In Current Affairs for 04 January 2025, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial for your upcoming NDA, CDS, CDS OTA, AFCAT, TA, Agniveer Army, Agniveer Navy, Agniveer Air Force, Women Military Police, INET, MNS, ACC exams, SCO, PCSL, CAPF, and SSB interviews, and direct entries for Army, Navy, and Air Force like SSC Tech, TGC, JAG, NCC, TES, 10+2 Cadet. Download a PDF file about current events at the end of this article. Let us now see the Current Affairs.
Current Affairs 04 January 2024
Grameen Bharat Mahotsav 2025
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate Grameen Bharat Mahotsav 2025 in New Delhi tomorrow. The Mahotsav aims to enhance rural infrastructure, create self-reliant economies, and foster innovation within rural communities.
- The theme of the six-day Mahotsav is Building a Resilient Rural India for a Viksit Bharat 2047 & motto “गांव बढ़े, तो देश बढ़े”.
- The objective of this event includes promoting economic stability and financial security among rural populations, with a special focus on North-East India. A significant focus of the Mahotsav will be to empower rural women through entrepreneurship.
- This will bring together government officials, rural entrepreneurs, artisans, and stakeholders from diverse sectors to build a roadmap for collaborative and collective rural transformation. The Mahotsav will showcase India’s rich cultural heritage through vibrant performances and exhibitions.
‘BAANKNET’ For e-auction Of Properties
- Government launched the revamped portal ‘BAANKNET’ for the e-auction of properties. The platform consolidates information on e-auction properties from all public sector banks and offers a one-stop destination for buyers and investors to discover a wide range of assets.
- Launching the portal, the secretary of the Department of Financial Services, M. Nagaraju, emphasised that the introduction of the platform will aid the recovery process of PSBs, improve the balance sheets of banks, and enhance credit availability to businesses and individuals.
- The listings in the portal include residential properties such as flats, independent houses, and open plots, as well as commercial properties, industrial land and buildings, shops, vehicles, plant and machinery, and agricultural and non-agricultural land.
India’s 1st ‘Coastline-Waders Bird Census’
- Country’s first-ever ‘Coastline-Waders Bird Census’ will begin at Marine National Park and Sanctuary in Jamnagar.
- The three-day census which has been jointly organized by the Department of Forest and the Bird Conservation Society will also host significant events focusing on counting wader and coastal bird species.
- A wading bird is a long-legged bird, such as a crane, heron, or stork,that frequents shallow water, especially in search of food. Also called wader.
Human Metapneumovirus Outbreak In China
- China is currently experiencing a significant increase in human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases, leading to concerns about a potential health crisis reminiscent of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Reports indicate that hospitals are becoming overcrowded, with suggestions of multiple viruses, including HMPV, influenza A, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and COVID-19, contributing to the situation.
- Despite some claims of a state of emergency, there has been no official confirmation from Chinese authorities. HMPV is a respiratory virus responsible for both upper and lower respiratory infections.
- Identified in 2001, it affects individuals across all age groups, with young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems being particularly vulnerable.
- The virus presents symptoms similar to the flu and other respiratory infections, including: Cough, Fever, Nasal congestion, Shortness of breath. In severe cases, HMPV can lead to complications such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
- The incubation period typically ranges from three to six days, with symptom duration varying based on infection severity.
- HMPV spreads through mechanisms common to other respiratory viruses: Respiratory secretions from coughing and sneezing, Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands, Contact with contaminated surfaces followed by touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.
Project VISTAAR
- Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare to launch Project VISTAAR (Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources).
- This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of India’s agricultural extension system through digitalization, providing farmers with improved access to innovative technologies and advisory services. Project VISTAAR seeks to empower farmers by integrating innovative technologies and solutions into the agricultural sector. By digitalizing the extension system, the project aims to provide high-quality advisory services on crop production, marketing, value addition, and supply chain management.
- Additionally, it will offer comprehensive information about government schemes related to agriculture, rural development, and allied sectors, ensuring farmers can fully benefit from these initiatives.
- Start-ups play a critical role in addressing challenges in agriculture by providing solutions that improve productivity, supply chain management, and market access.
- The Centre for Research on Start-ups and Risk Financing at IIT Madras, along with its incubated start-up YNOS Venture Engine, has developed an extensive database of over 12,000 agriculture-focused start-ups.
- This database will be integrated into the VISTAAR platform, enabling farmers and other stakeholders to explore innovative solutions, adopt new technologies, and improve agricultural practices.
- Through this collaboration, farmers will gain access to high-quality advisory services, including insights on crop production, supply chain management, and market intelligence.
- The digitalization of the existing agricultural extension system will significantly expand its reach, allowing every farmer—regardless of their location—to access timely, contextual, and accurate information. This includes updates on best farming practices, weather forecasts, pest control methods, and sustainable agriculture techniques.
- The partnership between IIT Madras and the Ministry of Agriculture marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards a resilient, digitally empowered, and sustainable agricultural sector.
- By creating a seamless connection between start-ups and farmers, Project VISTAAR aims to reduce information gaps, improve decision-making, and enhance overall productivity.
- Additionally, the project will focus on training and capacity-building initiatives to equip farmers with the necessary knowledge and skills to adopt these innovative solutions effectively, ensuring the long-term sustainability and scalability of digital agricultural extension services.
Ramesh Chand Committee
- Government of India has established a committee to update the base year for the Wholesale Price Index (WPI), aiming to enhance the accuracy of factory-gate inflation measures.
- This initiative reflects structural changes in the economy since the last update in 2011-12. The 18-member panel, led by Ramesh Chand of NITI Aayog, is tasked with advising on transitioning the base year to 2022-23. This move is expected to improve the estimation of economic output adjusted for inflation.
- The primary goal of updating the WPI is to provide a more precise measure of inflation at the producer level. The current WPI only accounts for goods, neglecting the service sector, which constitutes over half of India’s economic output. By shifting to a more comprehensive Producer Price Index (PPI), the government aims to capture a broader spectrum of economic activity.
- The committee comprises 18 experts from various sectors, including economics and finance. Notable members include Soumya Kanti Ghosh, Dharmakirti Joshi, and Indranil Sengupta. The diverse expertise within the panel is expected to facilitate a thorough review of the existing price collection system and propose necessary improvements.
- The WPI has undergone revisions in the past, with the last update occurring in 2015 when the base year was changed from 2004-05 to 2011-12. This new update aims to reflect the current economic landscape and improve the accuracy of national income calculations. The previous base year has become outdated, necessitating this review.
Pakistan 2 Year Term Non-Permanent UNSC Member
- Pakistan commenced its two-year tenure as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). This marks Pakistan’s eighth term on the 15-member council, succeeding Japan as the Asian representative.
- Ambassador Munir Akram emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to playing an “active and constructive” role in addressing global challenges. Pakistan secured its seat with 182 votes in the 193-member General Assembly, surpassing the required two-thirds majority.
- The term commenced on January 1, 2025, and will conclude on December 31, 2026. In July 2025, Pakistan will preside over the UNSC, setting the council’s agenda. Additionally, Pakistan will serve on the Islamic State (ISIS) and Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee, responsible for designating terrorist entities and imposing sanctions.
- This is Pakistan’s eighth term on the UNSC, with previous terms in 2012-13, 2003-04, 1993-94, 1983-84, 1976-77, 1968-69, and 1952-53. Ambassador Akram highlighted the current geopolitical turbulence, including intense competition between major powers, ongoing conflicts in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, and a rising arms race. He emphasized Pakistan’s role in promoting peace, resolving disputes, and combating terrorism.
Current Affairs 04 January 2025 Question
- Project VISTAAR Is Launched By
A. IIT DELHI
B. IIT BOMBAY
C. IIT MADRAS
D. IIT ROPAR
ANSWER: C - Ramesh Chand Committee Set Up For
A. Tax Reforms
B. WPI Reforms
C. CPI Reforms
D. Health Reforms
ANSWER: B - Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary Is Located In Which State
A. Kerala
B. Tamil Nadu
C. Maharashtra
D. Karnataka
ANSWER: A - Which Union Ministry Is Associated With The Nutrient-based Subsidy Scheme
A. Ministry of Science and Technology
B. Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
C. Ministry of Agriculture
D. Ministry of Rural Development
ANSWER: B - Which State Is The Host Of National SARAS Mela 2025
A. Karnataka
B. Kerala
C. Maharashtra
D. Gujarat
ANSWER: B - What is “INS Surat”
A. Fleet tanker
B. Kamorta -class corvettes
C. Nuclear powered aircraft carrier
D. Stealth Destroyer
ANSWER: D - Scrub Typhus, Is Caused By Which Agent
A. Virus
B. Fungus
C. Bacteria
D. Protozoa
ANSWER: C - Who Assumed Charge As CEO Of The Unique Identification Authority Of India
A. Amit Agrawal
B. Bhuvnesh Kumar
C. Rajesh Kumar
D. Arvind Kumar
ANSWER: B - By What Percentage Did India’s Coffee Exports Increase From The Same Period
Last Year
A. 20%
B. 25%
C. 29%
D. 35%
ANSWER: C - Who Has Been Appointed As The New Secretary General Of ASSOCHAM
A. Deepak Sood
B. Manish Singhal
C. Ramesh Kumar
D. Arvind Kumar
ANSWER: B - What Types Of Coffee Does India Produce
A. Arabica and Robusta
B. Robusta and Liberica
C. Arabica and Canephora
D. Arabica and Java
ANSWER: A - What New Tax Was Introduced In Russia Starting January 1, 2025
A. Luxury Tax
B. Tourist Tax
C. Resort Fee
D. Infrastructure Development Tax
ANSWER: B - When Is Global Family Day Celebrated Annually
A. December 31
B. January 1
C. February 14
D. April 22
ANSWER: B - Which Country Launched The ‘Child Marriage Free’ Campaign To End Child
Marriage
A. India
B. Bangladesh
C. Bhutan
D. Nepal
ANSWER: D - Who Shared The 2024 World Blitz Chess Championship Title
A. Magnus Carlsen and Ju Wenjun
B. Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi
C. Ian Nepomniachtchi and Ju Wenjun
D. Magnus Carlsen and Lei Tingjie
ANSWER: B - What Has The Defence Ministry Designated 2025 As
A. Year of Innovation
B. Year of Modernization
C. Year of Reforms
D. Year of Integration
ANSWER: C - What Type Of Planet Is K2-18 b Considered To Be
A. Terrestrial
B. Hycean
C. Kepler
D. Draugr
ANSWER: B - Which Country Is Enforcing A Ban On Facial Coverings And Implementing
Pension Increases Starting January 1, 2025
A. France
B. Austria
C. Germany
D. Switzerland
ANSWER: D - In 2024, What Was India’s Global Rank In Terms Of Foreign Exchange Reserves
A. 4th
B. 2nd
C. 12th
D. 9th
ANSWER: A - Which Of Following Mughal Rulers Banned Engraving Kalma On Coins
A. Jahangir
B. Aurangzeb
C. Shahjahan
D. Muhammad Shah
ANSWER: B
