Daily Current Affairs Quiz: 12 January 2025

The correct answer is Piyush Goyal.

In News

• **Piyush Goyal**, the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, launched the **Bharat Cleantech Manufacturing Platform.**
• The platform was unveiled at the **Bharat Climate Forum 2025** in **New Delhi.**

Key Points

• The platform aims to strengthen **cleantech value chains** in **solar, wind, hydrogen, and battery storage sectors.**
• It promotes **innovation** and positions India as a global leader in **sustainability and clean energy.**
• Piyush Goyal emphasized the need for the clean energy sector to become **self-sustaining.**

Additional Information

• About Bharat Climate Forum:
  • An initiative to promote discussions and actions on **climate sustainability** and **clean energy adoption.**
• Objective of the Platform:
  • To make India a leader in **green manufacturing** and accelerate its transition to **renewable energy solutions.**

The correct answer is Tharman Shanmugaratnam.

In News

• **Tharman Shanmugaratnam**, the President of Singapore, will visit India from **January 14th to 18th, 2025.**
• This marks the **first visit by a Singaporean president** to India in a decade.

Key Points

• The visit commemorates **60 years of diplomatic ties** between **India and Singapore.**
• He will meet **President Droupadi Murmu** and **Prime Minister Narendra Modi.**
• The visit includes stops in **New Delhi** and **Odisha.**

Additional Information

• About Tharman Shanmugaratnam:
  • He is the current **President of Singapore** and a prominent economist and policymaker.
  • Previously served as the **Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore.**
• Significance of the Visit:
  • Strengthens **bilateral relations** and promotes cooperation in **trade, technology, and education.**

The correct answer is France.

In News

• PM **Narendra Modi** will attend an **AI Summit** in **France** after his state visit to the country.
• The event is described as a **“summit for action”** by President **Emmanuel Macron.**

Key Points

• The AI Summit aims to foster **global discussions** on **artificial intelligence (AI).**
• Major global powers will engage in dialogue on **critical AI-related issues.**
• The event reflects France’s commitment to **technological advancements and global AI collaboration.**

Additional Information

• About France’s AI Leadership:
  • France is a key player in global AI policy development and **technological innovation.**
  • President Macron actively promotes **AI for global development and ethical use.**

The correct answer is Sonamarg Tunnel.

In News

• PM **Narendra Modi** will inaugurate the **Sonamarg Tunnel** on **January 13** in **Jammu & Kashmir.**
• The tunnel is **12 km long** and was constructed at a cost of over **Rs 2,700 crore.**

Key Points

• The tunnel bypasses **landslide-prone areas** and boosts **winter tourism** and **adventure sports** in Sonamarg.
• Along with the **Zojila Tunnel**, it enhances **NH-1 connectivity**, reducing travel time and improving **defense logistics.**

Additional Information

• About the Sonamarg Tunnel:
  • Provides **all-weather connectivity** to Sonamarg, ensuring year-round accessibility.
  • Part of a larger effort to improve **infrastructure and connectivity** in Jammu & Kashmir.

The correct answer is Swami Vivekananda.

In News

• **National Youth Day** is observed annually on **12th January** to honor the ideals and vision of **Swami Vivekananda.**
• The day recognizes Swami Vivekananda’s belief in the **potential and dynamism of the youth** as the **nation’s resource.**

Key Points

• The **Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2025** was held on **January 11-12** at **Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.**
• Youth, comprising **40% of India’s population**, are recognized as the **most dynamic resource** of the nation.

Additional Information

• About Swami Vivekananda:
  • Born on **12 January 1863**, Swami Vivekananda was a **spiritual leader and philosopher.**
  • He introduced Indian philosophies like **Vedanta and Yoga** to the Western world.
• Significance of National Youth Day:
  • Aims to inspire young Indians to follow Swami Vivekananda’s teachings of **self-reliance, education, and spirituality.**

The correct answer is India.

In News

• **India** has joined the **UN Committee on Big Data and Data Science for Statistics.**
• This membership aims to shape global standards for using **big data** in **official statistics.**

Key Points

• India’s **Data Innovation Lab** is a pioneering initiative focusing on **alternate data sources** for statistical improvements.
• The committee supports **monitoring and reporting** on **sustainable development goals (SDGs).**

Additional Information

• About the UN Committee on Big Data and Data Science for Statistics:
  • Promotes the use of **big data** and advanced analytics for **official statistics** globally.
  • Focuses on addressing data gaps for **evidence-based policymaking** and tracking **SDGs.**

The Correct Answer is 10th January.

Key Points

• Every year on 10 January, World Hindi Day is celebrated. It aims at increasing awareness about the worldwide promotion and dissemination of Hindi and at incorporating Hindi as an international language.
• The Embassy to celebrate in Overseas India, especially this day. Hindi conferences are held in all government offices on different subjects.
• The World Hindi Conferences were launched in order to establish and spread the world of Hindi and on 10 January 1975 the First World Hindi Conference took place in Nagpur, and since then this day has been celebrated as World Hindi Day.

Important Points

• The aim of World Hindi Day is to raise awareness about the spread of Hindi throughout the world, to introduce Hindi as an international language, to create an atmosphere for Hindi, to make Hindi friends, and to create awareness about the situation of Hindi.
• Every year on 10 January 2006, former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh declared that he would celebrate World Hindi Day.
• Since then, on 10 January 2006 for the first time abroad, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has celebrated World Hindi Day.

The correct answer is Kumbhvani.

In News

• Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath launched Akashvani’s *Kumbhvani* channel in Prayagraj to disseminate updates and extend the spirit of Mahakumbh 2025 to remote areas.

Key Points

• *Kumbhvani* is a dedicated channel launched to share information about Mahakumbh 2025 with those unable to attend in person.
• The channel aims to deliver cultural and event-related updates to remote areas.
• Yogi Adityanath highlighted Mahakumbh’s unity message beyond caste and creed.
• Prasar Bharati supports the channel with live telecasts and advanced technologies like heli-cams.

Additional Information

• Kumbhvani Channel
  • Developed by Akashvani under Prasar Bharati to promote Mahakumbh 2025.
  • Targets remote villages to spread awareness and share updates.
  • Incorporates cultural and spiritual programs.
• Mahakumbh 2025
  • World’s largest religious gathering, held in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
  • Occurs once every 12 years with millions of devotees participating.
  • Emphasizes cultural heritage, unity, and spiritual significance.

The correct answer is Citizen Feedback System.

In News

• Telangana Police introduced a QR code-based *Citizen Feedback System* to improve transparency and public satisfaction in police services.

Key Points

• The system collects feedback on services like FIR registrations, petitions, traffic e-Challans, and passport verifications.
• Feedback is gathered via QR codes displayed in police stations and a call centre managed by the Centre of Excellence (CoE)-CID.
• The initiative promotes accountability and transparency within police services.
• Posters encouraging public participation have been distributed across police stations.

Additional Information

• Citizen Feedback System
  • Uses QR codes and a call centre to gather public opinions on police services.
  • Managed by the Centre of Excellence (CoE)-CID to ensure smooth operations.
  • Aims to improve service delivery and promote trust between police and citizens.
• Key Objectives
  • Enhancing public satisfaction by addressing feedback efficiently.
  • Increasing transparency and accountability in police functions.
  • Leveraging technology to streamline citizen-police interactions.

The correct answer is Hindi Certificate Course.

In News

• On Hindi Diwas 2025, the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka launched the country’s first Hindi Certificate Course through open and distance learning.

Key Points

• The Hindi Certificate Course is a collaboration between the Indian High Commission and the Open University of Sri Lanka.
• It was inaugurated in Colombo by Indian HC Santosh Jha and Sri Lankan officials.
• Over 400 participants attended the Bharat-Sri Lanka Hindi Sammelan to celebrate World Hindi Day.
• This initiative marks a milestone in academic and cultural ties between India and Sri Lanka.

Additional Information

• Hindi Certificate Course
  • First of its kind in Sri Lanka, offered through open and distance learning.
  • Aims to strengthen cultural and linguistic ties between the two nations.
• Bharat-Sri Lanka Hindi Sammelan
  • Held on World Hindi Day, celebrating the promotion of the Hindi language internationally.
  • Fosters collaboration and cultural exchange between India and Sri Lanka.
• World Hindi Day
  • Celebrated on January 10 to promote the global use of Hindi.
  • Marks India’s efforts to spread Hindi as a world language.

The correct answer is 5.2%.

In News

• India’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) recorded a growth rate of 5.2% in November 2024, marking the highest growth rate in the past six months.

Key Points

• The manufacturing sector, which constitutes the largest share of the IIP, grew by 5.8% in November 2024.
• The electricity sector recorded a growth rate of 1.9%, and the mining sector grew by 4.4% during the same period.
• The production of capital goods increased by 9%, reflecting investment activity in the economy.
• Consumer durable production rose by 13.1%, indicating increased demand.

Additional Information

• Industrial Growth Trends
  • The IIP growth in November 2024 was significantly higher than the 3.5% recorded in October 2024.
  • Eighteen out of 23 industry groups in the manufacturing sector showed growth during November.
• Sector-Wise Growth
  • Basic metals grew by 7.6%, and electrical equipment production rose by 37.2%.
  • Non-metallic mineral products saw a 12% increase in production.
• Significance
  • The data highlights a positive trend in industrial activity for the 2024-25 financial year.
  • Overall industrial growth for the April-November period stands at 4.1%.