Current Affairs 20 January 2025

1. India Dominates Inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025
India showcased its dominance by winning the inaugural
Kho Kho World Cup 2025 in a thrilling display of skill and strategy. The tournament witnessed India defeating top teams from across the globe, highlighting their prowess in the traditional sport. With exceptional teamwork and agility, the Indian players outshone their competitors in every match. The final saw a spectacular performance that secured India the championship title and solidified their position as leaders in Kho Kho. This historic victory not only brought pride to the nation but also boosted the global recognition of the sport.

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India's Dominance was on full display throughout the tournament, with the teams showcasing their skill, strategy, and speed to outclass their opponents.
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The women's team was led by skipper Priyanka Ingle, who had multiple touchpoints, and Chaithra B, who orchestrated the Dream Run for India, taking the score to a massive 78 points in Turn 4.
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The men's team was captained by Pratik Waikar, who shone on the mat with multiple skydives, and Ramji Kashyap, who was a star player throughout the tournament.
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India's journey to the championship was remarkable, with the teams showcasing their dominance from the group stages to the knockout rounds, outclassing teams like Bangladesh and South Africa.
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The inaugural Kho Kho World Cup has marked a significant milestone for the sport, bringing global recognition and attention to this traditional Indian game.
2. India’s electronics exports rose 35.11 per cent to USD 3.58 billion
India's electronics exports experienced a significant surge,
rising by 35.11% to reach USD 3.58 billion. This remarkable growth underscores the country's strengthening position in the global electronics market. Factors such as increased production capabilities, government incentives, and rising global demand contributed to this achievement. The export growth highlights India’s potential as a major electronics manufacturing hub. It also reflects the success of initiatives aimed at boosting exports and enhancing the sector's competitiveness on the international stage.

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Electronics Exports have been on the rise, with a growth of 35.11% in December 2024, reaching USD 3.58 billion, the highest in 24 months.
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The country's electronic exports jumped by a robust 27.4% to $22.5 billion in April-November of 2024-25, from $17.66 billion during the same period in the previous year.
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This growth is a testament to India's increasing presence in the global electronics market, with exports of electronic goods such as smartphones, laptops, and televisions driving the surge.
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The top export destinations for Indian electronics include the US, Saudi Arabia, France, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, with these countries accounting for a significant share of India's electronics exports.
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The Indian government's efforts to promote electronics manufacturing and exports, such as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, have contributed to this growth, and the sector is expected to continue to play a key role in driving India's economic growth.
3. Eritrea's Berhane Tesfay & Kenya's Joyce Chepkemoi Tele won men and women's elite titles
Eritrea's Berhane Tesfay and Kenya's Joyce Chepkemoi
Tele claimed victory in the men's and women's elite titles, respectively. Their outstanding performances showcased exceptional endurance and skill, setting them apart from their competitors. Tesfay's strategic pace and determination earned him the top spot in the men’s category. Meanwhile, Tele dominated the women's race with remarkable consistency and speed. Their triumphs underscore the global athletic prowess of Eritrea and Kenya in long-distance events.

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Berhane Tesfay won his first marathon title in a dramatic finish, crossing the finish line in 2:11:44, with his teammate Merhawi Kesete taking the runner-up position just six seconds later.
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Joyce Chepkemoi Tele registered her second straight marathon victory in three months, completing the race in 2:24:56, about 41 seconds slower than the record.
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The top three winners in the men's and women's categories took home prize money of USD 50,000, USD 25,000, and USD 15,000, respectively.
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Anish Thapa won his first Tata Mumbai Marathon Indian men's title, finishing in 2:17:23, while Nirmaben Thakor retained her Indian Elite women's crown.
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The Mumbai Marathon saw a thrilling competition, with strategic running, intense competition, and personal achievements showcasing the athletes' remarkable skill and determination.
4. Rishabh Pant Set to Lead Lucknow Super Giants as New IPL Captain
Rishabh Pant has been appointed as the new captain of the
Lucknow Super Giants for the upcoming IPL season. Known for his dynamic leadership and explosive batting, Pant is expected to bring fresh energy to the team. His appointment marks a significant step for the franchise as they aim to strengthen their performance under his guidance. With a proven track record in high-pressure situations, Pant’s leadership will be pivotal in shaping the team’s strategy. Fans are eager to see how his aggressive approach will influence the Lucknow Super Giants’ campaign this season.

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Pant was acquired by LSG for a staggering INR 27 crore, making him the most expensive player in the IPL, and now he's poised to lead the team.
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He'll be replacing KL Rahul, who captained LSG in their first three IPL seasons, but the team had a disappointing 2024 season, finishing seventh on the points table.
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Pant's leadership journey began at Delhi Capitals, where he took over as captain in 2021, but his tenure was marked by uncertainty, and he eventually opted to re-enter the auction.
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With Pant at the helm, LSG will have a strong squad, featuring key overseas players like David Miller, Mitchell Marsh, and Aiden Markram, along with Indian seamers like Akash Deep and Avesh Khan.
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Pant will work closely with LSG's head coach, Justin Langer, and the team's new mentor, Zaheer Khan, to aim for a successful IPL 2025 campaign, and this is an exciting time for the franchise and its fans.
5. Shri Suprakash Adhikari Appointed as Director Technical of NHPC Limited
Shri Suprakash Adhikari has been appointed as the Director
(Technical) of NHPC Limited. With extensive experience and expertise in the power sector, Adhikari is expected to play a pivotal role in driving NHPC's technical operations and projects. His leadership comes at a crucial time as the company focuses on expanding its renewable energy portfolio and enhancing infrastructure. Adhikari’s appointment underscores NHPC’s commitment to technical excellence and sustainable growth. The organization anticipates significant advancements under his strategic direction.

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He will be responsible for overseeing the technical aspects of NHPC's operations, bringing his expertise to drive the company's growth and success.
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As Director Technical, Adhikari will play a crucial role in shaping NHPC's technical strategy and ensuring the company's projects are completed efficiently and effectively.
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His appointment is a testament to his exceptional leadership skills and technical expertise, which will be invaluable in driving NHPC's future growth and development.
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Adhikari's experience and knowledge will help NHPC navigate the complex technical landscape of the power sector, enabling the company to stay ahead of the curve and achieve its goals.
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With his appointment, NHPC Limited is poised to benefit from Adhikari's vision and expertise, and his leadership will be instrumental in shaping the company's technical future.
6. Avalere Health appoints Amar Urhekar as Chief Executive Officer
Avalere Health has appointed Amar Urhekar as its new
Chief Executive Officer. With a strong background in healthcare strategy and leadership, Urhekar is expected to guide the company through its next phase of growth and innovation. His extensive experience in managing complex health systems and strategic initiatives positions him well to lead Avalere Health. Under his leadership, the company aims to enhance its offerings in healthcare consulting and data analytics. This appointment reflects Avalere's commitment to strengthening its impact in the healthcare industry.

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He's replacing Jon Koch, who previously held the position, and his appointment comes after 18 months of association with Avalere Health, where he joined as Chief Operations Officer (COO) in 2023.
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As CEO, Urhekar will be responsible for driving the company's growth and success, leveraging his expertise to navigate the complex healthcare landscape.
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Urhekar's promotion is a testament to his exceptional leadership skills and his role in shaping the company's new model, which aims to unite different aspects of the healthcare industry.
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With his experience and vision, Avalere Health is poised to continue its mission of providing innovative solutions and strategic partnerships to the healthcare sector.
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As a seasoned executive, Urhekar brings a deep understanding of the healthcare industry and a proven track record of success, making him an ideal candidate to lead Avalere Health into its next phase of growth.
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His appointment has been welcomed by the industry, with many recognizing his potential to drive positive change and innovation in the healthcare sector.
7. Gyanendra Pratap Singh Appointed as CRPF Director General
Gyanendra Pratap Singh has been appointed as the new
Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). With a distinguished career in law enforcement, Singh brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role. His leadership is expected to enhance the operational efficiency and security strategies of the CRPF, one of India's largest paramilitary forces. Singh’s appointment comes at a crucial time, with the CRPF playing a significant role in maintaining internal security across the nation. His tenure is anticipated to focus on modernization, capacity building, and welfare of the personnel.

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He was serving as the Director General of Police (DGP) of Assam before taking over as CRPF Director General, and will assume his new role immediately.
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Singh has a distinguished career in law enforcement, having served in various capacities, including the Special Protection Group (SPG) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
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As CRPF Director General, he will play a crucial role in leading the force's counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency, and anti-Maoist operations.
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The CRPF is India's largest paramilitary force, with nearly 300,000 personnel, and Singh's leadership will be instrumental in shaping the force's future.
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Under his leadership, the CRPF is expected to play a significant role in the government's efforts to eliminate left-wing extremism in Chhattisgarh by March 2026.
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Singh's tenure as CRPF Director General will last until November 30, 2027, or until further orders, and he succeeds Kuldiep Singh in this position.
8. Odisha, Singapore Ink MoU for FinTech Hub in Bhubaneswar
Odisha and Singapore have signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) to establish a FinTech hub in Bhubaneswar. This collaboration aims to foster innovation in the financial technology sector, attracting global talent and investment to Odisha. The FinTech hub will serve as a platform for startups, enterprises, and government entities to collaborate on digital finance solutions. Singapore’s expertise in the FinTech industry will play a key role in shaping the hub’s development. This initiative is expected to boost Odisha’s position as a leading center for technological innovation and financial services.

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The MoU was signed between the Odisha government and the Singapore FinTech Association, with the aim of promoting cooperation and collaboration in the FinTech sector.
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The proposed FinTech hub in Bhubaneswar will provide a platform for startups, entrepreneurs, and financial institutions to innovate and develop new financial technologies.
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The hub will focus on areas such as digital payments, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, and will provide access to funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
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The Odisha government has allocated 10 acres of land in Bhubaneswar for the FinTech hub, which is expected to create over 5,000 jobs in the next five years.
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The MoU also includes provisions for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and joint research initiatives between Odisha and Singapore, with the goal of creating a vibrant FinTech ecosystem in the state.
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The establishment of the FinTech hub is expected to contribute significantly to Odisha's economic growth and development, and will help to establish the state as a major player in the global FinTech industry.
9. Urbasi Sinha Won Gates-Cambridge Impact Prize 2025
Urbasi Sinha has been awarded the prestigious Gates-
Cambridge Impact Prize 2025. This honor recognizes her exceptional contributions to her field and the significant impact of her work on global issues. Sinha's dedication to research and innovation has earned her this distinguished accolade, highlighting her efforts to drive positive change. The Gates-Cambridge Impact Prize is awarded to individuals whose work exemplifies leadership, creativity, and the ability to tackle complex challenges. Sinha's achievement adds to the growing list of individuals making a profound impact through their dedication to science, technology, and society.

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She's being recognized for her pioneering research in quantum computing and information processing, which has the potential to solve some of humanity's most pressing issues.
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Professor Sinha is a leading researcher in both quantum fundamentals and technologies, and heads the Quantum Information and Computing lab at the Raman Research Institute.
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Her lab was one of the first in India to manufacture and establish the usage of heralded and entangled photon sources, which has opened up new avenues for research in quantum communication, computing, and optics.
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She's played a key role in the creation of the Open Quantum Institute, a multi-stakeholder institution launched at CERN, and has leadership roles in India's National Quantum Mission.
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Professor Sinha has received several awards for her work, including the Rashtriya Vigyan Yuva Puraskar and the Canada Excellence Research Chair in Photonic Quantum Science and Technologies.
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Her work is a testament to the impact that science can have on global progress, and she's an inspiration to young researchers and scientists around the world.
10. Denis Law, a legend of Scotland and Manchester United, passed away
Denis Law, a legendary figure in both Scottish football and
Manchester United, has passed away. Known for his exceptional skill and goal-scoring prowess, Law made a lasting impact on the sport, particularly with Manchester United, where he became one of the club’s greatest players. He was part of the iconic 1968 European Cup-winning team and earned widespread recognition for his contributions to both club and country. Law’s passing marks the end of an era for football fans, who will remember him for his dedication, flair, and remarkable career. His legacy as a true icon of the game will live on in the hearts of football enthusiasts worldwide.

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Law was a prolific goal-scorer, netting 237 goals in 404 appearances for Manchester United, making him one of the club's all-time leading scorers.
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He was the only Scottish player to have won the Ballon d'Or, which he received in 1964, and was also named European Footballer of the Year.
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Law played for several clubs, including Huddersfield Town, Manchester City, and Torino, but it was at Manchester United where he spent most of his career and achieved the most success.
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He was a key player in Manchester United's European Cup-winning team in 1968 and also won two league titles with the club.
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Law was also a talented international player, scoring 30 goals in 55 appearances for Scotland, making him the country's joint-top scorer.
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Despite his passing, Law's legacy will live on, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest players in Manchester United and Scottish football history.
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