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Aero India 2025: 10th to 14th February 2025 at Air Force Station, Yelahanka, Bengaluru

The 15th edition of Aero India 2025, Asia’s largest aero show, will be held at the Air Force Station, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, from 10th to 14th February 2025. Themed “The Runway to a Billion Opportunities”, the event aims to foster partnerships between Indian and foreign firms, accelerate indigenisation, and showcase advanced aerospace technologies.

Schedule:

  • 10th-12th February: Business days.
  • 13th-14th February: Public days featuring air displays and exhibitions.

Key Highlights:

  • Participation from global CEOs, domestic PSU CMDs, and private defence manufacturers.
  • India Pavilion: Showcasing the Make-in-India initiative and indigenous defence capabilities.
  • Aerobatic displays, live demonstrations, and bilateral meetings to strengthen defence ties.

Previous Edition Achievements:

  • Attracted 7 lakh visitors, dignitaries from 98 countries, and 809 exhibitors.
  • Recognised globally as a leading aerospace exhibition since its inception in 1996.

Bharatpol: CBI’s Portal for Streamlined Global Criminal Investigations

The Bharatpol portal is a new initiative developed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in India. It was launched by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on January 7, 2025. The portal aims to streamline international cooperation in criminal investigations by enabling real-time information sharing among Indian law enforcement agencies and their international counterparts through Interpol.

Key features of the Bharatpol portal

Real-time information sharing: Facilitates faster access to international police assistance.
Streamlined requests: Simplifies the process of requesting international assistance, including the issuance of Red Notices and other color-coded notices.
Enhanced efficiency: Helps field-level police officers deal with crimes and security challenges more effectively.
Common platform: Brings all stakeholders on a single platform for better coordination.

The development of Bharatpol was necessitated by the growing footprint of transnational crimes, such as cyber-crime, financial crimes, online radicalization, organized crimes, drug trafficking, and human trafficking. The portal is expected to significantly enhance India’s efforts in combating these crimes by providing easier and faster access to international assistance.

Anahat Singh Clinches Under-17 Girls’ Singles Title at British Junior Open Squash Tournament

Anahat Singh, a 16-year-old top-seed Indian squash player, won the Under-17 Girls’ Singles title at the British Junior Open 2025 in Birmingham, England, on 6 January 2025.

She defeated Malika El Karaksy of Egypt in the final with a score of 3-2 (4-11, 11-9, 6-11, 11-5, 11-3), coming from behind twice.

This is Anahat’s third British Junior Open title, following victories in the Under-11 category in 2019 and Under-15 category in 2023.

Earlier in the tournament, she beat Ruqayya Salem (3-1) in the semi-finals and Nadia Tamer (3-0) in the quarter-finals.

In 2024, Anahat won nine PSA Challenger titles, the most by any woman globally.

India’s First Organic Fisheries Cluster in Sikkim

Launch Date and Location: India’s First Organic Fisheries Cluster announced on January 6, 2025, in the Soreng district of Sikkim. Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh announced the launch at the Northeastern Region States Meet 2025 in Guwahati.

Initiative: Part of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) aiming for sustainable and eco-friendly aquaculture.

Organic Focus: Utilizes ecologically healthy fish farming methods, avoiding harmful chemicals, antibiotics, and pesticides.

Economic and Environmental Benefits: Expected to boost farmer incomes, support eco-friendly food production, and minimize environmental pollution.

Market Potential: Targets lucrative domestic and international markets for organic products.

Financial Support: NABARD will provide financial and technical assistance, supporting fisheries-based Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs) and fishers’ cooperatives.

India’s First Case of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) Detected in Bengaluru

First Case in India: An eight-month-old baby has been detected with Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Bengaluru, marking India’s first case amid a surge in such cases in China. The child has no travel history.

Government Response: The Karnataka Health Department confirmed the case, and it was reported to the Union Health Ministry. The Ministry assures India is prepared to manage respiratory illnesses, with no unusual surge in cases detected.

Monitoring and Updates: A joint monitoring group meeting was held to discuss the rise in respiratory illnesses in China. The Union Health Ministry is closely monitoring the situation and has requested updates from the WHO.

HMPV Overview:

Symptoms: HMPV causes symptoms similar to the common cold, like cough, fever, nasal congestion, and shortness of breath.
Vulnerable Groups: Children, sexagenarians, and people with weak immune systems are most vulnerable. Most cases are mild, with most people contracting it before age 5.
Transmission: It spreads easily from person to person or contaminated surfaces. Recognized as a significant contributor to respiratory infections since its discovery in 2001.

Prevention Advice: The Director General of Health Services, Dr. Atul Goel, advises the public to take general precautions for respiratory infections, such as avoiding contact if symptomatic, following respiratory etiquette, and using common medicines for cold and fever.

India’s 1000 Km Metro Network: The 3rd Largest in the World

India’s metro systems have revolutionized urban travel, expanding to cover over 1,000 km across 11 states and 23 cities, making India the third-largest metro network globally after China and the United States. This milestone was achieved with the launch of several metro development projects by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 5, 2025.

Key Projects Launched:

Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor: 13 km section enhancing connectivity between Delhi and Meerut.
Rithala-Kundli Section: 26.5 km section strengthening links between Delhi and Haryana.

These projects are expected to serve over 1 crore daily passengers, reflecting the significant impact of metro expansion on urban mobility.

Historical Development:

1984: Metro development in India began with Kolkata’s first metro line.
1995: Establishment of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).
2002: DMRC opened its first metro corridor.
2011-2020: Development of metro systems in Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kochi.

Recent Advancements:

Under-Water Metro: Inaugurated by PM Modi in 2024, featuring the first under-water metro tunnel in Kolkata.
Driverless Metro: Launched in 2020 on Delhi Metro’s Magenta Line.
Kochi Water Metro: Launched in 2021, connecting islands around Kochi using electric hybrid boats.

42nd Edition of Naval Exercise Varuna Strengthens Indo-French Ties

The French Navy’s nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, Charles De Gaulle, arrived in Goa on January 4, 2025, to participate in the 42nd annual bilateral naval exercise Varuna with the Indian Navy.

The French Carrier Strike Group, including Rafale Marine fighter aircraft, received a ceremonial welcome at Goa’s Mormugao port.

The exercise aims to enhance interoperability, foster mutual understanding, and strengthen Indo-French naval ties.

France and India regularly collaborate to ensure maritime safety in the Indian Ocean.

Since 2008, France has been a member of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), a forum initiated by India to address issues like illegal trafficking, fishing violations, sea rescue, and pollution.

Indo-French Strategic Partnership

India and France have been strategic partners since 1998, with robust military cooperation reflected in bilateral exercises: Shakti (land), Varuna (sea), and Garuda (air).

Since 2022, French Navy vessels have made 16 port calls to India, showcasing operational collaboration.

Varun Tomar becomes national shooting champion by winning the Men’s 10-meter Air Pistol finals

In the 67th National Shooting Championship 2024, Varun Tomar of the Indian Army emerged as the national shooting champion by winning the Men’s 10-meter Air Pistol finals at Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi on January 5, 2025.

His teammate, Pradhyumn Singh, won the Silver medal, while Aakash Bhardwaj from Rajasthan secured the Bronze medal.

Varun Tomar also triumphed in the Men’s Junior 10-meter Air Pistol event, winning the Gold medal, with Nikhil from Uttar Pradesh winning Silver and Pradhyumn Singh taking Bronze.

In the Men’s Youth 10-meter Air Pistol event, Chirag Sharma from Uttar Pradesh won the Gold medal, Dev Pratap, also from Uttar Pradesh, won Silver, and Mayank Choudhary of Rajasthan secured the Bronze medal.

Namo Bharat Train Connects Sahibabad to New Ashok Nagar

Namo Bharat Train from Sahibabad RRTS Station to New Ashok Nagar RRTS Station inaugurated on January 5, 2025, by PM Narendra Modi. It is part of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS. The route is 13 km long, from Sahibabad to New Ashok Nagar.

Key Features

Speed: 160 km/hr
Travel Time: 40 minutes (New Ashok Nagar to Meerut South)
Frequency: Every 15 minutes
Fare: ₹150 (Standard), ₹225 (Premium)
Stations: 11 operational, 2 upcoming (Sarai Kale Khan, Jangpura)

Connectivity: Connects with the Blue and Pink Metro lines, Anand Vihar railway station, and inter-state bus terminals

Govt releases draft of Digital Personal Data Protection Rules 2025

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) released the draft Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules, 2025, on January 3, 2025, to implement the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. These rules aim to strengthen the legal framework for protecting digital personal data and provide a detailed implementation framework.

Key Provisions

  1. Notice Requirement: Data fiduciaries must provide clear notices to individuals about the data they collect, the purpose of collection, and obtain specific and informed consent.
  2. Consent Managers: The rules introduce the concept of consent managers who will work with data fiduciaries to collect and manage user consent.
  3. Data Protection for Minors: Verifiable parental consent is required for processing the personal data of children.
  4. Data Breach Notification: Data fiduciaries must inform the Data Protection Board of India (DPBI) within 72 hours of a data breach.
  5. Data Deletion: Users who stop using e-commerce, social media, or online gaming services for an extended period must be given 48 hours’ notice before their data is deleted.
  6. Data Localisation: Significant data fiduciaries must ensure that certain personal data is processed within India.
  7. Data Protection Impact Assessment: Significant data fiduciaries must conduct regular assessments and audits to ensure compliance with the DPDP Act.

Public Consultation

The draft rules are open for public feedback until February 18, 2025. Stakeholders are encouraged to submit their comments and suggestions to help refine the final version of the rules.

Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia Begin Their UNSC Term

New Non-Permanent Members of UNSC: Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia began their two-year term as non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on 1 January 2025.

Replacements: They replaced Ecuador, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, and Switzerland.

Ceremony: A flag installation ceremony was held at the UN headquarters in New York, where the new members’ permanent representatives delivered speeches and installed their national flags outside the Security Council Chamber.

UNSC Composition: The UNSC has 15 members – 5 permanent members (United States, United Kingdom, Russia, China, France – collectively known as the P5, with veto power) and 10 non-permanent members serving two-year terms.

Kho Kho World Cup in India from January 13 to 19, 2025

Inaugural Kho Kho World Cup: Scheduled in India from January 13 to 19, 2025.

Participation: Features 21 men’s teams and 20 women’s teams from 24 countries.

Trophies: Men’s trophy is blue (trust and determination), women’s trophy is green (growth and vitality).

Mascots: Tejas and Tara, gazelles representing speed, agility, and teamwork.

Significance: Aims to establish Kho Kho as a global sport.

UPI transactions surge to record 16.73 bn in Dec 2024

National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has said that Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has:

  1. Record Transactions: Unified Payments Interface (UPI) processed nearly 16.73 billion financial transactions in December 2024.
  2. Transaction Value: The total value of these transactions was approximately 23.25 lakh crore rupees.
  3. Year-on-Year Growth: There was a 39 percent Year-on-Year growth in the transaction count.
  4. Growth in Transaction Value: The transaction value saw a 28 percent Year-on-Year growth.
  5. Daily Transactions: The average daily transaction amount reached 74,990 crore rupees in December last year.

India-Myanmar Border Fencing: 9 Km Completed, Work in Progress

Border Fencing with Myanmar:

  • Over 9 km of fencing has been completed at Moreh in Manipur as of January 2025.
  • The Border Road Organisation (BRO) is working on constructing 21 km of fence and road, a project awarded in February 2024.

India-Myanmar Border Details:

  • Total border length: 1,643 km.
  • States along the border: Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram.
  • Border demarcation completed for 1,472 km out of 1,643 km.

Hybrid Surveillance Projects:

  • Two pilot projects of Hybrid surveillance systems are under construction in Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur.

Union Home Ministry Report: The fencing and surveillance initiatives were highlighted in a report published by the ministry recently.

National Sports Awards 2025

The National Sports Awards have been announced on January 2, 2025.

Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award Recipients:

  • D Gukesh: World Chess Champion
  • Manu Bhaker: Double Medalist in Paris Olympics
  • Harmanpreet Singh: Indian Hockey Team Captain
  • Praveen Kumar: Gold Medalist in Paris Paralympics

Arjuna Award:

Total recipients: 32 sportspersons, including:

  • Athletes: Jyothi Yarraji, Annu Rani
  • Boxers: Nitu, Saweety
  • Chess Player: Vantika Agrawal
  • Hockey Players: Salima Tete, Abhishek, Sanjay, Jarmanpreet Singh, Sukhjeet Singh
  • Para-Sportspersons: Rakesh Kumar (Para-Archer), Preeti Pal, Jeevanji Deepthi, Ajeet Singh, Sachin Khilari

Lifetime Achievement Arjuna Awards:

  • Veteran Athlete Sucha Singh
  • Veteran Para Swimmer Murlikant Petkar

Dronacharya Award for Coaches:

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

Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar: Awarded to the Physical Education Foundation of India

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy: Awarded to Chandigarh University, Lovely Professional University, and Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar

Award Ceremony: Awards to be presented by President Droupadi Murmu on 17th January 2025 at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

IMD Declares 2024 as Warmest Year in India Since 1901

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that 2024 was the warmest year on record in India since 1901.

IMD Director General, Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, stated that minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to be higher than normal across most parts of the country in January, except in some areas of the eastern, northwest, and west-central regions.

However, western and northern parts of Central India may experience more cold wave days than usual. Rainfall in north India from January to March is projected to be below normal.

Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi share World Blitz Chess Championship Title 2024

In the World Blitz Chess Championship 2024, Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi shared the title after their final match ended in a tie in New York on 31 December 2024.

World Blitz Chess Championship 2024 – Open Section:

  • Carlsen led 2-0 and needed just a draw in the third game to secure the title.
  • Nepomniachtchi leveled the score 2-2, forcing tiebreaks.
  • After three draws in sudden-death games, Carlsen proposed sharing the title, which Nepomniachtchi accepted.

Women’s Section: Ju Wenjun from China defeated Lei Tingjie in the final to win the World Blitz Championship, completing a double after drawing five games.

India’s Performance: R. Vaishali, India’s lone hope in the knockouts, overcame an initial loss in the quarterfinals against China’s Zhu Jiner, winning 2.5-1.5 after four games. In the semifinals, Vaishali lost to Ju Wenjun in a one-sided match, 0.5-2.5.

West Bengal lifts Santosh Trophy by defeating Kerala

West Bengal clinched the prestigious Santosh Trophy national football championship title by defeating Kerala 1-0 in the final held on December 31, 2024, at the GMC Balayogi Athletic Stadium in Hyderabad.

This victory marks West Bengal’s record-extending 33rd title in the tournament’s history.

The match-winner came in the added time of the second half when Robi Hansda scored from close range after Aditya Thapa‘s header into the box.

The team, led by coach Sanjoy Sen, showcased incredible performance throughout the tournament, overcoming the absence of key striker Naro Hari Shrestha due to injury.

Romania and Bulgaria fully join Schengen border-free zone

Full Membership: Romania and Bulgaria officially became full members of the Schengen zone on January 1, 2025.

13-Year Wait: This marks the end of a 13-year wait for the two countries to join the borderless area.

Expanded Zone: The Schengen zone now includes 29 members, expanding the borderless area significantly.

Economic Impact: Analysts estimate that joining the Schengen zone will boost Romania’s and Bulgaria’s GDP by at least one percentage point.

Historic Moment: Leaders on both sides hailed the expansion as a historic achievement.

Austria’s Objections: Austria had previously blocked their full entry over migration concerns but dropped its objections after a border protection agreement was reached.

Improved Travel: The removal of land border checks will ease travel and strengthen economic ties between Romania, Bulgaria, and other Schengen countries.

NPCI Lifts UPI User Limit for WhatsApp Pay

WhatsApp Pay UPI User Limit Removed: On 31 December 2024, The NPCI has lifted the unified payments interface (UPI) user onboarding cap for WhatsApp Pay, allowing it to extend services to its entire Indian user base of over 500 million.

Previous Restrictions: WhatsApp Pay was previously limited to onboarding 100 million users, with expansion permitted in phases.

Compliance: WhatsApp Pay must adhere to existing UPI guidelines applicable to third-party app providers (TPAPs).

UPI Transaction Cap Deferred: The rule capping any single app’s UPI transaction share at 30% has been deferred until December 31, 2026.

UPI Growth: UPI processes over 13 billion monthly transactions, with Google Pay and PhonePe controlling over 85% of the market. Between January and November 2024, UPI recorded 15,547 crore transactions worth ₹223 lakh crore.

UPI’s Impact: Since its 2016 launch, UPI has transformed financial access in India, benefiting 300 million individuals and 50 million merchants.

NPCI Vision: NPCI continues to drive innovations in retail payment systems, aiming for a secure, accessible, and cost-effective digital economy aligned with India’s vision of becoming a fully digital society.

World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 from February 5th to 9th, 2025

India will host the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2025 from February 5th to 9th at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, marking its first-ever hosting of this global event. The summit aims to position India as a global hub for content creation and foster collaborations in the media and entertainment industry.

Key focus areas include AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics), technological advancements, sustainable production, and global market strategies, attracting industry leaders and innovators worldwide.

India’s first glass bridge over sea in Kanyakumari

India’s first glass bridge over the sea was inaugurated in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, on 30 December 2024 by Chief Minister MK Stalin.

The 77-meter-long bridge, built at a cost of ₹37 crores, connects the 133 ft tall Saint Tiruvalluvar statue (renamed as the “Statue of Wisdom”) with the Vivekananda Rock Memorial.

Part of the silver jubilee celebrations of the Tiruvalluvar statue, the bridge offers tourists a breezy walk with a clear view of the sea below.

Hemanth Muddappa: The First to 15 National Titles in Indian Motorsports

Hemanth Muddappa secured his 15th National Title on December 29, 2024 at the fourth and final round of the MMSC FMSCI Indian National Motorcycle Drag Racing Championship 2024 at the Madras International Circuit (MIC).

Triple Crown Victory: Muddappa triumphed in three different classes, winning two and securing second place in the third.

Unbeatable Lead: Before the final race, Muddappa had already secured his 13th title with an unbeatable lead of 29 points in the 4-stroke 1051 to 1650cc Super Sport class.

Career Milestone: With this win, Muddappa became the first athlete in Indian motorsports to achieve 15 National titles.

Nickname: He is nicknamed ‘LightningR1’ for his exceptional speed.

Team: Muddappa credited his success to his team at Mantra Racing and the dedicated mechanics.

Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Australia’s Victory in the Fourth Test

On 30 December 2024, In Border-Gavaskar Trophy Cricket, Australia registered a 184 run victory over India on the fifth and final day of the fourth test in Melbourne.

Border-Gavaskar Trophy

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is a prestigious Test cricket series played between India and Australia. Named after legendary cricketers Sunil Gavaskar of India and Allan Border of Australia, the series has been a thrilling showcase of cricketing prowess since its inception in 1996.

Key Highlights:

  1. Format: The series typically consists of a 5-match Test series.
  2. Historical Significance: India and Australia have faced off 28 times in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, with India winning 10 series, Australia winning 8, and 10 ending in a draw.
  3. Notable Players: Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for the most runs in the series, while Nathan Lyon leads in the number of wickets taken.
  4. Recent Matches: The latest series in 2024 saw Australia leading 2-1 after four matches, with the final match scheduled in Sydney.
  5. Memorable Moments: The series has witnessed numerous memorable performances, including epic battles between batsmen and bowlers, and dramatic finishes.

PSLV-C60: India’s Leap Forward in Space Docking Technology with SpaDeX

The PSLV-C60 mission was launched on December 30, 2024, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

Mission Objective: The primary objective of the mission is to demonstrate in-space docking technology using two small spacecraft, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), in a low-Earth circular orbit.

SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment): SpaDeX is a cost-effective technology demonstrator mission aimed at developing and demonstrating the technology needed for rendezvous, docking, and undocking of two small spacecraft.

Significance: This mission is historic as it aims to make India the fourth country globally to master space docking technology. This capability is crucial for future missions like Chandrayaan-4, the Indian space station, and the manned Gaganyaan mission.

Payloads: The PSLV-C60 carried 24 experimental payloads contributed by academia and startups. These payloads include high-resolution imaging, multi-spectral imaging for vegetation studies, and radiation monitoring.

Technological Milestones: The mission incorporates several cutting-edge technologies such as a compact docking mechanism, laser range finders, power transfer technology, and inter-satellite communication systems.

Future Operations: Docking operations are set to begin, with the final docking expected by January 7, 2025. Post-docking, electrical power transfer will be tested before the satellites operate their individual payloads for up to two years.

Joint Military Exercise Surya Kiran Between Indian and Nepal Armies from December 31, 2024, to January 13, 2025

Exercise Surya Kiran is a significant joint military exercise between the armies of India and Nepal. The 18th edition of this annual training event is scheduled to be held in Saljhandi, Nepal from December 31, 2024, to January 13, 2025.

An Indian Army contingent of 334 personnel has departed to participate in the 18th edition of the Battalion Level Joint Military Exercise Surya Kiran.

Objectives: The exercise aims to enhance interoperability in:

  • Jungle warfare
  • Counter-terrorism operations in mountains
  • Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief under the United Nations Charter

Focus Areas: Additional areas of focus include:

  • Enhancing operational preparedness
  • Aviation aspects
  • Medical training
  • Environment conservation

Significance: The Defense Ministry emphasized that the exercise signifies the strong bonds of friendship, trust, and common cultural linkages between India and Nepal.

Bosnia’s “Balkan Blues” Earns UNESCO Recognition and Inclusion in National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage

UNESCO Recognition: Bosnia’s traditional love song, Sevdalinka, often referred to as the Balkan Blues, was recognized by UNESCO and included in its National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage on December 27, 2024.

Historical Significance: Sevdalinka dates back to the 16th century and is a blend of South Slavic oral poetry and Ottoman Empire music.

Cultural Preservation: Musicians like Enes Salman and Damir Imamovic have been instrumental in keeping the tradition alive and promoting it globally.

Modern Interpretations: Younger musicians have reinterpreted Sevdalinka, bringing it to global audiences and ensuring its continued relevance.

Custodians of Tradition: Ethnomusicologists like Zanin Berbic play a crucial role in preserving and promoting Sevdalinka through performances and education.

Koneru Humpy clinches women’s title at World Rapid and Blitz Championship 2024

On December 29, 2024, the World Rapid and Blitz Championship was held in New York.

Winner in Women’s Category: India’s Koneru Humpy won her second women’s title by defeating Indonesia’s Irene Sukander. Humpy finished the tournament with 8.5 points from 11 rounds.

Age and Achievement: At 37, she became the second player after China’s Ju Wenjun to win the title more than once. Humpy first won the championship in 2019 at Georgia.

Winner in Men’s Category: Russia’s Volodar Murzin, aged 18, won the men’s championship.

Record: Murzin became the second-youngest FIDE World Rapid Champion, following Nodirbek Abdusattorov, who won at age 17.

Kaamya Karthikeyan, 17-year-old become the youngest female in the world to scale the highest peaks on each of the seven continents

Kaamya Karthikeyan, a 17-year-old from Navy Children School in Mumbai, becomes the youngest female to scale the highest peaks on each of the seven continents.

Seven Summits Conquered: She has climbed Africa’s Mt Kilimanjaro, Europe’s Mt Elbrus, Australia’s Mt Kosciuszko, South America’s Mt Aconcagua, North America’s Mt Denali, Asia’s Mt Everest, and Antarctica’s Mt Vinson.

Antarctica Climb: On December 24, 2024, Kaamya and her father, Commander S. Karthikeyan, reached the summit of Mt Vinson in Antarctica at 17:20 hrs Chilean Standard Time, completing the Seven Summits Challenge.

Recognition: The Indian Navy has congratulated both Kaamya and her father for this significant achievement.

Early Trekking Experience: Kaamya began her trekking journey at the age of 7 in Uttarakhand.

Previous Achievements: She was sixteen years old when she scaled Mount Everest.

Awards and Honors: Kaamya has received the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Shakti Puraskar in 2021.

Azerbaijan Airline Crash in Kazakhstan

On December 25, 2024, an Azerbaijan Airlines flight, J2-8243, crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, resulting in the tragic loss of 38 lives and leaving 29 survivors. The Embraer 190 aircraft was en route from Baku, Azerbaijan, to Grozny, Russia, when it encountered severe turbulence and loud bangs, leading to a catastrophic crash.

Key Details:

  • Flight Path: The plane was diverted from its original route due to heavy fog in Grozny and attempted an emergency landing in Aktau.
  • Survivor Accounts: Passengers reported hearing multiple loud bangs and experiencing a loss of cabin pressure before the crash.
  • Investigation: Authorities from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia have launched investigations to determine the cause of the crash. Initial speculations suggest possible external interference, with some sources indicating that Russian air defenses might have mistakenly shot down the aircraft.
  • Casualties: The crash claimed 38 lives, including both pilots, and left many survivors with serious injuries.
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