The Early Update (Jan 9, 2025)
1. Tirupati Stampede: Six people died and over 20 were injured in a stampede at darshan ticket counters in Tirupati. 2. Digital Personal Data Protection Rules: The Indian government aims to implement these rules by mid-2025. 3. WHO on HMPV: The World Health Organization reported no unusual outbreak patterns for HMPV in China. 4. India-EU Relations: India and the EU discussed the importance of protecting human rights and freedom of expression. 5. India-Maldives Defence: India handed over defence equipment to the Maldives and reaffirmed its support for enhancing Maldives' defence preparedness. 6. Tricolour Hoisted: A 73-foot mast with the Indian tricolour was erected near the India-China border in Arunachal Pradesh. 7. India-Taliban Meeting: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with the Taliban’s ‘Foreign Minister’ in Dubai to discuss trade and support for Afghanistan. 8. Supreme Court on Dam Safety: The Supreme Court criticized the Union government for not fully implementing the Dam Safety Act. 9. Donald Trump: The former U.S. President asked the Supreme Court to block his sentencing in a hush money case. 10. Pritish Nandy: The Indian poet, painter, film producer, and former parliamentarian passed away at 73. 11. Road Accident Victims: The Supreme Court directed the Centre to frame a cashless medicare scheme for road accident victims. 12. ISRO: The Indian Space Research Organisation delayed its satellite docking experiment again. 13. Union Budget: Finance Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey was entrusted with the Revenue Department ahead of the Union Budget. 14. Gold Imports: India revised its import bill for November 2024, with a significant downward revision in gold imports. 15. Los Angeles Wildfires: Massive wildfires in the Los Angeles area killed at least two people and forced thousands to flee their homes.