Exam With Arihant Logo
Top Current Affairs 9 January 2025
National Affairs

8th edition of National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) released

  • The 8th edition of NPOP was introduced by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on January 9, 2025.
  • India's organic agricultural exports are projected to reach ₹20000 crore by 2028, indicating potential for industry growth.
  • Organic Promotion Portal, TraceNet 2.0, and NPOP Portal, aim to improve traceability, certification etc.
  • Organic farming certification allow up to 3-year shorter land conversion times and legal establishment of organic farmer associations.
  • Organic farming promotes sustainability by preventing water scarcity, reducing toxic fertilizer use, and promoting eco-friendly practices.
  • Agricultural and Processed Food goods Export Development Authority (APEDA) showcased India's organic variety at expo.
  • Event has delegates from the USA, EU, South Korea, Australia, UAE, and international organizations like FAO, IFOAM, and FiBL.
International Affairs

Joseph Aoun appointed as the new president of Lebanon

  • After a two-year void from October, 2022, Lebanon's Parliament chose Army commander Joseph Aoun as president on January 9, 2025.
  • Joseph Aoun secured his election with 99 out of 128 votes in the second round after missing the two-thirds majority in the first round.
  • The United States and Saudi Arabia, whose aid Lebanon wants for post-conflict reconstruction, favoured Joseph Aoun.
  • Suleiman Frangieh, a Christian party leader initially supported Hezbollah but later withdrew from the presidential race.
  • Joseph Aoun, as president, pledged to combat corruption, implement judicial reforms in Beirut's Parliament building.
  • Joseph Aoun outlined strategic defence objectives to counter Israeli occupation of Lebanese territory, including border management.
  • The election occurred after a 14-month conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, highlighting Lebanon's urgent need for stability.

 

Germany experience its 1st FMD outbreak in decades

  • Germany experienced its first Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak since 1988 in a herd of water buffalo near Berlin on January 9,  2025.
  • To stop the disease from spreading, authorities have put afflicted animals to death, set up a 3-km exclusion zone.
  • FMD is caused by seven known strains of the Aphthovirus, a member of the Picornaviridae family.
  • 75% of the expenses related to the prevention and control of FMD are borne by low- and lower-middle-income nations.
  • FMD, endemic in Africa, Asia, and South America, affects 77% of the world's cattle population globally.
  • Vaccines specific to the virus strain are crucial for effective control of FMD.
  • The World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) supports international preventive and control efforts of FMD.
Science and Technology

India released a compilation of 10000 human genomes

  • India has completed and made available a year-long compilation of 10000 human genomes from India, representing 83 population groups, or about 2% of the country’s 4600 population groups as a database on January 9, 2025.
  • Genome India database, housed at Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) in Faridabad, Haryana, is accessible to global researchers.
  • Initial examination revealed 27 million low-frequency variations, including 7 million not included in international reference databases.
  • It aims to promote precision medicine by facilitating studies on medication side effects, illness risks, and targeted therapeutic treatments.
  • Data sharing and privacy standards are strictly enforced, with researchers requiring impartial panel-examined proposals for access.
  • The database's potential expansion to include one million genomes could enhance India's genetic diversity insights.

 

La Niña conditions have been confirmed in Pacific Ocean for 2025 (Environment)

  • The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported on January 9, 2025, that La Niña conditions had returned.
  • Sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific are below normal during La Niña.
  • La Niña is the chilly phase of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO).
  • ENSO cycle, occurring irregularly every 2-7 years, is divided into three phases: El Niño (warm phase), La Niña (cool phase), and neutral.
  • Bjerknes feedback mechanism explains how trade winds and sea surface temperatures interact to enhance ENSO phases.
  • La Niña typically leads to lower global temperatures, increased rainfall in India, and droughts in regions requiring regular rainfall.
Person in News

P. Jayachandran

  • At the age of 80, playback vocalist P. Jayachandran died in a private hospital in Thrissur on January 9, 2025.
  • In his carer P. Jayachandran enthralled listeners with his more than 16000 songs in Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, and Hindi.
  • Born in Ravipuram, Ernakulam, to Tripunithura Ravi Varma and Subhadra Kunjamma, P. Jayachandran an was raised in Irinjalakkuda, Thrissur.
  • The movie Kalithozhan's song Manjalayil Mungithorthi marked the beginning of his remarkable career.
  • He collaborated with notable composers such as M.K. Arjunan, Ilayaraja, A.R. Rahman, Vidyasagar, and M. Jayachandran etc.
  • He was honored with J.C. Daniel Award, Kalaimamani Award, 5 Kerala State Awards, and 4 Tamil Nadu State Awards.
  • Jayachandran's artistic background is rooted in his love for Kathakali and his proficiency in instruments like Mridangam and Chenda.

 

Mo Farah

  • Long distance runner Mo Farah of Great Britain was named the international event ambassador for the Tata Mumbai Marathan 2025, on January 9, 2025,  scheduled to be held on January 19.
  • The marathon will reach a significant milestone in its 20-year existence with a record-breaking 60000 runners.
  • In a single Olympic edition, Mo Farah is the first athlete to win gold in both the 5000-m and 10000-m races.
  • Mo Farah won 10 gold medals in global championships, including 4 Olympic and 6 World titles.
  • Mo Farah will cheer on runners and wave the flag from the famous Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus.
State Affairs

Goa has launched Bima Sakhi Yojana for women

  • After the success of Bima Sakhi Yojana in Haryana, this scheme launched in Goa on January 9, 2025 aims to empower women and make insurance available to all residents.
  • Program aims to enhance financial literacy and life insurance knowledge among women aged 18-70 who have at least Class X schooling.
  • Program trains women to work as Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) agents and educating public about life insurance value.
  • Participants will receive comprehensive instruction and receive a stipend of ₹2.16 lakh over 3 years, with varying amounts.
  • LIC plans to hire 200000 Bima Sakhis over 3 years to ensure every panchayat in India has at least one Bima Sakhi per year.
  • Plan aligns with the Viksit Bharat 2047 goal of a developed India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "insurance for all" objective.

Latest Test Series

Jan 2024 - Dec 2024
(Hindi, English)
December 2024
(Hindi, English)
November 2024
(Hindi, English)
October 2024
(Hindi, English)
September 2024
(Hindi, English)
Jan 2024 - Sep 2024
(Hindi, English)
Jan 2024 - Jun 2024
(Hindi, English)

Recommended Magazines

0 no of items