Daily Current Affairs- 29th January 2025

Daily Current Affairs- 29th January 2025

INTERNATIONAL

India & Indonesia deepen ties during Prez Subianto's visit

• President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia successfully concluded his four-day official visit to India on 26 January 2025. His visit to India from 23-26 January 2025 was his first official visit after becoming the President of Indonesia in 2024.
• He was the Chief Guest at the 76th Republic Day ceremony, and during his visit to India, he held high-level talks with the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during which 5 MoUs were signed between the two countries.
• The MoUs include –

1. Cooperation in
2. Renewal of the agreement between the Indian Coast Guard and the Indonesian Coast Guard on Maritime Safety and
3. Cooperation in Traditional Medicine Quality Assurance between Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homeopathy and Indonesian Food and Drug Authority.
4. Cooperation in the Fields of Digital Development.
5. Cultural Exchange Program between the two countries for the 2025-28 period. 

Google Maps to rename ‘Gulf of Mexico’ to ‘Gulf of America’ for US users

• Google Maps will change the name of “Gulf of Mexico” to “Gulf of America” once it is officially updated in the U.S. Geographic Names System.
• The change will be visible in the U.S., but the name will remain “Gulf of Mexico” in Mexico. Outside of the two countries, users will see both names on Google Maps. 

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed declares 2025 as Year of Community

• UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced 2025 as the Year of Community, launching a national initiative aimed at fostering unity and inclusion across society. Under the slogan “Hand in Hand,” the campaign reflects the UAE leadership’s vision to build a cohesive and empowered community. 

NATIONAL

38th National Games inaugurated by PM Modi in Dehradun

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 38th National Games the event is being organized in Uttarakhand during its silver jubilee year, The Games will be held in 11 cities in 8 districts of Uttarakhand from 28 January to 14 February.
• Medals will be awarded in 33 sports, while two sports will be exhibition sports. Yoga and Mallakhamb have been included in the National Games for the first time.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY    

CheQ Unveils Wisor: India’s First AI-Powered Credit Card Expert

• CheQ, a leading Indian fintech company founded by former Flipkart executive Aditya Soni, has introduced Wisor, India’s first AI-driven credit card expert. This innovative tool aims to transform credit card management by providing personalized insights, seamless management, and maximizing rewards for users. 

ISRO successfully launches NVS-02 satellite from Sriharikota

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its new generation satellite NVS-02 from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh, Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F15) carrying the NVS-02 lifted off at 6:23 AM this morning. This launch marks a remarkable milestone for ISRO commemorating the 100th launch from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. 

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

ICC CEO Geoff Allardice steps down weeks ahead of Champions Trophy

• International Cricket Council CEO Geoff Allardice has decided to step down just weeks before the Champions Trophy with a board member indicating that his failure to present a "clear picture" of host Pakistan's lack of preparedness is one of the multiple reasons behind the move.

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Leprosy Day

• World Leprosy Day is observed annually on the last Sunday of January, with the 2025 observance falling on January 26. The day is dedicated to raising awareness about leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, and its impact on individuals and communities. 

Indian Newspaper Day

• Indian Newspaper Day is celebrated on January 29th to commemorate the publication of the first newspaper in India in 1780. The newspaper was Hicky's Bengal Gazette, also known as the Calcutta General Advertiser. 

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

India honours Trinidad and Tobago President with Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award

• India has conferred the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award on Christine Carla Kangaloo, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, recognizing her outstanding achievements in public affairs and her contributions to enhancing India’s global prestige. 

Sanjay Potam awarded President’s Medal for Gallantry for third time

• In a remarkable tale of transformation, Sanjay Potam, formerly a Naxalite commander known as Badru, has been awarded the prestigious President’s Medal for Gallantry for the third time. This honor is a testament to his exceptional bravery and dedication to public service after turning his life around.