Current Affairs - January 9, 2025 Current Affairs

India and the United States have collaborated to co-produce sonobuoys, advanced devices designed for underwater detection and monitoring. This partnership involves Bharat Dynamics Limited and Ultra Maritime, showcasing a significant step in enhancing anti-submarine warfare capabilities. The project underlines the strengthening of defence ties between India and the US, aiming to bolster maritime security.

Israel has launched an e-visa system for Indian citizens, allowing them to apply online for travel authorization. This system integrates with Israel's Entry Travel Authorization (ETA), ensuring secure and efficient processing. Aimed at individual tourists, it simplifies the documentation process and facilitates quick approvals, enhancing the travel experience for Indian visitors.

AI Touch LLP received funding under the Department of Technology's Telecom Technology Development Fund scheme to innovate 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) solutions. The development focuses on creating RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC), Service Management and Orchestration (SMO), and Network Data Analytics Function modules. These advancements aim to automate control, optimize network operations, and generate analytics-driven insights, significantly enhancing 5G performance and efficiency.

Assam launched Gunotsav 2025, a flagship education evaluation program aimed at assessing and enhancing the quality of education for 14.11 lakh students across 16,056 schools. Themed “Ensuring Quality Education,” is conducted in three phases, involving external evaluators and stakeholders. The initiative focuses on improving student learning outcomes, school infrastructure, and teacher performance effectiveness, covering various districts to ensure comprehensive educational development.

Bajaj Broking has collaborated with Tamilnad Mercantile Bank (TMB) to introduce a 3-in-1 account that integrates banking, broking, and investment services. This partnership simplifies trading by enabling TMB customers to access Bajaj Broking’s advanced platform for seamless online trading, fund transfers, and reduced paperwork. The initiative enhances convenience and empowers investors with technology-driven tools and research insights for better decision-making in the financial market.

Earth’s Rotation Day is celebrated on January 8 to commemorate Léon Foucault’s 1851 pendulum experiment, which conclusively proved Earth’s rotation on its axis. This groundbreaking discovery revolutionized the scientific understanding of planetary dynamics. The day highlights the importance of scientific curiosity and fosters an appreciation for Earth’s movements, such as day-night cycles and seasonal changes. The demonstration, originally conducted at the Paris Observatory, remains a popular educational exhibit in science museums worldwide.

IIT Madras inaugurated Asia's largest Shallow Wave Basin at its Thaiyur campus to enhance research in ports, waterways, and coastal engineering. Developed by the National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways, and Coasts (NTCPWC), the facility aims to support the Ministry of Shipping with advanced technological solutions. This initiative reduces reliance on foreign technology for wave generation research, promoting self-reliance in maritime and coastal engineering advancements.

Karnataka has introduced the "Garudakshi" online FIR system to improve the management of forest and wildlife crimes. This innovative system, developed with the Wildlife Trust of India, simplifies case handling under wildlife protection laws. Initially piloted in five divisions, the initiative aims to expand across the state, marking a significant step toward effective forest crime management and conservation efforts.

IREDA (Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency) achieved an 'Excellent' rating for the third consecutive year in its MoU performance for FY 2023-24, with a score of 98.24. This accomplishment highlights IREDA's dedication to promoting renewable energy goals and maintaining high standards of corporate governance. The agency's previous scores were 93.50 (FY 2022-23), 96.54 (FY 2021-22), and 96.93 (FY 2020-21), further underscoring its sustained excellence in performance.

Mount Ibu, located in North Maluku, Indonesia, erupted, sending a column of ash up to three kilometres into the atmosphere. Positioned in the West Halmahera regency, it is one of the country's most active volcanoes, recording 21,100 eruptions in 2023. This places Mount Ibu as the second most active volcano in Indonesia after Mount Merapi, emphasizing the region's significant volcanic activity.

John Dramani Mahama was sworn in as Ghana's President after his victory in the December election. Mahama has emphasized addressing youth unemployment by fostering partnerships with the private sector to create jobs. Born in 1958, he has previously served as Ghana’s President from 2012 to 2017, showcasing his experience in leadership and governance.

PM Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the Delhi-Srinagar train service on January 26, which coincides with Republic Day. This inauguration will also include the Z-Morh Tunnel and highlight the world’s highest railway bridge over the Chenab River. The project aims to enhance tourism, trade, and connectivity in Kashmir, making January 26 a significant milestone for India's infrastructure development.