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Daily Current Affairs for UPSC IAS: 28th January 2025

Today’s Current Affairs: 28th January 2025 for UPSC IAS exams, State PSC exams, SSC CGL, State SSC, RRB, Railways, Banking Exam & IBPS, etc

Unified Pension Scheme : In News

The Union Finance Ministry recently notified operationalization of the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) as an option under the National Pension System (NPS) for central government employees.

  • UPS will apply to Central Government employees who are covered under the National Pension System (NPS) and who choose this option under the NPS.
  • Both current and future Central Government employees covered under the NPS have the option to choose between the UPS or continue with the existing NPS plan.
  • Once a decision is made to switch to the UPS, it is considered final and binding.
  • Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) may issue regulations for operationalizing the UPS.
  • The effective date for operationalization of the Unified Pension Scheme shall be April 1, 2025.
  • UPS provides a guaranteed payout to employees upon superannuation.
  • It will offer 50% of the average basic pay drawn by a Central government employee during the 12 months prior to retirement, provided they complete 25 years of service.
  • Employees with less than 25 years of service but more than 10 years will receive a pension on a proportionate basis.
  • A minimum payout of Rs 10,000 per month is assured for employees with 10 or more years of qualifying service.
  • For those who choose to retire voluntarily after 25 years of service, the payout will begin from the date they would have reached superannuation if they had continued working.
  • In the event of the payout holder’s death after superannuation, a family payout at 60% of the payout admissible to the holder will be given to the legally wedded spouse.
  • Additionally, dearness relief will be available on the assured payout and family payout. Dearness relief will be worked out in the same manner as Dearness Allowance applicable to serving employees.
  • UPS or assured payout would not be available in case of removal or dismissal from service or resignation of the employee.
    Contributions under the UPS:
  • Unlike the old pension scheme, UPS is contributory in nature, wherein employees will be required to contribute 10 percent of their basic salary and dearness allowance while the employer’s contribution (the central government) will be 18.5 percent.

White-Naped Tit:

Bird enthusiasts recently documented the white-naped tit in North Karnataka’s Kappatagudda hills for the first time, identifying it by its call.

  • White-Naped Tit is a passerine bird in the tit family Paridae.
  • Scientific Name: Machlolophus nuchalis
  • It is endemic to India, found in two disjunct populations: in the northwest (Gujarat, Haryana and Rajasthan) and in the south (Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu).
  • It is the only pied (black-and-white) tit in India.
  • Its upperparts from forehead to tail are glossy black, with a prominent white patch on the lower nape and upper mantle.
  • The cheeks and the rest of the underparts are white, with a wide black central band running from throat to vent.
  • The wings have a large white patch with a few black bars.
  • It is seen in pairs or small family groups.
  • Conservation Status: IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System:

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently showcased a model of the indigenous Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) on its tableau during the 76th Republic Day parade.

  • It is a large calibre Gun system with the capability to program and fire future Long Range Guided Munitions (LRGM) to achieve precision and deep strike.
  • This gun has been developed indigenously by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the production partners of these ATAGS are two private sector companies–Bharat Forge and Tata Advanced Systems.
  • It is a 155mm, 52-calibre howitzer.
  • It boasts an impressive range of 48 km, placing it among the longest-range towed artillery systems globally.
  • The gun is towed by a 6×6 platform, providing excellent mobility across varied terrains.
  • Its advanced features include a burst firing mode and sophisticated electronics.
  • It also has the shoot-and-scoot capability and is also the first of its kind gun which is capable of achieving the shortest minimum range at a high angle.
  • The system is configured with an all-electric drive that will ensure maintenance-free and reliable operation over longer periods of time.
  • It is also designed to operate in extreme temperatures.

Epicoccum indicum : New Species Of Fungi

A new species of phytopathogenic fungi, Epicoccum indicum (Ascomycota, Didymellaceae), associated with an emerging leaf spot disease in Chrysopogon zizanioides (vetiver), was recently discovered by researchers at Banaras Hindu University.

  • It is a new species of phytopathogenic fungi.
  • The species name refers to India, where it was discovered.
  • Phytopathogenic fungi cause diseases in plants, leading to significant economic losses in agriculture and horticulture.
  • 70–80% of plant diseases are caused by phytopathogenic fungi.
  • They infect various parts of plants including roots, stems, leaves, flowers and fruits.
  • Most phytopathogenic fungi belong to the Ascomycetes and the Basidiomycetes

Inland Waterways Authority of India : New Regional Office

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) sets up new Regional Office at Varanasi.

  • It is a statutory body established the under the Inland Waterways Authority of India Act (IWAI), 1985.
  • The Authority primarily undertakes projects for development and maintenance of IWT infrastructure on national waterways through grant received from Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
  • It presently has five regional offices in Guwahati (Assam), Patna (Bihar), Kochi (Kerala), Bhubaneswar (Odisha) and Kolkata (West Bengal).
  • Varanasi will be its sixth office.
  • Headquarter: Noida, Uttar Pradesh
  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways

Reserve Bank-Integrated Ombudsman Scheme:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) resolved 95 per cent of complaints received under the Reserve Bank-Integrated Ombudsman Scheme (RB-IOS) between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024.

  • Reserve Bank-Integrated Ombudsman Scheme was launched on November 12, 2021.
  • It adopts ‘One Nation – One Ombudsman’ approach by making the RBI’s Ombudsman mechanism jurisdiction neutral.
  • It integrates the erstwhile three Ombudsman schemes of RBI namely: the Banking Ombudsman Scheme, 2006, the Ombudsman Scheme for Non-Banking Financial Companies, 2018 and the Ombudsman Scheme for Digital Transactions, 2019.
  • It defines ‘deficiency in service’ as the ground for filing a complaint, with a specified list of exclusions. A deficiency of service is a shortcoming or an inadequacy in the financial service or some other service related to it that the Regulated Entities (RE) is supposed to provide.
  • A Centralised Receipt and Processing Centre has been set up at RBI, Chandigarh, for receipt and initial processing of physical and email complaints in any language.
  • The regulated entity will not have any right to appeal in cases where an award is issued by the ombudsman against it for not furnishing satisfactory and timely information.
  • It covers all commercial banks, Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), RRBs, Payment System Participants, most Primary (Urban) Cooperative Banks with a deposit size of ₹50 crore and Credit Information Companies.

Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis:

A new research paper has identified a life-threatening fungal infection called chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA), mostly in the damaged lungs of tuberculosis survivors among Assam’s tea plantation workers.

  • It is an infection caused by Aspergillus fumigatus, a fungus that strikes individuals with immunodeficiency.
  • It is a chronic lung disease that occurs commonly in pre-existing lung cavities.
  • It mostly occurs in post-TB or active TB patients and shares similar clinical features with tuberculosis.
  • It is not contagious, meaning it cannot be passed from person to person.
  • It doesn’t always cause symptoms in the early stages. When symptoms do occur, they can vary from person to person. The most common symptom of CPA is coughing up blood.
  • Other symptoms can include: unintentional weight loss, fatigue, shortness of breath, wheezing, etc.

Paraquat Poisoning:

A 24-year old woman was awarded the death sentence by a Thiruvananthapuram court which found her guilty of poisoning her boyfriend in 2022 with a chemical herbicide called paraquat.

  • Paraquat also known as paraquat dichloride or methyl viologen, it is one of the world’s most-used herbicides.
  • It is primarily used to control the growth of weeds and desiccate crops like cotton before harvest.
  • The WHO classifies paraquat as Category 2 (moderately hazardous and moderately irritating) chemical.
  • Its sale is banned in over 70 countries, including China and the European Union, due to its potent toxicity. It is widely used in the US and in India.
  • Ingestion is the most common route of exposure.
  • It may also be transferred and absorbed through prolonged skin contact.
  • It depends on the amount, means and length of exposure to the chemical.
  • If ingested in a small amount, a person would display signs of damage to the heart, kidneys, liver and lungs over several days or weeks.
  • If ingested in large amount then the person could face acute kidney failure, rapid heart rate, failure of the heart and liver, seizures and respiratory failure.
  • The person would immediately display abdominal pain, swelling and pain in the mouth and throat, bloody diarrhoea and nausea.
  • There are no known antidotes for paraquat poisoning but some studies mentions that immunosuppression and Charcoal Hemoperfusion (CHP) can be used.
  • CHP uses activated charcoal to remove toxins from the blood.

Key Highlights of the 2025 Republic Day Tableaux:

Highlights:

  • Tri-Services Tableau: For the first time, a Tri-Services Tableau was featured, underlining the synergy between the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The theme ‘Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat’ (Strong and Secure India) was exemplified by a display of integrated operations across land, water, and air.
  • The tableau included representations of indigenous defense technologies like the Arjun Main Battle Tank, Tejas MKII fighter aircraft, Advanced Light Helicopter, and INS Visakhapatnam destroyer.
  • DRDO Tableau: Themed ‘Raksha Kavach–Multi-layer Protection against Multi-domain Threats’, displayed cutting-edge innovations for national security.
  • The Tableau showcased key technologies like the Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile, Medium Power Radar – Arudhra, Drone Detection System, Advanced Lightweight Torpedo, Dharashakti Electronic Warfare System, and Indigenous Unmanned Aerial Systems, highlighting India’s focus on indigenously developed defense technologies for national security.

What is a Party Whip?

The Vice President of India has expressed concerns regarding the use of party whips in Parliament, questioning their impact on limiting the independent judgment of elected representatives.

  • A whip in Parliament is a directive issued by a political party to its members in the legislature, instructing them on how to vote during discussions and decisions on specific bills, motions, or resolutions.
  • Also, the whip is also the designated party member responsible for ensuring attendance and adherence to these directives.
  • The primary objective of a whip is to maintain party discipline, ensure uniformity in decision-making, and avoid defections or dissent within the party ranks.
  • The term “whip” originates from England’s hunting fields, where a whipper-in kept stray hounds within the pack.
  • It is not mentioned in the Constitution, Rules of the House, or any parliamentary statute, and is based on parliamentary conventions.
  • Types of Whips:
    • One-Line Whip: Informs members about an important vote, allowing abstention without penalty.
    • Two-Line Whip: This mandates the presence of members during a vote but does not explicitly require them to vote in a particular manner.
    • Three-Line Whip: The strictest form, requiring members to attend the vote and align their vote with the party’s directive.

India to Ratify Cape Town Convention:

The Union Cabinet has approved the Protection and Enforcement of Interests in Aircraft Objects Bill to strengthen India’s aviation framework and align it with global standards.It aims to ratify and enforce the provisions of the Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment (Cape Town Convention), and Protocol on Matters Specific to Aircraft Equipment (Cape Town Protocol).The CTC is an international treaty that allows creditors, such as lessors, lenders, and financiers, to repossess high-value mobile assets like aircraft, engines, and helicopters if the airline defaults on lease payments.It was adopted in Cape Town, South Africa, in 2001.

India has significantly reduced its fiscal deficit:

India has significantly reduced its fiscal deficit from a pandemic high of 9.2% of GDP in FY 2020-21 to an estimated 5.6% in FY 2023-24, with a target of 4.9% for FY 2024-25.Through targeted spending and enhanced revenue collection, the country has made substantial progress in fiscal consolidation under the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003.Fiscal consolidation refers to the prudent management of government finances to ensure long-term economic stability.
It focuses on balancing government revenue (taxes and non-tax receipts) with expenditure, aiming to minimize fiscal deficits, control public debt, and support sustainable economic growth.

External Commercial Borrowing:

A recent State Bank of India (SBI) report highlights the rising contributions of private sector investments and the role of External Commercial Borrowing (ECBs) in driving corporate financing, modernization, and capital expansion.External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) refers to loans or funding raised by Indian entities from foreign sources, including commercial banks, export credit agencies, and international markets. ECBs are typically used for capital expansion, modernization, and infrastructure projects and are governed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines.

Tidal Flooding:

Tidal flooding has become frequent in Ernakulam district lately. With the invading water staying on longer, more areas are getting affected.Tidal flooding refers to the temporary inundation of low-lying coastal areas during high tide events, such as full and new moons. It is often called sunny day flooding or king tide flooding when associated with extreme high tides.Tidal flooding occurs when the combination of high tide, offshore storms, winds, and full moon cycles leads to a temporary rise in local sea levels. Coastal drainage systems often fail to cope with this sudden increase, resulting in localized flooding.

P. Suriaraj Appointed Executive Director of Dhanlaxmi Bank:

P. Suriaraj has assumed the role of Executive Director at Dhanlaxmi Bank, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his tenure at Tamilnad Mercantile Bank Ltd. His appointment is expected to bolster the bank’s strategic initiatives and operational efficiency.

ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year:

Azmatullah Omarzai, Afghanistan’s dynamic all-rounder, had an exceptional year in 2024, cementing his place as one of the top performers in One Day International (ODI) cricket. With impressive right-arm pace bowling and versatile batting, Omarzai played a pivotal role in Afghanistan’s successful ODI campaigns. His performances in ODIs helped elevate Afghanistan’s cricketing stature, with the team achieving four ODI series wins.

Additional Charge as BCAS DG:

The Central Government has appointed Amrit Mohan Prasad, the Director General (DG) of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), to hold the additional charge as the Director General (DG) of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). This decision, which has been approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, highlights the government’s trust in Prasad’s leadership abilities. The appointment is set for six months, starting from November 1, 2024, or until the regular incumbent joins, whichever comes first.

Samman Sanjeevani App:

On National Girl Child Day 2025, Haryana Cabinet Minister Shruti Choudhry launched the ‘Samman Sanjeevani’ app, aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the ‘Mahila Evam Kishori Samman Yojana’. The initiative is designed to provide essential services to BPL (Below Poverty Line) women and girls between the ages of 10 and 45, particularly sanitary napkins. This app is a part of the Haryana Government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring timely and efficient delivery of welfare benefits to its citizens.

10,000 Geographical Indication (GI) Tags by 2030 : Piyush Goyal

Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, announced an ambitious target of reaching 10,000 Geographical Indication (GI) Tags by 2030. The announcement was made during the GI Samagam held in New Delhi, organized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) in collaboration with the India Today Group. The minister emphasized a whole-of-government approach to achieve this milestone, with the formation of a dedicated committee to oversee its implementation. Currently, 605 GI tags have been issued.

Punjab National Bank (PNB) has become the first Indian bank to launch Clari5’s National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) Integration Solution:

Punjab National Bank (PNB) has become the first Indian bank to implement Clari5’s National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) Integration Solution, marking a significant advancement in fraud prevention and complaint management. This state-of-the-art system, developed in collaboration with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), enables automated, real-time processing of cybercrime complaints across all retail banking channels, including Internet and Mobile Banking, ATMs, UPI, and NEFT/RTGS.

 

Second Largest Fair in Uttar Pradesh After Kumbh Mela:

The Nauchandi Mela in Meerut is the second-largest fair in Uttar Pradesh after the Kumbh Mela. Held annually, it started in 1672 as a cattle trading fair and has evolved into a grand cultural event. The fair features shopping, food stalls and exciting rides, attracting many visitors.

9th Johor International Open Chess Tournament:

Indian Grandmaster Iniyan Panneerselvam delivered a stellar performance to claim victory at the 9th Johor International Open Chess Tournament in Malaysia. The 22-year-old from Erode, Tamil Nadu, showcased his dominance by finishing 1.5 points ahead of his nearest competitor.His victory adds to his earlier triumph at the Chennai Open in January, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in chess.

RBI Fines Canara, BOI, and J&K Bank:

RBI penalized Canara Bank (₹1.63 crore), J&K Bank (₹3.31 crore), and Bank of India (₹1 crore) for regulatory non-compliance in areas like loans, data, and KYC.These penalties underscore the RBI’s ongoing efforts to enforce regulatory compliance within the banking sector.

Australian Open title:

Jannik Sinner successfully retained his Australian Open title with a commanding victory over Alexander Zverev in a straightforward final, solidifying his position as one of tennis’s brightest talents. The 23-year-old Italian delivered a stellar performance, defeating the German 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-3.Sinner has now etched his name into tennis history as the youngest man since Jim Courier (1992-1993) to claim back-to-back titles at Melbourne Park.

India’s New Ambassador to Israel:

The Government of India announced the appointment of Jitender Pal Singh as the next Ambassador to Israel. An Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer from the 2002 batch, Singh is currently serving in the office of the External Affairs Minister and has previously led the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran division within the Ministry of External Affairs since 2020.

International Day of Clean Energy 2025:

The International Day of Clean Energy on 26 January was declared by the General Assembly as a call to raise awareness and mobilize action for a just and inclusive transition to clean energy for the benefit of people and the planet. Energy lies at the heart of a dual challenge facing humanity today: ensuring no one is left behind while protecting our planet for future generations. Clean energy offers a critical solution to this challenge, addressing socio-economic inequalities and mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.

M. Mohan Appointed as Director of ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre:

M. Mohan was appointed as the Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. He succeeds Dr. V. Narayanan, who recently assumed the role of Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on January 14, 2025.M. Mohan has been an integral part of ISRO’s propulsion initiatives, contributing significantly to various projects over the years. His expertise in liquid propulsion systems has been pivotal in advancing India’s space capabilities.