National News
- Neutral Expert’s Decision on Indus Waters Treaty: A Win for India 🌊🏞️: The Neutral Expert, appointed by the World Bank under the terms of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), deemed himself “competent” to adjudicate the technical differences raised between India and Pakistan regarding the design of two hydroelectric projects in Jammu and Kashmir. This outcome vindicates India’s long-standing position and opens a new chapter in the resolution of disputes under the IWT framework.
- Guillain-Barre Syndrome Outbreak in Pune 🏥🧠: Around 59 people in Pune have been recently affected with Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), a neurological disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system. The exact cause of the disease remains unclear, but it is often observed following a viral or bacterial infection, vaccination, or major surgery.
International News
- Federal Judge Halts Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Order 🇺🇸👶: A Seattle-based federal judge has temporarily blocked Donald Trump’s first major executive order since returning to office, calling it “blatantly unconstitutional.” The order aimed to restrict birthright citizenship in the United States, sparking significant legal and political debates.
- Deloitte Projects Indian Economy to Grow 6.5-6.8% in FY 2024-25 📈🌏: Deloitte India has revised its GDP growth projection for the fiscal year 2024-25 to a range of 6.5% to 6.8%, citing global trade uncertainties and domestic challenges. The firm emphasizes the need for cautious optimism as the economy navigates these complexities.
State News
- Kolkata’s ‘Boi Mela’, India’s Oldest Book Fair 📚📖: Kolkata’s Boi Mela, India’s oldest book fair, continues to be a vibrant cultural event. More than just a marketplace for books, the Boi Mela reflects Bengali culture, deeply rooted in the city’s legacy of reading, intellectual exchange, and knowledge-sharing.
- Skydo Receives RBI Nod as Cross-Border Payment Aggregator 💸🌐: Skydo Technologies, a Bengaluru-based fintech firm, has received in-principle authorization from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to function as a Payment Aggregator-Cross Border (PA-CB) entity. This approval underscores Skydo’s commitment to providing compliant, seamless, and cost-effective cross-border payment solutions for Indian exporters.
- IDFC FIRST Bank and RuPay Introduce FIRST EA₹N RuPay Credit Card 💳📱: IDFC FIRST Bank has partnered with RuPay to launch the FIRST EA₹N RuPay Credit Card, a secured credit card that combines the benefits of a fixed deposit with the convenience of UPI transactions. This innovative card aims to provide users with enhanced financial flexibility and rewards.
multiple-choice questions (MCQs) based on the current affairs of January 24, 2025, along with their answers:
MCQs with Answers
- What was the outcome of the Neutral Expert’s decision under the Indus Waters Treaty? 🌊🏞️
- a) In favor of Pakistan
- b) In favor of India
- c) Deemed incompetent to adjudicate
- d) Deferred the decision
- Answer: b) In favor of India
- Which neurological disorder recently affected around 59 people in Pune? 🏥🧠
- a) Multiple Sclerosis
- b) Parkinson’s Disease
- c) Guillain-Barre Syndrome
- d) Alzheimer’s Disease
- Answer: c) Guillain-Barre Syndrome
- Which executive order did a federal judge temporarily block in the United States? 🇺🇸👶
- a) Travel Ban
- b) Border Wall Construction
- c) Birthright Citizenship Order
- d) Trade Tariff on China
- Answer: c) Birthright Citizenship Order
- What is Deloitte’s revised GDP growth projection for the Indian economy in FY 2024-25? 📈🌏
- a) 5.5-6.0%
- b) 6.0-6.3%
- c) 6.5-6.8%
- d) 7.0-7.2%
- Answer: c) 6.5-6.8%
- Which city hosts India’s oldest book fair, Boi Mela? 📚📖
- a) Mumbai
- b) Delhi
- c) Kolkata
- d) Chennai
- Answer: c) Kolkata
- Which fintech firm received RBI’s in-principle authorization as a Payment Aggregator-Cross Border (PA-CB) entity? 💸🌐
- a) Paytm
- b) Razorpay
- c) Skydo Technologies
- d) Instamojo
- Answer: c) Skydo Technologies
- Which bank partnered with RuPay to introduce the FIRST EA₹N RuPay Credit Card? 💳📱
- a) HDFC Bank
- b) ICICI Bank
- c) SBI Bank
- d) IDFC FIRST Bank
- Answer: d) IDFC FIRST Bank
- What was the objective of the Neutral Expert appointed by the World Bank under the IWT? 🌊🏞️
- a) Mediate trade disputes
- b) Resolve technical differences on hydroelectric projects
- c) Evaluate environmental policies
- d) Facilitate financial aid
- Answer: b) Resolve technical differences on hydroelectric projects
- Which neurological disorder outbreak was reported in Pune affecting 59 people? 🏥🧠
- a) Meningitis
- b) Guillain-Barre Syndrome
- c) Encephalitis
- d) Neuropathy
- Answer: b) Guillain-Barre Syndrome
- What cultural significance does Kolkata’s Boi Mela hold? 📚📖
- a) Celebrates digital books
- b) Promotes multimedia art
- c) Reflects Bengali culture and intellectual exchange
- d) Focuses on international authors
- Answer: c) Reflects Bengali culture and intellectual exchange