Daily Current Affairs Quiz of 3rd January

For those aspiring to secure government positions, exams such as SSC, Banking, Railways, and state-level tests serve as key milestones. These assessments evaluate reasoning skills, numerical proficiency, general knowledge, and current affairs awareness. Keeping abreast of current events is crucial for building a strong knowledge base and performing well in the general awareness section, which is often a decisive factor in exam success.

Q1. Who assumed charge as the CEO of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) on January 1, 2025?

(a) Amit Agrawal

(b) Bhuvnesh Kumar

(c) Rajesh Kumar

(d) Arvind Kumar

Q2. By what percentage did India’s coffee exports increase from the same period last year (FY23)?

(a) 20%

(b) 25%

(c) 29%

(d) 35%

Q3. What new law is Switzerland implementing starting January 1, 2025, regarding facial coverings?

(a) Ban on headscarves

(b) Ban on facial coverings in public places

(c) Ban on all types of clothing

(d) No restrictions on facial coverings

Q4. Who has been appointed as the new Secretary General of ASSOCHAM?

(a) Deepak Sood

(b) Manish Singhal

(c) Ramesh Kumar

(d) Arvind Kumar

Q5. What types of coffee does India produce?

(a) Arabica and Robusta

(b) Robusta and Liberica

(c) Arabica and Canephora

(d) Arabica and Java

Q6. By what percentage did India reduce its GDP emission intensity between 2005 and 2020?

(a) 25%

(b) 36%

(c) 45%

(d) 50%

Q7. Who assumed command of the Indian Air Force’s Western Air Command on January 1, 2025?

(a) Air Marshal Pankaj Mohan Sinha

(b) Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra

(c) Air Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari

(d) Air Marshal Anil Chopra

Q8. What new tax was introduced in Russia starting January 1, 2025?

(a) Luxury Tax

(b) Tourist Tax

(c) Resort Fee

(d) Infrastructure Development Tax

Q9. Which edition of the India-Nepal joint military exercise “Surya Kiran” commenced in December 2024?

(a) 15th

(b) 16th

(c) 18th

(d) 20th

Q10. When is Global Family Day celebrated annually?

(a) December 31

(b) January 1

(c) February 14

(d) April 22

S1. Ans. (b)

Sol. Bhuvnesh Kumar, a 1995 batch IAS officer from the Uttar Pradesh cadre, assumed charge as the CEO of UIDAI on January 1, 2025.

Correct Answer: Bhuvnesh Kumar

Key Points:

• New CEO: Bhuvnesh Kumar (1995 batch, Uttar Pradesh cadre)
• Previous Role: Additional Secretary, MEITY (continues in this role post-appointment)
• Predecessor: Amit Agrawal (1993 batch, Chhattisgarh cadre)
• Professional Experience: Secretary, Sports & Youth Welfare, Planning, Finance, Technical Education; Principal Secretary

S2. Ans. (c)

Sol. India’s coffee exports saw a 29% increase, reaching $1.14 billion between April and November FY24, compared to the same period in FY23.

Correct Answer: 29%

Key Points:

• India’s Coffee Exports Surge to Record High in FY24
• Export Milestone: $1.14 billion (April-November FY24), 29% growth from FY23

S3. Ans. (b)

Sol. Switzerland is implementing a ban on facial coverings, including burqas and niqabs, in public places starting January 1, 2025.

Correct Answer: Ban on facial coverings in public places

Key Points:

• Facial Coverings Ban: Effective January 1, 2025; fine of CHF 1,000 for violations; exceptions include health, weather, and artistic reasons.

S4. Ans. (b)

Sol. Manish Singhal has been appointed as the new Secretary General of Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM).

Correct Answer: Manish Singhal

Key Points:

• Manish Singhal appointed as the new Secretary General of ASSOCHAM, replacing Deepak Sood.
• Outgoing Secretary General: Deepak Sood served for five years and revitalized ASSOCHAM’s financial foundation.
• Experience of Manish Singhal: Over 35 years of experience, including leadership roles in Tata Motors, Eicher (Volvo), and FICCI.
• Established Year of ASSOCHAM: 1920

S5. Ans. (a)

Sol. India produces two types of coffee: Arabica, known for its mild aromatic flavor, and Robusta, which has a stronger flavor and is widely used in blends.

Correct Answer: Arabica and Robusta

Key Points:

• India is the 8th largest coffee grower globally.
• India Produces two types of coffee.
• Arabica: Premium value due to mild aromatic flavor.
• Robusta: Strong flavor, used in blends, accounting for 72% of India’s production.
• India is the 5th largest Robusta producer globally.
• Karnataka: Largest producer, contributing 71% of India’s coffee.
• Kerala: Second largest, contributing 20%.
• Tamil Nadu: Third largest, contributing 5%, with Nilgiri district as a major Arabica-growing region.
• Smaller contributions from Odisha and northeastern states.

S6. Ans. (b)

Sol. India achieved a 36% reduction in GDP emission intensity between 2005 and 2020.

Correct Answer: 36%

Key Points:

• India reported a 36% reduction in GDP emission intensity from 2005 to 2020, in line with climate goals under the Paris Agreement.
• India’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets a 45% reduction in GDP emission intensity by 2030.

S7. Ans. (b)

Sol. Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra succeeded Air Marshal Pankaj Mohan Sinha as the chief of the Western Air Command.

Correct Answer: Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra

Key Points:

• Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra assumed command of the Indian Air Force’s Western Air Command on January 1, 2025, succeeding Air Marshal Pankaj Mohan Sinha.
• Predecessor: Air Marshal Pankaj Mohan Sinha retired after over 39 years of service.

S8. Ans. (b)

Sol. Russia introduced a new Tourist Tax, replacing the previous resort fee.

Correct Answer: Tourist Tax

Key Points:

• Tourist Tax Rolled Out in Russia Form Jan. 1
• Initial Tax Rate: 1% of lodging costs (2025)
• Future Tax Rate: Up to 3% by 2027
• Minimum Daily Charge: 100 rubles

S9. Ans. (c)

Sol. The 18th edition of the exercise began on December 29, 2024, highlighting the continuing collaboration between India and Nepal.

Correct Answer: 18th

Key Points:

• 18th edition of “Surya Kiran” exercise between India and Nepal; held in Saljhandi, Nepal from Dec 29, 2024 to Jan 13, 2025.
• Focus Areas: Counter-terrorism, jungle warfare, disaster relief, and enhancing interoperability between the Indian and Nepalese armies.
• Objective: To improve coordination in joint operations, humanitarian aid, and regional peace efforts.
• Participating Forces: Indian Army’s Kumaon Regiment, Nepalese Army’s Tara Dal Battalion.

S10. Ans. (b)

Sol. Global Family Day is observed every year on January 1 to promote peace, unity, and family appreciation.

Correct Answer: January 1

Key Points:

• Event: Global Family Day (January 1)
• Purpose: Fosters unity, peace, and appreciation for families.
• History: Emphasizes addressing global issues with collective efforts for peace.