Daily Current Affairs for UPSC IAS: 24th January 2025

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana : 10 Years Completed

This year marks the 10 years of Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana encouraging families to invest in the bright futures of their daughters, fostering a culture of inclusion and progress.

• It is a savings scheme launched back in 2015 as part of the Government initiative, Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign.
• This scheme enables guardians to open a savings account for their girl child with an authorized commercial bank or India-Post branch.
• The applicant must be a citizen of India.
• The account can be opened by a parent or legal guardian of the girl’s child.
• The girl child must be below the age of 10 years.
• Only one account is allowed for a girl child.
• A family can open only 2 SSY scheme accounts.
• NRIs are not eligible to open these accounts.
• Investment of minimum Rs. 250 and maximum Rs. 1.5 lakh in a financial year. Subsequent deposits in multiples of Rs. 100.
• No limit on the number of deposits either in a month or in a Financial Year.
• Tenure: The maturity period of SSY is 21 years from the account opening. However, contributions have to be made for the first 15 years only.
• Thereafter, the SSY account will continue to earn interest until maturity.
• The SSY account will be mandatorily operated by the girl child after she attains the age of 18 years.

Raman Rajamannan : In News

Raman Rajamannan, the king of the Mannan community and the only tribal king in Kerala, will participate in the Republic Day parade in Delhi.

• The Mannan is a scheduled tribe (ST) of Kerala.
• It is the only adivasi tribal dynasty with a kingship currently existing in South India.
• The life of the Mannan Community is closely related to the Tamil
• They speak a dialect similar to Tamil but without a script.
• It is believed that they were originally from Tamil Nadu and later migrated to Idukki during the period of Poonjar Rajavamsham (kings).
• Nearly 97 percent of the Mannan community’s population reside in Idukki District.
• Though they used to stay in remote forests, they were forced to migrate to plots allotted by the government at the outskirts of the Periyar Tiger Reserve, a few decades back, following a government ban on deforestation in the preserved area.
• They follow a matrilineal system of descent, and their ruler, the Raja Mannan, is elected by community headmen from among those eligible by heredity.
• Their primary occupation is agriculture, including coconut harvesting, cultivation of herbs, etc.

National Voters’ Day 2025 : Theme

The 15th National Voters’ Day (NVD) will be celebrated across the country on 25th January.

• It has been observed annually on January 25 since 2011 to commemorate the foundation day of the Election Commission of India, i.e. on January 25, 1950
• It aims to underline the centrality of the voter and raise electoral awareness among citizens and inspire their active participation in the democratic process.
• It also promotes the enrolment of new voters, particularly young individuals who have recently become eligible. Across the country, new voters are honored and presented with their Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC) during NVD ceremonies.
• This Year’s Theme “Nothing Like Voting, I Vote for Sure” is a continuation of last year’s theme emphasizing the importance of participation in the electoral process and encouraging voters to take pride in exercising their franchise.

Stargardt Disease:

Researchers from Switzerland say they have developed a gene editing technique that could perhaps help treat Stargardt disease.

• It is also known as Stargardt macular degeneration.
• It is commonly caused by changes in a gene, ABCA4. This gene influences how the human body uses Vitamin A.
• It is an inherited disease that leads to progressive vision loss in children and young adults. It is usually bilateral, involving both eyes.
• People with this disease have too much lipofuscin. It builds up over the macula, which is the central part of the retina and is responsible for clear and sharp central vision.
• Everybody’s eyes contain a yellowish-brown pigment called lipofuscin that builds up in cells as people age.
• The most common symptom of the Stargardt disease is a slow loss of central vision in both eyes. Some people lose their central vision more quickly than others.
• Other symptoms may include Gray, black, or hazy spots in the center of the vision, sensitivity to light and color blindness.

Oysters’ Antimicrobial Properties:

According to new research, antimicrobial proteins isolated from oyster hemolymph (the equivalent of blood) can kill certain drug resistant-bacteria.The proteins can also improve the efficacy of conventional antibiotics against resistant bacteria species. Antimicrobial proteins and peptides from oyster hemolymph can:Kill bacteria like Streptococcus spp., responsible for pneumonia, tonsillitis, and rheumatic fever. It Inhibit and penetrate biofilms that protect bacteria from antibiotics and immune responses.
It Enhance conventional antibiotics’ efficacy by 2 to 32 times.

Boreal Forests:

A study reveals that nearly half of the world’s boreal forests are undergoing major changes due to climate change, increasing wild fire risks and altering their carbon sink role.Boreal forests are warming four times faster than the global average. Boreal forests are transitioning to an open state (with sparse tree cover), reducing their carbon storage capacity and increasing wildfire risks, with tree density decreasing from south to north.Permafrost thawing may release significant soil carbon, further complicating carbon storage projections. The boreal forest (or “taiga”) is the world’s largest land biome, covering 30% of global forest area and 10% of Earth’s land surface.

Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025:

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has recently released the Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025 report. The report highlights rising cyber threats to critical infrastructure, driven by geopolitical tensions, outdated systems, and a cybersecurity skills gap, stressing the need for enhanced security and resilience.In 2024 there was a sharp increase in phishing and social engineering attacks, with 42% of organizations reporting such incidents. Nearly 60% of organizations state that geopolitical tensions have affected their cybersecurity strategy. 35% of small organizations feel their cyber resilience is insufficient.

Saint Narahari Tirtha:

A three-foot statue of 13th century saint Narahari Tirtha depicting him with script on palm leaves and flanked by devotees was discovered at Simhachalam Temple in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.Saint Narahari Tirtha (1243-1333 AD) was a Dvaita philosopher, intellectual, scholar, statesman and saint in the Madhva tradition.He hailed from Chikakolu (modern-day Srikakulam) in Andhra Pradesh, born into an aristocratic family in the Gajapati empire of Odisha. He was a follower of Madhvacharya, the originator of Dvaita philosophy and propagated the Madhvacharya’s Vaiṣṇavism in the region, ensuring its firm establishment in a non-interfering, secular manner. He also contributed to the development of regional art forms and played a vital role in propagating Yakṣagana Bayalaṭa (a dance-drama form from coastal Karnataka) and the classical dance style that evolved into Kuchipudi in Andhra Pradesh.

Renaming Gulf of Mexico and Denali:

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America and revert Denali to Mount McKinley, to honor American greatness.Governance on Naming: International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) (US and Mexico are members), ensures uniformity but allows domestic alternative names, with no formal renaming protocol. Mexico and Cuba aren’t bound to the new name, and international agreements still use the Gulf of Mexico.

Use of wind turbines along railway tracks:

Indian Railways (IR) is exploring the use of wind turbines along railway tracks as part of its goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.A pilot project by Western Railway installed mini vertical-axis turbines generating 1-10 kW of electricity, harnessing wind from passing trains.By November 2024, IR commissioned 487 MW of solar power, 103 MW of wind power, and 100 MW of Renewable Energy Round-the-Clock (RTC).

New president of the Athletics Federation of India:

Bahadur Singh Sagoo has been elected as the new president of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI).Bahadur Singh Sagoo is a one-time Asian medallist and two-time national champion, won a gold medal in the shot put at the 2002 Busan Asian Games. He also competed in the 2000 and 2004 Olympics.Athletics Federation of India (AFI) was established in 1946 as a non-governmental, non-profit, autonomous apex body for athletics in India.

US withdrawal from WHO:

Recently, the United States, under President Donald Trump, has signed an executive order to withdraw from WHO, citing reasons such as mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the lack of reforms within the organization. Reasons behind this is Mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic,Perceived political bias within the organization,Unequal financial burden on the US compared to other countries, particularly China.

Takers, Not Makers Report : Oxfam Report

The Oxfam International report, titled Takers, Not Makers, highlights the wealth extracted from India during British colonial rule, emphasizing the enduring economic and social inequalities shaped by colonial exploitation.$64.82 trillion extracted from India by Britain (1765–1900), adjusted for today’s value. 33.8 trillion (52%) enriched the UK’s richest 10%; 32% benefited the middle class.India’s industrial output share fell from 25% (1750) to 2% (1900) due to protectionist policies targeting Asian textiles.
Systemic exploitation persists, with wages in the Global South 87–95% lower than in the Global North.

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti:

India celebrates Parakram Diwas annually on January 23rd to honor the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, a visionary leader and a key figure in the Indian freedom movement. Introduced in 2021 by the Government of India to commemorate the legacy of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.Aim is To instill patriotism and courage in citizens, particularly youth, and inspire them to face challenges with determination.

One Nation, One Legislative Platform:

The 85th All India Presiding Officers’ Conference (AIPOC) concluded in Patna, Bihar, addressing critical issues in legislative proceedings, such as disruptions, decorum, and enhancing the role of legislative bodies.The conference also highlighted the upcoming One Nation, One Legislative Platform, aiming to unify all legislative bodies on a single digital platform.Resolutions focused on curbing disruptions, improving debate quality, and celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Constitution with public engagement initiatives.

Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar-2025:

The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) in Hyderabad has been selected for the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar-2025 in the Institutional Category, recognizing its exceptional contributions to disaster management.Established by the Government of India, the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar honors individuals and organizations for their outstanding work in disaster management. The award is announced annually on January 23, the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, and includes a cash prize and certificate.

Mauni Amavasya : Maha Kumbh

Mauni Amavasya, also called Maghi Amavasya, is one of the most important days in the Hindu calendar. In 2025, it will be observed on Wednesday, January 29. This sacred day is known for its focus on silence, fasting and ritual bathing in holy rivers, especially the Ganges. Millions of devotees celebrate this day to seek purification and divine blessings.

Nigeria Joins BRICS as Partner:

Nigeria was officially admitted as a partner country of the BRICS bloc, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This strategic move aims to bolster Nigeria’s economic and diplomatic ties with leading emerging economies. The announcement was made by Brazil’s Foreign Ministry, highlighting Nigeria’s significant role in strengthening South-South cooperation and advocating for global governance reforms.

Ayodhya Celebrates First Anniversary of Ram Lalla’s Pran Pratishtha:

The sacred city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh is resonating with devotion and festivity as it marks the first anniversary of the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ of Ram Lalla at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir. The milestone event, celebrated on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, reflects the city’s spiritual legacy and the culmination of centuries of devotion and struggle.The grand Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Lalla took place on January 22, 2024, under the auspices of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a historic moment for the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir.