Here is a detailed breakdown of current affairs for January 5, 2025, across various domains for UPSC preparation:
1. National News:
Sashakt Beti and e-Drishti Projects Launched
Union Minister for Education, Dharmendra Pradhan, launched the Sashakt Beti and e-Drishti projects. These initiatives aim to empower orphaned children, single-parent women, and visually impaired students by providing laptops and tablets.
Example: These projects support digital literacy and inclusion, crucial in bridging the educational gap in underserved communities.
EPFO Introduces Centralized Pension Payments System
The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) rolled out the Centralized Pension Payments System (CPPS), benefiting over 68 lakh pensioners by streamlining the pension disbursement process.
Impact: This modernized system will enhance transparency, speed, and accessibility of pension payments across India.
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2. International News:
Donald Trump Inauguration (Upcoming on January 20, 2025)
Donald Trump’s second term as the U.S. President signifies a significant shift toward "America First" policies and a departure from globalism, creating challenges in multilateral diplomacy.
Example: The shift could affect international trade, climate agreements, and geopolitical alliances.
Closure of UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency)
Ongoing tensions in the Middle East have resulted in the imminent closure of UNRWA, which provides essential services to Palestinian refugees. Israeli legislation directly impacts the agency's operational capacity.
Explanation: This will intensify the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and West Bank, affecting millions of displaced Palestinians.
3. Economic and Banking News:
Foreign Inflows into Indian Bonds to Decline
After record foreign inflows into Indian government bonds in 2024, analysts expect a decline in 2025. This is due to market stabilization after India’s inclusion in JPMorgan’s Emerging Market Debt Index.
Example: Reduced inflows may affect India’s borrowing costs and currency stability in the short term.
Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) 2024 Report
The LEADS 2024 report classified 13 states and Union Territories as “achievers” in logistics performance, evaluating transportation infrastructure, warehousing, and supply chain efficiency.
Impact: States like Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka lead the index, attracting more investment in logistics and infrastructure.
4. Science and Technology:
NASA Unveils Mars Chopper Drone Successor
NASA introduced the successor to the Ingenuity helicopter, named the Mars Chopper, which will further advance aerial exploration on Mars.
Significance: This will enhance data collection and exploration missions on the Martian surface, aiding future human missions.
India's Foreign Trade Policy Amendments
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) amended India’s Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023, introducing stakeholder engagement provisions.
Explanation: This allows for more transparent policy-making processes, ensuring exporters and importers have a say in trade-related decisions.
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