Current Affairs

India set to launch first human-operated underwater submersible under Deep Ocean Mission

India is set to launch its first human-operated underwater submersible in 2025 as part of the Deep Ocean Mission.

Depth Capabilities: Initially designed for a depth of up to 500 meters, with plans to extend to 6,000 meters by next year.

Mission Objectives: Explore underwater resources, enhance knowledge of deep-sea ecosystems, and advance India’s blue economy.

Resource Identification: Aim to identify critical minerals, rare metals, and undiscovered marine biodiversity with economic and environmental implications.

Sustainability: Contribute to sustainable fisheries and biodiversity conservation.

National Girl Child Day celebrated annually on January 24

National Girl Child Day is celebrated annually on January 24 in India. This special day aims to raise awareness about the rights of the girl child and promote their welfare and education. The celebration underscores the importance of equal opportunities for girls in various fields such as education, health, and employment.

Established by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in 2008, National Girl Child Day seeks to address the challenges and discrimination faced by girls in India. It promotes gender equality and advocates for a world where every girl child can achieve her full potential. Activities and events held on this day emphasize the need to eliminate gender biases and foster an environment where girls can thrive.

The day is marked by various programs and initiatives, including awareness campaigns, educational seminars, and community activities, all aimed at uplifting and empowering girls. It serves as a reminder of the progress made and the work still needed to ensure a brighter, more equitable future for all girl children in India.

76th Republic Day Parade: 26 Tableaux Highlighting India’s Heritage and Progress

During the 76th Republic Day Parade, a total of 26 tableaux from various states, union territories, and Union Ministries will showcase India’s cultural diversity and inclusiveness. The overarching theme is “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat Aur Vikas”. The parade will include:

  • 16 tableaux from states and union territories
  • 10 tableaux from ministries and departments

A notable highlight will be the Tri-Services tableau themed “Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat”, emphasizing the integration and jointness of the Armed Forces for national security. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) will also feature its first-ever Republic Day tableau, celebrating its 150-year legacy. Additionally, the Ministry of Culture’s tableau will reflect on India’s cultural diversity, inspired by Prime Minister Modi’s mantra “Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi”.

Govt Increases Minimum Support Price for Raw Jute

On 22 January 2025, the government announced Increase in Minimum Support Price for Raw Jute.

The MSP for raw jute for the 2025-26 marketing season was raised to ₹5,650 per quintal. This is ₹315 higher than the 2024-25 season. The move aims to benefit 40 lakh families involved in jute production.

Parakram Diwas – January 23rd: Birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose

Parakram Diwas 2025 is celebrated on January 23rd to honor the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, one of India’s most esteemed freedom fighters. This year marks the 128th birth anniversary of Netaji, who was born on January 23, 1897, in Cuttack, Odisha.

The day is also known as Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti or the Day of Valor. It commemorates Bose’s extraordinary efforts and leadership in the fight for India’s independence. The Government of India officially designated January 23 as Parakram Diwas in 2021 to honor his indomitable spirit and pivotal role in India’s freedom movement.

World Bank Neutral Expert to Decide India-Pakistan Hydro Project Differences

On January 21, 2025, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that the World Bank-appointed Neutral Expert declared competence to resolve differences between India and Pakistan regarding the Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects in Jammu and Kashmir, under the Indus Water Treaty. The Neutral Expert rejected Pakistan’s plea to establish a Court of Arbitration, instead deciding to assess the Points of Difference on merit.

The MEA emphasized that India’s consistent position has been vindicated, asserting that the Neutral Expert alone has the authority under the treaty to address such issues. The Neutral Expert’s decision pertains to all seven questions raised about the hydroelectric projects.

In 2022, the World Bank had appointed a Neutral Expert and a chairman of the Court of Arbitration to address the disagreements over the 1960 Indus Water Treaty.

10th anniversary of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme

The Ministry of Women and Child Development celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, a flagship initiative to protect, educate, and empower girls in India. The inaugural event was held on January 22, 2025, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, attended by Union Ministers J. P. Nadda, Annapurna Devi, and Savitri Thakur.

Key achievements highlighted included:

  • Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB): Improved from 918 (2014-15) to 930 (2023-24).
  • Gross Enrolment Ratio of Girls: Increased from 75.51% to 78%.
  • Institutional Deliveries: Rose from 61% to 97.3%.
  • Antenatal Care Registrations (First Trimester): Increased from 61% to 80.5%.

The event featured women officers from the armed forces, paramilitary, Delhi Police, and international representatives from UNICEF, UN Women, and the World Bank. The celebrations, running from January 22 to March 8, 2025, concluded on International Women’s Day.

Launched on January 22, 2015, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BBBP has re-enrolled over 100,000 out-of-school girls and initiated impactful programs like the Yashaswini Bike Expedition and Kanya Shiksha Pravesh Utsav. The Ministry remains committed to fostering a Viksit Bharat with gender equality and women’s empowerment at its core.

Amrit Udyan Open for Public from February 2 to March 30

Amrit Udyan at Rashtrapati Bhavan will be open to the public from February 2 to March 30, six days a week (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), with Mondays reserved for maintenance. The garden will also be closed on February 5, February 20-21, and March 14 for specific events. Visitors can enter through Gate No. 35, with a shuttle service from Central Secretariat Metro Station available every 30 minutes.

Special days are reserved for:

  • March 26: Differently-abled persons
  • March 27: Defence, paramilitary, and police personnel
  • March 28: Women and Tribal Women’s SHGs
  • March 29: Senior citizens

Entry is free, with online booking at visit.rashtrapatibhavan.gov.in or walk-in options. Additionally, Rashtrapati Bhavan will host the Vividhta Ka Amrit Mahotsav from March 6 to 9, showcasing Southern India’s cultural heritage.

Entity Locker: Streamlining Efficient Business Document Management

Introduction of Entity Locker: Building on DigiLocker’s success, the government has launched a new digital platform called ‘Entity Locker’ for managing and verifying business and organizational documents.

Development and Target Audience: Developed by the National eGovernance Division (NeGD) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), it serves corporations, MSMEs, trusts, startups, and societies.

Advanced Technology: Entity Locker integrates with various government and regulatory systems, providing features like real-time access to government databases, secure information sharing, Aadhaar-authenticated role-based access, and legally valid digital signatures. It offers 10 GB of encrypted cloud storage.

Alignment with Union Budget Goals: It aligns with the Union Budget 2024-25 goals to improve digital governance and ease of doing business.

Operational Efficiency: The platform aims to reduce administrative tasks, cut processing times, and enhance operational efficiency for businesses.

Seamless Connectivity: It connects with systems like the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN), and the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

Transparency and Security: Entity Locker ensures transparency and accountability by tracking document-related activities and enhancing document security.

Multiple Applications: Supports applications like vendor verification on procurement portals, MSME loan approvals, FSSAI compliance, registrations with GSTN, MCA, and tendering processes. Simplifies corporate annual filings.

Uttarakhand Cabinet approves Uniform Civil Code (UCC) manual

The Uttarakhand State Cabinet approved the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) manual on 20 January 205, marking a step toward its implementation. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed optimism, stating that Uttarakhand’s adoption of the UCC could inspire the rest of India.

The UCC aims to establish a common set of laws for personal relationships, promoting equality and justice among all citizens.

Donald Trump Takes Oath as President of United States; J.D. Vance Sworn in as Vice President

Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025. The inauguration took place indoors at the Capitol Rotunda due to extremely cold weather. Trump took the oath of office using a Bible given to him by his mother and President Abraham Lincoln’s Bible. Vice President J.D. Vance was also sworn in during the ceremony.

In his inaugural address, Trump declared that the “Golden Age of America” begins now and announced measures such as declaring a national emergency at the southern border. He emphasized his “America First” policy and promised to restore sovereignty, safety, and justice. Trump also previewed a series of executive orders targeting immigration, energy policy, and diversity programs within federal agencies.

The event was attended by prominent figures from politics, business, and technology, including Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, and Tim Cook. The ceremony marked a significant moment in American history as Trump became the second president to return to power non-consecutively.

Indian Cricket Team for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

On 18 January 2025, the BCCI announced a 15-man squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the ODI series against England. Key players like Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Shami are included.

ODI Series against England: Matches on 6, 9, and 12 February 2025.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Begins on 19 February 2025 in Dubai. India in Group A, playing: Bangladesh on 20 February, Pakistan on 23 February, and New Zealand on 2 March. All matches will be held in Dubai.

India Squad for Champions Trophy 2025: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill (vice-captain)

Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja.

World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting from January 20-24, 2025, in Davos, Switzerland

The 55th World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting took place from January 20-24, 2025, in Davos, Switzerland. The theme for this year was “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age”, reflecting the need for global cooperation in an era of rapid technological advancements.

The meeting brought together nearly 3,000 leaders from over 130 countries, including 350 governmental leaders such as heads of state and government. Key topics discussed included geopolitical tensions, economic shifts, climate change, and technological innovation. The forum aimed to address these challenges and explore opportunities for sustainable growth and resilience.

One of the highlights was the virtual address by Donald Trump, who returned to the White House for a second term and participated in interactive sessions. The meeting also saw strong representation from India, with several state delegations showcasing their potential to attract global investors.

Overall, the 55th WEF Annual Meeting emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in navigating the complexities of the modern world.

Ceasefire between Israel and Hamas

The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which took effect on January 19, 2025, marks a significant step towards ending the 15-month-long conflict. The agreement, mediated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, includes a phased release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners.

The initial phase involves the release of three Israeli hostages and 30 Hamas prisoners. The ceasefire is expected to bring much-needed humanitarian aid to Gaza and allow displaced Palestinians to return home. This ceasefire is seen as a crucial first step towards lasting peace in the region, although its fragility remains a concern.

Kho Kho World Cup 2025: Men’s & women’s teams lift trophies

Indian Women’s and Men’s Teams: Both teams won the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup on January 19, 2025.

Women’s Final: India defeated Nepal 78-40 at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi.

Men’s Final: India defeated Nepal 54-36 at the same venue.

Dominant Performance: The Indian teams showcased strong strategies and aggressive play, keeping their opponents on the defensive.

Acknowledgments: Women’s team coach Sumit Bhatia praised Nepal’s effort, while Captain Priyanka Ingle credited the win to the players’ and coaches’ hard work and dedication.

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.

Third Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota approve by Cabinet

Third Launch Pad at Sriharikota: On 16 January 2025, Cabinet approved a Third Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, at a cost of ₹3985 crore.

The project aims to support Next Generation Launch Vehicles, human spaceflight missions, and increase launch capacity for ISRO.

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.

8th Pay Commission announces for Central government employees & pensioners

8th Pay Commission Announcement: The government announced the setting up of the 8th Pay Commission for central government employees and pensioners on 16 January 2025.

7th Pay Commission term ends in 2026.

The commission will benefit over 45 lakh employees and 68 lakh pensioners.

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.

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