Current Affairs - Current Affairs

Exercise : Daily Current Affairs
  • January 12, 2025 Current Affairs
1.
Which state in India has become the first to link its forest ecosystem to Green Gross Domestic Product (Green GDP)?
Chhattisgarh
Kerala
Maharashtra
Madhya Pradesh
Answer: Option
Explanation:
Chhattisgarh has pioneered the integration of its forest ecosystem into Green GDP, recognizing the economic and environmental value of forests. Green GDP modifies traditional GDP by accounting for environmental costs such as natural resource depletion and ecosystem degradation. This initiative emphasizes biodiversity conservation and sustainable development, aligning economic growth with environmental health. By valuing forests within the Green GDP framework, Chhattisgarh underscores its commitment to sustainable practices and climate change mitigation, setting an example for other states to adopt similar approaches for a balanced and inclusive assessment of growth and well-being.

2.
Which state’s High Court struck down the Green Energy Open Access (GEOA) Rules, 2022, and related regulations?
Tamil Nadu
Karnataka
Gujarat
Maharashtra
Answer: Option
Explanation:
The Karnataka High Court invalidated the Green Energy Open Access (GEOA) Rules, 2022, citing overreach by the Central Government. The Court emphasized that the Electricity Act, of 2003, grants exclusive regulatory powers to State Electricity Regulatory Commissions like KERC. The judgment highlighted the autonomy of state regulatory bodies in managing electricity-related provisions, including tariffs and open access rules. While the Central Government justified the GEOA Rules by citing international treaty obligations, the Court ruled that these powers could not override state authority under the regulatory framework established by the Electricity Act, of 2003.

3.
Which country's population is ageing five times faster than it is growing, according to the National Population Research Institute?
Turkey
Egypt
Saudi Arabia
Iran
Answer: Option
Explanation:
Iran's population is experiencing a significant demographic shift, with one-third of its population projected to be 60 or older by 2050. This rapid ageing is attributed to longer life expectancy and declining birth rates, posing economic challenges and intergenerational financial burdens. The Iranian government has launched public campaigns to encourage higher birth rates, but economic instability and unemployment hinder these efforts.

4.
Which country is India collaborating with to enhance cooperation in geology and exploration?
Russia
China
Kazakhstan
Mongolia
Answer: Option
Explanation:
India is set to collaborate with Mongolia by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in geology and exploration. This partnership focuses on securing essential resources like copper and coking coal, which are crucial for power generation, construction, and steelmaking industries. Mongolia’s rich mineral deposits present India with an opportunity to diversify its supply chains, reduce reliance on traditional suppliers, and enhance resource security to support its industrial growth and sustainability.

5.
Which country is currently experiencing a humanitarian crisis due to a conflict between its army and Rapid Support Forces (RSF)?
Ethiopia
Syria
Sudan
Yemen
Answer: Option
Explanation:
Sudan is facing a severe humanitarian crisis caused by the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The war has displaced 12 million people, caused famine in five regions, and led to the collapse of infrastructure and healthcare systems. Over 3 million children are at risk of malnutrition, with 772,000 expected to suffer from severe acute malnutrition in 2025. Violence has hindered humanitarian aid and disrupted education, leaving long-term developmental consequences for Sudan's children and its future. This crisis underscores the urgent need for international intervention and a political resolution.

6.
What is the export target set by India for the Food & Beverage, agriculture, and marine sectors within five years?
$75B
$100B
$50B
$150B
Answer: Option
Explanation:
India has set an ambitious export target of $100 billion for the Food & Beverage (F&B), agriculture, and marine sectors over the next five years. Union Minister Piyush Goyal announced this during Indusfood 2025, emphasizing the need for 14-15% annual growth to meet this goal. The success of Indusfood 2025 and the initiatives by APEDA and MPEDA have been instrumental in achieving last year’s $50 billion in exports, highlighting India’s strong position in global trade. This target also reflects India’s focus on leveraging its agricultural and marine strengths for economic growth.

7.
Which country is hosting the AI Action Summit attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February 2025?
France
United States
China
India
Answer: Option
Explanation:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the AI Action Summit in Paris, France, on February 10-11, 2025. Hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, the summit focuses on fostering international collaboration on AI governance, innovation, trust, and combating misinformation. This event highlights France's role in positioning itself at the centre of the global AI landscape, and India’s participation underscores the strengthening partnership between the two nations in advancing AI technologies and addressing global challenges in the field.

8.
Where was India’s first Generation Beta baby born?
Mizoram
Maharastra
Assam
Nagaland
Answer: Option
Explanation:
India’s first Generation Beta baby, Frankie Remruatdika Zadeng, was born in Mizoram on January 1, 2025. The baby was delivered at Synod Hospital in Aizawl, marking a significant milestone as the first baby of this demographic cohort in India. Generation Beta refers to children born from 2025 onwards, representing an era of digital nativity and sustainability-focused values.

9.
What was the growth rate of India’s factory output in November 2024, as measured by the Index of Industrial Production (IIP)?
3.7%
5.2%
4.1%
6.5%
Answer: Option
Explanation:
India’s factory output, as indicated by the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), rose by 5.2% in November 2024, the highest growth rate in six months. This increase was driven by favourable base effects, seasonal demand during the festive period, and notable improvements in manufacturing, capital goods, and consumer durables. The cumulative industrial growth for April-November 2024 was recorded at 4.1%.

10.
What was the record low exchange rate of the Indian rupee against the US dollar on January 10, 2025?
Rs.85.50
Rs.85.96
Rs.86
Rs.87
Answer: Option
Explanation:
On January 10, 2025, the Indian rupee hit a record low of ₹86 against the US dollar, marking a significant depreciation. This decline was driven by a stronger US dollar, sustained foreign institutional investor (FII) outflows, and rising global crude oil prices. These factors added pressure on the rupee, reflecting challenges in the Indian economy and increased volatility in the foreign exchange market. Despite interventions by the Reserve Bank of India, the rupee breached the ₹86 threshold for the first time.