Current Affairs - January 10, 2025 Current Affairs

The Uttar Pradesh government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Google Cloud (India) to launch the Uttar Pradesh Open Network for Agriculture (UPONA). This digital platform aims to transform agriculture in the state by providing farmers with access to advisory services, credit, mechanization, market connectivity, and real-time data on weather and microclimates.

India extended humanitarian aid to Cuba following the devastating impact of Hurricane Rafael, which was the strongest November tropical cyclone in the Gulf of Mexico. Cuba, an island nation in North America, is situated where the northern Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and Atlantic Ocean converge. The aid highlights India’s commitment to supporting nations in times of natural disasters, fostering international solidarity. The capital of Cuba is Havana.

India’s National Highway network has achieved a remarkable 60% growth over the past decade, expanding from 91,287 km in 2014 to 146,195 km in 2024. This makes it the second-largest highway network globally. Additionally, initiatives like Bharatmala Pariyojana and enhanced port connectivity projects further highlight India’s commitment to developing infrastructure and boosting trade, while road safety measures are being implemented to address accident-prone areas.

Los Angeles declared an emergency after wildfires rapidly spread across 3,000 acres, forcing the evacuation of 1 lakh residents and endangering more than 13,000 structures. Iconic landmarks such as NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab were also at risk. Despite the efforts of over 1,400 firefighters, strong winds intensified the fire's spread, making containment challenging, especially near high-profile areas like Malibu and Santa Monica.

Himachal Pradesh renamed its Institute of Public Administration as Dr Manmohan Singh Himachal Pradesh Institute of Public Administration, honouring the former Prime Minister’s contributions to the state’s development. The decision, approved by the state Cabinet under Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, highlights the state’s acknowledgement of Dr Singh's legacy. Additionally, the Cabinet took significant steps to address drug abuse and organized crime by establishing a Special Task Force (STF).

The United Kingdom unveiled a pioneering sanctions regime aimed at addressing illegal migration and organised immigration crime. The initiative seeks to disrupt the financial networks of smugglers and improve border security under the Labour government’s Plan for Change, led by PM Keir Starmer. The measures also emphasize international collaboration and the use of enhanced crime prevention orders to tackle this global challenge effectively.

In the 2025 Henley Passport Index, India’s ranking has fallen to 85th, down from 80th in 2024. The Henley Passport Index, which is based on data from the International Air Transport Authority (IATA), ranks global passport mobility. While Singapore retains the top position, Japan has moved to second place after being ranked first from 2018-2023. The ranking serves as an important indicator of global mobility, with India’s passport losing five spots in this latest iteration of the index.

Dr Syed Anwar Khursheed, an eminent Indian physician based in Saudi Arabia, was awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award in 2025. With over 45 years of service, he has significantly contributed to healthcare, education, and community welfare, including pivotal efforts during COVID-19 and the Hajj Medical Program. As Vice President of the Saudi-Indian Healthcare Forum, he plays a crucial role in strengthening healthcare ties between the two nations.

The crisis stems from unregulated soapstone mining in Uttarakhand's Bageshwar district, which has led to land subsidence, landslides, and erosion. These issues threaten the stability of traditional Kumaoni structures, cultural landmarks like Kanda's Kalika Temple, and the regional ecosystem. The Uttarakhand High Court has intervened to investigate the matter, underscoring the severity of the issue.

World Hindi Day, also known as ‘Vishwa Hindi Diwas,’ is celebrated annually on January 10. This day emphasizes the importance of Hindi as one of the most widely spoken languages globally, alongside English and Mandarin. Organized by the Ministry of External Affairs, the celebration includes global events such as cultural programs, seminars, and workshops held by Indian embassies and cultural centres worldwide. For 2025, the theme “A Global Voice of Unity and Cultural Pride” highlights Hindi’s role in fostering global unity and cultural exchange.

Swiggy introduced the 'Snacc' app on January 7, 2025, offering 15-minute delivery of snacks, beverages, and meals in select Bengaluru areas. This new initiative aims to capture a share of the rapidly growing quick-commerce sector, competing with services like Zomato's Blinkit, Zepto Cafe, and Magicpin’s ‘magicNOW’. Unlike Swiggy's existing feature, Bolt, 'Snacc' operates as a standalone app with centralized locations to ensure fast delivery. The move intensifies competition in the quick-commerce industry, highlighting the growing demand for rapid food delivery services.

The Anji Khad Bridge is India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge, spanning 725.5 meters in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district. It features a 193-meter-tall pylon and is designed to endure wind speeds of up to 213 km/h. Part of the USBRL Project, the bridge incorporates advanced construction techniques like the DOKA Jump form and hybrid foundations, with contributions from IITs and international experts such as ITALFERR and COWI. It is expected to boost connectivity, tourism, and economic development in the region.

Bank of Baroda has projected that India’s economy will grow at 6.8% in FY2025-26. This positive outlook is driven by strong private consumption, high-frequency indicators such as GST collections and services PMI, and improved agricultural output. While other forecasts, including the UN’s, suggest slightly lower growth rates, Bank of Baroda’s estimate reflects the optimistic economic indicators and solid foundations from sectors like agriculture, which will contribute to the country’s growth.

Vaghsheer is the 6th and final Scorpene-class submarine delivered to the Indian Navy under Project P-75 by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited. It features advanced stealth capabilities and is equipped to execute precise attacks with torpedoes and tube-launched anti-ship missiles, both underwater and on the surface. This delivery marks the completion of Project P-75, which also included INS Kalvari, Khanderi, Karanj, Vela, and Vagir.

P. Jayachandran, popularly known as "Bhava Gayakan," was a renowned playback singer who passed away at the age of 80. His soulful voice conveyed deep emotions such as love, devotion, and longing, making a significant impact across various languages like Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi. With over 16,000 songs recorded in his career, Jayachandran's contribution to the Indian music industry was immense, collaborating with celebrated composers like Ilaiyaraaja and A. R. Rahman. His death has left a lasting void in the world of Indian music.