Current Affairs - January 25, 2025 Current Affairs

Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) is the bronze sponsor for the 38th National Games, which will be hosted in Uttarakhand for the first time. The event features "Mouli," the mascot inspired by the Monal, Uttarakhand's state bird, and the tagline "Sankalp Se Shikhar Tak," symbolizing a journey from resolution to achievement. The sponsorship highlights Indian Oil's commitment to promoting sports and national events in India.

Haryana introduced the ‘Samman Sanjeevani’ app to enhance the delivery of benefits under the ‘Mahila Evam Kishori Samman Yojana,’ focusing on BPL women and girls aged 10-45 years. The app ensures the monthly distribution of sanitary napkins via Anganwadi centres and schools while maintaining updated beneficiary data. Launched by WCD Minister Shruti Choudhry, this initiative aligns with the state’s commitment to women’s health and empowerment, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ campaign.

India has joined the Eurodrone (MALE RPAS) programme as an observer, marking a significant step in international defence cooperation. This €7.1 billion initiative, led by Airbus Defence and Space and managed by OCCAR, focuses on various advanced capabilities like intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR). With payload capabilities of up to 2.3 tonnes and endurance of 40 hours, Eurodrone aims to bolster maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, and early warning systems.

Reliance Industries has announced plans to build the world’s largest data centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat. This massive project will have a capacity of one gigawatt and will play a key role in advancing India’s digital transformation, especially in artificial intelligence (AI). With strategic partnerships, including one with NVIDIA for Blackwell AI processors, the data centre will become a pivotal hub for AI, machine learning, and data processing. This ambitious initiative aligns with India’s goal of becoming a leader in digital infrastructure and AI capabilities.

Nepal hosted the 1st International Pashmina Festival, a 3-day event featuring over 150 stalls and promoting its "Chyangra Pashmina," known for its traditional craftsmanship and use of natural dyes. Nepali Pashmina holds a prominent position in global markets such as the US, Japan, and Europe. The festival aims to address challenges like raw material shortages through policy reforms. While India also produces high-quality Pashmina in regions like Ladakh and Kashmir, the market faces competition from blended and cheaper alternatives.

Odisha secured the top position in the Fiscal Health Index (FHI) 2025, launched by NITI Aayog to evaluate the fiscal health of 18 major Indian states. The index assesses states on five sub-indices: Quality of Expenditure, Revenue Mobilisation, Fiscal Prudence, Debt Index, and Debt Sustainability. Odisha achieved a composite score of 67.8, outperforming other states like Chhattisgarh (55.2) and Goa (53.6). This ranking underscores Odisha's strong fiscal management and prudent financial policies.

In June 2024, Akhil Gupta, Vice Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, was appointed as the Chairman of Bharti AXA Life Insurance. Gupta brings over 40 years of experience, having played a pivotal role in Bharti Airtel's growth and forging strategic partnerships with leading investors such as Warburg Pincus, Temasek, and Sequoia Capital. His leadership has been instrumental in Bharti Enterprises' expansion, including overseeing public listings and joint ventures, cementing his reputation as a key figure in corporate governance and strategy.

Odisha has taken a significant step by allocating ₹16 crore for forest management and protection in 100 villages under the Forest Right Act. The funds will be directly managed by gram sabhas, reflecting a shift from the Forest Department to community-based management. This initiative is part of a broader plan to implement Community Forest Resource plans across 400 villages, showcasing Odisha’s commitment to sustainable forest governance.

Himachal Pradesh celebrates its Statehood Day annually on January 25, marking its transition to India’s 18th state in 1971. This day symbolizes the state's historical journey from being a Chief Commissioner's province in 1948 to attaining full statehood. It is a moment of pride and reflection for the residents of Himachal Pradesh, recognizing their state's progress and development over the years.

The high-speed rail connecting Abu Dhabi and Dubai, announced by Etihad Rail, will operate at a top speed of 350 km/h, reducing travel time between the cities to just 30 minutes. This project is expected to boost the UAE's GDP by Dh145 billion over 50 years. The rail system will feature four passenger stations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah, integrating with existing metro and bus networks. With premium amenities inspired by Emirati heritage, the project reflects the UAE's commitment to modernizing transportation infrastructure.

Telangana’s first 24-hour drinking water supply project was launched in Karimnagar Smart City. Inaugurated by Union Minister Manohar Lal, the project cost ₹18 crore and included 6,000 water connections across 5 divisions. Karimnagar also saw the inauguration of a ₹12.35 crore multipurpose building and a ₹22 crore sports school complex, showcasing significant investments in urban infrastructure and development.