Current Affairs- 13 January 2025

Important Current Affairs- 13 January 2025

National News:

• India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, will attend the swearing-in of Donald Trump as the 47th U.S. President on January 20, 2025. This marks Trump’s second term and highlights ongoing India-U.S. engagement, with both nations seeking to deepen their partnership.
• Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched the National River Traffic and Navigation System (NRT&NS) on January 11, 2025, aiming to enhance the safety and efficiency of inland waterway transport.
• India is set to sign an MoU with Mongolia to enhance cooperation in geology and exploration aiming to secure essential resources like copper and coking coal. This partnership will help diversify India’s supply sources reducing dependence on traditional suppliers and strengthening industrial sectors.
• Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI) has been chosen by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to set up South India’s first Infectious Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (IRDL). The lab will focus on diagnosing infectious diseases caused by bacteria, fungi.
• The Indian economy is projected to grow by 6.6 per cent in 2025, according to the United Nations’ World Economic Situation and Prospects report. This growth is supported by strong private consumption and investment. The report maintains its previous growth forecast, reflecting confidence in India’s economic resilience. The public sector plays important role in funding infrastructure projects. These projects enhance physical and digital connectivity and improve social infrastructure, including sanitation and water supply.
• The INROAD (Indian Natural Rubber Operations for Assisted Development) project is making progress in the North East of India. Launched with a financial backing of ₹100 crore, the initiative aims to enhance the quality of natural rubber produced in the region. This funding will facilitate skill development for rubber growers and the establishment of model infrastructure.
• Madhya Pradesh has revealed the PARTH Yojana, aimed at empowering youth for careers in defence and law enforcement. This initiative, introduced by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav during the State-Level Youth Festival, focuses on enhancing physical and mental preparedness. The scheme seeks to instil patriotism and employability among the youth, facilitating their entry into the Indian Army, police, and paramilitary forces.

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International News:

• In January 2025, Southern California faced devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, including celebrity neighborhoods like Hollywood Hills. Fires such as the Palisades and Eaton fires led to 10 deaths, 130,000 people displaced, and delays in the Oscars nominations.
• In a significant climate milestone, 2024 became the first year when global temperatures surpassed the critical 1.5°C mark above pre-industrial levels, according to Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S). Experts warn that without urgent emission reductions, the world risks exceeding the 2°C limit.
• Japan has imposed fresh sanctions on Russia, freezing assets of 11 individuals, 29 organizations, and three banks, while also targeting entities in countries like China and Turkey for aiding Russia in evading sanctions.
• Mount Ibu, located in North Maluku, Indonesia, erupted recently, sending ash clouds up to 3 kilometres high. This eruption is part of a larger pattern of volcanic activity in the region, which is known for its geological volatility. The Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) has issued an orange-level Volcano Observatory Notice for Aviation (VONA), signalling heightened caution for air travel. This page provides essential information regarding the eruption, safety measures, and implications for travel and aviation.
• Ebola virus remains threat to global health, with a high fatality rate of approximately 50%. Recent advancements at the University of Minnesota and the Midwest Antiviral Drug Discovery (AViDD) Center have led to the development of novel nanobody-based inhibitors targeting this deadly pathogen. These inhibitors, named Nanosota-EB1 and Nanosota-EB2, represent milestone in combating Ebola and potentially other related viruses.