Current Affairs - January 27, 2025 Current Affairs

Punjab National Bank (PNB) became the first Indian bank to implement Clari5’s NCRP Integration Solution, enabling real-time fraud prevention and efficient complaint management. This innovative solution offers features such as real-time lien marking, debit freeze, and dynamic dashboards, ensuring enhanced security across various banking channels. Additionally, it supports emerging technologies like Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), setting a benchmark for the banking industry to adopt more advanced fraud prevention measures.

The International Day of Clean Energy is observed on January 26 each year, established by the UN in 2009. The day emphasizes the importance of clean energy access and the efforts led by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in driving global energy transitions and innovations. With over 685 million people lacking electricity and 1.8 billion projected to use unsafe cooking methods by 2030, this day draws attention to the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions worldwide.

Senior Diplomat Jitender Pal Singh, an Indian Foreign Service officer from the 2002 batch, was appointed as India’s Ambassador to Israel on January 24, 2025. Singh has extensive experience in managing sensitive diplomatic roles, including serving as Deputy High Commissioner to Pakistan and leading the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran division. His appointment comes during Israel's post-conflict recovery phase and emphasizes strengthening India’s strategic and technological ties with Israel. He succeeds Sanjeev Kumar Singla, who has taken up the role of India’s Ambassador to France.

Jyothi Yarraji secured gold in the women’s 60m indoor hurdles at the Meeting de Nantes Métropole 2025, achieving a remarkable time of 8.04 seconds and breaking her own national record of 8.12 seconds set at the 2024 Asian Indoor Championships. This achievement highlights her consistent performance and exceptional talent in athletics. Meanwhile, Tejas Shirse also made headlines by setting a new national record in the men's 60m hurdles in Luxembourg, clocking 7.65 seconds.

Indian Grandmaster Iniyan Panneerselvam claimed the 9th Johor International Open Chess Tournament title in Malaysia with a dominant performance, scoring 8.5 points across nine rounds. The 22-year-old from Erode, Tamil Nadu, finished 1.5 points ahead of his closest rival, securing the title even before the final round. His victory included defeating notable players, such as 4 International Masters and 1 Grandmaster. Iniyan’s triumph further highlights his remarkable talent, adding to his earlier success at the Chennai Open in January 2025.

Jannik Sinner emerged victorious in the men’s singles category at the 2025 Australian Open, which took place at Melbourne Park from January 12 to 26. This prestigious Grand Slam marked its 113th edition, showcasing world-class tennis talent. Alongside Sinner’s triumph, Madison Keys won the women’s singles title, while Harri Heliövaara and Henry Patten secured the men’s doubles championship. The tournament highlighted exceptional performances across all categories, solidifying its reputation as one of tennis's most celebrated events.

International Customs Day is observed annually on January 26 to honour customs officials and agencies for their significant role in ensuring the smooth and secure transit of goods across borders. The World Customs Organization (WCO) commemorates this day to highlight the importance of customs in global trade and security. In 2025, the theme for the day is “Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity.” This celebration underscores the vital contributions of customs to global economic development.

Dr. K.M. Cherian, a pioneering cardiac surgeon, passed away on January 25, 2025, in Bengaluru. He was celebrated for performing India’s first coronary bypass and heart-lung transplant. He also founded the Frontier Lifeline Hospital and Frontier Mediville, which were dedicated to advanced cardiac research and treatment. His contributions to the medical field were immense, and his autobiography, Just an Instrument, was released shortly before his passing, providing a glimpse into his extraordinary life and career.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day is observed on January 27 each year to honour the victims of the Holocaust and commemorate the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau by Soviet troops on this date in 1945. Proclaimed by the United Nations in 2005, the day also serves to promote awareness and counter antisemitism and intolerance worldwide. The 2025 observance marks the 80th anniversary of Auschwitz's liberation, with UNESCO organizing global educational events starting on January 23.

M. Mohan was appointed as the Director of ISRO's Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) in Thiruvananthapuram on January 25, 2025. He succeeded Dr. V. Narayanan, who became the ISRO Chairman earlier that month. M. Mohan has been an integral part of ISRO's propulsion initiatives and his expertise in liquid propulsion systems has played a significant role in advancing India's space capabilities. The LPSC has been central to the development of liquid propulsion stages for India’s launch vehicles and spacecraft, contributing to key missions like PSLV, GSLV, Chandrayaan, and Mangalyaan.

Odisha Warriors emerged victorious in the inaugural Women’s Hockey India League (HIL), defeating JSW Soorma Hockey Club 2-1 in the final held in Ranchi. The tournament highlighted exceptional performances, with Yibbi Jansen of Odisha Warriors being one of the top scorers. Other notable players included Jyoti (Player of the Tournament) and Savita Punia (Best Goalkeeper), both from JSW Soorma Hockey Club. Odisha’s victory signifies their outstanding teamwork and determination in the competition.

National Geographic Day is celebrated every year on January 27 to honour the foundation of the National Geographic Society, which was established on this date in 1888. The day commemorates the organization's significant contributions to science, exploration, and environmental conservation. National Geographic has inspired generations with its stunning photography, research, and educational initiatives. The day serves as a reminder of society’s commitment to preserving the planet and promoting curiosity about Earth, nature, and humanity.