Current Affairs - January 3, 2025 Current Affairs

Telangana has set an ambitious goal of adding 20,000 MW to its renewable energy capacity, expanding its existing capacity of 11,000 MW by 2030. The state’s clean energy policy prioritizes standalone projects, floating solar installations, waste-to-energy initiatives, and green hydrogen development. By incorporating advanced technologies and storage solutions, Telangana aims to achieve sustainable energy and contribute significantly to India’s renewable energy objectives.

Blinkit has introduced a 10-minute ambulance service in Gurugram, aiming to provide rapid emergency medical transport. Residents can book an ambulance via the Blinkit app, ensuring quick arrival with Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances equipped with essential medical supplies such as oxygen cylinders, defibrillators, and emergency medicines. The service includes a trained paramedic, assistant, and driver, marking a significant advancement in urban emergency response systems.

China is facing a significant outbreak of Human metapneumovirus (HMPV), along with other respiratory illnesses like influenza A, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Covid-19. The surge in cases has overwhelmed hospitals and crematories. HMPV symptoms include cough, fever, nasal congestion, sore throat, and breathlessness, with an incubation period of 3–6 days. High-risk groups such as young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to severe complications like pneumonia and bronchitis.

In 2024, the total annual groundwater recharge increased by 15 BCM, reaching a total of 446 BCM. This improvement reflects sustainable groundwater management efforts, as groundwater extraction also decreased by 3 BCM. Over 73% of assessment units were categorized as "Safe," indicating significant progress in groundwater conservation and recharge practices. Such advancements are critical to addressing water scarcity challenges and ensuring sustainable water usage.

ISRO is set to launch a United States communications satellite in early 2025 using the GSLV. This mission, likely in collaboration with AST SpaceMobile, aims to enable direct smartphone voice calls from space. The satellite, named Bluebird, features a 64-square-meter antenna and is designed to provide affordable 5G broadband, addressing global connectivity challenges and bridging the digital divide.

Mubadala, based in Abu Dhabi, emerged as the leading global sovereign investor in 2024, with investments totalling $29.2 billion across 52 deals. The fund's focus areas included digital technologies, renewable energy, healthcare, and infrastructure, with significant investments in regions like India. This achievement underscores the Gulf region's growing influence, as Gulf sovereign funds collectively invested a record $82 billion in the global market.

The "Mahabharat Vatika" was established in Uttarakhand by the Forest Department in Haldwani. Featuring 37 plant species mentioned in the Mahabharata, such as Peepal, Bargad, and Harsringar, the initiative connects religious traditions with environmental conservation. It draws inspiration from the Van Parva, which emphasizes the significance of forests and wildlife. This conservation effort follows the establishment of a similar "Ramayan Vatika" in 2024, showcasing plants from the Valmiki Ramayana.

IIT Madras, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, launched Project VISTAAR to modernize India's agricultural extension system. This initiative leverages advanced technologies and an extensive database of over 12,000 agriculture-focused start-ups to provide farmers with digital access to advisory services. By integrating innovative solutions, the project aims to enhance productivity, market access, and supply chain management, ensuring that farmers benefit from improved practices and government schemes.

The first Lokpal Day is scheduled for January 16, 2025, at Zorawar Auditorium, Delhi Cantt. The event will feature prominent dignitaries, including the Chief Justice of India Shri Justice Sanjiv Khanna, the Attorney General, and Shri Anna Hazare. The celebration aims to highlight the Lokpal's role in ensuring accountability and discuss its future direction. The day marks a significant step in promoting transparency and integrity in governance.

The State Bank of India (SBI) has introduced a TAB-based, fully digital onboarding process for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to open NRE and NRO accounts. Launched on January 2, 2025, this initiative eliminates the need for physical paperwork by enabling digital document verification. It ensures faster account setup and enhances convenience for NRIs. SBI’s commitment to integrating advanced technology into its services highlights its focus on efficiency and customer satisfaction in global banking.

The 'Pujari Granthi Samman' scheme, which aims to financially support Gurudwara priests, was launched by the Delhi Government. Announced by former CM Arvind Kejriwal on December 30, this initiative provides a monthly grant of Rs 18,000 to every temple and Gurudwara priest in New Delhi. The scheme reflects the city's commitment to supporting religious functionaries.

The Healthy Homework Act was implemented in California starting January 1, 2025, to reduce students' homework burden while promoting evidence-based practices. Local educational agencies are required to create and update homework policies across all grade levels. To further support this initiative, California's Department of Education will release detailed guidelines by January 1, 2026, ensuring consistent and effective policy development statewide.

Arif Mohammad Khan was sworn in as the 42nd Governor of Bihar, succeeding Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar. The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Raj Bhawan, where Patna High Court Chief Justice K. Vinod Chandran administered the oath. Prominent political figures, including Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav, attended the event, marking a significant political transition in the state.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) was founded in 1958 and celebrated its 67th Foundation Day on January 2, 2025. Over the decades, DRDO has grown significantly, expanding from 10 laboratories to a network of 52 laboratories and 5 DRDO Young Scientist Laboratories (DYSLs). It has contributed to India's self-reliance in defence technologies with innovations like the Agni and Prithvi missile series, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, and the Arjun Main Battle Tank, among others.