PM Narendra Modi launched Major infrastructure projects

• PM Modi launched development projects on January 5, 2025 in Delhi totalling 12200 crores to improve urban connectivity and mobility.
• Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut ‘Namo Bharat Corridor’, a 13-km high-speed transport project, is estimated to cost ₹4600 crore.
• This Corridor will reduce traffic and improve connectivity between Sahibabad and New Ashok Nagar.
• Janakpuri-Krishna Park Extension line, the first completed section of Delhi Metro Phase-IV, was opened at a cost of ₹1200 crore.
• Delhi Metro network has expanded the Magenta Line to nearly 40 km, adding 289 stations and a total length of 394.448 km.
• Foundation stone for 26.5-km Rithala-Kundli Corridor has been laid which will connect Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
• Namo Bharat corridor trains operate every 15 minutes, with regular and premium coach tickets priced at ₹150 and ₹225.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) outbreak impacted Indian wildlife  (Environment)

• Balasaheb Thackeray Gorewada International Zoological Park in Nagpur experienced the first-ever HPAI H5N1 epidemic on November 5, 2024.
• A male tiger tested positive for the virus, but three tigers and one leopard died due to it.
• It has caused a global impact, affecting over 500 species, including 70 mammalian ones, in 108 nations, including cattle and wildlife.
• Maharashtra implemented strict zoo biosecurity measures, including bird netting, cleaning shoes and equipment.
• Three tigers and 2 leopards were infected with H5N1 after samples examined at ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD).
• Wildlife Research and Training Centre (WRTC) issued a zoo safety advisory to prevent the spread of the virus.
• H5N1 strain, possibly belonging to the 2.3.4.4b clade, has been found in various animals.

Goa Shipyard has introduced new fast patrol vessels (Defense)

• On January 5, 2025, Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) launched two Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), Amulya and Akshay.
• GSL's gross revenue increased by 100% due to operational and technological improvements, reaching the ₹2000 crore.
• Each FPV is 52 m long, 8 m wide, and can carry 320 tonnes, making it appropriate for variety of nautical tasks.
• FPVs have three 2720 KW diesel engines that power separate water jets, allowing them to reach up to 35 knots.
• They are also equipped with machine guns and a 30mm cannon for protection.
• FPVs can serve as coastal convoy escorts, communication lines, patrolling, anti-terrorist, and anti-smuggling missions.
• GSL plans to develop next-generation Fast Attack Crafts with 37 knot top speeds and is currently developing 8 FPVs.

Kerala Forest Act Amendment has sparked controversy

• Kerala Forest (Amendment) Bill 2024 makes it illegal to dump rubbish in rivers inside forest areas or bodies of water that feed into these areas.
• Bill expands the definition of "forest officer" to include tribe observers, beat forest officers, and forest watchers declared on January 5, 2025.
• It will be granting forest officer the power to arrest and hold people without a warrant
• Forest Act's expansion has raised concerns about increased control over waterways outside forested areas.
• It will increase penalties of small forest offences to ₹25000 instead of ₹1000, and other fines double to ₹50000.
• Forest officials have been granted excessive powers, including ability to enter private premises, stop cars, and conduct searches.
• Bill allows higher-ranking forest authorities to certify forest production, raising concerns about potential abuse of power.