UPSC EXAM QUIZ 24.01.2025

Explanation:

• Uttarakhand (UK) government approved the rules for the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the State.
• The UK Chief Minister confirmed that the government would issue a gazette notification for the UCC legislation by the end of January 2025.
• The introduction of the UCC was one of the key promises in the 2022 Uttarakhand Assembly elections by the ruling party.
• Once rolled out, Uttarakhand will become the first state to implement the UCC.

Explanation:

• According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), outward direct investment (OFDI) made by domestic companies in 2024 has recorded a growth of nearly 17%, reaching $37.68 billion. According to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data, total foreign direct investment in 2023 was $29 billion.

Foreign direct investment

• Foreign direct investment (ODI) means investment made by a company or individual in assets or businesses located in another country. It involves directly owning and controlling a foreign business, such as setting up subsidiaries, joint ventures, or branches in foreign markets.

Key points of Foreign Direct Investment (ODI)

• Control and influence: There must be a significant level of control or influence (usually at least 10% ownership) over the foreign business.
• Objective: To expand its operations, gain access to new markets, benefit from resources, or diversify risks.
• Investment form: It can be in the form of investments in foreign companies, real estate, infrastructure projects, or other assets.
• Sectors of investment by India: Hotels, construction, building materials, agriculture, mining, and services.
• Countries for investment: Countries like Singapore, US, UK, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Omani, and Malaysia.

Explanation:

• World Economic Forum (WEF) released the Global Cybersecurity Outlook 2025 report. The report highlights the growing cyber threats to critical infrastructure due to geopolitical tensions, obsolete systems and lack of cybersecurity skills and emphasizes the need for enhanced security and resilience.

World Economic Forum (WEF)

• The World Economic Forum (WEF) is an international organization for public-private cooperation. This forum/platform includes leading political, business, cultural and other actors of society to give dimension to the global, regional and industry agenda. Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
• Establishment: It was founded in the year 1971 by German professor Klaus Schwab. Its original name was European Management Forum.

Explanation:

• US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to rename the Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America and rename North America's highest mountain peak Denali to Mount McKinley in honour of American greatness.
• Renaming: While there is no official renaming policy, the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), of which the US and Mexico are members, maintains consistency by allowing domestic variant names.
• International agreements still use the name Gulf of Mexico, and Mexico and Cuba are not required to use a new name.
• Gulf of Mexico: It is the world's largest gulf, surrounded by Cuba, Mexico and the US, connecting to the Atlantic Ocean through the Florida Strait and the Caribbean Sea through the Yucatan Channel.
• The Gulf of Mexico supplies 14% of the US' crude oil, 5% of its natural gas, and provides 48% of the US' petroleum refining capacity and 51% of its natural gas processing capacity.

Explanation:

• Bahadur Singh Sagoo has been elected as the new President of Athletics Federation of India (AFI).
• Bahadur Singh Sagoo is a one-time Asian medallist and two-time national champion, winning the gold medal in shot put at the 2002 Busan Asian Games. He also participated in the 2000 and 2004 Olympics.

Athletics Federation of India (AFI)

• AFI was established in 1946 as a non-governmental, non-profit, autonomous apex body for athletics in India.
• It is affiliated to World Athletics, Asian Athletics Association (AAA) and Indian Olympic Association.
• Objective: To popularise athletics, improve performance of athletes and make the sport commercially viable.
• Structure: AFI comprises 32 affiliated state and institutional units.
• Functions: It selects teams for international tournaments, hosts national championships, and uses competitions to promote athletics. Additionally, it emphasizes on coaching programs, talent-development camps, and grassroots development.