Current affairs 05 January 2025

Pakistan Joins UN Security Council as Non-Permanent Member.

• Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia began to assume responsibilities as non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.
• Pakistan begins its eighth two-year term on the UN Security Council, replacing Japan in the Asia-Pacific region.
• It will preside over the council in July and holds a seat on the ISIS and Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee.

UPI Transactions Hit Record 16.73 Billion in December.

• National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) processed nearly 16.73 billion financial transactions in a single month in December last year.
• UPI processed around 23.25 lakh crore rupees in the transactions done.
• Transactions count grew 39% YoY, with a 28% YoY rise in transaction value.
• Average daily transaction amount reached ₹74,990 crore, showcasing robust digital payment adoption.

IIT Bombay Develops Bacteria to Combat Soil Pollution.

• Researchers from IIT Bombay have identified bacteria capable of consuming toxic pollutants and producing plant-friendly nutrients.
• These bacteria, primarily Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter, were isolated from contaminated environments and agricultural soils.
• The bacteria degrade harmful aromatic pollutants, improve soil health, boost plant growth, and reduce the need for chemical pesticides.

India's Poverty Rate Falls Below 5% in 2024: SBI Report.

• India’s poverty rate dropped to below 5% in 2024, with rural poverty at 4.86% and urban poverty at 4.09%, per SBI's research.
• Rural poverty fell sharply from 25.7% in FY12 to 4.86% in FY24, while urban poverty declined from 13.7% to 4.09% in the same period.
• The poverty line, adjusted for inflation, is set at ₹1,632 for rural areas and ₹1,944 for urban areas.

Blinkit Launches 10-Minute Ambulance Service in Gurgaon.

• Blinkit begins testing a 10-minute ambulance service in Gurgaon with five ambulances, aiming to address critical healthcare needs.
• CEO Albinder Dhindsa states the initiative prioritizes affordability and long-term problem-solving over profit.
• Plans include scaling to major cities in two years, with ambulances equipped with basic medical tools.