In Current Affairs for 03 January 2025, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial for your upcoming NDA, CDS, CDS OTA, AFCAT, TA, Agniveer Army, Agniveer Navy, Agniveer Air Force, Women Military Police, INET, MNS, ACC exams, SCO, PCSL, CAPF, and SSB interviews, and direct entries for Army, Navy, and Air Force like SSC Tech, TGC, JAG, NCC, TES, 10+2 Cadet. Download a PDF file about current events at the end of this article. Let us now see the Current Affairs.
Current Affairs 03 January 2024
Sri Mannathu Padmanabhan
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered Sri Mannathu Padmanabhan on his birth anniversary. Mannathu Padmanabhan (2 January 1878 – 25 February 1970) was an Indian social reformer and freedom fighter from the south-western state of Kerala.
- He is recognised as the founder of the Nair Service Society (NSS), which represents the Nair community that constitutes 15.5% of the population of the state.
- His birthday (2 January) is observed as Mannam Jayanti every year. Padmanabhan is considered a visionary reformer who organised the Nair community under the NSS.
Dr. K.S. Manilal
- Dr. K.S. Manilal, a revered botanist, passed away on January 1, 2025, in Thrissur, Kerala. He was 86 years old and had been unwell for some time. His remarkable contributions to botany, particularly his work on the ancient manuscript Hortus Malabaricus, have left a lasting impact on the field of plant research. Dr. Manilal’s dedication to reviving this 17th-century work made strides in understanding Kerala’s rich biodiversity.
- Early Life and Education : Dr. Manilal was born in Kerala and obtained his doctorate from Sagar University. He began his academic career at Kerala University in 1964. His early education laid a strong foundation for his future contributions to botany.
- Hortus Malabaricus – A Botanical Treasure : Hortus Malabaricus is a 12-volume Latin manuscript compiled by Dutch Governor Hendrik Adrian van Rheede. The work documents the medicinal plants of Kerala. Dr. Manilal dedicated over 35 years to researching, translating, and annotating this invaluable text. His English translation was published in 2003, followed by a Malayalam version in 2008.
- Contributions to Plant Research : Dr. Manilal authored more than 200 research papers and 11 influential books. His notable works include Flora of Calicut and Flora of Silent Valley. His research led to the discovery of 19 new plant species, with four named in his honour. His studies were vital in understanding plant biodiversity in Kerala, particularly in the Silent Valley and Kozhikode regions.
- Leadership Roles and Achievements : Dr. Manilal held several leadership positions in botany. He was the founding president of the Indian Association for Angiosperm Taxonomy (IAAT) and served as chief editor of its journal, Reedia. He also presided over the Botanical Society of India. His leadership encourageed collaboration and advancement in plant taxonomy.
- Awards and Recognition : Throughout his career, Dr. Manilal received numerous prestigious awards. He was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2020 for his contributions to botany. Other accolades include the Vishwambhar Puri Medal and the E.K. Janaki Ammal Taxonomy Award. Internationally, he was awarded the Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau by Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands in 2012, becoming the first Asian recipient of this honour.
India Completes Over 9 Km Fencing Along Myanmar
- India has completed the fencing of over nine kilometres of its border with Myanmar and work on the road along the fence is in progress. The fencing has been done at Moreh in Manipur.
- The Union Home Ministry stated this in a report published recently. The construction of around 21 km of fence and road was awarded to Border Road Organisation in February last year for which the work is in progress.
- The country shares a 1,643 km long border with Myanmar which passes through Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram.
- The ministry added that out of the 1,643 km border, the demarcation of the 1,472 kilometres border has been completed. Construction work on two pilot projects of a Hybrid surveillance system in Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur is in progress.
ISRO To Launch US Communications Satellite Bluebird
- ISRO is set to make history by launching an American communications satellite. This is the first time an American company is using an Indian rocket for such a large and advanced satellite.
- The mission is expected to occur in February or March 2025. AST SpaceMobile, a Texas-based company, is expected to be the manufacturer of the satellite. The company has developed technology that allows users to make voice calls using standard smartphones.
- Unlike other satellite communication providers, AST SpaceMobile does not require users to purchase special handsets or terminals, making it more accessible to the general public.
- The satellite in question is the Bluebird satellite, which will be launched into low Earth orbit using ISRO’s Geo-synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). It will feature a large 64 square-meter antenna, approximately half the size of a football field.
- The satellite is projected to weigh around 6,000 kg, showcasing its capability to handle substantial data transmission. Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle is designed to place communication satellites into Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO) using a cryogenic third stage for higher thrust.
‘Pujari Granthi Samman’ Scheme
- Delhi Government has initiated the ‘Pujari Granthi Samman’ scheme. This programme aims to provide financial assistance to Gurudwara priests in the region.
- The announcement was made by former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on December 30, with the registration process commencing on December 31. The ‘Pujari Granthi Samman’ scheme offers a monthly grant of Rs 18,000.
- This financial support is designated for every temple and Gurudwara priest in Delhi. The initiative seeks to ensure economic stability for religious leaders who serve their communities.
- The initiative aims to provide recognition and financial security to religious figures. It reflects a growing awareness of the needs of temple and Gurudwara priests. The scheme may also influence voter sentiments in the approaching elections.
India’s First Glass Sea Bridge
- Tamil Nadu inaugurated a groundbreaking glass bridge over the sea, enhancing connectivity between two landmarks. This development coincides with the silver jubilee celebrations of the Tiruvalluvar Statue, which has become a symbol of cultural pride.
- Chief Minister M.K. Stalin officially opened the bridge, linking the Tiruvalluvar Statue and the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari.
- The event celebrated the statue’s 25th anniversary, marking its significance in Tamil culture.
- The glass bridge spans 77 metres and is 10 metres wide, constructed at a cost of ₹37 crore.
- Tiruvalluvar Statue : Unveiled on January 1, 2000, the statue stands at a height of 133 feet, representing the 133 chapters of the Tirukkural. The statue, installed on a rock in the sea, is an important identity for Tamil people and embodies the philosophy of social justice expressed in the Thirukural: “Pirapokkum ella uyirkkum” (Everyone is equal at birth).
- Designed by renowned sculptor V. Ganapathi Sthapathi, it weighs approximately 7,000 tonnes and has withstood natural disasters, including the 2004 tsunami. Recently, it was officially renamed as the Statue of Wisdom.
- Vivekananda Rock Memorial : The Vivekananda Rock Memorial is located on one of the two rocks, about 500 meters off the mainland of Vavathurai, at the southernmost tip of India in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu. The rocks are surrounded by the Laccadive Sea, where the Bay of Bengal, Indian Ocean, and Arabian Sea meet. The memorial was constructed in 1970 to honor Swami Vivekananda, who is believed to have attained enlightenment on the rock.
- Its main structures are Vivekananda Mandapam (A hall dedicated to Swami Vivekananda) and Shripada Mandapam (built to enshrine the footprint of Devi Kanyakumari) and Dhyana Mandapam (Meditation Hall).
Sevdalinka: Added To UNESCO Cultural Heritage List
- Sevdalinka is a traditional Bosnian love song that has recently gained recognition, and added to UNESCO’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
- The song, often referred to as the Balkan Blues, reflects a rich cultural history and emotional depth. Sevdalinka dates back to the 16th century. It originated in the South Slavic regions and combines elements of South Slavic poetry with music influenced by the Ottoman Empire.
- The genre has evolved over centuries, retaining its melancholic essence. Sevdalinka is typically performed as a cappella or accompanied by traditional instruments, such as the lute and the saz.
- The songs are characterized by their emotional lyrics and intricate melodies, often conveying themes of love and longing. The performance of Sevdalinka is cultural practice in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is commonly sung at family gatherings and community events, allowing for the transmission of cultural values and stories across generations.
Sanskriti Utsava
- Uttar Pradesh government has announced the ‘Sanskriti Utsava’ from January 2 to January 26, 2025. This event celebrates the state’s foundation day and aims to promote talent in various art forms.
- The festival will include competitions at different levels across the state, providing a platform for emerging artists. The Sanskriti Utsava will commemorate ‘Uttar Pradesh Diwas.’
- The event’s theme is ‘Uttar Pradesh Parv – Hamari Sanskriti-Hamari Pehchaan.’ The festival aims to explore and showcase the rich cultural heritage of Uttar Pradesh.
- Participants will compete in classical, semi-classical, and folk arts. The event will highlight the importance of preserving these cultural genres. The festival will feature competitions in classical singing, including Khayal and Dhrupad. Semi-classical singing will include Thumri, Dadra, and various other forms.
- Folk singing competitions will showcase Kajri, Qawwali, and more. Light music categories will include Geet, Ghazal, and patriotic songs.
- Khayal is a form of classical Hindustani music. It features improvisation and expressive singing, allowing artists to showcase their creativity and emotional depth in performances. Dhrupad is one of the oldest forms of Hindustani classical music. It is known for its solemnity and spiritual depth, often performed in a slow, meditative style.
Current Affairs 03 January 2025 Question
- ‘Pujari Granthi Samman’ Scheme Launched In
A. Kerala
B. Odisha
C. Delhi
D. Gujarat
ANSWER: C - Sevdalinka Seen In News Falls In Category Of
A. Theatre
B. Song
C. Dance
D. Literature
ANSWER: B - Which Country Launched CR450 Prototype, World’s Fastest High-speed Train
A. France
B. China
C. Russia
D. India
ANSWER: B - Which Institute Developed Needle Free Shock Syringes For Painless Injections
A. IIT Hyderabad
B. IIT Delhi
C. IIT Bombay
D. IIT Madras
ANSWER: C - Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme Is Associated With Which Sector
A. Agriculture
B. Taxation
C. Science and Technology
D. Education
ANSWER: B - Who Has Been Appointed As New Director General Of The Central Reserve
Police Force
A. A.P. Maheshwari
B. Prakash Mishra
C. O P Singh
D. Vitul Kumar
ANSWER: D - Which State Won Senior National Men’s Handball Championship 2024 Title
A. Haryana
B. Kerala
C. Punjab
D. Rajasthan
ANSWER: B - MeerKAT Radio Telescope, Is Located In Which Country
A. Australia
B. Russia
C. South Africa
D. China
ANSWER: C - Which State Won Santosh Trophy National Football Championship Title
A. West Bengal
B. Kerala
C. Odisha
D. Punjab
ANSWER: A - Business Ready (B-READY) Is The Flagship Report Of Which Organization
A. International Monetary Fund
B. World Bank
C. United Nations Development Programme
D. World Trade Organization
ANSWER: B - Which Organization Has Launched Quantum Processor ‘Willow’
A. Amazon
B. Meta
C. Google
D. Microsoft
ANSWER: C - K. S. Manilal, Who Recently Passed Away, Was Associated With Which Field
A. Journalism
B. Taxonomy
C. Sports
D. Politics
ANSWER: B - Which Launch Vehicle Was Used For The Successful Deployment Of ISRO’s
Spadex Mission
A. GSLV Mk III
B. PSLV-C60
C. GSLV Mk II
D. Chandrayaan-2 rocket
ANSWER: C - Where Will The World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit 2024 Be Held
A. Mumbai
B. Bengaluru
C. New Delhi
D. Kolkata
ANSWER: C - Kerala Won Their First-ever Senior National Men’s Handball Championship
Title By Defeating Which Team In The Final
A. Maharashtra
B. Haryana
C. Delhi
D. Chandigarh
ANSWER: D - Who Has Been Appointed As Officiating Director General Of Central Reserve
Police Force
A. Anish Dayal Singh
B. R.K. Verma
C. Rajesh Ranjan
D. Vitul Kumar
ANSWER: D - Which Organization Awarded SAIL ‘Great Place To Work’ Certification
A. World Economic Forum
B. Great Place to Work Institute, India
C. Indian Council of Industrial Relations
D. National Human Resource Development Network
ANSWER: B - In 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, Which Constituency Had Highest Voter Turnout
A. Srinagar (J&K)
B. Dhubri (Assam)
C. Tamluk (West Bengal)
D. Malkajgiri (Telangana)
ANSWER: B - What Is Projected GDP Growth For India In FY25 According To The Rbi’s
December 2024 Financial Stability Report
A. 5.5%
B. 6.0%
C. 6.6%
D. 7.0%
ANSWER: C - The Ambassador Of Emperor James I, Who Reached In The Court Of Jahangir
In 1615 Was
A. Sir James Hay
B. Sir Thomas Roe
C. Sir Thomas Howard
D. Sir John Digby
ANSWER: B
