Current Affairs: January 11

Infrastructure Development: India plans to prioritize railway modernization in the upcoming federal budget, shifting focus from road transport. The railway budget is expected to rise to 2.9-3 trillion rupees for 2025/26, supporting the expansion of Indian Railways’ 68,000 km track and the addition of 400 high-speed Vande Bharat trains by March 2027.

Maha Kumbh 2025: Maha Kumbh 2025, a grand religious event held every 12 years, is being held for 45 days from 13th January to 26th February 2025 at Prayagraj. The festivals occur on the banks of sacred rivers:
- Haridwar: Ganga
- Prayagraj: Confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati
- Ujjain: Kshipra (believed to emerge from Vishnu’s heart in his Varah avatar)
- Nashik-Trimbakeshwar: Godavari (known as Ganga of the south)

77th Indian Army Day 2025: Every year on January 15, India marks Indian Army Day. This year theme: “Samarth Bharat, Saksham Sena” (Empowered India, Capable Army). Marks the leadership transition to Indian hands in 1949. Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief, succeeding General Sir Francis Butcher, the last British officer in the role.

India’s Navy Gets Stronger: INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer Added to the Fleet
- INS Surat: India’s Most Advanced Missile Destroyer
- INS Nilgiri: Stealth Frigate- Equipped with BrahMos Missile
- INS Vaghsheer: Quietest Submarine in India’s Fleet

Sugar Exports: The Indian government has approved the export of 1 million metric tons of sugar for the current season ending in September 2025. This move aims to help sugar mills manage surplus stocks and stabilize local prices, impacting global sugar prices.

Z-Morh Tunnel Inauguration: On January 13, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Z-Morh Tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir, providing year-round connectivity between Srinagar and Leh.

Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: The government selected 24 companies under the PLI Scheme for White Goods (Air Conditioners and LED Lights) with a committed investment of ₹3,516 crore. This initiative aims to boost domestic manufacturing and generate employment.

SVAMITVA Property Card Distribution: On 18th January 2025, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi presided over the e-Distribution SVAMITVA Property. Launched on 24th April 2020, the SVAMITVA Scheme aims to provide property owners in rural areas with a “Record of Rights”. It employs drone and GIS technology for accurate land surveying.

Eco-sensitive zone declared around Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary: The Government of India has designated areas around Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Mandi district (Himachal), as eco-sensitive zones (ESZs) to reduce the impact of urbanization and developmental activities on the surrounding protected areas.

IMD Reports 2024 as Hottest Year Recorded: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that 2024 was the hottest year in India since records began in 1901. IMD was established in the year 1875 with its headquarters at Calcutta. The headquarter was shifted to Shimla in 1905, to Pune in 1928 and then to Delhi in 1944.

QS World Future Skills Index: India Ranks Second in Future of Work, Behind Only the US: QS World Future Skills index assesses countries on four main indicators – Skills Fit, Academic Readiness, Future of Work, and Economic Transformation. India ranks 25th overall but excels in the Future of Work category, scoring 99.1, just behind the US.

Kanuma Panduga Festival: Kanuma Panduga is a vibrant festival celebrated in Andhra Pradesh, India, coinciding with the Makar Sankranti harvest celebrations. Kanuma Panduga marks the Sun entering the zodiac sign Capricorn, an important event in the Hindu calendar. During Kanuma Panduga, Lord Krishna and Gau Mata (Mother Cow) are worshipped.

US Presidential Inauguration: Donald Trump was inaugurated for his second non-consecutive term as the 47th US President on January 20, 2025, marking the first time a convicted criminal and the oldest individual has taken office. The event coincided with Martin Luther King Jr. Day and included attendance by China’s vice-president for the first time.

Indigenous Surgical Robotic System: India developed its first indigenous surgical robotic system, enhancing the country’s capabilities in medical technology and reducing dependence on imports.

ISRO Successfully Germinates Black-eyed Pea Seeds in Space: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a significant milestone in space agriculture by successfully germinating black-eyed pea (lobia) seeds aboard its Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS). This breakthrough underscores the potential for cultivating sustainable food sources for long-duration space missions, essential for meeting the nutritional and psychological needs of astronauts during extended periods in space.

SpaDeX Mission Successful: India Joins the Group of Elite Nations of Space Technology. ISRO made history by successfully docking two Indian satellites in space during the SpaDeX (Space Docking Exercise) mission. India becomes the fourth country, after the US, Russia, and China, to achieve this feat

Water Hyacinth Threat: Water hyacinth has been threatening the livelihoods of fishers on Kenyan lakes, highlighting the environmental challenges posed by invasive species.

Sudan Humanitarian Crisis: The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan has drawn international attention, emphasizing the need for global cooperation in addressing such issues.