Daily Current Affairs 16th Jan, 2025: Your guide for daily General Knowledge Preparation
Dear Readers,
This post contains important current affairs of 16th Jan, 2025. It includes all Major National, International, Business and Sports related current affairs of 16th Jan, 2025. A brief explanation of every current affair is provided to further enhance your general knowledge. Once you have gone through these current affairs we would recommend to you to try 16th Jan, 2025 Current affairs test.
International News
NPCI and Magnati Collaborate to Enhance UPI Usage in the UAE
NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL), the international branch of India’s National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has entered into a partnership with UAE-based fintech company Magnati. This collaboration aims to integrate the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) into the UAE’s payment system, facilitating seamless UPI transactions for Indian travelers in the region.
Singapore Grants Honorary Citizenship to Tarun Das
Singapore has bestowed its highest accolade for non-citizens, the Honorary Citizen Award, upon Tarun Das, the former Director General of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). This honor recognizes his significant efforts in enhancing Singapore-India relations.
US Updates Entity List: Removes Indian Firms, Adds Chinese Companies
The United States Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has revised its Entity List by removing three Indian organizations and adding eleven Chinese firms due to concerns related to national security. The Indian entities removed from the list include:
- Indian Rare Earths
- Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Center (IGCAR)
- Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC)
India and Spain Designate 2026 as ‘Dual Year’ for Culture, Tourism, and AI
In a major diplomatic initiative, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced that India and Spain will celebrate 2026 as a ‘dual year’ focusing on culture, tourism, and advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). This program is intended to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance mutual understanding between the two countries.
National News
Cabinet Approves Implementation of the 8th Pay Commission
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with his cabinet, gave the green light for establishing the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) dedicated to central government employees. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced this decision, which seeks to update the salaries and allowances for both current government employees and pensioners.
The primary objective of the 8th Pay Commission is to cater to the financial requirements of the workforce and ensure that compensation structures are revised promptly. This initiative is timely, considering that the 7th Pay Commission’s term is set to end in 2026, providing ample time to implement the new changes before the conclusion of the current commission’s tenure.
Kanuma Panduga 2025: Major Highlights of the Festival
Kanuma Panduga is a vital festival celebrated predominantly in the southern Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu, aligning with the Sankranti festival. Observed the day after Makar Sankranti, the festival is dedicated to venerating cattle, especially cows and bulls, symbolizing the harmonious relationship between humans, animals, and nature.
Kanuma Panduga signifies the sun’s transition towards the northern hemisphere, marking the onset of spring and longer daylight hours. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm, featuring traditional rituals and cultural festivities.
Odisha Government Introduces ₹20,000 Pension for Emergency Detainees
The Odisha state government has unveiled a substantial welfare initiative for individuals who were incarcerated during the Emergency period from 1975 to 1977. All surviving detainees from Odisha will receive a monthly pension of ₹20,000, in addition to medical coverage and other benefits.
This measure is part of the government’s efforts to honor and support those who were imprisoned under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) during the Emergency declared by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
India’s Hydrogen Train Engine Sets a New Global Power Standard
During the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, India’s Railway Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, highlighted a significant advancement in green energy technology. Indian Railways has successfully developed the world’s most potent hydrogen fuel-powered train engine, establishing a new global benchmark in railway innovation. This engine, created using indigenous technology, showcases India’s expanding expertise in green energy and sustainable development initiatives.
Prime Minister Modi Launches ISKCON Temple in Navi Mumbai
Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially opened the Sri Sri Radha Madanmohanji Temple of ISKCON in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai. This temple, constructed over twelve years at a cost of ₹170 crore, is the second-largest ISKCON temple in Asia.
It embodies a blend of spirituality and education, featuring various facilities that align with ISKCON’s mission to serve society. The inauguration ceremony was attended by notable personalities, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Governor CP Radhakrishnan, and Member of Parliament Hema Malini.
Defence News
Indian Army to Conduct ‘Devil Strike’ Military Exercise
The Indian Armed Forces will undertake a significant military exercise named Devil Strike. Organized under the leadership of the Indian Army, the exercise aims to enhance the combat readiness of the troops by simulating intense combat operations.
The exercise will showcase advanced strategies and innovative combat techniques to bolster national security and ensure effective defense against external threats. Additionally, it will test the coordination and synchronization between various branches of the Indian military, ensuring a unified response to potential challenges.
Science & Technology News
Pixxel and Digantara Successfully Launch Satellites for Earth and Space Monitoring
In a notable success for India’s private space industry, two Indian startups, Pixxel and Digantara, launched their satellites aboard a SpaceX rocket. These pioneering missions aim to tackle critical global issues such as agriculture, defense, and space sustainability. Pixxel’s launch introduces a constellation of satellites designed for advanced Earth observation, while Digantara’s SCOT satellite focuses on the real-time tracking of space objects, contributing to enhanced space monitoring capabilities.
ISRO Achieves Milestone with Successful Satellite Docking
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully docked two satellites in orbit, making India the fourth nation to accomplish this feat after the United States, Russia, and China. This docking operation, part of the SpaDeX (Space Docking Exercise) mission, showcases ISRO’s capability to perform autonomous satellite docking. This achievement is pivotal for future missions such as Chandrayaan-4 and the planned Bharatiya Antariksh Station, demonstrating India’s growing prowess in space technology.
Sports News
Arjun Erigaisi Shocks Chess World with Victories Over Carlsen and Caruana
Indian chess grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi achieved a stunning accomplishment in the online chess arena by defeating World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen and World No. 2 Fabiano Caruana in the Titled Tuesday weekly blitz competition hosted by Chess.com. Competing in the early hours of Tuesday, Erigaisi’s outstanding performance, where he secured 10 out of 11 points, distinguished him as a dominant force in the event.
Smriti Mandhana Records India’s Fastest Century in Women’s ODI Cricket
Indian opening batswoman Smriti Mandhana made headlines by breaking multiple records in the 3rd ODI against Ireland Women at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. Leading the team in the absence of Harmanpreet Kaur, Mandhana scored the fastest century by an Indian woman in ODIs, highlighting her exceptional skill and dominance. Her record-setting performance, along with a significant partnership with Pratika Rawal, played a crucial role in India’s impressive performance in the series.
