Daily Current Affairs- 18th January 2025

Daily Current Affairs- 18th January 2025

NATIONAL

India Launches First CSIR Innovation Complex

• India has taken a significant step forward in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship with the inauguration of the country’s first CSIR Innovation Complex in Mumbai. This groundbreaking facility was dedicated by Science and Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh through a virtual event. 

Indonesian President to be Chief Guest at 76th Republic Day celebrations

• President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto will pay a State Visit to India during 25-26 January 2025. President Prabowo will also be the Chief Guest for India's 76th Republic Day celebrations. 

Dr. Virendra Kumar inaugurates National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation (NIMHR)

• Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar inaugurated the National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation (NIMHR) in Sehore, Madhya Pradesh. The institute was established under the aegis of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD). 

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Vineet Joshi Takes Charge as Secretary of Higher Education

• Shri Vineet Joshi has assumed the role of Secretary of the Department of Higher Education in the Ministry of Education, effective today at Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi. 

Nripendra Mishra reappointed Chairperson of PM Museum & Library Society

• The Government of India has reconstituted the Executive Council of the Prime Ministers Museum and Library Society and reappointed Nripendra Mishra as the Chairperson of the Executive Council of the Society. The Executive Council is the highest decision-making body of the Prime Ministers Museum and Library Society.
• The Prime Minister is the ex-officio President of the Prime Ministers Museum and Library Society and the Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is currently the Vice-Chairman. 

SUMMITS & MOUs

Odisha sign MoU to establish FinTech hub in Bhubaneswar

• The Government of Odisha's Electronics and IT Department and Singapore's Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN) signed an MoU to establish a Global Competency Centre in Bhubaneshwar to foster FinTech collaboration, with a focus on developing an inclusive and sustainable InsureTech and related areas. 

Financial Intelligence Unit and National Housing Bank sign MoU

• Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU-IND) and National Housing Bank (NHB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding for enhanced coordination and information exchange, as part of continued coordinated efforts in effective implementation of requirements of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and Rules framed thereunder in New Delhi, 

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Mridangist T.V. Gopalakrishnan Honoured with RK Srikantan Trust Award

• Renowned mridangist T.V. Gopalakrishnan has been selected to receive the RK Srikantan Trust Award during the Sankranti Music Fest. This recognition celebrates his exceptional contributions to Indian classical music. 

RANKING

QS Future Skills Index: 2025

• India has secured the second position in the QS Skills Index 2025, which assesses how well countries are preparing their job markets for future demands. With a score of 99.1 percent in the Future of Work Indicator, only behind the United States, as per the QS World Future Skills Index 2025.