Daily Current Affairs January 13

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January 13 | Daily Current Affairs 2024

Important Days – Daily Current Affairs January 13

1. What is the primary significance of Makar Sankranti as per Hindu beliefs?
A) Marks the end of monsoon season
B) Symbolizes the Sun’s transition into Capricorn (Makar Rashi)
C) Commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna
D) Celebrates the harvest festival exclusively in Punjab
E) Represents the start of Chaitra Navratri
Answer: B) Symbolizes the Sun’s transition into Capricorn (Makar Rashi)

Event and Location:

• Event: Celebration of Makar Sankranti 2025.
• Date: January 14, 2025.
• Location: Celebrated across India.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Marks the Sun’s transition into Capricorn (Makar Rashi), symbolizing the end of winter and the beginning of longer days (Uttarayan).
• Observed with ritualistic bathing, especially in holy rivers like the Ganga.
• Associated with donation and charity, believed to yield multiplied blessings.
• Farmers celebrate it as a harvest festival, expressing gratitude for new crops.

Key Rituals and Practices:

• Punya Kaal (Sacred Time): From 9:03 AM to 5:46 PM.
• Mahapunya Kaal: From 9:03 AM to 10:48 AM for enhanced merits.
• Regional Variations:
  • Punjab: Celebrated as Maghi with bonfires and festivities.
  • Tamil Nadu: Known as Pongal, focusing on thanksgiving to nature.
  • Gujarat and Rajasthan: Marked by kite flying as a symbol of joy and prosperity.

Puranic Significance:

• Represents the meeting of the Sun (Surya) with his son Saturn (Shani), fostering harmony between relationships.
• Commemorates Lord Vishnu’s victory over demons, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.

Tabular Summary:

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2. Where will India Energy Week 2025 (IEW 2025) be held?
A) Mumbai
B) New Delhi
C) Bengaluru
D) Chennai
E) Hyderabad
Answer: B) New Delhi

Event and Location:

• Event: India Energy Week 2025 (IEW 2025)
• Date: February 11–14, 2025
• Location: Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, New Delhi

Key Highlights:

1. Global Participation:
   • 70,000 delegates from 120 countries, 700+ exhibitors, and 10 country pavilions.
   • Participation of 20+ Foreign Energy Ministers, 90 CEOs from Fortune 500 energy companies, and leaders from organizations like bp, TotalEnergies, and ADNOC.
2. Themes:
   • Incorporates seven strategic themes: Collaboration, Resilience, Transition, Capacity, Digital Frontiers, Innovation, and Leadership.
   • Focus on decarbonization, energy equity, and low-carbon economies.
3. Core Discussions:
   • Topics include grid-scale energy storage, clean power pathways, AI in energy, and methane mitigation technologies.
   • Special emphasis on India’s advancements in renewables, hydrogen production, green ammonia, and biofuels.
4. Significance:
   • Marks India’s leadership in navigating energy transitions and amplifying the voice of the Global South.
   • Highlights investment opportunities in India’s hydrocarbon and renewable energy sectors.
5. Special Features:
   • Avinya Energy Startup Challenge 2.0 to promote startups and innovation in the energy sector.
   • Free workshops and masterclasses for students and innovators by international experts.
   • Free exhibition entry for all visitors on all days.

Tabular Summary:

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Sports – Daily Current Affairs January 13

3. Who was India’s opponent in the opening match of the Kho Kho World Cup 2025?
A) Bangladesh
B) Sri Lanka
C) Nepal
D) Pakistan
E) Bhutan
Answer: C) Nepal

Event and Location:

• Event: India defeats Nepal in the opening match of Kho Kho World Cup 2025.
• Date: January 13, 2025
• Location: Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi

Mandates and Objectives:

• Begin India’s campaign on a high note in the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025.
• Showcase India’s prowess in Kho Kho with strong offensive and defensive strategies.
• Build momentum towards securing the trophy on home soil.

Key Highlights:

• Opening Ceremony: Attended by Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, and IOA President P.T. Usha.
• India’s Performance:
  • Captain Pratik Waikar and Ramji Kashyap led the team with an exceptional all-round show.
  • Sachin Bhargo, as the ‘Wazir,’ executed a spectacular skydive to secure 24 points.
  • Nepal’s Bharat Saru achieved the tournament’s first Dream Run, surviving three minutes as a defender.
  • India emerged victorious with a final score of 42-37.

Important Terms Explained:

• Kho Kho: A traditional Indian tag sport where players chase and defend in turns.
• Dream Run: A scenario in Kho Kho where defenders survive without being tagged for a specified duration (3 minutes).
• Wazir: A strategic player responsible for advancing the team’s score through dives and tagging.

Tabular Summary:

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Obituary – Daily Current Affairs January 13

4. Who was Krishna Mense, who passed away recently at the age of 97?
A) A prominent industrialist
B) A Goa liberation activist and Gandhian
C) A former Member of Parliament
D) A scientist and author
E) A social reformer and educator
Answer: B) A Goa liberation activist and Gandhian

Event and Location:

• Event: The demise of Krishna Mense, a freedom fighter and Goa liberation activist.
• Date: January 13, 2025
• Location: Belagavi, Karnataka

Key Contributions:

• Played a vital role in the Goa liberation movement, advocating for Goa’s independence from Portuguese rule.
• A staunch Gandhian, upholding principles of non-violence and self-reliance.
• Actively involved as a writer and trade union leader, contributing to social and labor reforms.

Legacy:

• Remembered for his commitment to India’s freedom and dedication to Gandhian values.
• His efforts in the Goa liberation movement remain a significant chapter in Indian history.

Tabular Summary:

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Business and Economy – Daily Current Affairs January 13

5. What was the retail inflation rate for December 2024 in India?
A) 6.5%
B) 5.5%
C) 5.2%
D) 4.8%
E) 4.0%
Answer: C) 5.2%

Event and Location:

• Event: India’s retail inflation rate dropped to 5.2% in December 2024, the lowest in four months.
• Date: December 2024 (data released January 13, 2025).
• Location: Nationwide, India

Key Highlights:

• Inflation was measured using the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
• Decline attributed to a significant reduction in prices of vegetables, pulses, sugar, cereals, and personal care products.
• Items with the lowest year-on-year inflation in December:
  • Jeera: -34.69%
  • Ginger: -22.93%
  • Dry Chillies: -10.32%
  • LPG (excluding conveyance): -9.29%
• Items with the highest inflation:
  • Peas: 89.12%
  • Potato: 68.23%
  • Garlic: 58.17%
  • Coconut Oil: 45.41%
  • Cauliflower: 39.42%

Monetary Policy Implications:

• The inflation rate remained above the RBI’s median target of 4% for the fourth consecutive month.
• Economists were divided on whether the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), meeting in February, would lower the policy repo rate.
• Factors supporting a potential rate cut:
  • Moderating food prices due to winter crop arrivals.
  • Gradual improvement in growth trajectory.
• Global economic challenges and fiscal pressures make the decision uncertain.

Tabular Summary:

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Appointments – Daily Current Affairs January 13

6. Who was recently appointed as Lebanon’s new Prime Minister?
A) Nawaf Salam
B) Gebran Bassil
C) Najib Mikati
D) Faisal Karami
E) Mohammed Raad
Answer: A) Nawaf Salam

Event and Location:

• Event: Nawaf Salam appointed Lebanon’s new Prime Minister.
• Date: January 2025
• Location: Lebanon

Mandates and Objectives:

• Salam must form a cabinet that can secure a confidence vote in a divided parliament.
• Address economic reforms, reconstruction after the 2020 Beirut port explosion, and multiple crises.
• Manage the Hezbollah-Israel conflict and promote political stability.

Important Terms Explained:

• International Court of Justice (ICJ): UN’s top judicial body, located in The Hague, handling disputes between nations.
• Hezbollah: A Shia political and military group in Lebanon, backed by Iran, with significant regional influence.
• Sectarian Power-Sharing System: A Lebanese governance framework reserving key roles (e.g., PM for Sunni Muslims, President for Maronite Christians) based on religious sects.
• Beirut Port Explosion: A devastating event in August 2020, killing over 200 and intensifying Lebanon’s economic crisis.

Tabular Summary:

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Defence – Daily Current Affairs January 13

7. What is the key feature of the Nag Mk 2 missile?
A) Intermediate-range ballistic missile capabilities
B) Fire-and-forget technology for precision targeting
C) Surface-to-air missile capabilities
D) Capability to launch nuclear warheads
E) Hypersonic speed technology
Answer: B) Fire-and-forget technology for precision targeting

Event and Location:

• Event: Successful testing of Nag Mk 2, an indigenously developed anti-tank guided missile.
• Date: January 13, 2025
• Location: Pokhran Field Range, Rajasthan

Mandates and Objectives:

• Validate the firing range and precision capabilities of Nag Mk 2.
• Demonstrate the effectiveness of the third-generation fire-and-forget missile system against modern armoured threats.
• Prepare the entire weapon system, including NAMICA (Nag Missile Carrier), for induction into the Indian Army.

Key Features:

• Fire-and-Forget Technology: Allows the operator to lock onto targets before launch, eliminating the need for further guidance.
• Effective against modern armoured vehicles with explosive reactive armour (ERA).
• Integrated with NAMICA (Version 2), enhancing battlefield mobility and deployment.

Tabular Summary:

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8. What is the notable feature of the 1,000 new drones delivered to the Iranian Army?
A) They are equipped with nuclear warheads
B) They have high stealth and anti-fortification capabilities
C) They are designed for long-range satellite communication
D) They are exclusively for civilian purposes
E) They are designed to operate in outer space
Answer: B) They have high stealth and anti-fortification capabilities

Event and Location:

• Event: Delivery of 1,000 new drones to the Iranian Army.
• Date: January 13, 2025
• Location: Iran (various undisclosed locations)

Mandates and Objectives:

• Enhance military readiness in response to growing tensions with Israel and the United States.
• Deploy stealth and anti-fortification drones capable of evading detection and targeting fortified installations.
• Strengthen Iran’s defense strategy amid regional and international challenges.

Key Features of the Drones:

• High Stealth Capabilities: Designed to avoid radar detection, making them difficult to track.
• Anti-Fortification Abilities: Capable of neutralizing heavily fortified military targets.
• Domestic Production: The drones were indigenously developed, showcasing Iran’s advancing defense technology.

Tabular Summary:

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National Affairs – Daily Current Affairs January 13

9. What significant event began on January 13, 2025, in Prayagraj?
A) International Ganga Festival
B) Maha Kumbh Mela 2025
C) Triveni Sangam Cultural Fair
D) Uttar Pradesh Tourism Fest
E) Global Pilgrimage Summit
Answer: B) Maha Kumbh Mela 2025

Event and Location:

• Event: Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, a 45-day spiritual and cultural event, commenced in Prayagraj.
• Date: January 13, 2025
• Location: Triveni Sangam, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh

Mandates and Objectives:

• Celebrate Paush Purnima with a Shahi Snan (royal bath) at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.
• Accommodate millions of pilgrims seeking spiritual cleansing and absolution of sins through the holy dip.
• Showcase India’s spiritual heritage and manage a large-scale gathering with efficiency and safety.

Key Highlights:

• 15 million devotees participated on the first day, exceeding expectations.
• A sprawling temporary city has been set up, including:
  • 150,000 tents, 3,000 kitchens, and 145,000 restrooms.
  • 98 additional trains and 450,000 electricity connections for visitors.
• Security measures:
  • Over 50,000 personnel deployed, including advanced surveillance with AI-equipped cameras.
  • Efficient crowd management to maintain safety and sanctity.

Significance:

• The Maha Kumbh is held every 12 years and is considered the largest religious gathering in the world.
• Represents faith, harmony, and cultural unity, attracting pilgrims and tourists from 134 countries.

Tabular Summary:

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10. What is the name of the dedicated radio channel launched for the Kumbh Fair in 2025?
A) Ganga Vani
B) Prayagraj FM
C) Kumbhvani
D) Maha Kumbh Radio
E) Spiritual Waves
Answer: C) Kumbhvani

Event and Location:

• Event: Launch of Kumbhvani, a special radio channel for the Kumbh Fair.
• Date: January 10, 2025
• Location: Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh

Mandates and Objectives:

• Inform and entertain pilgrims with devotional songs, spiritual discussions, and updates about the Kumbh Fair.
• Serve as an information hub for arrangements, including insights into Indian Railways services during the event.
• Showcase the cultural significance of the Kumbh and enhance the pilgrimage experience.

Key Features of Kumbhvani:

• Broadcast frequency: 103.5 MHz.
• Daily operations: From 5:55 AM to 10:05 PM, January 10 to February 26, 2025.
• Accessible on OTT platforms, making it available globally.

Tabular Summary:

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11. What is the purpose of the newly introduced OTP feature in the RTI portal, according to the Centre?
A) To reduce application processing time
B) To enhance user privacy and security
C) To increase portal accessibility
D) To replace the registration number system
E) To enable SMS notifications for RTI updates
Answer: B) To enhance user privacy and security

Event and Location:

• Event: Introduction of OTP feature in RTI portal to enhance user privacy.
• Date: January 2, 2025
• Location: India

Mandates and Objectives:

• Ensure authentication of users accessing their RTI application status.
• Protect sensitive personal data included in RTI applications.
• Align with best cybersecurity practices and enhance digital services.

Important Terms Explained:

• RTI (Right to Information) Portal: A platform that allows citizens to file RTI requests, appeals, and track application statuses online.
• Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT): The nodal department for administering the RTI Act and overseeing portal functionality.
• NIC (National Informatics Centre): The agency responsible for managing and dispatching OTPs from its email domain.

Tabular Summary:

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12. What is the new procurement cap for PDS rice from Karnataka as decided by the Centre?
A) 1.5 lakh tonnes
B) 3.5 lakh tonnes
C) 5 lakh tonnes
D) 7 lakh tonnes
E) 4.5 lakh tonnes
Answer: C) 5 lakh tonnes

Event and Location:

• Event: Centre to procure an additional 3.5 lakh tonnes of rice from Karnataka for PDS.
• Date: January 14, 2025
• Location: Karnataka, India

Mandates and Objectives:

• Increase the procurement cap of rice for the Central PDS pool from Karnataka.
• Address state requests to ensure adequate PDS supplies for the Kharif season of 2024-25.
• Enhance food security through additional rice procurement under the PDS system.

Important Terms Explained:

• PDS (Public Distribution System): A government initiative to provide subsidized food grains to the vulnerable sections of society.
• Central Pool of Rice: Rice procured by the central government for redistribution under welfare schemes like the PDS.
• Kharif Season: A cropping season in India from June to October, during which crops like rice are grown with monsoon rains.

Tabular Summary:

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13. What did Nirmala Sitharaman emphasize during the 4th convocation ceremony of Rashtriya Raksha University?
A) The importance of border security
B) The need for a tech-savvy force to protect digital infrastructure
C) Investment in traditional defense mechanisms
D) Expanding physical asset protection measures
E) Enhancing police recruitment drives
Answer: B) The need for a tech-savvy force to protect digital infrastructure

Event and Location:

• Event: Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized the need for a tech-savvy force at the 4th convocation of Rashtriya Raksha University.
• Date: January 13, 2025
• Location: Gandhinagar, Gujarat

Mandates and Objectives:

• Protect India’s digital infrastructure, including banks, stock markets, and payment systems, from misuse of technology.
• Enhance training programs at Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) to keep pace with rapid technological advancements.
• Encourage a proactive approach to identify and mitigate threats from dark forces misusing technology.

Important Terms Explained:

• Digital Infrastructure: Key systems and platforms like banks, stock markets, and online services essential for economic and operational stability.
• Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU): A national university focused on national security and policing education and training.
• Technological Obsolescence: The process by which technology becomes outdated due to rapid advancements.

Tabular Summary:

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14. How many development works were inaugurated by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu in Naravaripalle?
A) 20
B) 24
C) 26
D) 30
E) 28
Answer: C) 26

Event and Location:

• Event: Foundation stone laid for 26 development works in Naravaripalle.
• Date: January 13, 2025
• Location: Naravaripalle, near Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Development works worth ₹3.21 crore were initiated to enhance infrastructure and facilities in Naravaripalle.
• A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with ‘Care and Grow’ to conduct capacity-building programs for workers at 480 Anganwadi centres in the Kuppam region.
• Focus on empowering Anganwadi workers and improving child welfare services in the area.

Key Highlights:

• The event coincided with Sankranti celebrations, emphasizing community participation and traditional values.
• Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and his wife N. Bhuvaneswari actively participated in the event.

Tabular Summary:

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15. What is the name of the cultural festival inaugurated by Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin in Chennai?
A) Pongal Fest
B) Tamil Heritage Festival
C) Chennai Sangamam – Namma Oor Thiruvizha
D) Namma Chennai Festival
E) Chennai Utsav
Answer: C) Chennai Sangamam – Namma Oor Thiruvizha

Event and Location:

• Event: Chennai Sangamam – Namma Oor Thiruvizha, an annual cultural festival, was inaugurated during the Pongal season.
• Date: January 13, 2025
• Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Mandates and Objectives:

• Celebrate Tamil Nadu’s cultural heritage and traditional art forms.
• Enhance public engagement by hosting events at 18 locations across Chennai, including Besant Nagar and Thiruvanmiyur beaches, Raja Annamalaipuram, and Kathipara Junction in Guindy.
• Timings: Events are held daily from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM until January 17, 2025.

Key Highlights:

• Inaugurated by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, accompanied by MP Kanimozhi and other dignitaries.
• Showcases performances of folk music, dance, and drama, promoting the state’s rich traditions.
• Aims to bring art and culture closer to people, making it accessible across Chennai’s neighborhoods.

Tabular Summary:

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16. What are the two projects initiated by Dakshina Kannada MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta under the MP’s Area Development Fund?
A) Building a community hall and repairing a school
B) Concreting Officers’ Club Road and constructing a drain with slab cover
C) Renovating a hospital and developing a park
D) Constructing a bridge and a market complex
E) Setting up a library and installing solar panels
Answer: B) Concreting Officers’ Club Road and constructing a drain with slab cover

Event and Location:

• Event: Foundation stone laid for two projects under the MP’s Area Development Fund.
• Date: January 13, 2025
• Location: Puttur taluk, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka

Projects Initiated:

1. Concreting Officers’ Club Road at Darbe in Puttur at an estimated cost of ₹5 lakh.
2. Constructing a drain and covering it with slabs at Parladkka.

Mandates and Objectives:

• Improve local infrastructure and sanitation in Puttur taluk.
• Facilitate smoother road connectivity and proper drainage to prevent flooding and maintain hygiene.

Tabular Summary:

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17. What is the health coverage provided under the converged Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY and Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana in Odisha?
A) ₹5 lakh per family annually
B) ₹10 lakh per family annually
C) ₹2 lakh per family annually
D) ₹7 lakh per family annually
E) ₹15 lakh per family annually
Answer: B) ₹10 lakh per family annually

Event and Location:

• Event: Odisha becomes the 34th state to implement the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).
• Date: January 13, 2025
• Location: Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi

Mandates and Objectives:

• The implementation will merge AB PM-JAY with Odisha’s existing Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY).
• Provides ₹5 lakh health coverage per family annually, with an additional ₹5 lakh for women members, making it ₹10 lakh per family annually.

Key Highlights:

• Covers 4.5 crore people in Odisha, benefiting 86% of the state’s population.
• Enables access to cashless treatment in over 29,000 empaneled hospitals across India, up from 900 previously available in Odisha.
• Nearly 2,000 medical procedures across 27 specialties are covered, including major surgeries like bypass surgeries and knee replacements.
• Focuses on tribal, underprivileged, and migrant populations, bridging healthcare gaps between rural and urban areas.

Significance:

• Odisha becomes part of the world’s largest healthcare scheme, ensuring affordable and quality treatment for economically weaker sections.
• Strengthens digital healthcare services and improves access to healthcare, even in remote and underserved regions.

Tabular Summary:

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18. What initiatives were virtually inaugurated/launched by President Droupadi Murmu for OMFED?
A) Genetic upgrade and breed improvement schemes
B) Cow Induction, Giftmilk, and Market support
C) Dairy automation and milk export programs
D) Animal health clinics and fodder supply initiatives
E) Cooperative governance and milk product training
Answer: B) Cow Induction, Giftmilk, and Market support

Event and Location:

• Event: President Droupadi Murmu virtually inaugurated the Cow Induction, Giftmilk, and Market Support initiatives of OMFED under the National Dairy Development Board.
• Date: January 13, 2025
• Location: Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi

Mandates and Objectives:

• Enhance dairy production and market accessibility in Odisha through OMFED initiatives.
• Strengthen the National Dairy Development Board’s efforts to support rural livelihoods via livestock-based economies.
• Promote animal health, breed development, and genetic upgrades under the National Gokul Mission.

Key Highlights:

• Giftmilk Initiative: Aims to provide milk to children to improve nutrition and promote health.
• Cow Induction Program: Supports farmers in acquiring milch cows to boost milk production and household incomes.
• Market Support: Focuses on expanding market access for dairy producers to ensure better returns.
• President Murmu emphasized:
  • The role of livestock in rural income generation.
  • India’s progress in milk production and productivity growth of milch cattle over the last decade.
  • The importance of animal health in improving the quality of dairy products.

Tabular Summary:

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19. What is India’s total renewable energy installed capacity as of December 2024?
A) 180.80 GW
B) 209.44 GW
C) 97.86 GW
D) 500 GW
E) 48.16 GW
Answer: B) 209.44 GW

Event and Location:

• Event: India’s renewable energy (RE) installed capacity reached a new milestone.
• Date: December 2024
• Reported by: Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)

Key Highlights:

1. Total Renewable Energy Capacity:
   • As of December 2024: 209.44 GW.
   • Growth: 15.84% year-on-year compared to 180.80 GW in December 2023.
2. Capacity Additions in 2024:
   • Total added: 28.64 GW (up by 119.46% compared to 2023).
3. Segment-Wise Growth:
   • Solar Energy:
     • Capacity increased from 73.32 GW (2023) to 97.86 GW (2024).
     • Addition in 2024: 24.54 GW (33.47% rise).
   • Wind Energy:
     • Capacity grew from 44.74 GW (2023) to 48.16 GW (2024).
     • Addition in 2024: 3.42 GW (7.64% rise).
   • Bioenergy:
     • Capacity increased from 10.84 GW (2023) to 11.35 GW (2024) (4.70% growth).
   • Small Hydro Power:
     • Capacity grew from 4.99 GW (2023) to 5.10 GW (2024) (2.20% rise).
4. India’s Climate Commitment:
   • Target: 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 under the ‘Panchamrit’ goals announced by PM Narendra Modi.

Tabular Summary:

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