Current affairs 16 January 2025

Australia Unveils First National Autism Strategy with AU$42.3M.

• The strategy, launched by Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth, aims to improve inclusion and support for autistic Australians.
• It includes AU$42.3M funding with 22 commitments across education, employment, and diagnostic reforms.
• Focuses on addressing systemic barriers and enhancing life outcomes for autistic individuals.

Uttar Pradesh to Privatise Two Power Distribution Companies.

• U.P. invites private partnerships for Dakshinanchal and Purvanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam to address power losses and infrastructure gaps.
• Each firm covers 21 districts, with privatization aimed at reducing losses and boosting renewable energy transmission.
• Follows trends in Delhi and Odisha, where private-public models have improved power efficiency.

NATO announces a new mission to protect undersea cables.

• NATO is launching a new mission to protect undersea cables in the Baltic Sea region.
• Secretary-General - Mark Rutte
• Announcing the new operation, Rutte noted that more than 95% of internet traffic is secured via undersea cables, and 1.3 million kilometers (808,000 miles) of cables guarantee an estimated $10 trillion worth of financial transactions every day.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launches Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0.

• Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0 and KTS Portal in New Delhi.
• This year Kashi Tamil Sangamam will be celebrated from the 15th to the 24th of next month.
• The 10-day event will feature 1200 delegates, artisans and innovators.

Govt Approves 56 Watershed Development Projects Worth ₹700 Cr.

• Rural Development Ministry sanctions ₹700 crore for 56 projects under PMKSY-WDC 2.0 across 10 states, covering ~2.8 lakh hectares.
• Focus areas: soil conservation, rainwater harvesting, pasture development, and climate resilience for farmers.
• Past projects show improved groundwater, surface water, crop productivity, and income sustainability.