Daily GK One Liners: 2nd January 2025

Stay informed with today’s top highlights across International, Defence, Business, and more! 🌍

International News 🌍

Switzerland Implements Facial Covering Ban and Pension Reforms: New laws effective January 1, 2025, include inheritance updates, pension increases, and bank solvency measures.
Russia Introduces Tourist Tax to Boost Tourism: A 1% lodging tax replaces the resort fee, set to increase to 3% by 2027 to enhance tourism infrastructure.

Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra Takes Command of IAF’s Western Air Command: Succeeds Air Marshal Pankaj Mohan Sinha, strengthening leadership in India’s defense units.
India-Nepal Joint Military Exercise ‘Surya Kiran’ Underway: Focuses on jungle warfare, counter-terrorism, and disaster relief under UN protocols.

India’s Coffee Exports Hit Record $1.14 Billion: High global demand for Robusta coffee and quality produce from Karnataka drive 29% growth.
GST Growth Slows to 7.3% in December 2024: Revenue totaled ₹1.77 lakh crore, reflecting post-holiday consumer spending trends.
India Achieves 36% Reduction in GDP Emission Intensity: Progress aligns with Paris Agreement goals, separating economic growth from greenhouse emissions.

Union Cabinet Approves ₹13,966 Crore Farmer Schemes: Seven initiatives aim to improve farmer incomes and drive agricultural progress.

Manish Singhal Appointed Secretary General of ASSOCHAM: Brings 35+ years of experience, succeeding Deepak Sood.
Bhuvnesh Kumar Assumes Role as UIDAI CEO: IAS officer from UP cadre takes charge, succeeding Amit Agrawal.

Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi Share Blitz Chess Title Amid Controversy: Co-title sparks criticism at the FIDE Rapid and Blitz Championship.
Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award Winners Announced: Manu Bhaker (Shooting), Harmanpreet Singh (Hockey), Praveen Kumar (Para Athletics), and D Gukesh (Chess) recognized.

📚 Daily Current Affairs January 2, 2025 Explore the full article and stay updated.

Ban on Facial Coverings:
- Enforcement: Nationwide ban on facial coverings like burqas and niqabs in public spaces, effective January 1, 2025.
- Fines and Exemptions: Violators face fines up to CHF 1,000 ($1,143), with exemptions for health, security, weather, and artistic uses.
- Purpose: Enhance public transparency, cultural integration, and security.
Inheritance Law Reforms:
- Harmonization: Aligned with European Succession Regulation to simplify cross-border estate planning.
- Benefits: Provides legal clarity and reduces bureaucratic hurdles for Swiss nationals abroad, particularly in EU and EFTA nations.
Pension Increases:
- Adjustment: 2.9% rise in state pensions to counter living cost increases.
- New Pension Rates: Minimum monthly pension increases to CHF 1,260 ($1,422); maximum to CHF 2,520 ($2,843).
- Review Mechanism: Biennial evaluations to adjust pensions for inflation.
Banking Reforms:
- Capital Reserves: Mandatory reserves to absorb financial shocks, ensuring stability.
- Objective: Minimize taxpayer-funded bailouts and bolster trust in Swiss banks.

Social Equity: Enhanced financial security for pensioners reflects Switzerland’s commitment to social welfare.
Economic Stability: Banking reforms provide long-term resilience against financial crises.
Global Alignment: Inheritance reforms and the face-covering ban align Switzerland with European standards and policies.

• Understand Major Reforms: Explore how these changes modernize Switzerland’s policies in governance, social equity, and economic resilience.

• Analyze Global Comparisons: Gain insights into Switzerland’s alignment with broader European trends.

• See the Broader Impacts: Discover how these reforms affect citizens, expatriates, and the global perception of Switzerland’s governance.

📚 Click here to explore the full article and gain insights into Switzerland’s transformative policies for 2025.

Event Overview: The first WAVES (Water, Agriculture, Vegetation, and Energy for Sustainability) Summit will take place in February 2025, positioning India as a leader in global sustainability and climate action.
Focus Areas:
- Water Security: Addressing scarcity with innovative technologies like desalination and recycling.
- Sustainable Agriculture: Promoting climate-resilient crops and precision farming.
- Vegetation Restoration: Combating deforestation through afforestation and biodiversity conservation.
- Renewable Energy: Expanding solar, wind, green hydrogen, and bioenergy adoption.
India’s Leadership:
- Initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA), Mission LiFE, and National Water Mission highlight India’s commitment to sustainability.
- Hosting the WAVES Summit reaffirms India’s role in addressing global environmental challenges.

Global Collaboration: Strengthening partnerships to combat climate change.
Policy Recommendations: Drafting strategies for sustainable development.
Technological Innovation: Showcasing cutting-edge solutions for resource management.
Awareness and Advocacy: Promoting sustainable practices at grassroots levels.