21st January 2025 current affairs

21st January 2025 current affairs

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We at Edusprint Academy are committed to bringing you the most relevant and updated 21st January 2025 current affairs curated from trusted and official sources. These updates are designed to keep you ahead in your exam preparation journey.

Our comprehensive Current Affairs of 21st January 2025 coverage aims to enhance your knowledge and boost your scores in Banking, Insurance, SSC, Railways, UPSC, and all State Government Exams. Explore our Current Affairs tailored to simplify your exam preparation.

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National news

Launch of 9th Edition of Swachh Survekshan (SS) 2025

In January 2025, Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MOHUA) launched the toolkit for 9th edition of Swachh Survekshan (SS), the world’s largest urban cleanliness survey, in its new version- simpler, sharper, systematic and all- inclusive.

Key Highlights

Introduction of Super Swachh League (SSL):

A special category for 2024, recognizing cities excelling in cleanliness.

Population-Based Classification:

Cities are divided into five categories:

  • Very Small
  • Small
  • Medium
  • Big
  • Medium-Plus

Evaluation based on population and customized parameters.

Timeline

Field Assessment Phase:

  • Starts on February 15, 2025.
  • Ends by March 2025.

About MoHUA

  • Union Minister: Manohar Lal Khattar (Constituency: Karnal, Haryana).
  • Minister of State (MoS): Tokhan Sahu (Constituency: Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh).
  • Swachh Survekshan 2025 underscores India’s commitment to urban cleanliness through innovation, inclusivity, and citizen engagement.
India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) Advances Semiconductor Manufacturing

In January 2025, the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), Mumbai(Maharashtra) based CG Power and Industrial Solutions Limited (also known as Crompton Greaves Limited), and Ahmedabad, (Gujarat) based CG Semi Private Limited (CSPL) signed a Fiscal Support Agreement (FSA) to advance India’s semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem.

The agreement supports CG Power’s Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) facility, which was approved under the Modified Programme for Development of Semiconductor and Display Manufacturing Ecosystem.

Fiscal Support Agreement (FSA)

Signed by:

  • India Semiconductor Mission (ISM).
  • CG Power and Industrial Solutions Limited (Mumbai).
  • CG Semi Private Limited (Ahmedabad).

Purpose: To strengthen India’s semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem under the Modified Programme for Development of Semiconductor and Display Manufacturing Ecosystem.

Key Project Details

  • Location: Sanand, Gujarat.
  • Facility: Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) unit.
  • Partners: Renesas Electronics America Inc. and Stars Microelectronics (Thailand) Public Company Limited.
  • Investment: ₹7,600 crore.
  • Fiscal Support: ISM will provide 50% fiscal support for eligible CAPEX.

 Contribution to Electronics Production: CG Power’s efforts align with India’s target of achieving USD 500 billion worth of electronics production by 2030.

About India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)

  • Launch Year: 2021.
  • Financial Outlay: ₹76,000 crore.
  • Under: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
  • Objective: To provide financial incentives for semiconductor, display manufacturing, and design ecosystems.

 ISM Schemes

  • Modified Scheme for Semiconductor Fabs.
  • Modified Scheme for Display Fabs.
  • Modified Scheme for Compound Semiconductors, Sensors, and ATMP/OSAT Facilities.
  • Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme.
Musi River’s Historic Buildings on 2025 World Monuments Watch

The Musi River Historic Buildings in Hyderabad have been included on the prestigious 2025 World Monuments Watch list, an initiative by the New York-based World Monuments Fund (WMF). The selection of these buildings highlights the urgent need for their preservation amidst ongoing environmental challenges, including the degradation of the Musi River and rapid urban development in the city. This recognition comes at a critical juncture when the Telangana government is actively working to rejuvenate the river and its heritage structures, combining efforts for both heritage conservation and environmental sustainability. Below are key details about this initiative.

Recognition:

  • Historic buildings along Hyderabad’s Musi River were included in the 2025 World Monuments Watch list by the New York-based World Monuments Fund (WMF) on January 15, 2025.
  • The site is among 25 globally selected locations, emphasizing preservation amidst environmental and human-made challenges.

Heritage Structures:

Notable buildings include:

  • Telangana High Court
  • State Central Library
  • Osmania General Hospital

British Residency (part of Koti Women’s College).

  • Environmental Challenges: The Musi River faces pollution and ecological degradation, threatening historic landmarks and the surrounding environment.
  • Government Initiatives: The Telangana government is rejuvenating the river through the Musi Riverfront Development Corporation Limited (MRDCL).

Restoration projects have begun for the State Central Library and British Residency.

WMF Advocacy:

  • The WMF is promoting site preservation, focusing on environmental conservation, climate adaptation, and heritage reactivation.
  • They allocated $2 million for preservation efforts in partnership with local stakeholders.

Community Engagement: Plans to involve private sector firms aim to boost tourism and enable adaptive reuse of historic structures.

Future Strategies: Over the next two years, WMF will help develop preservation strategies, advocacy plans, and fundraising efforts to protect these landmarks.

Musi River Details:

  • Source: Anantagiri Hills near Vicarabad, Telangana.
  • Tributary: Krishna River.
  • Dams: Himayat Sagar and Osman Sagar.
  • Impact on Hyderabad: Divides the city into old and new parts.
First ‘Mann Ki Baat’ of 2025 by PM Modi

The first ‘Mann Ki Baat’ of 2025 was conducted by the Prime Minister on January 20, a week earlier than usual, to accommodate the Republic Day celebrations on January 26. This special broadcast marked the 75th anniversary of the Indian Republic and included discussions on the Constitution, democracy, cultural traditions, advancements in space technology, and human-animal harmony.

Key Takeaways From Mann Ki Baat:

Special Date for the Broadcast

  • Aired on January 20, 2025, a week earlier to accommodate Republic Day celebrations.
  • Focused on India’s democratic journey and cultural heritage.

75th Republic Day Observance

Celebrated 75 years since the Indian Constitution came into effect.

Excerpts from speeches by visionaries like:

  • B.R. Ambedkar: Unity and cooperation amidst diversity.
  • Dr. Rajendra Prasad: Emphasis on peace, truth, and non-violence.
  • Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee: Advocated equality and inclusivity.

3. National Voters’ Day – January 25

  • Acknowledged the Election Commission of India’s establishment in 1950.
  • Highlighted modernized electoral processes and encouraged voter participation.

4. Strength of Indian Democracy

  • Reflected on skepticism during the 1951-52 elections and India’s success as the “Mother of Democracy.”
  • Praised democratic principles for strengthening governance.

5. Call to Action

  • Urged citizens to honor the Constitution makers by contributing to India’s development.
  • Encouraged maximum voter turnout in elections.

6. Kumbh Mela and Indian Traditions

  • Maha Kumbh commenced in Prayagraj, showcasing unity in diversity.
  • Promoted equality and harmony through rituals and cultural traditions.

Highlighted the global recognition of Indian festivals.

7. Ganga Sagar Mela

  • Celebrated on Makar Sankranti, drawing lakhs of devotees.
  • Emphasized festivals’ roles in promoting social harmony and spiritual empowerment.

8. Ram Lalla Pran Pratishtha Anniversary

  • Marked the first anniversary of Ram Lalla’s Pran Pratishtha.
  • Stressed preserving cultural heritage while advancing development.
  • This broadcast celebrated India’s Constitution, democratic achievements, and rich cultural heritage while calling for active citizen participation in nation-building.
PM Distributes 6.5 Million SVAMITVA Property Cards

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a virtual event on Saturday, highlighted the importance of providing property ownership records to rural populations. The distribution of over 6.5 million property cards under the SVAMITVA scheme is a key step in ensuring legal ownership for families in rural areas. Modi emphasized that addressing property documentation issues is crucial for empowering villagers, boosting their economic activities, and unlocking substantial capital. The scheme uses advanced drone technology to survey rural areas and provide legal property documents, benefiting millions of families.

  • Government Commitment PM Modi emphasized the importance of providing property ownership records to rural populations to address poverty, boost economic activities, and empower villagers.
  • SVAMITVA Scheme Overview: Launched in 2020, the scheme uses drone-based surveys to issue property cards as legal documents, improving property rights in villages.
  • Milestone Achievement: 6.5 million property cards distributed to beneficiaries across 12 states and Union territories. Benefited over 65 lakh families (approx. 2.25 crore individuals).
  • Impact on Rural Communities: Property cards enable villagers to access bank loans for starting small businesses. Significant benefits observed among Dalit, backward, and tribal families, reducing encroachments and disputes.
  • Economic Growth Potential: PM Modi estimated that full implementation of the scheme could unlock over ₹100 lakh crore in economic activities, boosting India’s economy.
  • Global Relevance: Modi referenced a UN study linking the lack of property documents to poverty, highlighting the scheme’s role in integrating rural economies with India’s national economy.
  • Technological Innovation: Utilizes advanced drone technology for mapping residential land, addressing challenges like climate change and resource management.

International news

Nigeria Joins BRICS as 9th Partner Country

In January 2025, the government of Brazil, which holds the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) bloc presidency in 2025, announced that Nigeria, the world’s 6th largest population and Africa’s largest country, has officially joined BRICS as the 9th Partner Country,

Other Partner countries of BRICS bloc are: Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan.

Current BRICS Partner Countries

Existing Partner Countries:

  • Belarus
  • Bolivia
  • Cuba
  • Kazakhstan
  • Malaysia
  • Thailand
  • Uganda
  • Uzbekistan

About BRICS

Origin:

  • Initiated as BRIC in 2006 with Russia, India, and China in St. Petersburg, Russia.
  • Formalized at the 1st BRIC Foreign Ministers Meeting at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) in 2006.

Expansion:

  • South Africa joined in 2010, renaming BRIC to BRICS.
  • New members in 2024: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE.
  • Indonesia joined in January 2025 as the 1st Southeast Asian country.


Major Events: 1st BRIC Summit: Held in Yekaterinburg, Russia (2009).

16th BRICS Summit (2024):

  • Hosted by Russia in Kazan.
  • Theme: “Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security.”

About Nigeria

  • Capital: Abuja
  • President: Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu
  • Currency: Nigerian Naira (NGN)
USA Removes Three Indian Nuclear Entities from Restrictive Entity List

In January 2025, the United States of America (USA)’s Bureau of Industry & Security (BIS) has removed 3 prominent Indian nuclear entities from its restrictive Entity List. This move aims to strengthen bilateral ties between India and USA and also focus on promoting advanced energy cooperation.

The entities removed from the USA entity list are: Trombay, Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC), Department of Atomic Energy(DAE); Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based IREL (India) Limited (formerly Indian Rare Earths Ltd); and Kalpakkam (Tamil Nadu, TN)-based Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR). The updated listing also includes modifications to one existing entry of India.

Key Announcement

In January 2025, the Bureau of Industry & Security (BIS) of the USA removed three Indian nuclear entities from its restrictive Entity List.

Purpose: To strengthen India-USA bilateral ties and promote advanced energy cooperation.

Entities Removed from the List

  • Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC): Trombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra.
  • IREL (India) Limited: Formerly Indian Rare Earths Ltd, Mumbai, Maharashtra.
  • Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR): Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu.

 Background of the Restrictions

  • Restrictions were imposed on over 200 Indian entities after India’s 1998 nuclear tests in Pokhran, Rajasthan.
  • The Entity List subjects individuals and organizations to strict licensing requirements for exporting and transferring specific items.

About the US Entity List

  • Prepared by: Bureau of Industry & Security (BIS), USA.
  • Purpose: Lists foreign persons or organizations suspected of activities contrary to US national security or foreign policy interests.

Impact of Inclusion:

  • Imposes stringent licensing requirements.
  • Complicates international business dealings.

About United States of America (USA)

  • President: Donald John Trump.
  • Capital: Washington, D.C.
  • Currency: United States Dollar (USD).

This move marks a significant step towards fostering stronger India-USA relations and facilitating technological and energy collaboration.

Agreement news

FIU-IND and NHB Sign MoU for AML/CFT Collaboration

In January 2025, New Delhi (Delhi) based Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND) under the Department of Revenue (DOR), Ministry of Finance (MOF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with New Delhi (Delhi) based National Housing Bank (NHB), under MoF to collaborate on a range of critical areas, including intelligence sharing, capacity building and risk assessment.

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)

Date: January 2025.

Signatories:

  • FIU-IND: Vivek Aggarwal, Director.
  • NHB: Sanjay Shukla, Managing Director.
  • Objective: Strengthen the implementation of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, and enhance Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter Financing of Terrorism (CFT) measures.

Key Areas of Collaboration

Nodal Officers: Both parties will appoint nodal and alternate nodal officers for coordination.

Intelligence Sharing: Exchange relevant information from their databases.

AML/CFT Risk Assessment:

  • Assess risks and vulnerabilities in Housing Finance Companies (HFCs).
  • Identify red flag indicators for Suspicious Transaction Reports in HFCs.

Training and Capacity Building: Provide outreach and training for supervised/reporting entities.

Compliance Monitoring: Ensure entities comply with PMLA, PML Rules, and RBI/NHB guidelines.

Quarterly Meetings: Review typologies/trends in AML/CFT crimes and discuss cases with sanctions.

About Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND)

  • Established: 2004.
  • Function: Analyze and disseminate financial transaction data related to money laundering and terrorism financing.
  • Director: Vivek Aggarwal.
  • Headquarters: New Delhi.

About National Housing Bank (NHB)

  • Established: 1988.
  • Function: Regulate and promote Housing Finance Companies in India.
  • Managing Director: Sanjay Shukla.
  • Headquarters: New Delhi.

Economy news

CII Projects 7% GDP Growth for 2025-26 Amid Rising Investments

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) anticipates India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to grow by 7% in the fiscal year 2025-26, driven by an uptick in private investments and employment generation.

GDP Growth Projection: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) estimates a 7% GDP growth for FY 2025-26, supported by increased private investments and employment generation.

2. Rise in Private Investments

  • 75% of respondents in a CII survey view the current economic climate as favorable for private investments.
  • 70% of surveyed firms plan to invest in FY 2025-26, signaling strong private sector participation.

3. Employment Generation Trends

  • 97% of firms expect workforce expansion in 2024-25 and 2025-26.
  • 42%-46% of firms anticipate a 10%-20% rise in employment.
  • 31%-36% of firms foresee up to a 10% increase in jobs.
  • Over the past three years, 79% of respondents added employees, indicating consistent hiring growth.

4. Comparative Growth Projections

  • Reserve Bank of India (RBI): Estimates 7% GDP growth for FY 2025-26, with potential for an 8% growth trend in subsequent years (per RBI Deputy Governor Michael Patra).
  • Government’s Estimates: Pegs FY 2024-25 GDP growth at 6.4%, down from 8.2% in 2023-24, with agriculture and allied sectors rebounding to 3.8% growth from 1.4%.

Appointment news

Government Extends Tenure of Robert Jerard Ravi as CMD of BSNL and MTNL

In January 2025, the Department of Telecommunications (DOT), Ministry of Communications (MOC) has extended the additional charge of Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of BSNL and MTNL assigned to Robert Jerard Ravi for another three months with effect from January 15, 2025, till April 14, 2025, or until further orders, whichever is earlier, subject to approval by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).

Gyanendra Pratap Singh Appointed as CRPF Director General

On January 18, 2025, the Indian government appointed Gyanendra Pratap Singh, a 1991-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, as the Director General (DG) of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Singh, who was serving as the Director General of Police (DGP) of Assam, will assume his new role immediately, with his tenure extending until his superannuation on November 30, 2027, or until further orders.

Ranks and report news

India Ranks 25th in QS World Future Skills Index 2025, Secures 2nd in ‘Future of Work’ Category

In January 2025, London (the United Kingdom, UK-based Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) released its first ‘World Future Skills Index 2025’. India secured 25th position globally earning a score of 76.6, which classifies it as a “future skills contender.”

India secured the 2nd position globally, behind the United States of America (USA) in the ‘Future of Work’ category indicating its strong readiness for technology-driven roles and industries of the future, especially in digital skills, artificial intelligence (AI), and green technologies.

Global Leaders

Top 5 Countries (Future Skills Pioneers):

  • USA: Score 97.6.
  • UK: Score 97.1.
  • Germany: Score 94.6.
  • Australia: Score 93.3.
  • Canada: Score 91.0.
World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2025′ Report

On January 18 2025, the International Labour Organization (ILO) released its flagship report titled ‘World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2025(WESO Trends 2025), highlighting the current state of global labour markets and the social outlook. The report provides an in- depth analysis of global employment trends, challenges, and prospects for the near future.

Report Overview

  • Released by: International Labour Organization (ILO).
  • Date: January 18, 2025.
  • Focus: Global labour market trends, challenges, and prospects.
  • Key Highlight: Global unemployment rate slowed to 5% in 2024 and is projected to decrease to 4.9% by 2026.

Key Findings

  • Youth Unemployment: High at 12.6% in 2024.
  • Job Deficit: 402.4 million jobs were missing globally in 2024.
  • Global Growth: Stable at 3.2% for 2024 and 2025.
  • Inflation Rates: Declined from 6.7% in 2023 to 5.9% in 2024; projected to decrease further in 2025.

Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR): Stood at 61% in 2024.

India-Specific Insights

Unemployment Rate:

  • 2024: 6.2%.
  • 2025: Projected to improve to 5.8%.

About International Labour Organization (ILO)

  • Director-General: Gilbert Fossoun Houngbo.
  • Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
  • Established: 1919.

Award news

Urbasi Sinha Wins Gates-Cambridge Impact Prize 2025

Professor Urbasi Sinha, a distinguished faculty member in the Light and Matter Physics theme at the Raman Research Institute (RRI), has been awarded the prestigious Gates-Cambridge Impact Prize 2025 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation at Cambridge, UK.

Prestigious Recognition

Professor Urbasi Sinha of the Raman Research Institute (RRI) was awarded the Gates-Cambridge Impact Prize 2025 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for her groundbreaking contributions to quantum science.

Advancements in Quantum Science

  • Leads the Quantum Information and Computing (QuIC) lab at RRI, making significant advancements in quantum communication, computing, and optics.
  • Her lab pioneered the development of heralded and entangled photon sources in India, enhancing the nation’s quantum research capabilities.

Role in National Quantum Mission: Plays a key leadership role in India’s National Quantum Mission, driving innovation and aligning national quantum research with global technological advancements.

International Achievements

  • Awarded the Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Photonic Quantum Science and Technologies at the University of Calgary.
  • Instrumental in establishing the Open Quantum Institute (OQI) at CERN in 2024, fostering global collaboration in quantum technologies.

Vision for Quantum Computing: Recognized for her visionary work in utilizing quantum computing to address critical global challenges, embodying the principle of science in service of humanity.

Axelsen and An Se-young Triumph at India Open 2025

Viktor Axelsen and An Se-young clinched the men’s and women’s singles titles, respectively, at the India Open Super 750 badminton tournament in New Delhi. Axelsen secured his third India Open title by defeating Hong Kong’s Lee Cheuk Yiu in straight games, 21-16, 21-8, in just 41 minutes. An Se-young showcased her dominance by overcoming Thailand’s Pornpawee Chochuwong 21-12, 21-9. In the doubles events, Malaysia’s Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin, Japan’s Arisa Igarashi and Ayako Sakuramoto, and China’s Jiang Zhen Bang and Wei Ya Xin emerged victorious.

Singles Champions

Men’s Singles: Viktor Axelsen (Denmark)

  • Defeated Hong Kong’s Lee Cheuk Yiu in straight games (21-16, 21-8) in 41 minutes.
  • Secured his third India Open title (previous wins in 2017 and 2019).

Women’s Singles: An Se-young (South Korea)

  • Overcame Thailand’s Pornpawee Chochuwong with a dominant performance (21-12, 21-9).
  • Solidified her position as a rising star in international badminton.

Doubles Winners

  • Men’s Doubles: Malaysia’s Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin.
  • Women’s Doubles: Japan’s Arisa Igarashi and Ayako Sakuramoto.
  • Mixed Doubles: China’s Jiang Zhen Bang and Wei Ya Xin.

Key Highlights

  • Viktor Axelsen demonstrated exceptional skill and athleticism, showcasing his return to peak form after injury challenges.
  • An Se-young’s consistent performance reinforced her status as a dominant force in women’s badminton.
  • The tournament, held in New Delhi, celebrated outstanding performances from top international

Books and author news

VP Jagdeep Dhankhar Launches Book on Parliament’s Powers and Functions

VP Jagdeep Dhankhar launched the book “Parliament: Powers, Functions & Privileges; A Comparative Constitutional Perspective”

In January 2025, the Vice-President (VP) of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar launched the book “Parliament: Powers, Functions & Privileges; A Comparative Constitutional Perspective” in New Delhi (Delhi). The book was authored by Dr. KS Chauhan, Senior Advocate, at VP’s Enclave, New Delhi(Delhi).

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