Current Affairs Today: 14th Jan 2025 Highlights for UPSC, SSC & Banking
📰 National News
What initiative did SECL launch for retired employees?
👉 Post-Retirement Benefit (PRB) Cell — a single-window solution to improve post-retirement services.
🌐 International News
Who was sworn in as Venezuela’s President amid controversy?
👉 Nicolas Maduro — for a third term, despite allegations of voter fraud.
What natural disaster struck Japan on Jan 13, 2025?
👉 A 6.9 magnitude earthquake in the Hyuga-Nada Sea — tsunami advisory issued and later lifted.
🛡️ Defence News
What is the India-U.S. sonobuoy collaboration about?
👉 Co-production of submarine-tracking sonobuoys — production line expected by 2027.
🏞️ State News
Which UP power firms are proposed for privatization?
👉 Dakshinanchal and Purvanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam.
Which state joined Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY on Jan 14, 2025?
👉 Odisha — became the 34th state to integrate via MoU with NHA.
Where did Avaniyapuram Jallikattu 2025 begin?
👉 Madurai, Tamil Nadu — as part of Pongal celebrations.
💰 Economy News
What was India’s net direct tax collection by Jan 12, 2025?
👉 ₹16.90 lakh crore — showing 15.88% year-on-year growth.
What was India’s retail inflation in December 2024?
👉 5.22% — the lowest in 4 months due to slower food price rise.
How many watershed projects were approved under PMKSY?
👉 56 projects worth ₹700 crore — covering 2.8 lakh hectares.
🤝 Agreements News
What chip will C-DOT and IIT Mandi develop?
👉 Wideband Spectrum Sensor ASIC Chip — to enhance rural broadband efficiency.
🏅 Awards News
Which Kerala beaches received Blue Flag certification?
👉 Kappad (Kozhikode) and Chal (Kannur) — for meeting eco-tourism standards.
🚀 Science & Tech
What milestone did ISRO’s SpaDeX mission achieve?
👉 Successful satellite docking test — India joins elite group with USA, Russia, and China.
What fire control method is used in California wildfires?
👉 Bright pink fire retardant — dropped via aircraft, under environmental review.
🏏 Sports News
What major indigenous sports event began on Jan 13, 2025?
👉 Kho Kho World Cup — featuring 23 nations, held in New Delhi.
Who is the new Chairperson of AFI’s Athletes Commission?
👉 Anju Bobby George — with Neeraj Chopra among the members.
📅 Important Days
When is Makar Sankranti celebrated in 2025?
👉 January 14 — marks the Sun’s transition into Capricorn (Makara Rashi)
Current Affairs Today: 14th Jan 2025 Highlights for UPSC, SSC & Banking