Current Affairs One - Liner : 24th January 2025

Tripura received approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for its new state emblem on January 9, 2025. The emblem features the national emblem at the center, an outline of the Tripura map within a saffron circle, and the text "Government of Tripura" below.

The Centre notified new rules for verified radar equipment on January 23, 2025. These rules fall under the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011, and mandate verification and stamping of radar equipment. The aim is to improve road safety and enforcement accuracy, effective from July 1, 2025.

Skydo Technologies received in-principle approval from the RBI on January 21, 2025, to operate as a Payment Aggregator-Cross Border (PA-CB) entity. This approval allows Skydo to simplify cross-border payment solutions for Indian exporters.

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) signed an MoU with the Bhaane Group in New Delhi on January 24, 2025, to promote the startup ecosystem in the manufacturing sector. The aim is to launch incubation programs for manufacturing startups and foster international startup ecosystem relationships.

Digantara launched the Space Camera for Object Tracking (SCOT) satellite on January 14, 2025. This satellite enhances space situational awareness by tracking objects as small as 5 cm in Low Earth Orbit. The launch was part of SpaceX's Transporter-12 mission.

The World Monuments Fund (WMF) released the 2025 World Monuments Watch List on January 15, 2025. The report highlights 25 cultural heritage sites facing significant challenges like climate change and tourism. For the first time, the Moon was included, emphasizing the need to preserve lunar heritage.

The Tata Mumbai Marathon 2025 took place on January 19, 2025, in Mumbai. The winners of the men's and women's elite races were Berhane Tesfay from Eritrea and Joyce Chepkemoi Tele from Kenya, respectively.

The Indian Navy participated in the 5th edition of the La Perouse 25 Multinational Naval Exercise from January 16 to January 24, 2025. This exercise, held in the Malacca, Sunda, and Lombok Straits, included navies from India, France, Australia, Canada, the US, the UK, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. It aimed to enhance maritime security and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

Union Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav chaired the Parliamentary Consultative Committee Meeting of the MoEFCC in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, on January 23, 2025. The meeting focused on the implementation of the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA).

The Global Firepower Index 2025 was released by Global Firepower on January 17, 2025. India ranks 4th, while the United States holds the 1st position. This index assesses military strength based on various factors like manpower, weapon diversity, and defense budgets.

The DRDO successfully tested India's first scramjet combustor on January 21, 2025. The ground test lasted 120 seconds, marking progress in developing hypersonic missiles. This scramjet technology allows for speeds greater than Mach 5.
India and France have strengthened maritime security cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) during the 7th Maritime Cooperation Dialogue on January 14, 2025. They agreed to develop a joint assessment of maritime threats and enhance information exchange and coordinated surveillance.
India joined the Eurodrone Programme as an Observer State on January 21, 2025. This marks a move towards potential collaborations in defense technology with Europe. The program, led by Airbus Defence and Space, aims to develop MALE RPAS for ISTAR missions.

National Girl Child Day is observed annually on January 24 in India. Initiated by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in 2008, the day aims to raise awareness about the importance of girls' rights, education, and welfare. The theme for 2025 is "Empowering Girls for a Bright Future".

With JD Vance sworn in as the 50th Vice President of the United States on January 20, 2025, his wife Usha Vance became the first Indian-American Second Lady. This historic moment highlights the growing diversity in American leadership.
Alok Kumar Agarwal was appointed as the MD and CEO of Zurich Kotak General Insurance on January 1, 2025. He succeeds Suresh Agarwal. Alok Kumar Agarwal brings over 22 years of experience from ICICI Lombard General Insurance.

Questions:

1. What is India's rank in the Global Firepower Index 2025?

2. Which country does Joyce Chepkemoi Tele, the winner of the women's elite race in the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2025, represent?