Daily Current Affairs 2nd Jan, 2025: Your guide for daily General Knowledge Preparation
Dear Readers,
This post contains important current affairs of 2nd Jan, 2025. It includes all Major National, International, Business and Sports related current affairs of 2nd Jan, 2025. A brief explanation of every current affair is provided to further enhance your general knowledge. Once you have gone through these current affairs we would recommend to you to try 2nd Jan, 2025 Current affairs test.
International News
Switzerland Implements New Laws, Including Facial Covering Ban and Pension Reforms
- As of January 1, 2025, Switzerland has introduced several noteworthy legal, economic, and social reforms.
- Among these are a ban on facial coverings, updates to inheritance laws, an increase in pensions, and measures aimed at bolstering bank solvency and liquidity.
- These changes are in line with broader European standards and address lessons learned from previous financial crises.
- Together, these reforms aim to create a more robust and equitable framework for the nation.
Russia Introduces Tourist Tax to Boost Regional Tourism
- Starting January 1, 2025, Russia has implemented a new tourist tax to replace the former resort fee.
- The initiative, which comes through amendments to the Russian Tax Code, is designed to enhance regional tourism infrastructure.
- Initially, travelers will be charged 1% of their lodging costs, with the rate set to increase to 3% by 2027.
Defence News
Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra Takes Charge of IAF’s Western Air Command
- On January 1, 2025, Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra officially assumed command of the Indian Air Force’s Western Air Command.
- He succeeds Air Marshal Pankaj Mohan Sinha, who retired after an illustrious career spanning over 39 years.
- This transition marks a new chapter in the leadership of one of India’s most significant defense units.
India-Nepal Joint Military Exercise “Surya Kiran” Underway
- The 18th edition of the joint military exercise “Surya Kiran” between India and Nepal commenced on December 29, 2024, at Saljhandi, Nepal.
- Scheduled to run until January 13, 2025, the exercise aims to improve cooperation in jungle warfare, counter-terrorism strategies in mountainous terrains, and disaster relief under the United Nations Charter.
Business News
India’s Coffee Exports Reach Record Levels
- Between April and November of FY24, India’s coffee exports hit a historic high of $1.14 billion, a 29% increase compared to the same period the previous year.
- This growth has been driven by heightened global demand for Robusta coffee and supply chain issues in major coffee-producing nations such as Brazil and Vietnam.
- The premium quality of Indian coffee, particularly from Karnataka, has helped secure a strong position in global markets.
GST Growth Slows in December 2024
- India’s GST revenue growth slowed to 7.3% year-on-year in December 2024, totaling ₹1.77 lakh crore compared to ₹1.65 lakh crore in December 2023.
- This marks the slowest growth in three months, reflecting a slight decline in consumer spending post-holiday season.
- Despite this, GST revenues have consistently remained above ₹1.7 lakh crore for ten consecutive months, with the December quarter averaging ₹1.82 lakh crore—an 8.3% increase year-on-year.
India Achieves Significant Reduction in Emission Intensity
- India has successfully reduced its GDP emission intensity by 36% from 2005 to 2020.
- This accomplishment highlights the country’s progress in separating economic growth from greenhouse gas emissions and aligns with its commitments under the Paris Agreement.
Schemes News
Union Cabinet Approves Major Schemes for Farmers
- The Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved seven key schemes aimed at improving the livelihoods of farmers and increasing their incomes.
- These schemes, with a combined financial outlay of ₹13,966 crore, are set to drive significant agricultural advancements.
Appointments News
Manish Singhal Appointed Secretary General of ASSOCHAM
- Manish Singhal has been named the Secretary General of the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM).
- With over 35 years of experience in organizations such as Tata Motors, Eicher (Volvo), and FICCI, Singhal succeeds Deepak Sood, who is credited with transforming the chamber’s operations over the past five years.
Bhuvnesh Kumar Assumes Role of UIDAI CEO
- IAS officer Bhuvnesh Kumar, from the 1995 batch of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, has taken over as the CEO of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) as of January 1, 2025.
- Kumar, who also serves as an additional secretary in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY), succeeds Amit Agrawal.
- Under his leadership, UIDAI is expected to continue its pivotal role in India’s digital infrastructure.
Sports News
Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi Share Blitz Chess Title Amid Controversy
- Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi’s decision to share the World Blitz Championship title at the FIDE Rapid and Blitz Championship in New York has sparked widespread controversy.
- A leaked video suggested the players may have colluded to pressure FIDE into approving the co-title arrangement, drawing criticism from top chess figures and accusations of match-fixing.
Awards News
Recipients of Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award Announced
- The government of India has announced the winners of the 2024 Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award.
- The prestigious honor recognizes the outstanding achievements of Manu Bhaker (Shooting), Harmanpreet Singh (Hockey), Praveen Kumar (Para Athletics), and D Gukesh (Chess).
