Table of Contents
National News
India to Invest ₹50,000 Crore in National Waterways Over 5 Years
In a significant move to enhance the country’s inland water transport infrastructure, the Indian government has announced an investment of ₹50,000 crore over the next five years. This initiative aims to develop and improve national waterways, promoting sustainable and efficient transportation.
PM to Inaugurate Z-Morh Tunnel, Boosting Kashmir-Ladakh Connectivity
The Z-Morh tunnel, set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 13, 2024, marks a significant step in creating a year-round strategic corridor between Kashmir and Ladakh. The tunnel is critical for ensuring continuous access to Sonamarg, a popular tourist destination, which was previously inaccessible during the winter months due to snow and avalanches. Built under the Thajiwas Glacier, it bypasses landslide-prone areas and includes an intelligent traffic management system to enhance safety and control vehicle flow. The tunnel is also expected to boost winter tourism in Kashmir and support military logistics to Ladakh.
Union Minister Sonowal Unveils National River Traffic & Navigation System
On January 11, 2025, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, launched the National River Traffic and Navigation System (NRT&NS) during the second meeting of the Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) in Kaziranga, Assam. This initiative aims to enhance the safety and efficiency of inland waterway transportation across India.
International News
Global Water Cycle Disruption in 2024 Caused Wayanad Landslides
The 2024 Global Water Monitor Report highlights significant disruptions in the global water cycle due to climate change, which led to devastating water-related disasters worldwide. These events caused over 8,700 deaths, displaced 40 million people, and resulted in economic losses exceeding $550 billion. The report emphasizes how extreme weather events, such as landslides, floods, and droughts, are becoming more frequent and intense due to global warming, affecting ecosystems, livelihoods, and infrastructure. Among the major events highlighted, the Wayanad landslides in India stood out as a particularly destructive disaster.
India and Mongolia Forge Mining Partnership
India is set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mongolia in the areas of geology and exploration, aiming to enhance resource security and diversify supply chains. This agreement follows India’s increasing reliance on imports to meet the rising demand for copper and coking coal, essential for power generation, construction, and steelmaking industries.
Earth Breaches 1.5°C Limit for the First Time in 2024
In a landmark event for climate change, 2024 became the first year in recorded history when the mean global temperature exceeded the critical 1.5°C threshold above pre-industrial levels, as reported by the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S). This breach marks a dangerous trajectory for global warming, bringing humanity closer to a point of no return. Climate experts warn that if this trend continues without drastic emission cuts, global temperatures could exceed the 2°C limit by 2050, with devastating consequences for ecosystems, economies, and human livelihoods.
Japan Tightens Sanctions on Russia Over Ukraine War
In a decisive move to reinforce international pressure on Russia over its continued military actions in Ukraine, Japan has announced a new series of sanctions targeting Russian entities and individuals, as well as organizations in other countries accused of aiding Russia in evading existing sanctions.
Economy News
India Targets $100B Food & Beverage Exports: Piyush Goyal
India aims to achieve $100 billion in combined exports from the Food & Beverage (F&B), agriculture, and marine product industries within the next five years. Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, highlighted this potential during a keynote address at Indusfood 2025 in New Delhi. He emphasized the importance of industry growth at 14-15% annually to reach the target. The Minister praised the success of Indusfood 2025 and the role of APEDA and MPEDA in achieving India’s $50 billion exports last year.
Centre Releases ₹1.73 Trillion to States to Boost Capital Spending
On January 10, 2025, the Indian government disbursed ₹1.73 trillion to state governments, a substantial increase from the ₹89,086 crore released in December 2024. This enhanced allocation aims to expedite capital expenditure and support development and welfare initiatives across states.
India’s Factory Output Grows 5.2% in November, Highest Since May
India’s factory output, measured by the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), recorded a significant rise of 5.2% in November 2024, the highest in six months. This increase comes after a 3.7% growth in October and is mainly attributed to a favorable base effect and a boost in manufacturing, capital goods, and consumer durables, especially amid the festive season. The industrial growth for the period April-November 2024 stands at 4.1%, a slowdown from the 6.5% growth recorded in the same period last year.
Rupee Hits Record Low of ₹86 Against US Dollar
On January 10, 2025, the Indian rupee depreciated to an all-time low of ₹86 against the US dollar, closing 14 paise lower than the previous day. This marks the first instance the rupee has breached the ₹86 threshold, reflecting significant economic challenges.
E-Way Bills Surge in December, Second-Highest in Two Years
In December 2024, e-way bills reached their second-highest level in two years, indicating a strong recovery in India’s economy. Data shows that a total of 8.8 crore e-way bills were generated during the month, marking a significant 9.3% increase from the previous month and a 7.4% rise compared to the same period last year. This growth reflects an uptrend in economic activity, boosted by increased transportation and trade movements.
Summits and Conferences News
Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2025 Begins
The Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2025, organized by the Department of Youth Affairs under the leadership of Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, began on January 10, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The event, a reimagined version of the National Youth Festival, aims to celebrate youth leadership and engage young leaders from across India in thematic discussions, creative competitions, and cultural experiences. The dialogue seeks to empower the next generation of leaders to contribute to India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
PM Modi to Attend AI Action Summit in France
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit in Paris on February 10-11, 2025. This summit, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, aims to foster international dialogue on AI, bringing together global leaders to discuss innovation, regulation, and the future of AI technologies.
Science and Technology News
BMCRI to Set Up South India’s First Infectious Disease Research Lab
Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI) has been selected by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to establish South India’s first Infectious Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (IRDL). This initiative aims to enhance the diagnostic and research capabilities for infectious diseases in the region. The laboratory will focus on diseases caused by bacteria, fungi, and parasites, facilitating faster diagnosis and improving healthcare outcomes. This project is part of a larger national effort to build specialized labs in medical colleges across India.
10th January 2025 Current Affairs (Daily...
09th January 2025 Current Affairs (Daily...
08th January 2025 Current Affairs (Daily...
