Current : Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated India’s first bio-bitumen-based National Highway stretch on NH-44 in Mansar, Nagpur.

This milestone, using lignin-based bio-bitumen technology developed by Praj Industries with CSIR-CRRI, NHAI, and Oriental, marks a significant advancement in roads.

About Bio-bitumen:

• Bitumen is a dense, highly viscous, petroleum-based hydrocarbon, found naturally or obtained as a residue from crude oil distillation.
• Uses:Primarily used in road construction, roofing, and waterproofing due to its adhesive and waterproofing properties.

Current : Sagar Island in West Bengal where the iconic Gangasagar Mela takes place every January is getting impacted by climate change.

Sagar Island (Ganga Sagar/Sagardwip) :

• Location:Situated in the Ganges delta on the continental shelf of the Bay of Bengal, West Bengal, India.
• Composition:Comprises 43 villages; separated from Mahisani Island by the Muriganga River.
• Classification:Along with Mahisani and Ghoramara islands, categorized under the sand group.

Religious Significance:

• Pilgrimage Site:Hosts the annual Gangasagar Mela during Makar Sankranti, attracting Hindu devotees.
• Kapil Muni Temple:A prominent shrine dedicated to Sage Kapila, significant in Hindu tradition.

Current : Recently, the US President-elect Donald Trump has once again expressed interest in buying Greenland.

About Greenland

• Largest non-continental island; located between North America and Europe in the North Atlantic Part of North America.
• Borders: Arctic Ocean (north), Greenland Sea (east), North Atlantic Ocean (southeast), Davis Strait (southwest), Baffin Bay (west).
• Political Status: Autonomous territory of Denmark; capital is Nuuk.
• Highest Point: Gunnbjørn Fjeld (3,693 meters).

Current: One of the world’s most active volcanoes Hawaii’s Kilauea is erupting again.

About Kilauea Volcano

• Location:Southern part of Hawaii’s Big Island, within Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, U.S.A.
• Type:Kīlauea is the youngest and most active Hawaiian shield volcano, renowned for its frequent eruptions.

Volcanoes in India:

• Barren Island (Andaman Islands):India’s only active volcano, located in the Andaman Sea. It has erupted multiple times, with recent activity observed in 2017.
• Narcondam (Andaman Islands):A dormant volcanic island situated in the Andaman Sea.
• Baratang (Andaman Islands):Known for its mud volcanoes, which are tourist attractions.
• Deccan Traps (Maharashtra):A vast volcanic plateau formed by ancient eruptions approximately 66 million years ago, covering large parts of western and central India.
• Dhinodhar Hills (Gujarat):An extinct volcano located in the Kutch district, known for its geological significance.
• Dhosi Hill (Haryana):An ancient volcanic site with historical and mythological significance, situated on the border of Haryana and Rajasthan.

Current Context : The theme for the Republic Day Parade 2025 has been announced as ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas’ (Golden India: Heritage and Development).

• Participating States/UTs:Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal.
• Selection Process:Conducted by an Expert Committee with professionals from art, culture, music, and architecture, ensuring transparency and merit-based decisions.
• Significance:Highlights India’s rich heritage and development journey, celebrating cultural inclusiveness and progress.

Current Context : Bihar is set to host the Women’s Kabaddi World Cup 2025 in March, marking its second time hosting this prestigious event after the inaugural tournament in 2012.

• The tournament will be held at the Rajgir Sports Academy, featuring an indoor stadium with a seating capacity of 5,000 spectators.
• Participation:A total of 14 countries are expected to compete, including:
• Asian Nations:India, China, Japan, South Korea, Nepal, and potentially Pakistan.
• Other Regions:Teams from Europe, Africa, and South America, with countries like Poland and Argentina anticipated to participate.

Bihar previously hosted the first Women’s Kabaddi World Cup in 2012 at the Patliputra Sports Complex in Patna, where India emerged victorious against Iran in the final.

Current Context : The Sahayog–Hop Tac is a joint maritime exercise conducted between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG).

• Held at Kochi, Kerala, in December 2024.
• Aim : to enhance maritime cooperation and interoperability between the two forces.
• The exercise spanned four days, with the VCG ship CSB 8005 visiting Kochi for the event.

Current Context : The Dr. Ambedkar Samman Scholarship Yojana is a recently announced initiative by AAP national convener and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

Aim :  to provide comprehensive financial support to Dalit students from Delhi who secure admission to top international universities for higher education.

Key Features of the Scheme:

• Comprehensive Financial Coverage: The scholarship will cover all expenses, including tuition fees, travel costs, and accommodation, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder deserving students from pursuing education abroad.
• Eligibility: Dalit students residing in Delhi who gain admission to prestigious foreign universities are eligible. The scheme also extends to children of Dalit government employees.
• Objective: The initiative seeks to honor Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s legacy by facilitating access to quality education for marginalized communities, thereby promoting social equity and empowerment.

Current Context : The Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, recently conferred the Chaudhary Charan Singh Awards 2024, recognizing exceptional contributions in agriculture, rural development, and journalism.

• The awardees are:
• Kalam Ratna Award: Presented to Ms. Neerja Chowdhury for her dedication to insightful journalism.
• Sewa Ratna Award: Conferred upon Rajendra Singh, known as the “Waterman of India,” for his pioneering efforts in water conservation.
• Krishak Utthan Award: Awarded to Dr. Firoz Hossain for advancing agricultural research and innovation.
• Kisan Award: Bestowed upon Mr. Pritam Singh for his contributions to agricultural excellence.

These awards, instituted by the Kisan Trust—founded by former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh—aim to honor individuals who have made remarkable contributions to agriculture, rural development, and journalism.

Current Context : Sriram Krishnan, an Indian-American technologist, has been appointed as the Senior Policy Advisor for Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) under President-elect Donald Trump’s administration.

• As the Senior Policy Advisor for AI at OSTP, Krishnan will collaborate closely with David Sacks, designated as the administration’s “AI and Crypto Czar.” His responsibilities include shaping and coordinating AI policy across the government to ensure continued American leadership in the field.
• He was born and raised in Chennai, India, Krishnan’s interest in technology began in the late He pursued his education at SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST).