Current Affairs January 7: CBI Launches BHARATPOL Portal; Indonesia Becomes Full BRICS Member; PLI Scheme for Steel Industry

Amit Shah launched the CBI’s BHARATPOL portal. The 8th edition of IndusFood 2025 exhibition will begin in Greater Noida. Additionally, the Central Government introduced the PLI scheme for steel production, and Indonesia has become a full member of BRICS.

Here are some key current affairs, particularly useful for students preparing for government job exams:

National

1. CBI Launches BHARATPOL Portal
   • Home Minister Amit Shah launched the BHARATPOL portal, developed by the CBI, on January 7.
   • The portal will use modern technology to track fugitive criminals.
   • During the event at Bharat Mandapam, Amit Shah also awarded 35 CBI officers with police medals for their service.
   • The portal enables Indian investigation agencies to connect with foreign agencies and Interpol.
   • It is linked with the CBI’s official website and facilitates Interpol-related notices like Red Corner Notices.
   • All state police forces can access the portal to collaborate with Interpol.
2. Petroleum Ministry Review Released
   • On January 7, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas released its 2024 review.
   • Key highlights include:
     • PM Ujjwala Yojana: Over 10.33 crore LPG connections provided under the scheme, with 32.83 crore total LPG connections in India (up from 14.52 crore in 2014).
     • Daily refill of 13 lakh gas cylinders nationwide, with annual per capita LPG consumption at 3.95 kg.
     • Operational gas pipeline network expanded to 24,945 km (up from 15,340 km in 2014).
     • E20 petrol (20% ethanol blend) now available at 17,400 retail outlets.
3. 8th Edition of IndusFood 2025 in Greater Noida
   • From January 8–10, 2025, the 8th session of IndusFood will be held in Greater Noida.
   • Organized by the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI), this exhibition was first launched in 2017.
   • Union Food Minister Chirag Paswan will inaugurate the event.
   • Other associated events, IndusFood Manufacturing and IndusFood Agritech, will run from January 9–11.
   • Highlights:
     • Participation from 30+ countries, 2,300 exhibitors, 7,500+ international buyers, and 15,000 Indian buyers.
     • Collaboration with the Indian Culinary Federation (IFCA) for the first-ever Asia President Forum.
4. PLI Scheme for Steel Production Launched
   • Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries, H.D. Kumaraswamy, introduced the “PLI Scheme 1.1” for the steel sector.
   • Key details:
     • Incentives worth ₹2,000 crore will be provided in the first round.
     • The scheme, valid from FY 2025-26 to 2029-30, aims to reduce imports and boost steel production.
     • Covers five categories: coated steel products, high-strength steel, specialty rail, alloy steel products, and electrical steel.
     • Total outlay: ₹6,322 crore.
5. India to Host a Seminar on Social Security for Informal Workers
   • On January 20–21, 2025, India will host a technical seminar on social security for informal workers at the Yashobhoomi International Convention Centre in Delhi.
   • Organized by the Ministry of Labour and Employment in collaboration with the International Social Security Association.
   • Participants include 31 countries, 40 experts, and institutions like the World Bank, UN India, and ILO.
   • Indian ministries and states will also contribute.

International

6. Indonesia Becomes Full Member of BRICS
   • Indonesia has officially joined BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) as a full member.
   • Brazil, which assumed BRICS chairmanship on January 1, 2025, announced the inclusion.
   • BRICS now comprises 10 nations: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE, and Indonesia.
   • BRICS aims to promote peace, security, development, and cooperation among member countries.

Sports

7. South Africa Defeats Pakistan; Afghanistan Wins Test Series Against Zimbabwe
   • Afghanistan vs. Zimbabwe: Afghanistan won the series 1-0.
     • Rashid Khan, with 7 wickets in the second innings, was named Player of the Match.
     • Rahmat Shah was declared Player of the Series.
   • South Africa vs. Pakistan: South Africa won the series 2-0.
     • Ryan Rickelton’s 259 runs in the first innings earned him Player of the Match honors.
     • Marco Jansen, with 10 wickets in the series, was named Player of the Series.

Today in History

1. 1761: Afghan ruler Ahmad Shah Abdali defeated the Marathas in the Third Battle of Panipat.
2. 1789: American citizens voted to elect George Washington as the nation’s first President.
3. 1959: The U.S. recognized Fidel Castro’s new government in Cuba.
4. 1987: Kapil Dev became the first Indian cricketer to claim 300 Test wickets.
5. 2015: The Charlie Hebdo terrorist attack in Paris killed 12 people.