National Affairs:
- 10th Anniversary of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana: 22nd January 2025 marked the 10th year of the launch of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana. BBBP scheme was launched on 22nd January 2015, in Panipat, Haryana and SSY was launched as part of BBBP scheme. BBBP is a centrally sponsored scheme launched to address the declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR), prevent gender-biased sex-selective elimination, and promote the survival, protection, and education of the girl child. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) was launched as a part of BBBP scheme to provide financial security for the future of the girl child through opening of bank accounts, focusing on education and empowerment.
- Pangsau Pass International Festival (PPIF) 2025: Pangsau Pass International Festival (PPIF) 2025, held in Arunachal Pradesh, celebrates the region’s cultural heritage and its historical significance during World War II. Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced plans to enhance tourism by restoring World War II remnants in Nampong, denoting the festival’s role in promoting economic growth and cultural exchange. This year’s festival coincides with the 80th anniversary of the war’s conclusion. Pangsau Pass (Pan Saung Pass) is located on the India-Myanmar border at an altitude of 3,727 feet (1,136 meters).
- It lies on the crest of the Patkai Hills and is part of the famous Ledo Road (Stilwell Road).
- It is named after the Myanmar village Pangsau, located 2 km east of the pass.
- Rise in Guillain-Barré Syndrome Cases in Maharashtra: Pune has reported increase in Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) cases, with 59 individuals diagnosed, including 12 requiring ventilator support. GBS is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks peripheral nerves. This results in symptoms like weakness, numbness, and in severe cases, paralysis.
- Sinhtoo Dance to Debut at Republic Day Parade 2025: The Sinhtoo dance, a traditional folk dance of the Hatti community from the Giri region of Sirmaur district, has been selected for the 76th Republic Day parade in Delhi. This marks the first time the Sinhtoo will be showcased at such a prestigious national event.
- Uttarakhand Implements Uniform Civil Code: The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) was implemented in Uttarakhand on January 27, 2025. It makes Uttarakhand as the first state in India to enact the UCC post-independence. The UCC aims to establish a unified legal framework for all citizens, promoting equality across various personal laws. It applies to marriage, divorce, inheritance, and live-in relationships, ensuring that all communities are governed by the same legal standards.
- Who is Libia Lobo Sardesai? Libia Lobo Sardesai, a prominent figure in the Goan liberation movement, was recently honoured with the Padma Shri (4th highest civilian award). This recognition celebrates her contributions to Goa’s fight for freedom from Portuguese colonial rule. Born in 1924, Libia played important role in the anti-colonial struggle, particularly through the establishment of an underground radio station.
- Etikoppaka Bommalu: Etikoppaka Bommalu is a traditional wooden toy craft from Andhra Pradesh. Recently showcased during the 76th Republic Day parade, these toys represent a blend of cultural heritage and sustainable artistry. The craft has evolved over 400 years, with artisans dedicated to creating intricate and vibrant wooden toys. The toys often depict mythological figures, animals, and household items, all crafted with care and precision.
- India’s First Wetland Cities: India has recently celebrated achievement with Indore and Udaipur becoming the first cities from the country to be accredited as Wetland Cities under the Ramsar Convention. This recognition marks the importance of wetlands in urban areas and the need for their conservation. The announcement came just before World Wetlands Day, showcasing India’s commitment to sustainable urban development. Ramsar Convention: The treaty aims to ensure that wetlands provide ecological, economic, and social benefits to local communities. The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty established in 1971 to promote the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. It currently includes 172 member countries.
- Christine Carla Kangaloo Receives Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award: The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award has been awarded to Christine Carla Kangaloo, the President of Trinidad and Tobago. This recognition marks her contributions to public affairs and her role in enhancing India’s global reputation. The award was presented by the High Commissioner of India during a Republic Day reception. Kangaloo’s achievements were celebrated at the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, where she served as the chief guest.
International Affairs:
- China Advances in Nuclear Fusion with EAST Reactor: China has recently made strides in nuclear fusion research. The Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) sustained plasma for 1,000 seconds. Nuclear fusion is the process that powers the sun. It involves the merging of atomic nuclei to release energy.
- Unlike nuclear fission, which splits atoms, fusion produces minimal radioactive waste and does not emit greenhouse gases. EAST is often referred to as China’s “artificial sun.”
- Georgia Certified Malaria-Free: Georgia was officially certified malaria-free by the World Health Organization (WHO). This achievement marks milestone for the country and the WHO European region. Georgia joins 45 other countries and one territory that have reached this status. The certification reflects decades of effort and investment in malaria control and elimination. The capital of Georgia is Tbilisi and its currency is Georgian Lari (GEL).
- China Unveils World’s Longest Tunnel, Enhances BRI Connectivity: China has completed the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world’s longest expressway tunnel at 22.13 kilometers, enhancing connectivity between northern and southern Xinjiang. This project, part of the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway, reduces travel time across the Tianshan Mountains significantly.
Science and Technology:
- Qartemi: India’s First Internationally Licensed CAR-T Therapy for B-NHL: Recently, India witnessed the launch of Qartemi, the country’s first internationally licensed CAR-T cell therapy for adult B-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (B-NHL). This groundbreaking therapy offers new hope for patients suffering from aggressive blood cancers. CAR-T therapy is a type of immunotherapy.Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL): It is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system.
- ISRO Achieves 100th Launch Milestone: On January 29, 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) marked milestone by successfully completing its 100th launch from the
Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The mission involved the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F15), which carried the NVS-02 satellite into orbit.
Environment:
- Gujarat Declares First Biodiversity Heritage Site: the Gujarat Biodiversity Board announced the designation of the ‘Inland Mangrove Guneri’ in Kutch as the state’s first Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS). This initiative aims to protect a unique mangrove ecosystem that thrives in a non-tidal environment. Biodiversity Heritage Sites are areas recognised for their ecological significance. The Biological Diversity Act of 2002 allows state governments to designate these areas.
Sports:
- India to Host FIDE Chess World Cup 2025: India is set to host the prestigious FIDE Chess World Cup 2025, marking a significant milestone for the country as it takes on the role of the host for its first major international chess tournament since the 2022 Chennai Chess Olympiad. FIDE HQ-
- Karnataka Clinch Vijay Hazare Trophy for Record 5th Time: In the Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) 2024-25 final, Karnataka emerged victorious by 36 runs against Vidarbha on January 19, 2025, at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara.
- India Dominates Inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025: India made history by winning both the men’s and women’s titles at the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025 held at New Delhi, India. The men’s team triumphed over Nepal with a 54-36 victory, Key player: Captain Pratik Waikar. while the women’s team dominated Nepal 78-40, Key player: Captain Priyanka Ingle.
Current Affairs: January 1 – January 10, 2025
