January 17, 2025 Current Affairs Today offers exam-relevant insights into key national and international developments, including the creation of new CISF battalions, Hindenburg Research’s closure, US-India collaborations, and hydroelectric projects in Arunachal Pradesh. Designed for Judiciary, APO, and JLO aspirants, this blog ensures a comprehensive understanding of significant updates.
Creation of Two New CISF Reserve Battalions
Key Developments
- The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) approved the creation of two new reserve battalions for the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
- Each battalion will comprise 1,025 personnel, adding 2,050 new posts to the force.
- This expansion increases the total CISF battalions from 13 to 15 and strengthens its operational capacity.
Role and Responsibilities
- Focus Areas: Internal security, management of high-security jails, and rapid response during emergencies.
- Capabilities: Equipped with a dedicated transport fleet and modern weapons, these battalions are expected to bolster national security.
Leadership and Benefits
- Led by Senior Commandant rank officers, the new battalions aim to ease workloads and improve leave opportunities for CISF personnel.
How many new CISF battalions have been approved? Two.
What is the sanctioned strength of each battalion? 1,025 personnel.
2. Hindenburg Research Shuts Down Amid Controversy
Closure Announcement
- Hindenburg Research, the controversial short-selling firm, announced its closure.
- Founder Nate Anderson described this as a personal decision to focus on well-being and relationships after a demanding career.
Impact of Hindenburg’s Reports
- The firm gained notoriety in 2023 for its reports on the Adani Group, causing significant financial losses to the conglomerate.
- Although the Adani Group denied the allegations, the reports brought attention to corporate governance issues.
Which short-selling firm announced its closure? Hindenburg Research.
Who founded Hindenburg Research? Nate Anderson.
3. US Removes Three Indian Nuclear Entities from Export Control List
Entities Delisted
- The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) removed three Indian entities:
- Indian Rare Earths
- Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Centre (IGCAR)
- Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)
Significance
- The delisting promotes smoother scientific collaboration between India and the US, particularly in nuclear energy and rare earth mineral research.
- Impact: Facilitates partnerships in clean energy technologies and advanced scientific research, bolstering India’s energy security and economic growth.
Which entities were removed from the US Entity List? Indian Rare Earths, IGCAR, and BARC.
4. India to Supply 80 Cabs to Sri Lanka’s Police Stations
MoU Signed
- India and Sri Lanka formalized an MoU for the supply of 80 single cabs to police stations in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province.
- The initiative is backed by a grant of 300 million Sri Lankan Rupees from India.
Objective and Benefits
- Strengthens police infrastructure, ensuring better law enforcement and public safety.
- Part of India’s broader development cooperation efforts in Sri Lanka, encompassing sectors like housing, health, and education.
How many cabs will India supply to Sri Lanka? 80 cabs.
What is the grant value supporting this initiative? 300 million Sri Lankan Rupees.
5. Mega Hydroelectric Power Projects in Arunachal Pradesh
Key Projects
- Two major projects to be developed:
- Tato-II Hydroelectric Project (700 MW) on the Siyom River in Shi Yomi district.
- Kamala Hydroelectric Project (1,720 MW) on the Kamala River in Kamle district.
Investment and Benefits
- Investment: Rs 35,000 crore.
- Socioeconomic Growth: Infrastructure development, job creation, and skill upgradation for local communities.
- Part of efforts to harness Arunachal Pradesh’s hydroelectric potential of 58,000 MW.
Which rivers host these projects? Siyom River (Tato-II) and Kamala River (Kamala HEP).
6. Gen V.K. Singh (Retd) Appointed as Mizoram Governor
Key Appointment
- Former Union Minister and Army chief General Vijay Kumar Singh (Retd) has been appointed as the 25th Governor of Mizoram.
- Swearing-in Ceremony: Conducted by Chief Justice Vijay Bishnoi of Gauhati High Court.
Who is the newly appointed Governor of Mizoram? Gen V.K. Singh (Retd).
7. South Korea Launches Digital Innovation Project with ASEAN
Details
- A $30 million joint project between South Korea and ASEAN will run for five years.
- Focuses on building advanced computing infrastructure, human resource development, and AI solutions.
Impact
- Drives ASEAN’s digital transformation and fosters economic growth.
What is the duration of the South Korea-ASEAN project? Five years.
How much funding has been allocated? $30 million.
8. EET Hydrogen and ENKA Partner for UK’s Low-Carbon Hydrogen Plant
Key Partnership
- Essar Energy Transition (EET) Hydrogen partnered with ENKA to develop the UK’s first large-scale low-carbon hydrogen production plant at the Stanlow Manufacturing Complex.
Significance
- Production Capacity: 350 MW.
- Carbon Reduction: Captures 600,000 tonnes of CO2 annually, equivalent to removing 250,000 cars from the road.
Which company partnered with EET Hydrogen for the project? ENKA.
9. Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme
Launch by Union Home Minister Amit Shah
- The Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Programme (FTI-TTP) was inaugurated at seven major airports.
- Offers seamless immigration via e-gates, streamlining international travel.
Where was the FTI-TTP first launched? Terminal-3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), New Delhi.
10. Amazon Acquires Fintech Firm Axio
Acquisition Details
- Purpose: To expand Amazon’s credit-based offerings in India.
- Impact: Strengthens Amazon’s portfolio in Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) and personal finance management services.
Who acquired fintech firm Axio? Amazon.
What is the primary aim of the acquisition? Expanding credit-based services in India.
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