Daily Current Affairs
(13/12 – Jan – 25)
1. National Youth Day January 12th –
• National Youth Day, also known as Rashtriya Yuva Diwas, is celebrated annually on January 12 to honor the birth anniversary of Swami
Vivekananda. Recognized for his contributions to spiritual growth, national integration, and youth empowerment, Swamiji’s life and teachings remain an inspiration to India’s youth.
• The Government of India declared his birthday as National Youth Day in 1984 to encourage young people to follow his ideals and work towards a progressive, united, and self-reliant India.
2. 150 Years of India Meteorological Department (IMD) –
• The India Meteorological Department (IMD), established in 1875, is one of the oldest scientific institutions in India dedicated to weather forecasting and disaster preparedness.
• As it marks its 150th anniversary on January 15, 2025, the IMD continues to play a pivotal role in tracking weather patterns, issuing cyclone warnings, monitoring earthquakes, and studying atmospheric changes.
• Ancient Roots: Early texts like the Upanishads (circa 3000 B.C.) discuss weather phenomena, including cloud formation, rain cycles, and seasons.
• Modern Meteorology: Scientific advancements began in the 17th century with the invention of the thermometer, barometer, and gas laws.
• First Observatory: Established in 1785 in Kolkata (Calcutta) to conduct weather studies.
3. DRDO’s HIMKAVACH: Advancing Cold Weather Military Apparel –
• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has unveiled the HIMKAVACH multi-layer clothing system, engineered to enhance the operational efficiency of military personnel in extreme cold conditions.
• This innovative apparel has successfully completed user trials, demonstrating its effectiveness in temperatures ranging from +20°C to -60°C.
• HIMKAVACH is a multi-layered clothing system meticulously crafted to provide optimal insulation, breathability, and protection against moisture. The outer layer is designed to repel water and wind while maintaining breathability. The inner layers trap heat close to the body, ensuring warmth even in frigid conditions.
4. PM Modi Opens Z-Morh Tunnel in J&K –
• On January 13, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Z-Morh
Tunnel in Jammu and Kashmir, marking a significant milestone in improving all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and the strategic region of Ladakh.
• The 6.5-kilometer-long, bi-directional Z-Morh Tunnel is situated at an altitude of approximately 8,652 feet on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway.
• It connects Gagangir and the popular tourist destination of Sonamarg, bypassing avalanche-prone areas and reducing travel time from over two hours to just 15 minutes. Initiated in 2015 under the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), the project was completed at a cost of ₹2,400 crore.
5. India’s Jaishankar to Join Trump’s Swearing-In Ceremony –
• Dr. S. Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM), will represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Donald Trump on January 20, 2025.
• The inauguration is a significant event as Trump will begin his second term as the 47th President of the United States.
• Jaishankar’s visit is an important diplomatic occasion, marking continued engagement between India and the U.S. as both countries explore avenues to strengthen their partnership.
MCQ Quiz
Q1. The National Youth Day is celebrated on 12th January every year in commemoration of which Indian leader ?
a) Bhagat Singh
b) Chandra Shekhar Azad
c) APJ Abdul Kalam
d) Swami Vivekananda
Q2. According to a United Nations report, by what percentage is the Indian economy expected to expand in 2025 ?
a) 5.6%
b) 6.6%
c) 7.2%
d) 5.0%
Q3. What is the name of the new food delivery app launched by Swiggy, It is a 15-minute food delivery app offering quick snacks and meals, similar to Zepto’s Zepto Cafe ?
a) Swiggy Express
b) Snacc by Swiggy
c) Swiggy Snack
d) Swiggy Dash
Q4. Assertion (A): The Bijapur Maoist attack of January 6, 2025 indicating a severe lapse in standard operating procedures (SOPs) followed by security forces.
Reason (R): Security forces operating in Maoist-affected zones follow strict SOPs.
Choose the correct option:
a) Both Assertion and Reason are correct, and the Reason is the correct explanation for the Assertion.
b) Both Assertion and Reason are correct, but the Reason is not the correct explanation for the Assertion.
c) Assertion is correct, but Reason is incorrect.
d) Assertion is incorrect, but Reason is correct.
Explanation-
Assertion: The Bijapur Maoist attack, which led to the death of nine DRG personnel, points to a possible lapse in the SOPs typically followed by security forces in such zones. This attack mirrors the 2023 Dantewada incident, which also highlighted weaknesses in operational procedures, making the assertion correct.
Reason: Security forces indeed follow strict SOPs in Maoist-affected areas, including minimizing vehicle use, using unpredictable routes, and conducting preemptive measures like Road Opening Parties (ROP) to detect IEDs. The reason correctly describes the standard procedures in place to avoid such attacks.
Thus Both Assertion and Reason are correct, and the Reason is the correct explanation for the Assertion.
Q5. With reference to the Silligudi or Chicken Neck Corridor in India, consider the following statements:
• The Corridor is bordered with Nepal to the north and Bangladesh to the south.
• The Mahananda rivers flow through the Corridor.
• 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 Siliguri Corridor appeared in national news recently after Union Home Minister Amit Shah underlined the Corridor as a “very important strategic area of eastern India” that “serves an important link between Northeast and rest of India” at the 61st Raising Day of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) at Ranidanga near Siliguri in North Bengal.
About Siliguri Corridor
The Siliguri Corridor, also known as the “Chicken’s Neck”, is a narrow strip of land in West Bengal that connects the northeastern states of India to the rest of the country.
Location: The corridor is located in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal and is about 22 kilometers wide at its narrowest point.
Statement 1 is correct: The corridor is surrounded by Nepal and Bhutan to the north, and Bangladesh to the south.
Statement 2 is correct: The Teesta and Mahananda rivers flow through the Siliguri Corridor.
Significance: The Siliguri Corridor is a strategically vital strip of land that serves as a gateway to Southeast Asia.