Daily Current Affairs Quiz18 January, 2025 International Affairs 1. Indian Ocean Region Context: Threats in the Gulf of Aden, Red Sea and in waters adjacent to the East African countries might increase and the Indian Navy is striving to boost its presence and keep the sea routes safe, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said. Indian Ocean Region The Indian Ocean region is a sea route that connects Africa, Asia, and Australia. It is a region that has quite significant economic and strategic value; most countries rely on this region for trade, resources, and security. What’s in the Indian Ocean region? Why is the Indian Ocean Region Significant? Threats and Issues for India in Indian Ocean Region Steps for Consolidation of India’s Role in the Indian Ocean Region Sagarmala Sagarmala is a programme of the Government of India for port-led development in India. The programme focuses on improving the efficiency of ports, reducing the logistics cost and developing the coastal communities. UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) Prelims Q. India is a member of which among the following? (2015) Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only  (b) 3 only  (c) 1, 2 and 3   (d) India is a member of none of them  Ans: (b) Mains  Q.1 What is the significance of Indo-US defense deals over Indo-Russian defense deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (2020) National Affairs 1. Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a strong pitch for the automobile industry to “make in India, make for the world” emphasising that the future belonged to “Asia and India” at the inauguration of the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 2. Cable Television Network Rules Amendment 2025 Context: The Union Information & Broadcasting Ministry issued a notification, amending the Cable Television Network Rules to streamline the Local Cable Operator (LCO) registration process. Local Cable Operator (LCO) The LCO is a cable operator, who has been granted registration under the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994, having postal registration for providing Cable TV Services. The Cable Television Networks Rules The Cable Television Networks Rules regulate the operation of cable television networks in India. The rules include provisions for registration, content regulation, and penalties for violations.  3. Manipur Violence Context: The Union Home Ministry has told the members of the Kuki-Zo Council that a cessation of violence is a pre-requisite to initiate any political dialogue in Manipur. The tribal leaders insisted that this cannot be a one-sided demand. Manipur Violence Violent communal clashes have erupted in Manipur after the Manipur High Court (HC) ordered the State to take up a 10-year-old recommendation to accord Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to the non-tribal Meitei community. The violence broke out after the All-Tribal Student Union Manipur (ATSUM) had called a “tribal solidarity rally” against the alleged move to include the Meiteis on the ST list. Way Forward: Possible Solutions and Recommendations Kuki-Zo People Known also as the Kuki-Zo people, the Kuki people are an ethnic group found in Northeastern India in Manipur, Nagaland, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram, besides neighboring Bangladesh and Myanmar. It is one of the biggest hill tribes communities in the country except Arunachal Pradesh. UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year’s Question (PYQs) Prelims Q. Consider the following pairs: (2018) Tradition State 1. Chapchar Kut festival Mizoram 2. Khongjom Parba ballad Manipur 3. Thang-Ta dance Sikkim Which of the pairs given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only(b) 1 and 2 only(c) 3 only(d) 2 and 3 only Ans: (b) Q. If a particular area is brought under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of India, which one of the following statements best reflects the consequence of it? (2022) (a) This would prevent the transfer of land of tribal people to non-tribal people.(b) This would create a local self-governing body in that area.(c) This would convert that area into a Union Territory.(d) The State having such areas would be declared a Special Category State. Ans: (a) Mains Q. What are the two major legal initiatives by the State since Independence addressing discrimination against Scheduled Tribes (STs)? (2017) 4. SVAMITVA Scheme Context: The Union government has completed a survey of 67,000 sq km of rural land worth ₹132 lakh crore, the Panchayati Raj Department said, a day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to distribute property cards to 65 lakh land owners across 10 States. SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) scheme is a collaborative effort of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, State Panchayati Raj Departments, State Revenue Departments and Survey of India. Achievements 5. Anemia Context: According to a European Journal of Clinical Nutrition study, iron deficiency alone is not the cause of anaemia in India. Key Highlights: Anemia Anemia is a blood disorder that occurs when your body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin, or when red blood cells don’t function properly. This reduces the amount of oxygen your blood can carry to your body’s tissues. Causes Government Initiative for Anemia India has several programs to reduce anemia, of which two include Anemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) and Weekly Iron Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFS). Such programs have targeted the reduction in prevalence of anemia in children, adolescents, and women. 6. National Broadband Mission 2.0 Context: Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia launched the National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0, with the primary objective of providing broadband connectivity to 170,000 villages across the country. Key features of NBM 2.0 PM-WANI Scheme 7. Ageing Population Context: China reported that its population declined for a third consecutive year in 2024, sliding by nearly 1.4 million to 1.408 billion. More and more nations are facing both the challenge of a shrinking population and an ageing population, where younger generations tend to have fewer children and advancements in healthcare help people live longer. India’s Aged Population and Aging Population Problems An aging population is a population with more old people compared to the young. This is as a result of declining fertility rates