Daily & Latest Current Affairs in 2025

Correct Answer :   Venus

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The Union Cabinet on Wednesday (18th Sep 2024) cleared the new moon mission Chandrayaan-4 and approved the development of the Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM) as part of the government’s vision to explore and study the Earth’s closest planet.

The Chandrayaan-4 will develop and demonstrate the technologies to come back to Earth after successfully landing on the moon and also collect lunar samples for analysis on Earth.

VOM, scheduled to launch in March 2028, will focus on putting a scientific spacecraft in the orbit of Venus for a better understanding of its surface and subsurface, atmospheric processes, and the influence of the sun on the Venusian atmosphere.

The Chandrayaan-4 mission will cost Rs 2104.06 crore. The budget includes spacecraft development and realisation, two LVM3 launches, external deep space network support, and conducting special tests for design validation, finally leading to the landing on the moon’s surface and safe return to Earth along with the collected lunar samples.

Major technologies that are required for docking/undocking, landing, safe return to Earth and also accomplishing lunar sample collection and analysis would be demonstrated. The mission is expected to be completed within 36 months of approval with the participation of industry and academia.

The Cabinet allocated Rs 1,236 crore for VOM, of which Rs 824 crore will be spent on the spacecraft. The cost includes the development and realisation of the spacecraft including its specific payloads and technology elements, global ground station support cost for navigation and network, as well as the cost of the launch vehicle.

Venus is believed to have formed in conditions similar to Earth. The planet offers a unique opportunity to understand how planetary environments can evolve very differently.

The VOM to be accomplished by the Department of Space is envisaged to orbit a scientific spacecraft in the orbit of Venus. This is to study the underlying causes of the transformation of Venus, which is believed to have once been habitable and quite similar to Earth. The exploration would be an invaluable aid in understanding the evolution of the sister planets, both Venus and Earth..

Source : Business Standard

Correct Answer :   UAE

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The Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) signed two MoUs with the Emirates Defence Companies Council (EDCC) and EDGE Group during the India-UAE Defence Industry Partnership Forum held in Abu Dhabi.

This forum, organized by the Indian Embassy in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Defence, aims to strengthen the defence ties between India and the UAE. These agreements represent a significant step toward enhancing collaboration in defence manufacturing and technology transfer between the two nations.

Correct Answer :   To provide affordable medicines

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The partnership between PMBI and Coal India aims to establish Jan Aushadhi Kendras, providing high-quality generic medicines at affordable prices to Coal India's workforce and surrounding communities.

This initiative seeks to reduce out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare, making quality medicines accessible and affordable for those in need.

By offering affordable medicines, Jan Aushadhi Kendras promote healthcare equity and supports the well-being of coal workers, residents, and their families.

Correct Answer :   2040

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The Union Cabinet approved the Chandrayaan-4 mission, which aims to develop and demonstrate technologies necessary for safely landing on the Moon and returning to Earth.

A key aspect of this mission is to establish foundational technologies for an Indian moon landing, planned for the year 2040.

This initiative is part of a broader vision for India's space program, which includes the establishment of an Indian Space Station by 2035 and enhancing capabilities in lunar exploration and sample collection.

Correct Answer :   New Delhi

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The High Commission of India is pleased to inform that the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Exports Development Authority (APEDA) in collaboration Ministry of Food Processing India is organizing one of India largest International Agri and Processed food fair World Food India (WFI) 2024, from 19-22 September 2024 at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

WFI 2024, is a mega food event slated to be the biggest congregation of policy makers & regulators, global investors, business leaders and key executives of prominent global and domestic food companies.

Correct Answer :   12,554 Crores

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The Central Government has sanctioned Rs 12,554 Crore to various states so far this year for providing relief and rehabilitation to people affected by various natural disasters.

Under the Scheme for Expansion and Modernisation of Fire Services, the Union Home Ministry has also sanctioned Rs 890.69 crore to five States to assist them in expanding and strengthening their fire services.

Correct Answer :   Anurag Garg

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Anurag Garg (IPS: 1993: HP) has been named as the Director General of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) with tenure lasting until May 23, 2026.

Meanwhile, the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) has selected Brijendra Pratap Singh for the post of Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO). Singh currently serves as Director-in-charge of Burnpur and Durgapur Steel Plant under SAIL.

Additionally, Manoj Kumar (IRS IT: 2003), presently Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) at Jawahar Lal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), Mumbai, has been given additional responsibilities as CVO of the Shipping Corporation of India Ltd, Mumbai, for a period of six months.

In another extension, the tenure of Satyendra Kumar (IPS: 2007: RJ), Director in the Ministry of Environment, has been prolonged by three months until December 24, 2024. His central deputation began on September 25, 2017.

Kim (IPS: 2008: BH) has been appointed as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) at the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) for a five-year term.

Furthermore, Birendra Kumar Mishra (ISS: 2012) has been appointed as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Minister of Panchayati Raj and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, until March 31, 2028..

Source : egov

Correct Answer :   Nirmala Sitharaman

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Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman launched the National Pension System Vatsalya (NPS Vatsalya) scheme, ‘a pension scheme for minors’ at New Delhi on 18th Sep 2024.

The NPS Vatsalya was announced by the Union Finance Minister in the Union Budget 2024-25 on 23rd July, 2024.

Union Minister of State for Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary; Shri Nagaraju Maddirala, Secretary, Department of Financial Services (DFS); and Shri Deepak Mohanty, Chairman Pension Fund Regulatory Authority of India (PFRDA) were also present besides senior officials from DFS and PFRDA along with school children, their parents and other esteemed guests.

The launch of NPS Vatsalya was simultaneously organised at 75 locations throughout the country, with distribution of over 250 PRAN to minor subscribers. At all the locations, school-going children enthusiastically attended the event.

During the event, Union Finance Minister also launched an online platform for subscribing to NPS Vatsalya, released the scheme brochure..


Source : PIB

Correct Answer :   Samir Kumar

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Amazon’s 25-year-veteran Samir Kumar will take over the reins of its India consumer business as the company undergoes a leadership transition following the resignation of Manish Tiwary, the retail giant said in a release on Wednesday (18th Sep 2024).

Who is Samir Kumar?

Samir Kumar has been with Amazon since 1999 and was a key member of the team that helped launch Amazon.in in 2013. His extensive experience within the company will be instrumental in his new role, overseeing operations in one of Amazon’s largest markets. Kumar currently leads Amazon’s consumer businesses across West Asia, South Africa, and Turkey.

He will assume his new role on October 1, 2024, while also continuing his existing responsibilities in these regions.

As part of this leadership shift, Amazon India’s key executives, including Saurabh Srivastava (categories), Harsh Goyal (everyday essentials), Amit Nanda (marketplace), and Aastha Jain (growth initiatives), will now report to Kumar. Kishore Thota, responsible for emerging markets shopping experience, will report directly to Agarwal, the company said.

Commenting on the future of Amazon India, Amit Agarwal, Amazon’s senior vice-president for emerging markets said, “India remains an important priority for Amazon, and I am excited about the opportunity ahead as we continue to transform lives and livelihoods. With Samir’s extensive experience across emerging markets, I am even more optimistic about the future and our plans to deliver for both customers and the business in India.”

Manish Tiwari steps down :

Samir Kumar will be replacing Manish Tiwari. Tiwary, who has been with Amazon India for eight-and-a-half years, announced his decision to leave in early August. He is set to explore new opportunities outside of Amazon but will remain with the company until October to ensure a smooth transition..

Source : Business Standard

Correct Answer :   Brijendra Pratap Singh

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Brijendra Pratap Singh has been selected by the Public Enterprises Selection Board to lead National Aluminium Corporation, a prestigious Navratna company under the Ministry of Mines, headquartered in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

Currently, Singh serves as director of SAIL's Burnpur and Durgapur Steel Plants. His appointment is subject to requisite clearances and approval from the Appointments Committee of Cabinet.

Singh will bring his expertise to NALCO, guiding the company's strategic growth and development in the aluminium sector. His leadership experience in the steel industry will be valuable in navigating challenges and opportunities.