4 January 2025 Current Affairs Today brings updates like Amit Shah’s book launch on Jammu Kashmir, Mubadala’s investment leadership, and Noida Airport’s IOCL partnership, critical for Judiciary and competitive exams.
Table of Contents
Amit Shah Releases Book ‘Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh: Through the Ages’
Key Details
- Author: Raghuvendra Tanwar, Chairman of the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR).
- Event: Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the book in New Delhi.
- Significance:
- Chronicles the historical, cultural, and geopolitical essence of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh.
- Highlights the region’s Buddhist history, ancient temples, and the significance of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s rule and Dogra reign.
- Post-2019 Developments:
- Discusses the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A, leading to a 70% reduction in terrorism and enhanced integration with India.
Statements
Amit Shah described Kashmir as an inseparable part of India’s soul and emphasized documenting India’s history with pride. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan called the region the “crown of India.”
Related Links: Read More on Article 370
Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Tops Global Sovereign Investments with $29.2 Billion in 2024
Key Highlights
- Investment Leader: Mubadala Investment Company deployed $29.2 billion in 52 deals, surpassing Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).
- Investments in India:
- Sectors include renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and healthcare.
- Focused on road networks, gas distribution, and medical technology.
Global Sovereign Trends
- Gulf sovereign wealth funds collectively invested $82 billion, reflecting the rising influence of Gulf economies in global markets.
Related Links: Global SWF Report
Arif Mohammad Khan Takes Oath as Bihar Governor
Key Details
- Position: Sworn in as the 42nd Governor of Bihar.
- Successor: Succeeds Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, who is now Governor of Kerala.
- Background: A former Union Minister, Khan has been associated with Congress, Janata Dal, BSP, and BJP during his political journey.
Bihar Trivia:
- Capital: Patna.
- Famous Rivers: Ganga, Kosi, Gandak, Son.
Related Links: Explore Bihar’s Governance
Noida Airport Signs 30-Year Fuel Station Deal with IOCL
Partnership Overview
- Agreement: Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) will provide fueling services for the upcoming Noida International Airport (NIA).
- Locations: Fuel stations will be strategically positioned near the western access road, airside, and cargo precinct.
Inauguration Timeline
- The Noida International Airport is expected to open in the next fiscal year, enhancing regional connectivity and infrastructure.
Related Links: Noida International Airport Details
IIT Madras and Agriculture Ministry Collaborate on Project VISTAAR
Project Goals
- Digital Empowerment:
- Integrates information on 12,000+ agri-startups for farmers.
- Provides advisory services on crop production, marketing, and climate resilience.
- Partnership Scope:
- Delivers real-time updates on government schemes for agriculture and rural development.
Significance
- The initiative bridges the gap between technology and traditional farming, driving sustainable agricultural practices.
Related Links: IIT Madras Research
Najmul Hossain Shanto Steps Down as Bangladesh T20I Captain
Resignation Reasons
- Announced after mixed team performances and personal form struggles in T20Is.
- Record as Captain:
- Tests: 3 wins in 10 matches.
- ODIs: 4 wins in 11 matches.
- T20Is: 10 wins in 24 matches.
Future Leadership
- Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz are top contenders for the next T20I captain.
Related Links: Bangladesh Cricket Board
UN Security Council Welcomes 5 New Non-Permanent Members
New Members
- Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia.
- Replacing Ecuador, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, and Switzerland.
UNSC Overview
- Composition:
- 5 Permanent Members: Britain, China, France, Russia, and the US.
- 10 Non-Permanent Members: Elected for two-year terms.
Related Links: UNSC Membership Details
Lockheed Martin, Raytheon Among US Firms Blacklisted by China
Details
- China added 28 US defense and aerospace companies to its export control list.
- Unreliable Entity List: 10 firms, including Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, face stricter sanctions for supplying arms to Taiwan.
Context
- The move is a counter to US restrictions on Chinese firms and emphasizes China’s strategic retaliation.
Related Links: US-China Trade Relations
Guwahati Emerges as India’s Fastest-Growing International Travel Destination
Highlights
- As per Agoda’s ‘New Horizons’ report, Guwahati climbed into the top 20 international visitor destinations in India, previously not in the top 50.
- Reasons for Popularity:
- Gateway to Northeast India.
- Rich natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Related Links: Explore Guwahati Tourism
FAQs
Q1. Who authored the book ‘Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh: Through the Ages’?
Raghuvendra Tanwar, Chairman of the Indian Council of Historical Research.
Q2. Which sovereign wealth fund topped global investments in 2024?
Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Investment Company.
Q3. What is Project VISTAAR?
A collaboration between IIT Madras and the Agriculture Ministry to digitalize agricultural extension services.
Q4. Which countries became non-permanent UNSC members in 2025?
Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama, and Somalia.
Q5. What is the Noida International Airport’s fuel service agreement?
A 30-year deal with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL).
Q6. Which Indian city became the fastest-growing international travel destination?
Guwahati, according to Agoda’s ‘New Horizons’ report.
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