Current affairs 02 January 2025

Nepal Launches Campaign to End Child Marriage.

• Nepal launched the Child Marriage Free Nepal campaign with support from Indian and Nepalese organizations, led by Minister Kishor Sah Sudi and child rights activists.
• Over 100 participants, including PM K P Sharma Oli, pledged to end child marriage.
• The initiative is supported by Just Right for Children and BASE Nepal.

Tamil Nadu Unveils India’s First Glass Sea Bridge.

• Chief Minister M.K. Stalin inaugurated the glass bridge connecting the Tiruvalluvar Statue and Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari during the statue's 25th-anniversary celebrations.
• The ₹37 crore bridge spans 77 meters and is 10 meters wide, providing safe access between landmarks, overcoming previous transportation challenges caused by rough seas.

Russia Introduces New Tourist Tax to Boost Infrastructure.

• A 1% tourist tax on lodging costs replaces the resort fee in Russia, effective January 1, 2025, to support tourism infrastructure.
• Introduced via July 2024 Tax Code amendments, the tax is regionally implemented and will increase to 3% by 2027.
• Regions with strong or growing tourism sectors have widely adopted this initiative.

18th India-Nepal "Suryakiran" Military Exercise Commences.

• The 18th Suryakiran military exercise began in Rupandehi, Lumbini Province, focusing on jungle warfare, counter-terrorism, peacekeeping, disaster relief, and environmental protection.
• Participants include Nepal's Mr. Jung Battalion and India’s 11th Gorkha Rifles.
• Initiated in 2010, the exercise strengthens security, cultural ties, and professional collaboration.

Cabinet Approves Modifications to PMFBY and RWBCIS.

• The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme until 2025-26 with ₹69,515.71 crore outlay.
• Creation of Fund for Innovation and Technology (FIAT) for technological advancements like YES-TECH and WINDS.
• Focus on North Eastern States with 90% premium subsidy to improve farmer participation.