Staying informed about global events is vital for every student, as it sharpens critical thinking and broadens our understanding of the world. By discussing current affairs in English, we not only stay updated but also improve our communication skills and vocabulary. The headlines for January 15th,  highlights major legal rulings, medical updates, and environmental reports, offering important topics for us to reflect upon and discuss throughout the day.

National News

  • PM Modi Joins Pongal Celebrations: Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended Pongal celebrations in New Delhi on Wednesday, hailing it as a global festival that represents one of the world's oldest civilisations.
  • Travel Advisory for Iran: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued a strong advisory for Indian citizens to avoid travelling to Iran due to the deteriorating security situation amid massive anti-government protests.
  • Court Convicts Asiya Andrabi: A Delhi court has convicted Kashmiri separatist leader Asiya Andrabi in a case filed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
  • Aravalli Ranges Under Threat: A new report highlights that illegal mining, deforestation, and encroachments in the Aravalli ranges have severely impacted air quality, groundwater recharge, and climate regulation.
  • Congress Marks Yatra Anniversary: On the second anniversary of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, the Congress party stated that the rally successfully made the protection of democracy and the Constitution a central part of India's public discourse.
  • BJP Slams Rahul Gandhi: The BJP has criticised Rahul Gandhi for his remarks regarding the "suppression" of Tamil voices, calling the Congress leader a "textbook example" of separatism in Indian politics.
  • Naxal Surrender in Chhattisgarh: In a significant development, 29 Naxalites surrendered before the police in the Sukma district of Chhattisgarh on Wednesday.
  • Nipah Virus Alert in West Bengal: Two nurses who tested positive for the Nipah virus have been shifted to a Kolkata hospital; health officials describe their condition as critical.
  • Kerala Budget Session: Speaker A N Shamseer announced that the budget session of the Kerala Legislative Assembly will commence on January 20 and conclude on March 26.
  • Export Preparedness Index: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat have topped NITI Aayog's fourth Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2024.
  • NEET PG-2025 Cutoffs Revised: To fill over 18,000 vacant postgraduate medical seats, the NBEMS has reduced the qualifying percentile for NEET-PG 2025 admissions to zero percentile for reserved categories.
  • Operation Sindoor 'ongoing', enemy's every move being closely monitored: Army chief: Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Wednesday said Operation Sindoor is "still ongoing" and every move of the enemy is being closely monitored.
  • Former TDB member Sankar Das arrested by SIT in Sabarimala gold loss cases: Thiruvananthapuram: The SIT probing the Sabarimala gold loss on Wednesday arrested former TDB member K P Sankara Das from a private hospital here, sources said.

International News

  • UN Report on Sri Lanka: A new UN report states that sexual violence against Tamil civilians during Sri Lanka's civil war remains unaddressed, with survivors still awaiting justice 17 years after the conflict ended.
  • Indian Fishermen Arrested: The Sri Lankan Navy has arrested 10 Indian fishermen and seized their trawler for allegedly poaching in the island nation's territorial waters.

Sports News

  • Virat Kohli tops ICC ODI rankings after 4 years: Star India batter Virat Kohli has returned to the top of the ICC Men’s ODI Batting Rankings for the first time since July 2021, reaffirming his status as one of the greatest to ever play the format.
  • New Zealand humble India by seven wickets: Indian spinners were out-bowled on home turf once again and KL Rahul’s unbeaten ton was eclipsed by Daryl Mitchell’s splendid 131 not out as New Zealand levelled the three-match series 1-1 with a seven-wicket win in the second ODI here on Wednesday.