CURRENT AFFAIRS

CURRENT AFFAIRS

09 January, 2025

1.      UJALA – 10 YEARS OF ENERGY-EFFICIENT LIGHTING –

•        The UJALA (Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All) scheme, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 5th January 2015, has completed a decade of impactful service to the nation.

•        This initiative, originally launched as the Domestic Efficient Lighting Programme (DELP), revolutionized India’s domestic lighting sector by providing affordable, energy-efficient LED bulbs, tube lights, and fans to households across the country.

•        It has contributed to not only lowering energy consumption but also reducing carbon emissions, making India a global leader in energy-efficient lighting. The UJALA scheme, along with the Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP), has significantly impacted the country’s energy efficiency, economic savings, and environmental sustainability.

2.      WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BACTERIA AND VIRUSES  –

•        Bacteria and viruses are tiny organisms that can cause diseases, but they are very different from each other. Bacteria are living microorganisms that can survive on their own, while viruses need a host to live and multiply.

•        Some bacteria are helpful, but viruses are usually harmful. Understanding their differences helps us know how they spread, affect us, and how we can treat or prevent them.

•        Bacteria are tiny living organisms called prokaryotes. They can survive in almost any environment, including extreme conditions like hot springs, deep oceans and even volcanic areas. While some bacteria cause disease, many are harmless or even helpful to humans.

3.      7.1 MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE HITS TIBET –

•        On January 7, 2025, a 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck the Tibetan region near the Nepal border. The quake’s epicentre was approximately 80 km north of Mt Everest, located 10 km below the surface.

•        By evening, reports indicated at least 95 fatalities and over 130 injuries in China, with extensive property damage. Tremors were felt as far away as Kathmandu and Kolkata.

•        This event marks the seismic activity in the Himalayan region and raises concerns about future earthquakes.

4.      IIT-MADRAS SETS RECORD WITH ASIA’S LARGEST WAVE BASIN –

•        IIT-Madras has successfully commissioned Asia’s largest shallow wave basin at its Discovery campus in Thaiyur.

•        This research facility is designed to address complex coastal engineering challenges and is expected to make significant contributions to marine science and engineering.

•        Developed with indigenous technology, the shallow wave basin is set to enhance the country’s capabilities in port and waterway research without relying on foreign technology.

5.      INDUSFOOD 2025: INDIA HOSTS GLOBAL EXHIBITORS FROM 30 COUNTRIES –

•        Indusfood 2025, Asia’s premier food and beverage trade exhibition, will be held from January 8-10, 2025, at Greater Noida, India. The event, organized by the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI) in collaboration with the Department of Commerce, is set to feature over 2,300 exhibitors from 30+ countries and attract 7,500 international buyers, along with 15,000 Indian trade visitors.

•        This three-day event aims to bridge gaps across the farm-to-fork value chain, enhancing trade opportunities, market access, and farmer incomes.

MCQ QUIZ

Q1.  Who has been appointed as the new space secretary and chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation ?

          a) Prahlad Chandra Agrawal

          b) Anil Bhardwaj

          c) V Narayanan

          d) Shiv Prasad

Q2.  Which country has officially joined the BRICS as a full member in January 2025 ?

          a) Singapore

          b) Mauritius

          c) Indonesia

          d) Malaysia

Q3.  What is the rank of India in terms of the largest metro network in the world ?

          a) First

          b) Second

          c) Third

          d) Fourth

Q4.  Consider the following statements regarding the recent U.S. decision to remove Indian entities from its “restricted lists”:

          1. The removal of Indian entities from the restricted lists is expected to increase U.S.-India cooperation in the fields of nuclear energy, space exploration, and technological innovation.

          2. This policy shift will primarily benefit India’s defense sector by allowing greater access to U.S. defense technologies and strategic resources.

          3. The move is likely to have a limited impact on U.S.-India economic and trade relations as it is restricted to only scientific and nuclear sectors.

          Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

          a) 1 and 2 only

          b) 1 and 3 only

          c) 2 and 3 only

          d) 1 only

Explanation-

•        Statement 1 is correct: The removal of Indian entities from the restricted lists is aimed at enhancing cooperation in civil nuclear energy, space exploration, and technological innovation between India and the U.S.

•        Statement 2 is incorrect: While this policy change may indirectly support certain aspects of defense cooperation, it is primarily focused on the scientific and nuclear sectors, not on directly boosting defense collaboration.

•        Statement 3 is incorrect: The removal is likely to have a significant impact on broader U.S.-India relations, particularly in terms of technological collaboration, beyond just the scientific and nuclear sectors.

Q5.  Consider the following about ISRO’s SpaDeX mission:

          1. SpaDeX is India’s first mission to demonstrate in-space docking technology.

          2. SpaDeX primarily focuses on growing plants in space and ensuring food security for astronauts on long missions.

          3. It involves two satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target).

          4. The success of SpaDeX would place India among countries like the U.S., Russia, and China, capable of in-space docking and laying.

          Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

          a) 1, 2, and 3 only

          b) 1, 3, and 4 only

          c) 2 and 4 only

          d) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Explanation-

          Statement 1 is correct: SpaDeX is India’s first in-space docking mission, marking a significant step in space infrastructure development.

          Statement 2 is incorrect: SpaDeX focuses on demonstrating space docking technology, not on growing plants or food security, which is the focus of the CROPS mission.

          Statement 3 is correct: The mission involves SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target) satellites, and the docking attempt is scheduled for January 2025.

          Statement 4 is correct: If successful, SpaDeX will position India alongside the U.S., Russia, and China in mastering space docking technology.

Answer Key