8th January 2025 current affairs

We at Edusprint Academy are committed to bringing you the most relevant and updated 8th 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 8th 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

“Janbhagidari se Jankalyan” is theme of GoI’s New Year calender

The 2025 Government of India Calendar, themed “Janbhagidari se Jankalyan” (Welfare through Public Participation), was unveiled by Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw at Rail Bhawan, New Delhi.

Key Highlights:

• The theme emphasizes transformative governance, focusing on poverty alleviation, women empowerment, and infrastructure development.
• Transformative governance over the past decade has showcased its impact across various sectors.
• The calendar reflects the government’s commitment to inclusivity, transparency, and participatory governance.

Production:

Designed and produced by the Central Bureau of Communication, the calendar celebrates the role of citizen participation in the success of initiatives like:

• Swachh Bharat Mission
• Ayushman Bharat

Dignitaries Present:

• Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Dr. L. Murugan, and senior officials including Sanjay Jaju, Dhirendra Ojha, and Yogesh Baweja attended the launch.
• This calendar continues the tradition of highlighting India’s progress and governance milestones.

Indusfood 2025 to begin with over 2,300 exhibitors from 30 countries

The country’s farm-to-fork trade exhibition, Indusfood 2025, will kick off tomorrow in Delhi-NCR with the participation of over 2,300 exhibitors from over 30 countries. Union Minister of Food Processing Industries Chirag Paswan will inaugurate the 8th Edition of the festival.

Participation:

• Exhibitors: Over 2,300 from 30+ countries.
• Visitors: Expected 7,500 international buyers and 15,000 Indian trade visitors.
• Special Attendees: 35 international chefs and 100 Indian delegates.

Features and Objectives:

• Comprises three concurrent trade fairs designed to promote cross-domain synergies across the farm-to-fork value chain.
• Offers networking opportunities, facilitates business expansion, and provides market insights through knowledge-sharing sessions.

Special Highlights:

• Hosting of the Asia President’s Forum in collaboration with the Indian Federation of Culinary Associations, marking its first time in India.
• Two mega summits focusing on food manufacturing and agritech sectors will run alongside the event.
• Indusfood 2025 aims to strengthen India’s position in the global food trade industry through innovation, collaboration, and meaningful partnerships.

Loksabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurates Gandhi Darshan Art Gallery at Rajghat

Loksabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurated the Gandhi Darshan Art Gallery at Rajghat in New Delhi. In the gallery, more than 80 Artists have showcased their art to portray the Father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi in a unique and modern way.

Event Overview:

• Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurated the Gandhi Darshan Art Gallery at Rajghat, New Delhi.
• The gallery features artwork from over 80 artists portraying Mahatma Gandhi in unique and modern styles.

Significance:

• Om Birla emphasized the global relevance of Gandhian Philosophy and its importance for educating today’s youth.
• The gallery aims to deepen understanding of Gandhian principles and his contributions to India’s freedom struggle.

Dignitaries Present: Vijay Goel, Vice Chairman of Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti.

Organizers:

The event was organized by:

• Ministry of Culture
• Lalit Kala Academy
• Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti

This initiative celebrates Gandhi’s legacy and inspires new generations to learn from his teachings.

State news

Tamil Nadu CM Announces $1 Million Prize for Deciphering Indus Valley Script

In a significant announcement marking the centenary of the discovery of the Indus Valley Civilisation, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has pledged a $1 million prize for experts or organizations that succeed in deciphering the mysterious Indus Valley script. Speaking at a three-day International Conference in Chennai, the Chief Minister highlighted the importance of unraveling this ancient script and reaffirmed Tamil Nadu’s commitment to supporting research and archaeological endeavors.

Significance of the Indus Valley Civilisation:

• Discovered by Sir John Marshall, the civilization predates the Aryan Civilization, with its language potentially being Dravidian.
• The Indus Valley Civilisation is a turning point in Indian historical studies.

Research and Recognition:

Iravatham Mahadevan Chair: A ₹2-crore endowed chair will be established to support Indus script research.

• Collaborative efforts between the State Department of Archaeology and the Indus Research Centre at Roja Muthiah Library in Chennai.
• Two awards to recognize contributions of numismatists and epigraphists to Tamil culture.

Key Cultural Insights:

• Over 60% of Tamil Nadu’s graffiti marks align with Indus seals.
• 90% of South Indian graffiti resemble Indus Valley symbols.
• Cultural parallels: Indus bull symbols connect to Tamil Nadu’s jallikattu tradition and ancient Tamil literature references.

Tribute to Sir John Marshall:

• Foundation stone laid for a statue in honor of Marshall’s role in uncovering the Indus Valley Civilisation.
• This initiative highlights Tamil Nadu’s dedication to advancing historical research and celebrating its cultural heritage.

Odisha Government’s ₹15 Crore Sponsorship Elevates Indian Kho Kho

The Odisha government has announced a significant three-year sponsorship deal worth ₹15 crore for the Indian national kho kho team, aiming to enhance the sport’s prominence both nationally and internationally.

Financial Commitment:

• ₹15 crore sponsorship deal for the Indian national kho kho team, announced by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
• The state will invest ₹5 crore annually from January 2025 to December 2027, funded through the Odisha Mining Corporation.

Strategic Objectives:

The sponsorship aims to:

• Develop the team
• Improve training infrastructure
• Support participation in national and international competitions.
• This initiative reflects Odisha’s broader commitment to sports development, following its successful partnership with Indian hockey.

Cultural Significance:

• CM Majhi emphasized the importance of supporting indigenous sports like kho kho to preserve cultural heritage and create opportunities for athletes.
• This sponsorship is expected to lead to a renaissance for kho kho, similar to the transformation in Indian hockey.

Federation’s Response:

• Sudhanshu Mittal, President of the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI), welcomed the sponsorship as a turning point for the sport.
• The sponsorship comes just ahead of India’s first-ever World Cup for kho kho, scheduled for January 13-19 in New Delhi.

Implications for Odisha: The partnership also offers significant branding opportunities for Odisha at both national and international sporting events, enhancing the state’s reputation as a hub for sporting excellence.

Odisha:

• Capital: Bhubaneswar
• Chief minister: Mohan Charan Majhi
• Governor: Hari Babu Kambhampati

Banking news

RBI’s Strategic Gold Accumulation

In November 2024, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) added 8 tonnes of gold to its reserves, bringing the total for the year to 73 tonnes and elevating India’s total gold holdings to 876 tonnes.

This makes India the second-largest gold buyer globally in 2024, following Poland, which added 21 tonnes.

Global Central Bank Gold Purchases:

Central banks worldwide added 53 tonnes of gold in November 2024.

• Poland: 21 tonnes
• Uzbekistan: 9 tonnes
• Kazakhstan: 5 tonnes
• China: 5 tonnes

RBI’s Gold Reserve Strategy:

The RBI’s strategy to increase its gold reserves is part of a broader global trend among central banks to invest in safe-haven assets amid global economic uncertainties.

This approach is intended to hedge against inflation and mitigate foreign currency risks.

Impact on Global Gold Prices:

• The global increase in gold purchases, including those by the RBI, has affected global gold prices.
• The decline in gold prices after the U.S. election may have encouraged central banks to accelerate their gold acquisitions in November 2024.

Distribution of RBI’s Gold Reserves:

Total reserves: 876 tonnes

• 510 tonnes are held within India.
• 366 tonnes are stored overseas, primarily with the Bank of England and the Bank for International Settlements.

RBI:

• Founded: 1 April 1935, Kolkata
• Headquarters: Mumbai
• Governor: Sanjay Malhotra

Ranks and report news

India has 3rd largest metro network in the world after China and US

India has officially surpassed 1,000 km of operational metro rail network, positioning itself as the third-largest operational metro network in the world after China and the United States. This significant achievement was marked by the inauguration of key stretches by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 5 January 2024.

Key Developments:

• Delhi Metro Phase-IV: Prime Minister Modi inaugurated a 2.8 km stretch between Janakpuri and Krishna Park.
• Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Namo Bharat Corridor: A 13 km stretch between Sahibabad and New Ashok Nagar was also inaugurated, expanding the Namo Bharat corridor. This forms part of the larger 82 km Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), which aims to connect Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Meerut. The first section of this system was launched in October 2023.

Metro Rail Milestones in India:

• Kolkata: India’s first metro network was inaugurated in 1984.
• Delhi: India’s first modern metro system, operated by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), began operations in 2002 and is now the largest metro network in India with a current operational length of 395 km.
• India’s First Underwater Metro: Kolkata became home to India’s first underwater metro, which started operations in March 2024, running under the Hooghly River. The underwater tunnel spans 520 meters and takes 45 seconds for the train to cross.

Ongoing and Future Developments:

• Delhi Metro Phase-IV is under construction, with 112.32 km of new metro lines, including the Rithala-Narela-Nathupur (Kundli) line.
• Metro Operations Across India: Currently, metro rail services are operational in 23 cities across 11 states, contributing to the total network of 1,000 km.
• This milestone signifies the growing expansion of India’s metro network, enhancing urban transportation and contributing to the nation’s infrastructure development.

India Ranked Second for Cyberattacks in 2024

In 2024, India became the second most targeted nation globally for cyberattacks, with 95 entities falling victim to data theft, according to CloudSEK’s ThreatLandscape Report 2024. The United States topped the list with 140 attacks, while Israel ranked third with 57 attacks.

Cyberattack Statistics (2024): India became the second-most targeted country globally for cyberattacks, with 95 entities falling victim to data theft, according to CloudSEK’s ThreatLandscape Report 2024.

Top Countries for Cyberattacks:

• United States: 140 attacks
• India: 95 attacks
• Israel: 57 attacks

Key Findings from the Report:

Sector-Specific Impact:

• Finance and Banking: 20 victims
• Government: 13 victims
• Telecommunications: 12 victims
• Healthcare and Pharma: 10 victims
• Education: 9 victims

Major Data Breaches:

• Hi-Tek Group: Leak of 850 million records of Indian citizen data
• Star Health and Allied Insurance: Customer data breach
• Telecommunications Consultants India: 2TB of data exposed

Ransomware Incidents:

108 ransomware incidents reported in India: Lockbit was the most active group, responsible for over 20 incidents, followed by Killsec and Ransomhub.

Historical Context: India was second globally for data breaches in 2018, with over 690 million internet subscribers and an increasing number of breaches in both the private and public sectors.

Implications:

• The rise in cyberattacks highlights the urgent need for strong cybersecurity measures across all sectors.
• The rapid digitization of services has exposed vulnerabilities, making it critical to improve security protocols to protect sensitive data and maintain public trust.

Appointment news

Appointment of Delhi Waqf Board CEO

Azimul Haque, an IAS officer, appointed as the new CEO of the Delhi Waqf Board by Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena.

Criticism: L-G criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for procedural lapses and accused it of handling the matter in a casual manner.

Post Vacancy and Impact:

• The CEO position had been vacant since November 28, 2024.
• This led to delays in salary disbursements for imams and other Board employees, causing hardships.

Criticism of Appointment Process:

• L-G pointed out that the proposal for additional charge was sent after a one-month delay.
• Emphasized the need for strict adherence to legal procedures in such appointments.

Legal Provisions for Appointment:

• As per Section 23 of the Delhi Waqf Act, 1995, the Board must recommend a panel of two names to the state government.
• National Capital Civil Service Authority (NCCSA) submitted only one name for L-G’s consideration, bypassing the required legal procedure.

L-G’s Directives:

• The appointment proposal needs to be ratified by the Waqf Board before taking effect.
• Future proposals for similar appointments must comply with legal requirements.

Asian Games champion Bahadur Singh Sagoo elected as AFI president

Bahadur Singh Sagoo, an Asian Games champion in Men’s Shot Put, has been elected as the new President of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI). His election was announced during the two-day Annual General Assembly Meeting of the federation, which began in Chandigarh.

Key Points:

• Successor: Bahadur Singh succeeds Adille Sumariwalla, who had served as the AFI President since 2012.
• Challenges Ahead: The newly elected president will take charge at a significant time, as India prepares to host the World Athletics Continental Tour level event for the first time on August 10.

Additional Appointments:

• Sandeep Mehta, who previously served as Senior Joint Secretary, was elected as the Secretary of AFI during the Annual General Meeting.
• The election marks a new chapter for the AFI, with Bahadur Singh’s leadership poised to guide Indian athletics through a busy year ahead.

Defence news

Indian Navy’s INS Tushil Completes Inaugural Port Visit to Dakar, Senegal

The Indian Navy’s INS Tushil, a guided missile ship, has successfully completed its inaugural port visit to Dakar, Senegal. The visit lasted for three days and highlighted the growing naval cooperation between India and Senegal.

Key Points:

• Captain Peter Varghese of INS Tushil engaged with Rear Admiral Abdou Sene, the Chief of Staff of the Senegalese Navy.
• Discussions: The meeting focused on strengthening naval cooperation and advancing shared maritime security initiatives between the two nations.

Notable Activities:

• Subject Matter Expert Exchange: A key feature of the visit, showcasing NISHAR – MITRA terminal, an Indian Navy technology.
• Joint Yoga Session: A cultural exchange that promoted well-being and fostered closer ties between the two navies.

Strategic Importance: The visit underscores the growing importance of cooperative efforts in ensuring regional security and marks a significant step in enhancing the interoperability between the Indian and Senegalese navies.

Senegal:

• Capital: Dakar
• Currency: West African CFA franc
• President: Bassirou Diomaye Faye

Aero India 2025: India’s Aerospace Innovations and Global Ties

Aero India 2025, Asia’s premier aerospace exhibition, is set to take place from February 10 to 14, 2025, at Air Force Station, Yelahanka, Bengaluru. Under the theme “The Runway to a Billion Opportunities,” the event aims to bolster India’s position in the global aerospace sector and foster international partnerships.

Theme: “The Runway to a Billion Opportunities”

Aero India 2025 is poised to showcase India’s growing prominence in the global aerospace sector, with a focus on fostering international collaborations and expanding opportunities for the country’s aerospace industry.

Key Highlights:

Defence Ministers’ Conclave:

Theme: “BRIDGE — Building Resilience through International Defence and Global Engagement”

This conclave will focus on strengthening strategic partnerships with friendly nations, prioritizing mutual prosperity through international cooperation.

Bilateral meetings with key defense officials, including defence ministers and chiefs of defense staff, will provide a platform for high-level discussions.

CEOs’ Round-Table:

• Global industry leaders and Indian defense manufacturing executives will convene to explore potential manufacturing collaborations.
• This platform aims to facilitate opportunities for foreign OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) to collaborate with Indian defense companies.

Manthan Start-up Event:

This segment will highlight India’s indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities and cutting-edge technologies.

Focus will be placed on showcasing innovations and the country’s commitment to advancing self-reliant defense solutions.

Public Days (February 13-14):

• The final two days of the exhibition will be open to the public, featuring impressive air displays and static exhibitions of advanced military platforms.
• Visitors will get a chance to witness state-of-the-art defense technologies and aircraft firsthand.

Objective: Aero India 2025 aims to position India as a global leader in the aerospace sector while creating opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and self-reliance within the defense industry.

Award news

Lionel Messi Honoured with the US Presidential Medal of Freedom

Lionel Messi, captain of the Argentina men’s football team and one of football’s greatest players, received the US Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States.

• Messi becomes the second footballer to receive this prestigious honor, after American women’s football star Megan Rapinoe in 2022.
• Messi, currently playing for Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer, has a profound global influence on and off the pitch.

Award Ceremony:

• The award was presented by US President Joe Biden at the White House.
• Messi was unable to attend due to prior commitments, but his recognition is a testament to his impact on football and his global contributions.

Other recipients included:

• Hillary Clinton – Former Secretary of State
• George Soros – Philanthropist
• Denzel Washington – Actor
• Michael J. Fox – Actor
• Magic Johnson – Basketball player

About the US Presidential Medal of Freedom: The US Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award in the United States, akin to India’s Bharat Ratna.

It recognizes individuals for contributions to:

• National interest or security
• Cultural or significant public or private endeavors

World peace: It was created in 1945 by President Harry Truman and later redefined in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy to include cultural, public, and humanitarian achievements.

Medal Design: The medal is suspended on a blue ribbon and features a white star surrounded by 13 smaller gold stars, symbolizing unity and heritage.

The recipient’s name is engraved on the reverse side of the medal.

Science and tech news

Centre Launches India’s First Organic Fisheries Cluster in Sikkim

Union Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh launched the country’s first-ever organic fisheries cluster in Soreng District, Sikkim. This initiative aims to revolutionize the aquaculture industry by promoting ecologically sustainable and chemical-free fish farming practices. The cluster will focus on providing organic, antibiotic-free, and pesticide-free fish, catering to eco-conscious markets globally. This development aligns with Sikkim’s reputation for sustainable agricultural practices, as the state has already embraced organic farming.

Launch of Organic Fisheries Cluster:

• Location: Soreng District, Sikkim
• Objective: To promote ecologically sustainable, chemical-free, and antibiotic-free fish farming.
• Product Focus: Organic, antibiotic-free, pesticide-free fish catering to eco-conscious markets worldwide.

Key Features:

• The initiative is Sikkim’s first-ever organic fisheries cluster.
• Aligns with Sikkim’s reputation for organic farming and sustainable agricultural practices.
• Promotes sustainability in aquaculture with an emphasis on protecting aquatic ecosystems and minimizing environmental pollution.

Government Support and Vision:

• Part of the government’s broader effort to boost farmers’ incomes and promote sustainability in fish farming.
• Sikkim is expanding its organic vision to include fisheries as a vital sector.

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY):

• Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh inaugurated 50 projects under PMMSY in the northeastern states (excluding Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram).
• The projects, worth ₹50 crore, aim to promote sustainable fish production.

Sikkim’s Eco-Friendly Practices: Building on the state’s adoption of organic farming, the introduction of organic fisheries strengthens its commitment to environmentally friendly practices.

Sikkim:

• Capital: Gangtok
• Chief minister: Prem Singh Tamang
• Governor: Om Prakash Mathur

Amit Shah to Launch CBI’s BHARATPOL Portal

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, will launch the BHARATPOL portal developed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on January 7, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The portal aims to facilitate real-time international police assistance and enhance India’s efforts to combat transnational crimes. Developed by the CBI, which acts as the National Central Bureau (NCB) for INTERPOL in India, the portal will improve communication between law enforcement agencies (LEAs) across India and INTERPOL.

About the BHARATPOL Portal:

• Developed by: Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
• Purpose: To facilitate real-time international police assistance for Indian law enforcement agencies via INTERPOL.
• Access: Available through the CBI’s official website.

Key Objectives of BHARATPOL:

Streamline Communication:

• Enables faster communication between CBI, INTERPOL Liaison Officers (ILOs), and Unit Officers (UOs).
• Replaces traditional communication methods like letters, emails, and faxes.

Real-Time Assistance:

• Facilitates the quicker issuance of INTERPOL Red Notices and other colour-coded notices.
• Aids in addressing transnational crimes effectively.

Focus Areas of Crime:

• Cybercrime
• Financial crimes
• Online radicalization
• Organized crimes
• Drug trafficking
• Human trafficking

CBI’s Role as National Central Bureau (NCB): CBI serves as the NCB for INTERPOL in India and coordinates international cooperation in criminal matters with LEAs at Central, State, and Union Territory levels.

Communication is carried out through INTERPOL Liaison Officers (ILOs) and Unit Officers (UOs).

Benefits of the BHARATPOL Portal:

• Unified Platform: Brings all stakeholders together for faster, more efficient international assistance.
• Enhanced Efficiency: Improves the operational efficiency of police officers at the field level.

Streamlined Requests: Simplifies the process for international cooperation requests, criminal investigations, and issuing INTERPOL notices.

Medal Presentation by Amit Shah:

• During the event, Shri Amit Shah will present Police Medals to 35 CBI officers/officials:
• President’s Police Medals for Distinguished Service
• Union Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Investigation

Dignitaries Present:

• Senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs, DoPT (Department of Personnel and Training), Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), and Central Police Organisations.
• This initiative marks a significant step towards modernizing India’s law enforcement and improving international collaboration in the fight against transnational crimes.

First Photographic Evidence of Pallas’s Cat in Himachal Pradesh

A recent breakthrough in wildlife photography has provided the first photographic evidence of the elusive Pallas’s cat (Otocolobus manul) in Himachal Pradesh. Captured during a snow leopard survey in the Kinnaur area, these images offer valuable insights into the presence and distribution of this rare feline species in India.

About Pallas’s Cat:

Physical Characteristics:

• Size: Small and solitary.
• Fur: Dense, silvery-grey fur, which helps them blend into their rocky, cold habitats.
• Face: Flat faces with rounded ears.
• Behavior: They are nocturnal and elusive, making them challenging to observe and study in the wild.

Habitat and Distribution:

• Native Region: Pallas’s cats are primarily found in Central Asia, inhabiting rocky steppes and cold deserts.
• Elevation: They are known to live at elevations of up to 5,000 meters.
• Known Range: Includes regions in Mongolia, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, and parts of Iran.

Diet: Their diet consists mainly of small mammals like voles and pikas, along with birds and insects.

Conservation Status: IUCN Red List: Listed as ‘Least Concern’.

Despite their relatively stable conservation status, Pallas’s cats are threatened by:

• Habitat destruction
• Hunting
• Climate change

This discovery is significant not only for its rarity but also for contributing to the understanding of Pallas’s cat’s range, potentially informing future conservation efforts.

Himachal Pradesh:

• Capitals: Shimla (Summer), Dharamshala (Winter)
• Chief minister: Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu
• Governor: Shiv Pratap Shukla

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