Current Affairs

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SVAMITVA Scheme: PM Modi Distributes 65 Lakh Property Cards

On January 18, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi distributed over 65 lakh property cards under the SVAMITVA Scheme to beneficiaries across 50,000 villages in 10 states and 2 Union Territories, marking a significant milestone in rural empowerment and governance in India.

Objective: The scheme aimed to empower rural India by providing Record of Rights to property owners in village Abadi areas through drone technology for accurate surveying.

Benefits:

  • Economic transformation of rural India.
  • Monetization of property.
  • Access to institutional credit (bank loans).
  • Reduction in property disputes.
  • Better property assessments and tax collection.

Drone Surveys: Completed in over 3.17 lakh villages, covering 92% of the targeted areas. Over 2.25 crore property cards had been prepared for more than 1.5 lakh villages.

Full Saturation: The scheme had reached full saturation in Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Tripura, Goa, Uttarakhand, and Haryana.

The SVAMITVA scheme, launched in 2020, contributed to the economic development of rural areas by enabling better governance and access to resources.

Pixxel Space Launches World’s Highest-Resolution Hyperspectral Satellites

Pixxel Space, a Bengaluru-based startup backed by Google, launched its first private satellite constellation, Firefly, on January 14, 2025, using a SpaceX rocket from California.

Key Features: Firefly consists of six satellites, making it the world’s highest-resolution commercial hyperspectral imaging constellation. The satellites observe Earth in over 150 spectral bands, capturing detailed data for various applications.

Applications:

  • Agriculture: Monitoring vegetation health.
  • Mining: Identifying mineral compositions.
  • Environmental Monitoring: Tracking water quality and atmospheric changes.
  • Defense: Enhancing surveillance capabilities.

Future Plans: Three additional satellites to be launched in the next two months and Expansion to a 24-satellite constellation by 2029.

The technology enables precise detection of chemical, biological, and environmental changes, marking a major advancement in hyperspectral imaging.

National Sports Awards 2024 conferred by President Droupadi Murmu

National Sports Awards 2024 conferred by President Droupadi Murmu on 17 January 2025 at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.

Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award:

  • D. Gukesh (World Chess Champion)
  • Manu Bhaker (Olympic double medalist)
  • Harmanpreet Singh (Men’s Hockey Team Captain)
  • Praveen Kumar (Paralympic gold medalist)

Dronacharya Award: for Coaches:

  • Subhash Rana (Para-shooting)
  • Deepali Deshpande (Shooting)
  • Sandeep Sangwan (Hockey)
  • S. Muralidharan (Badminton)
  • Armando Agnelo Colaco (Football)

Arjuna Award: Given to 32 sportspersons, including:

  • Jyothi Yarraji, Annu Rani (Athletics)
  • Nitu, Saweety (Boxing)
  • Vantika Agrawal (Chess)
  • Hockey players: Salima Tete, Abhishek, Sanjay, Jarmanpreet Singh, Sukhjeet Singh
  • Para-athletes: Rakesh Kumar, Preeti Pal, Ajeet Singh, and others.

Lifetime Arjuna Awards: Recipients: Sucha Singh (Athletics) and Murlikant Petkar (Para-swimming).

MAKA Trophy: Awarded to Chandigarh University for being the top-performing university in the Khelo India University Games.

Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 from January 17 to January 22, 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 on January 17, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The six-day event, held across multiple venues in the National Capital Region, including Bharat Mandapam, Yashobhoomi, and the India Expo Centre in Greater Noida, runs from January 17 to January 22, 2025.

This significant automotive industry expo showcases over 100 new launches in vehicles, components, and technologies, attracting more than 5,000 global buyers. Key participants include Ather Energy, Ola Electric, VinFast, and other prominent national and international brands. The expo also features 20+ conferences addressing sustainability, innovation, and technology in mobility.

The public can visit the event from January 19 to January 22, 10 am to 6 pm, with free entry requiring prior registration.

SpaDeX Mission Successful: India Becomes Fourth Country to Achieve Space Docking

On 16 January 2025, ISRO announced that India successfully achieved space docking under the SpaDeX mission, becoming the fourth country in the world to do so, after Russia, the USA, and China.

Mission Details: The mission demonstrated the docking, undocking, and power transfer capabilities between two satellites in low-Earth orbit. It involved maneuvering, precise docking, retraction, and stabilizing the docked satellites as a single unit.

Future Applications: The success of SpaDeX will support ambitious projects like the Indian Space Station and Chandrayaan-4. It showcased critical technologies for in-space robotics, spacecraft control, and payload operations.

Leadership and Indigenous Technology: The project was led by N. Surendran and featured the fully indigenous Bharatiya Docking System.

Launch Details: SpaDeX was launched on 30 December 2024 aboard the PSLV-C60 rocket along with other payloads.

India Secures 2nd Place in QS World Future Skills Index, January 2025 Release

India has secured the 2nd spot in the QS World Future Skills Index released in January 2025, highlighting its excellence in digital skills and readiness for future job markets, particularly in AI, digital technology, and green industries. Key findings include:

Second Place Ranking: India is just behind the United States in digital skills, showcasing an impressive global standing.

Future of Work: India ranks high in this indicator, signaling its preparedness to meet the demands of future job markets.

Academic and Industry Readiness: The report identifies areas for improvement, such as enhancing industry-academia collaboration and better alignment of educational outcomes with industry needs.

Economic Transformation: India’s start-up culture and GDP growth contribute to its strong performance.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to Be Chief Guest at 76th Republic Day Celebrations

President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, will be the Chief Guest at India’s 76th Republic Day celebrations in 2025. Invited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Subianto will visit India on January 25-26, marking his first visit since taking office in October 2024.

The visit will focus on strengthening bilateral ties and addressing regional and global issues of mutual interest. India and Indonesia share close relations, with Indonesia playing a key role in India’s Act East Policy and the Indo-Pacific strategy as a Comprehensive Strategic Partner.

Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) Inaugurated at 7 Major Airports in India

Inauguration of Fast Track Immigration: Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the ‘Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP)’ on 16 January 2025 at airports in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Cochin, and Ahmedabad.

Objective: The programme aims to provide seamless and secure world-class immigration facilities for international travellers.

Registration Process:

Applicants must register online on ftittp.mha.gov.in, fill in their details, and upload required documents. Biometric data will be captured at the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) or while passing through the airport.

E-Gate Process:

Registered travellers will scan their airline boarding pass and passport at e-gates. Biometrics will be authenticated at both arrival and departure points, and upon successful authentication, the e-gate will open, granting immigration clearance.

Expansion Plan: FTI-TTP will be implemented at 21 major airports across India.

Programme Launch: The programme was initially launched by Amit Shah in June 2024 at Terminal-3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), New Delhi.

India Women’s Cricket Team Sets Records with 304-Run Victory Over Ireland in Rajkot

India’s Record-Breaking Victory: In Women’s Cricket, India achieved its largest-ever win by 304 runs against Ireland in the 3rd ODI in Rajkot, Gujarat, on 15 January 2025. India won the three-match series 3-0.

Historic Batting Performance:

India score 435/5 in 50 overs—its highest-ever ODI total and the fourth-highest in Women’s cricket history.

Smriti Mandhana scored 135 runs off 80 balls, registering India’s fastest ODI century.

Pratika Rawal scored her maiden ODI century with 154 runs off 129 balls, forming a 231-run partnership with Mandhana in 26.4 overs.

Richa Ghosh added a quick 59 runs off 42 balls.

Ireland’s Response: Ireland was bowled out for 131 runs in 31.4 overs.

Sanskriti ka Mahakumbh: A Grand Cultural Festival at Maha Kumbh Mela from January 16 to February 24, 2025

Sanskriti ka Mahakumbh is a grand cultural festival held during the Maha Kumbh Mela, from January 16 to February 24, 2025. It showcases India’s rich cultural heritage through performances by artists nationwide. Highlights include:

  • Classical singing by Prof. Ritwik Sanyal
  • Odissi dance by Bichtrananda Swain
  • Sitar recital by Kushal Das
  • Bhajans and light music performances by Shankar Mahadevan and Ravi Shankar

Traditional folk performances like Nautanki, Alha singing, and tribal folk dances will also be featured, highlighting India’s diverse cultural traditions. It’s a vibrant celebration of Indian culture, drawing thousands of spectators to witness and participate in these performances.

US Removes Sanctions on Major Indian Nuclear Facilities

Sanctions lifted on Indian entities: The US has removed sanctions on three Indian entities—Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Indian Rare Earths Ltd (IREL), and Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR).

Reason for lifting sanctions: The sanctions, imposed during the Cold War era, were lifted to enhance US foreign policy goals, support shared energy security needs, and strengthen joint efforts in science and technology between India and the US.

Strengthened India-US collaboration: Recent years have seen increased cooperation in peaceful nuclear activities and related research, benefiting global partner countries.

US action against Chinese companies: The US added 11 Chinese companies to the Entity List for activities deemed contrary to US national security and foreign policy interests.

About the Entity List: It is a US government compilation of foreign individuals, companies, and organizations considered a national security concern.

Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam begins 5-Day state visit to India

Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam has arrived in New Delhi on a five-day state visit to India starting from 15 January 2025. He was welcomed by Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada at the airport. As part of his delegation, President Tharman is accompanied by ministers, Members of Parliament, and officials.

During his visit, President Tharman will meet with President Droupadi Murmu, who will also host a banquet in his honor. He will also meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, along with other Indian dignitaries. President Tharman will visit Odisha from 17th to 18th January.

India and Singapore share a robust partnership built on friendship, trust, and mutual respect. This visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations and marks the commencement of celebrations for the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Army Day Celebrations on January 15

Army Day is celebrated annually on January 15 to honor the soldiers and acknowledge their contributions to the nation’s security. The day commemorates the historic moment in 1949 when General KM Cariappa became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, taking over from General Sir FRR Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief.

The celebration includes parades and military events across the country, with the main parade now held in different cities each year. Army Day is an opportunity to celebrate the bravery and dedication of the soldiers who protect the country’s borders and contribute to peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts.

CISF Expansion: Two New Battalions Approved to Enhance Security and Create Over 2,000 Jobs

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved the creation of two new battalions for the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to enhance its capacity and manage increasing security demands. Each battalion will consist of 1,025 personnel, bringing the total number of CISF battalions from 13 to 15 and creating over 2,000 new jobs.

The expansion will improve the CISF’s rapid-response capabilities, efficiently manage emergencies, and provide relief opportunities for current personnel. The new battalions will be led by senior commandant-level officers and also involve the recently approved Mahila Battalion.

With this expansion, the CISF’s total strength will rise to nearly 200,000 personnel, enhancing its ability to protect vital national infrastructure such as industrial sites, government buildings, nuclear and space establishments, airports, and historical monuments.

Established in 1969, the CISF has evolved into a key agency for safeguarding critical infrastructure and providing security consultancy services across both the public and private sectors. The new battalions will significantly bolster the force’s ability to fulfill its security mandate.

Ira Jadhav Shatters Records with Unbeaten 346 in Women’s Under 19 One Day Trophy

On January 13, 2024, Ira Jadhav from Mumbai became the highest individual scorer in Women’s Under 19 One Day Trophy history. The 14-year-old prodigy played an unbeaten inning of 346 runs off 157 balls against Meghalaya at the Alur Cricket Stadium in Bengaluru.

Her extraordinary performance, which included 42 fours and 16 sixes, led Mumbai to a monumental total of 563 for 3 in 50 overs. Ira’s achievement surpassed the previous record held by Smriti Mandhana, who scored 224 runs off 150 deliveries in 2013 while playing for Maharashtra. This remarkable feat has set a new benchmark in women’s domestic cricket and highlighted Ira’s immense potential as a future star.

PM Modi inaugurates Sonamarg Tunnel in Kashmir’s Ganderbal district

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sonamarg Tunnel in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district on January 13, 2025.

Key attendees included Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari and Dr. Jitendra Singh, J&K Lt. Gov. Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, other senior officials, and Tunnel Project Officials.

The Sonamarg Tunnel significantly reduces travel time to 20-25 minutes between Gagangeer and Sonamarg.
The tunnel is equipped with cutting-edge technologies for real-time updates and seamless connectivity.
Work on the Tunnel project began in May 2015 and was completed last year.
The tunnel enhances year-round road accessibility in the Ladakh region.
It is expected to boost trade, tourism, and socio-economic development in regions including Kargil and Leh.
Provides all-weather connectivity and links towards the under-construction Zojila tunnel.

Makar Sankranti: A Tribute to Sun’s Transition

Makar Sankranti is a vibrant Hindu festival celebrated across India, marking the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn (Makara). This festival, typically falling on January 14th, symbolizes the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer days. It is a day filled with joyous activities such as kite flying, bonfires, and traditional sweets made from sesame seeds and jaggery.

In different regions, Makar Sankranti is known by various names like Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Uttarayan in Gujarat, and Lohri in Punjab. Each region has its unique customs and rituals, but the underlying theme remains the celebration of nature’s bounty and the Sun’s journey. This festival also holds agricultural significance, as it marks the harvesting season in many parts of India.

India Joins UN Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics

India has joined the UN Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics.

Purpose: The committee focuses on setting global standards and practices for using big data and data science in official statistics.

India’s Contribution: India will showcase its initiatives, such as the establishment of the Data Innovation Lab and the exploration of alternative data sources.

Committee Objective: The UN Committee investigates the benefits and challenges of big data, including its use in monitoring and reporting on sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Maha Kumbh, the world’s largest spiritual and cultural gathering, began on 13 January 2025 in Prayagraj

The Maha Kumbh, the world’s largest spiritual and cultural gathering, began on 13 January 2025 in Prayagraj with the Amrit Snan on Paush Poornima.

Millions of devotees are taking holy dips at the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. This year’s event is significant due to a rare celestial alignment that occurs once in 144 years.

The Maha Kumbh will continue until Mahashivaratri on 26 February 2025. Nearly 50 lakh devotees took a dip yesterday, and many will observe the month-long tradition of Kalpvas until Magh Poornima.

National Youth Day- January 12th: Celebrating the Spirit of Vivekananda

National Youth Day is celebrated on January 12th each year in India. This day commemorates the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, a key figure in the Indian liberation struggle known for his teachings on youth empowerment.

The day aims to:

Inspire youth in their journey of self-development and societal contributions.
Promote Vivekananda’s values of harmony and brotherhood.
Encourage young minds to channel their energy towards nation-building and personal growth.

The celebration includes youth seminars, cultural activities, and educational events aimed at fostering a spirit of positivity and progressiveness.

Suryakumar Yadav to Lead India in Five-Match T20I Series against England

The BCCI has announced a 15-member squad for the five-match T20I series against England, starting on 22 January 2025 in Kolkata.

Suryakumar Yadav will captain the team, with Axar Patel as vice-captain. Mohammed Shami returns to the squad after over a year, joined by players like Sanju Samson, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, and Tilak Varma.

After the T20I series, England will also play three ODIs, which serve as India’s final preparation for the Champions Trophy starting on 19 February 2025. The ODI squads are yet to be finalized, and BCCI plans to request an extension for submitting the Champions Trophy 2025 squad, which is due on 12 January.

Kho Kho World Cup 2025 Kicks Off in New Delhi

The inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025 began on 13 January 2025 at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi, supported by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).

The tournament features 20 men’s and 19 women’s teams. India’s men’s team, led by Pratik Waikar, is in Group A alongside Nepal, Peru, Brazil, and Bhutan.

The women’s team, led by Priyanka Ingle, is in Group A with Iran, Malaysia, and the Republic of Korea. The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals, with the finals scheduled for 19 January 2025.

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Delivers Sixth Scorpene Submarine, Vaghsheer, to Indian Navy

Mumbai-based Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited handed over the sixth Scorpene submarine, Vaghsheer, of Project P-75 to the Indian Navy on January 10, 2025. This advanced submarine boasts superior stealth features and the capability to launch precise attacks with guided weapons, including torpedoes and tube-launched anti-ship missiles, whether submerged or on the surface. Vaghsheer is versatile, capable of performing various missions such as Anti-Surface Warfare, Anti-Submarine Warfare, Intelligence Gathering, and Area Surveillance.

The submarine features a high level of automation with a sophisticated Integrated Platform Management System and Combat Management System, integrating diverse equipment, systems, and sensors. It stands out from its predecessors with indigenously developed Air Conditioning and Internal Communication & Broadcast Systems.

Chairman and Managing Director Sanjeev Singhal highlighted that the delivery of the six submarines — Kalvari, Khanderi, Karanj, Vela, Vagir, and Vaghsheer — reaffirms India’s position in the exclusive group of submarine-building nations.

21st Third Eye Asian Film Festival from January 10 to 16, 2025, in Mumbai and Thane

The 21st edition of the Third Eye Asian Film Festival will be held from January 10 to January 16, 2025, in Mumbai and Thane. The festival will showcase 61 films from various Asian countries, including China, Malaysia, and South Korea.

It will open with the award-winning Chinese film The Black Dog. Special highlights include a Country Focus on South Korea and a competition section for Marathi films.

Awards such as the Asian Cinema Culture Award to Javed Akhtar and the Satyajit Ray Memorial Award to Rafique Baghdadi will be presented. The festival aims to celebrate and promote the rich diversity of Asian cinema.

Dr. Syed Anwar Khursheed awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2025

Dr. Syed Anwar Khursheed, a renowned Indian physician in Saudi Arabia, has been awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2025. This prestigious honor recognizes his outstanding contributions to healthcare, community welfare, and fostering India-Saudi Arabia relations.

With over 45 years of medical experience, Dr. Khursheed has been instrumental during the COVID-19 pandemic, supported Indian pilgrims during Hajj, and founded the International Indian School in Taif.

His dedication to the Indian diaspora and his efforts in education and community development have made a significant impact, earning him this highest recognition for overseas Indians.

10,000 special guests to witness Republic Day Parade in New Delhi

The Ministry of Defence announced that around 10,000 special guests will witness the 76th Republic Day Parade at Kartavya Path, New Delhi, on January 26. These guests, known as the “architects of Swarnim Bharat,” are recognized for their contributions to various government schemes. They include sarpanches, disaster relief workers, water warriors, handloom and handicraft artisans, SHG members, and ASHA workers.

For the first time, individuals from disaster relief, environmental conservation, renewable energy, and wildlife preservation are being honored. Notable sports achievers, including Paralympic athletes, international sports medalists, patent holders, and top start-up founders, will also attend. Excelling school children from national competitions like the All India School Band and Veer Gatha will be present as special guests.

Besides the parade, these guests will visit key landmarks in Delhi such as the National War Memorial and PM Sangrahalay, and interact with government ministers.

ArabPlast 2025: India Leads Charge in Sustainable Plastics

The 17th edition of ArabPlast, West Asia’s premier trade exhibition for plastics and petrochemicals, opened on January 7, 2025, in Dubai, with India emerging as a key player in sustainable manufacturing. Running through January 9, 2025, the event has attracted over 750 exhibitors from 12 international pavilions, focusing on innovations in plastics, recycling, petrochemicals, packaging, and rubber industries.

India’s delegation, led by the Plastic Export Promotion Council of India (PLEXCONCIL), includes 125 companies, a 70% increase from the previous edition. This underscores India’s growing role in the global plastics sector and commitment to sustainable practices and the circular economy. Vikram Bhaduria, Chairman of PLEXCONCIL, highlighted the potential for expanding Indo-UAE trade relations.

The event emphasizes environmental sustainability, with Indian companies showcasing biodegradable plastics and advanced recycling technologies. The GCC petrochemical sector, generating over $100 billion in annual revenues, is also a key focus.

Inaugurated by Shri Satish Kumar Sivan, Consul General of India to Dubai and the Northern Emirates, ArabPlast 2025 solidifies Dubai’s status as a global hub for industrial innovation and sustainable development, providing a platform for stakeholders to explore new technologies and forge partnerships.

Wildfires Devastate Los Angeles: Thousands Forced to Evacuate

Wildfires have been wreaking havoc in Los Angeles recently, causing widespread destruction and forcing thousands of residents to evacuate. The Palisades Fire, which started on January 7, 2025, in the Pacific Palisades area, has been particularly devastating, destroying over 17,000 acres and 1,000 structures. The Eaton Fire, which also started on January 7, 2025, in Altadena, and the Sunset Fire, which ignited on January 8, 2025, in the Hollywood Hills, have caused significant damage as well.

The fires have been fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, reaching speeds of up to 100 mph, and extremely dry conditions. These factors have made firefighting efforts incredibly challenging, with ground crews and aerial operations struggling to contain the blazes.

Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency, and President Biden has approved federal aid for California. Despite the chaos, there have been no immediate reports of deaths or injuries, though the situation remains fluid.

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