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Top Current Affairs 13 January 2025
National Affairs

Z-Morh Tunnel has been inaugurated by PM Modi

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Z-Morh tunnel in Ganderbal’s Sonamarg on January 13, 2025.
  • Z-Morh Tunnel, 6.4 km long, connects Sonamarg & Kangan town in Ganderbal region of Kashmir, over 8650 feet above sea level.
  • The tunnel ensures continuous access to Sonamarg year-round by addressing avalanches and severe snowfall issues.
  • Construction project delayed due to administrative and financial issues and final inauguration delayed due to local election.
  • The tunnel is expected to boost the local economy by attracting tourists and facilitating trade between Kashmir and Ladakh.
  • Z-Morh Tunnel is part of Zojila Tunnel project, the longest tunnel in Asia, aiming to connect Sonamarg and Drass in Ladakh.
  • APCO Infratech has replaced previous contractors and utilized a special purpose entity for the Z-Morh Tunnel project.

 

Maha Kumbh 2025 Started with 15 million pilgrims gathering for Shahi Snan

  • On January 13, 2025 in Prayagraj, the Maha Kumbh 2025 got underway with the Shahi Snan, or royal bath.
  • Held in honour of Paush Purnima at the Sangam, which is the meeting point of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the ethereal Saraswati rivers.
  • On the first day, 1.5 crore Sanatan followers participated in the holy dip from India and around the world.
  • South Korean YouTubers and Japanese visitors also participated in the event, documenting its spiritual and cultural significance.
  • Senior authorities, oversee operations in the Maha Kumbh region, while over 50000 security officers ensure safety.
  • Yogi Adityanath (CM) of Uttar Pradesh, thanked government agencies and religious institutions for their contributions.
International Affairs

India-Saudi Arabia Haj Agreement for 2025

  • India's finalized Haj quota for 2025 will be 175025 pilgrims, announced on January 13, 2025.
  • Haj Committee of India and Haj Group Organisers manage 122518 and 52507 pilgrims, respectively, with a 70:30 distribution.
  • Signed between Saudi Arabia's Minister, Tawfiq Bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, and India's Minister of Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, in Jeddah.
  • The Haj Policy for 2025 was released on August 5, 2024, outlining the rules and allocation of quotas for Indian pilgrims.
  • The Haj, a religious obligation of Islam, is a financial and physical requirement for all financially and physically capable Muslims.
  • Haj, the final month of Islamic calendar, involves customs like performing Tawaf around the Kaaba, and stoning a demon in Mina.
  • Haj is a significant event that promotes global Muslim solidarity, seeks forgiveness, and purifies the soul.
Science and Technology

The launch of Indian Naval Ship (INS) Utkarsh (Defense)

  • Larsen & Toubro (L&T) successfully launched INS Utkarsh, at the Kattupalli Shipyard near Chennai on January 13, 2025.
  • The term INS Utkarsh translates to "Superior in Conduct" in Hindi.
  • INS Utkarsh, measuring 107 m in length and 18.6 m in width, can carry over 3750 tonnes and reach 15 knots.
  • Multipurpose ships like INS Utkarsh can launching and retrieving targets, towing ships, and driving autonomous vehicles etc.
  • L&T's Warship Design Centre in Chennai designed multi-purpose vessel (MPVs), which were built at Kattupalli Shipyard.
  • INS Utkarsh launch is in line with India's Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which encourages independence in military manufacture.
  • L&T is constructing six additional military vessels for the Indian Navy, including three Cadet Training Ships and two MPVs.
Person in News

Krishnan Vinod Chandran (Appointment)

  • Chief Justice of Patna High Court Krishnan Vinod Chandran was appointed to the Supreme Court by President Droupadi Murmu on January 13, 2025.
  • The Supreme Court's authorized number of 34 justices was reinstated with the appointment of Justice Chandran.
  • Supreme Court Collegium, led by CJI Sanjiv Khanna, recommended the appointment of Justice Chandran on January 7, 2025.
  • Appointment of Justice Chandran, most senior High Court judge from Kerala, guarantees Kerala High Court representation.
  • He served as Chief Justice of Patna High Court from March 29, 2023, and as a judge of Kerala High Court from November 8, 2011.
  • The Supreme Court currently has 82793 pending cases, emphasizing the need for a full quorum of justices.
  • Collegium emphasized to maintaining full sanctioned strength of judges to manage increasing workload and case backlog.
State Affairs

Odisha signed a (MoU) to implement AB PM-JAY

  • Odisha implements Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) by signed MoU with Centre on January 13, 2025.
  • Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda presided over the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding.
  • The MoU was signed between the State Health Department of Odisha and Union Health Ministry's National Health Authority.
  • BJP administration, led by Mohan Charan Majhi, which took office in Odisha last year.
  • Biju Janata Dal (BJD), led by Naveen Patnaik, has resisted adopting AB PM-JAY, citing its own Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana.
  • Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY) has been renamed Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) in Odisha is merging with AB PM-JAY.
  • In Odisha, AB PM-JAY would give ₹5 lakh annually to each family, with an extra ₹5 lakh for female family members.

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