Table of Contents
National News
INROAD Project: Enhancing Natural Rubber Quality in India’s North-East
The INROAD (Indian Natural Rubber Operations for Assisted Development) project, launched with a financial backing of ₹100 crore, aims to enhance the quality of natural rubber produced in India’s North-East. This initiative focuses on skill development for rubber growers and the establishment of model infrastructure, with support from key players in the tyre industry, demonstrating a unique collaboration between agriculture and manufacturing.
Piyush Goyal Launches Bharat Cleantech Manufacturing Platform
Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, launched the Bharat Cleantech Manufacturing Platform during the Bharat Climate Forum 2025 in New Delhi. This initiative aims to strengthen India’s cleantech value chains in key sectors such as solar, wind, hydrogen, and battery storage. The platform is expected to enhance collaboration, innovation, and financing in the clean energy sector, making India a global leader in sustainability.
India Sets New Record with 30 GW Green Energy in 2024
India achieved a record renewable energy capacity addition of 30 GW in 2024, according to data from the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE). This marks a 113% increase from 13.75 GW in 2023, highlighting the country’s accelerating shift toward clean energy. The milestone assumes great importance as India targets 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030. The exponential growth reflects India’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and building a sustainable future.
India’s Jaishankar to Join Trump’s Swearing-In Ceremony
Dr. S. Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM), will represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Donald Trump on January 20, 2025. The inauguration is a significant event as Trump will begin his second term as the 47th President of the United States. Jaishankar’s visit is an important diplomatic occasion, marking continued engagement between India and the U.S. as both countries explore avenues to strengthen their partnership.
International News
Mount Ibu Erupts in North Maluku, Indonesia
Mount Ibu, situated in North Maluku, Indonesia, erupted on January 11, 2025, sending ash clouds up to 4,000 meters high and ejecting glowing lava up to two kilometers from its crater. This event has prompted authorities to issue warnings and implement safety measures for the public.
State News
Centennial Recognition for Srinagar Meteorology Centre
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the establishment of a Regional Meteorological Centre in Jammu during a landmark event commemorating the 150th anniversary of the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The announcement signifies a major step toward improving weather forecasting, disaster preparedness, and climate resilience in the Jammu & Kashmir region.
Kumbhvani FM Channel Launched for Maha Kumbh 2025
On January 10, 2025, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated ‘Kumbhvani‘ (103.5 MHz), a dedicated FM channel by All India Radio, to enhance the Maha Kumbh 2025 experience. The event was attended by Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Dr. L. Murugan, who participated online.
Economy News
Smartphones to Laptops: India’s IT Revolution
In a landmark development for India’s electronics manufacturing sector, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated Syrma SGS Technology’s advanced laptop assembly line in Chennai. This new facility symbolizes India’s growing dominance in IT hardware production, expanding its success in mobile manufacturing to high-value electronics like laptops. With initiatives under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) 2.0 scheme, India is taking significant steps towards becoming a global IT hardware hub.
Business News
Adani’s ₹75,000 Cr Boost for Chhattisgarh’s Growth
In a significant development, the Adani Group has announced a substantial investment of ₹75,000 crore in Chhattisgarh, focusing on expanding its energy and cement operations within the state.
Economy News
National Youth Day January 12th
National Youth Day, also known as Rashtriya Yuva Diwas, is celebrated annually on January 12 to honor the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. Recognized for his contributions to spiritual growth, national integration, and youth empowerment, Swamiji’s life and teachings remain an inspiration to India’s youth. The Government of India declared his birthday as National Youth Day in 1984 to encourage young people to follow his ideals and work towards a progressive, united, and self-reliant India.
150 Years of India Meteorological Department (IMD)
The India Meteorological Department (IMD), established in 1875, is one of the oldest scientific institutions in India dedicated to weather forecasting and disaster preparedness. As it marks its 150th anniversary on January 15, 2025, the IMD continues to play a pivotal role in tracking weather patterns, issuing cyclone warnings, monitoring earthquakes, and studying atmospheric changes.
Summits and Conferences News
India Joins UN’s Big Data for Official Statistics Committee
India has joined the United Nations Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics (UN-CEBD), marking a significant step in the country’s growing influence in global statistical frameworks. This membership demonstrates India’s commitment to leveraging Big Data and technology for evidence-based policymaking. The committee focuses on exploring how Big Data and data science can be utilized to improve official statistics and track sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Sports News
BCCI Elects Devajit Saikia as Secretary, Bhatia as Treasurer
The uncontested election of Devajit Saikia as the Secretary and Prabhtej Singh Bhatia as the Treasurer of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was formalized during the BCCI’s Special General Meeting (SGM) on January 12, 2025. This development follows the resignation of Jay Shah and Ashish Shelar from their respective roles.
Shreyas Iyer Appointed Punjab Kings Captain Ahead of IPL 2025 Season
Shreyas Iyer has been appointed as the captain of Punjab Kings for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. The announcement was made during a special segment on the reality television show ‘Bigg Boss’, where Iyer appeared alongside teammates Yuzvendra Chahal and Shashank Singh.
Science and Technology News
IUCN Lists Western Ghats as Key Freshwater Biodiversity Hotspot
The Western Ghats in India has been identified as a key global hotspot for threatened freshwater species by the first-ever multi-taxon global freshwater fauna assessment conducted by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List of Threatened Species. The study highlights that one-quarter of freshwater species worldwide face a high risk of extinction, with the Western Ghats being one of the most critical regions for freshwater biodiversity conservation. The assessment covers 23,496 freshwater species, including crustaceans, fishes, and odonates, evaluating their extinction risks and identifying the key threats facing them.
DRDO’s HIMKAVACH: Advancing Cold Weather Military Apparel
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has unveiled the HIMKAVACH multi-layer clothing system, engineered to enhance the operational efficiency of military personnel in extreme cold conditions. This innovative apparel has successfully completed user trials, demonstrating its effectiveness in temperatures ranging from +20°C to -60°C.
Weekly One Liners 06th to 12th January 2...
11th January 2025 Current Affairs (Daily...
10th January 2025 Current Affairs (Daily...
