Daily Current Affairs and GK | 16 January 2025

By Priyanka Chaudhary | Last Modified: 16 Jan 2025 16:18 PM IST

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Half Yearly (Jan- June 2024 , Detailed)
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Current Affairs

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Topic: Space and IT

1. Satyendra Nath Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences has inaugurated the first astronomical observatory in Eastern India, located in the Garpanchkot Hills of Purulia district, West Bengal.

  • This is the sixth astronomical observatory center in the nation. It has been named after Satyendra Nath Bose.
  • Work on the project began in 2012. Two telescopes were installed.
  • This place has a seeing value of 1.3 arc seconds, which is comparable to that of the other five centres in the country.
  • From November to April, when the sky will be clear, will be the best time for observation.
  • The initially two places considered were Susunia Hills in Bankura and Garpanchkot Hills in Purulia.
  • The centre has been set up 600 metres above sea level.
  • The other centres are located in Ladakh, Nainital, Mount Abu, Girbani Hills (Pune), and Kavalur (Tamil Nadu).
  • The observatory features a telescope with a diameter of 14 inches, and there are plans to install a telescope with a diameter of 1 meter in the near future.
  • Additionally, the S.N. Bose Centre has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Sidhu Kanu Birsa University regarding the observatory’s operation and resource sharing.

Topic: Awards and Prizes

2. Singapore awards the Honorary Citizen Award to Tarun Das, the former head of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

  • Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam honored Tarun Das with the Honorary Citizen Award for his role in strengthening India-Singapore relations.
  • During a ceremony in New Delhi, President Tharman, who is on a state visit to India, presented the award to Das.
  • A non-Singaporean can receive the highest recognition from the Singapore government through the Honorary Citizenship Award.
  • It is awarded to individuals who have made significant impact in fields such as business, science and technology, education, health, arts and culture, and community service.
  • Mr Das is the second Indian to be honoured with this honour, before him the only Indian to receive this honour was late Ratan Tata.

Topic: Indian Economy

3. India’s merchandise exports reduced by 1 percent to $38.01 billion in December.

  • The imports rose by 4.9 per cent to $59.95 billion, which led to a trade deficit of $21.94 billion in December.
  • According to United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD), shifts in United States (US) trade policy toward more protectionist, inward-looking industrial policies in many countries, trade wars, and geopolitical tensions will negatively influence international trade in 2025.
  • Moderating global inflation, stable economic growth forecasts and improving business activity will create positive momentum in global trade for early 2025.
  • Petroleum imports rose 2.2% to $15.3 billion in December 2024.
  • Between April and December 2024, exports of petro products were 20.84%.
  • Global trade is expected to grow by 3.3 percent in 2024.
  • The World Trade Organization (WTO) has revised its projection of world merchandise trade growth to 3 per cent in 2025.

Topic: Art and Culture

4. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched the Registration Portal for Kashi Tamil Sangamam Phase 3.

  • The 3rd edition of Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS) will commence on 15th February 2025 in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
  • This 10-day event will conclude on 24th February 2025.
  • Kashi Tamil Sangamam is a brainchild of Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi.
  • It is an initiative to celebrate the bond between Tamil Nadu and Kashi.
  • Kashi Tamil Sangamam will be a celebration of one of India’s most revered sages—Maharishi Agasthyar.
  • An exhibition on Health, Philosophy, Science, Linguistics, Literature, Polity, Culture, Art, etc. will be organized at Kashi during KTS 3.0.
  • 1000 delegates from Tamil Nadu under five categories/groups will participate in this event.
  • Kashi Tamil Sangamam is to rediscover, reaffirm, and celebrate the age-old links between Tamil Nadu and Kashi.

Topic: Defense

5. Exercise Devil Strike will be conducted by Indian Armed Forces from January 16-19.

  • The elite airborne soldiers from the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force will participate in the Exercise Devil Strike from January 16 to 19.
  • The exercise will occur at the training areas and firing ranges. It will validate critical drills and enhancing operational readiness.
  • The exercise will focus on assessment and refinement of the logistic sustenance strategies.
  • The exercise will test advanced airborne operations and logistic strategies in hostile terrain.
  • The Exercise will enhance the readiness of both services and prepare them for future challenges.

Topic: International News

6. Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement regarding a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages.

  • The agreement will commence on 19 January 2025 and will continue for a duration of 42 days.
  • The agreement will result in the release of Israeli captives and a surge of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
  • The agreement will halt the war in Gaza and result in the release of Israeli hostages in the enclave, as well as Palestinians held by Israel.
  • The specifics and schedule of the three-phase agreement are still mostly unclear.
  • In a deal confirmation, US President Joe Biden stated that American hostages would be released in the first phase.
  • The three-phase plan remains unpublished.
  • As per reports, 33 of the hostages held by Hamas are expected to be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails during the first six weeks of the ceasefire.
  • After a two-week period, talks regarding the second phase, which aims to achieve the release of the remaining hostages, and a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops, will begin.
  • The third and final phase will include rebuilding Gaza and the return of any remaining hostages’ bodies.
  • In reaction to Hamas's attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and the abduction of 251 individuals, the Israeli army initiated a campaign aimed at destroying Hamas.
  • According to Israel, 94 of the hostages are still in Hamas's custody, with 34 presumed dead.

Topic: Miscellaneous

7. PV Sindhu becomes a brand ambassador for Puma India.

  • The legendary badminton player PV Sindhu has a multi-year partnership with Puma India.
  • A line of high-performance badminton range with specialized items will be introduced by Puma.
  • The partnership will make its debut at the 2025 India Open.
  • After cricket, badminton has become the second most popular sport in urban areas.
  • Puma and Sindhu have teamed up to increase the sport's appeal, especially to young people.

Topic: Government Schemes and Initiatives

8. Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Traveller Programme inaugurated by Amit Shah on January 16.

  • The ‘Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme’ (FTI-TTP) inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah at the airports in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Cochin, and Ahmedabad tomorrow.
  • This will provide world-class immigration facilities to passengers, making international travel seamless and safe.
  • To enroll in this program, the applicants have to complete the online registration by filling out their details and uploading the required documents on the ftittp.mha.gov.in portal.
  • Officials will capture the biometric data of registered applicants either at the Foreigners Regional Registration Office or while passing through the airport.
  • Registered passengers will be required to scan their boarding passes and passports at the e-gate, where their biometrics will be authenticated.
  • After successful authentication, the e-gate will open, providing immigration clearance.
  • FTI-TTP will be implemented at 21 major airports across the country.
  • In June 2024, the Fast Track Immigration Trusted Traveller Program was launched by the Home Minister from Terminal-3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in New Delhi.

Topic: National News

9. Archaeological Experiential Museum, Prerna Complex, and Vadnagar Sports Complex inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Vadnagar, Gujarat, on January 16.

  • On this occasion, the Heritage Complex Development Scheme, Urban Road Development, and Beautification Program in Vadnagar presided over by the Home Minister.
  • Spread over 12,500 square metres and built at a total cost of Rs 298 crore, the Archaeological Experiential Museum highlights the rich cultural history of Vadnagar.
  • It showcases continuous human habitation for over 2,500 years through archaeological evidence collected from excavations.
  • This is the first museum of its kind developed in India where visitors will experience an archaeological site.
  • The museum displays over 5,000 artefacts, including pottery, shell-making products and raw materials, coins, jewellery, arms and tools, sculptures, and sports goods.
  • It also features biological materials such as food grains, DNA, and skeletal remains.
  • Vadnagar is one of the ancient living heritage cities of India, having witnessed continuous human habitation for over 2,500 years.
  • On 16 January, the Taluka level sports complex, constructed and developed at a cost of Rs. 33.50 crore in a total area of 34,235 square meters at Vadnagar in Mehsana district was also inaugurated by the Union Home Minister.
\Monthly Current Affairs eBooks
December Monthly Current Affairs 2024 November Monthly Current Affairs 2024
October Monthly Current Affairs 2024 September Monthly Current Affairs 2024

Topic: International News

10. A new mission to protect undersea cables in the Baltic Sea region announced by NATO.

  • A new mission to protect undersea cables in the Baltic Sea region is being launched by NATO following a string of incidents in the area that have raised concerns about possible Russian activities.
  • At a meeting in Helsinki with the leaders of NATO countries located on the Baltic Sea, Secretary-General Mark Rutte said that the effort would be dubbed Baltic Sentry.
  • Announcing the new operation, Rutte highlighted that more than 95% of internet traffic is secured via undersea cables.
  • He added that 1.3 million kilometers (808,000 miles) of these cables facilitate an estimated $10 trillion in financial transactions daily.
  • The mission will involve frigates and maritime patrol aircraft, and will "increase vigilance in the Baltic."
  • A small fleet of naval drones will be deployed "to provide enhanced surveillance and deterrence."
  • The fleet is made up of hundreds of old tankers with uncertain ownership and safety practices, evading sanctions and funneling oil revenues to Moscow.

Topic: Sports

11. ICC named Jasprit Bumrah as the Men’s Player of the Month for December 2024.

  • The ICC has named Indian pace sensation Jasprit Bumrah the Men’s Player of the Month for December 2024, recognizing his extraordinary performances during India’s tour of Australia.
  • On 14 January, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the honour, recognising Bumrah's dominance over world-class opposition teams.
  • Bumrah won the award beating Australia's Pat Cummins and South Africa's Dan Paterson.
  • Bumrah led India's bowling attack in three tough Test matches, taking 22 wickets at an extraordinary average of 14.22, cementing his status as one of the best bowlers in world cricket.
  • For his exceptional contribution, he was also awarded the Player of the Series title in Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-2025 in Australia.
  • The ICC named star Australia all-rounder Annabel Sutherland as the Women's Player of the Month for December 2024.

Topic: Space and IT

12. Pixxel became the first private company in India to have its own constellation of satellites.

  • Pixxel and Digantara announced the launch of their satellites through the SpaceX rocket.
  • These satellites will monitor the earth and objects orbiting around it.
  • Pixxel has created its own constellation of satellites by using cutting-edge hyper-spectral frequency. It will allow observation of the earth in more than 150 bands.
  • It will be very useful in different sectors such as agriculture and defence.
  • Digantara Aerospace announced the launch of the world's first commercial satellite - Space Camera for Object Tracking (SCOT).
  • This will be used for surveillance of objects as small as 5 cm orbiting the Earth for safer space operations.

Topic: Important Days

13. National Startup Day 2025: 16 January

  • National Startup Day is celebrated every year on January 16.
  • It is observed to commemorate the role of startups in driving entrepreneurship, innovation, technology, self-reliance and collaboration.
  • In 2022, 16 January was declared to be celebrated as National Startup Day.
  • India with 1.6 lakh government-recognized startups has the third largest Startup ecosystem in the world.
  • Startups have created more than 1.6 million jobs across the country.
  • Under the Startup India initiative, startups have to register with the Commerce Ministry’s Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to get the benefits.
  • Startups in India get many benefits including self-certification allowed for labour laws and environmental laws, rebate in patent filing, tax exemption under section 80IAC, exemption from Angel tax, etc.
  • India has currently more than 110 Unicorns. As of January 13, 2025, more than 4,000 startups have received funds under Startup India’s Fund of Funds programme.
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