Current Affairs One-liners (Jan 07, 2025)
Amendments to the Forest Conservation Act 2025: The recent passage of this Bill marks a significant change in India's approach to forest regulation, coming after more than four decades since the original Act was enacted in 1980. Forest Rights Dispute in Madhya Pradesh: The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has intervened in a dispute concerning forest rights in Madhya Pradesh, where 52 villages have raised concerns about the denial of their forest rights. Shahid Madho Singh Haath Kharcha Scheme Launched in Odisha: This scheme aims to reduce the dropout rate among Scheduled Tribe students in Odisha by providing financial support. Golden Jackals Resurface in Urban Mumbai: The golden jackal, a native species, has been increasingly spotted in urban areas of Mumbai due to habitat loss caused by urbanization. Bharatpol Portal: Launched by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, this portal enhances India's law enforcement capabilities by facilitating real-time information sharing among state police and central agencies. Challenges in Corporate Tax and Excise Duty Collections: Meeting budget estimates for corporate tax and union excise duty is expected to be challenging for the fiscal year 2025-26. New Drone Incentives: The Government of India is set to unveil a new Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme aimed at encouraging a self-sustaining drone ecosystem, with an allocation of over ₹500 crore in the upcoming Budget. Income Inequality Trends in India 2023: A working paper from the People Research on India’s Consumer Economy (PRICE) reveals changes in income inequality in India, particularly following the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. RBI Credit Score Updates: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) now requires lenders to update credit bureau records every 15 days to enhance the accuracy and timeliness of credit score calculations. E-commerce Legal Challenges: The Supreme Court of India has transferred all petitions regarding alleged anti-competitive practices by Amazon and Flipkart to the Karnataka High Court. UGC Vice-Chancellor Selection: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced new regulations for the appointment and promotion of teachers in higher education, clarifying the selection process for Vice-Chancellors. Supreme Court Ruling on Non-Cognizable Offences: The Supreme Court of India has clarified the parameters for police investigations into serious and non-serious crimes, emphasizing safeguards for non-cognizable offences. Beta Blocker Drug Reactions: The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) has raised concerns about adverse drug reactions linked to widely used beta blocker medications like metoprolol, propranolol, and atenolol. Climate Change Impact on Water Cycle: The 2024 Global Water Monitor Report highlights the severe effects of climate change on the planet's water cycle. Rat-Hole Mining Incident in Assam: Several workers were trapped for over 12 hours in a coal "rat-hole" mine in Dima Hasao district, Assam, prompting ongoing rescue operations. UDAN 2.0 – Reviving Regional Connectivity in India: The Indian civil aviation sector is set for expansion with the anticipated introduction of the UDAN 2.0 scheme. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025: The 18th edition of this event will take place in Bhubaneswar from January 8 to 10, 2025, aiming to strengthen ties between India and its diaspora. US-China Science Agreement: The United States and China have signed a new bilateral science and technology agreement, renewing a 45-year-old pact and sparking global debate. US-China Tensions Over Critical Minerals: Trade tensions between the United States and China have intensified, particularly regarding critical minerals essential for advanced technology and defense. NYC Congestion Pricing Initiative: New York City has become the first city in the United States to implement congestion pricing to reduce traffic in densely populated areas. Polar Vortex Triggers Winter Storms in the US: Severe winter storms are impacting over 60 million people in the eastern regions of the United States, with temperatures expected to drop as low as -50°C (-60°F) due to the polar vortex. US Surgeon General Report on Alcohol and Cancer: Alcohol consumption is identified as the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the United States. National Anthem Controversy: Tamil Nadu’s Governor R.N. Ravi left the Legislative Assembly without delivering his customary address due to the absence of the national anthem before his scheduled speech. Arunachal Pradesh’s Religious Conversion Act Revival: The state government is reactivating a 1978 Act to prevent forced religious conversions. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention 2025: This event will be held in Bhubaneswar from January 8 to 10, 2025.