Daily & Latest Current Affairs in 2025

Correct Answer :   2005

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* The Disaster Management Act was enacted in 2005 to establish a comprehensive legal framework for disaster management in India.

* This Act laid the foundation for national and state disaster management authorities and provided a systematic approach to disaster preparedness, mitigation, and response.

* Its significance remains critical, as reflected in the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which seeks to enhance and address the operational challenges of the original Act, ensuring better alignment with evolving needs.

Correct Answer :   Arvind Panagariya

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* Arvind Panagariya, the Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission, highlighted concerns regarding the Centre's growing dependence on cesses and surcharges, which are not shared with states as part of the divisible pool of revenue.

* This issue stems from the 80th Constitutional Amendment, which formally excluded such revenues from sharing under Article 270.

* Cesses and surcharges, levied for specific purposes or on higher income brackets, are significant tools in India's fiscal policy but raise questions about revenue distribution and federal financial equity.

Correct Answer :   Odisha

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* The tiger Zeenat was translocated to Similipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha for genetic diversity from Maharashtra's Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve.

* The translocation was part of a larger effort to improve the tiger population in Odisha, especially in reserves like Similipal. The goal was to increase genetic diversity in Similipal, where a small population has led to concerns about inbreeding.

* Zeenat's translocation was a 40-hour journey. The tiger's subsequent movement into Jharkhand and towards West Bengal highlights the challenges in wildlife conservation. These challenges include the need for continuous monitoring and effective coordination between states to ensure the safety of both wildlife and human populations.

Correct Answer :   Krutrim AI

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* The Kumbh Sah'AI'yak chatbot, designed to enhance the experience of the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj, is powered by Bhavish Aggarwal's Krutrim AI.

* This AI chatbot provides real-time updates on events, guides devotees, and ensures a seamless experience for millions of pilgrims.

* It exemplifies the integration of advanced technology with cultural traditions, leveraging AI to support one of India's most significant and globally recognized religious events.

Correct Answer :   Switzerland

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* Switzerland has decided to suspend the Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) clause in its Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) with India, starting from January 1, 2025.

* This decision will increase tax rates on dividends and royalties to 10%.

* The suspension was triggered by a ruling from India’s Supreme Court, which stated that the application of the MFN clause requires formal notification under the Income Tax Act.

* This change is expected to impact tax burdens for both Indian and Swiss companies, potentially affecting their bilateral trade relations.

Correct Answer :   Enhance Highway Safety

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* The primary goal of the upgraded 'Rajmarg Saathi' initiative by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is to enhance highway safety.

* The initiative focuses on improving road safety and emergency response through upgraded Route Patrolling Vehicles (RPVs).

* These vehicles are equipped with closed cabinets for organized storage and AI-enabled dashboard cameras to identify cracks, potholes, and infrastructure issues.

* The collected data on road conditions will be integrated into the NHAI One application, which will further improve road safety measures.

Correct Answer :   New Delhi

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* The Prime Minister chaired the 4th National Conference of Chief Secretaries in New Delhi.

* The conference aimed to strengthen the partnership between the Centre and State Governments, focusing on cooperative federalism and enhanced coordination for accelerated growth.

* The theme of the conference was ‘Promoting Entrepreneurship, Employment and Skilling – Leveraging the Demographic Dividend,’ emphasizing the importance of skilling and employment in driving national development.

Correct Answer :   December 14

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* National Energy Conservation Day is celebrated annually on December 14, a tradition started in 1991.

* Spearheaded by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power, this day is dedicated to raising awareness about reducing energy consumption and enhancing energy efficiency.

* The day also includes the presentation of the National Energy Conservation Awards, recognizing exemplary efforts by industrial units, institutions, and establishments in conserving energy and promoting sustainable practices.

Correct Answer :   Axis Max Life Insurance

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* Max Life Insurance has rebranded to Axis Max Life Insurance following regulatory and corporate approvals.

* As part of the rebranding, Axis Bank increased its stake in Max Life to 19.99%, while Max Financial Services Ltd's stake was reduced from 87% to 81%.

* The rebranding also includes a new logo that incorporates Axis Bank's 'A' and a burgundy shade, symbolizing the strengthened partnership between the two entities.

* This move reflects the growing collaboration and alignment between Axis Bank and Max Life Insurance.

Correct Answer :   Manish Jain

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* Manish Jain has been appointed as the Executive Director (Whole-Time Director) of YES Bank for a three-year term from December 11, 2024, to December 10, 2027.

* This appointment was approved by the Reserve Bank of India under Section 35B of The Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

* Jain, who has been with YES Bank since September 2023 as the Country Head of Wholesale Banking, brings over three decades of experience in corporate and wholesale banking, including a long tenure at Standard Chartered Bank.

* His educational background includes a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from IIM Bangalore and a B.Tech from IIT Delhi.