Stay ahead in your Judiciary, APO, and JLO exams with this detailed overview of the most critical current affairs today for January 9, 2025. Covering ISRO’s new chief, India’s GDP projections, UGC’s revised hiring rules, and much more, this blog ensures comprehensive coverage of exam-relevant topics.
Table of Contents for Current Affairs Today
January 9, 2025 – Current Affairs Highlights
1. V Narayanan Appointed as New ISRO Chief
The Government of India has appointed V Narayanan as the new Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Secretary of the Department of Space.
- Date of Appointment: January 14, 2025.
- Predecessor: S Somanath.
- Background: Currently Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), Narayanan has nearly four decades of expertise in spacecraft and rocket propulsion.
- Key Contributions:
- Led the development of the C25 Cryogenic Stage for GSLV Mk III.
- Played a critical role in ensuring operational success for GSLV Mk II during a time of technological embargo.
- Educational Achievements: Alumnus of IIT Kharagpur, with a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering (2001).
For detailed insights on ISRO’s evolving projects, visit the ISRO website.
2. Government of India’s New Year Calendar Theme for 2025
Theme: “Janbhagidari se Jankalyan” (Public Participation for Public Welfare).
- Focus Areas: Welfare of the poor, women empowerment, and infrastructure development.
- Unveiled By: Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
- Significance: Highlights transformative governance through citizen participation, emphasizing programs like Swachh Bharat Mission and Ayushman Bharat.
This theme reinforces the government’s commitment to inclusivity and grassroots participation.
3. India-Malaysia Security Dialogue 2025
India and Malaysia conducted their First Security Dialogue in New Delhi, co-chaired by Ajit Doval, National Security Advisor (India), and Raja Dato Nushirwan Bin Zainal Abidin, Malaysia’s National Security Council Director General.
Key Discussion Areas:
- Critical Minerals & Rare Earth Elements: Cooperation in securing critical resources.
- Cybersecurity & Counter-terrorism: Strengthening bilateral mechanisms to tackle cyber threats.
- Defence Industry: Potential collaborations in manufacturing and innovation.
Trade Relations:
- Malaysia is India’s 13th largest trade partner and 3rd largest among ASEAN nations.
- Bilateral trade grew from $14.15 billion in 2016-17 to $19.89 billion in 2022-23.
Learn more about India-Malaysia collaborations on the MEA website.
4. India’s GDP Growth Projections for FY 2024-25
The National Statistics Office (NSO) projects India’s GDP growth at 6.4% for FY 2024-25.
Key Economic Indicators:
- Nominal GDP Growth: 9.7%.
- Real GVA Growth: 6.4%, down from 7.2% in FY 2023-24.
- Sectoral Highlights:
- Agriculture: 3.8% growth (up from 1.4%).
- Construction: 8.6% growth.
- Financial Services: 7.3% growth.
India remains a resilient economy despite global headwinds.
5. Bahadur Singh Sagoo Elected AFI President
Bahadur Singh Sagoo, Asian Games Shot Put champion, is the new President of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI).
- Predecessor: Adille Sumariwalla, who served since 2012.
- Upcoming Challenges: Overseeing preparations for India’s first-ever World Athletics Continental Tour in August 2025.
6. ONGC Partners with BP to Boost Mumbai High Oil Production
India’s Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has partnered with global energy major BP to increase oil and gas production from the Mumbai High field.
Key Objectives:
- Production Growth: Up to 60% increase.
- Government Strategy: Boosting domestic oil production to reduce imports.
- BP’s Role: Leveraging expertise in optimizing mature fields.
BP’s collaboration aligns with India’s vision for energy self-reliance.
7. IIT Madras Launches Asia’s Largest Shallow Wave Basin Research Facility
IIT Madras inaugurated a state-of-the-art Shallow Wave Basin Research Facility at its satellite campus in Thaiyur, Tamil Nadu.
Applications:
- Testing coastal structures, harbor designs, and inland waterway systems.
- Simulating climate change impacts on maritime infrastructure.
This facility cements IIT Madras’s position as a global leader in marine research.
8. UGC’s New Guidelines for Academic Staff
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced new regulations for hiring academic staff in higher education institutions.
Key Changes:
- Vice-Chancellor Eligibility: Open to professionals from academia, public policy, and industry.
- Principal Appointment Criteria: Minimum of 15 years of teaching/research experience for PG colleges.
This reform aims to enhance transparency and inclusivity in academic leadership roles.
9. RBI’s 15-Day Credit Reporting Rule
Effective January 1, 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) mandates that lenders update credit bureau records every 15 days instead of the previous monthly cycle.
Impacts:
- For Borrowers: Faster updates to credit scores.
- For Lenders: Improved risk assessment.
This move promotes responsible borrowing and informed lending.
FAQs for Current Affairs Today
Q1. Who is the new ISRO Chairman, and when will he assume office?
V Narayanan, succeeding S Somanath, will assume office on January 14, 2025.
Q2. What is the theme of the Government of India’s 2025 New Year calendar?
The theme is “Janbhagidari se Jankalyan” (Public Participation for Public Welfare).
Q3. What is India’s GDP growth projection for FY 2024-25?
India’s GDP is projected to grow by 6.4%, as per NSO estimates.
Q4. What is the new rule introduced by RBI for credit reporting?
Lenders must update credit bureau records every 15 days.
Q5. What is the significance of IIT Madras’s Shallow Wave Basin Research Facility?
It facilitates advanced research in coastal engineering and climate change impacts.
Conclusion
The updates from January 9, 2025, highlight India’s progress in space research, economic resilience, academic reforms, and technological innovation. These developments not only underscore India’s dynamic growth but also provide critical insights for candidates preparing for Judiciary, APO, and JLO exams.
For detailed resources, visit the official government portals or trusted news sources like LiveLaw.
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