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Sakshi Education

NATIONAL
India Slips to Third Place in Edelman Trust Barometer 2025 Rankings
•   The Edelman Trust Barometer 2025, an annual survey by the global communications firm Edelman, revealed key insights into public trust levels in government, businesses, media, and NGOs.
•   This year, India has slipped one rank to the third spot globally in terms of overall trust, despite its score remaining unchanged. The study, released ahead of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, highlighted significant disparities in trust levels across income groups and nations.
•   India ranked third globally in terms of trust in institutions (government, businesses, media, and NGOs). The top three positions were as follows:
1.   China
2.   Indonesia
3.   India
•   India lost its second position to Indonesia, which achieved an increased score despite India’s score remaining stable.
•   India ranks 13th in trust for companies headquartered in Indian origin, with Canada, Japan, and Germany topping this specific category.

INTERNATIONAL
Nigeria Joins BRICS as Partner, Aims for Global Collaboration
•   Nigeria was officially admitted as a partner country of the BRICS bloc, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This strategic move aims to bolster Nigeria’s economic and diplomatic ties with leading emerging economies. The announcement was made by Brazil’s Foreign Ministry, highlighting Nigeria’s significant role in strengthening South-South cooperation and advocating for global governance reforms.
•   Nigeria’s inclusion brings the total number of BRICS partner countries to nine, joining Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan.
•   As Africa’s largest economy and the world’s sixth-most populous nation, Nigeria’s partnership with BRICS is expected to enhance trade, investment, and infrastructure development opportunities.
•   BRICS was originally formed in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa joining in 2010. The bloc has since expanded to include countries like Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates, reflecting its growing influence in global economic affairs.

Trump Withdraws US from Paris Agreement Again
•   President Donald Trump initiated the United States’ second withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, a move that has significant implications for both domestic and international climate policies.
•   Adopted in 2015, the Paris Agreement is a global accord aimed at limiting global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C. The agreement encourages countries to set and achieve their own emission reduction targets, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
•   In 2017, President Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Agreement, citing economic disadvantages and unfair treatment of the U.S. compared to other nations. This decision was met with widespread international criticism and concern over the U.S.’s role in global climate efforts.
•   President Trump has once again initiated the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement.
•   International leaders have expressed concern over the U.S. withdrawal. European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the EU’s commitment to the Paris Agreement, stating that the EU will “stay the course on climate action.” The United Nations’ climate chief, Simon Stiell, noted that the global energy transition is unstoppable despite “crisis fatigue.”

UNESCO and MeitY Partner on AI Readiness Assessment in India
•   In a significant move to align India’s artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem with global ethical standards, UNESCO’s South Asia Regional Office, in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and Ikigai Law, organized a two-day stakeholder consultation on the AI Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM).
•   Held on January 16 and 17, 2025, at IIIT Bangalore and the NASSCOM AI office, respectively, the event aimed to craft an India-specific AI policy report that identifies strengths and growth opportunities within India’s AI landscape.
•   By utilizing the AI RAM, a diagnostic tool designed to assess a country’s AI landscape—including infrastructure, legislation, components, and key stakeholders—the initiative seeks to identify opportunities for governments to engage, particularly in AI regulatory and institutional capacity-building efforts. This approach aims to foster a holistic AI ecosystem centered on safety and trust.

ENVIRONMENT
Yala Glacier in Nepal Set to Vanish by 2040s Due to Climate Change
•   Yala Glacier, situated in Nepal’s Langtang National Park, has been a focal point for glaciological studies due to its significant retreat over recent decades. Recent analyses predict that this glacier may vanish by the 2040s, underscoring the profound impacts of climate change on the Himalayan cryosphere.
•   Between 1974 and 2021, Yala Glacier retreated by 680 meters, with a 36% reduction in its area. Its elevation has declined from 5,170 meters to 5,750 meters in 2011.
•   Yala Glacier is the only Himalayan glacier included in the Global Glacier Casualty List, highlighting its critical status. This list, launched in 2024, identifies glaciers worldwide that are critically endangered or have already disappeared.

SPORTS
Gujarat to host 1st Olympic Research Conference
•   India’s ambition to host the 2036 Olympics has taken a significant step forward, as officials from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and experts from diverse fields gather in Gujarat for a pivotal four-day event.
•   This meeting, organized in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, focuses on developing strategies and innovative economic models to build sustainable sports infrastructure, essential for positioning India as a strong contender for hosting the prestigious global event.
•   “2036 Vision: Pathway to Become an Olympic Host” – Highlighting India’s journey and readiness to host the Olympics.