Welcome to SaralStudy’s Weekly Current Affairs roundup for the week of 20th to 26th January. This week witnessed several noteworthy events shaping the political, economic, and scientific landscapes globally and nationally. From major government announcements and international developments to achievements in sports, technology, and culture, we’ve compiled all the essential updates to help you stay informed.
Weekly Current Affairs – 20 Jan to 26 Jan
Whether you’re preparing for competitive exams or just want to stay updated with the latest happenings, this comprehensive summary has got you covered. Dive in and keep yourself ahead with the key highlights of this week!
1.Kho Kho World 2025
India’s women’s and men’s teams emerged as champions in the Kho Kho World Cup. Tournaments held at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi on 19th January our both teams stand out victorious.
Important Facts to be remembered about Kho Kho sport
- Kho Kho is an ancient Indian game. It has been played in India since the fourth century.
- Variant of the sport: Test format and Fast format (seven-a-side), Circle Kho Kho, Standing Kho Kho.
- International Competition: Kho Kho World Cup hosted by the International Kho Kho Federation.
- Domestic Competition: Ultimate Kho Kho (UKK) hosted by the Kho Kho Federation of India.
- In the team Kho Kho there are 15 players on each side, 12 players in four batches in the field as a team and three extra players.
- No sport equipment is required for the tournament of Kho Kho except two poles.
History of Kho Kho
The origin of Kho Kho is considered from Ancient India. Certain aspects of this game have been found in the Mahabharata. It is considered that Rathera, a variation of kho kho, was played on chariots in pre-modern times. The Sanskrit word for “chariot” is “ratha”. In Indian history one can find a term/word “Kho Dhwani Krida” which mean “a sport where the sound of ‘kho’ is made.”
Modern version of Kho Kho
In 1914, the Deccan Gymkhana Club in Pune specified the game’s rules and structured organization, defining the modern version of the sport. Bal Gangadhar Tilak wrote Kho-kho’s initial set of rules. Along with other traditional Indian games, Kho-Kho was presented at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. It was played for the first time in the 2016 South Asian Games and is currently a medal sport. The South Asian community has brought the sport to South Africa and the United Kingdom. Due to its affordability and simplicity of use, it has gained acceptance in South Asian major sporting events like Khelo India and the National Games of India. Indian officials have planned to include Kho Kho in the 2036 Olympics and Asian Games. Kho Kho has also been demonstrated at the 1982 Asian Games and was scheduled to make its debut as a demonstration sport at the 2020 Asian Beach Games, but the event was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. UCC in Uttarakhand
The uniform civil code (UCC) was implemented in Uttarakhand, making it the first state in the country after independence. The Uttarakhand Cabinet approved the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code. The enforcement of UCC is supposed to commence on the occasion of Republic Day, 26th January
What is UCC?
The uniform civil code represents the same set of laws for marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, and property for all individuals living in the state irrespective of their religious beliefs. The main objective of the Uniform Civil Code is to establish a uniform legal framework for all citizens irrespective of their religion.
What is Uniform in UCC?
- Adoption rights are common for all communities.
- The legal age of marriage for men (21) and women (18) is the same for all citizens irrespective of their religious beliefs and customary practices.
- Registration of marriage and decree of divorce is compulsory with retrospective application. The register of marriage will be open to the public to avoid polygamy and fraudulent marriage. Although experts are showing concern for intercaste and inter-religion marriage, as an open marriage register will create problems for them, cases of harassment will increase up to a level.
- Registration of live-in relationships is compulsory. In case of non-registration of live-in relationships and cohabitation of opposite genders in nature of marriage can lead the couple to the sentence of imprisonment.
- Marriage and divorce practices that come under Muslim personal law like Halala and Triple Talaq are banned.
- Child marriage and polygamy practices are banned under UCC.
Who is excluded from UCC?
Scheduled tribes of Uttarakhand, which are about 3% of the state’s population are excluded from the bill. They can follow their unique customary practices. Tharu, Raji, Bhotia, Buksa and Jaunsari are the main scheduled tribes of Uttrakhand.
Why is UCC important?
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- Unifying Factor: Implementation of Uniform civil code is important as it serves as a unifying force by treating all of its citizens with equality irrespective of their ethnic background or religious beliefs.
- Gender Equality: UCC aims to eliminate discriminatory practices concerning areas like divorce and inheritance. It promotes gender equality and ensures justice across genders.
- Legal uniformity:
- (a) Uniform civil code minimizes the complexity created by multiple personal laws.
- (b) It will establish a uniform legal framework that assures all citizens are treated equally.
Challenges in its application:
- Religious Communities’ Opposition: concerns that traditional customs and culture may be compromised.
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- Various Legal Frameworks: It is difficult to combine current cultural and religious practices with an uniform code.
- Administrative and Political Obstacles: There may be difficulties with logistics and political opposition to nationwide implementation.
The impacts for India
- The action taken by Uttarakhand government serves as a model for other states and may open the door for broader national discussions on UCC.
- Application of Uniform Civil Code will encourages legal reforms to strengthen secularism and democracy.
3. Planetary Parade
A planetary parade is a rare celestial event which can be witnessed in the sky. According to experts, the peak phase of this rare event will last on January 21. This event will continue upto 13 of february. This parade will start with only four Planets Venus, Mars, Saturn and Jupiter. The remaining planets, Mercury, Neptune, and Uranus, will line up in the middle of February, providing enthusiasts in astronomy and celestial observers with a magnificent show.
Seven planets, some of which can be seen with naked eyes will line up in an ecliptic pattern- a hypothetical plane that directs the orbits of planets as well as Earth’s orbit around the Sun not in a straight line
What is a planetary parade?
Planetary parade is a celestial event which occurs when several planets align in the sky on one side of sun and appears together. It is a rare celestial event. It is also called Planetary alignment.
Types of Planetary Parade:
- Mini Parade: When three planets it is called mini parade.
- Major Parade: When four or more planets are featured together.
- Full Parade: The parade is called full parade when all eight planets align. This event is extremely rare.
Information on the Planet Parade in 2025
The Aligning Planets: Without telescopes, we will be able to see Jupiter, Saturn, Mars, Venus, and Mercury. Binoculars or telescopes can be used to see Uranus and Neptune.
Ideal Conditions for Exploring: Look in the early evening when there is less light pollution and the skies are clean and dark.
Time frame: Peak activity occurs on late January and remains visible until February 2025.
The Planet Parade: Why Is It Important?
Scientific Importance: Improves knowledge of the positions and orbits of planets, provides possibilities for learning about the interactions between celestial bodies caused by gravity.
Historical and Cultural Value: Planetary alignments were frequently associated with tales and incidents by ancient societies.
Promotes Astronomy’s Interest in the Public: Space science curiosity is sparked by events like these.
How to Witness the Planet Parade
- Ideal Locations: Travel to areas with dark skies and away from the lights of the city.
- Tools: Even though multiple planets may be seen with the naked eye, the experience can be improved with a telescope or binoculars.
- Technology: To figure out the locations of the planets in the sky, use stargazing applications.
The 2025 Planet Parade is a once-in-a-lifetime event that offers both a learning experience and a breathtaking visual show. It is a visual treat for stargazers.It provides students the opportunity to have a deeper understanding of cultural history, astronomy, and planetary science.
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