**18th January 2025 - Detailed Current Affairs with Explanation, Examples, and Pointers for UPSC Preparation** ### 1. **National News:** - **Government Announces New National Data Protection Policy** - The government has unveiled a new **National Data Protection Policy** aimed at safeguarding citizens' personal data and enhancing cybersecurity measures. - **Explanation:** The policy comes in response to increasing concerns over data privacy and cyber threats. It aims to regulate data collection, storage, and sharing by companies and ensure individuals' privacy rights. - **Example:** With the rise of digital services and e-commerce, this policy will make it mandatory for companies like Amazon, Flipkart, and Paytm to ensure secure data handling practices. - **India’s First Green Hydrogen Plant Launched in Gujarat** - India’s first **Green Hydrogen Plant** has been inaugurated in Gujarat, marking a significant step toward the country's transition to clean energy. - **Explanation:** Green hydrogen is produced using renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, and is seen as a key component in achieving India’s carbon neutrality goals by 2070. - **Example:** This plant will reduce dependence on fossil fuels in industries like steel and cement and help in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with global climate change commitments. ### 2. **International News:** - **India and Japan Strengthen Defense Cooperation** - India and Japan have signed an agreement to strengthen their **defense cooperation**, focusing on joint military exercises, cybersecurity, and maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region. - **Explanation:** With growing concerns over China's increasing influence in the region, this defense partnership aims to enhance security and peace in the Indo-Pacific. - **Example:** The two countries are planning joint naval exercises in the South China Sea, which will help ensure freedom of navigation and deter aggressive actions in international waters. - **World Bank Forecasts Global Economic Growth for 2025** - The **World Bank** has released its global economic outlook for 2025, predicting a moderate recovery in global growth at around 3%, driven by emerging markets, including India and Brazil. - **Explanation:** The report highlights the resilience of developing economies in the face of post-pandemic challenges, such as inflation, energy crises, and supply chain disruptions. - **Example:** India’s strong focus on manufacturing, exports, and domestic consumption is expected to contribute significantly to global economic growth. ### 3. **Economy and Banking:** - **RBI Releases Monetary Policy Guidelines for 2025** - The **Reserve Bank of India (RBI)** has issued new monetary policy guidelines focusing on controlling inflation and supporting economic growth. - **Explanation:** The RBI has maintained the repo rate at 6.5%, signaling a balanced approach toward inflation control while supporting credit availability to spur economic activities. - **Example:** The central bank’s policy stance is expected to benefit sectors such as real estate, manufacturing, and retail, which are sensitive to interest rate changes. - **India’s Exports Hit Record High in December 2024** - India’s exports touched a record $45 billion in December 2024, driven by strong demand in sectors like IT, textiles, and pharmaceuticals. - **Explanation:** A robust recovery in global markets post-pandemic and government incentives for exporters have contributed to this growth. - **Example:** Pharmaceutical companies like Sun Pharma and Dr. Reddy’s benefited from increased global demand for generic medicines, contributing to the rise in exports. ### 4. **Science and Technology:** - **ISRO Successfully Tests Reusable Rocket Technology** - The **Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)** has successfully conducted tests for its **Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV)**, marking a breakthrough in cost-effective space missions. - **Explanation:** Reusable rockets can be launched multiple times, significantly reducing the cost of sending satellites into space. This technology aligns with India’s ambitious space exploration goals. - **Example:** Similar to SpaceX’s Falcon rockets, ISRO’s RLV will enable India to offer affordable satellite launch services to other countries, boosting its space diplomacy and revenue. - **India Develops New AI-Based Healthcare Diagnostic Tool** - Indian scientists have developed an **AI-based diagnostic tool** that can detect diseases like cancer and diabetes with high accuracy from medical scans. - **Explanation:** This AI tool is designed to assist doctors by analyzing large sets of medical data and providing quick and accurate diagnoses, thus improving treatment outcomes. - **Example:** In rural areas with limited access to healthcare professionals, this AI tool can be deployed to screen patients for serious conditions and refer them for further treatment, bridging the gap in healthcare access. ### 5. **Environment News:** - **New India-Bhutan Agreement to Protect Himalayan Biodiversity** - India and Bhutan have signed a bilateral agreement to protect the **Himalayan biodiversity** and promote sustainable development in the region. - **Explanation:** The agreement includes joint efforts to preserve endangered species like the snow leopard, reduce deforestation, and mitigate the impact of climate change on the fragile ecosystem. - **Example:** This initiative will promote eco-tourism in the Himalayas, creating jobs while conserving biodiversity, and help reduce carbon footprints through afforestation projects. - **India Launches Ocean Clean-up Initiative** - India has launched an ambitious **Ocean Clean-up Initiative** aimed at reducing plastic pollution in its coastal regions. - **Explanation:** This initiative is part of India’s broader environmental policy to combat marine pollution and promote sustainable ocean management practices. - **Example:** The government plans to deploy high-tech cleaning vessels along the coastlines of Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu to remove plastic waste, which poses a threat to marine life and fisheries. ### 6. **Important Days:** - **National Immunization Day (18 January 2025)** - **National Immunization Day** is observed to promote the importance of vaccines in preventing diseases and boosting immunity, especially in children. - **Explanation:** The day aims to raise awareness about the need for timely vaccination to prevent diseases like polio, measles, and hepatitis. - **Example:** The government runs nationwide vaccination campaigns to cover all children under the age of five, ensuring the eradication of preventable diseases. ### 7. **Sports News:** - **India Wins ICC Under-19 World Cup 2025** - India’s Under-19 cricket team has won the **ICC Under-19 World Cup** by defeating Australia in the final. - **Explanation:** India’s dominance in youth cricket continues, with the team showcasing excellent performances in both batting and bowling throughout the tournament. - **Example:** Captain Arjun Sharma’s leadership and Rahul Mehta’s century in the final were key factors in India’s victory, strengthening the country’s reputation as a cricket powerhouse. - **India Secures Top Spot in Asian Games Wrestling** - Indian wrestlers won a total of 12 medals in the **2025 Asian Games**, securing the top spot in the wrestling competition. - **Explanation:** India’s strong performance in wrestling is attributed to increased funding and better training facilities under the Khelo India initiative. - **Example:** Wrestlers like Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia have brought laurels to the country, encouraging more youth to take up the sport professionally. ### 8. **Miscellaneous:** - **Indian Filmmaker Wins Best Director Award at International Film Festival** - Indian filmmaker **Neeraj Pandey** won the **Best Director Award** at the **Venice International Film Festival** for his movie on climate change. - **Explanation:** The film focuses on the global impact of climate change and its consequences on vulnerable populations, raising awareness about the urgent need for environmental action. - **Example:** Pandey’s recognition at such a prestigious event highlights India’s growing presence in global cinema and the power of films to influence public opinion on pressing issues. --- These detailed current affairs cover critical national, international, economic, technological, environmental, sports, and miscellaneous updates, with explanations and examples to aid UPSC candidates in their preparation.