- National:
- Union Minister Piyush Goyal launched the 8th edition of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) on January 9, 2025, in New Delhi. The focus is on enhancing traceability and simplifying certification for organic products. New portals like TraceNet 2.0 were also unveiled. This initiative aims to boost India's organic farming sector.
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- Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy inaugurated the 5G Use Case Test Lab at CMPDI, Ranchi, Jharkhand, on January 9, 2025. This lab aims to advance digital transformation in the coal sector by developing and testing 5G applications.
- The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) declared 2025 as the 'Year of Artificial Intelligence' to establish India as a global leader in AI. This initiative will integrate AI across 14,000 colleges, impacting 40 million students. It includes AI awareness campaigns, faculty development, and partnerships with leading tech companies.
- PM Modi inaugurated the Z-Morh tunnel on January 13, 2025. This 6.5 km tunnel ensures year-round connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh, bypassing landslide and avalanche-prone areas. It significantly boosts tourism and military logistics.
- UP CM Yogi Adityanath launched the 'Kumbhvani' FM channel on January 10, 2025, to broadcast the Mahakumbh 2025 events to remote areas. Operated by Prasar Bharati, this channel will air live coverage of rituals and cultural programs daily until February 26.
- India will host the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of Parliaments of Commonwealth Countries (CSPOC) in 2026. The event will focus on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and social media in parliamentary processes.
- The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet approved renaming the Himachal Pradesh Institute of Public Administration to the Dr. Manmohan Singh Institute of Public Administration on January 9, 2025. This honors the former Prime Minister's contributions to India's economic development.
- Banking:
- The Supreme Court stayed GST notices worth ₹1.12 lakh crore issued to online gaming companies on January 10, 2025. The next hearing is scheduled for March 18, 2025, with all proceedings under these notices suspended until a conclusive decision is reached.
- Over ₹3000 crore will be invested for the development of NW2, NW16, and the Indo Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR) by 2030. Announced on January 10, 2025, this investment aims to rejuvenate inland waterways, decongest railways and roadways, and provide a sustainable transportation mode.
- The Union Government disbursed ₹1,73,030 crore to state governments on January 10, 2025, as part of tax devolution. This substantial amount is an increase from the ₹89,086 crore distributed in December 2024 and aims to support states in capital spending and funding development and welfare initiatives.
- Tamilnad Mercantile Bank (TMB) and Bajaj Broking launched a 3-in-1 account solution on January 8, 2025. This integrated platform combines banking, broking, and investment services, providing customers with a seamless online trading experience and simplifying fund transfers and paperwork.
- RBI Innovation Hub (RBIH) partnered with IIM Ahmedabad's IIMA Ventures to launch Swanari TechSprint 3.0 on January 9, 2025. This initiative aims to accelerate women-centric fintech startups by providing mentorship, grants, and strategic resources to address women's unique financial needs.
- Economy:
- India's Index of Industrial Production (IIP) grew by 5.2% in November 2024, reaching a six-month high, up from 3.5% in October 2024. The manufacturing sector saw 5.8% growth, while mining and electricity grew by 1.9% and 4.4% respectively. This was announced on January 10, 2025.
- MoUs:
- Greenstat Hydrogen India (GHI) and H2Carrier signed an MoU on January 8, 2025, to advance green hydrogen and ammonia solutions. The partnership aims to develop projects in India and Sri Lanka using H2Carrier's P2XFloater™ technology for floating green ammonia production.
- Science & Technology:
- India's indigenous surgical robotic system, SSI Mantra, successfully performed the world's first cardiac telesurgery on January 8, 2025. Led by Dr. Sudhir Srivastava, the surgery was conducted remotely on a patient in Jaipur, demonstrating exceptional precision with low latency.
- Defence:
- Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) delivered the sixth and final Scorpene-class submarine, INS Vaghsheer, to the Indian Navy on January 9, 2025. This completes Project 75, a key milestone in India's defense indigenization.
- Apps & Portals:
- Union MoS Dr. Jitendra Singh unveiled the Indian Genomic Data Set and IBDC Portals on January 9, 2025, at the Genome India Data Conclave in New Delhi. The initiative provides 10,000 whole genome samples for global research.
- Appointments:
- Anju Bobby George has been named chairperson of the Athletics Federation of India's (AFI) Athletes Commission, unveiled on January 8, 2025. The commission includes Neeraj Chopra among its nine members, representing athletes' interests within the AFI.
- Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg was announced as the interim leader on January 8, 2025. This marks his second time as Austria's leader, having briefly served as Chancellor in 2021.
- Joseph Khalil Aoun was elected as the 14th President of Lebanon on January 9, 2025. After a two-year presidential vacuum, the Lebanese Parliament elected Aoun, who previously served as the commander of the Lebanese Army.
- Awards & Honours:
- Dr. Syed Anwar Khursheed received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2025 on January 13, 2025, for his contributions to healthcare, community welfare, and strengthening India-Saudi Arabia ties. This prestigious honor celebrates his remarkable dedication and service.
Questions:
1. Which geographical regions does the Z-Morh tunnel connect?
- A) Jammu and Kashmir to Himachal Pradesh
- B) Kashmir to Ladakh
- C) Jammu to Delhi
- D) Srinagar to Jammu
2. Who received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2025 on January 13, 2025?
- A) Dr. Syed Anwar Khursheed
- B) Dr. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw
- C) Dr. Ramesh Kumar Verma
- D) Dr. Satya Nadella
