14th January 2025

1. Visakhapatnam Green Hydrogen Hub
2. Kumbhvani FM Channel Launched for Maha Kumbh 2025
3. 150 Years of India Meteorological Department (IMD)
4. DRDO’s HIMKAVACH: Advancing Cold Weather Military Apparel
5. Mount Ibu Erupts in North Maluku, Indonesia
6. INROAD Project: Enhancing Natural Rubber Quality in India’s North-East
7. Piyush Goyal Launches Bharat Cleantech Manufacturing Platform
8. IUCN Lists Western Ghats as Key Freshwater Biodiversity Hotspot
9. India Joins UN’s Big Data for Official Statistics Committee; India became a Member of UN-CEBD
10. India Sets New Record with 30 GW Green Energy in 2024
11. Adani’s ₹75,000 Cr Boost for Chhattisgarh’s Growth
12. BCCI Elects Devajit Saikia as Secretary, Bhatia as Treasurer
13. Bihar Sports University Gains UGC Recognition, Set to Offer Academic Courses in Sports and Physical Education
14. DRDO completes HIMKAVACH Clothing System user trials for Cold Weather Military Operations
15. Bangladesh Batsman Tamim Iqbal Khan Retires from International Cricket
16. National Youth Day 2025 – January 12
17. ‘UTKARSH’, SECOND MULTI PURPOSE VESSEL
18. Successful Field Evaluation Trials of Missile ‘Nag Mk 2’
19. Keel-Laying Ceremony of Training Ship for ICG held at MDL, Mumbai

National News

1. India Meteorological Department Celebrates 150 Years

• What:
  • The India Meteorological Department (IMD) will celebrate its 150th anniversary on January 15, 2025.
• Why:
  • The IMD was established to provide systematic weather observations, regular reporting, and scientific forecasting in India.
• Tell me more:
  • The IMD was founded in 1875 and has evolved significantly since its inception.
  • It was formed in response to the devastating 1864 Calcutta cyclone and the subsequent Orissa famine.
  • Initially headquartered in Calcutta, it moved to New Delhi in 1944 and became a member of the World Meteorological Organization in 1949.
  • The IMD operates six Regional Meteorological Centres and various other meteorological services across India.
• Knowledge Nuggets:
  • The first meteorological observatory in India was established in Kolkata in 1785.
  • Historical texts like the Upanishads discussed meteorological phenomena as early as 3000 B.C.
  • The IMD plays a crucial role in tracking rainfall, cyclones, earthquakes, and atmospheric pollution.

Source: IMD TH

2. India Joins UN Big Data Committee

• What:
  • India has become a member of the UN Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics.
• Why:
  • The purpose of joining this committee is to explore the benefits and challenges of Big Data, especially in monitoring sustainable development goals.
• Tell me more:
  • This inclusion aligns with India’s recent membership in the United Nations Statistical Council and represents a significant advancement for the country’s statistical framework.
  • India will help shape global standards in utilizing big data for official statistics, highlighting its commitment to data-driven decision-making.
  • Initiatives like the Data Innovation Lab and the use of satellite imagery and machine learning are part of India’s efforts in this domain.
• Knowledge Nuggets:
  • The UN Statistical Commission agreed at its 45th session in 2014 to create the UN Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics (UN-CEBD).
  • It aims to investigate the benefits and challenges of Big Data, including the potential for monitoring and reporting on the sustainable development goals.

Source: PIB UN1 UN2

3. India’s Renewable Energy Capacity Grows Significantly

• What:
  • India’s renewable energy installed capacity increased by 15.84% to 209.44 GW by December 2024.
• Why:
  • This growth supports India’s vision of achieving 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030.
• Tell me more:

Source: ET

State News

1. Green Hydrogen Hub Project Launched in Visakhapatnam

• What:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation for projects worth Rs 2 trillion in Visakhapatnam.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to support Andhra Pradesh in achieving its developmental goals.
• Tell me more:
  • Key projects include the NTPC Green Energy Limited Green Hydrogen Hub Project, which is expected to attract Rs 1.85 trillion in investments.
  • This is the first green hydrogen hub under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, with a 50:50 partnership between NTPC Green Energy Limited and Andhra Pradesh New & Renewable Energy Development Corporation (NREDCAP).
  • The project will feature 20 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity and produce 1,500 tonnes per day of green hydrogen, focusing on export markets.
  • Other projects include the Rs 1,518 crore Krishnapatnam Industrial Hub and the Rs 1,877 crore bulk drug park in Nakkapalli.
• Knowledge Nuggets:
  • Andhra Pradesh aims to become a $2.5 trillion economy by 2047.
  • The Swarna Andhra@2047 initiative is a significant step towards this economic goal.

Source: BS

2. New FM Channel Launched for Maha Kumbh 2025

• What:
  • The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a special FM channel, Kumbhvani (103.5 MHz), dedicated to Maha Kumbh 2025.
• Why:
  • The channel aims to reach remote areas where people cannot attend the Kumbh and provide live commentary of the events.
• Tell me more:
  • Kumbhvani will broadcast from January 10, 2025, to February 26, 2025, from 5:55 AM to 10:05 PM.
  • It will feature live broadcasts of main bathing rituals and daily reports on Kumbh activities.
  • The channel is part of Prasar Bharati’s efforts to promote Indian cultural heritage.
  • Kumbhvani was previously popular during the 2013 Kumbh and the 2019 Ardh Kumbh.

Source: PIB

3. ₹100 Crore Support for INROAD Rubber Project

• What:
  • The INROAD project in North East India has received ₹100 crore to improve the quality of natural rubber.
• Why:
  • The funding aims to empower rubber growers with technical skills and develop infrastructure for better quality rubber production.
• Tell me more:
  • The project focuses on skill development and establishing model infrastructure after four years of plantation.
  • It is supported by four members of the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers Association (ATMA) and implemented by the Rubber Board of India.
  • In its first four years, the project has covered 1,25,272 hectares across 94 districts in the North East and parts of West Bengal.
  • Skill-based training will be provided digitally, along with the construction of Model Smoke Houses and Processing Centres.
• Knowledge Nuggets:
  • The first model smokehouse was inaugurated for a women cooperative in Goalpara, Assam.
  • The smokehouses help produce high-quality rubber sheets by drying and curing latex.

Source: HBL

4. Adani Group to Invest ₹75,000 Crore in Chhattisgarh

• What:
  • The Adani Group plans to invest ₹75,000 crore in Chhattisgarh across multiple sectors.
• Tell me more:
  • The investment includes ₹60,000 crore for expanding power plants in Raipur, Korba, and Raigarh, which will increase power generation capacity by 6,120 MW.
  • An additional ₹5,000 crore will be used to develop cement plants in the region.
  • The Adani Foundation has pledged ₹10,000 crore over four years for initiatives in education, healthcare, skill development, and tourism.
  • The announcement was made during a meeting between Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani.

Source: LM

5. Bihar’s First Sports University Gains UGC Recognition

• What:
  • Bihar’s first sports university in Rajgir has been recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
• Why:
  • The recognition allows the university to start academic courses in physical education and sports sciences.
• Tell me more:
  • The university was inaugurated by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on National Sports Day, August 29, last year.
  • It is part of the International Sports Complex at Rajgir and will offer programs starting from the 2025-2026 academic session.
  • Proposed courses include diplomas in sports coaching and yoga, along with a four-year Bachelor of Physical Education (BPEd).
  • Shishir Sinha, a retired IAS officer, has been appointed as the first vice chancellor of the Bihar Sports University.
• Knowledge Nuggets:
  • The university is empowered to offer undergraduate and diploma courses due to its UGC recognition under Section 2(f) of the UGC Act, 1956.
  • An Ombudsperson will be appointed for student grievances as per UGC guidelines.

Source: ET

Defence News

1. DRDO Develops New Cold Weather Clothing for Soldiers Named ‘HimKavach’

• What:
  • The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed the ‘HimKavach’ clothing system for soldiers in extreme cold conditions.
• Why:
  • The system aims to protect soldiers operating in temperatures ranging from 20°C to -60°C and improve their operational readiness.
• Tell me more:
  • HimKavach has passed all user trials in operational settings and features a modular design for insulation and comfort.
  • It allows soldiers to add or remove layers based on weather conditions, which is crucial for high-altitude operations in the Himalayas.
  • This new system is expected to provide better protection than the previous Extreme Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS).
  • The ECWCS was a three-layered outfit developed by DRDO’s Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences.

Source: IN

1. Launch of Multi-Purpose Vessel ‘Utkarsh’ for Indian Navy

• What:
  • The second Multi-Purpose Vessel, named ‘Utkarsh’, was launched for the Indian Navy to enhance the capabilities of the Indian Navy in various operational roles.
• Tell me more:
  • The launch took place at L&T Shipyard in Kattupalli, Chennai, in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and other senior officials.
  • These vessels will support towing ships, launching and recovering targets, operating unmanned vehicles, and testing indigenous weapons.
  • Each vessel is designed to reach a maximum speed of 15 knots.
• Knowledge Nuggets:
  • The name ‘Utkarsh’ means ‘Superior in Conduct’.
  • This initiative aligns with India’s vision for Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the Make in India program.
  • The first vessel was also built by L&T Shipyard as part of this contract.

Source: pib

3. Successful Trials of Nag Mk 2 Anti-Tank Missile

• What:
  • Field evaluation trials of the Nag Mk 2, a third-generation Anti-Tank Guided Missile, were successfully conducted at Pokhran Field Range.
• Tell me more:
  • The trials demonstrated that the missile systems accurately destroyed all targets at both maximum and minimum ranges.
  • The Nag Missile Carrier version-2 was also evaluated during these trials.
  • The Nag Mk 2 missile is designed to be a fire-and-forget system.
• Knowledge Nuggets:
  • Dr. Samir V Kamat is the Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO.

Source: pib

4. Keel-Laying Ceremony of Training Ship for Indian Coast Guard

• What:
  • The keel-laying ceremony of a Training Ship for the Indian Coast Guard was held at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), Mumbai.
• Why:
  • The ship aims to enhance training facilities for under-trainee officers, including women officers, after their basic training.
• Tell me more:
  • The ship will feature advanced technology, including AI-based predictive maintenance systems and a multipurpose drone.

Source: pib

Important Days

1. National Youth Day – January 12

• What:
  • National Youth Day is celebrated on January 12 to honor Swami Vivekananda and his influence on India’s youth.
• Tell me more:
  • The Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2025 will take place on January 11-12, 2025, at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, coinciding with Vivekananda’s 162nd birth anniversary.
  • The dialogue focuses on innovation in ten key areas including technology and women empowerment, replacing the traditional National Youth Festival.
• Knowledge Nuggets:
  • National Youth Awards are conferred every year for excellent work done by youth and NGOs for nation-building/ community service.
  • A cash award of Rs. 1,00,000, a medal and a certificate are given to each individual awardee.
  • The award to voluntary youth organizations comprises of a certificate, a medal and an amount of Rs. 3,00,000.

Source: PIB

Sports

1. Tamim Iqbal Retires from International Cricket

• Tamim Iqbal, former captain and opener of Bangladesh, announced his retirement from international cricket.
• Tamim made his Test debut in 2008 after playing ODIs and T20Is the previous year.
• He is currently participating in the Bangladesh Premier League.

Source: TOI

Appointments

1. New BCCI Secretary and Treasurer Elected

• Devajit Saikia and Prabhtej Singh Bhatia were elected unopposed as the new secretary and treasurer of the BCCI.
• BCCI was established in 1928. President: Roger Binny

Source: TOI

Miscellaneous

1. Mount Ibu Erupts in Indonesia

• Mount Ibu in North Maluku, Indonesia, erupted on Saturday.
• Mount Ibu is at the second-highest alert level and is known as one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, having erupted over 2,000 times last year.

Source: ANI

2. Freshwater Species Face Extinction Risks in Western Ghats: IUCN

• What:
  • A study published in Nature reveals that the Western Ghats is one of four global regions where freshwater species are at high risk of extinction.
• Why:
  • The study aims to highlight the threats faced by freshwater species and the need for targeted conservation efforts.
• Tell me more:
  • This study is the most extensive evaluation ever conducted on freshwater species (like fish, crabs, dragonflies, and others) listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.
  • Major threats include pollution from agriculture, land conversion, water extraction, dam construction, overfishing, and invasive species.
  • The hump-backed mahseer fish is critically endangered due to habitat loss and requires urgent conservation measures.
• Knowledge Nuggets:
  • The IUCN Red List categorizes species based on their extinction risk and has been assessing global conservation status since 1964.
  • Freshwater habitats support 10% of Earth’s species and are crucial for drinking water and livelihoods.
  • The next IUCN World Conservation Congress will take place in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, from 9 to 15 October 2025. It focuses on freshwater conservation aligned with Sustainable Development Goals.

Source: TW  IUCN

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