Current Affairs 18 & 19 January 2025

1. Manu Bhaker, D Gukesh & Harmanpreet Singh receives Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award
Indian sportspersons Manu Bhaker, D Gukesh, and Harmanpreet
Singh have been honored with the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. Manu Bhaker, a renowned shooter, has consistently excelled in international competitions, bringing laurels to the nation. Chess prodigy D Gukesh has made history with his remarkable performances, cementing his status as a rising star in the global chess arena. Harmanpreet Singh, a stalwart of Indian hockey, has been pivotal in the team's successes on the international stage. This recognition celebrates their outstanding contributions and dedication to Indian sports.

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Young Achievers are making waves, with 18-year-old D Gukesh becoming the youngest world chess champion ever, and 22-year-old Manu Bhaker winning two Olympic medals in shooting.
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Harmanpreet Singh, the Indian men's hockey team captain, has also been recognized for his outstanding performance, having led the team to bronze medals in the Tokyo and Paris Olympics.
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The award ceremony, held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, was a grand affair, with President Droupadi Murmu presenting the awards to the deserving athletes.
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This year's awards also saw a record number of para-athletes being recognized, with 17 out of 32 Arjuna Award winners being from the para-sports category.
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The Khel Ratna Award is the highest sporting honor in India, and it's a testament to the hard work and dedication of these athletes, who have made the country proud with their achievements.
2. Pixxel launches India's 1st private satellite constellation with SpaceX
Pixxel, an Indian space-tech startup, has launched the country’s first
private satellite constellation in collaboration with SpaceX. This milestone achievement marks a significant step for India's private space sector in advancing satellite technology. The constellation aims to provide high-resolution Earth imaging and data analytics for applications like climate monitoring, agriculture, and urban planning. By partnering with SpaceX, Pixxel has demonstrated its global competitiveness in satellite deployment and innovation. This launch underscores India’s growing presence in the international space industry, led by private enterprises.

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Pixxel's satellite constellation, called Firefly, consists of six hyperspectral imaging satellites that will provide high-resolution images of the Earth, helping to monitor climate change, track natural disasters, and more.
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The first three satellites were launched on January 14th from California, and the remaining three will be launched in the next two months, followed by 18 more satellites to complete the constellation.
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These satellites are special because they can capture images in over 150 spectral bands, allowing for detailed analysis of the Earth's surface, atmosphere, and oceans.
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Pixxel's technology has the potential to revolutionize various industries such as agriculture, energy, and environmental monitoring, and the company has already signed up over 60 clients, including the US National Reconnaissance Organization.
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This achievement marks a significant milestone for India's private space industry, showcasing the country's growing capabilities in space technology and its potential to become a major player in the global space market.
3. China Launches Pakistan’s Satellite Into Space
China has successfully launched Pakistan's satellite into space,
further strengthening their bilateral cooperation in space technology. The launch signifies Pakistan’s growing aspirations in space exploration, supported by China's advanced aerospace capabilities. This satellite is expected to enhance Pakistan’s telecommunications, Earth observation, and scientific research. The collaboration reflects the deep strategic partnership between the two nations, extending into high-tech domains. It also highlights China's role as a key player in enabling space missions for its allies.

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The satellite was launched at 12:07 pm Beijing Time by a Long March-2D carrier rocket and entered its planned orbit successfully, with the primary purpose of collecting Earth observation data using electro-optical sensors.
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This launch marks a significant advancement in Pakistan’s space technology, reflecting its commitment to leveraging space for national progress and sustainable development, and is expected to enhance Pakistan’s capabilities in monitoring and managing natural resources, disaster response, urban planning, and agricultural development.
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The PRSC-EO1 satellite is equipped with advanced electro-optical sensors for high-resolution Earth imaging, and its launch is a result of the growing cooperation between China and Pakistan in the realm of space technology.
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China has been launching satellites for Pakistan in recent years, including the PRSS-1, Pakistan's first optical remote sensing satellite, and the PakTES-1A, a smaller observation satellite, and this launch further strengthens their space cooperation.
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The successful deployment of PRSC-EO1 is expected to bolster Pakistan’s technological capabilities and contribute to its strategic objectives in space exploration, with China's support playing a crucial role in Pakistan's space ambitions.
4. Nripendra Mishra reappointed Chairperson of PM Museum & Library Society
Nripendra Mishra has been reappointed as the Chairperson of the
Prime Ministers’ Museum and Library Society. Known for his extensive administrative experience, Mishra continues to lead efforts to preserve and showcase the legacies of India’s Prime Ministers. His reappointment underscores his significant contributions to enhancing the institution’s stature and operations. The society plays a pivotal role in documenting the political and historical journey of India's leadership. Under Mishra’s guidance, the museum and library are expected to further evolve as key centers of learning and cultural heritage.

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Reconstitution of the Executive Council has led to his reappointment, highlighting his continued importance in shaping the society's vision and goals.
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Mishra's experience as the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister of India has likely played a role in his reappointment, given his understanding of the government's priorities and initiatives.
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The PM Museum & Library Society is responsible for preserving and promoting India's rich history and cultural heritage, and Mishra's leadership will be crucial in guiding these efforts.
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His reappointment is expected to bring stability and continuity to the society, allowing it to build on its existing projects and initiatives.
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As Chairperson, Mishra will oversee the society's activities, including the management of the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, and ensure that its objectives are aligned with the government's vision for cultural and historical preservation.
5. RBI Allows Overseas Banks to Open INR Accounts
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has permitted overseas banks to
open Indian Rupee (INR) accounts in a bid to promote international trade in the domestic currency. This move aligns with the RBI's efforts to internationalize the rupee and reduce reliance on foreign currencies like the US dollar. Foreign banks can now establish Special Rupee Vostro Accounts (SRVAs) to facilitate trade settlements and financial transactions in INR. The decision is expected to boost cross-border trade, enhance liquidity, and strengthen India's position in the global financial system. This initiative also reflects India's commitment to deepening economic ties with its trading partners.

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Increased Accessibility is one of the key benefits of this move, as it will enable overseas banks to provide INR-denominated services to their clients, making it easier for them to conduct business in India.
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This development is also likely to Reduce Transaction Costs, as companies will no longer need to convert their funds into foreign currencies to conduct transactions with Indian businesses.
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The RBI's decision is part of its efforts to Internationalize the Rupee, which aims to increase the use of the INR in global transactions and reduce India's dependence on foreign currencies.
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Simplified Trade is another advantage of this move, as it will facilitate trade between India and other countries by allowing companies to settle transactions in INR, rather than relying on foreign currencies.
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Overall, the RBI's decision to allow overseas banks to open INR accounts is a positive step towards promoting India's economic growth and increasing its global trade presence.
6. Cox & Kings appoints Suresh Victor as Senior Vice President
Cox & Kings has appointed Suresh Victor as its new Senior Vice
President. With extensive experience in the travel and tourism industry, Victor is expected to bring innovative strategies to drive growth and enhance customer experiences. His role will involve overseeing key business operations and strengthening the company’s market position globally. This appointment aligns with Cox & Kings’ vision of expanding its offerings and adapting to evolving travel trends. Victor’s leadership is anticipated to contribute significantly to the company's future success.

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Leadership Role is what Suresh Victor will be taking on, bringing his expertise to drive the company's technology strategy and innovation.
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With his background in technology and leadership, Victor is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the company's digital transformation and growth.
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Cox & Kings is a global leader in the travel and tourism industry, and Victor's appointment is a significant move to strengthen the company's technology capabilities.
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As Senior Vice President, Victor will be responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of technology solutions to enhance customer experience and drive business growth.
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This appointment is a testament to Cox & Kings' commitment to investing in top talent and technology to stay ahead in the competitive travel and tourism industry.
7. Madison Turnt appoints Rishabh Ratnu as Vice President
Madison Turnt has appointed Rishabh Ratnu as its new Vice
President. Ratnu brings a wealth of experience and expertise in strategic leadership and business development. In his new role, he will focus on driving growth, enhancing operational efficiency, and strengthening the company's market presence. This appointment reflects Madison Turnt’s commitment to fostering innovation and scaling its business operations. Ratnu’s leadership is expected to play a key role in achieving the company’s long-term objectives.

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He has a strong background in advertising and experiential marketing, with a focus on revenue growth and client relationship management.
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Ratnu has worked across creative and strategic roles throughout his career, making him a versatile leader.
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As Vice President, he will be heading Madison Turnt's Delhi Branch, which is a marketing unit of Madison World.
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His appointment is a significant move for Madison Turnt, as the company looks to expand its presence in the Delhi market.
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With his extensive experience and expertise, Ratnu is expected to play a key role in driving growth and success for Madison Turnt in the region.
8. Justice Arun Mishra appointed as New Ombudsman Of BCCI
Justice Arun Mishra has been appointed as the new Ombudsman of
the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). A distinguished former judge of the Supreme Court of India, Justice Mishra is known for his vast legal expertise and fair decision-making. His appointment aims to ensure impartial resolution of disputes and uphold ethical standards within the organization. The Ombudsman’s role includes addressing grievances and maintaining transparency in BCCI operations. Justice Mishra’s leadership is expected to strengthen the governance framework of Indian cricket.

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He will be responsible for resolving disputes and addressing ethical concerns within the BCCI, bringing his extensive judicial experience to the role.
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As Ombudsman, Justice Mishra will have the authority to investigate and adjudicate on complaints related to cricket administration, player conduct, and other matters.
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His appointment is seen as a significant development in the BCCI's efforts to strengthen its governance and ensure transparency and accountability.
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Justice Mishra's experience as a Supreme Court judge will likely bring a high level of credibility and integrity to the Ombudsman's office, helping to build trust among stakeholders.
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The BCCI's decision to appoint a former Supreme Court judge as its Ombudsman reflects its commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethics and governance in Indian cricket.
9. MobiKwik teams up with Piramal Capital & Housing Finance for personal loan offerings
MobiKwik has partnered with Piramal Capital & Housing Finance to
expand its financial services portfolio by offering personal loans to its users. This collaboration aims to provide quick, hassle-free loans tailored to meet diverse financial needs, from emergencies to lifestyle upgrades. Users can enjoy a seamless digital experience with minimal documentation and instant approval processes. Together, the companies seek to enhance financial inclusion by making credit accessible to a broader audience.

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Eligibility Criteria includes an income exceeding 25,000 and an age between 23 and 55, with a minimum tenure of 6 months and a maximum of 24 months.
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The partnership aims to provide easy access to credit for MobiKwik users, enabling them to manage expenses such as education, medical bills, travel, and other consumption purposes.
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MobiKwik's platform will allow users to apply for and access personal loans seamlessly, with the company striving to empower its customers with innovative financial products.
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The loan offerings are designed to cater to the diverse financial needs of individuals, and the partnership marks a significant step towards addressing the credit needs of millions of Indians.
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With this collaboration, MobiKwik users can now enjoy flexible tenure options, easy repayment options, and quick access to cash, making it an attractive option for those in need of personal loans
10. Filmmaker David Lynch, Known for ‘Mulholland Drive’ and ‘Twin Peaks,’ passed away
Filmmaker David Lynch, renowned for his groundbreaking works
such as Mulholland Drive and Twin Peaks, has passed away. Known for his distinctive style blending surrealism with psychological depth, Lynch redefined modern cinema and television. His visionary storytelling and unique aesthetic left an indelible mark on the film industry and inspired countless artists. Lynch’s works often explored the darker undercurrents of human nature, earning him a devoted global fanbase. His passing marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy of cinematic masterpieces.

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Lynch's films often explored the darker side of human nature, blending elements of mystery, neo-noir, and psychological thriller to create a distinct cinematic experience.
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He was a true artist, with a passion for painting, music, and transcendental meditation, which heavily influenced his work and worldview.
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Lynch's impact on popular culture extends beyond his films, with his influence visible in music videos, commercials, and even fashion.
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He is survived by his family, including his daughter Jennifer, and leaves behind a legacy of critically acclaimed films and TV shows that will continue to inspire and fascinate audiences for generations to come.
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Throughout his career, Lynch received numerous accolades, including an Honorary Academy Award and the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement, a testament to his innovative spirit and contributions to the world of cinema.
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