Current Affairs One - Liner : 18th January 2025

The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), along with the Data Security Council of India (DSCI), launched the Cyber Security Grand Challenge 2.0 (CSGC 2.0) on January 15, 2025. This initiative promotes cybersecurity innovations with a prize pool of ₹6.85 crore.

The Union Cabinet has approved a ₹11,440 crore revival plan for Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL). This plan includes an equity infusion of ₹10,300 crore and the conversion of ₹1,140 crore of working capital loans into preference shares.
On January 17, 2025, the Indian Cabinet approved refarming 687 MHz of spectrum from various government ministries to support 5G and future 6G services. This move is expected to meet the projected spectrum demand of 2000 MHz by 2030 and enhance India's telecom infrastructure. The spectrum's worth is estimated to be Rs 2 lakh crore.
On January 18, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi distributed over 65 lakh property cards under the SVAMITVA scheme. This initiative provides rural property owners with legal ownership documents, boosting access to credit and fostering economic growth.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting launched a centralized online registration system for Local Cable Operators (LCOs) on January 16, 2025. This system allows LCOs to apply for new registrations or renewals through the Broadcast Seva Portal.
On January 11, 2025, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the development of the world's most powerful hydrogen-powered train engine by Indian Railways. With 1,200 horsepower, it surpasses similar engines globally. The first trial run is planned on the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana.

China has successfully connected the world's first 300 MW Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) plant to the grid at full capacity. The Nengchu-1 project, located in Yingcheng, Hubei Province, achieved this milestone on January 14, 2025.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) started conducting daily Variable Rate Repo (VRR) operations from January 16, 2025, to address the liquidity deficit in the banking system. The first auction was for ₹50,000 crore, with daily adjustments based on liquidity conditions.
The Bank of Baroda (BoB) launched the 'BoB Liquid FD scheme' on January 15, 2025. This scheme offers the benefits of fixed deposits with the convenience of easy liquidity, allowing partial withdrawals without closing the entire FD.

On January 17, 2025, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) retained India's economic growth forecast at 6.5% for the fiscal years 2025–2026 and 2026–2027. This consistent projection highlights India's economic resilience despite global challenges, reflecting its potential for sustained growth.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a ₹2,960 crore contract with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) on January 16, 2025, for the supply of Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM) to the Indian Navy. The MRSAM system can neutralize various aerial threats up to a range of 70 kilometers, enhancing India's defense capabilities.

The Sanchar Saathi App and the National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0 were launched on January 17, 2025 by Union Minister of Communications, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia. These initiatives enhance telecom security, help trace lost devices, and aim to expand broadband access nationwide, particularly in rural areas.

On January 16, 2025, former Supreme Court judge Justice Arun Mishra was appointed as the new Ombudsman and Ethics Officer of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This role ensures ethical governance in Indian cricket, following his distinguished judicial career.
On January 13, 2025, the Government of India reconstituted the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), appointing Ajith Kumar Mohanty as Chairman. This reconstitution includes notable members like National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.

Legendary filmmaker David Lynch passed away on January 16, 2025, at the age of 78. Known for his surreal works like "Blue Velvet" and "Twin Peaks," Lynch's death was due to emphysema.

Questions:

1. What is the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) retained economic growth forecast for India for the fiscal years 2025–2026 and 2026–2027?

2. Who was appointed as the Ombudsman and Ethics Officer of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on January 16, 2025?