9th January 2025 current affairs

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National news

Kandla port soon to become hub of green hydrogen: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal stated that the Deendayal Port in Kandla will become a mega terminal port and a key hub for green hydrogen once its cargo carrying capacity reaches 300 million metric tonnes.

Projects Launched

• Green Hydrogen Excellence Centre: The foundation stone for the Green Hydrogen Excellence Centre was laid at Deendayal Port. This will position the port as a significant player in the green hydrogen sector.
• Waste Recycling Plant: A waste recycling plant was inaugurated as part of the sustainability efforts at the port.
• New Kendriya Vidyalaya Building: The new building of the Kendriya Vidyalaya was also inaugurated, enhancing infrastructure at the port.

New Announced Projects

• Mega Terminal Port: A new mega terminal port worth Rs 27,000 crore will be constructed outside the bay at Kandla.
• Ship-Building Project: A ship-building project worth Rs 30,000 crore will also be developed at the port, expanding its maritime capabilities.

Total Investment

• A total investment of Rs 57,000 crore has been announced for these projects, indicating a significant expansion and modernization effort for Deendayal Port.
• These developments are expected to enhance the port’s capacity, contribute to sustainable energy (green hydrogen), and strengthen India’s maritime infrastructure.

Gujarat:

• Capital: Gandhinagar
• Chief minister: Bhupendra Patel
• Governor: Acharya Devvrat

Saving Lives on Highways: Cashless Treatment Plan Announced by Gadkari

Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced a significant initiative to provide cashless treatment of up to ₹1.5 lakh for seven days for road accident survivors. The scheme is expected to be expanded across all states by March 2025. The minister also revealed new tech-based interventions for heavy vehicles to reduce road accidents and improve safety standards. Gadkari highlighted India’s rising road fatalities and proposed solutions to tackle the shortage of skilled drivers, along with updates on emission norms and vehicle safety standards.

Cashless Treatment Scheme for Road Accident Survivors

• Provides cashless treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh for seven days.
• Pilot initiative active in Assam, Chandigarh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Puducherry, and Haryana.
• Benefitted 6,840 people so far; nationwide expansion by March 2025.
• Aims to save 50,000 lives by ensuring treatment during the golden hour.

Tech-Based Safety Systems for Heavy Vehicles

• Audio Warning System: Alerts drowsy drivers.
• Electronic Stability Control: Stabilizes vehicles during steering issues.
• Automatic Emergency Braking: Activates brakes to prevent collisions.

Addressing Shortage of Skilled Drivers

• India has a deficit of 22 lakh skilled drivers.
• 30,000 deaths caused by unauthorized drivers annually.
• 1,250 new driving learning centres to be established with central government funding.

Reward for Good Samaritans: Reward for helping accident victims to be increased from ₹5,000.

Air Ambulance Facilities: Collaboration with the Civil Aviation Ministry to:

• Set up helipads at highway amenities.
• Equip hospitals for air ambulance use.

Emission Norms and Vehicle Safety Standards

• Bharat Stage 7 (BS7): Draft norms by 2025; consultations in mid-2025.
• E-Rickshaws: New standards for safety and longevity.
• Scrappage Policy: Introduction of a carbon credit-like system for vehicles.

Road Accident and Fatality Statistics

• 1.72 lakh fatalities in 2023, a 4.2% rise from 2022.
• 33,000 deaths caused by truck impacts; 30,000 by unauthorized drivers in 2022.

This initiative aims to reduce road fatalities through improved treatment, safety measures, and better driver training.

Prabowo Subianto to Be Republic Day Chief Guest in 2025

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has formally accepted New Delhi’s invitation to be the chief guest at India’s 2025 Republic Day parade. His visit marks a significant step in enhancing India-Indonesia relations, signaling the importance of the Act East Policy in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term. The two countries are expected to bolster their strategic cooperation, defense ties, and economic engagement during this visit.

1. Historical Significance

• Indonesia’s First President Sukarno was the chief guest at India’s first Republic Day in 1950.
• Shared cultural ties spanning 2,000 years, including influences from Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam.
• Indonesian art and traditions are inspired by the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

2. Modern Strategic Ties

• Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2018 during PM Modi’s Jakarta visit.
• Focus on maritime security and defense cooperation in the Indo-Pacific through the ‘Shared Vision on Maritime Cooperation’.
• 2025 visit to further strengthen defense relations and strategic ties.

3. Economic Relations

• Bilateral Trade (2023-24): USD 26.69 billion.
• India’s Imports from Indonesia: Coal, crude palm oil, minerals, rubber, hydrocarbons.
• India’s Exports to Indonesia: Refined petroleum, vehicles, telecom equipment, agricultural products, meat, steel.
• Over 30 Indian joint ventures operate in Indonesia.

4. Significance of the 2025 Visit

• Marks the first Republic Day guest of PM Modi’s third term.
• Highlights India’s focus on maritime cooperation and the Act East Policy.
• Expected to boost defense partnerships and attract new investment opportunities.

5. Cultural and Diplomatic Importance

• Indonesia is India’s largest trading partner within ASEAN.
• The visit builds on historical connections and enhances modern economic and strategic cooperation.

Indonesia:

• Capital: Jakarta
• Official language: Indonesian
• President: Prabowo Subianto

Indian Railways’ Capital Expenditure in FY25

Indian Railways has achieved a significant milestone in the fiscal year 2024-25 (FY25) by surpassing ₹2 lakh crore in capital expenditure (capex), accounting for 76% of its budgetary allocation.

Capital Expenditure (Capex) Achievement

Surpassed ₹2 lakh crore in capex by December 2024, achieving 76% of its FY25 budgetary allocation.

Includes:

• ₹1.91 lakh crore from Gross Budgetary Support (GBS).
• ₹824 crore from external resources.
• ₹8,733 crore from extra-budgetary resources.

Budgetary Allocation for FY25

• ₹2.65 lakh crore total allocation.
• ₹2.52 lakh crore allocated as GBS.

Focus on Infrastructure Development: Investment directed toward capacity augmentation, facility modernization, and safety enhancements.

Historical and Future Outlook:

• Reflects steady growth in capital investments over recent years.
• On track to meet or exceed the FY25 budgetary targets.
• Aims to enhance efficiency and service quality across Indian Railways.

International News

Indonesia’s Addition Strengthens BRICS Alliance

Indonesia has officially become a full member (11th) of the BRICS group of emerging economies. Brazil, holding the presidency of BRICS for 2025, announced this development, noting that Indonesia’s candidacy was endorsed by BRICS leaders at the Johannesburg summit in 2023. Indonesia’s membership aligns with the ongoing efforts to reform global governance institutions and deepen cooperation within the Global South, key priorities for Brazil’s BRICS presidency. This expansion marks a significant moment in the evolving dynamics of global economic power.

Indonesia’s Membership

• Officially becomes the 11th member of BRICS, enhancing the group’s presence in Southeast Asia.
• Membership aligns with BRICS priorities of reforming global governance and fostering Global South cooperation.

2. Endorsement at Johannesburg Summit (2023)

• BRICS leaders endorsed Indonesia’s candidacy during the summit.
• Reflects the group’s commitment to strengthening ties within the Global South.

3. Brazil’s Statement on Indonesia’s Inclusion: Brazil, holding the BRICS presidency for 2025, welcomed Indonesia, highlighting shared goals of global governance reform and enhanced cooperation.

4. Indonesia’s Role in BRICS

• Largest economy and most populous country in Southeast Asia.
• Shares common priorities with BRICS nations, such as reforming global governance systems.

5. BRICS Expansion Indonesia’s inclusion follows the group’s 2024 expansion, which added Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

6. BRICS Background and Milestones

• Formation (2006): Initiated after a meeting between Russia, India, and China in St. Petersburg.
• First Summit (2009): Held in Yekaterinburg, Russia.
• South Africa’s Inclusion (2010): Transitioned the group to BRICS.

Major Expansions:

• 2010: South Africa joined.
• 2024: Addition of Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

BRICS:

• Founders: Russia, China, India, Brazil
• Founded: 16 June 2009
• Formerly called: BRIC

Economy news

India’s Projected GDP Growth for FY 2024-25

The National Statistical Office (NSO) projects India’s real GDP growth for FY 2024-25 at 6.4%, a slowdown from the 8.2% growth recorded in FY 2023-24.

Comparison with RBI’s Forecast: This is below the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) forecast of 6.6% for the same period.

Sector-wise Performance

• Manufacturing & Services: The dip in GDP growth is attributed to weaker performance in the manufacturing and services sectors.
• Agriculture and Allied Sectors: These sectors are expected to see a rebound, with a growth projection of 3.8%, compared to 1.4% in FY 2023-24.
• Construction: The construction sector is projected to grow at a robust rate of 8.6%.
• Financial, Real Estate, and Professional Services: These sectors are forecasted to grow by 7.3%.

Gross Value Added (GVA)

• Real GVA Growth: The real GVA for FY 2024-25 is expected to grow by 6.4%, down from 7.2% in FY 2023-24.
• Nominal GVA Growth: Nominal GVA is projected to grow by 9.3%, slightly exceeding the 8.5% growth in FY 2023-24.

Budget Implications: The NSO’s first advance GDP estimates could influence key decisions in the upcoming Union Budget 2025-26, which will be presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, 2025.

Key Dates: The second advance GDP estimates for FY 2024-25, along with quarterly GDP estimates for Q3 2024-25 (October-December 2024), will be released on February 28, 2025.

Sectoral Outlook

• Agriculture: Expected to grow at 3.8% in FY 2024-25.
• Construction: Expected to grow at 8.6%.
• Financial, Real Estate, and Professional Services: Expected growth of 7.3%.
• Manufacturing and Services: Weaker performance anticipated, contributing to the overall slowdown in growth.

Fiscal Deficit Target on Track Despite Revised GDP Growth

Despite a downward revision in India’s GDP growth forecast for the fiscal year 2024-25, the government’s fiscal deficit target of 4.9% of GDP remains attainable. The National Statistics Office (NSO) has projected a nominal GDP growth of 9.7% for FY25, slightly below the earlier estimate of 10.5%. This adjustment is expected to have a minimal impact on the fiscal deficit, as the government plans to reduce capital expenditure to offset the lower GDP growth.

GDP Growth Revision

Revised Nominal GDP Growth:

• Adjusted to 9.7% for FY25, slightly below the earlier estimate of 10.5%.
• This revision reflects a more cautious economic outlook but is not expected to significantly affect fiscal deficit management.

Capital Expenditure Reduction: The government plans to reduce capital expenditure by ₹1–1.5 trillion from the budgeted ₹11.1 trillion to offset the lower GDP growth, aiming to maintain fiscal discipline.

Fiscal Deficit Target

• Fiscal Deficit Target for FY25: ₹16.13 trillion (4.9% of GDP), which is achievable despite the GDP growth adjustment.
• The fiscal deficit is expected to stay within the targeted range due to reduced capital expenditure and controlled revenue patterns.

Revenue Performance: As of November 2024, the central government utilized 52.5% of the fiscal deficit target (₹8.5 trillion), which is 6.6% lower than the same period in the previous year.

Tax Revenue Trends

• Net tax revenues: Reached 56% of the budgeted estimate for April–November FY25, slightly down from 62% in the same period last year.
• Income-tax collections: Increased by 24% year-on-year.
• Corporate tax collections: Decreased by 1% year-on-year.

This approach indicates that the government is proactively managing its fiscal position despite the revised growth forecast.

State news

Bhubaneswar to host the 18th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas Convention 2025Fiscal Deficit Target on Track Despite Revised GDP Growth

Bhubaneshwar the capital city of Odisha will host the 18th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas Convention from 8-10 January 2025. It is the first time that Bhubaneswar is hosting the biannual Pravasi Bhartiya Divas Convention.

As part of the Bharatiya Divas Convention, the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will be held in Bhubaneshwar on 8 January 2025.

Organizers

• Main Organizers: The Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in association with the Odisha state government.
• Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Organizers: The MEA, in partnership with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Odisha government.

Chief Guests

• Pravasi Bhartiya Divas: The Chief Guest will be Christine Carla Kangaloo, President of Trinidad & Tobago, who will address the convention virtually on 9 January 2025.
• Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas: The Chief Guest will be Dr. Dev Pragad, CEO of Newsweek, USA.

Inauguration & Valedictory Session

• Inauguration: The convention will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 9 January 2025. He will virtually flag off the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special tourist train for the Indian diaspora, departing from Nizamuddin Railway Station in Delhi.
• Valedictory Session: President Droupadi Murmu will address the valedictory session on 10 January 2025 and present the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award to 27 distinguished individuals for their contributions.

Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award: The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award recognizes Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), or organizations run by them for outstanding achievements both in India and abroad.

Theme of 18th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas: The theme for this year is “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat”, emphasizing the role of the Indian diaspora in contributing to India’s development.

Significance of Pravasi Bhartiya Divas

• Historical Background: 9 January was chosen to commemorate the return of Mahatma Gandhi to India from South Africa aboard the S.S. Arabia in 1915.
• First Convention: The first Pravasi Bhartiya Divas was held in 2003 in New Delhi from 9-11 January. Since 2015, the convention has been held biannually.

Previous Convention: The 17th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas Convention took place in Indore, Madhya Pradesh from 8-10 January 2023.

Odisha:

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

Shahid Madho Singh Haath Kharcha Scheme

On January 7, 2025, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the Shahid Madho Singh Haath Kharcha Scheme at the Adivasi Mela in Bhubaneswar. This initiative aims to reduce dropout rates among Scheduled Tribe (ST) students by providing a one-time financial assistance of ₹5,000 to those enrolling in Class IX and Class XI. The scheme targets students from families with an annual income not exceeding ₹2,50,000.

Launch and Purpose

• Inaugurated: January 7, 2025, by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at the Adivasi Mela in Bhubaneswar.
• Aim: To reduce dropout rates among Scheduled Tribe (ST) students and provide financial support for continued education.
• Financial Assistance: A one-time grant of ₹5,000 for students enrolling in Class IX and Class XI.
• Target Group: ST students from families with an annual income not exceeding ₹2,50,000.

2. Objectives of the Scheme

• Promote educational continuity: Encourages tribal students to continue their education beyond the upper primary level, addressing high dropout rates.
• Financial Incentives: Provides an incentive to support students during critical educational transitions (Class IX and Class XI).

3. Eligibility Criteria

• Student Status: Must be from the Scheduled Tribes category and enrolled in government or government-aided schools.
• Family Income: The annual family income must not exceed ₹2,50,000.
• Disbursement: The ₹5,000 assistance will be credited directly to the student’s bank account.

Application Process: School Principals/Headmasters will recommend eligible students, who will apply through the Odisha State Scholarship Portal.

4. Historical Context: Madho Singh

• Background: Born around 1786 in Ghess, Bargarh district, Madho Singh was a zamindar who ruled 20 villages.
• Resistance Leader: He fought against British colonial rule, particularly after the mistreatment of his family.
• Role in 1857 Uprising: During the First War of Indian Independence (1857), he led tribal resistance against the British using guerrilla tactics and strategic warfare.
• Capture and Legacy: Captured and executed on December 31, 1858, his bravery remains a symbol of tribal courage and resilience.

Appointment news

Govt. Appoints V Narayanan as 11th Chairman ISRO & Secretary of DOS

The government of India has appointed a senior Indian Space Organisation (ISRO scientist V. Narayanan as the 11th  chairman of ISRO and secretary of the Department of Space (DOS). He will succeed the current chairman S.Somanth and assume office on 14 January 2025.

The name of V. Narayanan was approved by the apex Appointments Committee of the Cabinet in a meeting held on 7 January 2025 in New Delhi. The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and attended by the Union Minister for Home Affairs and of Cooperation, Amit Shah.

Tenure: Term: V. Narayanan has been appointed for a term of two years, effective from 14 January 2025, or until further orders.

About ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation)

• Establishment: Founded on 15 August 1969 as India’s national space agency.
• Primary Objective: Conduct research in space science and develop space technologies for the socio-economic benefit of India.
• Headquarters: Located in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

Space Commission and Department of Space (DOS)

• Space Commission: Apex body for policy-making in the field of space science and technology.
• DOS: Implements policies made by the Space Commission through five institutions, including ISRO and others such as PRL, NARL, SCL, and NE-SAC.

Historical Context of ISRO Chairs

• Founder: Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the first Chairman and father of the Indian space programme.
• Longest-serving Chairman: Professor Satish Dhawan.
• Shortest Tenure: Prof. M.G.K. Menon served as Chairman for only 9 months.

ISRO’s Launch Site: ISRO’s rockets are launched from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

Science and tech news

e-Shram Portal Expands to 22 Scheduled Languages

The e-Shram portal, designed to provide unorganised workers with seamless access to various government schemes, has been upgraded to support all 22 scheduled languages. This enhancement, launched by Union Minister of Labour and Employment Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, aims to make the portal more accessible to workers across India.

Multilingual Upgrade

• The e-Shram portal now supports all 22 scheduled languages in India, making it more accessible to unorganised workers across the country.
• Previous languages: English, Hindi, Kannada, and Marathi.

Bhashini project: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology facilitated this expansion, enabling workers to access information and register in their native languages.

Increased Registrations

• The portal has gained significant traction with an average of 30,000 registrations per day by unorganised workers, reflecting growing trust and engagement.
• This indicates the platform’s importance in connecting workers to various welfare schemes.

Integration of Welfare Schemes

The e-Shram portal integrates 12 government schemes, including:

• One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC)
• Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS)
• Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS)
• National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS)
• Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)
• This integration enables easier access to welfare benefits for unorganised workers.

Future Initiatives

• Mobile App: A dedicated e-Shram mobile app is planned for easier access.
• Single Common Application Form: Will simplify the registration process.
• Payment Gateway Integration: To make the process of availing benefits more seamless.

Extension of Outreach: Collaboration with Common Service Centres, bank correspondents, post offices, and MY Bharat volunteers to expand access to the portal.

This upgrade enhances the portal’s usability and furthers its role in providing social security to unorganised workers across India.

Historic Moon Artifact Donated to Frontiers of Flight Museum

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, also known as Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Day, is an annual event celebrated on January 9th in India to honour and engage with the Indian diaspora worldwide. This significant occasion aims to strengthen the bonds between India and its overseas citizens, leveraging their expertise and resources for the nation’s development.

Artifact Overview

• Artifact: A fragment of the original Wright Flyer fabric, flown at Kitty Hawk in 1903 by the Wright brothers, and later carried by Neil Armstrong during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969.
• Significance: This piece symbolizes the connection between early aviation pioneers and the historic achievements of space exploration.

Museum Display

• Unveiling Date: The artifact will be publicly displayed starting October 2, 2025.
• Location: Frontiers of Flight Museum, 6911 Lemmon Ave, Dallas, Texas.
• Complementary Exhibit: Alongside the fabric, an authentic Apollo 11 patch created by Texas Art Embroidery will be displayed, enriching the historical context.

Historical Significance of the Artifact

Composition: Small piece of fabric from the left wing of the Wright Flyer, the first powered airplane to achieve sustained flight in 1903.

Connection to Space: The fabric fragment was carried by Neil Armstrong during his Apollo 11 mission to the Moon in 1969, linking the Wright brothers’ aviation milestone to humanity’s first steps on the Moon.

Event Details

Legacy In-Flight Luncheon:

• Date: October 1, 2025.
• Speaker: Mark Armstrong, Neil Armstrong’s eldest son, will be the keynote speaker.
• Purpose: The event will honor past legacies and support the museum’s aerospace-STEM education programs, benefiting thousands of students annually.
• Tickets and Sponsorships: Available through Catharine Recht.

Significance of the Donation: This donation adds a remarkable piece to the museum’s aerospace collection, offering a tangible link between aviation history and space exploration. The journey of the fabric, from Kitty Hawk to the Moon, exemplifies the continuous spirit of innovation and human achievement in both fields.

Important days

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025- Date, Theme, History and Highlights

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, also known as Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Day, is an annual event celebrated on January 9th in India to honour and engage with the Indian diaspora worldwide. This significant occasion aims to strengthen the bonds between India and its overseas citizens, leveraging their expertise and resources for the nation’s development.

Overview of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD)

• Date of Celebration: Annually on January 9th to honor the Indian diaspora.
• Purpose: Strengthens the bond between India and its overseas citizens, leveraging their expertise and resources for the nation’s development.

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025

• 18th PBD Convention: Held from January 8th to 10th, 2025, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
• Focus: Encouraged deeper engagement with the diaspora, particularly the youth, and explored avenues for their participation in India’s growth.

Theme for Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025

• Theme: “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat”
• The theme emphasized the significant contributions made by the Indian diaspora in India’s development and its role in achieving a developed India.

History of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

• Inception: First celebrated in 2003.
• Objective: To make the Indian diaspora a partner in India’s development and to promote collaborations.
• Significance: Plays a vital role in strengthening relations between India and its overseas community.

Key Events and Discussions at PBD 2025

Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas: The convention began with a dedicated day for young diaspora members, focusing on their leadership potential and innovative ideas.

Plenary Sessions: A series of discussions on topics such as:

• “Beyond Borders: Diaspora Youth Leadership in a Globalized World”
• “Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers: Stories of Migrant Skills”
• “Green Connections: Diaspora’s Contributions to Sustainable Development”
• “Diaspora Divas: Celebrating Women’s Leadership and Influence – Nari Shakti”
• Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards: Prestigious awards presented to distinguished diaspora members for their contributions to India and their host countries.
• Interactive Sessions: Facilitated networking and knowledge-sharing, encouraging dynamic exchanges of ideas.

Conclusion: Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025 served as an important platform for celebrating the role of the Indian diaspora in India’s development journey, while also exploring future collaborations and leadership opportunities for the youth.