7th January, 2025 Current Affairs

NATIONAL 
India’s Metro Rail Network Surpasses 1,000 km, Becoming World’s Third Largest

• India has achieved a significant milestone by expanding its metro rail network to over 1,000 kilometers of operational lines, positioning it as the third-largest in the world, following China and the United States.
• India’s journey into metro rail transit began with the Kolkata Metro in 1984, marking the country’s first foray into urban rapid transit systems.
• The 13 km segment of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), known as the Namo Bharat corridor, was opened, enhancing regional transportation.
• Kolkata introduced India’s first underwater metro line beneath the Hooghly River, featuring a 520-meter tunnel traversed in 45 seconds, showcasing engineering marvel.

Tamil Nadu CM Announces $1 Million Prize for Deciphering Indus Valley Script

• In a significant announcement marking the centenary of the discovery of the Indus Valley Civilisation, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has pledged a $1 million prize for experts or organizations that succeed in deciphering the mysterious Indus Valley script.
• At an International Conference in Chennai, the Chief Minister highlighted the importance of unravelling this ancient script and reaffirmed Tamil Nadu’s commitment to supporting research and archaeological endeavours.
• The Indus Valley Civilisation, discovered by Sir John Marshall, is a turning point in historical studies, challenging previous notions about the origins of Indian civilisation.
• Stalin emphasized that the Indus Valley Civilisation predated the Aryan Civilisation, with its language possibly being Dravidian.
• The Tamil Nadu government will establish a ₹2-crore endowed chair in the name of Iravatham Mahadevan, a noted archaeologist and epigraphist, to further Indus script research.

INTERNATIONAL
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Announced His Resignation

• Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation as leader of the ruling Liberal Party after nearly a decade in power. His decision follows internal party conflicts and declining public support. Trudeau stated that he would remain as prime minister in a caretaker role until the Liberal Party elects a new leader. His resignation comes amid growing support for opposition leader Pierre Poilievre and the Conservative Party.
• Trudeau cited internal party conflicts and his inability to carry the Liberal Party into the next general election.
• Public support for the ruling Liberal Party has been waning, with national polling averages favoring the Conservative Party.

▶ Join our WhatsApp Channel: Click Here ▶ Join our Telegram Channel: Click Here

▶ Follow our YouTube Channel: Click Here ▶ Follow our Instagram Page: Click Here

ECONOMY
Jammu Becomes Indian Railways’ 69th Division

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the Jammu Railway Division, marking it as the 69th division under the Northern Railway Zone. This strategic move aims to enhance connectivity and foster socio-economic development in the northernmost regions of India.
• The newly established division, headquartered in Jammu, encompasses a network of 742.1 route kilometers. It includes key sections such as Pathankot-Jammu-Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla (423 km), Bhogpur-Sirwal-Pathankot (87.21 km), Batala-Pathankot (68.17 km), and the narrow-gauge Pathankot-Joginder Nagar line (163.72 km).
• The division will oversee iconic infrastructure projects, including the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), the Anji Khad Bridge—India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge—and the Chenab Rail Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge standing 359 meters above the Chenab River.

AWARDS
82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards (2025)

• The 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards, held on January 5, 2025, at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, celebrated the achievements of the film and television industries over the past year.
• From performances to direction, scriptwriting, and musical achievements, the event highlighted exceptional talent and groundbreaking works in both the motion picture and television sectors.
•  Notable winners included Adrien Brody for Best Actor in a Motion Picture — Drama for The Brutalist, and Zoe Saldaña for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Emilia Pérez. The ceremony was historic, with Nikki Glaser becoming the first woman to host the Golden Globes solo.

SPORTS
Lionel Messi Honoured with the US Presidential Medal of Freedom

• Lionel Messi, captain of the Argentina men’s football team and one of the greatest footballers of all time, was honoured with the United States Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civilian award. This recognition marks a significant milestone in his illustrious career, making him the first male footballer to receive this prestigious honour. Messi, however, could not attend the ceremony held at the White House due to prior commitments.
• Lionel Messi is now part of an elite group, as the second footballer ever to receive the US Presidential Medal of Freedom. The first was Megan Rapinoe, an American women’s football star, who was honoured in 2022.
• The prestigious award was presented by US President Joe Biden at the White House. Biden’s term as the 46th President of the United States concludes on January 19, 2025, with Donald Trump expected to be sworn in as the 47th President on January 20, 2025.

Published date : 08 Jan 2025 10:57AM