Daily & Latest Current Affairs in 2025

Correct Answer :   G. Krishnaraja

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Advocate G. Krishnaraja has been appointed as the Director of Prosecution by the Tamil Nadu government, following the recommendation of a selection committee led by a retired Madras High Court judge.

Krishnaraja has extensive experience in the field, having served as Additional Public Prosecutor and Government Pleader in Chennai. His appointment is expected to strengthen the prosecution department in the state.

Correct Answer :   Armenia

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Armenia has joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA) as its 104th full member as of November 15, 2024.

The exchange of the instrument of ratification was conducted between Armenia’s Ambassador to India, Vahagn Afyan, and Abhishek Singh from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.

The ISA, headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana, focuses on promoting solar energy globally.

Dr. Ajay Mathur serves as its Director General. This marks a significant step for Armenia in strengthening its commitment to renewable energy initiatives.

Correct Answer :   Hinduja Group

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The Hinduja Group's firm, IndusInd International Holdings Ltd (IIHL), has received approval from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to acquire Reliance Capital for ?10,000 crore.

This approval marks a significant milestone in the resolution of Reliance Capital's financial troubles, which had led to the RBI's intervention in 2021. The acquisition is expected to be completed by January 31, 2025.

Correct Answer :   November 21

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World Fisheries Day is celebrated globally every year on November 21 to highlight the importance of sustainable fisheries, the protection of aquatic ecosystems, and the livelihoods of fishing communities. This day is significant in raising awareness about threats such as overfishing, habitat destruction, and illegal fishing practices. Additionally, it emphasizes empowering small-scale fishers, often among the most marginalized communities worldwide.

The origin of this celebration dates back to 1997 when the World Forum of Fish Harvesters & Fish Workers was established in New Delhi, India. Representatives from 18 countries formed the World Fisheries Forum, advocating for sustainable fishing practices and policies globally.

Importance of Fisheries in India :

India plays a pivotal role in the global fisheries landscape, being the 3rd largest fish producer and the 2nd largest aquaculture nation after China. With its status as the largest shrimp producer, India significantly contributes to domestic food security and the global seafood market. The fisheries sector supports the livelihoods of approximately 30 million people, primarily in coastal and rural communities.

India’s fisheries sector has experienced a remarkable transition from being marine-dominated to focusing on inland fisheries. The shift from capture fisheries to culture-based aquaculture has driven India’s blue economy, promoting sustainability and growth.

India Celebrates World Fisheries Day 2024 :

Theme for 2024 : This year’s theme is “India’s Blue Transformation: Strengthening Small-Scale and Sustainable Fisheries,” underscoring India’s commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable practices in the sector.

Celebrations and Initiatives :

* The Department of Fisheries (DoF) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAH&D) will host the event on November 21, 2024, at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, New Delhi. The Union Minister, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, will preside over the occasion.

Key Initiatives to be Launched :

* 5th Marine Fisheries Census: Aiming for data-driven policymaking to better understand marine resources.
* National Plan of Action (NPOA) on Sharks: Focused on conserving shark species.
* Bay of Bengal-Regional Plan of Action (BoB-RPOA): Targeting illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
* IMO-FAO GloLitter Partnership Project: Addressing marine plastic pollution.
* Retrofitted LPG Kits: Promoting energy-efficient fishing practices.
* Single Window System for Coastal Aquaculture: Simplified online registration for coastal aquaculture farms.
* Voluntary Carbon Market Framework: Introducing carbon trading mechanisms within the fisheries sector.

Correct Answer :   Mansa

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Mansa, a district in Punjab, is famously known as the "Land of White Gold" because of its large-scale cotton production. The district's rich cotton fields make it an important area in the state’s agricultural landscape. Explore more about the land of white gold in Punjab in this article.

Punjab is a state in northern India, known for its rich culture, history, and agriculture. It is famous for its beautiful fields, vibrant festivals, and delicious food. Punjab is also home to the Golden Temple, an important religious site for Sikhs. The people of Punjab are warm-hearted and known for their strong traditions and hospitality.

An Overview of Punjab :

Punjab is a state in northwestern India, bordered by Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Jammu & Kashmir. It also shares a border with Pakistan’s Punjab province. Covering 50,362 square kilometers, it is the 19th-largest state in India. With a population of over 27 million, it has 23 districts. Punjabi is the official language, and Sikhs and Hindus are the main religious groups. The state’s capital is Chandigarh.

Number of Districts in Punjab :

Punjab has 23 districts. The capital city is Chandigarh, which also serves as the capital of Haryana. Ludhiana is the largest city in Punjab. These districts are spread across the state, contributing to its population and cultural diversity.

Why is Mansa called as Land of White Gold?

Farmers in Mansa refer to cotton as “white gold” because of its high market value. The demand for cotton, both in India and globally, means farmers earn more money from this crop compared to others. This makes cotton a very important part of the farming culture in Mansa.

Cotton Production in Mansa :

Mansa is renowned for its abundant cotton production. The district has fertile soil and a climate that is perfect for growing cotton, which makes it a leading cotton producer in Punjab. This helps the local economy thrive, as cotton is one of the main crops grown here.

Location of Mansa :

Mansa lies in the cotton belt of Punjab, an area that is well-known for producing cotton. The cotton belt includes regions with the right conditions for cotton farming, such as Mansa, making it one of the key contributors to the state’s cotton industry.

Correct Answer :   Indore

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Mhow Cantonment is located in Indore district, Madhya Pradesh. This cantonment is well-known for its historical significance and military importance. Let’s take a closer look at Mhow Cantonment and the city it's a part of.

Madhya Pradesh is a large state in central India, known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and beautiful landscapes. It is home to many historical monuments, ancient temples, and wildlife sanctuaries. The state is also famous for its vibrant traditions, unique cuisine, and is a major producer of various crops in India. In this article, we will know about the district of Madhya Pradesh famous for Mhow Cantonment.

An Overview of Madhya Pradesh :

Madhya Pradesh is a state in central India, known as the “Heart of India.” Its capital is Bhopal, and the largest city is Indore. The state is the second largest in area and fifth in population, with over 72 million people. It shares borders with Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan. Madhya Pradesh is famous for its rich history, culture, and landmarks like the Khajuraho Temples and Kanha National Park.

Administrative Divisions of Madhya Pradesh :

Madhya Pradesh is divided into 55 districts, which are grouped into 10 divisions. As of now, the state has 55 district panchayats, 376 tehsils, 313 blocks, and 23,043 village panchayats. The state also has 18 municipal corporations, 100 municipal councils, and 264 town panchayats.

District of Madhya Pradesh famous for Mhow Cantonment :

Mhow Cantonment is located in Indore district, Madhya Pradesh. This cantonment is well-known for its historical significance and military importance. Let’s take a closer look at Mhow Cantonment and the city it’s a part of.

Location of Mhow Cantonment :

Mhow Cantonment is situated about 14 miles (roughly 23 kilometers) southwest of Indore city in the Indore district of Madhya Pradesh. It lies amidst beautiful landscapes, making it an important location in the region.

Features of Mhow Cantonment :

Mhow Cantonment is home to some of India’s top military training institutions. It houses three of the Indian Army’s prestigious training academies. Additionally, the Border Security Force’s Central School of Weapons and Tactics (CSWT) is also based here, making it a key military hub in the country.

History of Mhow Cantonment :

Mhow Cantonment was established in 1818 after the Treaty of Mandsaur, signed between the English and the Holkars. Since then, it has played an important role in the defense and military training of the country.

Nearby Attractions of Mhow Cantonment :

The city of Mhow is located between the Chambal and Narmada rivers, on the Malwa Plateau. This beautiful location is surrounded by scenic views and historical landmarks. Nearby tourist attractions include Swarga Mandir, a religious site, and an 18th-century stepwell, adding to the city’s cultural richness.

Correct Answer :   Prasar Bharati

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Prasar Bharati, India’s public broadcaster, has launched its own OTT platform ‘Waves’ at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). With a diverse content library, it aims to deliver a mix of nostalgic classics and contemporary programming, making it a hub for family-friendly entertainment. The platform is available on Android and iOS, offering content in over 12 languages and spanning multiple genres such as infotainment, gaming, education, shopping, and live events. This launch marks a significant step toward realizing the Digital India vision, especially for rural audiences, by bridging the digital divide.

Key Features of ‘Waves’ :

* Diverse Content Offerings: Waves provides 65 live TV channels, video-on-demand, free-to-play games, and online shopping through ONDC. It hosts content across genres like infotainment, education, and entertainment in over 12 languages, including Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, and Konkani.

* Nostalgic and Modern Shows: The platform blends India’s cultural past with the present, featuring classic TV shows such as Ramayan, Mahabharat, and Shaktimaan, alongside new age content like Fauji 2.0 and Kicking Balls. The inclusion of student films, reality shows, and regional programming enhances its appeal.

* Exclusive Live Events and Collaborations: Waves will broadcast live events like the US Premier League Cricket Tournament and Mann Ki Baat. It has partnered with organizations like CDAC for cybersecurity awareness campaigns and collaborated with film schools such as FTII and Annapurna for student films.

Strategic Goals and Vision :

* Focus on Family-Friendly Content: The platform is designed as a “one-stop hub” for families, kids, and youth. It aims to provide clean content while showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage.

* Supporting Young Creators: Waves actively supports emerging content creators, including National Creator Awardees and students from film and media colleges.

Future Prospects and Partnerships :

* Collaborations with Government and Industry: Waves is co-developing content with various ministries and states, aiming to provide meaningful entertainment through docudramas, reality shows, and historical documentaries. It also offers live streaming from Doordarshan and private channels in categories like news, sports, and devotional programs.

Correct Answer :   Iraq

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Iraq is conducting its first comprehensive nationwide census in nearly four decades.

The Ministry of Interior announced a two-day curfew for the extensive operation, which will see 120,000 researchers gathering data from households in all 18 of the country’s governorates on Wednesday (20th Nov 2024) and Thursday (21st Nov 2024).

The last nationwide census in Iraq was held in 1987. Another one held in 1997 excluded the three northern provinces that make up the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region.

Ministry of Planning spokesman Abdul-Zahra al-Hindawi said that the census, carried out with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), would reveal “the reality of Iraq in its smallest details”, enabling authorities to pinpoint gaps in health, education and housing provision.

Iraq has spent much of the past few decades devastated by conflict and sanctions, the 2003 United States-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein followed by sectarian struggles and the emergence of the ISIL (ISIS) group.

The act of counting the population could prove contentious, with the census expected to have profound implications for Iraq’s resource distribution, budget allocations and development planning.

In particular, it has reignited tensions between Baghdad and Iraqi Kurdistan, the latter fearing any documented decline in the Kurdish population will reduce the group’s political influence and economic entitlements in the country’s sectarian power-sharing system.

The count in territories such as Kirkuk, Diyala and Mosul – where control is disputed between the central government in Baghdad and the semi-autonomous Kurdish regional government in the north – has drawn intense scrutiny.

Ali Arian Saleh, the executive director of the census at the Planning Ministry, said researchers from all ethnic groups – Kurds, Arabs, Turkmen, and Christians – would conduct the census in disputed areas to “ensure fairness”.

Saleh said the Kurdish region’s share of the national budget – currently 12 percent – is based on an estimated population of six million. He estimated Iraq’s total population to be 44.5 million.

The census, which will gather information from households on issues like health, education and employment, includes religion but does not differentiate between sects, such as Sunni and Shia Muslims. Unlike previous counts, it excludes ethnicity.

Demographics are likely to have shifted with the exile of hundreds of thousands of Christians, and also of tens of thousands of Yazidi families who were displaced from Sinjar by atrocities committed by ISIL..

Source : Aljazeera

Correct Answer :   Jitendra Singh

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India has launched its first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Bank, a landmark initiative to foster innovation and enhance national security. Announced by Union Minister Jitendra Singh at the 7th ASSOCHAM AI Leadership Meet 2024, this step is part of India’s broader strategy to leverage AI for economic growth and governance. The initiative aims to provide researchers, startups, and developers with access to high-quality datasets for creating scalable AI solutions, positioning AI as a key enabler for sectors such as healthcare, space exploration, and national security.

Strategic AI Roadmap for India’s Future Development :

AI is becoming a core element in India’s long-term development strategy. The government has actively integrated AI into critical sectors such as governance, business, education, and healthcare. Minister Jitendra Singh emphasized AI’s potential to drive growth while addressing issues like climate change, disaster management, and public service delivery. This is a continuation of India’s ongoing efforts to make AI a national priority, dating back to the National Strategy for AI launched earlier to focus on innovation, ethical governance, and global collaboration.

National Security: AI Data Bank’s Crucial Role :

The AI Data Bank is designed to enhance national security by enabling real-time analytics of satellite, drone, and Internet of Things (IoT) data. This initiative aligns with the nation’s goals of using AI for predictive analytics in cybersecurity and disaster management. By facilitating access to diverse and high-quality datasets, the data bank will accelerate the development of AI solutions that can contribute to safeguarding India’s borders and infrastructure.

Commitment to Responsible and Transparent AI Use :

Union Minister Jitendra Singh stressed the need for responsible AI use, underscoring the importance of handling AI technology optimally while ensuring fairness and transparency. He reiterated India’s commitment to addressing issues like algorithmic bias and data privacy through robust governance frameworks. Singh also emphasized that AI should empower citizens and bridge divides, not replace them. The event reinforced India’s vision to lead global AI development by 2047, fostering responsible and inclusive AI integration.

Global Collaboration and Ethical AI Framework
The event highlighted the importance of global collaboration and ethical AI adoption. Dr. Singh called for India’s active participation in international platforms, including the UN and G20, to help shape a rules-based AI framework. This ongoing commitment to ethical governance and innovation positions India as a key player in the global AI ecosystem.

Why in News	Details
Launch of India’s First AI Data Bank (2024)	India’s first AI Data Bank was launched by Union Minister Jitendra Singh at the 7th ASSOCHAM AI Leadership Meet 2024 to foster innovation and national security.
Key Minister Involved	Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of Science and Technology (Independent Charge)
Event	7th Edition of ASSOCHAM AI Leadership Meet 2024
Theme of the Event	“AI for India: Advancing India’s AI Development – Innovation, Ethics, and Governance”
Objective of AI Data Bank	To provide high-quality, diverse datasets to researchers, startups, and developers for creating scalable AI solutions.
Impact Areas of AI	Governance, business, healthcare, education, space exploration, national security, climate change, disaster management, cybersecurity
Technological Focus	AI-driven real-time analytics of satellite, drone, and IoT data for enhancing national security.
Government’s Focus	Developing AI systems with transparent and fair governance, addressing algorithmic bias and data privacy.
India’s AI Strategy	India’s National Strategy for AI focuses on innovation, ethical governance, and global collaboration.
Global AI Participation	India aims to participate actively in global platforms like the United Nations and G20 for promoting a rules-based AI framework.
AI’s Role in National Security	AI used for real-time data analytics in satellite, drone, and IoT sectors to boost national security and disaster management.
Minister’s Vision for AI	By 2047, India aims to become a global AI leader with a responsible and inclusive approach to AI development.
Key Objective for AI	AI must bridge divides, empower citizens, and ensure equitable access to the benefits of AI without replacing human jobs.
Data Utilization	AI Data Bank to aid in predictive analytics for cybersecurity and disaster management.
AI Empowerment for Citizens	Ensuring equitable access to AI technology for all citizens, addressing challenges like algorithmic bias and data privacy.
India’s Government Strategy	Fostering partnerships between academia, private enterprises, and startups to drive AI applications in critical sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and space exploration.

Correct Answer :   Sri Lanka

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The Asian Development Bank (ADB) recently (19th Nov 2024) approved a $200 million loan to support financial sector reform in Sri Lanka:

Purpose : The loan is part of the ADB's Financial Sector Stability and Reforms Program, which aims to stabilize the country's economy and manage the financial crisis.

Benefits : The loan will help sustain economic stabilization efforts in Sri Lanka.

The ADB has also approved other loans in India, including :

Uttarakhand Livability Improvement Project : A $200 million loan to improve the quality of life for residents of Uttarakhand by upgrading water supply, sanitation, transportation, and other urban services .

Renewable energy projects : A $200 million loan to support renewable energy projects in India .

Flood and riverbank erosion risk management in Assam : A $200 million loan to strengthen flood and riverbank erosion risk management along the Brahmaputra River in Assam .

Sustainable Urban Development and Service Delivery Program : A $400 million loan to support the government's urban reform agenda .

Solar rooftop systems : A $500 million loan to help the Indian government expand energy access using renewable energy.