Current affairs 13 January 2025

India to Host 28th Commonwealth Speakers' Conference in 2026.

• Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla announced India will host the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of Commonwealth Countries (CSPOC) in 2026.
• The conference will focus on the application of AI and social media in parliamentary processes.
• Mr. Birla thanked Sir Richard McMahon for his leadership during the previous conference.

BMCRI to House South India’s First Infectious Disease Lab.

• Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute will establish South India’s first Infectious Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (IRDL) under ICMR, focusing on bacteriology, mycology, and parasitology.
• Karnataka Minister Dr. Sharan Patil inaugurated Moniz Cath Lab Suite for advanced cardiac and stroke procedures.
• Two new auditoriums were opened, one named after Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.

ISRO successfully brings satellites to 3-meter range under SpaDex.

• ISRO successfully maneuvered Chaser and Target satellites to a 3-meter distance under the SpaDex programme, preparing for docking.
• The indigenous Bharatiya Docking system, if successful, will aid in future projects like Bhartiya Antriksh Station and Chandrayaan 4.
• India will join the USA, Russia, and China in achieving satellite docking expertise.

Inland Waterways to Receive ₹50,000 Crore Boost Over 5 Years.

• The Inland Waterways Development Council announced over ₹50,000 crore investments to enhance infrastructure across 21 National Waterways.
• Key initiatives include the Riverine Community Development Scheme to uplift coastal communities & the launch of 1,000 Green vessels.
• Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasized reducing congestion on rail & road through sustainable waterway transportation.

Sonowal Launches National River Traffic & Navigation System.

• Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal announced over ₹50,000 crore investment over 5 years to boost infrastructure along 21 National Waterways, with ₹1,400 crore allocated for new initiatives.
• The IWDC introduced the Riverine Community Development Scheme to enhance infrastructure, trade & tourism for coastal communities.
• Meeting in Kaziranga saw participation from ministers of multiple states.