MLC Daily Current Affairs – 18 January 2025

Today in History ( January 18^th,1842)

18 January in Indian history is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Mahadev Govind Ranade (18 January 1842 – 16 January 1901), an Indian nationalist, social reformer, scholar, and jurist. He is called “Socrates of Maharashtra”.

Let’s Revise

Q.1) Israel-Hamas cease fire deal was brokerd in a series of negotiations took place in ____
a) Lebnon
b) Russia
c) Qatar
d) Saudi Arabia
Answer: (c)
Rationale: Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire deal after weeks of negotiations in Doha, Qatar. The deal includes a six-week halt to fighting and discussions to end the war.
Q.2) Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire deal after weeks of negotiations in Doha, Qatar. This deal includes the promise of ___
a) Nuclear weapons to Israel
b) Military support to Hamas by Qatar
c) Phased release of hostages held by Hamas
d) Recognition of Hamas as government
Answer: (c)
Rationale: It promises the phased release of dozens of hostages held by Hamas and Israel, along with hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody. The ceasefire will allow displaced Palestinians to return to their homes and send humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Q.3) The following countries have been key brokers in these negotiations.
a) Pakistan, Iran, China
b) India, China, USA, Russia
c) USA, Qatar, Egypt
d) Yeman, Brazil, Lenon
Answer: (c)
Rationale: In the Israel-Hamas cease fire deal the U.S.A., Egypt, and Qatar have been key brokers in the negotiations.
Q.4) Minquiers and Ecrehos dispute between___
a) UK and Poland
b) UK and Spain
c) UK and France
d) China and Mongolia
Answer: (c)
Rationale: The Minquiers and Ecrehos dispute was a legal case between France and the United Kingdom to determine which country had sovereignty over the islets and rocks in the area. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled in favor of the United Kingdom on November 17, 1953.

Summary of Today’s News

China’s population declines for third consecutive year

For the third consecutive year, China’s population fell by 1.39 million, reaching 1.408 billion at the end of 2024.
• Global Trend: This decline mirrors trends seen globally, particularly in East Asia, including Japan and South Korea, where birth rates are also plummeting.
• Reasons for Decline: Rising living costs are leading many young people to delay or forgo marriage and childbearing in favor of education and careers.
• Aging Population: While life expectancy has increased, the aging population and low birth rates contribute to a shrinking workforce.
• Sex Ratio Imbalance: China has a lopsided sex ratio, with 104.34 men for every 100 women, contributing to potential social instability, particularly among bachelors.
• Birthrate Concerns: The declining birthrate is a major concern, with China’s total population decreasing for the first time in decades in 2023.
• Impact on Economy: An aging population, declining workforce, lack of consumer markets, and emigration are putting significant pressure on China’s economic system.
• Global Position: In 2023, China was overtaken by India as the world’s most populous country.

PM-WANI scheme

• The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has proposed limiting internet tariffs for Wi-Fi service providers under the PM-WANI scheme to twice the rate charged for retail broadband services.
• About the Prime Minister’s Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) Scheme:
• Launch: The scheme was initiated by the Department of Telecommunication in December 2020.
• Objective: It aims to expand public Wi-Fi hotspots to strengthen digital communications infrastructure across the country, with a focus on rural areas.
• Goals: The scheme seeks to provide better access to public hotspots, which will promote employment opportunities for small and micro-entrepreneurs and offer affordable internet services to underserved urban poor and rural households.
• Encouraging Local Participation: Local shops and establishments are encouraged to offer Wi-Fi for last-mile internet delivery without requiring a license or registration fee.
• How to Access PM-WANI Internet:
• App Download: To use public hotspots under the PM-WANI scheme, users must download a relevant app that displays available networks.
• Selection and Payment: Users can choose from a list of nearby connections and make a payment to access the network.
• Usage: Access is granted until the user’s balance is exhausted.
• Components of the PM-WANI Ecosystem:
• Public Data Office (PDO): Establishes Wi-Fi hotspots and provides internet access. No license from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is needed.
• Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA): Handles authorization, accounting, and provides user interfaces for purchasing data plans and tracking usage.
• App Provider: Develops apps that help users find and connect to nearby PM-WANI hotspots for easy internet access.
• Central Registry: Managed by the Centre for Development of Telematics, it keeps records of App Providers, PDOs, and PDOAs.