CUET Current Affairs: 22 February 2025

Table of Contents

1. USAID

News: U.S. Department of Government Ethics (DOGE) cancels $21 million in USAID funds for ‘voter turnout’ in India.

USAID: United States Agency for International Development
Established: 1961 by President John F. Kennedy
About: An independent U.S. government agency for administering civilian foreign aid and development assistance.
Headquarters: Washington, D.C., USA
Mission: Promote global development and alleviate poverty

Recent Development

Funding Freeze: The Trump administration once imposed a 90-day freeze on foreign aid.

Definition: An international forum of governments and central bank governors from 19 countries, the European Union, and the African Union.
Formation: 1999, under the Berlin Declaration
Purpose: Unite major world economies to discuss key policy issues and financial stability.

Key Facts

Work Division

Finance Track: Focuses on monetary and fiscal policy.
Sherpa Track: Deals with political engagement, anti-corruption, and broader policy topics.

News: India and China worked extensively to protect G-20 interests, says Jaishankar.

Official Name: People’s Republic of China
Capital: Beijing
Currency: Renminbi
Official Language: Mandarin Chinese (Putonghua)
Government: Single-party system, led by the Communist Party of China
President: Xi Jinping
Major Cities: Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu
Military: People’s Liberation Army (PLA) — the world’s largest military force
Major Rivers: Yangtze, Huang He, Mekong, Amur

News: Kerala’s Chief Minister promises that no investor will face red tape in the state.

Definition: Excessive or overly complex regulations and procedures that hinder swift action or decision-making.
Examples: Lengthy permit processes, multiple document submissions, clearance from multiple departments.

Consequences

News: A massive Jhumoir Binandini dance rehearsal aims for a world record in Assam.

Jhumoir Binandini: A grand cultural event organized by the Assam government to celebrate the state’s rich heritage.
Jhumoir Dance:
- About: Traditional folk dance of Assam’s tea tribes.
- Origin: Tea garden communities in Assam.
- Music: Dhol, flute, cymbals.
- Costumes: Women wear Mekhela Chador; men wear dhotis and turbans.
- Participation: Over 8,000 performers from tea garden areas across Assam.

News: NGOs misusing foreign funds for proselytization, according to Sai.

Definition: Attempting to convert someone’s religion, belief, or opinion.
Legal Provisions:
- Article 25: Grants freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practice, and propagate one’s religion.
- Anti-Conversion Laws: Aim to prevent forced or fraudulent religious conversions.
- FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act): NGOs found guilty of forced conversions risk losing their registration.

News: RBI issues caution against reckless financialisation.

Definition: The increasing dominance of financial markets, institutions, and motives in the overall economy, often overshadowing traditional industrial activities.
Impact:
- Concentration of wealth among those with significant financial assets.
- Rising income and wealth inequality.
- Corporate focus on profit maximization over broader economic development.

USAID was started by which U.S. President?
A. Donald Trump
B. Barack Obama
C. John F. Kennedy
D. Abraham Lincoln
Where is the USAID headquarters located?
A. New York
B. Chicago
C. San Francisco
D. Washington, D.C.
What is the official currency of China?
A. Yen
B. Renminbi
C. Tanka
D. Rouble
In which year was the G-20 formed?
A. 1857
B. 1947
C. 1999
D. 2008
“Jhumoir Dance” is associated with which Indian state?
A. Kerala
B. Rajasthan
C. Uttar Pradesh
D. Assam

Answer Key:

D (Assam)

C (John F. Kennedy)

D (Washington, D.C.)

B (Renminbi)

C (1999)