CURRENT AFFAIRS
16 January, 2025
1. INDIA JOINS UN PANEL ON BIG DATA –
• India has become a member of the United Nations (UN) Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics (UN-CEBD) after its recent induction into the United Nations Statistical Council (UNSC), signaling its growing influence in global statistical frameworks.
• UN-CEBD is a specialized body under the United Nations, established to leverage Big Data and data science for strengthening global statistical systems.
• It was established in 2014, under the aegis of the United Nations Statistical Commission (UNSC).
• It has 31 member states (including India) and 16 internatio nal organizations.
• Explore the role of big data in monitoring and reporting progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
2. 77TH INDIA ARMY DAY –
• Indian Army Day is celebrated annually on 15th January to commemorate the appointment of General (later Field Marshal) K. M. Cariappa as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army in 1949.
• He succeeded British General Sir F. R. R. Bucher, marking a historic moment in India’s post-independence military leadership.
• 2025 Theme: ‘Samarth Bharat, Saksham Sena’ (Capable India, Empowered Army). Pune hosts the Army Day parade for the first time, emphasizing its military significance.
• It is home to key establishments like the Southern Command, National Defence Academy (NDA), and DRDO facilities.
3. ISKCON TEMPLE INAUGURATED BY PM MODI IN NAVI MUMBAI –
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sri Sri Radha Madanmohanji Temple of ISKCON in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, on January 15, 2025.
• Built over 12 years at a cost of ₹170 crore, this temple is Asia’s second-largest ISKCON temple.
• It stands as a fusion of spirituality and knowledge, featuring various facilities that reflect ISKCON’s mission to serve society.
• The inauguration was attended by prominent figures, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Governor CP Radhakrishnan, and MP Hema Malini.
4. PM MODI COMMISSIONS INS SURAT, NILGIRI, AND VAGSHEER –
• On January 15, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned three significant naval assets—INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vagsheer—at the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai. This event underscores India’s commitment to enhancing its maritime capabilities and achieving self-reliance in defense production.
• INS Surat is the fourth and final ship of the Project 15B, also known as the Visakhapatnam-class destroyers. Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by MDL, this guided missile destroyer measures 163 meters in length and 17 meters in width, with a top speed of 30 knots.
• It boasts approximately 75% indigenous content and is equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry, including the indigenously developed Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM), BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, torpedo tube launchers, and anti-submarine indigenous rocket launchers. The ship also features modern stealth capabilities and can accommodate two helicopters.
5. ISRO SUCCESSFULLY DOCKS SATELLITES, ENTERS ELITE CLUB –
• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully docked two satellites in space, marking India as the fourth country to achieve this feat after the United States, Russia, and China.
• The docking process, part of the SpaDeX (Space Docking Exercise) mission, demonstrates ISRO’s capability to conduct autonomous satellite docking. This milestone is critical for future missions like Chandrayaan-4 and the planned Bharatiya Antariksh Station.
MCQ QUIZ
Q1. Diego Garcia Island, that was recently seen in news, is located in which ocean ?
a) Indian Ocean
b) Atlantic Ocean
c) Pacific Ocean
d) Arctic Ocean
Q2. Nag Mk 2 Missile is developed by which organization ?
a) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
b) Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
c) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
d) Bharat Dynamics Limited
Q3. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 6.5 km Z-Morh tunnel in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district. What is the expenditure incurred for the construction of the Z-Morh tunnel ?
a) ₹2,000 crore
b) ₹2,500 crore
c) ₹2,700 crore
d) ₹3,000 crore
Q4. Consider the following statements regarding the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC):
Statement-I: The Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) of India was established in 1948 under the direct authority of the President of India.
Statement-II: The primary objective of the AEC is to ensure the peaceful use of nuclear energy, including power generation, agriculture, and medicine.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.
b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.
c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect.
d) Statement-I is incorrect, and Statement-II is correct.
Explanation-
· The government has re-constituted the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC)
· It has National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Pramod Kumar Mishra, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Somanathan and Govil as ex-officio members.
Statement 1 is incorrect: The Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) of India was established in 1948 under the direct authority of the Prime Minister of India.
The Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) was first set up in August 1948 within the Department of Scientific Research under the leadership of Dr. Homi J. Bhabha
AEC is tasked with formulating policies for the Department of Atomic Energy
Mandate: To plan and implement the various measures required for the expansion of the atomic energy programme and responsible for formulating the policy of the DAE
Ex-officio Chairman of the AEC: Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Atomic Energy is the Ex-officio Chairman of the AEC.
Other Members of the AEC are appointed for each calendar year on the recommendation of Chairman, AEC and after approval by the Prime Minister.
· Under Atomic Energy Commission Five Research centers are included:
· Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam (Tamil Nadu).
· Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology (RRCAT), Indore.
· Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai.
· Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre (VECC), Kolkata.
· Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), Hyderabad
Statement 2 is correct: The AEC’s primary objective includes promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy in various fields, such as power generation, agriculture, healthcare (e.g., radioisotopes in medicine), and scientific research. This aligns with India’s commitment to peaceful nuclear applications.
Q5. With reference to the ‘ the Z-Morh tunnel’, consider the following statements:
1. It will facilitate all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg enroute Leh.
2. It enhances access to Thajiwas glacier.
3. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation-
The Prime Minister inaugurated the Z-Morh tunnel, a strategically significant infrastructure project located in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir.
The name “Z-Morh” derives from the Z-shaped roadway that existed before the tunnel’s construction.
Overseen by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), the Z-Morh tunnel has been referred to by NHIDCL as an “engineering marvel.”
The Z-Morh tunnel is part of the Zojila tunnel project that aims to provide all weather connectivity from Srinagar to Ladakh throughout the year.
The tunnel will enhance connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg while providing safe access to the strategically important Ladakh region.
Statement 1 is correct: It will facilitate all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg enroute Leh.
Statement 2 is correct: It enhances access to Thajiwas glacier.
The completion of the Z-Morh Tunnel is expected to boost local economies by promoting trade and tourism, ultimately benefiting the overall development of the region, in addition to enhancing regional connectivity, safety, and economic growth.
Answer Key
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
A | B | C | D | C |