CURRENT AFFAIRS
22 January, 2025
1. AFTER 15 MONTHS OF WAR, WHICH SAW THE DEATHS OF TENS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE, THE DESTRUCTION OF MUCH OF GAZA AND MULTIPLE ROUNDS OF PAINSTAKING NEGOTIATIONS, HAMAS AND ISRAEL HAVE AGREED TO A CEASEFIRE. –
• The Israel-Hamas ceasefire was implemented after a 15-month-long war that began on October 7, 2023.
• The war caused severe casualties, with over 46,900 deaths in Gaza, the majority being civilians, and the displacement of nearly 2 million people in Gaza.
• In Israel, 1,200 people were killed, and 251 individuals were taken hostage by Hamas.
• The ceasefire agreement was brokered through the diplomatic efforts of Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, based on a framework proposed by U.S. President Joe Biden, endorsed by the UN Security Council in June 2024.
2. LIFTING OF SUGAR EXPORT BAN –
• Recently, the Union Government partially lifted the sugar export ban, allowing the export of one million metric tonnes of sugar for the 2024-25 season ending in September 2025.
• The export ban was imposed in October 2023 to regulate domestic sugar prices amid concerns of inflation and potential shortages.The ban was an extension of restrictions imposed on sugar export in 2022.
• This marked the first regulation on sugar exports in six years, driven by an unprecedented growth in exports during the previous season.
Expected Impact of the Move
• Boosts India’s agricultural economy by enhancing revenue generation.
• Directly benefits 5 crore sugarcane farmer families and 5 lakh workers by ensuring timely payments.
• It allows mills to export all grades of sugar.
• Balance sugar availability in domestic and international markets
3. NIGERIA JOINS BRICS AS PARTNER, AIMS FOR GLOBAL COLLABORATION –
• On January 17, 2025, Nigeria was officially admitted as a partner country of the BRICS bloc, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This strategic move aims to bolster Nigeria’s economic and diplomatic ties with leading emerging economies.
• The announcement was made by Brazil’s Foreign Ministry, highlighting Nigeria’s significant role in strengthening South-South cooperation and advocating for global governance reforms.
4. AYODHYA CELEBRATES FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF RAM LALLA’S PRAN PRATISHTHA –
• The sacred city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh is resonating with devotion and festivity as it marks the first anniversary of the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ of Ram Lalla at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir.
• The milestone event, celebrated on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, reflects the city’s spiritual legacy and the culmination of centuries of devotion and struggle.
• The grand Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Lalla took place on January 22, 2024, under the auspices of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a historic moment for the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir.
• The ritual, steeped in ancient Hindu traditions, symbolizes the consecration of Lord Ram’s idol in the sanctum sanctorum, making it a revered site for millions of devotees.
5. UTTARAKHAND’S MANUAL FOR UNIFORM CIVIL CODE –
• Recently, Uttarakhand’s government approved a comprehensive manual for its Uniform Civil Code (UCC), aiming to standardise personal laws across the state.
• This initiative marks Uttarakhand as the first state of India to implement the UCC, with preparations underway for training officials and launching online services.
• The UCC seeks to streamline processes related to marriage, divorce, inheritance, and other personal matters, amid ongoing discussions about its broader implications for Indian society.
MCQ QUIZ
Q1. Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya urged corporates to adopt one sport during the first-ever corporate round-table conference in New Delhi. What is the primary objective behind the Union Minister’s initiative to involve corporates in sports ?
a) To promote sports tourism in India
b) To strengthen the Indian sports ecosystem for hosting the 2036 Olympic Games
c) To launch a new national sports league
d) To encourage local sports events only
Q2. Google-backed Indian space start-up company Pixxel has become the first Indian private company to launch its commercial satellite constellation named Firefly on board a Space X rocket. Which rocket was used to launch Pixxel’s Firefly satellite constellation ?
a) PSLV-C55
b) GSLV Mk III
c) Falcon 9
d) New Shepard
Q3. Which organization approved the 2nd Living drug, Qartemi, for treating blood cancer ?
a) Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
b) Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO)
c) All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
d) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Q4. With reference to the working of Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs) in India, consider the following statements:
1. ARCs can raise funds through the issuance of security receipts (SRs).
2. Security receipts issued by ARCs are guaranteed by the Government of India.
3. ARCs can act as both asset acquirers and asset managers.
How many of the above given statements are incorrect ?
a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None
Explanation-
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced revised norms for Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs) to streamline the settlement of dues with borrowers.
Q5. Consider the following pairs:
How many pairs given above are correctly matched?
a) Only two pairs
b) Only three pairs
c) Only four pairs
d) All five pairs
Explanation-
The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) in Mumbai is set to become India’s first port to enter top global ports with 10 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) by 2027, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, said recently after launching projects worth nearly ₹2,000 crore towards expanding capacity at the JNP Port.
Answer Key
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
B | C | B | A | B |