MLC Daily Current Affairs – 29 January 2025

Today in History ( January 29^th,1780)

James Augustus Hicky launched the first Indian newspaper ‘Hicky’s Bengal Gazette’ also known as Calcutta General Advertiser in the pre-independence era on January 29, 1780.

Let’s Revise

Q.1) What is the primary objective of the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)?
A) To increase the basic pay of government employees
B) To provide market-driven returns to government employees’ pensions
C) To offer guaranteed retirement benefits to central government employees
D) To reduce the financial burden on government employees
Answer: C)
Explanation: The main objective of the UPS is to resolve employee concerns about market-linked returns of the National Pension System (NPS) by offering guaranteed benefits and ensuring financial security after retirement.

Q.2) When is the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) set to be implemented for central government employees?
A) August 24, 2024
B) January 1, 2025
C) April 1, 2025
D) February 2, 2025
Answer: C)
Explanation: The UPS will officially begin on April 1, 2025, following its approval by the Cabinet on August 24, 2024.

Q.3) Which of the following is NOT a key feature of the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)?
A) Guaranteed pension of 50% of last drawn basic pay
B) Family pension of 60% of the pension in case of death
C) Contribution by the employee of 10% of their basic pay
D) Pension linked to market returns for higher payouts
Answer: D)
Explanation: The UPS provides guaranteed monthly pensions and removes the uncertainty of market-linked returns, which were a feature of the National Pension System (NPS).

Q.4) What is the minimum guaranteed monthly pension under the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) for employees with at least 10 years of service?
A) ₹5,000
B) ₹8,000
C) ₹10,000
D) ₹12,000
Answer: C)
Explanation: Employees with at least 10 years of service under the UPS are guaranteed a minimum monthly pension of ₹10,000.

Q.5) Which two Indian cities have been accredited as Wetland Cities under the Ramsar Convention?
A) Delhi and Mumbai
B) Indore and Udaipur
C) Chennai and Bangalore
D) Jaipur and Hyderabad
Answer: B)
Explanation: Indore and Udaipur are the first two Indian cities to be included in the global list of accredited wetland cities under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

Q.6) What is the Ramsar Convention primarily concerned with?
A) Conservation of forests
B) Preservation and responsible use of wetlands
C) Protection of endangered species
D) Sustainable development of oceans
Answer: B)
Explanation: The Ramsar Convention focuses on the preservation and responsible use of wetlands, and it was signed on February 2, 1971, in Ramsar, Iran.

Q.7) Which of the following is an example of a natural wetland, according to the Ramsar Convention?
A) Fishponds
B) Rice paddies
C) Mangroves
D) Reservoirs
Answer: C)
Explanation: Mangroves are categorized as natural wetlands under the Ramsar Convention, alongside other natural wetlands such as oases, estuaries, and deltas.

Q.8) What does the Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) provide to cities?
A) Financial support for wetland restoration
B) International recognition for efforts to conserve wetlands
C) Legal authority to govern wetlands
D) Access to global water resources
Answer: B)
Explanation: The Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) system provides cities that value their natural or human-made wetlands with international recognition and positive publicity for their conservation efforts.

Q.9) How often must Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) be renewed?
A) Every 3 years
B) Every 5 years
C) Every 6 years
D) Every 10 years
Answer: C)
Explanation: The Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) is valid for 6 years, after which it must be renewed, provided the city continues to meet the necessary criteria.

Summary of Today’s News

Hindi movie Chhaava controversy

The Hindi movie Chhaava, which is based on Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, has stirred controversy due to objections regarding a Lezim dance scene.
About Lezim:
• Lezim, also known as lazium, is a traditional folk dance from Maharashtra. The dance takes its name from a distinct musical instrument—a wooden stick with jingling cymbals attached—which the dancers hold while performing.

• Although Lezim was once a common feature in various folk dances, it is now mostly seen during the Ganesha procession.
• Traditionally, the dance was practiced by Maratha warriors as part of their physical training, helping to build strength and endurance.
• The folk dance form is believed to have originated in 1986, when several communities began to incorporate it into their cultural activities.
Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj:

• Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the elder son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, ascended to the throne after a fierce succession battle with his half-brother Rajaram in 1681.
• His reign coincided with the rule of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb (1618–1707), whose efforts to expand the Mughal Empire into the Deccan led to numerous confrontations with the Marathas.

Tidal Flooding in Ernakulam, Kerala

Recently, tidal flooding has been occurring more frequently in the Ernakulam district of Kerala.
• Tidal Flooding:
Tidal flooding, often referred to as “nuisance flooding” or “sunny day flooding,” occurs when high tides cause water levels to rise, inundating low-lying coastal regions.
• Causes:
This type of flooding can result from changes in wind patterns, shifts in ocean currents, and strong tidal forces, which are most prominent during full or new moons.
• High tide flooding is categorized into three levels of severity: minor, moderate, and major.
• Concerns:
Tidal flooding disrupts daily life by submerging roads and services, damaging infrastructure, and leading to economic losses for businesses.
• It also accelerates coastal erosion, negatively impacts habitats, and contaminates freshwater sources with saltwater.
• Additionally, repeated flooding forces communities to move.
As sea levels rise due to climate change, tidal flooding is expected to become more frequent and intense.