Current affairs 03 January 2025

Groundwater Recharge Increases by 15 BCM in 2024.

• Total annual groundwater recharge increased by 15 BCM, reaching 446 BCM in 2024.
• Groundwater extraction decreased by 3 BCM, now over 245 BCM.
• Over 73% of 6,746 assessment units are categorized as Safe, while only 3% are Critical.
• The report also highlights that 100% of groundwater samples in North-Eastern states are excellent for irrigation.

ISRO to Launch US Satellite for Direct Smartphone Voice Calls.

• ISRO to launch a US communications satellite in February or March 2025 via the GSLV, enabling direct smartphone voice calls from space.
• Likely partnering with AST SpaceMobile, known for creating satellites connecting directly to ordinary smartphones.
• Bluebird satellite, featuring a 64 sq-meter antenna, aims to provide affordable 5G broadband, bridging the global connectivity gap.

India Extends $500,000 Relief to Vanuatu Post-Earthquake.

• India announced USD 500,000 relief assistance to Vanuatu for rehabilitation after a 7.4 magnitude earthquake on Dec 17, 2024.
• The MEA emphasized India's commitment to disaster risk management under the Indo-Pacific Oceans' Initiative.
• India reaffirmed solidarity with Vanuatu, offering full support for relief efforts.

Delhi Launches "Pujari Granthi Samman" Scheme.

• The Delhi Government announced the launch of the registration process for the Pujari Granthi Samman scheme, which aims to financially support Gurudwara priests.
• Former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal announced the launch of the scheme on December 30.
• The scheme offers a monthly grant of Rs 18,000 to every temple and Gurudwara priest in Delhi.

Mubadala Leads Global Sovereign Investments in 2024.

• Abu Dhabi's Mubadala invested $29.2B in 52 deals, surpassing Saudi Arabia’s PIF, and accounting for 20% of global sovereign fund spending.
• Investments focus on sectors like digital, renewable energy, healthcare, and infrastructure, including India.
• Gulf sovereign funds set a record with $82B investments, reflecting growing global influence.