Current Affairs One - Liner :13th February 2025

• National:
• Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched India’s first indigenous Automated Biomedical Waste Treatment Plant, named Srjanam, at AIIMS New Delhi on February 10, 2025. This innovative technology, developed by CSIR-NIIST, aims to revolutionize biomedical waste management by offering a sustainable and eco-friendly solution.

• India and Oman signed an Executive Programme of Cooperation (EPC) on February 10, 2025, to enhance archival cooperation. The agreement was between the National Archives of India and the National Records and Archives Authority of Oman, aiming to facilitate knowledge exchange, joint research initiatives, and best practices in archival management.
• ISRO and IIT Madras announced the development of the indigenous semiconductor chip IRIS on February 12, 2025. This chip is based on the SHAKTI processor and is designed for space applications. It was fabricated at the Semiconductor Laboratory in Mohali.
• The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) amended the Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulations (TCCCPR) 2018 on February 12, 2025. These amendments aim to strengthen consumer protection against unsolicited commercial communications (UCC) by simplifying complaints, redefining categories, and implementing stricter measures against unregistered telemarketers.
• The Government of India approved the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) to stabilize tomato prices on February 12, 2025. This scheme targets tomatoes in states like Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, reimbursing transportation and storage costs. The National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India (NCCF) will oversee the operations.
• The West Bengal government announced an allocation of ₹1,500 crore for rural roads under the Pathasree scheme and ₹200 crore for the Nadi Bandhan Scheme to combat river erosion in the Budget 2025, presented on February 12, 2025.
• Indian scientists from the Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) and the National Institute of Biomedical Genomics (NIBMG) published their discovery of genomic factors responsible for breast cancer therapy resistance on February 12, 2025. The findings highlight mutations in the PIK3CA, ESR1, and TP53 genes.
• Economy:
• India's retail inflation declined to 4.31% in January 2025, reported on February 12, 2025. This marks a five-month low, mainly due to falling food prices. The previous rate was 5.22% in December 2024, and food inflation also dropped to 6.02% from 8.39%.
• The Odisha Cabinet approved the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana on February 8, 2025, to provide pucca houses for weaker sections. The scheme aims to construct 2.25 lakh houses over three years with a budget of Rs 7,550 crore. Beneficiaries will receive Rs 1.20 lakh for construction, with additional incentives for early completion.
• Sports:
• Shikhar Dhawan was named the official Ambassador for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on February 12, 2025. His appointment recognizes his record-breaking performances and consistency in the tournament. Dhawan holds the record for the most centuries in Champions Trophy history and was named Player of the Tournament in 2013.
• Apps & Portals:
• The Maharashtra government launched the Maitri 2.0 portal on February 7, 2025, to streamline the investment process. The portal integrates 119 services from 16 departments to create a seamless online ecosystem for government-to-business (G2B) services.
• Important Days:
• The International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and When Conducive to Terrorism is observed annually on February 12. The theme for 2025 is "Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE): A Path to Sustainable Peace," focusing on addressing root causes and promoting sustainable peace.
• Awards & Honours:
• Tom Cruise was honored with the prestigious Grande Médaille by the Aero-Club de France on February 8, 2025. This recognition celebrates his significant contributions to aviation and his inspiration to future pilots. The award was presented by the club's president, Catherine Maunoury.
• Books:
• Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar launched the book "I Am?" on February 8, 2025, at the Vice President Enclave in New Delhi. The book, compiled by Gopichand P. Hinduja, emphasizes the universal relevance of Bharatiyata and unity in diversity.
• General Upendra Dwivedi launched the memoir titled "I Am a Soldier's Wife: The Life and Love of Toni Lidder" on February 9, 2025. The book is authored by Geetika Lidder, the wife of late Brigadier Lakhwinder Singh Lidder, who tragically died in a helicopter crash in December 2021.

Questions:

1. What is the aim of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's (TRAI) recent amendments to the TCCCPR 2018?

a)To increase mobile tariffs

b) To promote 5G infrastructure

c) To strengthen consumer protection against Unsolicited Commercial Communications (UCC) 

d) To regulate mobile internet speed

Answer: c)  These amendments aim to strengthen consumer protection against unsolicited commercial communications (UCC) by simplifying complaints, redefining categories, and implementing stricter measures against unregistered telemarketers.

2. Who has been named the official Ambassador for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?

a)Virat Kohli

b) MS Dhoni

c) Shikhar Dhawan 

d) Rohit Sharma 

 Answer: c) Shikhar Dhawan was named the official Ambassador for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on February 12, 2025.