Current Affairs - January 15, 2025 Current Affairs

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) launched the multi-purpose vessel INS Utkarsh for the Indian Navy from its Kattupalli Shipyard. This vessel, along with INS Samarthak launched earlier, is designed for roles such as maritime surveillance, weapon trials, and combating sea pollution. L&T’s Chennai design centre and Kattupalli yard also manage naval repairs, cadetships, and the construction of six other defence vessels, showcasing L&T’s critical role in strengthening India’s naval capabilities.

M. Rajeshwar Rao, a seasoned Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), has been entrusted with the responsibility of heading the Monetary Policy and Economic Research Departments. He succeeds Michael Patra, whose term ended on January 15, 2025. Rao brings with him over four decades of experience in the RBI, having previously managed critical departments like Regulation, Risk Monitoring, and Communication. His expanded role includes participating temporarily in the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) until a permanent successor to Michael Patra is appointed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned three major naval assets—INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer—at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. This event marked a significant milestone in India's naval capabilities, particularly with INS Vaghsheer, the sixth submarine under the P75 Scorpene Project, showcasing India's advancing expertise in submarine construction. The dedication of these combatants in Mumbai underlines the city’s strategic importance as a hub for naval operations and shipbuilding.

NATO, led by Secretary-General Mark Rutte, has announced a new mission aimed at safeguarding undersea cables in the Baltic Sea region. This initiative underscores the importance of these cables, which facilitate over 95% of internet traffic and secure $10 trillion worth of financial transactions daily across 1.3 million kilometres of cable infrastructure.

The Gaan-Ngai festival, the largest post-harvest celebration of the Zeliangrong community, takes place in Manipur. Beginning on January 12, 2025, the festival lasts five days and is marked by vibrant cultural performances and traditional rituals. It celebrates the transition from the old year to the new and emphasizes peace, prosperity, and community healing. The Zeliangrong people, consisting of various tribes, observe this festival with a deep connection to their agricultural heritage and seasonal changes, fostering unity and cultural pride in the region.

Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered a new species of pangolin, named the Indo-Burmese pangolin (Manis indoburmanica), in Arunachal Pradesh. This species is genetically distinct from the Chinese and Indian pangolins and highlights the rich biodiversity of the region. The discovery, led by ZSI researcher Lenrik Konchok, reveals that the pangolin species dates back approximately 3.4 million years and displays a 3.8% genetic difference, further emphasizing its uniqueness within the pangolin family.

Indian Army Day is observed every year on January 15 to commemorate the historic occasion when the Indian Army's leadership transitioned to Indian hands in 1949. This day honours the valour, dedication, and sacrifices of soldiers who protect the nation. It also marks the appointment of Field Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief, succeeding General Sir Francis Butcher. Celebrations include military parades, cultural programs, and exhibitions showcasing the Army’s advanced capabilities, underlining its critical role in ensuring India’s security and self-reliance.

DPIIT, under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has joined forces with ITC Limited, a leading Indian conglomerate, to bolster the startup ecosystem in the country. This strategic partnership aims to facilitate the growth of startups by promoting technological innovations and ensuring sustainable market opportunities. ITC’s diversified expertise across various sectors provides startups with a robust platform to scale their operations, access mentorship, and unlock market potential, aligning with the government’s vision of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship at a national level. This collaboration underscores ITC's commitment to supporting emerging businesses and driving economic progress.

Dr. K.S. Chauhan is the author of the book "Parliament: Powers, Functions & Privileges; A Comparative Constitutional Perspective." The book was launched by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, who praised Dr. Chauhan’s dedication to exploring the crucial role of Parliament in a democracy. The book offers insights into Parliament's functions, privileges, and its essential role in maintaining government accountability. It also highlights the significance of parliamentary privileges and the need for responsible use by Members of Parliament (MPs), making it a valuable resource for policymakers, law students, and parliamentarians.

The India Pavilion at Heimtextil 2025 was inaugurated by the Minister of Textiles at Messe Frankfurt, showcasing India’s advancements in the textile industry. Heimtextil is a prominent global event for home textile exporters, importers, and manufacturers, making Frankfurt a key venue for this international showcase. The Minister emphasized India's competitiveness in the sector and the importance of collaboration for sustainable growth, underlining India's significant role in the global textile market.

The Boda Tyohar, or Magho ko Tyohar, is the grandest annual festival celebrated by the Hatti tribes in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh. This month-long festival, marking the end of the 'Magha' month, is celebrated by over three lakh members of the Hatti community. The festival involves unique rituals, communal meals, and traditional performances, emphasizing the community's strong cultural heritage and unity. The Hatti tribe holds the festival with deep cultural significance, showcasing their distinct customs, beliefs, and the central role of women in their society.

Uttar Pradesh has decided to privatize Dakshinanchal and Purvanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam, which serve 21 districts each, to tackle power losses and infrastructure challenges. This move aims to enhance operational efficiency and boost renewable energy transmission. By adopting a private-public partnership model, Uttar Pradesh follows successful examples in states like Delhi and Odisha, where similar measures have led to significant improvements in power distribution and efficiency.

Anju Bobby George, a legendary long jumper, has been appointed as the chairperson of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) Athletes Commission. She leads a diverse panel that includes prominent athletes like Jyotirmoyee Sikdar, Krishna Poonia, and others. This panel aims to provide a voice for athletes within AFI. The inclusion of Neeraj Chopra and other notable members signifies the representation of excellence across various disciplines in Indian athletics, with Anju Bobby George at the helm, reflecting her enduring influence in the field.