Current affairs 29 January 2025

Google Maps Renames Gulf of Mexico for US Users.

• Google Maps will rename the Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America for US users, reflecting updates in the U.S Geographic Names System as directed by former President Donald Trump.
• The change applies only within the US, with Mexico retaining the name Gulf of Mexico.
• Google employs similar naming conventions for disputed locations, such as Sea of Japan (East Sea) & Persian Gulf (Arabian Gulf).

Amity University Sets Guinness World Record in Advertising.

• Amity University Maharashtra, Mumbai, achieved a Guinness World Record with 399 participants from 23 teams creating advertisement films in an intensive session.
• The event included mentoring and hands-on workshops showcasing creativity and technical skills.
• The record was confirmed by Guinness adjudicator Swapnil Dangarikar, with oversight by 16 stewards and 3 witnesses.

UAE Declared 2025 as "Year of Community".

• UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced 2025 as the Year of Community under the slogan Hand in Hand, aiming to foster unity, inclusion, and social cohesion across society.
• The initiative emphasizes collective efforts, shared responsibility, and sustainable growth, with programs promoting community service and cultural diversity.

Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awarded to Christine Carla Kangaloo.

• India conferred the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award on Christine Carla Kangaloo, President of Trinidad and Tobago, for her achievements in public affairs.
• Kangaloo highlighted India-Trinidad ties, Indian diaspora contributions, and India’s achievements in education, medicine, and culture.
• Trinidad and Tobago is a dual-island Caribbean nation near Venezuela.
• Capital: Port of Spain.

WAVES 2025: Boosting India's Creative Economy.

• WAVES Bazaar, WAH Ustaad Challenge, and WAVES Awards were launched in New Delhi along with the Create in India Challenge Season 1.
• The initiative highlights India's cultural heritage, storytelling, and creative economy, also known as the Orange Economy.
• WAVES 2025 aims to be the world’s first Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit, positioning India as the capital of the creative economy.