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Current Affairs

Current Affairs Update - Republic Day 2025: Theme “Swarnim Bharat – Virasat aur Vikas

Theme Significance: The theme "Swarnim Bharat – Virasat aur Vikas" encapsulates India's rich heritage and its journey towards development. It aims to celebrate cultural inclusiveness and progress. Participating States and Union Territories: Fifteen states and Union Territories will present their tableaux during the Republic Day parade on Kartavya Path. These include Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chandigarh, Dadar Nagar Haveli and Daman, Diu, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, and Karnataka. Government Participation: Eleven Ministries and Union government departments will also participate, showcasing government efforts in various sectors. Global Audience Engagement: The event aims to engage a global audience by showcasing India's cultural diversity and developmental strides.

Current Affairs

The Early Update (Dec 24, 2024)

1. Veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal passes away: Shyam Benegal, a giant of Indian cinema and a key figure in the Parallel Cinema movement, passed away at the age of 90 due to kidney-related ailments. 2. Jaishankar in the U.S.: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is in the U.S. to meet with officials from both the outgoing Biden administration and the incoming Trump administration. 3. Protests in J&K: Leaders from various parties joined protests outside Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's residence, demanding rationalization of the reservation policy in the Union Territory. 4. Delhi HC denies anticipatory bail: The Delhi High Court refused anticipatory bail to former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar in a case of alleged cheating and misuse of reservation benefits in the UPSC Civil Services Examination. 5. Cybercriminals arrested: Twenty-one cybercriminals were arrested for allegedly duping people across the country of ₹125 crore. 6. Rozgar Mela: Prime Minister Narendra Modi distributed over 71,000 appointment letters to newly appointed recruits, highlighting the government's record of providing nearly 10 lakh permanent government jobs in the last one and a half years. 7. Kharge urges Modi Govt: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge urged the Modi government to fulfill its promises to farmers and criticized its policies. 8. Left parties protest: Leaders of five Left parties announced a day-long protest demanding Home Minister Amit Shah's resignation over his comments on B.R. Ambedkar. 9. Forest data controversy: Experts claimed that the latest government data on India's forests is inflated as it includes non-forest areas like bamboo plantations and orchards. 10. Weather alert in Himachal Pradesh: An orange alert was issued for severe cold in four districts of Himachal Pradesh, with snowfall likely in some parts.

Current Affairs

Current Affairs Update - Trump appoints Indian American Sriram Krishnan as AI advisor

Trump appoints Indian American entrepreneur Sriram Krishnan as senior policy advisor on Artificial Intelligence   Appointment Announcement: U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Indian American entrepreneur Sriram Krishnan as the Senior White House Policy Advisor on Artificial Intelligence. Professional Background: Sriram Krishnan has previously led product teams at Microsoft, Twitter, Yahoo!, Facebook, and Snap. Role and Responsibilities: He will work closely with David O. Sacks, the White House AI & Crypto Czar, to ensure continued American leadership in AI and help shape and coordinate AI policy across the government. Community Reaction: The Indian American community has welcomed his appointment, with Indiaspora's executive director Sanjeev Joshipura expressing delight and confidence in Krishnan's capabilities.

Current Affairs

Current Affairs Update - Farmers Day: Celebrating the Backbone of the Nation

Farmers Day, also known as Kisan Diwas, is celebrated annually on December 23rd in India. This day is dedicated to honoring the hard work and contributions of farmers, who are the backbone of the Indian economy. The date was chosen to commemorate the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, the 5th Prime Minister of India, who was a prominent leader and advocate for farmers' rights. Historical Significance Chaudhary Charan Singh, born on December 23, 1902, was a key figure in the Indian agricultural sector. He introduced various policies and reforms aimed at improving the lives of farmers and boosting agricultural productivity. His efforts led to significant changes in land reforms and the establishment of farmer-friendly policies. Farmers Day is a tribute to his legacy and a reminder of the importance of agriculture in India's development. Celebrations and Activities Farmers Day is celebrated with various events and activities across the country. These include: Seminars and Workshops: Educational sessions are organized to discuss modern farming techniques, sustainable agriculture, and government schemes available for farmers. Exhibitions: Agricultural fairs and exhibitions showcase the latest advancements in farming equipment, seeds, and fertilizers. Awards and Recognition: Outstanding farmers are honored with awards for their contributions to agriculture and innovation in farming practices. Cultural Programs: Cultural events, including folk dances and music, are held to celebrate the rich agricultural heritage of India. Challenges Faced by Farmers Despite their crucial role, farmers in India face numerous challenges, including: Climate Change: Unpredictable weather patterns and natural disasters can severely impact crop yields. Market Access: Farmers often struggle to get fair prices for their produce due to lack of access to markets and middlemen exploitation. Financial Issues: Many farmers are burdened with debt and lack access to affordable credit. Technological Barriers: Limited access to modern farming technology and practices hinders productivity. Government Initiatives The Indian government has implemented several schemes to support farmers, such as: Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN): Provides financial assistance to small and marginal farmers. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): Offers crop insurance to protect farmers against losses due to natural calamities. Soil Health Card Scheme: Aims to improve soil fertility by providing farmers with soil health cards containing crop-wise recommendations. Conclusion Farmers Day is a significant occasion to recognize and appreciate the relentless efforts of farmers in sustaining the nation. It serves as a reminder of the need to address the challenges faced by the agricultural community and to support them in their endeavors. As we celebrate this day, let us pledge to work towards a prosperous and sustainable future for our farmers.

Current Affairs

The Early Update (Dec 23, 2024)

1. Hyderabad Police released a video detailing the events leading to the stampede at Sandhya Theatre during the benefit show of "Pushpa 2," which resulted in one death and critical injuries to another. 2. Congress criticized the government over the different tax slabs for popcorn and called for an overhaul of the GST regime. 3. MGNREGS sites in West Bengal showed flaws, with inconsistencies reported in 31 out of 63 inspected worksites. 4. Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Kuwait's highest honor, "The Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer," during his visit. 5. Rahul Gandhi plans to visit Parbhani, which BJP and Shiv Sena leaders have termed as "drama". 6. Omar Abdullah canceled meetings in Jammu due to a harsh cold wave and power crisis in Kashmir. 7. Punjab farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal's health condition is critical as his fast-unto-death entered its 27th day. 8. Bihar elections will be fought under Nitish Kumar's leadership, as confirmed by the State's Deputy Chief Minister. 9. Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar emphasized the need for accountability of lawmakers for democracy to thrive. 10. Prime Minister Modi will distribute over 71,000 appointment letters to new recruits in various Union government departments.

Current Affairs

Current Affairs Update - India to Host World Boxing Cup Final 2025

Event Announcement: India will host the World Boxing Cup Final in November 2025. Concurrent Event: The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) will also conduct the third World Boxing Congress, which includes elections for the Presidency and Executive Board. Significance: This event marks India's support for the newly established World Boxing (WB) organization and showcases India's growing stature in the global boxing arena. BFI's Role: The BFI will oversee the organization of both the World Boxing Cup Final and the World Boxing Congress, managing logistics, ensuring athlete welfare, and creating a competitive environment. World Boxing Congress: The Congress will include important elections that will shape the future direction of the World

Current Affairs

Current Affairs Update - NITI Aayog Releases Report on ‘S.A.F.E Accommodation’

The recent report by NITI Aayog emphasizes the necessity of Secure, Affordable, Flexible, and Efficient (S.A.F.E) housing for workers in India’s manufacturing sector. Here are the main points: Importance of Worker Housing: Quality housing is essential for worker productivity, retention, and job satisfaction. Well-designed accommodations reduce commute times and encourage long-term employment. Government Initiatives: The Union Budget 2024-25 highlights the need for dormitory-style rental housing for industrial workers, supported by both government and private sectors. India aims to increase its manufacturing sector's contribution to GDP from 17% to 25% by 2047, requiring the creation of approximately 7.85 million jobs annually until 2030. Challenges in Worker Accommodation: Zoning laws, high operating costs, and stringent building regulations hinder the provision of adequate housing. The report advocates for classifying worker accommodations as a unique type of residential housing to reduce taxes and utility costs. Financial Support Mechanisms: The report recommends funding support through the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) programme, covering 30%-40% of project costs, and proposes transparent bidding processes to enhance efficiency and upgrade existing worker accommodations. Providing S.A.F.E. accommodations is crucial for India’s manufacturing strategy, aiming to enhance worker retention, increase productivity, and improve global competitiveness. Collaborative efforts among government, industries, and private developers are essential to realize this vision. 

Current Affairs

Current Affairs Update - Banning of Unregulated Lending Activities (BULA), Bill

The Banning of Unregulated Lending Activities (BULA) Bill aims to combat unregulated lending practices and protect borrowers from unauthorized lenders. Here are the main points: Definition: Unregulated lending includes loans offered outside existing regulations, such as those from unauthorized digital lending platforms. Penalties: Unauthorized lenders face severe penalties, including prison sentences of up to seven years and fines between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 1 crore. Coercive recovery methods result in even harsher penalties. Investigation: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will handle investigations involving large sums or multi-state issues. Exemptions: Loans to relatives are exempt from this ban. Concerns: The bill addresses rising concerns over fraudulent lending practices, aggressive recovery methods, and exorbitant interest rates. Government Actions: The government has removed over 2,200 dubious loan apps from Google Play Store between September 2022 and August 2023. Suggestions for Improvement: Legal experts suggest creating a public database of authorized lenders, securing systems to prevent record tampering, establishing a reporting portal for fraudulent activities, and launching financial literacy campaigns. Feedback: Stakeholders have until February 13, 2025, to provide feedback on the draft bill. The bill aims to curb harmful lending practices and promote transparency in the lending landscape.

Current Affairs

The Early Update (Dec 22, 2024)

1. Maharashtra Portfolio Allocation: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis retained the Home department, while Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar got the Urban Development and Finance departments respectively. 2. GST Council Meeting: The GST Council postponed the review of levies on life and health insurance policies, and granted more time to a ministerial group to suggest a roadmap for dealing with the GST Compensation Cess levies. 3. India-Kuwait Relations: Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India's skill, technology, and manpower as essential for Kuwait's development. 4. Congress on Election Rules: The Congress party claimed that changes in election rules indicate an erosion of the electoral process's integrity. 5. Allu Arjun Controversy: Actor Allu Arjun dismissed allegations of character assassination following a discussion in the Telangana Legislative Assembly about his behavior after a woman's death at a cinema hall. 6. Jaipur-Ajmer Highway Accident: The death toll from a tanker-truck collision and fire on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway rose to 14. 7. Drug Abuse in Northeast India: Union Home Minister Amit Shah called for the eradication of drug abuse in Northeast India. 8. Mumbai Boat Accident: The body of a missing child was found, raising the death toll in the Mumbai ferry accident to 15. 9. German Christmas Market Attack: Seven Indians were injured in a car-ramming attack at a Christmas market in Germany. 10. Congress Campaign: The Congress party announced a campaign against Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks on Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar. 11. India's Green Cover: India's forest and tree cover has reached 25% of the country's total geographical area. 12. Mohali Building Collapse: A woman died in a building collapse in Mohali, and rescue operations are ongoing. 13. Justice Madan Lokur's Appointment: Former Supreme Court judge Justice Madan Lokur was appointed Chairperson of the U.N. Internal Justice Council. 14. WhatsApp Lawsuit: A U.S. judge ruled in favor of WhatsApp in a lawsuit against Israel's NSO Group for hacking. 15. Canadian Politics: NDP leader Jagmeet Singh announced plans to introduce a motion to topple Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government.

Current Affairs

The Early Update (Dec 21, 2024)

1. German Christmas market attack: A car drove into a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, killing at least two people and injuring 60 others. The driver was arrested. 2. Congress demands CCTV footage: The Congress party in India has asked for the release of CCTV footage from a recent Parliament protest. 3. BJP shortlists candidates: The BJP has shortlisted candidates for all 70 Assembly constituencies for the upcoming elections in February. 4. U.S. House approves funding bill: The U.S. House of Representatives approved a funding bill to avoid a government shutdown, dropping President-elect Donald Trump's demands for a debt limit increase. 5. Jiribam killings in Manipur: The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs stated that the recent killings in Jiribam, Manipur, fall under the State government's jurisdiction. 6. Interim protection for Mohammed Zubair: The Allahabad High Court granted interim protection from arrest to fact-checker Mohammed Zubair. 7. India protests Bangladesh aide's post: India has strongly protested a social media post by a Bangladesh interim government aide that claimed Indian territory. 8. Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY update: Approximately 36 crore beneficiaries have been verified under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, with 8.39 crore hospital admissions authorized. 9. FSSAI seeks data on expired food items: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has directed food manufacturers and importers to submit quarterly data on expired and rejected food items. 10. Decline in bird species in Assam: A study revealed a 72% decline in bird species at a major wetland in Assam over the past 27 years.