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.

Explanation

Pakistan was elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC) for the 8th time on 6 June 2024, 

Pakistan will remain non-permanent member of UNSC from 1 January 2025 to 31 Dec 2026

Pakistan will replace Japan.

Pakistans earlier terms on the council were in

1. 2025-26
2. 2012-13,
3. 2003-04,
4. 1993-94,
5. 1983-84,
6. 1976-77,
7. 1968-69 
8. 1952-53.

Additional Information

Pakistan, Denmark, Greece, Panama and Somalia will replace Japan, Ecuador, Malta, Mozambique and Switzerland whose terms end on December 31, 2024.

Explanation

Mikheil Kavelashvili is the current & sixth president of Georgia since December 2024.

He replaced Salome Zourabichvili to become Georgian president.

Updated & verified on 02-01-2025

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