Current Affairs Today: 16th Jan 2025 Highlights for UPSC, SSC & Banking
📰 National News
What major decision did the Cabinet take regarding central government employees?
👉 Approved the formation of the 8th Central Pay Commission — to revise salaries, allowances, and pensions ahead of the 7th CPC’s term ending in 2026.
What achievement did Indian Railways announce in green energy?
👉 Developed the world’s most powerful hydrogen fuel-run train engine — unveiled during the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.
Which ISKCON temple was inaugurated by PM Modi?
👉 Sri Sri Radha Madanmohanji Temple in Navi Mumbai — Asia’s second-largest ISKCON temple, built over 12 years at ₹170 crore.
🌐 International News
Who received Singapore’s Honorary Citizen Award?
👉 Tarun Das — former Director General of CII, for strengthening Singapore-India relations.
What is India’s projected economic rank by 2026?
👉 Expected to become the world’s fourth-largest economy — surpassing Japan, according to PHDCCI.
What update did the US make to its Entity List?
👉 Removed three Indian organizations (Indian Rare Earths, IGCAR, BARC) and added eleven Chinese firms — citing national security concerns.
What cultural initiative was announced between India and Spain?
👉 2026 declared as ‘Dual Year’ — focusing on culture, tourism, and artificial intelligence.
What partnership was formed to boost UPI usage in the UAE?
👉 NPCI International and Magnati — enabling Indian travelers to make UPI payments in the UAE.
🛡️ Defence News
What is Exercise ‘Devil Strike’?
👉 A high-intensity military drill by the Indian Army (Jan 16–19, 2025) — to enhance combat readiness and inter-branch coordination.
🏞️ State News
What is Kanuma Panduga and where is it celebrated?
👉 A post-Sankranti festival honoring cattle — observed in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu.
What pension scheme was announced by the Odisha government?
👉 ₹20,000 monthly pension for Emergency detainees (1975–77) — includes medical coverage and other benefits.
🚀 Science & Tech
What milestone did ISRO achieve in satellite technology?
👉 Successfully docked two satellites in space — India joins the elite group of USA, Russia, and China.
Which Indian startups launched satellites aboard SpaceX?
👉 Pixxel and Digantara — for Earth observation and space object tracking.
🏏 Sports News
Who scored India’s fastest century in women’s ODIs?
👉 Smriti Mandhana — during the 3rd ODI vs Ireland Women in Rajkot.
Which Indian chess player defeated Carlsen and Caruana?
👉 Arjun Erigaisi — won 10 out of 11 rounds in Chess.com’s Titled Tuesday blitz event
Current Affairs Today: 16th Jan 2025 Highlights for UPSC, SSC & Banking