Kho Kho World Cup Debuts with Grand Opening
The inaugural Kho Kho World Cup commenced at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium with a vibrant opening ceremony. Esteemed guests like Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, and Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha graced the event. The Indian men’s team triumphed over Nepal, securing a 42-37 victory in the tournament’s first match. This historic event hosts 20 men’s and 19 women’s teams from various countries, with both Indian squads in Group A. The global spotlight on Kho Kho marks a significant milestone for this traditional sport.
Anju Bobby George Leads AFI Athletes Commission
Legendary long-jumper and 2003 World Championships bronze medalist Anju Bobby George was appointed Chairperson of the Athletics Federation of India’s (AFI) Athletes Commission. Comprising six women and three men, the new commission features prominent athletes like javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra. This gender-balanced body aims to amplify athletes’ voices and drive progress within Indian athletics. Unveiled following elections in October, the commission’s formation signifies a major stride towards enhanced representation and leadership for athletes in the AFI.
Maduro Sworn in for Third Term Amid Controversy
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was sworn in for a third six-year term following a contentious election. His opponent, Edmundo Gonzalez, accused him of voter fraud and declared himself the legitimate winner. Despite international pressure and sanctions, Maduro begins his new term, pledging peace and prosperity. The election has sparked significant protests and global condemnation.
Major Earthquake Rocks Japan, Tsunami Advisory Issued
On January 13, 2025, at 9:19 PM local time, a powerful magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck southwestern Japan, with its epicenter in the Hyuga-Nada Sea off Miyazaki Prefecture. The Japan Meteorological Agency promptly issued a tsunami advisory for Miyazaki and Kochi prefectures, warning of potential one-meter high waves. Although residents were urged to evacuate, the observed tsunami waves were relatively mild at around 20 centimeters. Thanks to Japan’s advanced disaster preparedness and response systems, there were no immediate reports of significant damage or injuries, ensuring the safety of the affected communities.
Discovery of New Indo-Burmese Pangolin Species
The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) recently identified a new pangolin species, Manis indoburmanica, which diverged from the Chinese pangolin about 3.4 million years ago. This discovery underscores the significant influence of geoclimatic changes in the Indo-Burma region, a renowned biodiversity hotspot. Found in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, the new species highlights the urgent need for focused conservation efforts to protect its habitat from threats like poaching and habitat destruction. The revelation adds to our understanding of biodiversity and the evolutionary history of pangolins in this region.
Odisha Implements Ayushman Bharat
Odisha became the 34th state to adopt the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), significantly enhancing the state’s healthcare system. The integration provides annual health coverage of Rs 5 lakh per family, with an additional Rs 5 lakh for women, benefiting approximately 1.03 crore families. This collaboration with the National Health Authority aims to ensure quality healthcare access across empaneled hospitals, transforming healthcare for about 86% of Odisha’s population. The move marks a milestone in the state’s efforts to improve health services for its residents.