National News
- 8th Pay Commission: The formation of the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) for central government employees was approved to revise the salaries and allowances of central government employees and pensioners.
- Hydrogen Train Engine: Indian Railways developed the world’s most powerful hydrogen fuel-run train engine, showcasing India’s capabilities in green energy and sustainable development.
- ISKCON Temple Inauguration: The inauguration of the Sri Sri Radha Madanmohanji Temple of ISKCON in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai. This temple is Asia’s second-largest ISKCON temple.
International News
- Honorary Citizenship: Singapore conferred the Honorary Citizen Award on Tarun Das, former Director General of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), for his contributions to strengthening Singapore-India relations.
- Economic Forecast: India is projected to overtake Japan as the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2026, according to the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI).
- US Entity List Update: The United States Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) removed three Indian organizations and added eleven Chinese firms to its Entity List due to national security concerns.
Other Notable Events
- Startup India: India celebrated nine years of the Startup India initiative, marking significant strides in fostering a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem.
- Satellite Launch: Pixxel, an Indian private start-up, launched a constellation of hyperspectral imaging satellites for advanced Earth observation.
- Tennis Record: Novak Djokovic set a new record for the most Grand Slam matches played in tennis history.
- Transgender Athletes Bill: The United States House of Representatives passed a bill restricting transgender athletes from women’s sports at federally funded schools.
- ISRO Achievement: ISRO became the fourth country to successfully dock two satellites using its indigenously developed Bhartiya Docking System.
multiple-choice questions (MCQs) based on the current affairs of January 16, 2025, along with their answers:
- Which commission did Prime Minister Narendra Modi approve on January 16, 2025?
- a) 7th Pay Commission
- b) 8th Pay Commission
- c) 9th Pay Commission
- d) 10th Pay Commission
- Answer: b) 8th Pay Commission
- What type of train engine did Indian Railways develop?
- a) Diesel-run
- b) Electric-run
- c) Hydrogen fuel-run
- d) Solar-powered
- Answer: c) Hydrogen fuel-run
- Where was the Sri Sri Radha Madanmohanji Temple inaugurated?
- a) Delhi
- b) Mumbai
- c) Navi Mumbai
- d) Bangalore
- Answer: c) Navi Mumbai
- Which country conferred the Honorary Citizen Award on Tarun Das?
- a) Japan
- b) Singapore
- c) Australia
- d) Canada
- Answer: b) Singapore
- By what year is India projected to overtake Japan as the world’s fourth-largest economy?
- a) 2024
- b) 2025
- c) 2026
- d) 2027
- Answer: c) 2026
- Which organization removed three Indian entities from its Entity List on January 16, 2025?
- a) United Nations
- b) European Union
- c) United States Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)
- d) World Trade Organization
- Answer: c) United States Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)
- What is the name of the initiative celebrating its ninth anniversary on January 16, 2025?
- a) Digital India
- b) Make in India
- c) Startup India
- d) Swachh Bharat
- Answer: c) Startup India
- Which Indian private start-up launched a constellation of hyperspectral imaging satellites on January 16, 2025?
- a) ISRO
- b) Reliance Jio
- c) Pixxel
- d) Tata Group
- Answer: c) Pixxel
- Which country is set to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2026?
- a) China
- b) India
- c) Brazil
- d) Russia
- Answer: b) India
- Which Indian organization developed the world’s most powerful hydrogen fuel-run train engine?
- a) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
- b) Indian Railways
- c) Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)
- d) Tata Motors
- Answer: b) Indian Railways