Daily Current Affairs

Union Home Minister Amit Shah presided over a high-level review meeting on drug trafficking in Chandigarh.

Key details:

• The meeting concentrated on tackling cross-border narcotics smuggling along the Punjab-Pakistan frontier
• Representatives from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Chandigarh participated
• Primary substances of concern include heroin and synthetic drugs entering via the western border

President Droupadi Murmu launched multiple development initiatives during her two-day Odisha visit.

Key highlights:

• The visit focused on tribal welfare and rural development schemes across the state
• Key project inaugurations occurred in Mayurbhanj district, her home region

The India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) reported significant progress in domestic chip manufacturing.

Key achievements:

• Multiple fabrication units have achieved commercial production targets ahead of schedule
• The mission operates under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
• India targets establishing semiconductor self-reliance by 2030

The Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 opened at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Key details:

• The expo showcases electric vehicles, autonomous technology, and sustainable mobility solutions
• Over 1,500 exhibitors from 50+ countries are participating
• The event runs from 17-22 January 2025

Maha Kumbh 2025 at Prayagraj recorded unprecedented pilgrim attendance on the Makar Sankranti bathing day.

Key facts:

• Approximately 35 million devotees took the holy dip at the Triveni Sangam
• The Sangam represents the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers
• Maha Kumbh occurs once every 12 years at Prayagraj

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) increased the UPI transaction limit for tax payments to ₹5 lakh.

Key details:

• The previous limit stood at ₹1 lakh per transaction
• This enhancement facilitates higher-value direct and indirect tax payments
• UPI processed over 16 billion transactions in December 2024

SEBI implemented a new framework reducing the IPO listing timeline from T+6 to T+3 days.

Key aspects:

• The move aims to improve market efficiency and reduce investor waiting periods
• Companies must now complete allotment and refund processes within tighter deadlines

Israel and Hamas announced a ceasefire agreement following intensive diplomatic negotiations.

Key details:

• Qatar, Egypt, and the United States served as key mediators in the peace process
• The agreement includes provisions for hostage release and humanitarian aid delivery
• The conflict began on 7 October 2023 following Hamas attacks on Israel

Donald Trump is scheduled for inauguration as the 47th President of the United States on 20 January 2025.

Key facts:

• He becomes only the second president in American history to serve non-consecutive terms
• Grover Cleveland was the first, serving as the 22nd and 24th President
• JD Vance will be sworn in as Vice President

M. Rajeshwar Rao received reappointment as Deputy Governor of RBI for a second term.

Key details:

• He oversees regulation, supervision, and financial inclusion portfolios
• RBI currently has four Deputy Governors
• The RBI Governor is Sanjay Malhotra

ISRO announced the PSLV-C60 mission carrying the SPADEX docking experiment.

Key details:

• SPADEX (Space Docking Experiment) will demonstrate autonomous docking technology
• The technology is critical for Chandrayaan-4 sample return and future space station operations
• Two satellites named SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target) will perform docking maneuvers

The government launched the National AI Mission with ₹10,000 crore allocation.

Key features:

• The mission focuses on building AI computing infrastructure and research capacity
• Plans include establishing 10,000 GPU computing clusters across the country
• The initiative operates under MeitY’s IndiaAI programme

DRDO completed successful trials of the extended range ASTRA air-to-air missile.

Key specifications:

• The upgraded variant has a strike range exceeding 160 km
• ASTRA is a beyond visual range (BVR) missile designed for aerial combat
• The missile will be integrated with Tejas, Su-30MKI, and Rafale aircraft

The Australian Open 2025 tennis tournament progressed to knockout rounds at Melbourne Park.

Key details:

• The tournament is the first Grand Slam of the 2025 season
• Total prize money stands at AUD 96.5 million
• Rod Laver Arena hosts the main draw matches with retractable roof capability
• The tournament commenced on 12 January 2025 and concludes on 26 January 2025

The Khelo India Winter Games 2025 will take place in Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir.

Key details:

• Events include skiing, ice hockey, figure skating, and ice stock sport
• Over 1,500 athletes from 26 states are expected to participate
• The event promotes winter sports culture and tourism in the region

The Padma Awards 2025 nominations entered the final review stage ahead of Republic Day.

Key facts:

• Padma Awards include Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri
• The awards recognize exceptional contributions in various fields
• Padma Awards were instituted in 1954