This is the current affairs of 25 January 2023. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
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1. After failing to stop the attacks in the Red Sea, America appealed to which country to stop the Houthis?
a. China
b. Russia
c. Iran
d. India
Answer: a. China
What is the matter of tension in the Red Sea?
– Since Israel attacked Gaza, Houthi rebels in Yemen have been attacking ships in the Red Sea.
– These attacks are targeting ships of Israel and its allies, including the United States and other countries.
– The United States, along with Britain, attempted to prevent missile and drone attacks on the Houthi rebels in Yemen at the beginning of January. However, these efforts have proven unsuccessful.
– The United States tried to form an alliance of 10 countries for action against the Houthi rebels, but most countries did not support the initiative.
Seeking help from China:
– According to the Financial Times, the United States has been consistently seeking assistance from China for the past three months (since November 2023), but China has provided very few indications of support.
– This news came out in the last week of January 2024.
Why is the U.S. seeking help from China:
– In Yemen, the Houthi rebels receive support from Iran.
– It is believed that the rebels receive weapons and economic aid from Iran, which is why the conflict in Yemen persists.
– Iran primarily relies on two countries in the world, namely China and Russia.
– Iran also maintains good relations with India. After Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Tehran in January 2024, attacks on Indian-related ships by the Houthi rebels reportedly ceased. It is said that Iran instructed the rebels not to attack ships associated with India.
– Notably, the Houthi rebels have not attacked any ships associated with China. Ships traveling to and from China display the Chinese flag, and it is clearly stated on all sides that the vessel is affiliated with China, preventing attacks on them.
What help did America ask from China?
– The United States has urged China to restrain the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels who have been attacking commercial ships in the Red Sea. – However, there have been very few indications of assistance from Beijing.
– According to reports, the U.S. has repeatedly raised this issue with top Chinese officials over the past three months.
– National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and his deputy John Finer reportedly discussed this matter in a meeting with Liu Jianchao, the head of the International Liaison Department of the Communist Party of China, in Washington this month. The outcome of the discussion remains inconclusive.
– Subsequently, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also raised the issue with his Chinese counterpart. U.S. officials believe there is very little evidence that China exerted pressure on Iran last week, aside from a mild statement issued by Beijing.
China’s growing influence in West Asia (Middle East):
– The power balance is shifting in West Asia. While the region was previously under American influence, China’s influence is now on the rise.
– In 2023, China established political relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia, traditional adversaries in the region.
– In January 2024, Iran launched a missile on Pakistan, which was followed by a diplomatic turnaround between the two countries, facilitated by China.
– China also maintains good relations with Qatar, the UAE, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Egypt.
– China does not want tensions to escalate in West Asia, as it could affect the world’s most crucial trade route, the Red Sea. Such escalation would negatively impact China, often referred to as the world’s factory.
Why China is not helping the U.S.:
– Experts believe that China is trying to become a major player in global power balance.
– As the dominance of the U.S. wanes, China sees an opportunity to assert its influence.
– The perception of the U.S. being weak in West Asia will enhance China’s global influence.
Leaders:
– President of Iran: Ebrahim Raisi
– U.S. President: Joe Biden
– President of China: Xi Jinping
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2. Which Indian player was selected as the ICC T20 International Player of the Year 2023?
a. Virat Kohli
b. Suryakumar Yadav
c. Rohit Sharma
d. Jasprit Bumrah
Answer: b. Suryakumar Yadav
– Batsman Suryakumar Yadav has been honored as the International Cricket Council (ICC) T20I Player of the Year for the second consecutive time.
– He received this award in 2022 and then again in 2023.
– Suryakumar Yadav delivered an impressive performance in 2023 with an average above 50 and a strike rate of over 150.
– He is currently recovering from his back surgery, which took place earlier this month in Germany.
ICC
– Chairman: Greg Barclay
– CEO: Geoff Allardice
– Headquarters: Dubai (UAE)
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3. When is International Day of Education celebrated?
a. 25 January
b. 24 January
c. 23 January
d. 22 January
Answer: b. 24 January
Theme for 2024:
– Learning for lasting peace
– The United Nations General Assembly declared January 24, 2019, as International Education Day.
– Its objective is to highlight the role of education in peace and development.
– According to a UNESCO report, around 250 million children and youth are out of school globally, and approximately 760 million adults are illiterate.
Right to Education in India:
– The Right to Education in India was made mandatory after the 86th Amendment Act of 2009.
– Free education is compulsory for children aged 6 to 14.
– According to the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) report released in 2019, 32 million Indian children aged up to 13 years have never been to school, with the majority belonging to the marginalized sections.
– According to the recently released Annual Status of Education Report (ASER), 25% of children under the age of 13 in rural India are not receiving education, and some cannot even read at the Class 2 level.
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4. ‘Cyclone Special Operation Exercise’ 2024 has been organized between the armies of India and which country in January-February?
a. Libya
b. Sudan
c. Egypt
d. Afghanistan
Answer: c. Egypt
– This exercise took place in Egypt from January 22 to February 1, 2024.
– The first edition of the exercise was organized in India in the year 2023.
– The Indian contingent is represented by soldiers from the Parachute Regiment (Special Forces).
– The objective of the exercise is to understand each other’s operating procedures in desert/semi-desert areas under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
– This exercise will also serve as a platform to enhance bilateral relations between the two friendly nations.
Egypt:
– President: Abdel Fattah el-Sisi
– Capital: Cairo
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5. Which country’s stock market overtook Hong Kong for the first time and took fourth place in the world’s stock market?
a. Japan
b. China
c. Pakistan
d. India
Answer: d. India
– India’s stock market has achieved a milestone by surpassing Hong Kong for the first time, making it the largest equity market in South Asia.
– According to Bloomberg data, the combined value of listed shares on Indian exchanges closed on January 22, 2024.
– By January 22, the Indian stock market reached $4.33 trillion, surpassing Hong Kong’s $4.29 trillion.
– This makes India the fourth-largest equity market globally.
– The rapid growth of retail investors and strong corporate earnings are contributing to the rapid expansion of the equity market in India.
Manufacturing Growth in India:
– The stock market in India is consistently growing.
– According to an ET report, the rapid growth of retail investor base and strong corporate earnings have contributed to this.
– Many global companies are currently adopting the China+1 policy, making India a favored destination for these companies.
– Due to stable government and policy reforms, manufacturing in India has seen significant growth in recent times.
– Additionally, India has become the fastest-growing economy among major countries.
Increased Investment through Foreign Funds:
– It’s worth mentioning that due to the increasing retail investor base and strong corporate income, the equity market in India is expanding rapidly.
– In 2023, more than $21 billion was invested in the Indian stock market through foreign funds.
– This has helped the benchmark index BSE Sensex achieve continuous growth for the eighth consecutive year.
Declining Status of Hong Kong:
– Hong Kong is losing its status as there are no new listings happening.
– It is losing its position in the world’s busy market for Initial Public Offerings (IPOs).
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6. Which scheme was announced by the Central Government to install rooftop solar systems on one crore houses across the country?
a. Pradhanmantri Solar Yojana
b. Pradhanmantri Bhaskar Yojana
c. Pradhanmantri Solar Electricity Yojana
d. Pradhanmantri Suryodaya Yojana
Answer: d. Pradhanmantri Suryodaya Yojana
Roof-Top Solar Panels to be Installed in Economically Weaker Homes
– Under this scheme, the government will install roof-top solar panels in the homes of economically weaker individuals.
– This will not only fulfill their electricity needs but also allow them to earn extra income by selling excess electricity.
– Along with the announcement of the plan, Prime Minister Modi urged a large number of people to join the campaign.
What are Roof-Top Solar Panels?
– Roof-top solar panels are installed on the roof of a house.
– These panels contain solar plates that absorb energy from the sun’s rays.
– This technology harnesses energy from solar rays to produce electricity.
– The panels have photovoltaic cells that convert solar energy into electricity.
– This electricity functions the same way as electricity obtained from the power grid.
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7. In which district of Bihar was ‘Shri Ram Janaki Medical College Hospital’ inaugurated by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in January 2024?
a. Sitamarhi
b. Samastipur
c. Patna
d. Muzaffarpur
Answer: b. Samastipur
– The inauguration program was attended by the Deputy Chief Minister of the state, along with the Health Minister of the region, Tejashwi Yadav, and several other ministers.
– Shri Ram Janaki Medical College Hospital is a 500-bed hospital, and plans are underway to increase its capacity to 1000 beds in the future.
– The medical college offers facilities for studying MBBS.
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8. When is National Tourism Day observed?
a. 23 January
b. 24 January
c. 25 January
d. 26 January
Answer: c. 25 January
– National Tourism Day is celebrated every year on January 25th.
– The Indian government observes this day to encourage tourism and promote an understanding of the role of tourism in the country’s development.
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9. When is International Customs Day observed?
a. 23 January
b. 24 January
c. 25 January
d. 26 January
Answer: d. 26 January
– International Customs Day is observed every year on January 26th.
– It is celebrated to honor the role of customs officials and agencies.
– The World Customs Organization initiated the observance of this day in the year 1953.
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10. When is International Holocaust Remembrance Day observed?
a. 25 January
b. 27 January
c. 29 January
d. 31 January
Answer: b. 27 January
– International Holocaust Remembrance Day is observed every year on January 27th.
– During the Second World War, genocide occurred, resulting in the killing of approximately six million European Jews.
– In recognition of this tragic event, the United Nations declared the commemoration of this day in the year 2005.
