Daily Current Affairs Quiz17 January, 2025 International Affairs 1. India-EU Relation The European Union is a political and economic union comprising primarily 27 member states in Europe. The Maastricht Treaty established the EU, which came into force on November 1, 1993. The basic objective of the EU is to promote cooperation and integration between its member countries and thereby improve economic stability and political stability within Europe. The EU has its own currency, the Euro, which is used by 19 of the member states. What are the Recent Key Highlights in India-EU Trade? What is RoDTEP Scheme? India-EU Relationship Evolution and Challenges Evolution of India-EU Relationship Areas of Cooperation UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) Prelims Q. With reference to the international trade of India at present, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2020) Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only(b) 2 and 4 only(c) 3 only(d) 1, 3 and 4 only Ans: D 2. New Glenn Rocket Context: Blue Origin launched its New Glenn rocket on its first test flight, successfully sending a prototype satellite into orbit. The New Glenn rocket blasted off from Florida after years of development funded by Jeff Bezos, soaring from the same pad used to launch NASA’s Mariner and Pioneer spacecraft. New Glenn Rocket New Glenn is a heavy-lift launch vehicle developed by Blue Origin, having a partially reusable, two-stage design with a 7-meter diameter. It has seven BE-4 engines and two BE-3U engines, all in-house. Launched from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 36, it was officially announced in 2016. It is named after NASA astronaut John Glenn and was launched on its maiden flight on 16 January 2025, carrying a prototype Blue Ring spacecraft. Blue Origin Blue Origin Enterprises, L.P. is a Washington-based American space technology company that develops the New Shepard and New Glenn rockets, launched September 8, 2000. While also providing rocket engines for the Vulcan Centaur, the lunar lander it is developing with NASA’s support for the Artemis program called Blue Moon, the Blue Ring spacecraft platform, and the Orbital Reef space station. It was founded by Jeff Bezos. 3. North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Context: Japan formally inaugurated an independent mission to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as Tokyo and the military alliance seek to bolster cooperation amid escalating tension from Russia, China, and North Korea. North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) 4. Hindenburg Research Shuts Down! Context: U.S.-based shortseller Hindenburg Research will be disbanded, its founder Nathan Anderson has said, adding that the firm has completed the projects it was handling. Hindenburg Research Hindenburg Research LLC is a US investment research firm founded in 2017 and focuses on activist short-selling. Named after the 1937 Hindenburg disaster, the company released public reports alleging corporate fraud and malfeasance against companies like Super Micro Computer, Adani Group, Nikola, Clover Health, Block, Inc., Kandi, and Lordstown Motors. It’s headquarter is in New York. National Affairs 1. SpaDeX Mission The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully executed a satellite docking experiment in the early hours of Thursday, “making India the fourth country” after the U.S., Russia and China to achieve this historic feat. SpaDeX: Space Docking Experiment Introduction Mission Objective Mission Design Challenges in Space Docking Definition and Applications of Space Docking In-Space Docking Docking in space is the process of two spacecraft physically joining together. It’s an important operation for maintaining a continuous human presence on the International Space Station (ISS). How it Will Work? Why Space Docking Technology Is Important for India UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)  Prelims  Q. Consider the following statements: (2016) The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO  Which of the statements given above is/are correct?  (a) 1 only  (b) 2 and 3 only  (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3  Ans: (c)   2. Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) Context: The Union Cabinet approved the construction of a third launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw said. The launch pad will have an outlay of ₹3,984.86 crore, and is targeted to be completed by early 2029. Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) is India’s major spaceport located at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. There are two launching pads here – one for the sounding rockets as well as for launching polar and geosynchronous satellites. The launches of Lunar probes for exploration missions, Mars Orbiter Mission, Solar research mission called Aditya-L1 and space observatory XPoSat were from the SDSC. Aditya-L1: India’s First Sun Mission 3. Eighth Pay Commission Context: The Union government approved the establishment of the Eighth Pay Commission, accepting a demand of the Central trade unions and employees’ organisations. The 8th Pay Commission The 8th Pay Commission was established after heavy pressure from trade unions and government employees, who have been demanding a review since the cost of living rose due to a revision in 2016. The previous commission was established in 2014, and the recommendations were implemented in January 2016. What is the Pay Commission? Read more>> 4. Semi Conductor Industry in India Context: Singapore is exploring new initiatives such as manufacturing of semiconductors and building a semiconductor ecosystem in India and participating in the creation of a new generation of technological solutions, the city-state’s President, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, said. India’s semiconductor industry is growing rapidly, and the government has taken several steps to support it. The industry is expected to reach $80.3 billion by 2028. Semiconductor A semiconductor is a material that can conduct electricity in some conditions and block it in others. Semiconductors are used in many electronic devices, including computers, air conditioners, and medical devices.  What are semiconductors used for? India’s Semiconductor Mission The Challenges: India’s Semiconductor Dream Government Schemes for Semi Conductor in India Goals of these schemes UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) Prelims Q. Which one of the following laser types is used in a laser printer? (2008) (a) Dye laser (b) Gas laser (c) Semiconductor laser (d) Excimer laser Ans: (c) 5. Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan App Context: An initiative of the Ministries of Defence and Tourism, as