National Affairs:
• UJALA Scheme’s 10th Anniversary: Launched on January 5, 2015, the UJALA scheme has successfully distributed affordable LED lighting to millions of households, significantly enhancing energy efficiency across India.
• Maiya Samman Yojana in Jharkhand: In January 2025, Jharkhand’s Chief Minister Hemant Soren initiated substantial financial transfers under the Maiya Samman Yojana, aiming to empower women through direct cash transfers.
• IIT Madras’ Shallow Wave Basin Facility: The Indian Institute of Technology-Madras inaugurated Asia’s largest shallow wave basin research facility at its Discovery campus in Thaiyur, enhancing research capabilities in ocean engineering.
• Cyber Crime Volunteer Program: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs, along with various state governments, initiated a program enlisting approximately 54,800 cyber crime volunteers to identify and report unlawful online content.
• New Defence Platforms Commissioned: The Indian Navy is set to commission three advanced platforms on January 15, 2025, all constructed at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, marking a significant enhancement in naval capabilities.
International Affairs:
• Indonesia Joins BRICS: Indonesia officially became a full member of the BRICS group, aiming to strengthen partnerships with other developing nations.
• Nepal’s ‘Child Marriage Free’ Campaign: Nepal launched the ‘Child Marriage Free Nepal’ campaign, led by Minister Kishor Sah Sudi, to eradicate child marriage and promote children’s rights.
• Switzerland’s Policy Changes: Starting January 1, 2025, Switzerland enforced a ban on facial coverings in public places and implemented a 2.9% increase in state pensions to match inflation and salary trends.
Science and Technology:
• ISRO’s Satellite Launch: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch an American communications satellite, marking the first time an American company is using an Indian rocket for such a large and advanced satellite.
• CES 2025 Highlights: The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025, held from January 7 to 10, showcased innovations in artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR), along with new laptops, TVs, and smart home gadgets.
Sports:
• Santosh Trophy Victory: West Bengal won the Santosh Trophy by defeating Kerala 1-0 in the final, adding to its storied history in the competition.
Environment:
• Alaknanda River’s Landslide Vulnerability: Studies highlighted the Alaknanda River’s susceptibility to landslide-induced natural dams, emphasizing the need for monitoring and mitigation strategies.
• India’s Renewable Energy Milestone: India’s renewable energy capacity surpassed 200 GW in 2024, marking a 14% year-on-year increase and reflecting significant growth in the sector.
