Current affairs 11 January 2025

India Shines at West Asia's Largest Plastics Expo in Dubai.

• India, with 125 companies, showcases sustainable solutions at ArabPlast 2025, a premier plastics trade show featuring 750+ exhibitors from 12 countries.
• Focus on India's circular economy initiatives, biodegradable plastics, and $9 billion trade expansion via UAE under CEPA.
• Indian Pavilion inaugurated by Consul General Satish Kumar Sivan.

PM Modi Launches India's First Green Hydrogen Hub.

• PM Modi laid the foundation for India's first Green Hydrogen Hub in Visakhapatnam under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
• The project, a joint effort by NTPC Green Energy and NREDCAP, aims to produce 20 GW renewable energy and 1,500 TPD of green hydrogen.
• The initiative is expected to attract INR 1.85 lakh crore investment and create significant employment opportunities in Andhra Pradesh.

UK Announces Sanctions to Combat Illegal Migration.

• The UK introduces a global-first sanctions regime targeting irregular migration and organised immigration crime to disrupt smugglers' finances and dangerous operations.
• PM Keir Starmer emphasizes securing borders under the Labour government’s Plan for Change.
• Measures include international cooperation and enhanced crime prevention orders.

India's National Highways Achieved 60% Growth, Second Largest Globally.

• National Highway Network: Expanded by 60% over a decade, from 91,287 km (2014) to 146,195 km (2024), with high-speed corridors growing from 93 km to 2,474 km.
• Bharatmala Pariyojana: Developing 35 Multimodal Logistics Parks with a Rs. 46,000 crore investment.
• Port Connectivity & Road Safety: Enhancing trade through 59 projects (1,300 km) and addressing 13,795 accident blackspots.

Uttarakhand's Soapstone Mining Crisis Escalates.

• Unregulated mining in Bageshwar district causes land subsidence, landslides, and erosion, threatening the stability of traditional Kumaoni structures and the region’s ecosystem.
• Kanda's Kalika Temple and other heritage sites sustain structural damage, endangering cultural landmarks.
• The Uttarakhand High Court orders an investigation into mining practices.