Daily Current Affairs Quiz: January 23, 2025

Notes:
Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai launched the ‘Deendayal Upadhyay Bhoomiheen Krishi Majdoor Kalyana Yojana’ in Raipur. More than 5.62 lakh landless agricultural labourers, including Baigas and Gunias, will get Rs 10,000 annually under the scheme. Rs 562 crores were disbursed to beneficiaries during the launch.

Notes:
Madras High Court directed local bodies to submit an action plan to prevent pollution in the Vaigai River. Vaigai River originates from Varusanadu and Megamalai hills of the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu. It flows southeast through the Pandya Nadu region, rarely flooding, and drains into the Palk Strait near Pamban Bridge. The river is 258 km long, with a basin area of 7,741 sq. km entirely in Tamil Nadu. Vaigai is fed by the Periyar Dam in Kerala, with water diverted through a tunnel in the Western Ghats. Vaigai is mentioned in Sangam literature and is central to Madurai, the ancient Pandya kingdom’s capital.

Notes:
The India Open 2025 badminton tournament concluded in New Delhi with outstanding performances. Viktor Axelsen of Denmark won his third India Open men’s singles title, defeating Lee Cheuk Yiu of Hong Kong China 21-16, 21-8. Axelsen previously won the India Open in 2017 and 2019. An Se-young of South Korea dominated the women’s singles final, defeating Thailand’s Pornpawee Chochuwong 21-12, 21-9 in just 39 minutes. Both champions are Paris 2024 Olympic gold medalists, showcasing their world-class talent.

Notes:
The Commerce Ministry introduced the Diamond Imprest Authorization (DIA) Scheme to boost India’s diamond industry’s global competitiveness. Effective from April 1, 2025, it allows duty-free import of natural cut and polished diamonds under ¼ carat for export purposes. The scheme mandates a 10% value addition export obligation. It supports MSME exporters by creating a level playing field with larger players. Inspired by diamond beneficiation policies in countries like Botswana, it aims to maintain India’s global leadership in the diamond value chain.

Notes:
India is preparing to host the 2036 Olympics, focusing on sustainable sports infrastructure. The first International Olympic Research Conference will be held at Rashtriya Raksha University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat from January 27-30, 2025. Organized by the Indian Olympic Association, the event aims to address financial challenges and create a sustainable roadmap for hosting the Olympics.