CURRENT AFFAIRS
14 January, 2025
1. 77TH INDIAN ARMY DAY 2025- HONOURING VALOR AND PATRIOTISM –
• Every year on January 15, India marks Indian Army Day, a significant occasion that celebrates the foundation of the Indian Army and the pivotal moment in history when power was handed over to Indian leadership. This day represents both India’s military independence and the nation’s progress toward self-reliance in defense matters.
• Indian Army Day pays tribute to the valor and sacrifices of soldiers who dedicated their lives to the service of the country.
• This event is not just a celebration of the Indian Army’s achievements but also an effort to instill a deep sense of patriotism and unity among citizens. The day is a reminder of the unwavering commitment of our armed forces in ensuring the nation’s security.
2. MAKAR SANKRANTI 2025 –
• Makar Sankranti is a vibrant and ancient Hindu festival that celebrates the Sun’s movement from the Sagittarius zodiac sign to Capricorn.
• This event marks the end of the long winter nights and the beginning of longer days, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. In 2025, Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 14.
• In 2025, Makar Sankranti will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 14. According to the Drik Panchang, the auspicious timings for the day are:
3. INAUGURAL KHO KHO WORLD CUP KICKS OFF WITH SPECTACULAR OPENING CEREMONY –
• The inaugural edition of the Kho Kho World Cup kicked off with great enthusiasm on January 13, 2025, at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi.
• This marked a significant moment in the history of indigenous sports, bringing together 23 nations for a celebration of Kho Kho, a traditional game originating from India.
4. IRAN’S CAPITAL SHIFT TO MAKRAN AND ALEXANDER’S LEGACY –
• Iran plans to relocate its capital from Tehran to the southern Makran coastal region due to economic and ecological concerns.
• In ancient times, Makran was notable as the region where Alexander the Great lost a third of his men while retreating to Macedonia, after his Invasion of India (327–325 BCE).
• Historical Context: Tehran has been Iran’s capital for over 200 years, having been established during the reign of Agha Mohammad Khan, the first ruler of the Qajar dynasty (1794 to 1925) of Iran .
• Planned Relocation: Iran intends to move its capital from Tehran to Makran in Sistan and Baluchestan Province due to Tehran’s overpopulation, pollution, water scarcity, and energy shortages.
• The idea of relocating the capital was first proposed during Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s presidency in the early 2000s.
5. COMMISSIONING OF NILGIRI, SURAT AND VAGHSHEER –
• The Indian Navy announced the commissioning of Nilgiri, Surat, and Vaghsheer, built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), on 15th January 2025, at Mumbai.
• Nilgiri: The lead ship of Project 17A, represents a major upgrade over the Shivalik-class frigates, featuring advanced stealth technology and state-of-the-art weapon systems to strengthen naval defense.
• Surat: The fourth and final destroyer under Project 15B, is an enhanced version of the Kolkata-class destroyers, equipped with long-range missiles and indigenous weapons systems.
• Project 15B is an initiative by the Indian Navy to design and construct four advanced guided-missile destroyers
• Vaghsheer: The sixth submarine in the Scorpene-class (Project 75), is one of the quietest diesel-electric submarines globally, capable of anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, and special operations.
• Project-75 (India) aims to build 18 conventional submarines and six nuclear-powered submarines for the Indian Navy.
MCQ QUIZ
Q1. Neduntheevu Island, that was recently seen in news, is located in which country ?
a) Bangladesh
b) Myanmar
c) Sri Lanka
d) Indonesia
Q2. Project Veer Gatha 4.0 a joint initiative of which ministries ?
a) Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Youth Affairs
b) Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Education
c) Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Defence
d Ministry of Education and Ministry of Sports
Q3. Joseph Aoun has been elected as president of which country ?
a) Oman
b) Lebanon
c) Qatar
d) Yemen
Q4. Consider the following statements regarding the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025:
1. The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 began on January 13, 2025, and will last for 45 days.
2. The Kumbh Mela is celebrated every 12 years at four sacred locations: Haridwar, Prayagraj, Ujjain, and Nashik.
3. The Kumbh Mela is spiritually significant due to the belief that bathing at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj grants moksha (spiritual liberation).
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
a) 1, and 3 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) All of these
Explanation-
Statement 1 is correct: The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 will indeed begin on January 13, 2025, and continue for 45 days, concluding on February 26, 2025.
Statement 2 is correct: The Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years at four sacred sites: Haridwar, Prayagraj, Ujjain, and Nashik.
Statement 3 is correct: Pilgrims believe that taking a ritual bath at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj purifies their sins and grants moksha.
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the Cashless Treatment Scheme for Road Accident Victims:
1. The scheme covers treatment costs up to ₹1.5 lakh per incident and applies to all road accidents involving motor vehicles.
2. Victims can receive treatment under the scheme for a duration of up to 30 days after the accident.
3. A police report must be filed within 24 hours of the accident for treatment to be covered under the scheme.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 3 only
c) All of the above
d) None of these
Explanation-
Statement 1 is correct: The scheme indeed covers treatment costs up to ₹1.5 lakh per incident and applies to all road accidents involving motor vehicles.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The scheme provides coverage for treatment only up to 7 days, not 30 days.
Statement 3 is correct: A police report must be filed within 24 hours for treatment coverage under the scheme.
Answer Key
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
C | B | B | D | B |