders

Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO):

• An elliptical orbit used as an intermediate step for placing satellites into Geostationary Orbit (GEO)
• Ensures fuel-efficient satellite deployment

Indigenous Atomic Clock:

• Developed under the ‘Make in India’ initiative
• Ensures high-precision timekeeping for navigation and communication systems
• Improves NavIC’s accuracy

Tabular Summary:

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International Affairs – Daily Current Affairs January 29

12. What is the primary objective of the amended tax treaty between India and Oman?
A) Increase oil exports from Oman to India
B) Simplify cross-border taxation and enhance tax cooperation
C) Introduce new trade restrictions between the two countries
D) Establish a new currency exchange agreement
E) Reduce Oman’s dependency on Indian goods
Answer: B) Simplify cross-border taxation and enhance tax cooperation

Event and Location:

• Event: India and Oman amend tax treaty and accelerate CEPA negotiations
• Location: Bilateral agreement between India and Oman
• Date: January 29, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Amend the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) to align with international taxation standards
• Facilitate easier cross-border taxation, making trade and investment more efficient
• Accelerate negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)
• Reduce or eliminate tariffs on goods and services to enhance bilateral trade
• Strengthen economic ties between India and Oman, fostering greater investment opportunities

Important Terms Explained:

• Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA):
  • A treaty between two or more countries to prevent the same income from being taxed twice
  • Encourages foreign investment by eliminating taxation barriers
  • Helps businesses operating in both countries to avoid double taxation burdens
• Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA):
  • A type of free trade agreement (FTA) that reduces trade barriers between two nations
  • Covers trade in goods and services, investments, intellectual property, and customs cooperation
  • Aims to enhance market access and boost bilateral trade and economic integration
• Strait of Hormuz:
  • A strategic waterway between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman
  • One of the world’s most crucial maritime routes for oil transportation
  • Oman holds a key geographic position along this trade route

Tabular Summary:

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13. During Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to India, how many MoUs were signed between India and Indonesia?
A) Three
B) Four
C) Five
D) Six
E) Seven
Answer: C) Five

Event and Location:

• Event: India and Indonesia sign five MoUs to enhance bilateral cooperation
• Location: New Delhi, India
• Date: January 23-26, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Strengthening India-Indonesia bilateral relations through key agreements
• Enhancing cooperation in health, maritime security, digital development, and traditional medicine
• Promoting cultural exchange to foster mutual understanding
• Deepening economic collaboration through the 3rd India-Indonesia CEO Forum
• Facilitating ease of doing business between Indian and Indonesian enterprises

Important Terms Explained:

• Memorandum of Understanding (MoU):
  • A formal agreement between two or more parties outlining mutual commitments
  • Used in international relations, trade, and diplomatic cooperation
  • Helps establish frameworks for future collaboration
• Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA):
  • A trade agreement that includes trade in goods, services, investment, and economic cooperation
  • Aims to reduce or eliminate tariffs and non-tariff barriers
  • Promotes closer economic ties and investment opportunities
• India-Indonesia CEO Forum:
  • A platform for business leaders from both nations to enhance economic cooperation
  • Identifies key sectors for investment and collaboration
  • Encourages government policies that facilitate trade and investment

Tabular Summary:

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National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs January 29

14. What is the primary objective of the ‘Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025’?
A) Promote tourism in Odisha
B) Encourage investment and industrial growth in Odisha
C) Launch new educational policies
D) Celebrate Odisha’s cultural heritage
E) Expand India’s agricultural sector
Answer: B) Encourage investment and industrial growth in Odisha

Event and Location:

• Event: PM Modi inaugurates ‘Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025’
• Location: Janata Maidan, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
• Date: January 28, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Promote Odisha as a key investment hub in Eastern India
• Facilitate networking between investors, policymakers, and business leaders
• Encourage domestic and foreign investments in various industries
• Highlight Odisha’s industrial potential and economic growth opportunities
• Support MSMEs and startups for local business development
• Showcase Odisha’s historical trade importance in Southeast Asia

Important Terms Explained:

• Make in Odisha Conclave:
  • Odisha’s flagship business summit aimed at boosting industrial and economic growth
  • First introduced in 2016, held biennially to attract investment opportunities
  • Features sector-specific discussions, plenary sessions, and policy dialogues
• MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises):
  • Key contributors to India’s economy, providing employment and industrial diversification
  • Supported under various government initiatives, including Make in India and Start-up India
  • Essential for regional economic development and self-reliance in manufacturing

Tabular Summary:

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15. Which northeastern state became the first to sign an MoU with the Digital India Bhashini Division?
A) Assam
B) Meghalaya
C) Manipur
D) Tripura
E) Nagaland
Answer: D) Tripura

Event and Location:

• Event: Tripura signs an MoU with Digital India Bhashini Division for multilingual governance
• Location: Pragna Bhavan, Agartala, Tripura
• Date: January 28, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Enhance multilingual governance by integrating AI-driven real-time translation services
• Improve accessibility of government services by breaking language barriers
• Ensure digital inclusivity by supporting regional languages in official digital platforms
• Strengthen citizen engagement in governance through easy communication in native languages
• Promote digital literacy and regional identity by incorporating local languages into governance

Important Terms Explained:

• Bhashini Initiative:
  • A project under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
  • Uses AI and Natural Language Processing (NLP) to provide real-time translation services
  • Supports speech-to-text, text-to-speech, and voice-to-voice translations
  • Aims to remove language barriers in digital governance
• AI & Natural Language Processing (NLP):
  • AI-powered technology that enables computers to understand, interpret, and generate human language
  • Helps in automatic translation of text and speech to improve digital governance accessibility
• Digital India Initiative:
  • A flagship program launched in 2015 by the Government of India
  • Aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy
  • Includes projects like Bhashini, e-Governance, and Smart Cities

Tabular Summary:

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16. What is the primary objective of the National Critical Mineral Mission (CMM) approved by the Union Cabinet?
A) Promote fossil fuel-based energy production
B) Boost local mining and reduce dependence on critical mineral imports
C) Increase coal production for thermal power plants
D) Establish a global trade center for critical minerals
E) Reduce gold and silver imports
Answer: B) Boost local mining and reduce dependence on critical mineral imports

Event and Location:

• Event: Cabinet approves the National Critical Mineral Mission (CMM)
• Location: India
• Date: January 29, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Enhance domestic exploration and mining of critical minerals
• Reduce dependence on imports by developing local sources
• Streamline regulatory approvals for mining projects
• Encourage financial incentives for exploration and mineral recovery
• Establish a national stockpile of critical minerals for future security
• Strengthen India’s economic and defense self-reliance through mineral security
• Promote public-private partnerships in mineral extraction and processing
• Engage in international collaboration to acquire mineral assets abroad

Important Terms Explained:

• Critical Minerals:
  • Essential for key industries like electronics, telecommunications, transport, and defense
  • Crucial for renewable energy technologies such as solar panels, wind turbines, and EV batteries
  • India depends on imports for many of these minerals, making their availability a national security concern
• National Stockpile of Critical Minerals:
  • A strategic reserve of essential minerals to ensure continuous supply during shortages
  • Helps stabilize industries reliant on these materials
• Public-Private Collaboration in Mining:
  • Encourages PSUs and private firms to invest in exploration and mining
  • Supports the acquisition of mineral assets abroad to secure long-term supplies
• International Critical Mineral Lists:
  • US: 50 minerals declared critical
  • Japan: 31 minerals declared critical
  • UK: 18 minerals listed as critical
  • EU: 34 minerals on its critical list
  • Canada: 31 minerals declared as critical

Tabular Summary:

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17. Which ministry emerged as the top procurer on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) in FY 2024-25?
A) Ministry of Defence
B) Ministry of Power
C) Ministry of Coal
D) Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
E) Ministry of Steel
Answer: C) Ministry of Coal

Event and Location:

• Event: Government e-Marketplace (GeM) surpasses ₹4 Lakh Crore Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) in 10 months of FY 2024-25
• Location: India
• Date: January 23, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Enhance transparency, efficiency, and ease of procurement for government entities
• Promote digital transformation in public procurement through an integrated online marketplace
• Encourage participation of small businesses, MSMEs, and startups in government contracts
• Expand service offerings to include specialized categories like data center operations, dark fiber leasing, and bulk email services
• Support high-value procurement needs in sectors such as coal, defence, power, and petroleum

Important Terms Explained:

• Government e-Marketplace (GeM):
  • An online procurement platform launched by the Government of India in 2016
  • Facilitates the purchase of goods and services by central and state government entities
  • Promotes transparency, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in public procurement
• Gross Merchandise Value (GMV):
  • The total value of goods and services transacted on a platform over a given period
  • Reflects the scale and efficiency of the e-marketplace
• Services Segment Growth on GeM:
  • ₹2.54 Lakh Crore GMV (62% of total GMV)
  • Growth of 100% over the previous fiscal year
  • Includes 19 new service categories, such as:
    • Printing of debit cards
    • Bulk email services
    • Operations management of data centers
    • Dark fiber leasing

Top Procuring Ministries on GeM:

1. Ministry of Coal – ₹1.63 Lakh Crore in procurement
2. Ministry of Defence
3. Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
4. Ministry of Power
5. Ministry of Steel

GeM’s Record-Breaking Milestones:

• 49,960 orders processed in a single day in FY 24-25
• Over 2.59 Crore total orders since inception
• Cumulative GMV of ₹11.64 Lakh Crore since launch

Tabular Summary:

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18. What is the primary objective of the National Conference on Good Governance 2025?
A) Discuss economic policies for financial growth
B) Disseminate best governance practices for replication
C) Promote international collaboration in governance
D) Train bureaucrats for leadership roles
E) Announce new public sector schemes
Answer: B) Disseminate best governance practices for replication

Event and Location:

• Event: National Conference on Good Governance 2025
• Location: Gandhinagar, Gujarat
• Date: January 30-31, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Promote the vision of “Maximum Governance – Minimum Government”
• Showcase best practices in governance for replication across states
• Enhance government process re-engineering to improve citizen-centric services
• Leverage technology and innovation in public administration
• Encourage e-Governance and digital transformation in governance
• Share award-winning district-level initiatives from across India
• Provide a platform for national and state-level public administration officials to exchange ideas

Important Terms Explained:

• Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG):
  • A department under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
  • Focuses on improving governance efficiency and service delivery
  • Organizes conferences on Good Governance and e-Governance
• Maximum Governance – Minimum Government:
  • A governance model emphasizing efficiency, transparency, and reduced bureaucracy
  • Encourages digital governance and citizen-centric reforms
• Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration:
  • Recognizes innovative governance practices and best-performing districts
  • Shortlisted initiatives from the 2023 awards will be presented in the conference
• e-Governance Initiatives:
  • Use of technology to improve public service delivery
  • Key focus areas include digital governance, automation, and AI-based governance models

Tabular Summary:

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19. What is the approved Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Raw Jute (TD-3 grade) for the 2025-26 marketing season?
A) ₹5,000 per quintal
B) ₹5,250 per quintal
C) ₹5,650 per quintal
D) ₹6,000 per quintal
E) ₹6,250 per quintal
Answer: C) ₹5,650 per quintal

Event and Location:

• Event: Cabinet approves MSP for Raw Jute for 2025-26 Season
• Location: India
• Date: January 22, 2025

Mandates and Objectives:

• Ensure fair remuneration to jute farmers by fixing MSP at 1.5 times the cost of production
• Support the livelihood of 40 lakh jute farming families across India
• Encourage jute production and procurement through the Jute Corporation of India (JCI)
• Ensure stability in the jute market and promote sustainable agriculture
• Strengthen the jute industry by providing financial security to workers and farmers

Important Terms Explained:

• Minimum Support Price (MSP):
  • A government-fixed price at which crops are procured from farmers to protect them from market fluctuations
  • Announced before the sowing season to help farmers plan production
  • Based on the principle of 1.5 times the all-India weighted average cost of production
• Jute Industry in India:
  • India is the world’s largest producer of jute, with West Bengal producing 82%
  • Other major jute-producing states: Assam (9%) and Bihar (9%)
  • Provides direct employment to 4 lakh workers in jute mills and trade
• Jute Corporation of India (JCI):
  • Nodal agency for jute procurement under the Central Government
  • Conducts Price Support Operations (PSO) to stabilize jute prices
  • Government fully reimburses losses incurred in procurement operations
• Growth in MSP for Jute:
  • 2014-15 MSP: ₹2,400 per quintal
  • 2025-26 MSP: ₹5,650 per quintal
  • Increase of ₹3,250 per quintal (2.35 times) over 11 years

Tabular Summary:

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Over All Review

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