IMPORTANT DAYS

Indian Army Day 2025 celebrated on 15 January

• Indian Army Day is celebrated annually on 15th January to honor the sacrifices of Indian soldiers.

• The day marks the historic moment in 1949 when Lieutenant General KM Cariappa became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief.

• Francis Butcher, the last British Commander-in-Chief of India, handed over the position to Cariappa.

• 2025 marks the 77th Army Day celebration in India.

• The Army Day Parade was held in Pune, Maharashtra, for the first time on 15th January 2025.

• Pune is known for its rich military heritage and has hosted several significant military events.

• This year, the Indian Army introduced the ADP 25 App, a digital system for easy seat booking.

• The app ensures accessibility and convenience for all citizens attending the Army Day Parade.

APPOINTMENTS

Faiz Ahmed Kidwai has been appointed as chief of DGCA.

• Faiz Ahmed Kidwai has been appointed as the new Director General of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

• Kidwai is currently serving as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

• His appointment has been approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.

• Ashutosh Agnihotri has been appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director of the Food Corporation of India.

• Kamal Kishore Soan has been appointed as Additional Secretary and Mission Director of the Jal Jeevan Mission.

• Soan will be working in the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation.

SPORTS

The first edition of the Kho Kho World Cup was officially inaugurated at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi.

• The Kho Kho World Cup 2025 was officially launched at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi.

• The ceremonial torch was lit by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, IOA President P.T. Usha, and Kho Kho Federation President Sudhanshu Mittal.

• A total of 20 countries are participating in the Kho Kho World Cup 2025.

• The tournament features 20 men's teams and 19 women's teams.

• Each team has a 15-member squad selected by the Kho-Kho Federation of India.

• The men’s team is captained by Prateek Waikar, while Priyanka Ingle leads the women’s team.

• Quarterfinals will take place on January 17, followed by semifinals on January 18, and the finals on January 19.

• Both the Indian men’s and women’s teams are placed in Group A.

ICC named Jasprit Bumrah as the Men’s Player of the Month for December 2024.

• Jasprit Bumrah has been recognized as the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for December 2024, following his incredible performances during India's tour of Australia.

• The announcement, made on 14 January 2025, highlighted Bumrah’s remarkable contribution to India’s success in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-2025.

• Bumrah showcased his brilliance across three challenging Test matches, securing 22 wickets at a phenomenal average of 14.22

• His efforts not only led India’s bowling attack but also earned him the Player of the Series title in the historic series against Australia.

• He triumphed over notable contenders, including Pat Cummins (Australia) and Dan Paterson (South Africa), to clinch the coveted ICC honor.

• In the women’s category, Annabel Sutherland, the Australian all-rounder, was named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for December 2024, underscoring her stellar performances during the same period.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

India and Spain will celebrate 2026 as the “dual year," highlighting culture, tourism, and AI.

• India and Spain will commemorate 2026 as the "dual year," focusing on culture, tourism, and AI.

• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced the initiative during his official visit to Spain.

• The celebration aims to deepen ties in cultural exchange, tourism collaboration, and advancements in artificial intelligence.

• Jaishankar acknowledged the Indian diaspora's vital role in strengthening bilateral relations.

• The diaspora's contributions to Spain's economy and society were highlighted as indispensable.

• Trade between India and Spain currently stands at $10 billion annually.

• Key areas of collaboration include railways, clean technology, drones, and space exploration.

• This marks Jaishankar's first visit to Spain as Foreign Minister.

• His diplomatic engagements in Spain extended until January 14.

• The initiative reflects a growing partnership between the two nations.

NATIONAL NEWS

Union Minister Piyush Goyal launched the National Turmeric Board.

• Union Minister Piyush Goyal inaugurated the National Turmeric Board.

• Shri Palle Ganga Reddy was appointed as its first chairperson.

• The board’s headquarters is located in Nizamabad.

• Turmeric, known as the 'Golden Spice,' is cultivated across 20 states, including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.

• The board aims to enhance the income of turmeric farmers in India.

• It will support research and innovation in turmeric-based products.

• Efforts will focus on adding value to turmeric products for international markets.

• In 2023-24, turmeric was cultivated on 3.05 lakh hectares in India.

• India contributes 70% of global turmeric production, producing 10.74 lakh tonnes annually.

• India is the world’s leading producer, consumer, and exporter of turmeric.