Explanation

Know about Global Fire Power Index 2025

Total countries included: 145

Topper: USA

Second position: Russia

Third position: China

Fourth Position: India

Pakistan ranking: 12th

Bottom: Bhutan (145th)

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Explanation

In January 2025, Bangladesh decided to remove the word "Secularism" from its constitution.

The change is part of a broader shift towards emphasizing the role of Islam in the country's governance, while still recognizing Islam as the state religion.

Secularism was included in the Bangladeshi constitution after the country's separation from Pakistan in 1971, as one of its founding principles, aiming to establish a state that was neutral towards religion. 

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Explanation

China launched the CR450, the fastest high-speed train, reaching 450 km/h in tests and 400 km/h commercially.

It improves on the CR400 Fuxing, featuring advanced technology for speed, energy efficiency, and passenger comfort.

The train supports China’s goal to expand its rail network to 70,000 km by 2035.

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Explanation

About Henley Passport Index released in January 2025

Topper: Singapore

Bottom: Afghanistan

Pakistan rank: 103rd

Additional Information:

As per the above ranking, Pakistani passport has visa-free access to 33 states

This means Pakistani passport holders can travel to 33 countries without the requirement of a visa

The Henley Passport Index is released by the firm Henley & Partners based in the UK

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Explanation

About Costas Simitis

Born: June 1936

He served as PM of Greece from 1996 to 2004

He played a significant role in the integration of Cyprus into the EU

He died on 5 January 2025 at the age of 88.

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Explanation

About Costas Simitis

Born: June 1936

He served as PM of Greece from 1996 to 2004

He played a significant role in the integration of Cyprus into the EU

He died on 5 January 2025 at the age of 88.

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Explanation

As of January 2025, China is experiencing a significant increase in Human Meta Pneumo Virus (HMPV) cases, raising concerns of a potential health crisis.

As per reports, several viruses like HMPV, Influenza A, Mycoplasma pneumonia and other COVID-19 are contributing to this condition.

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Explanation

Kusal Perera scored the first century of 2025 in men's T20I cricket.

He scored his century off 44 balls against New Zealand in January 2025.

He is a cricketer from Sri Lanka.

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Explanation

On 5 January 2025, PPP’s Candidate Ali Madad Jattak retained his Balochistan Assmebly seat in the by-election of PB-45 Quetta.

Elections held on the Election Tribunal’s order.

Nasarullah Zerey of the Pashtunkhwa National Awami Party (PkNAP) secured second position.

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Explanation

On 6 June 2023, The Republic of Korea, Algeria, Sierra Leone, Slovenia and Guyana, were elected as non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2024-25 term during the elections held at the UN headquarters in New York.

These countries will take responsibilities on 1 January 2024 and serve till 31 December 2025.