Daily Current Affairs 04 February 2025
1. Health Insurance for Gig Workers
What is the News?
- The government has announced that gig workers will now get health insurance under the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) scheme.
Why is this Important?
- Many gig workers do not have job security or health benefits. This scheme will help them cover hospital expenses.
- The budget for healthcare has been increased by ₹9,000 crore to support such programs.
Who are Gig Workers?
- Gig workers are people who work freelance or temporary jobs, such as food delivery, cab drivers, and online service providers.
- By 2029-30, India’s gig workforce is expected to grow to 23.5 million workers.
Challenges for Gig Workers
- No job security
- No medical benefits
- Difficult work-life balance
Government Steps for Gig Workers
- Code on Social Security, 2020 – A law that aims to provide benefits like accident insurance and health cover.
- e-Shram Portal – A government platform where gig workers can register and receive support.
2. 100% FDI in Insurance Sector
What is the News?
- The government has increased the limit for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in insurance from 74% to 100%.
Why is this Important?
- This will attract more foreign companies, creating better insurance products and improving customer services.
- India’s insurance penetration is low (3.7%), meaning many people still don’t have insurance.
Impact of 100% FDI
✅ More competition – Lower prices for customers
✅ Better services – Faster claim settlements
✅ More jobs – Growth in the insurance sector
3. Rupee Falls to ₹87 Against the Dollar
Why is the Rupee Weakening?
- US Dollar is getting stronger due to a strong US economy.
- Trade deficit – India is importing more than it exports.
- Foreign investors are pulling out money from India.
Effects of a Weak Rupee
🔴 Expensive imports – Petrol, electronics, and other goods become costly.
🔴 Inflation rises – Prices of daily essentials go up.
🟢 Good for exporters – IT companies and manufacturers earn more in foreign currency.
4. India’s Plan for Nuclear Energy
What is the News?
- The government has set a goal to increase nuclear power to 100 GW by 2047.
- ₹20,000 crore has been allocated for research in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
Why is Nuclear Power Important?
✅ Less pollution – No carbon emissions.
✅ Energy security – Reduces reliance on coal and oil.
✅ Supports industries – Power for steel, aluminum, and factories.
5. Retreating Himalayan Glaciers
What is the News?
- 110 glaciers in Arunachal Pradesh have melted in the last 32 years due to global warming.
Why is this a Problem?
- Less drinking water – Many rivers originate from these glaciers.
- Higher risk of floods – Melting glaciers create dangerous lakes that can overflow.
What Can Be Done?
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Use renewable energy like solar and wind.
- Improve water conservation methods.
6. Dhimsa Dance – Tribal Celebration
- Dhimsa Dance is performed by tribal groups in Andhra Pradesh.
- It is a symbol of unity and culture.
- Recently, villagers performed this dance to celebrate getting electricity for the first time!
7. Guru-Shishya Parampara Scheme
- This government scheme supports traditional arts and culture by funding Guru (teachers) and Shishyas (students).
- Financial support of ₹15,000 per month is given to Guru for teaching dance, music, and theatre.
8. Makhana Board in Bihar
- The government has set up a Makhana Board in Bihar with a ₹100 crore budget.
- Makhana (fox nuts) is a superfood grown mostly in Bihar.
- This board will help farmers increase production and export Makhana worldwide.
9. Extra-Long Staple Cotton (ELS)
What is the News?
- The government has launched a 5-year mission to improve high-quality cotton farming.
- India imports most of its ELS cotton, but this plan will help India grow its own and reduce imports.
Why is this Important?
✅ Helps Indian textile industry grow.
✅ More jobs in the cotton farming sector.
✅ Improves export opportunities for India.
10. GARBH-INi-DRISHTI – Maternal Health Database
- A new data repository for maternal and child health has been launched.
- Collected data from 12,000 pregnant women and newborns to improve healthcare.
11. International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
- A new global group focused on protecting big cats like tigers, lions, cheetahs, and leopards.
- 27 countries have joined the alliance, and its headquarters is in India.
