Ministry of Mines, in collaboration with the Government of Odisha, has set up the District Mineral Foundation Exhibition at Sun Temple, Konark in Odisha.

• The Sun Temple at Konark, built by Narasimha Deva I of the Ganga dynasty between 1238 and 1264, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The temple’s architecture symbolizes Surya’s chariot, featuring 24 intricately carved wheels and 7 horses.

NIXI launched the Internet Governance Internship and Capacity Building Scheme to build awareness and expertise in internet governance (IG) among Indian citizens.

• The program offers two types of internships: a six-month and a three-month program.
• Interns will be mentored by experts from organizations like ICANN and IEEE.
• A stipend of ₹20,000 per month is provided to interns.
• Interns will conduct outreach programs to promote internet governance.

• Observed annually on 26 January to recognize the role of customs officials and agencies in maintaining border security and facilitating international trade.
• The day highlights the contributions of customs to the global economy, ensuring the smooth movement of goods across borders while preventing illegal activities.
• Established by the World Customs Organization (WCO)in 1953.

• Celebrated annually to commemorate the adoption of the Indian Constitution on 26 January 1950.
• The date was chosen to honor 26 January 1930, when the Purna Swaraj Declaration was proclaimed by the Indian National Congress.
• The Indian Constitution replaced the Government of India Act, 1935, establishing India as a sovereign, democratic republic.
• The theme for Republic Day 2025 is “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas.”

• Observed annually on 25^th January to raise awareness about the importance of tourism in India’s economyand cultural heritage.
• Aims to educate people on the benefits of sustainable tourism and its role in promoting national development.

• Observed annually on 25^th January to encourage young votersto participate in the electoral process and strengthen democracy.
• Celebrated annually since 2011to mark the foundation day of the Election Commission of India (ECI)(established on 25 January 1950).
• The day often includes initiatives like distributing voter ID cardsto newly registered voters.

ISRO successfully demonstrated the restart capability of the Vikas liquid engine on January 17, 2025, at the Propulsion Complex, Mahendragiri.

• This is a step toward developing reusable launch vehicle technologies to reduce space mission costs.
• The Vikas engine is designed by ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC).
• It powers the PSLV (second stage), GSLV Mark I/II (boosters and second stage), and LVM3/GSLV Mk-III (core stage).
• It uses UDMH (fuel) and N₂O₄ (oxidizer) as a hypergolic combination.
• PSLV is India’s first launch vehicle with liquid stages and is a four-stage vehicle with multi-orbit capability.
• Restart capability enables precise satellite placement and stage recovery, aligning with ISRO’s goals for cost-effective missions.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) celebrated its 20th Raising Day on January 19, 2025.

• Established in 2006 under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the NDRF specializes in responding to natural and man-made disasters.
• The NDRF operates under the general superintendence, direction, and control of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
• Its primary function is to conduct rescue and relief operations during calamities such as landslides and floods.
• The NDRF comprises 16 battalions drawn from Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), including the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and Assam Rifles.

Nigeria was admitted as a partner country to the BRICS bloc, joining Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan.

• BRICS, established in 2009, originally comprised Brazil, Russia, India, and China, with South Africa joining in 2010.
• In 2024, BRICS expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates as full members.
• The three pillars of BRICS cooperation are:

1. Political and Security
2. Economic and Financial
3. Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges

• BRICS nations represent approximately 40% of the global population and an estimated 37.3% of global GDP.

India has hosted the BRICS Summit three times: in 2012 (4th Summit), 2016 (8th Summit), and 2021 (13th Summit).

China has completed the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world’s longest expressway tunnel, spanning 22.13 kilometers.

• Construction began in April 2020 and was completed in December 2024.
• The tunnel is part of the Urumqi-Yuli Expressway, connecting Urumqi in northern Xinjiang to Yuli County in the south.
• Once operational, it will reduce travel time through the Tianshan Mountains from approximately three hours to about 20 minutes.