Current Affairs Today: 18th January 2025 | Daily GK Update
📰 National News
1. What initiatives were launched under India’s digital connectivity mission?
Answer: The Department of Telecommunications launched National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0 and the Sanchar Saathi app — aiming to connect 1.7 lakh villages and ensure 100 Mbps broadband for 60% of rural households.
2. What app was launched to promote battlefield tourism?
Answer: Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan app and website — launched on Army Day (15 Jan) to allow civilians to visit historic war zones like Siachen and Galwan.
3. What milestone did the Lokpal of India commemorate?
Answer: Celebrated its first Foundation Day on 16 Jan 2025 — marking 11 years since its establishment under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.
🌐 International News
4. Which satellite did China launch for Pakistan?
Answer: PRSC-EO1 — Pakistan’s first indigenous Electro-Optical satellite, launched from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on 17 Jan 2025.
🏦 Economy & Banking News
5. What is India’s revised FY25 growth forecast by IMF?
Answer: 6.5% — down from 7.5%, citing inflation, investment slowdown, and global uncertainties.
6. What revival package was approved for RINL (Vizag Steel)?
Answer: ₹11,440 crore — includes ₹10,300 crore equity infusion and ₹1,140 crore loan conversion into preference shares.
7. What new policy did RBI introduce for overseas banks?
Answer: Allowed overseas branches to open INR accounts for non-residents — to promote global use of the Indian Rupee.
8. What record forex intervention did RBI make in Nov 2024?
Answer: Sold $20.2 billion — to stabilize the rupee amid FPI outflows, raising net short position to $58.9 billion.
⚖️ Appointments
9. Who was appointed as BCCI Ombudsman and Ethics Officer?
Answer: Justice Arun Mishra — former Supreme Court judge.
🎾 Sports News
10. What record did Novak Djokovic break?
Answer: Played his 430th Grand Slam match — surpassing Roger Federer during the Australian Open 2025.
🚀 Science & Technology
11. What rocket did Blue Origin launch on its maiden flight?
Answer: New Glenn — carried a prototype satellite into orbit, marking a milestone for Jeff Bezos’ space company.
12. What agricultural breakthrough did ISRO achieve in space?
Answer: Germinated black-eyed pea (lobia) seeds aboard its CROPS module — advancing space farming for long-duration missions.
13. What is Zombie Deer Disease and its human risk?
Answer: Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) — affects deer, moose, elk; human transmission is unconfirmed but under study due to sporadic CJD cases.
14. What new species was discovered by ZSI?
Answer: Manis indoburmanica — a new Indo-Burmese pangolin species, genetically distinct from Chinese pangolin.
🕊️ Obituaries
15. Which legendary filmmaker passed away recently?
Answer: David Lynch — died at 78, known for surreal cinema and iconic works like Twin Peaks.
Current Affairs Today: 18th January 2025 | Daily GK Update
