CURRENT AFFAIRS
17 January, 2025
1. GLOBAL RISKS REPORT 2025 –
• The World Economic Forum (WEF) released the 20th Global Risks Report 2025.
• Global Risks Report is an annual report published by the WEF. It presents an analysis of the most pressing global risks anticipated over short-term (2 years) and long-term (10 years) periods. Global risk is the potential for an event to significantly harm global GDP, population, or natural resources.
• Top Risks for India: The report highlighted the top five risks for India include water supply shortages, misinformation and disinformation, erosion of human rights and civic freedoms, pollution (air, water, and soil), and labour and talent shortages.
Top Global Risks-
• Immediate Risks (Next 2 years): Misinformation and disinformation, Extreme weather events, and State based armed conflict.
• Long-Term Risks (Next 10 Years): Extreme weather events, Biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse and Critical changes to earth systems.
2. PM-SURYA GHAR: MUFT BIJLI YOJANA –
• The Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has issued operational guidelines for the PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, detailing RESCO (Renewable Energy Service Company) and Utility-Led Aggregation (ULA) models.
• These guidelines will supplement the existing consumer-driven implementation of rooftop solar installations through the National Portal of the scheme.
Two Models for Solar Installation-
• RESCO (Renewable Energy Service Company) Model: Third-party entities invest in rooftop solar installations. Consumers only pay for the electricity consumed, without bearing upfront costs. Excess power can be sold to DISCOMs.
• Utility Led Aggregation (ULA) Model: Power distribution companies (DISCOMs) or state-designated entities install rooftop solar systems for residential households.
• Payment Security Mechanism (PSM): A Rs 100 crore PSM fund has been established to de-risk investments in RESCO-based rooftop solar models. It can be enhanced with additional grants, subject to Ministry approval.
3. PRESIDENT MURMU HONORS NATIONAL SPORTS AWARDS 2025 WINNERS –
• On January 17, 2025, the prestigious National Sports Awards were presented by President Droupadi Murmu in a glittering ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.
• The awards, including the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna and the Arjuna Awards, recognized the remarkable achievements of India’s sporting champions.
• Among the honored were double Olympic-medalist shooter Manu Bhaker, chess prodigy and youngest world champion D. Gukesh, men’s hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh, and Paralympic gold-medalist high jumper Praveen Kumar.
• The event also highlighted the significant contribution of India’s para-athletes, who had a spectacular performance at the Paris Paralympics, bringing home 29 medals, including 7 golds and 9 silvers.
• The ceremony not only celebrated the athletes’ achievements but also recognized the coaches and institutions that have contributed to their success.
4. NEW LAUNCHPAD OF ISRO COMING UP AT SRIHARIKOTA –
• The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the establishment of a third launchpad at ISRO’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
• The project, costing ₹3,985 crore, is a critical step in enhancing India’s space transportation capabilities, especially for the Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLVs).
• This launchpad is designed to support future human spaceflight missions and India’s ambitious plans for space exploration, including an Indian crewed lunar landing by 2040.
5. CABINET NOD FOR 8TH PAY COMMISSION IMPLEMENTATION –
• The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the constitution of the 8th Central Pay Commission, which will evaluate and recommend revised salary structures and allowances for central government employees and pensioners.
• This early initiative ensures readiness for implementing the recommendations by January 1, 2026. The commission’s scope encompasses over one crore employees and pensioners, aiming to address compensation, pensions, and welfare enhancements.
MCQ QUIZ
Q1. What is the name of India’s first indigenous micro-missile system designed to counter swarm drones ?
a) Bhargavastra
b) Agni
c) Vayu
d) Saryu
Q2. Where has the first astronomical observatory of Eastern India been inaugurated ?
a) Darjeeling
b) Purulia
c) Kolkata
d) Howrah
Q3. What is the name of the first orbital rocket launched by Jeff Bezos’s company Blue Origin ?
a) New Shepard
b) Falcon Heavy
c) New Glenn
d) Starship
Q4. Assertion (A): The drastic decline of air quality in Delhi is caused by a combination of factors, such as calm winds, low temperatures, and dense fog.
Reason (R): These weather conditions trap pollutants close to the ground, worsening the pollution levels.
Which of the following options is correct ?
a) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and Reason (R) is the correct explanation for Assertion (A).
b) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation for Assertion (A).
c) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
d) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
Explanation-
The drastic decline in air quality is indeed due to a combination of factors like calm winds, low temperatures, and dense fog, which trap pollutants near the ground. These weather conditions create an inversion layer, preventing pollutants from dispersing, thus worsening air quality. Thus Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and Reason (R) is the correct explanation for Assertion (A).
Q5. Match the vessels with their respective descriptions.
Vessels:
1. INS Nilgiri
2. INS Surat
3. INS Vaghsheer
Descriptions:
A) The lead ship of Project 17A stealth frigate class, incorporating advanced stealth technology and aviation facilities for multiple helicopter operations, including the newly inducted MH-60R.
B) The fourth vessel of the Project 15B stealth destroyer class, enhancing the Indian Navy’s maritime defense capabilities with advanced design improvements.
C) The sixth and final submarine under the Scorpene-class Project 75 A, designed for anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, with features like modular construction and air-independent propulsion technology.
a) 1 – A, 2 – B, 3 – C
b) 1 – B, 2 – C, 3 – A
c) 1 – C, 2 – A, 3 – B
d) 1 – A, 2 – C, 3 – B
Explanation-
· INS Nilgiri is the lead ship of Project 17A stealth frigates and is equipped with advanced stealth technology and the capability to operate multiple helicopters, including the MH-60R.
· INS Surat is the fourth vessel of the Project 15B stealth destroyer class, designed to enhance India’s maritime defense with advanced capabilities (Description B).
· INS Vaghsheer is the sixth and final submarine under the Scorpene-class Project 75, built with modular construction and the potential for future upgrades, including air-independent propulsion technolog.
Answer Key
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
A | B | C | A | A |