Today Current Affairs 18&19 Jan 2025

By | 19 January 2025

Kampala Declaration on Agriculture

On January 11, 2025 the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) Extraordinary African Union Summit came to an end in Kampala, Uganda. The Kampala Declaration which establishes a revolutionary agenda for Africa’s agri-food systems between 2026 and 2035 was endorsed at the summit. In order to address the issues of food security and agricultural production throughout the continent, a comprehensive agri-food systems approach is being adopted with this proclamation which replaces the Malabo proclamation.
Background of CAADP
In July 2003 the CAADP was introduced in Maputo, Mozambique. It sought to alleviate food insecurity and low agricultural productivity in Africa.The Maputo Declaration urged Member States to allocate at least 10% of their national budgets to agriculture.
Malabo Declaration Overview
In 2014 the Malabo Declaration expanded CAADP’s framework. It established goals including ending hunger, increasing resilience and tripling intra-African commerce. Though no Member State has achieved the target of eradicating hunger by 2025 progress has been sluggish.

Today Current Affairs


Food Security Challenges
As of 2024 20.4% of Africa’s population experiences hunger. The continent faces food security issues with 58% of people grappling with food insecurity. The problem is made more difficult by rising obesity and malnutrition rates.
Impact of Recent Shocks
Climate change, internal conflicts, the Russia-Ukraine war and the COVID-19 epidemic have all had a significant impact on Africa’s agricultural economy. The necessity for a revised CAADP agenda was highlighted by these incidents.
Post-Malabo Agenda
An agri-food systems strategy is introduced in the 2025 post-Malabo agenda. In line with more general development objectives this new framework seeks to create robust mechanisms that tackle issues throughout the food value chain.
Focus on Sustainability and Resilience
In addition to fighting malnutrition, the agenda places a high priority on environmental sustainability. It acknowledges the connection between agriculture, nutrition and economic development and encourages a variety of nutrient-dense meals.
Challenges in Resilience Building
In 2023 only two African nations were on pace to reach resilience-building goals. Efforts to eradicate poverty and hunger are hampered by the sluggish progress in this sector.
Significance of the Kampala Declaration
The Kampala Declaration represents a dedication to modernizing the agricultural industries in Africa. It advocates for climate-smart innovations and technologies to ensure food security for a projected population of 2.5 billion by 2050.

CRPF VIP Security Group Established

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Parliament Duty Group (PDG) was formally dissolved by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in January 2025 and combined with the VIP Security Group (VSG). This change comes after the PDG left its security responsibilities at Parliament in May 2024. The unit has been reorganized and now has more staff members to better protect prominent people.
Transition of Personnel
The VSG is the new name for the roughly 1,400-person Parliament Duty Group (PDG). On January 15 2025 an MHA directive formalized this modification. After the VSG left Parliament the PDG was once associated with it.
New Battalion Addition
Battalion 190 is a new battalion with more than 1,000 members that has been assigned to the CRPF’s VIP security section. In Jharkhand this battalion had previously participated in anti-Naxal activities. Its integration is intended to increase the protective capabilities of VIPs.
Current Responsibilities
The VSG is responsible for protecting more than 200 people including members of the Gandhi family and well-known politicians like Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The unit currently employs more than 8,000 people overall and its responsibilities have grown.
Historical Context
After a security breach in December 2023 the PDG was taken out of Parliament security. Concerns concerning the efficacy of the PDG’s prior duties were raised by this occurrence, in which persons broke into the Lok Sabha chamber.
Role of the CRPF
One of the most prominent paramilitary groups in India is the CRPF which was founded in 1939.
Its goals include upholding national integrity internal security and public order.
The force has been instrumental in a number of activities such as counterterrorism and crowd control.
Other Central Armed Forces
Alongside the CRPF are other Central Armed Police Forces such as the National Security Guard, Sashastra Seema Bal, Indo Tibetan Border Police, Assam Rifles, Border Security Force and Central Industrial Security Force. Each has distinct requirements for border protection and internal security.
CRPF Duties
The CRPF carries out a number of vital tasks, including protecting VIPs, fighting insurgencies, controlling riots and taking part in UN peacekeeping missions. It can effectively respond to both domestic and international security concerns because of its versatility.

Fast Track Immigration Trusted Traveller Program (FTI-TTP)

A project called the Fast Track Immigration Trusted Traveller Program (FTI-TTP) aims to improve India’s immigration procedures. The program, which was started by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, intends to give qualified travelers safe and easy overseas travel experiences. Following its initial launch in New Delhi the programme is now expanding to seven additional major airports across India.
Key Facts About
On June 22, 2024 FTI-TTP made its debut at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.
The program is comparable to the US Global Entry Program which grants pre-approved travelers speedy clearance.
For the FTI-TTP the Bureau of Immigration is the nodal agency.
On January 16, 2025 the initiative was launched at the airports of Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, Chennai, Kolkata and Mumbai.
In the end, 21 major airports around the country will use it.
The maximum duration of FTI-TTP registration is five years, or until the passport expires whichever comes first.

Objectives
Facilitating top-notch immigration facilities is the main objective.
It seeks to facilitate and secure travelers’ international travel.

Immigration Clearance Process

Registered travellers use e-gates for faster processing.
Passports and boarding passes are scanned at the electronic gates.
When biometric authentication is successful, the e-gate opens allowing for immigration clearance.

Biometric Requirements
At specific sites, biometric information, such as fingerprints and facial photos are gathered.
At the airport or at Foreigners Regional Registration Offices (FRRO) biometrics might be taken.

Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0 Launch

Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan has launched the Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS) 3.0 registration portal. The event is scheduled to take place in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh from February 15 to February 24 2025. This campaign attempts to strengthen cultural relations between Tamil Nadu and Kashi by commemorating their common heritage.
Event Dates and Registration
The dates of KTS 3.0 are February 15–24 2025. Registration is available through the website kashitamil.iitm.ac.in until February 1st 2025.
Significance of KTS 3.0
This edition is the first Sangamam following Shri Ram Lalla’s “Pran Pratishtha” in Ayodhya and it falls on the same day as the Mahakumbh.Its goal is to honor Maharishi Agasthyar’s legacy.
Delegates and Participants
There will be about a thousand representatives from Tamil Nadu, including women, professionals, farmers and students. There will also be 200 more students from different universities who are of Tamil descent.
Activities and Exhibitions
The event will include book releases, lectures, workshops, and exhibitions of Sage Agasthyar’s accomplishments. Before the event there will be awareness campaigns and competitions across Tamil Nadu.
Government Collaboration
The Ministry of Education organizes KTS 3.0 in coordination with the Uttar Pradesh government and other ministries. It seeks to promote cross-cultural communication and education.
Previous Editions
In 2022 and 2023, the Kashi Tamil Sangamam was celebrated twice with over 4,000 delegates attending each time. The events received positive responses from attendees.
Implementing Agencies
IIT Madras and Banaras Hindu University (BHU) are the implementing agencies for KTS 3.0 facilitating participation and organisation of the event.

In recent years Indian States have increasingly relied on financial transfers and grants from the Central government. The proportion of Central transfers in State revenues has grown over the past ten years prompting questions about the long-term viability of State finances and their capacity to produce money on their own.
Rise in Central Transfers
From FY16 to FY25 Central transfers accounted for 23-30% of State revenues. This is an increase from 20-24% in the 2000s and early 2010s.
Decline in Own Tax Revenue
States’ own tax revenue has remained below 50% of total revenue for over a decade. In contrast during the 2000s it frequently surpassed this level.
Non-Tax Revenue Trends
Non-tax revenue from States is projected to fall below 24% in FY25, marking a 25-year low. This covers interest receipts, service earnings and grants.
SGST’s Impact
State Goods and Services Tax (SGST) has grown from 15% of total revenue in FY18 to about 22%. Without SGST its own tax revenue has decreased from 34% to 28%.
Central Grants Dominance
Approximately 65-70% of non-tax revenue comes from Central grants up from 55-65% in previous decades. This indicates a growing dependence on central assistance.
Challenges in Tax Collection
Many States struggle to efficiently collect taxes. There have been intermittent and frequently insufficient attempts to increase tax mobilization through vehicle taxes and stamp duty.
Variations Among States
In some states, such as Tamil Nadu and Kerala, the ratio of own tax income to gross state domestic product (GSDP) has decreased whereas in other states it has remained unchanged.
Concerns for Fiscal Sustainability
Experts caution that states’ capacity to enact efficient fiscal policies that affect demand and economic growth is hampered by stagnant tax collection.

National Startup Day 2025

Every year on January 16 National Startup Day is observed to honor the economic contributions made by entrepreneurs in India. Currently India has approximately 99,000 registered businesses worth $500 billion making it the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world. This day honors the role that entrepreneurship and innovation play in propelling economic expansion.
History
On January 16, 2016 during Startup India Innovation Week, National Startup Day was created. This day was declared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to commemorate the economic contribution of startups. Through a number of government programs the project sought to promote an atmosphere that is encouraging to entrepreneurs.
Significance
The day emphasizes how important startups are to innovation, job creation and economic growth. It acts as a reminder of the government’s dedication to assisting and acknowledging the accomplishments of the startup community.
National Startup Day 2025 Events
The Startup Policy Forum in partnership with DPIIT and Startup India has recently organized noteworthy events such as Startup Baithak and Startup Baatcheet. These gatherings center on important policy debates around fintech legislation, AI governance, and data protection.

Udyamotsav 2025
One important event is Udyamotsav 2025 which is set for January 16, 2025. By putting students in touch with investors it seeks to empower student entrepreneurs. Mentorship and financial possibilities would be made possible by the program which will be implemented in 14 Indian cities.
Growth of Startups
By January 15, 2025 there were 159,157 DPIIT-recognized startups up from about 500 in 2016. This expansion is a reflection of how dynamic India’s startup scene is becoming.

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