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Padma Vibhushan this year. He was conferred

For the year 2025, the Ministry of Home
with the Padma Shri in 2002 and the Padma
Affairs announced 139 Padma Awards
Bhushan in 2016.
including 1 duo case (in a duo case, the
 Five sportspersons have been honoured across
Award is counted as one). The list comprises various categories this year. Former India
7 Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan and goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh has been awarded
113 Padma Shri Awards. the Padma Bhushan. Harvinder Singh,
 Of the 139 names announced, the highest Ravichandran Ashwin, Satyapal Singh and
number of awardees were in the category of I.M. Vijayan have been conferred with the
arts (51), followed by literature and education Padma Shri.
(26), trade and industry (10) and medicine  Of the 19 Padma Bhushan awardees, four
(10). Twenty-three of the awardees are were prominent actors from the South Indian
women, while 10 are from the category of film industries: Anant Nag from Karnataka,
foreigners, NRI, PIO or OCI. 13 have been Nandamuri Balakrishna from Andhra
honoured posthumously. Pradesh, and Shobana Chandrakumar and
 Former Chief Justice of India Justice (retired) Ajith Kumar from Tamil Nadu.
Jagdish Singh Khehar, who gave a dissenting  The Padma Shri list also recognized
opinion among the Supreme Court Bench that individuals who contributed across a broad
outlawed triple talaq in 2017, was conferred spectrum. The recipients include 100-year-old
with Padma Vibhushan. Libia Lobo Sardesai, the underground voice
 Hyderabad-based AIG Hospitals Chairman of Goa’s liberation struggle; 82-year-old
and gastroenterologist, Dr. Nageshwar Reddy, American-born Sally Holkar, who spent five
is one of the seven individuals to receive the decades reviving the Maheshwari handloom
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industry; and 43-year-old

t archer Harvinder  Initially, Padma Vibhushan was classified in 3
Singh, the first Indian archer to win a gold different categories: Pahela Varg, Dusra Varg
medal in the Paralympics. Former SBI and Tisra Varg.Later, These 3 classes were
chairman Arundhati Bhattacharya. renamed as Padma Vibhushan, Padma
About Padma Awards Bhushan and Padma Shri on January 8, 1955
 Padma Awards - one of the highest civilian as per Presidential notification.
Awards of the country, are conferred in three  These Awards are conferred by the President
categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma of India at ceremonial functions which are
Bhushan and Padma Shri. The Awards are held at Rashtrapati Bhawan usually around
given in various disciplines / fields of March / April every year.
activities, viz.- art, social work, public affairs,  The total number of awards given in a year
science and engineering, trade and industry, should not exceed 120 which excludes awards
medicine, literature and education, sports, given posthumously and awards to NRIs,
civil service, etc. foreigners and OCIs.
 ‘Padma Vibhushan’ is awarded for  All nominations received for Padma Awards
exceptional and distinguished service; ‘Padma are placed before the Padma Awards
Bhushan’ for distinguished service of high Committee, which is constituted by the Prime
order and ‘Padma Shri’ for distinguished Minister every year. The Padma Awards
service in any field. Committee is headed by the Cabinet
 Padma Awards, which were instituted in the Secretary and includes Home Secretary,
year 1954, is announced every year on the Secretary to the President and four to six
occasion of Republic Day except for brief eminent persons as members.
interruption(s) during the years 1978 and  Currently, T. V. Somanathan is serving as
1979 and 1993 to 1997. the Cabinet Secretary of India.
The Complete List Of Padma Award Honours 2025
Padma Vibhushan (7)
SN Name Field State/Country
1. Shri Duvvur Nageshwar Reddy Medicine Telangana
2. Justice (Retd.) Shri Jagdish Singh Khehar Public Affairs Chandigarh
3. Smt. Kumudini Rajnikant Lakhia Art Gujarat
4. Shri Lakshminarayana Subramaniam Art Karnataka

5. Shri M. T. Vasudevan Nair (Posthumous) Literature and Education Kerala

6. Shri Osamu Suzuki (Posthumous) Trade and Industry Japan

7. Smt. Sharda Sinha (Posthumous) Art Bihar
Padma Bhushan (19)
SN Name Field State/Country
1. Shri A Surya Prakash Literature andEducation-Journalism Karnataka
2. Shri Anant Nag Art Karnataka
3. Shri Bibek Debroy (Posthumous) Literature and Education NCT Delhi

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4. Shri Jatin Goswami t Art Assam

5. Shri Jose Chacko Periappuram Medicine Kerala
6. Shri Kailash Nath Dikshit Others-Archaeology NCT Delhi
7. Shri Manohar Joshi (Posthumous) Public Affairs Maharashtra
8. Shri Nalli Kuppuswami Chetti Trade and Industry Tamil Nadu
9. Shri Nandamuri Balakrishna Art Andhra Pradesh
10. Shri P R Sreejesh Sports Kerala
11. Shri Pankaj Patel Trade and Industry Gujarat
12. Shri Pankaj Udhas (Posthumous) Art Maharashtra
13. Shri Rambahadur Rai Literature and Education-Journalism Uttar Pradesh
14. Sadhvi Ritambhara Social Work Uttar Pradesh
15. Shri S Ajith Kumar Art Tamil Nadu
16. Shri Shekhar Kapur Art Maharashtra
17. Ms. Shobana Chandrakumar Art Tamil Nadu
18. Shri Sushil Kumar Modi (Posthumous) Public Affairs Bihar
19. Shri Vinod Dham Science and Engineering USA
Padma Shri (113)
SN Name Field State/Country
1. Shri Adwaita Charan Gadanayak Art Odisha
2. Shri Achyut Ramchandra Palav Art Maharashtra
3. Shri Ajay V Bhatt Science and Engineering America
4. Shri Anil Kumar Boro Literature and Education Assam
5. Shri Arijit Singh Art West Bengal
6. Smt. Arundhati Bhattacharya Trade and Industry Maharashtra
7. Shri Arunoday Saha Literature and Education Tripura
8. Shri Arvind Sharma Literature and Education Canada
9. Shri Ashok Kumar Mahapatra Medicine Odisha
10. Shri Ashok Laxman Saraf Art Maharashtra
11. Shri Ashutosh Sharma Science and Engineering Uttar Pradesh
12. Smt. Ashwini Bhide Deshpande Art Maharashtra
13. Shri Baijnath Maharaj Others-Spiritualism Rajasthan
14. Shri Barry Godfray John Art NCT Delhi
15. Smt. Begam Batool Art Rajasthan
16. Shri Bharat Gupt Art Delhi
17. Shri Bheru Singh Chouhan Art Madhya Pradesh
18. Shri Bhim Singh Bhavesh Social Work Bihar
19. Smt. Bhimavva Doddabalappa Shillekyathara Art Karnataka
20. Shri Budhendra Kumar Jain Medicine Madhya Pradesh
21. Shri C S Vaidyanathan Public Affairs NCT Delhi
22. Shri Chaitram Deochand Pawar Social Work Maharashtra
23. Shri Chandrakant Sheth (Posthumous) Literature and Education Gujarat
24. Shri Chandrakant Sompura Others-Architecture Gujarat
25. Shri Chetan E Chitnis Science and Engineering France
26. Shri David R Syiemlieh Literature and Education Meghalaya

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27. Shri Durga Charan Ranbir

t Art Odisha
Jammu and
28. Shri Farooq Ahmad Mir Art
Kashmir
29. Shri Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid Literature and Education Uttar Pradesh
30. Smt. Gita Upadhyay Literature and Education Assam
31. Shri Gokul Chandra Das Art West Bengal
32. Shri Guruvayur Dorai Art Tamil Nadu
33. Shri Harchandan Singh Bhatty Art Madhya Pradesh
34. Shri Hariman Sharma Others-Agriculture Himachal Pradesh
35. Shri Harjinder Singh Srinagar Wale Art Punjab
36. Shri Harvinder Singh Sports Haryana
37. Shri Hassan Raghu Art Karnataka
38. Shri Hemant Kumar Medicine Bihar
39. Shri Hriday Narayan Dixit Literature and Education Uttar Pradesh
40. Shri Hugh and Colleen Gantzer (Posthumous) Literature and Education Uttarakhand
41. Shri Inivalappil Mani Vijayan Sports Kerala
42. Shri Jagadish Joshila Literature and Education Madhya Pradesh
43. Smt. Jaspinder Narula Art Maharashtra
44. Shri Jonas Masetti Others-Spiritualism Brazil
45. Shri Joynacharan Bathari Art Assam
46. Smt. Jumde Yomgam Gamlin Social Work Arunachal Pradesh
47. Shri K. Damodaran Others-Culinary Tamil Nadu
48. Shri K L Krishna Literature and Education Andhra Pradesh
49. Smt. K Omanakutty Amma Art Kerala
50. Shri Kishore Kunal (Posthumous) Civil Service Bihar
51. Shri L Hangthing Others-Agriculture Nagaland
Literature and Education-
52. Shri Lakshmipathy Ramasubbaiyer Tamil Nadu
Journalism
53. Shri Lalit Kumar Mangotra Literature and Education Jammu and Kashmir
54. Shri Lama Lobzang (Posthumous) Others-Spiritualism Ladakh
55. Smt. Libia Lobo Sardesai Social Work Goa
56. Shri M D Srinivas Science and Engineering Tamil Nadu
57. Shri Madugula Nagaphani Sarma Art Andhra Pradesh
58. Shri Mahabir Nayak Art Jharkhand
59. Smt. Mamata Shankar Art West Bengal
60. Shri Manda Krishna Madiga Public Affairs Telangana
61. Shri Maruti Bhujangrao Chitampalli Literature and Education Maharashtra
62. Shri Miriyala Apparao (Posthumous) Art Andhra Pradesh
63. Shri Nagendra Nath Roy Literature and Education West Bengal
64. Shri Narayan (Bhulai Bhai) (Posthumous) Public Affairs Uttar Pradesh
65. Shri Naren Gurung Art Sikkim
66. Smt. Neerja Bhatla Medicine NCT Delhi
67. Smt. Nirmala Devi Art Bihar
68. Shri Nitin Nohria Literature and Education America
69. Shri Onkar Singh Pahwa Trade and Industry Punjab
70. Shri P Datchanamoorthy Art Puducherry

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71. Shri Pandi Ram Mandavi

t Art Chhattisgarh
72. Shri Parmar Lavjibhai Nagjibhai Art Gujarat
73. Shri Pawan Goenka Trade and Industry West Bengal
74. Shri Prashanth Prakash Trade and Industry Karnataka
75. Smt. Pratibha Satpathy Literature and Education Odisha
76. Shri Purisai Kannappa Sambandan Art Tamil Nadu
77. Shri R Ashwin Sports Tamil Nadu
78. Shri R G Chandramogan Trade and Industry Tamil Nadu
79. Smt. Radha Bahin Bhatt Social Work Uttarakhand
80. Shri Radhakrishnan Devasenapathy Art Tamil Nadu
81. Shri Ramdarash Mishra Literature and Education NCT Delhi
82. Shri Ranendra Bhanu Majumdar Art Maharashtra
83. Shri Ratan Kumar Parimoo Art Gujarat
84. Shri Reba Kanta Mahanta Art Assam
85. Shri Renthlei Lalrawna Literature and Education Mizoram
86. Shri Ricky Gyan Kej Art Karnataka
87. Shri Sajjan Bhajanka Trade and Industry West Bengal
88. Smt. Sally Holkar Trade and Industry Madhya Pradesh
89. Shri Sant Ram Deswal Literature and Education Haryana
90. Shri Satyapal Singh Sports Uttar Pradesh
91. Shri Seeni Viswanathan Literature and Education Tamil Nadu
92. Shri Sethuraman Panchanathan Science and Engineering America
93. Smt. Sheikha Shaikha Ali Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Medicine Kuwait
94. Shri Sheen Kaaf Nizam (Shiv Kishan Bissa) Literature and Education Rajasthan
95. Shri Shyam Bihari Agrawal Art Uttar Pradesh
96. Smt. Soniya Nityanand Medicine Uttar Pradesh
97. Shri Stephen Knapp Literature and Education America
98. Shri Subhash Khetulal Sharma Others-Agriculture Maharashtra
99. Shri Suresh Harilal Soni Social Work Gujarat
100. Shri Surinder Kumar Vasal Science and Engineering Delhi
101. Shri Swami Pradiptananda (Kartik Maharaj) Others-Spiritualism West Bengal
102. Shri Syed Ainul Hasan Literature and Education Uttar Pradesh
103. Shri Tejendra Narayan Majumdar Art West Bengal
104. Smt. Thiyam Suryamukhi Devi Art Manipur
105. Shri Tushar Durgeshbhai Shukla Literature and Education Gujarat
106. Shri Vadiraj Raghawendracharya Panchamukhi Literature and Education Andhra Pradesh
107. Shri Vasudeo Kamath Art Maharashtra
108. Shri Velu Aasaan Art Tamil Nadu
109. Shri Venkappa Ambaji Sugatekar Art Karnataka
110. Shri Vijay Nityanand Surishwar Ji Maharaj Others-Spiritualism Bihar
111. Smt. Vijayalakshmi Deshamane Medicine Karnataka
112. Shri Vilas Dangre Medicine Maharashtra
113. Shri Vinayak Lohani Social Work West Bengal

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INTERNATIONAL AND BILATERAL

t

55th Annual Meeting of WEF held in  During the WEF 2025, Celeste Saulo,
Switzerland Secretary-General of the World
 The 55th Annual Meeting of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO)
Economic Forum presented a white paper titled ‘Catalysing
(WEF 2025) was held Business Engagement in Early Warning
from January 20-24, Systems (EWS)’ co-authored with the WEF
2025 in Davos- and The Australian National
Klosters, Switzerland. University(ANU), Australia.
 The annual meeting is based on the theme  The WMO will work with governments and
“Collaboration for the Intelligent Age” businesses to execute the strategies
with the event organized around five sub- mentioned in the white paper, to close the
themes: Reimagining growth, Industries in global early warning gap by 2030, in
the intelligent age, Investing in alignment with the Early Warnings For All
people,Safeguarding the planet and Initiative.
Rebuilding trust  During the WEF 2025, 7 countries from
 The event witnessed the participation of Africa – Angola, Bangladesh, Gabon,
around 3,000 global leaders featuring over Guatemala, Kenya, Senegal, and Tanzania–
350 government leaders (including 60 heads joined the Global Plastic Action Partnership
of state), business and civil society leaders, (GPAP), bringing a total to 25 countries with
prominent scientific and cultural thinkers a combined population of over 1.5 billion
from more than 130 countries. people.
Highlights  GPAP was launched during the WEF’s
 13 new industrial clusters from Australia, Sustainable Development Summit in 2018.
Brazil, Colombia, India(5), the Netherlands,  Indian-origin South African filmmaker Anant
Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Thailand, and the Singh has been appointed to the Global Arts
United Kingdom (UK) have joined the and Culture Council (GACC) at the GACC’s
WEF’s Transitioning Industrial Clusters inaugural meeting held at WEF 2025. He was
initiative, bringing the total to 33 across 16 honored with WEF’s Crystal Award in 2001.
countries and 5 continents.  During the WEF 2025, Union Minister for
 This initiative was launched at COP26 in Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), Chirag
2021 with an aim to reduce Greenhouse Gas Paswan, announced that Belgium based AB
emissions (GHGs) while promoting InBev will provide India with an investment
economic growth and job creation. of USD 250 million for developing its
 These clusters can reduce 832 million tonnes beverage sector, which will span over the
of carbon dioxide(CO2)-equivalent next two to three years.
emissions annually while contributing USD India’s participation at WEF 2025
492 billion to global Gross domestic product  The Indian delegation to the WEF 2025 was
(GDP) and support 4.3 million jobs. headed by Union Minister Ashwini
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Vaishnaw, Ministry t of Railways(MoR),  The C4IR India was launched in 2018 in

Ministry of Information and Mumbai(Maharashtra) with NITI(National
Broadcasting(MIB) and Ministry of Institution for Transforming India) Aayog
Electronics and Information and Reliance Industries as founding partners
Technology(MeitY) with a vision of the for promoting responsible and inclusive
country’s growth as One Nation, One Voice. technological development.
He led the largest ever Indian delegation to About World Economic Forum(WEF)
the forum, with 5 Union ministers, 3 Chief President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)–
Ministers(CMs) and several other state Børge Brende(Norway)
leaders.
Headquarters– Cologny, Switzerland
 Jayant Chaudhary represented India at the
Founded– 1971
forum to share the country’s vision of
developing a skilled workforce, promoting Indonesian President Prabowo
innovation, and advancing sustainable Subianto Djojohadikusumo’s visit to
development. India
 8 Indian states represented at WEF 2025 –  President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto
Kerala, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh (UP), Djojohadikusumo, visited
Andhra Pradesh (AP), Maharashtra, Tamil India from January 23 to
Nadu(TN), Karnataka, and West 26, 2025. This visit marked
Bengal(WB). his 1st bilateral trip to India
 A high-profile discussion on “India’s WASH commemorating the 75th Anniversary of
Innovation: Driving Global Impact in India-Indonesia Diplomatic Relations.
Climate and Water Sustainability” was held  On January 26 2025, Indonesian President
at the India Pavilion in WEF 2025 which Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo
highlighted India’s efforts towards Water, attended the 76th Republic Day celebration
Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) and its of India as the Chief Guest held at Kartavya
significant role in global climate resilience Path, New Delhi (Delhi).
and sustainable development. India’s  During his visit, Indonesian President
achievements through the Swachh Bharat Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo held
Mission(SBM) (the construction of over 95 bilateral discussions with Narendra Modi,
million toilets) and the Jal Jeevan Mission PM of India and Droupadi Murmu, President
(JJM) (widespread household tap water of India.
connections) were highlighted as WASH  The visit of Indonesian President to India
initiatives. witnessed the signing and renewal of five
 The Centre for the Fourth Industrial Memorandums of Understandings (MoUs)
Revolution (C4IR) India, liaison office of covering diverse areas such as health,
WEF in India, launched its 6-year Impact traditional medicine, and maritime
journey report during the WEF Annual security.
meeting 2025.  Indonesia Capital- Jakarta
 Currency- Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

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WHO Declares Georgia t as the 45th within health and life sciences during a
Malaria-Free Country ceremony held in New Delhi (Delhi).
 In January 2025, the World Health  The primary focus of the renewed
Organization (WHO) partnership is a shared vision for Universal
declared that Georgia Health Coverage.
officially certified as  The partnership aims to tackle global health
malaria-free, challenges such as Antimicrobial Resistance
celebrating a major (AMR), Non-Communicable Diseases
achievement in the country’s nearly century- (NCDs), digital health innovations, and
long fight against the disease. advancements in pharmaceuticals.
 It has become the 45th country and the first India & South Korea Conducted
in the WHO European Region to attain Exchange of Notes for NCERT’s
malaria-free status. Technical Cooperation Project
 In 2005, Georgia, along with nine other  In January 2025, India and South Korea
countries in the WHO European Region, conducted an exchange of notes for the
signed the Tashkent Declaration, renewing technical cooperation project titled
its commitment to eliminating malaria. ‘Strengthening Vocational Education and
 Globally, WHO has certified a total of 45 Training in Mechatronics in India’ in New
countries and 1 territory as malaria-free. Delhi.
 WHO grants certification of malaria  The project will be implemented in
elimination to a country when it can collaboration with the Korea International
demonstrate, beyond a reasonable doubt, that Cooperation Agency (KOICA) of the
indigenous transmission has been interrupted Government of Republic of Korea.
nationwide for at least three consecutive  Under this partnership, South Korea will
years. invest USD 2 million (approximately 2.9
About Georgia billion KRW) by 2027.
 President – Mikheil Kavelashvili India & France strengthens
 Capital – Tbilisi maritime security cooperation in
 Currency – Georgian Lari (GEL) IOR
 In January 2025, India and France
India & UK Renew 5-Year
strengthened their maritime security
Partnership to Strengthen Health cooperation to maintain peace and security in
Sectors the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) during the
 On January 23, 2025, India and the United
7th India-France maritime cooperation
Kingdom (UK) have renewed their health
dialogue held in New Delhi, Delhi.
and life sciences partnership by signing a
 The dialogue was co-chaired by Pavan
five-year Memorandum of Understanding
Kapoor, Deputy National Security
(MoU) to strengthen collaboration and
Adviser(NSA), Government of India(GoI)
sharing knowledge in areas of mutual interest
and Alice Rufo, Director General(DG) for

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international relations
t and strategy, Ministry trafficking, human trafficking, money
for the Armed Forces, France. laundering, and other common security
 India assuming chair of the Indian Ocean challenges linked to cybercrime.
Rim Association (IORA) in 2025 for two India and UAE Signed MoU to
years. Strengthen Polar and Ocean
 Apart from this, India and France agreed to Research Cooperation
deepen their bilateral partnership in high-end  In December 2024, India’s National Centre
technologies, during the India-France for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) and
Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)’s Emirates
Paris, France. Polar Mission Steering Committee (EPMSC)
 The two countries also reviewed progress on signed a Memorandum of Understanding
the India-France ‘Horizon 2047 roadmap’. (MoU) during the 15th India-UAE Joint
India Officially Joins Eurodrone Commission Meeting (JCM) held in New
Programme as Observer State Delhi, Delhi to strengthen collaboration in
 In January 2025, India has officially joined polar and ocean research, academic
the Medium Altitude Long Endurance partnerships, operations, and capacity
Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (MALE development.
RPAS) or Eurodrone programme as the  The meeting was jointly chaired by Minister
Observer State. With this, India became the S. Jaishankar, Ministry of External Affairs
second Asia-Pacific country after Japan to (MEA) and Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al
gain observer status. Nahyan, UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister
 The letter of approval (LoA) was handed (DPM) and Foreign Minister (FM).
over by Organisation for Joint Armament  India and the UAE also held the 4th Strategic
Cooperation’s (Organisation Conjointe de Dialogue in New Delhi.
Coopération en matière d’Armement, Singapore President Tharman
OCCAR) executive administration director, Shanmugaratnam’s visit to India
Joachim Sucker, to Ajit Gupte, India’s  Singapore President Tharman
ambassador to Germany in Berlin, Germany. Shanmugaratnam, visited India from January
India & USA Sign MoU to Boost 14 to 18, 2025,
Cybercrime Investigation marking his 1st
Cooperation bilateral state visit to
 In January 2025, the Government of India India. He was
(GoI) signed a Memorandum of accompanied by Chee
Understanding (MoU) with the Government Hong Tat, Minister for Transport and 2nd
of the United States of America (USA) to Minister for Finance of Singapore; and Sim
enhance collaboration in cybercrime Ann, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of
investigations. Foreign Affairs and Ministry of National
 This agreement aims to bolster India-USA Development of Singapore.
security cooperation, addressing  During the visit, President of Singapore
interconnected issues like terrorism, drug Tharman Shanmugaratnam and President of
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India Droupadi Murmu

t jointly unveiled the  Other Partner countries of BRICS bloc are:
60th Anniversary Commemorative logo at Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan,
Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan.
 During State visit to Odisha by Singapore’s USA Removed BARC, IGCAR and
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, several IREL From Restrictive Entity List
Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were  In January 2025, the United States of
signed between the Odisha government and America (USA)’s Bureau of Industry &
Singaporean organizations focused on Security (BIS) has removed 3 prominent
enhancing cooperation in the fields of skills Indian nuclear entities from its restrictive
development, green energy, and industrial Entity List. This move aims to strengthen
growth. bilateral ties between India and USA and also
EAM S.Jaishankar’s Visit to Spain focus on promoting advanced energy
 Union Minister S. Jaishankar, Ministry of cooperation.
External Affairs(MEA) made a 2-day visit to  The entities removed from the USA entity
Spain from January 13th to 14th, 2025 list are: Trombay, Mumbai (Maharashtra)-
which marks his second visit to Spain and based Bhabha Atomic Research Center
first visit as External Affairs Minister(EAM). (BARC), Department of Atomic
 During his visit, India and Spain signed two Energy(DAE); Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based
Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) that IREL (India) Limited(formerly Indian Rare
focused on cooperation in sports and Earths Ltd); and Kalpakkam (Tamil Nadu,
sustainable urban development. TN)-based Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic
 Union Minister Jaishankar highlighted that Research (IGCAR).
2026 has been designated as a ‘Dual Year’ WEF Includes CEAT and HUL in the
to celebrate cultural exchange, tourism, and Global Lighthouse Network
advancements in AI between the two nations,  In January 2025, Switzerland based World
 On January 13 2025,Jaishankar was Economic Forum (WEF) announced that
addressed at the 9th Annual Conference of Sriperumbudur(Tamil Nadu, TN) based
Spanish Ambassadors held in Madrid, Spain . CEAT Limited and Tinsukia(Assam) based
The theme of the Conference was ‘A Foreign facility of Hindustan Unilever Limited
Policy with Our Own Identity’. (HUL), the Fast Moving Consumer Goods
Nigeria Joined BRICS as the 9th (FMCG) Company have joined its Global
Partner Country Lighthouse Network (GLN) for driving
 In January 2025, the government of Brazil, manufacturing transformation through
which holds the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, innovation.
India, China and South Africa) bloc  Other 15 new members include companies
presidency in 2025, announced that Nigeria, from the United Arab Emirates (UAE),
the world’s 6th largest population and China, Germany, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, the
Africa’s largest country, has officially joined United Kingdom (UK), the United States of
BRICS as the 9th Partner Country. America (USA), and Morocco (Home to the
first Lighthouse site in Africa).
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 As of January 2025,
t a total of 16 Indian elected in 2008 and re-elected in 2011, 2015,
companies joined WEF’s GLN, with 2019 and 2021.
Bharuch (Gujarat) based Jubilant Ingrevia  He was elected Leader of the Liberal Party in
which became a member in October 2024. April 2013.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju’s visit to  In 2015, he won a landslide victory in the
Saudi Arabia federal election and became the second-
 Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Ministry of youngest PM in Canadian history.
Minority Affairs(MoMA) and Ministry of  He was sworn in as 23rd PM on November 4,
Parliamentary Affairs(MoPA) visited Saudi 2015 and he successfully led the party to re-
Arabia from 11th January to 14th January election in 2019, and again in 2021, securing
2025 with an aim to look into the important a third term.
arrangements related to preparations for the India-Malaysia First Security
upcoming Haj pilgrimage to enhance the Dialogue held in New Delhi
experience of Indian pilgrims.  On January 7, 2025, India and Malaysia held
 The Union Minister attended the inaugural their 1st inaugural India-Malaysia Security
session of the 4th edition of the Hajj and Dialogue in New Delhi to enhance bilateral
Umrah Conference and Exhibition which cooperation. It aims to strengthen defence
was organized by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and security ties between the 2 nations for
and Umrah at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. deeper cooperation in areas crucial to their
 On 13th January 2025, India signed a Hajj mutual interests.
agreement with Saudi Arabia securing a  The 1st India-Malaysia Security Dialogue
quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims for Indian was co-chaired by India’s National Security
pilgrims for 2025. Adviser (NSA) to Indian Prime Minister, Ajit
Justin Trudeau Steps down as PM Doval and Malaysia’s Director General (DG)
of Canada of the National Security Council, Raja Dato’
 In January 2025, Canadian Prime Minister Nushirwan Bin Zainal Abidin.
(PM) Justin Trudeau  The meeting centered on strengthening
announced his resignation collaboration in counter-terrorism,
to step down as Canada’s deradicalisation, cybersecurity, defence
PM and as leader of the industry and maritime security.
Liberal Party after facing a Indonesia Joins BRICS as 10th Full
stiff internal revolt. He leaves the office once Member
a new ruling party leader is elected.  On 6 January 2025, Brazil, serving as the
 Canada’s parliament will be suspended until BRICS chair for
24 March 2025 when a new leader is chosen. 2025, announced that
 Justin Trudeau, is the leader of the Liberal Indonesia, world’s
Party for 11 years and served as PM for 9 fourth-most populous
years. nation, has become a
 In 2007, he won the Liberal Party nomination 10th full member of the BRICS (Brazil,
for the Montréal riding of Papineau. He was Russia, India, China, South Africa) alliance.
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 The inclusion of t Indonesia aligns with  India and Maldives have signed an MoU in
Brazil’s theme for its presidency: “Enhancing March 2019 regarding grant assistance of
Global South Cooperation for a More Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) 85 million for
Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.” implementation of the HICDPs through local
 In 2024, BRICS countries agreed to admit bodies.
Indonesia as a member. This decision UAE President Sheikh Mohamed
followed the guidelines set during the 2023 declares 2025 as ‘Year of
BRICS meeting in Johannesburg, South Community’
Africa (SA).  UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed
 The expansion shows the group’s focus on Al Nahyan has announced 2025 as the Year
strengthening ties with emerging economies. of Community, launching a national initiative
 The 16th BRICS Summit was held in Kazan, aimed at fostering unity and inclusion across
Russia, under Russia’s chairmanship in 2024. society.
 The 17th BRICS Summit will be held in Rio  Under the slogan “Hand in Hand,” the
de Janeiro, Brazil in July 2025. campaign reflects the UAE leadership’s
About BRICS vision to build a cohesive and empowered
 BRIC was established as a formal group in community.
2006 with its original members: Brazil,  The UAE is home to over four million
Russia, India, and China, headquartered in Indians, who form a vital part of the
Shanghai, China. country’s diverse population. President
 In 2009, the first BRIC Summit was held in Sheikh Mohamed’s announcement reinforces
Yekaterinburg, Russia. the leadership’s commitment to creating a
 In 2010, the group evolved from BRIC to harmonious and inclusive society.
BRICS with the inclusion of South Africa. Indian HC in Sri Lanka launches
 In 2024, BRICS expanded by adding four first Hindi Certificate Course via
new members: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the
open
United Arab Emirates (UAE). With  The Indian High Commission here on the
Indonesia’s inclusion in 2025, the group now occasion of Hindi Diwas on has launched Sri
has 10. Lanka’s first Hindi Certificate Course
India & Maldives signed MoU for through open and distance learning.
HICDP  The certificate course was launched at the
 India and Maldives have signed a Bharat-Sri Lanka Hindi Sammelan held in
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Colombo on 10th January 2025 on the
the execution of the 3rd phase of High occasion of the World Hindi Day.
Impact Community Development Projects  The launch of the Hindi course in Sri Lanka
(HICDP) in Maldives. was a part of the effort of the Ministry of
 The Indian government will provide grant External Affairs to promote Hindi language
assistance for the implementation of the around the world.
HICDP.

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Pakistan beginst its two-year tenure December 2024 causing panic in the
as non-permanent member of UNSC country..
 Pakistan began its two-year tenure as a non- Kathmandu Hosts Inaugural
permanent member of the United Nations Pashmina Festival
Security Council (UNSC) on January 1.  The first-ever International Pashmina
Pakistani delegation will play an active and Festival cum Exhibition, organized by the
constructive role in addressing key Nepal Pashmina Industries Association and
challenges facing the world. the Confederation of Nepalese Industries,
 Pakistan will sit in the Security Council for attracted significant attention from
the 2025-26 term as a non-permanent consumers. The event highlighted the
member the eighth time that the country has delicate, lightweight, and warm natural fibre
had a seat on the 15-member body’s obtained from the Chyangra or Pashmina
horseshoe table. goat. Nepal, a prominent producer of
 Pakistan replaced Japan, which currently authentic Pashmina, showcased its expertise
occupies the Asian seat in the Security in traditional weaving methods, celebrating
Council, a primary instrument for the heritage and craftsmanship behind this
establishing and maintaining international iconic product.
peace. China Unveils World’s Longest
 Pakistan’s earlier terms on the council were Tunnel, Enhances BRI Connectivity
in 2012-13, 2003-04, 1993-94, 1983-84,  China has completed the construction of the
1976-77, 1968-69 and 1952-53. Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world’s longest
India provides $5 Lakh aid to expressway tunnel, marking a significant
earthquake-hit Vanuatu advancement in infrastructure development
 The government of India has announced an and enhancing connectivity within the
aid of $ 5 lakh to the quake-hit tiny Pacific Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
Ocean country Vanuatu. The aid will be used  The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel spans 22.13
to support relief, rehabilitation, and kilometers and is a pivotal component of the
reconstruction efforts in the country. Urumqi-Yuli Expressway, which connects
 The South Pacific Ocean island nation of Urumqi in northern Xinjiang to Yuli County
Vanuatu was hit by successive earthquakes in the south. Once operational, it will reduce
on 17 December and again on 22 December travel time through the Tianshan Mountains
2024. from approximately three hours to about 20
 The first earthquake of 7.3 magnitude hit the minutes.
country on 17 December which led to the  The construction team implemented high
death of around 14 persons and injury to over ecological protection standards to minimize
200 people. The country declared a dawn-to- environmental impact, including measures to
dusk curfew across the country to cope with protect local wildlife habitats and water
the death and devastation caused by the sources.
earthquake. The second earthquake of 6.1
magnitude struck the country again on 22
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NATIONAL
t

Union Cabinet approved National Manthan’ at the Dr. Ambedkar International

Critical Mineral Mission Centre in New Delhi, Delhi.
 The Union Cabinet has approved the launch  The conclave aligned with Prime Minister
of the National Critical Mineral Mission (PM) of India, Narendra Modi’s 5F vision
(NCMM) with an allocation of Rs.16,300 :“Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to
crore (USD 1.88 billion), envisaging a total Foreign”, emphasizing a holistic approach to
outlay of Rs.34,300 crore over a period of 7 boosting the handloom industry.
years.  During the event, Giriraj Singh launched the
 NCMM aims to attract an investment of Handloom Weavers Electronic (e)-Pehchaan
Rs.18,000 crore (USD 2.08 billion) from portal and an online module for Handloom
Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and other Awards, marking a significant step in
entities. digitizing the sector.
 The announcement for launching the NCMM 100 Odisha Villages to Receive
was made by the Union Minister, Nirmala Direct Funds for Forest Protection
Sitharaman, Ministry of Finance (MoF) in under CFR Plans Approved by MoTA
the Union Budget for 2024-25.  In January 2025, the Project Appraisal
Union Cabinet approves Revised Committee (PAC) under the Ministry of
Ethanol Procurement Prices Tribal Affairs (MoTA) has approved
 The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs Community Forest Resource (CFR) plans for
(CCEA) has approved the revision of the 100 villages in phase-I under the Forest
ethanol procurement price for Public Sector Right (FRA) Act, 2006. This number is less
Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) for the than Odisha government proposal to
Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2024-25, starting implement it in 400 villages of the state.
from 1st November 2024 to 31st October  With this approval, as many as 100 villages
2025. of Odisha will receive funds directly in the
 This revision, part of the Ethanol Blended bank accounts of Gram Sabhas instead of
Petrol (EBP) Programme of the Government Gram Panchayats for the first time to carry
of India (GoI), fixes the administered ex-mill out forest protection, management and
price of ethanol from C Heavy Molasses convergence works in respective community
(CHM) at Rs. 57.97 per litre (l), up from Rs. lands.
56.58 per l.  As per MoTA, Maharashtra topped among
Union Minister Giriraj Singh states in recognizing Community Forest
Launched e-pehchaan portal Resource Rights (CFRR), with 8,661
 On January 29 2025, Union Minister Giriraj villages granted titles as of November 2024,
Singh, Ministry of Textiles (MoT), followed by Chhattisgarh (with 4,328 titles),
inaugurated the ‘Handloom Conclave – Odisha (with 3,659 titles).

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India celebratedt 76th Republic Day participated in the Republic Day parade for
on 26 January 2025 the first time.
 India celebrated its 76th Republic Day on 26  Awards:During the Republic Day 2025
January 2025 with great patriotism. The event, a total of 942 personnel from the
Republic Day parades and events took place Police, Fire, Home Guard & Civil Defence
at Kartavya Path (HG&CD), and Correctional Services were
(formerly known awarded Gallantry and Service Medals.
as Rajpath) in  Breakup of Medals: Gallantry Medals (GM)-
New Delhi, Delhi. 95, President’s Medals for Distinguished
Republic Day Service (PSM)-101, Medals for Meritorious
commemorates the adoption of the Service (MSM) 746.
Constitution of India, which came into effect  The President also approved the Jeevan
on 26 January 1950, making India a Raksha Padak Series of Awards – 2024 for
sovereign, democratic, and republic nation. 49 individuals, including 17 recipients of
 President of India, Droupadi Murmu, Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak, 9 of Uttam
unfurled the National Flag, followed by the Jeevan Raksha Padak, and 23 of Jeevan
National Anthem and a 21-gun salute using Raksha Padak. Among them, six awards
105-millimeter (mm) Light Field Guns, an were given posthumously.
indigenously made weapon.  The Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) Rifles
 Theme: The 76th Republic Day celebrations, Contingent was awarded the Best Marching
themed ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas,’ Contingent among Services Category.
(Golden India: Heritage and Development)  Cultural performance: The Sinhtoo dance,
highlighted India’s military strength, cultural a traditional folk dance from the Hatti
heritage, and development. community of Sirmaur district of Himachal
 Chief Guest:The President of Indonesia, Pradesh (HP) was showcased for the first
Prabowo Subianto, was the Chief Guest for time at the Republic Day celebrations. The
the 76th Republic Day celebrations, marking name “Sinhtoo” means “lion cub” in the
him as the fourth Indonesian leader to be Pahari dialect.Around 200 artists performed,
invited for this honor. with lion masks central to the performance,
 Parade: The ceremony began with a visit symbolizing wildlife conservation.
from Prime Minister (PM) of India,Narendra  The Guinness World Records recognized
Modi. The parade was led by Lieutenant (Lt.) the cultural performance titled Jayati Jai
General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Mamah Bharatam for setting the record for
Commanding, Delhi Area. “The Largest Indian Folk Variety Dance.”
 A highlight of the parade was a 148-member The performance was curated by the Ministry
all-women marching contingent from the of Culture, along with Sangeet Natak
Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Akademi.
 A 160-member marching contingent and a  For the first time, three government school
190-member band contingent from Indonesia bands, including two all-girl teams,
performed at the 76th Republic Day parade,

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captivating the audience.

t These school bands the Nagpur-Mansar Bypass on NH (National
were part of the 16 teams that competed in Highway)-44.The project has been launched
the National School Band Competition held by the Pune (Maharashtra) based Praj
on January 24-25 at Major Dhyan Chand Industries, a leading company in industrial
National Stadium, New Delhi. biotechnology.
 Tableaux: This year, 31 tableaux from 16  Praj Industries developed this project in
states and Union Territories (UTs) and 10 collaboration with Council of Scientific and
ministries and departments of the Central Industrial Research – Central Road Research
Government (CG) displayed the theme Institute (CSIR-CRRI) , the National
‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas’, Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and
showcasing India’s diverse heritage and its Oriental Structural Engineers(OSE).
forward-moving, inclusive growth.  Bio-bitumen saves India Rs.4,000–Rs.4,500
 For the first time, a Tri-services tableau was crore annually in foreign exchange on
featured at Kartavya Path, representing the imported bitumen and promotes sustainable
coordinated efforts of the three branches of road development.
India’s armed forces. Indore & Udaipur became India’s
 Haryana’s tableau focused on the Bhagavad first Ramsar wetland cities
Gita, and Uttar Pradesh’s tableau highlighted  In January 2025, an independent Advisory
the Mahakumbh 2025. Committee on Wetland City
Winners Accreditation(WCA) of the Ramsar
 The Ministry of Tribal Affairs winning the Convention, announced the list of 31 newly
Best Tableau award in the accredited Wetland Cities, during its 64th
Ministries/Departments category. The award meeting held in
was given for their vibrant display Gland, Switzerland.
celebrating the “Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh” and Among the newly
the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa accredited cities,
Munda. Indore (Madhya
 Uttar Pradesh won the first prize in the Best Pradesh, MP) and Udaipur (Rajasthan)
Tableaux category. became the first two Indian cities to receive
 The Ministry of Women & Child the international accreditation as ‘Wetland
Development received the People’s Choice Cities’ under Ramsar Convention.
Award for Best Tableau from the Central  With this, the total number of accredited
Ministries/Departments Category. Wetland Cities has reached 74.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari  This accreditation was granted by the United
Inaugurated India’s First Bio- Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Bitumen National Highway Organization(UNESCO) under the Ramsar
 India’s first sustainable road using lignin- Convention.
based bio bitumen was inaugurated by  It is valid for 6 years to promotes the
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari,Ministry of conservation and sustainable use of urban
Road Transport and Highways(MoRTH) at
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wetlands, ensuring t ecological and socio- Family Welfare (MoH&FW) and Ministry of
economic benefits for local populations. Education (MoE).
 In December 2024, the Ministry of  Later, MWCD collaborated with Ministry of
Environment, Forests, and Climate Change Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
(MoEF&CC) , Government of India (GoI), (MSDE) and Ministry of Minority Affairs
nominated three Indian cities: Indore, (MoMA), to expand the scope of BBBP.
Udaipur, and Bhopal (MP). Union Cabinet Approved Rs 5,650
 About Ramsar Convention:The Ramsar per Quintal MSP for Raw Jute for
Convention is an international treaty aimed at 2025-26 Season
protecting and conserving wetlands and their  The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs
resources. It was signed in 1971 in Ramsar, a (CCEA), chaired by PM Narendra Modi
city in Iran, and came into effect in 1975. approved the Minimum Support Price (MSP)
 This treaty is unique as it is the only of Rs 5,650 per quintal for raw jute (TD-3
international agreement focused on a single grade) for marketing season 2025-26. This
ecosystem. It has 172 member countries, marks an increase of nearly 6% i.e. Rs 315
including India. per quintal compared to last marketing
 India joined the Ramsar Convention in 1982. season 2024-25.
As of January 2025, India has a total of 85  This increase in MSP for raw jute would
wetlands protected under this treaty. ensure a return of 66.8% over the all India
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao weighted average cost of production.
Completed 10 Years MoA&FW Conducts India’s First
 The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Edible Oil Consumption Surve
scheme, a flagship initiative led by the  On January 9, 2025, the Ministry of
Government of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW)
India (GoI) which launched the first-ever edible oil
aims to protect, consumption survey on the “My Gov” portal
educate, and to assess edible oil consumption patterns
empower the girl across India.
child in India, has completed 10 years of  This initiative aims to support the effective
successful implementation. implementation of the National Mission on
 The scheme was launched by Prime Minister Edible Oils-Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds).
(PM) Narendra Modi on January 22, 2015 in  It addresses the absence of recent data on
Panipat, Haryana. consumption patterns in India, the world’s
 It is a centrally sponsored scheme (CSS) with largest consumer and importer of edible oils.
100% funding by the Central Government in  Industry reports show that per capita annual
all the districts of the country under Sambal consumption (PCAC) of edible oil in India
vertical of Mission Shakti. has surpassed 20 Kilogram (kg), well above
 Initially, It was a collaborative effort of the recommended limits of 12 kg by the
MoWCD (Ministry of Women and Child Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Development) with Ministry of Health &
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and 13 kg by the tWorld Health Organization Odisha Becomes the 34th State in
(WHO). the Country to Implement
India’s Rubber Board unveils ‘iSNR’ Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY Scheme
& ‘INR Konnect’ to Boost Rubber  In January 2025, the Department of Health
Production and Family Welfare, Government of Odisha
 In January 2025, the Kottayam (Kerala) signed a Memorandum of Understanding
based Rubber Board (RB) under the Ministry (MoU) with the National Health Authority
of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I) (NHA), Ministry of Health and Family
unveiled two initiatives’ iSNR (Indian Welfare (MoHFW) for the implementation of
Sustainable Natural Rubber)’ and ‘INR Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan
Konnect’ platform during the platinum Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) in Odisha.
jubilee celebrations of the Rubber Act, 1947,  With this, Odisha became the 34th state in
and the Rubber Growers’ Conference held in the country to implement AB PM-JAY.
Kottayam. IMD Celebrated its 150th
 These initiatives aim to strengthen India’s Foundation Day
global position in the rubber industry and  On January 15 2025, the India
increase domestic production. Meteorological Department (IMD) under the
 The iSNR initiative aligns Indian rubber Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)
production with the European Union celebrated its 150th Foundation Day. A
Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) standards. series of events, activities and workshops
 INR Konnect is a web-based platform were organised which demonstrated the
designed to connect owners of untapped contributions of IMD in making India
rubber plantations with adopters to enhance climate-resilient and providing critical
productivity. weather and climate services.
GoI Reconstituted AEC with Ajith  Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi
Kumar Mohanty as Chairman attended the celebrations held at Bharat
 In January 2025, the Government of India Mandapam in New Delhi, Delhi.
(GoI) has reconstituted the high-powered  During the event, PM launched ‘Mission
Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) to Mausam’, an initiative aimed to transform
include new members Cabinet Secretary T.V. India into a ‘Weather-Ready’ and ‘Climate-
Somanathan and Expenditure Secretary smart’ country through advanced weather
Manoj Govil as ex-officio member of AEC. surveillance technologies, high-resolution
 The newly reconstituted AEC also included atmospheric observations, among others.
Pankaj Mishra, who took over charge of Union Minister Piyush Goyal
member (Finance) for AEC in 2024. launches National Turmeric Board
 The GoI has decided to retain Ajith Kumar with Palle Ganga Reddy as
Mohanty, Secretary, Department of Atomic chairman
Energy (DAE) as the chairman of the  In January 2025, Union Minister Piyush
reconstituted AEC. Goyal, Ministry of Commerce and

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Industry(MoC&I),t launched the National Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh

Turmeric Board (NTB) in New Delhi, Delhi (NREDCAP).
with an aim to boost the turmeric industry in PM Modi inaugurated the 18th
India. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention
 The NTB will function under the Department in Bhubaneswar
of Commerce(DoC), MoC&I.  On 9th January 2025, PM Modi inaugurated
 Palle Ganga Reddy has been appointed as its the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas(PBD)
first Chairperson. The headquarters of the Convention in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.It is
Board has been set up at Nizamabad, organized by the Government of India(GoI)
Telangana. in collaboration with the Odisha
PM Narendra Modi Inaugurates Z- Government.
Morh Tunnel in J&K  The theme of the event is ‘Diaspora’s
 On January 13 2025, Prime Minister (PM) Contribution to a Viksit Bharat’.
Narendra Modi inaugurated the Z-Morh  The Chief Guest for PBD 2025, President of
Tunnel in Sonamarg, located in the the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, H. E.
Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir Christine Carla Kangaloo addressed the
(J&K). gathering virtually. During her address, she
 The tunnel, also known as the Sonamarg remembered with fondness and pride her
Tunnel, enhances connectivity to the Ladakh Indian ancestry as well as the contribution of
region, which has defence and tourism value. Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago.
 It was built at a cost of Rs.2,700 crore using Amit Shah Launched ‘BHARATPOL’
the New Austrian Tunneling Method portal to Revolutionalize
(NATM) in view of the fragile Himalayan International Crime Investigations
Geology.  On January 07 2025, Union Minister Amit
 It is located at an altitude of 8,650 feet above Shah, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and
sea level Ministry of Cooperation (MoC) launched the
PM Modi laid the foundation stone ‘BHARATPOL’ portal during the event held
of First Green Hydrogen Hub under at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Delhi.
NGHM in AP  He also awarded 35 Central Bureau of
 On 8th January 2025, PM Modi laid the Investigation (CBI) officers and officials
foundation stone of the NTPC Green Energy with the President’s Police Medal for
Limited (NGEL) Green Hydrogen Hub Distinguished Service and the Union Home
project in Pudimadaka, Anakapalli district, Minister’s Medal for Excellence in
AP. Investigation.
 It is the first Green Hydrogen Hub under the  The portal is developed by the CBI, which
NGHM. The estimated cost of the project aims to streamline the process for Law
will be Rs.1.85 lakh crore. Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) in India to
 The project will be jointly developed by seek international assistance through
NGEL and the New & Renewable Energy International Criminal Police Organisation
(INTERPOL) in criminal matters.
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MHA launches ‘e-student

t visa’ & ‘e- — will host over nine concurrent shows, over
student-x visa’ for foreign students 20 conferences and pavilions.
 On January 5 2025, the Ministry of Home  In addition, the Expo will also feature states
Affairs (MHA) introduced two new sessions to showcase policies and initiatives
specialized visa categories: the ‘e-student in the mobility sector to enable collaboration
visa’ and the ‘e-student-x visa’, designed to between industry and regional levels.
facilitate foreign students pursuing higher  It is an industry-led and government-
education at Indian academic institutions. supported initiative and is being coordinated
 The e-student visa is available to eligible by Engineering Export Promotion Council
foreign students registered on the SII portal, (EEPC) of India with the joint support of
while the e-student-x visa is designated for various industry bodies and partner
the dependents of e-student visa holders. organisations.
Centre launches ‘Entity Locker’ for  Lokpal of India celebrates 1st Foundation
efficient business document Day on 16th January.The Lokpal of India
management was established by virtue of coming into
 Building on the success of DigiLocker, the force of Section 3 of the Lokpal and
government has introduced ‘Entity Locker,’ a Lokayuktas Act, 2013, on 16.01.2014
new digital platform aimed at streamlining India to host 28th CSPOC with
the management and verification of business focus on AI and social media
and organizational documents.  India will host the 28th Conference of
 Developed by the National eGovernance Speakers and Presiding Officers of
Division (NeGD) under the Ministry of Parliaments of Commonwealth Countries
Electronics and Information Technology (CSPOC) in 2026.
(MeitY), this secure, cloud-based platform  The event will focus on the use of artificial
caters to a diverse range of entities, including intelligence and social media in
corporations, micro, small, and medium parliamentary processes.
enterprises (MSMEs), trusts, startups, and  India’s history of hosting the conference in
societies. 1970-71, 1986, and 2010, and India invited
PM Modi inaugurated Bharat presiding officers from Commonwealth
Mobility Global Expo 2025 nations to join the 2026 event in New Delhi.
 Prime Minister Narendra Modi has Piyush Goyal launches 8th edition
inaugurated the ‘Bharat Mobility Global of National Programme for Organic
Expo 2025′, the largest mobility expo in the Production
country, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.  Union Minister of Commerce & Industry,
 The Expo, to be held from January 17-22 Piyush Goyal has launched of 8th edition of
across three separate venues — Bharat National Programme for Organic Production
Mandapam and Yashobhoomi in Delhi, and (NPOP) at the Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam
India Expo Center and Mart in Greater Noida Auditorium (NASC Complex), Pusa in New
Delhi.

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STATES
t

PM Modi inaugurated ‘Utkarsh  Competitions will be held for a total of 35

Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave sports disciplines over the period of 17 days.
2025’ in Bhubaneswar  Out of the total sport events, medals will be
 PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the two-day awarded for 33 sports, while two will be
‘Utkarsh Odisha – The Make in Odisha exhibition sports.
conclave’ at Janata Maidan in  Yoga and Mallakhamb have been included in
Bhubaneswar(Odisha) which was conducted the National Games for the first time.
from January 28 to 29, 2025. Tripura becomes the 1st NE State
 This marked the first time that the conclave to Sign MoU with Bhashini for Multi-
was attended by the PM. Lingual Governance
 The aim of the event was to focus on  In January 2025, the Government of Tripura
bringing Odisha amongst the top 5 economic has signed a Memorandum of Understanding
states in the country by 2036. (MoU) with Digital India Bhashini Division
 The event was organized by the Government (DIBD) of the Ministry of Electronics and
of Odisha with an aim to establish the state Information Technology (MeitY) for multi-
as India’s primary destination for lingual governance. The MoU was signed
investments and industrial hub under the during a state-level workshop titled
Purvodaya vision. “Bhashini Rajyam”, held at Pragna Bhavan
 Odisha received investments worth Rs.16.73 in Agartala, Tripura under the guidance of
lakh crore comprising 593 industrial projects Professor (Dr.) Manik Saha, Chief Minister
spanning over 20 sectors in the conclave. (CM) of Tripura.
PM Modi inaugurated 38th National  With this, Tripura becomes the 1st North-
Games in Dehradun Eastern(NE) state, as well as 8th Indian state
 PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the 38th to sign a MoU with Bhasha Interface for
National Games at the Rajiv Gandhi India(Bhashini).
International Cricket Stadium in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 1st State to
Uttarakhand while celebrating 25 years of the Implement Uniform Civil Code
formation of the state.  Uttarakhand has become the 1st state in India
 The National Games 2025 will be held in 11 to implement the Uniform Civil Code(UCC),
cities across 8 districts of Uttarakhand from which came into effect on 27 January 2025.
28th January to 14th February 2025. Uttarakhand Chief Minister(CM) Pushkar
 The theme for the National Games 2025 is Singh Dhami launched the UCC portal and
‘Green Games’ with an aim to focus on issued a notification marking the adoption of
sustainability. the civil code at an event in Dehradun,
 The tournament will witness the participation Uttarakhand.
of more than 10,000 athletes from 36 states  The UCC aims to unify personal laws related
and one union territory. to marriage, divorce, succession, and

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inheritance, ensuring
t equality for all citizens, Nadu (TN), under the Department for
excluding those from Scheduled Tribes (ST). Promotion Industry and Internal Trade
Kerala launches ‘KaWaCHaM’ (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
India’s 1st Fully Integrated Disaster (MoC&I), granted GI tags to seven
Risk Warning System indigenous and distinctive products from the
 On January 21 2025, the Chief Minister Andaman and Nicobar(A&N) Islands,
(CM) of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan launched recognizing their cultural and traditional
the ‘Kerala Warnings, Crisis and Hazard importance.
Management(KaWaCHaM) System’, India’s  The seven products are: Nicobari Mat
first fully integrated disaster warning system (Chatrai-hileuoi), Nicobari Hut (Chanvi Pati
at the Kerala State Disaster Management – Nyi hupul), Nicobari Hodi craft, Padauk
Authority (KSDMA) in Wood Craft, Nicobar Coconut, Nicobari
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Tavi-i-Ngaich (Virgin Coconut Oil) and
 This advanced disaster risk warning system Andaman Karen Musley Rice.
aims to enhance disaster preparedness and Chhattisgarh Launches ‘Deendayal
response capabilities while also issuing alerts Upadhyay Bhoomiheen Krishi
for extreme weather events. Majdoor Kalyana Yojana’ for
Tripura Gets New State Emblem Landless Labourers
with the Approval of MHA  On January 20 2025, Chhattisgarh Chief
 In January 2025, Tripura Chief Minister Minister (CM) Vishnu Deo Sai launched the
(CM) Manik Saha announced that the ‘Deendayal Upadhyay Bhoomiheen Krishi
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had Majdoor Kalyana Yojana’ scheme in Raipur,
approved the New state emblem. The state’s Chhattisgarh.
history and culture will be prominently  The scheme aims to provide financial support
featured in the logo. to landless agricultural labourer families,
 The proposal of the State Emblem of the helping them to improve their net income
government of Tripura has been examined by and enhance their overall quality of life.
Rule 4(2) of the State Emblem of India  The scheme was designed to provide
(Regulation of Use) Rules, 2007 (as amended financial assistance of Rs 10,000 annually to
in 2010) and determined to be in order. landless agricultural labourers, Baigas,
 In the newly designed emblem, the Tripura Gunias, and other landless families in the
map is positioned inside a saffron circle, and state.
the national emblem of India is displayed Gujarat CM inaugurates GIFT IFI
within the outline of the map. Additionally, and Innovation Hub in Gandhinagar
the Government of Tripura is written below  In January 2025, Gujarat Chief Minister
the circle. (CM) Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the GIFT
Seven Products from Andaman and International Fintech Institute (GIFT IFI) and
Nicobar Islands Granted GI Tags the GIFT International Fintech Innovation
 In December 2024, the Geographical Hub (GIFT IFIH) at Gujarat International
Indications (GI) Registry in Chennai, Tamil

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Finance Tec-City t(GIFT City), Gandhinagar, goal is to encourage youth to participate in

Gujarat. various social initiatives for the betterment of
 Both the institutions are supported by the society.
Asian Development Bank (ADB) and aim to Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren
develop the fintech sector. Launches Maiyyaan Sampan Yojana
Odisha Becomes the 34th State in  In January 2025, Jharkhand CM Hemant
the Country to Implement Soren launched the enhanced ‘Maiyan
Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY Scheme Samman Yojana‘ in Namkum(Jharkhand) by
 In January 2025, the Department of Health transferring assistance for two months
and Family Welfare, Government of Odisha totalling Rs 5,000 each to the accounts of
signed a Memorandum of Understanding over 56.61 lakh women beneficiaries.
(MoU) with the National Health Authority  Initially launched in August 2024, the
(NHA), Ministry of Health and Family scheme provided Rs 1,000 per month to
Welfare (MoHFW) for the implementation of women aged 18 to 50.
Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan  From December 2024, the Government of
Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) in Odisha. Jharkhand enhanced the financial assistance
 With this, Odisha became the 34th state in to Rs 2,500 per month, offering stronger
the country to implement AB PM-JAY. support to women beneficiaries.
 As per the MoU, AB PM-JAY will be Karnataka launches ‘Garudakshi’
implemented in convergence with the portal for Forest Protection
existing Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana  In January 2025, Karnataka’s Forest
(GJAY) in Odisha. Department launched ‘Garudakshi’ portal to
MP CM Mohan Yadav Launched register an online First Information Report
Swami Vivekanand Yuva Shakti (FIR) cases for forest crimes such as
Mission encroachments, poaching, and illegal
 In January 2025, Dr. Mohan Yadav, Chief logging.
Minister (CM) of Madhya Pradesh (MP)  The initiative was inaugurated by the
launched “Swami Vivekanand Yuva Shakti Minister of Forests, Ecology, and
Mission” on the occasion of National Youth Environment Eshwar B. Khandre, which was
Day (12th January) which marks the birth developed in collaboration with Noida(UP)
anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. based Wildlife Trust of India.
 The key target of the mission is to achieve a  This system aims to increase public
100% pass rate for students in the board participation in forest conservation activities,
exams of Class 10th and Class 12th by 2030. case management, and efficiency.
 The mission has 3 main goals to empower World Bank approves USD 35
the youth. The 1st one is to ensure the million to enhance education in
income level of every youth at least meet the Meghalaya
rate of a minimum-skilled category worker.  On 7 January 2025, the World Bank’s (WB)
 The 2nd goal is to ensure that every youth Board of Executive Directors approved USD
completes education up to class 12th.The 3rd 35 million loan for a project Meghalaya

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Multisectoral Project
t for Adolescent  The International Saraswati Mahotsav is
Wellbeing, Empowerment and Resilience being organised by the Haryana Sarasvati
(MPOWER) aimed to improve education Heritage Development Board, Government
quality in Meghalaya. The project will help of Haryana.
the state’s youth by enhancing resources and  The Saraswati River originated in the
infrastructure. Himalayas and along with several tributaries
 The loan from the International Bank of like Sutlej, Yamuna, Chautang, and
Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), Drishadvati, flowed through the western part
part of the WB Group, has a final maturity of of Indo-Gangetic alluvial plains.
15 years, including a grace period of 5 years. Telangana launched 4 welfare
Telangana to celebrate Savitribai schemes on Republic Day
Phule’s birth anniversary as ‘Women  The Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth
Teacher’s Day’ Reddy has launched the four welfare
 The Telangana government has decided to schemes of his government- Rythu Bharosa,
celebrate the birth anniversary of Savitribai Indiramma Atmiya Bharosa, Indiramma
Phule as a state function on 3rd January as Indlu, and new ration cards on the occasion
‘Women Teacher’s Day’ every year to pay of the Republic Day.
tribute to her contributions to women’s  The scheme was announced by Chief
education. Minister Reddy at the Chandravanch village
 Savitribai Phule was a social worker, poet, of the Narayanpet district.
and teacher and worked actively towards About the launched Schemes
women’s freedom and situation in Indian  Indiramma Indlu- a housing scheme for,
society.She opened India’s first school for homeless Dalits, Tribals, and backward
girls in 1848 in Pune and became India’s first classes. They will receive financial assistance
woman teacher and first Indian headmistress. of Rs 5 lakh to construct homes. The
Gujarat approves creation of Vav- government has set a target to construct
Tharad as the 34th district 4,50,000 houses in 2024-2025 with a budget
 On January 1, 2025, the Gujarat cabinet, led outlay of Rs 22,500 crore.
by Chief Minister(CM) Bhupendra Patel,  Rythu Bharosa- eligible farmers will be
approved the decision to divide Banaskantha provided financial assistance of Rs. 12,000
district into two, creating a new district per acre of arable land. The amount will be
called ‘Vav-Tharad’. This will bring the total credited to the farmer’s bank account.
number of districts in Gujarat to 34.  Indiramma Aathmeeya Bharosa- financial
International Saraswati Mahotsav support of Rs. 12,000 annually will be
provided to landless agricultural labour
2025 starts in Haryana
 Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini families.
has inaugurated the seven-day’ International Nagaland launches Chief Minister
Saraswati Mahotsav’ 2025 at ‘ Adi Badri ‘ in Mobile Operation Theatre
the Yamunagar district of Haryana.  Nagaland Governor La Ganesan has
launched the Chief Minister Mobile

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Operation Theatret on the occasion of the positioning India as a strong contender for
76th Republic Day celebration in the state hosting the prestigious global event.
capital, Kohima. Odisha, Singapore sign MoU to
 The Chief Minister Mobile Operation establish FinTech hub in
Theatre initiative of the state government Bhubaneswar
aims to provide advanced surgical and  The Government of Odisha’s Electronics and
healthcare facilities to the remote and rural IT Department and Singapore’s Global
areas of the state. Finance & Technology Network (GFTN)
18th edition of Jaipur Literature signed an MoU to establish a Global
Festival to begin from January 30 Competency Centre in Bhubaneshwar to
 The 18th edition of the Jaipur Literature foster FinTech collaboration, with a focus on
Festival, the world’s largest literary event, developing an inclusive and sustainable
will be held from 30 January to 3 February InsureTech and related areas.
2025. Gaan Ngai festival commemorates
 One of the key highlights of the festival is end of harvest season in Manipur
the prestigious Kanhaiya Lal Sethia Award  The Gaan Ngai festival commemorating the
for Poetry, which will honor eminent Hindi end of the harvest season by the
poet Badri Narayan. He was awarded the Kabui/Rongmei Naga community is being
Sahitya Akademi Award in 2022 for his celebrated in Manipur.
collection Tumdi ke Shabd.  Gaan-ngai is the festival of lights and
 The 2025 edition will also explore the theme victory, victory over evil; (Gaan means light
“Fractured World,” with sessions addressing and Ngai, festival).
current geopolitics, war and conflict,  Another version of Gaan-ngai is the festival
alongside topics like theatre, dance, music, of winter season. Chakaan means season,
cinema, sports, food, and climate change. Gaan also means winter and Ngai, festival.
Gujarat to host 1st Olympic Odisha announces monthly pension
Research Conference of Rs 20,000 for people imprisoned
 India’s ambition to host the 2036 Olympics during Emergency
has taken a significant step forward, as  The Odisha government has announced a
officials from the Indian Olympic monthly pension of Rs 20,000 and other
Association (IOA) and experts from diverse benefits for people jailed during Emergency.
fields gather in Gujarat for a pivotal four-day  Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi
event. declared the provision of monthly pension
 The event will be held at Gandhinagar-based for those arrested and imprisoned during the
Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) campus. Emergency under Maintenance of Internal
 This meeting, organized in collaboration with Security Act, Defence of India Rule or
the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Defence and Internal Security of India Rules.
Sports, focuses on developing strategies and
innovative economic models to build
sustainable sports infrastructure, essential for

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ECONOMY AND BANKING

t

MoMSME, ONDC Launches Rs.277 Cooperatives 2025 held in Mumbai,

Crore Initiative to Empower 5 lakh Maharashtra.
Small Businesses BHIM Partners with Fintech Yatra
 On January 28 2025, the Ministry of Micro, to Promote Financial Inclusion,
Small, and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME), Digital Literacy
in collaboration with the New Delhi (Delhi)  In January 2025, Bharat Interface Money
based Open Network for Digital Commerce (BHIM), India’s flagship digital payments
(ONDC), launched Trade Enablement and application (app) powered by Mumbai
Marketing (TEAM) Initiative designed to (Maharashtra)-based NPCI BHIM Services
help Small and Micro Enterprises (SMEs) Limited(NBSL), a subsidiary of the National
join ONDC. Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has
 The initiative with a budget of Rs.277.35 partnered with the Fintech Yatra 2025 as a
crore over 3 years, aims to onboard 5 lakh Principal Partner.
micro and small enterprises, 50% of these  This strategic collaboration aims to
being women-led businesses. accelerate the adoption of digital payments,
 The initiative seeks to empower Micro, enhance financial inclusion, and promote
Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to digital literacy across the country.
adopt digital commerce and enhance their SEBI Launches ‘iSPOT Portal’ for
market reach. Reporting Technical Issues
 The TEAM Initiative is a sub-scheme under  In January 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra)
the Raising and Accelerating MSME based Securities and Exchange Board of
Performance (RAMP) program, focusing on India (SEBI) launched a web-based portal
supporting women-owned MSMEs in tier 2 named the ‘Integrated SEBI Portal for
and tier 3 cities. Technical Glitches (iSPOT)’ for submission
RBI Approved Established of of preliminary and final Root Cause Analysis
NUCFDC to boost UCBs (RCA) reports of technical glitches by stock
 The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has exchanges and other Market Infrastructure
approved the establishment of National Institutions (MIIs).
Urban Co-operative Finance and  The portal will be operational from 3rd
Development Cooperation (NUCFDC) as an February, 2025. It is integrated with SEBI’s
Umbrella Organisation (UO) to boost Urban Intermediary (SI) portal, allowing MIIs to
Co-operative Bodies (UCBs) across India. It access it using their existing login
has also approved NUCFDC to function as a credentials.
Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC). Tata Steel Limited, India’s 1st
 In January 2025, Union Minister Amit Shah, company to Develop Hydrogen
the Ministry of Cooperation inaugurated the Transport Pipes
corporate office of the NUCFDC during the  On January 29 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra)
inaugural function of International Year of based Tata Steel Limited(TSL), formerly
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known as Tata tIron and Steel Company  It was introduced in partnership with the
Limited (TISCO), became India’s 1st Steel Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre
company to demonstrate the capability to (I4C), making PNB a leader in both banking
develop steel pipes for hydrogen(H2) and cybersecurity.
transportation, marking a significant step  This solution is designed to improve fraud
toward supporting India’s National Hydrogen prevention and automate complaint
Mission (NHM). management.
 The company successfully developed Paytm Launches ‘Receive Money
hydrogen-compliant API X65 ERW steel QR Widget’ for Android users
pipes, which are crucial for the transport of  On January 28 2025, Noida, Uttar Pradesh
100% pure gaseous hydrogen under high (UP) based Paytm, subsidiary of One97
pressure (100 bar). Communications Limited(OCL), launched
Mobikwik becomes India’s 1st the ‘Receive Money Quick Response (QR)
Fintech Company to Roll out CBDC Widget‘ for android users, enabling them to
in Partnership with RBI and Yes receive payments directly from their
Bank smartphone’s home screen without the need
 In January 2025, Gurugram (Haryana)-based to open the Paytm application (app).
One Mobikwik Systems Limited, has become  Paytm, became the 1st company to launch
1st fintech company in India, to roll out a this new feature.This was previously
full-scale Central Bank Digital Currency launched for iPhone users.
(CBDC) or e-rupee, in collaboration with the SEBI Unveils ‘Dharohar’: A Digital
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Yes Bank Repository for India’s Securities
Limited. Market
 As per this strategic partnership, Yes Bank  According to the World Bank (WB)’s latest
Limited will act as a primary sponsor bank to  On January 26, 2025, during India’s 76th
provide the issuance of the CBDC for both Republic Day celebrations, Mumbai,
these 3rd-party application providers. Maharashtra based Securities and Exchange
 CBDC is a digital legal tender issued and Board of India (SEBI) unveiled ‘Dharohar –
supported by the RBI. This digital currency Milestones in the Indian Securities Market,’
is equivalent to sovereign currency and can a digital knowledge repository.
be exchanged at a one-to-one ratio with  This initiative highlights SEBI’s commitment
existing physical currency. to preserving India’s securities market legacy
PNB unveils 1st-ever real time while enhancing awareness and
NCRP Solution for Cybercrime understanding among diverse stakeholders.
 In January 2025, New Delhi (Delhi) based  This is designed for a broad audience,
Punjab National Bank (PNB) Limited including students, investors, researchers,
became the 1st Indian bank to unveil real journalists, market participants, and the
time Clari5’s National Cybercrime Reporting general public.
Portal (NCRP) Integration Solution.

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MoF Notified t Unified Pension BIMTECH has become the 1st business
Scheme for Central Government management institute in India to launch a
Employees, to be Effective from blockchain-based digital currency.
April 01, 2025  BIMCOIN operates on a blockchain, offers
 In January 2025, the Ministry of Finance features like decentralization, transparency,
(MoF) notified the Unified Pension Scheme and smart contracts.
(UPS) as an option for central government DFS Releases Rs 500 Crore Capital
employees who are already covered under Infusion into IFCI through PREF
the National Pension System (NPS). The  In January 2025, Department of Financial
scheme aims to offer retirees assured Services (DFS) under the Ministry of
pension, ensuring financial security and Finance (MoF) has released Rs 500 crore
dignity post-retirement. capital infusion to New Delhi (Delhi) based
 As per MoF, the Pension Fund Regulatory IFCI Limited (formerly known as the
and Development Authority (PFRDA) will Industrial Finance Corporation of India), a
monitor UPS regulations and provide development finance institution (DFI) for
operational guidelines. subscribing to its share capital in the
 The scheme will come into effect from April Financial Year 2024-25(FY25) through the
01, 2025. Preferential Issue (PREF) of shares.
 It is voluntary for existing employees under  This infusion is aimed at strengthening
NPS and those opting for Voluntary IFCI’s financial health in preparation for its
Retirement Scheme (VRS) under NPS, to upcoming restructuring and consolidation
switch to UPS or not. But, once switch is into a larger group.
made to UPS then, it cannot be reversed. Jio Financial Services and
 The scheme is contributory in nature, BlackRock Expanding Into Stock
wherein the central government employees Broking Sector
will be required to contribute 10% of their  In January 2025, Mumbai based Jio Financial
basic salary and Dearness Allowance (DA). Services Limited (JFSL) announced that its
 The central government has increased its joint venture, Jio BlackRock Investment
contribution from 14% (currently under Advisers Private Limited, has established a
NPS) to 18.5%. wholly owned subsidiary called ‘Jio
BIMTECH launches Blockchain- BlackRock Broking Private Limited’ to enter
Based Digital Currency “BIMCOIN” the broking business, subject to regulatory
 In January 2025, Birla Institute of approvals.
Management Technology (BIMTECH) in  Jio BlackRock Investment Advisers Private
Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh (UP), a top Limited was established with the primary
Indian business school, launched goal of providing investment advising
‘BIMCOIN’, a blockchain-based digital services.
currency for its ecosystem.  In September 2024 JFSL and US based
 Following the Indian Institute of Technology BlackRock, Inc. contributed Rs 3 crores each
(IIT) Madras, Chennai, (Tamil Nadu,TN), to the joint venture

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Skydo Receives
t In-Principle and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC)
Approval from RBI as Payment ranked 3rd with USD 328.2 billion.
Aggregator for Cross-Border  In Q4 2024, India’s HDFC bank Limited
Payments dropped from 7th to 13th position compared
 On 21 January 2025, Skydo Technologies to Q4 2023, ICICI bank Limited moved up
Private Limited, a cross-border fintech one spot to 19th from 20th position, and
company based in Bengaluru, Karnataka, State Bank of India (SBI) retained its 24th
received in-principle approval from the position.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a Shriram Housing Finance
Payment Aggregator-Cross Border (PA-CB). Rebranded as Truhome Finance
 Skydo also secured Payment Service  In January 2025, Shriram Housing Finance
Provider (PSP) approval from Amazon, an Limited (SHFL), a housing finance company
American multinational technology company in India, has rebranded as Truhome Finance.
headquartered in Washington, United States The rebranding follows its acquisition by
of America ( USA). Warburg Pincus and co-investors, including
 This approval allows Skydo to process Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), Qatar’s
payments for exporters participating in sovereign wealth fund from Shriram Finance.
Amazon’s Global Selling programme.  Shriram Finance Group received an
 Founded in 2022, Skydo is among the first in investment of Rs 1,225 crore, increasing the
the cross-border payments industry to receive Company’s net worth to over Rs 3,300 crore.
RBI’s approval. IMF Retains India’s GDP growth
GlobalData: HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank forecast at 6.5% for FY26 & FY27
& SBI Rank among Top 25 Global  On January 19, 2025, the International
Banks by Market Cap; JP Morgan Monetary Fund (IMF) maintained its growth
Chase Tops the List forecast for India’s economy at 6.5% for both
 In January 2025, London, the United Financial Year 2025-26 (FY26) and FY27.
Kingdom (UK) based data analytics and  The IMF’s World Economic Outlook report
research company GlobalData Plc released a stated that India’s growth is expected to
report on the Top 25 Global Banks by remain solid at 6.5%, consistent with
Market Capitalization in the fourth quarter previous projections made in October 2024.
(Q4) of 2024, with the New York, United India’s Economic Performance
States of America (USA) based JPMorgan  India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
Chase & Co remains as the world’s largest growth slowdown in the 2nd quarter of
bank by market capitalization (MCap) Financial Year 2025 (FY25) to 5.4%, lower
recording an increase of 37.2% to USD 674.9 than the 6.7% recorded in the same period of
billion by the end of Q4 of 2024 from Q4 of the previous financial year 2024 (FY24). The
2023. slowdown is attributed to a sharp
 USA-based Bank of America Corporation deceleration in industrial activity.
(BAC) secured the 2nd position with USD
337.2 billion, while China-based Industrial

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 In FY24, India’st GDP growth was 8.4%, (CPI) inflation has decreased from 5.5% (in
indicating a significant slowdown compared November) to 5.2% (in December).
to the previous year 2023. Union Cabinet approves formation
Global Economic Outlook of the 8th Pay Commission
 The IMF’s global growth forecast remains at  The Union Cabinet approved the formation
3.3% for both 2025 and 2026, which is below of the 8th Pay Commission to revise the
the historical average of 3.7%. salary and pension of over 1.2 crore central
 The global economy faces risks such as government employees and pensioners. The
protectionist policies, geopolitical tensions, term of the 7th Pay Commission will
and inflationary pressures, which could conclude on December 31 2025, after which
negatively impact trade and investment. the 8th Pay Commission will come into
Moody’s Lowers India’s Economic effect.
Growth Forecast to 7% for FY 2024-  This will increase the minimum basic salary
25 of central government employees from Rs
 On January 20, 2025, Moody’s Corporation 18,000 to over Rs 40,000 per month.
revised India’s economic growth forecast for  The salary hike, expected to be between 25%
the financial year 2024-25 (FY25), lowering and 30%, will also include allowances, perks,
it to 7%, down from 8.2% in the previous and performance pay.
FY2024.  Approximately 50 lakh central government
 The slowdown is partly due to tight monetary employees and 65 lakh pensioners will
policies aimed at curbing inflation and global benefit, including defence personnel and
challenges, including geopolitical tensions government employees in New Delhi
and adverse weather conditions. (Delhi).
India’s GDP Growth Likely to Reach  The fitment factor is estimated to range
6.7% in FY26: CRISIL between 2.6% and 2.85%, compared to
 According to the CRISIL Ratings Limited’s 2.57% under the 7th Pay Commission.
(formerly Credit Rating and Information About Pay Commissions:
Services of India Limited) Report, India’s  Pay Commissions are typically formed once
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth is every 10 years to advise the government on
likely to improve to 6.7% in Financial Year revising the pay structure and scale for its
2025-26 (FY26). employees.
 The report has outlined 3 main drivers i.e. the  Since 1947, a total of 7 Pay Commissions
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) rate cuts, lower have been constituted, with the most recent
crude oil prices and a normal monsoon, that one being implemented in 2016.
are expected to support this growth  The 7th Pay Commission was formed by the
projection. United Progressive Alliance (UPA)
 As per the report, headline inflation is government on 28 February 2014. It was
making progress towards the RBI’s 4% chaired by Justice Ashok Kumar Mathur.
inflation target as Consumer Price Index

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CCEA Approvest revival plan for remaining amount will be provided by

RINL commercial banks.
 The Union Cabinet Committee on Economic  The initiative supports India’s commitment
Affairs (CCEA) has approved a revival plan to achieving net-zero carbon emissions and
for Visakhapatnam (AP) based Rashtriya transitioning to cleaner energy sources.
Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), with a total Indian Economy Expected to Grow
investment of Rs.11,440 crores. by 6.7% in Next Two Fiscal Year:
 This plan includes an equity infusion of World Bank
Rs.10,300 crores into RINL and the  In January 2025, The World Bank(WB)
conversion of Rs.1,140 crores of working released its biannual report titled Global
capital loans into 7% Non-cumulative Economic Prospects (GEP) for January 2025.
Preference Share Capital, redeemable after The report has projected that India’s Gross
10 years. Domestic Product (GDP) will grow at a rate
 RINL is a Public Sector Enterprise under the of 6.7% over the next two financial years i.e.
Ministry of Steel (MoS), fully owned by the for Financial Year 2025-26 (FY26) and
Government of India (GoI), and operates the FY27.
Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) in AP.  The projection for FY26 remained same from
 The plant has an installed capacity of 7.3 its GEP for June 2024 and growth rate for
million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of liquid FY27 was revised downwards by 10 basis
steel. point (bps), from its previous estimate of
 The goal is for the plant to reach full 6.8%.
production capacity,includes starting full  The report has estimated India’s GDP growth
production with 2 blast furnaces in January rate for current financial year (FY25) at
2025 and 3 blast furnaces by August 2025. 6.5%, down from the 8.2% in FY24
 This strategic move aligns with the ‘National  The report has estimated that global growth
Steel Policy of 2017’, and ensuring India’s will remain stable at 2.7% in both 2025 and
self-reliance in the steel sector as part of the 2026. This projection is based on the gradual
Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. decline in inflation and interest rates.
PFC Sign 120 Billion JPY Loan Deal IREDA Partners with SJVN, GMR
with JBIC for RE Projects in India and NEA for 900 MW Upper Karnali
 In January 2025, New Delhi (Delhi) based Hydropower Project in Nepal
Power Finance Corporation Limited (PFC)  On 17th January 2025, New Delhi based
under the Ministry of Power (MoP) signed an Indian Renewable Energy Development
agreement with Tokyo (Japan) based Japan Agency Limited (IREDA) entered into a
Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) Joint Venture (JV) Agreement with Shimla,
for 120 billion Japanese Yen (JPY) or Himachal Pradesh(HP) based SJVN
Rs.6600 crore loan to support Renewable Limited(formerly known as Satluj Jal Vidyut
Energy(RE) projects in India. Nigam), GMR Energy Limited, and Nepal
 Under the agreement, JBIC will contribute Electricity Authority (NEA) for the
JPY 72 billion(Rs 40.04 billion), while the development of the 900 megawatt (MW)

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Upper Karnali Hydro-electric

t Project over IDBI Bank launches ‘Chiranjeevi-
River Karnali, the largest hydro-electric Super Senior Citizen FD’
power project in Nepal.  On January 13 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra)
India Set to Become World’s 4th based Industrial Development Bank of India
Largest Economy by 2026; GDP to (IDBI) Limited launched the ‘IDBI
Grow 6.8% in FY25: PHDCCI Chiranjeevi-Super Senior Citizen Fixed
 According to New Delhi (Delhi)-based PHD Deposit (FD)’ scheme. This special FD
Chamber of Commerce and Industry product is specifically designed for
(PHDCCI)’s latest report titled ‘Economic individuals aged 80 years and above, offering
Outlook 2025’, India is set to become the them higher interest rates to cater to their
World’s 4th largest economy by 2026, unique financial needs.
surpassing Japan.  The scheme provides a safe and secure
 The report has further projected that India’s investment option with guaranteed returns
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will grow at for super senior citizens.
6.8% in Financial Year 2024-25(FY25) and PNB Launches 1st ‘Cybersecurity
7.7% in FY26. Hackathon 2024-25’ to Combat
 This growth projection is mainly driven by Malware Threats
strong macroeconomic fundamentals and  On January 2025, New Delhi based Punjab
policy reforms. National Bank (PNB) launched its 1st-ever
 The report has also projected India will ‘Cybersecurity Hackathon 2024-25’ with the
become USD 7 trillion economy by 2030, theme “Code Against Malware”. The
which will further increase to USD 10 trillion hackathon aims to combat the increasing
by 2034 and USD 34 trillion by 2047. threat of malware by inviting innovators,
 It has expected India to achieve ambitious researchers, and academicians from across
target of USD 2 trillion exports by 2030. India.
FICCI: India estimated to grow by KredX Receives RBI Approval to
6.4% & CPI inflation projected at Operate as TReDS Platform
4.8% in FY25  On 9 January, 2025, Bengaluru (Karnataka)-
 In January 2025, the Federation of Indian based KredX, India’s largest supply chain
Chambers of Commerce and Industry finance platform, received approval from the
(FICCI) released its Economic Outlook Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a
Survey. It projects India’s Gross Domestic Trade Receivables Discounting System
Product (GDP) growth for 2024-25 is (TReDS) platform.
projected at 6.4% from the 7.0% estimated in  The new business will operate under the
September 2024 reflecting a decline as brand name DTX (Domestic Trade
compared to the 8.2% growth achieved in Exchange).
2023-24.  KredX is now the fifth company to receive
 The survey was conducted in December this license after Receivables Exchange of
2024, attributes the economic moderation to India (RXIL), M1 Exchange, Invoice Mart,
global uncertainties and domestic challenges.

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and C2FO (Collaborative

t Cash Flow 158.74 lakh crore PE for (FY24) to Rs
Optimization) Factoring Solutions. 168.91 lakh crore in (FY25).
Exim Bank raised USD 1 Billion SBI Lowers India’s GDP Growth
through 10-year Bonds Forecast to 6.3% for FY25
 In January 2025, Mumbai-based Export-  On January 07 2025, the State Bank of India
Import Bank of India(EXIM Bank) ,also (SBI) released its latest Ecowrap Research
known as India Exim Bank , has raised Report. It has lowered India’s Gross
United States Dollar (USD) 1 billion (Rs. Domestic Product (GDP) forecast to 6.3%
8,570 crores) through 10-year bonds in the for Financial Year 2024-25(FY25), which is
international market, achieving the lowest- marginally lower than the National Statistics
ever spread of 100 basis points(bps) over 10- Office (NSO)’s estimate of 6.4%.
year United States (US) Treasury securities. Government launched PLI Scheme
 The milestone makes EXIM Bank the first 1.1 for specialty steel to boost
Indian organisation to issue dollar bonds in domestic production
2025, representing a significant achievement  Union Minister of Steel and Heavy
for Indian issuers in international capital Industries, H. D. Kumaraswamy launched the
markets. second round of Production Linked Incentive
India’s GDP Expected to Grow by (PLI) scheme for Specialty Steel, termed as
6.4% in FY25 against 8.2% in FY24: PLI Scheme 1.1 on 6th January, 2025 at the
First Advanced Estimates by NSO Vigyan Bhavan New Delhi.
 On January 07 2025, the National Statistics  The scheme will work within the already
Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and allocated funds for the scheme, i.e., Rs.6,322
Programme Implementation (MoSPI) crore and will be implemented for the period
released the First Advanced Estimate (FAE) of Financial Year (FY) 2025-26 to FY 2029-
of Annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) 30.
for the Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25),  The PLI Scheme 1.1 has been introduced for
along with its expenditure components both 5 product categories with respect to the
at Constant (2011-12) and Current Prices. existing PLI Scheme, namely Coated / Plated
 As per the NSO data, India’s Real GDP is Steel Products, High Strength / Wear
expected to grow at a 4-year low i.e. at 6.4% resistant Steel, Specialty Rails, Alloy Steel
in FY25 against the growth rate of 8.2% in Products & Steel wires and Electrical Steel.
Provisional Estimate (PE)of GDP for FY24 Nomura forecasts India’s GDP down
(2023-24). to 6% in FY25
 Nominal GDP or GDP at Current Prices in  On January 03 2025, Japan brokerage
FY25 is estimated at Rs 324.11 lakh crore as Nomura forecasted that India’s economy will
against Rs 295.36 lakh crore in FY24, grow more slowly in the coming years. The
reflecting a growth rate of 9.7%. agency’s revised prediction indicates that
 Real Gross Value Added(GVA) registered a India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
growth of 6.4% (FY25) as compared to 7.2% growth will decelerate to 6% in the Financial
(FY24). It is estimated to grow from Rs Year 2024-25 (FY25), a significant drop

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from 8.2% in thet FY24. In FY26, the GDP interest rate than what is offered to senior
growth is expected to be around 5.9%. citizens.
 Previously, the growth projections were set SBI Launched TAB-based Online
at 6.7% for FY25 and 6.8% for FY26 NRO, NRE Account Opening Facility
SBI Launched Har Ghar Lakhpati RD  On January 02 2025, State Bank of India
scheme and SBI Patrons FD scheme (SBI), India’s largest Public Sector Bank
 On January 03 2025, the State Bank of India (PSB), launched TAB-based digital process
(SBI), India’s largest Public Sector Bank for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to open
(PSB), has launched two new deposit Non-Resident External (NRE) and Non-
schemes namely, Har Ghar Lakhpati Resident Ordinary (NRO) accounts. This
Recurring Deposit(RD) scheme and SBI initiative aims to streamline the account
Patrons Fixed Deposit(FD) scheme. opening process through real-time digital
 Both these schemes are designed to provide verification and a paperless system.
customers with greater financial flexibility SBI Report: Rural Poverty Ratio
and enhanced value. Drops Below 5% for the 1st time in
About Har Ghar Lakhpati RD Scheme: FY24
 It is a pre-calculated RD scheme designed to  According to the State Bank of India (SBI)’s
enable customers to accumulate Rs 1 lakh or Research report released on January 03 2025,
multiples thereof. rural poverty ratio dropped below 5% for the
 This scheme helps to simplify the process of 1st time to 4.86% in Financial Year 2023-24
achieving financial goals, allowing (FY24) from 7.2% in FY23 and 25.7% in
customers to plan and save effectively. 2011-12.
 Minors can also avail the benefits of the  This reduction in poverty ratio in rural areas
scheme, thus promoting early financial of the country is mainly driven by higher
planning and saving habits. consumption growth among the bottom 0-5%
 The deposit period is 3 to 10 years fractile, supported by Government of
 Tenure of SBI RD account is 12 months or 1 India(GoI) led initiatives.
year (minimum) and 120 months or 10 years  The urban poverty ratio decreased marginally
(maximum). to 4.09% in FY24 from 4.6% in FY23 and
About SBI Patrons FD Deposits 13.7% in 2011-12.
 It is a FD scheme, designed specifically to  The report estimates that national poverty
cater the needs of senior citizens who are 80 rates are now between 4-4.5%, marking a
years and above. significant improvement in living conditions
 It is available to both existing and new term across the country.
deposit customers.  The report highlighted that decrease in rural
 This scheme offers increased interest rates poverty ratio further led to shift in poverty
and is available to both existing and new line from 5-10% decile (in FY23) to 0-5%
term deposit customers. decile (in FY24).The report has estimated the
 The depositors under this scheme will earn poverty lines at Rs 1,623 for rural areas and
an additional 10 basis points (bps) higher Rs 1,944 for urban areas in FY24

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RBI UPDATES
t

RBI Announced Series of Steps to  For Borrowers with outstanding dues

Inject Rs 1.50 lakh Crore into the more than 1 crore: In this case, settlement
Banking System of dues will be done only after the proposal
 On January 27 2025, the Reserve Bank of is thoroughly examined by an Independent
India (RBI) announced a series of steps to Advisory Committee (IAC), which shall
inject about Rs 1.5 lakh crore into the comprise professionals with expertise in
banking system in a phased manner. The finance, law, or technical fields.
main objective of these steps is to address the  For Borrowers with outstanding dues of
liquidity shortfall caused by the RBI’s Rs 1 crore or below: In this case,
intervention in selling dollars to stabilize the settlements can be approved by an official
Indian Rupee (INR). who was not part of the acquisition (as an
 iRBI will purchase Government Securities individual or part of a committee).
(G-secs) through Open Market Operations RBI formed MK Jain-Led Committee
(OMO) worth Rs 60,000 crore in three to Evaluate UB and SFB
tranches of Rs 20,000 crore each. Applications
 The OMO auctions will be held on January  On January 20 2025, the Reserve Bank of
30, February 13, and February 20, 2025. India (RBI) formed a five-member Standing
 RBI has further announced a 56-day Variable External Advisory Committee (SEAC)
Rate Repo (VRR) auction for a notified chaired by the former Deputy Governor of
amount of Rs 50,000 crore which is RBI, Mahesh Kumar (MK) Jain to evaluate
scheduled to be held on February 7, 2025. the applications for Universal Banks (UBs)
 The VRR aims to ensure liquidity and Small Finance Banks (SFBs).
requirements of banks till March 31, 2025.  The committee has a three-year tenure,
 As part of various steps to manage liquidity supported by the Department of Regulation,
conditions, RBI announced a USD/INR RBI for secretarial assistance.
Buy/Sell Swap auction of USD 5 billion for a RBI Released NBFC Upper Layer
tenor of 6 months to be held on January 31, List for 2024-25
2025.  In January 2025, the Reserve Bank of India
RBI Introduced Revised Guidelines (RBI) released the list of Non-Banking
for ARC-Borrower Settlements Finance Companies (NBFCs) in the Upper
 On January 20 2025, the Reserve Bank of Layer (UL) segment under the Scale Based
India (RBI) introduced revised guidelines for Regulation (SBR) for NBFCs for the year
the settlement of dues payable by borrowers 2024-25.
to Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs)  RBI has retained Tata Sons Private Limited
under the Master Direction- Reserve Bank of in the NBFC UL list despite its request to de-
India (Asset Reconstruction Companies) register as a NBFC, is under examination.
Directions, 2024. These guidelines came into  The updated list comprises 15 companies that
force with immediate effect. include Life Insurance Corporation of India

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(LIC) Housing Finance

t Limited (HFL), Bajaj  Non-residents are now allowed to settle
Finance Limited (BHL), and Shriram legitimate transactions with other non-
Finance Limited (SFL), among others. residents using balances in their repatriable
 Muthoot Finance Limited (MFIN), a flagship INR accounts. These accounts include:
of Muthoot Group is the only gold loan Special Non-Resident Rupee Accounts
NBFC included in RBI’s ‘UL’ list for 3 (SNRR), Special Rupee Vostro Accounts
consecutive years. (SRVA)
 Piramal Enterprise Limited (PEL), which  Additionally, the balances in these accounts
qualified for inclusion on the list based on can be used for investments, such as Foreign
scoring, has been eliminated for the year Direct Investment (FDI) in non-debt
2024-25 due to ongoing reorganization in the instruments.
business group.  Indian exporters will now have the flexibility
RBI Decided to Conduct Daily VRR to open accounts in foreign currencies
Operations to Boost Banking abroad. These accounts can be used to
Liquidity amid Deficit receive export payments and pay for imports,
 In January 2025, the Reserve Bank of India simplifying trade settlements.
(RBI) has decided to conduct Variable-Rate RBI Introduced New 15-Day Credit
Repo (VRR) auctions on a daily basis until Reporting Rule Effective from
further notice. This move will boost the January 1, 2025
banking liquidity amid deficit.  The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has
 The 1st such VRR was conducted on January introduced new credit reporting rule. It has
16, 2025 worth Rs 50,000 crore and mandated that all lenders must update credit
standalone primary dealers were allowed to bureau records every 15 days instead of
participate in the auction with other eligible previous monthly cycle. This direction came
bidders. into effect from January 01, 2025.
RBI Introduces Changes to FEMA to  This direction was previously issued by the
Facilitate Cross-Border Trade in RBI in August 2024, allows lenders and
INR credit bureaus to transition to 15-day cycle to
 On January 16, 2025, the Reserve Bank of upgrade their systems and processes.
India (RBI) introduced new measures under RBI maintains the FRSB interest
the Foreign Exchange Management Act rate at 8.05% from January 1 to
(FEMA) 1999, to encourage the use of the June 30, 2025
Indian Rupee (INR) and other local  In January 2025, the Reserve Bank India
currencies for international trade. (RBI) has announced the interest rate for RBI
Key Changes Floating Rate Savings Bonds (Taxable)
 Overseas branches of Indian banks can now FRSB 2020 (T) for the period of January 1 to
open INR accounts (A/C) for individuals or June 30, 2025 will remains at 8.05%,
entities outside India. These accounts can be comprising the National Savings Certificate
used for permissible current and capital (NSC) rate of 7.70% and an additional spread
account transactions with Indian residents. of 0.35%.

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SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

t

ISRO Completes 100th Mission, constellation with improved features for

GSLV-F15 Successfully Launched ensuring the continuity of services.
from Sriharikota, AP NASA Discovers LID-568: A
 On January 29 2025, the Indian Space Supermassive Black Hole
Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully  In January 2025, NASA(National
launched GSLV- Aeronautics and Space Administration) of
F15/NVS-02 United States(US) government has unveiled
mission, carrying the a discovery “LID-568”, a supermassive black
NVS-02 satellite, hole that challenges current beliefs about
from the Second how black holes form and grow.
Launch Pad (SLP) Satish Dhawan Space  Supermassive black holes are one of the most
Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra common types in the universe. They are
Pradesh (AP). With the successful launch of usually found at the center of most galaxies.
this mission, ISRO completed its 100th  LID-568 was identified using the James
launch from Sriharikota spaceport. Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and the
 This mission marks the 17th flight of India’s Chandra X-ray Observatory.
Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Digantara Launches World’s First
(GSLV) and 11th flight with indigenous Commercial Satellite SCOT for
cryogenic stage.
Advanced Space Monitoring
 It is also the 8th operational flight of GSLV  In January 2025, Bengaluru (Karnataka)-
with an indigenous cryogenic stage. based aerospace company Digantara, backed
 Since 1979, ISRO has conducted 99 launches
by the Aditya Birla Group and the Small
with Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)
Industries Development Bank of India
carrying out 62 launches, followed by GSLV
(SIDBI), launched Space Camera for Object
(16), Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3)(7),
Tracking (SCOT) satellite, the world’s first
Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle
commercial satellite for Space Situational
(ASLV) (4), among others.
Awareness (SSA).
 The GSLV-F15 rocket is equipped with an
 The satellites were launched aboard
indigenous cryogenic upper stage has
SpaceX’s Transporter-12 mission from
successfully placed the NVS-02 satellite into
Vandenberg Space Force Base in California,
the intended Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit
the United States of America (USA).
(GTO).
 NVS-02 is 2nd out of the 5 second- ISRO Successfully Demonstrated
generation Navigational Satellite (NVS) Restarting of Vikas Liquid Engine
series (NVS-01/02/03/04/05), which are  In January 2025, Bengaluru (Karnataka)
designed to augment Navigation with Indian based Indian Space Research Organisation
Constellation (NavIC)base layer (ISRO) successfully demonstrated the restart
of its Vikas liquid engine at a test facility at

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the Propulsion Complex

t in Mahendragiri, Eastern India’s first astronomical observatory
Tamil Nadu (TN). in the Garpanchkot Hills of Purulia district in
 The test marks a significant milestone in the West Bengal (WB), to aid scientific
development of stage recovery technologies, observations, student training, and global
paving the way for reusability in future research collaboration.
launch vehicles. China Launches PRSC-EO1 Satellite
Cabinet approves construction of for Pakistan’s Space Program
TLP for ISRO  On January 17 2025, China successfully
 The Union Cabinet has approved the launched Pakistan’s first Remote Sensing
construction of a TLP at Satellite -Earth Observing 1 (PRSC-EO1)
the ISRO’s SDSC in aboard the Long March-Dimensional (LM-
Sriharikota to enhance 2D) rocket for Pakistan from the Jiuquan
its space infrastructure Satellite Launch Center (JSLC), China. The
and support the rocket also carried 2 other satellites, Tianlu-1
development of Next and Lantan-1.
Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLV).  The satellite was designed and developed by
 The project costs Rs. 3,984.86 crore and is Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere
expected to be completed in 4 years. Research Commission (SUPARCO).
 The TLP will be versatile, supporting both  The PRSC-EO1 launch marked the 95th
NGLV and Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (LVM3) flight of the Long March-2D and the 556th
vehicles, including advanced features like flight of the entire Long March fleet. The
horizontal rocket integration. launch was China’s third orbital launch
 This new pad will boost India’s space attempt of the year.
capabilities, enabling the launch of heavier India Test Fired Its First Indigenous
spacecraft, with the ability to carry 30,000 Micro-Missile System Named
tonnes (t) into low Earth orbit, compared to Bhargavastra
the current 8,000 t.  In January 2025,Economic Explosives
 The project aligns with India’s growing Limited (EEL), a subsidiary of Nagpur,
space ambitions, including upcoming Maharashtra-based Solar Industries India
missions like the ‘Bharatiya Antariksh Limited,successfully test-fired India’s first
Station(BAS)’ and crewed lunar missions. guided micro-missiles as part of its
India’s 6th Astronomical ‘Bhargavastra’ counter-drone system.
Observatory & Eastern India’s 1st  This system, developed by EEL, was
Inaugurated in WB initiated by the private sector without formal
 In January 2025, the Satyendra Nath Bose requisitions from the Indian Armed Forces.
Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBCBS), an  The new micro-missile system, developed for
autonomous institute under the Department the Indian Army, successfully hit virtual
of Science and Technology (DST), under the targets over 2.5 km away.
Ministry of Science and Technology  This system, developed to counter the rising
(MoS&T), established India’s sixth and threat of loitering munitions and weaponized
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drones, uses micro-missiles

t to effectively olive brown, while the face is pinkish in
target and destroy enemy drones at an color. The body is covered in bristle-like fur,
affordable cost. just like other Asian pangolins.
 The Bhargavastra system, designed for the  Researchers have found two rare Order
Indian Army, is a multi-layered defense Neuroptera species, ‘Glenochrysa zeylanica’
option that can detect small flying objects up and ‘Indophanes barbara’ from Kerala. The
to 6 kilometers away. findings were produced by the Shadpada
DRDO Successfully Conducts Field Entomology Research Lab (SERL) research
Trials of Nag Mark 2 Anti-Tank team at Christ College, Irinjalakuda, Kerala.
Guided Missile SwetchaSAT-V0 and VYOM 2U
 On January 13, 2025, the Defence Research Successfully Tested on ISRO’s
and Development Organisation PSLV-C60
(DRDO),under the Ministry of Defence  Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
(MoD), and headquartered in New Delhi, successfully launched the Polar Satellite
Delhi, successfully conducted field trials of Launch Vehicle (PSLV)-C60 from the Satish
the Nag Mark 2, an advanced Anti-Tank Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota,
Fire-and-Forget Guided Missile. Andhra Pradesh (AP).
 The trials took place at the Pokhran Field  This mission carried 24 payloads, including
Range in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. two experimental systems: the SwetchaSAT-
 With the successful trials, the Nag Mark 2 V0 UHF communication system by N Space
and its carrier system are now ready for Tech India Private Limited and the VYOM
induction into the Indian Army (IA), 2U green propulsion system by Manastu
reflecting India’s progress under the Space Technologies.Both experiments were
‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India) part of ISRO’s PSLV Orbital Experimental
initiative. Module (POEM-4) initiative, which
 The Nag Mark 2 is a third-generation anti- repurposes the 4th stage of the PSLV rocket
tank missile, developed indigenously by into a stable orbital platform.
DRDO. First Black-eyed Pea Sprouts in
New Pangolin species discovered in Space by ISRO
Arunachal Pradesh by ZSI team  The Indian Space Research Organisation
 In January 2025, a new species of pangolin (ISRO) achieved a significant milestone in
named, the Indo-Burmese pangolin, space agriculture by successfully germinating
scientifically called ‘Manis indoburmanica’, black-eyed pea (lobia) seeds aboard its
was discovered by researchers at the Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant
Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) from Studies (CROPS). This breakthrough
Arunachal Pradesh (AR). It separated from underscores the potential for cultivating
the Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) sustainable food sources for long-duration
about 3.4 million years ago. space missions, essential for meeting the
 This new species belongs to the family nutritional and psychological needs of
‘Manidae’. The scale is dark brown and dark astronauts during extended periods in space.
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DEFENCE
t

CCS Approved Project worth over  With this expansion, the CISF’s total
Rs 10,000 crore for Procurement of strength will rise to nearly 2 lakh personnel.
Ammunition for IA’s Pinaka MBRL  The CISF is one of India’s Central Armed
 In January 2025, the Cabinet Committee on Police Forces(CAPF), established under the
Security (CCS) chaired by Prime Minister CISF Act, of 1968.
(PM) Narendra Modi approved the project to Indian Navy Participates in 5th
procure over Rs 10,000 crore worth of Edition of La Perouse 25
ammunition for the Indian Army (IA)’s Multinational Naval Exercise
Pinaka Multi Barrel Rocket Launcher  On January 16, 2025, the Indian Navy (IN),
Systems (MBRLs). The ammunition under along with eight Indo-Pacific nations, is
this project will be manufactured participating in the 5th edition of the La
domestically to meet requirements of IA over Perouse 25 multinational naval exercise.
the next 10 years.  The exercise is being conducted in the
Indian Armed Forces Conducts strategic maritime straits of Malacca, Sunda,
‘Exercise Devil Strike’ and Lombok, which serve as crucial routes
 The Indian Armed Forces conducted for global maritime trade between the Indian
‘Exercise Devil Strike’, a joint exercise Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.
involving the elite airborne forces of the  This eight-day exercise, organized by the
Indian Army (IA) and the Indian Air Force French Carrier Strike Group (CSG), began
(IAF) from January 16-19, 2025 at the on January 16, 2025, and will continue until
training areas and firing ranges, validating January 24, 2025.
critical drills and improving operational  The exercise involves naval forces from nine
preparedness. nations: India, Australia, Canada, the United
 Exercise Devil Strike evaluates and improves States of America (USA), France, Indonesia,
logistical sustaining plans to ensure troops Malaysia, the United Kingdom (UK), and
remain operational and well-equipped under Singapore.
challenging circumstances.84  The Indian Navy participated with its
MHA approves Creation of 2 new destroyer Indian Naval Ship (INS) Mumbai
CISF reserve Battalions while other nations have deployed various
 The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has advanced vessels.
approved the creation of two new battalions MoD & BDL Ink Rs. 2,960 crore
for the CISF to enhance its capacity and Contract for MRSAM
manage increasing security demands.  On January 16, 2025, the Ministry of
 The two newly sanctioned battalions will Defence (MoD) signed a Rs. 2,960 crore
consist of 1,025 personnel, bringing the total contract with Hyderabad (Telangana) based
number of CISF battalions from 13 to 15 and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for the
creating 2,050 new posts. supply of Medium-Range Surface-to-Air

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Missiles (MRSAM) t for the Indian Navy (IN) manufacture sonobuoys of the US Navy
in New Delhi(Delhi). standard for the Indian Navy (IN).
 The contract was signed by MoD and BDL  This collaboration was announced by USA
officials in the presence of Rajesh Kumar National Security Advisor(NSA) Jake
Singh, Defence Secretary, MoD. Sullivan during his visit to India from
L&T Launches Second Multi- January 5 to 6, 2025.
Purpose Vessel ‘INS Utkarsh’ for IN Vandana Agrawal Launches 2 FPVs
 In January, 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra)- GSL YARD – Amulya & Akshay for
based Larsen & Toubro Limited(L&T) has ICG
launched the Indian Navy (IN)’s second  On January 5 2025, Vandana Agrawal,
Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV), named ‘Indian Chairperson, International Financial Services
Naval Ship (INS) Utkarsh’, from its shipyard Centres Authority (IFSCA) Committee on
in Kattupalli, near Chennai, Tamil Nadu Ship Acquisition, Financing and Leasing,
(TN). launched 2 Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) built
 This launch follows just three months after by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) YARD –
the launch of the first MPV, INS Samarthak. Amulya (1272) and Akshay (1273) for the
MDL delivers 6th Scorpene Indian Coast Guard (ICG) in Vasco da
Submarine ‘INS Vagsheer’ to Indian Gama, Goa.
Navy  The 2 FPVs are indigenously designed and
 On January 9, 2025, Mazagon Dock constructed by GSL, in line with the
Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) delivered the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
6th and final Scorpene-class submarine, Operation Sard Hawa: BSF
‘Indian Navy Ship (INS) Vaghsheer (S26)’ to Intensifies Vigil on Pakistan Border
the Indian Navy (IN) in Mumbai,  Ahead of Republic Day, the Border Security
Maharashtra, marking the successful Force (BSF) has heightened its vigilance
completion of Project P-75. along the India-Pakistan border at Jaisalmer
 India aims to be fully self-reliant in defence to prevent any potential infiltration attempts.
by 2047, with numerous ships and The BSF has initiated a special operation
submarines under construction in domestic named ‘Operation Sard Hawa’, starting on
shipyards. January 22, aimed at foiling infiltration
BDL Partners with Ultra Maritime efforts by taking advantage of the reduced
to Supply Sonobuoys for Indian visibility caused by the dense winter fog. The
Navy operation will continue until January 29, with
 In January 2025, Hyderabad-based Bharat a focus on strengthening security along the
Dynamics Limited (BDL), an Indian Defence border during this critical period.
Public Sector Undertaking, has partnered  The primary goal of Operation Sard Hawa is
with Ultra Maritime, the United States of to thwart any infiltration attempts, as the
America(USA) based leading global provider dense fog and mist during the winter season
of undersea warfare systems, to supply and create ideal conditions for such attempts.

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AWARDS AND HONOURS

t

Indian short film ‘Anuja’ nominated status :Winner, Runner-Up and Special
for 97th Academy Awards 2025 mention.
 In January 2025, the Indian short film  City Union Bank Limited(CUB) and Bank of
‘Anuja’, received a Maharashtra (BoM) win awards in all seven
nomination in the ‘Best Live categories, while Karnataka Bank
Action Short Film’ category Limited(KBL) secures wins in six categories.
for the 97th Academy ICC Awards 2024: India’s Bumrah,
Awards 2025. Smriti ,and Arshdeep Singh Win ICC
 The film is backed by Indian Men’s Cricketer , Women’s ODI, and
actress Priyanka Chopra and producer Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year
Guneet Monga as executive producer, with
Awards
Hollywood star-writer Mindy Kaling as  The International Cricket Council (ICC)
producer. announced the
 This marks Guneet Monga’s third Oscar winners of the ICC
nomination, after ‘The Elephant Whisperers’ Awards 2024, with
and ‘Period: End of Sentence’, both of which 3 Indian cricketers
won Academy Awards. making their mark
 Written and directed by Adam J. Graves, on the honours list. The ICC Awards 2024
Anuja is about a young girl working in a event took place over five days, from January
Delhi garment factory who must make a life- 24 to 28, 2025, highlighting exceptional
changing choice for her family’s future. performances across various categories.
IBA Technology Awards 2024: CUB  India’s Jasprit Jasbirsingh Bumrah claimed
Wins 7 Awards for 2nd Consecutive the top honor ‘Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy’
Year for Men’s Cricketer of the Year 2024 and the
 In January 2025, the Indian Banks’ ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year 2024
Association (IBA) presented the technology respectively.
awards in seven categories to honor top  Smriti Mandhana(India) was named the
technology providers in the banking industry Women’s One Day International (ODI)
at the 20th Annual Banking Technology Cricketer of the Year 2024.
Conference, Expo, & Citations, 2024 held in  Arshdeep Singh Aulakh(India) bagged ICC
Mumbai, Maharashtra. Men’s Twenty20 International (T20I)
 The conference was organized by Indian Cricketer of the Year 2024.
Banks Association (IBA) and awards  Amelia Kerr Charlotte(New Zealand)
presented by RBI Deputy Governor T. Rabi claimed the top honor “Rachael Heyhoe Flint
Sankar. Trophy” ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year
 The awards are presented across 7 categories 2024 for her outstanding performances
of Banks in 7 citation categories. Each award throughout 2024.
was presented to various Banks under three
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 Richard Keith Illingworth(England)

t received  Chal Beach also secured the Blue Flag
David Shepherd Trophy’ for ICC Umpire of certification, contributing to Kerala’s rising
the Year 2024. profile as a sustainable tourism destination.
Singapore Confers Honorary Citizen  India is now the 4th country in Asia after
Award on former CII head Mr Tarun South Korea, Japan and the United Arab
Das Emirates (UAE) with ‘blue flag beaches’. As
 Singapore has awarded Tarun Das, former of November 2024, India has 12 Blue Flag
Director General of the Confederation of beaches.
Indian Industry (CII), the Honorary Citizen Mumbai’s CSMIA becomes India’s
Award for his outstanding contributions to 1st Airport to Receive Level 5
Singapore and Singapore-India relations. Accreditation from ACI
 The award was presented by Singapore  In January 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra)-
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at a based Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
ceremony held in New Delhi on 15th January International Airport (CSMIA) which is
2025. operated by Adani Airports Holding Limited
 Tarun Das is the second Indian to receive (AAHL), a subsidiary of Adani Group, has
Singapore’s honorary citizenship after late become India’s 1st and world’s 3rd airport to
Ratan Tata, former chairman of the Tata receive the prestigious Level 5 Accreditation
Group who was conferred the same award in which is the highest distinction awarded from
2008. the Airports Council International (ACI) for
Kerala’s Kappad and Chal Beaches exemplary customer experience standards.
Earn ‘Blue Flag’ Certification INCOIS Honored with Subhash
 On January 10 2025, Kerala’s renowned Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan
Kappad beach in Kozhikode and Chal beach Puraskar-2025
in Kannur respectively received the coveted  The Indian National Centre for Ocean
‘Blue Flag certification’ from the Denmark Information Services (INCOIS) in
based non-profit organization ‘Foundation Hyderabad has been selected for the Subhash
for Environmental Education’ (FEE). Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar-
 This certification is awarded to beaches and 2025 in the Institutional Category,
marinas that meet 33 criteria, focusing on recognizing its exceptional contributions to
environmental education, water quality, disaster management.
safety, services, and waste management.  The award is announced annually on January
 Kappad Beach has earned the Blue Flag 23, the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash
certification for the 4th consecutive year. The Chandra Bose, and includes a cash prize and
beach underwent upgrades in 2020, including certificate.
the installation of solar-powered lights, bio- 82nd Golden Globes Awards 2025
toilets, and disabled-friendly pathways, to  The 82nd edition of Golden Globes Award
meet the stringent criteria required for 2025 was held on 5th January, 2025 at the
certification. Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California,
United States of America (USA). The

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Golden Globes Awards

t are held annually and Saldana), Best Non-English Feature, and
are presented by Hollywood Foreign Press Best Original Song.
Association (HFPA).  The Brutalist (A24 film) followed closely
 The 2025 award recognizes excellence in with 7 nominations & won 3 awards
film both American and International and including Best Actor (Adrien Brody), Best
American Television (TV) 2024. Director (Brady Corbet) and Best Movie
 American comedian and actress Nikki Glaser (Drama).
made history at the 2025 award ceremony as  Shogun swept all 4 of its categories, winning
the 1st woman to solo-host the event. Best Series, Best Actor, Best Supporting
Nominations of 82nd Golden Globes Award Actor & Best Supporting Actress.
 The nominations of the 82nd Golden Globes Urbasi Sinha Wins Gates-Cambridge
Awards under 27 categories were announced Impact Prize 2025
by American comedian & actress, Mindy  Professor Urbasi Sinha, a distinguished
Kaling and American actor, Morris Chestnut. faculty member in the Light and Matter
 The event marked the 1st time, the Physics theme at the Raman Research
organization hosted a special ceremony for Institute (RRI), has been awarded the
the recipients of its 2 historic honours of prestigious Gates-Cambridge Impact Prize
Golden Globes 2025: ‘the Cecil B DeMille 2025 by the Bill & Melinda Gates
Award’ & ‘the Carol Burnett Award’ . Foundation at Cambridge, UK.
 American actor & 3-time Golden Globes Gallantry Awards 2025
winner Ted Danson received the 1st ever  On the eve of Republic Day 2025, President
‘Carol Burnett Award 2025’ for his role in Droupadi Murmu approved gallantry awards
Netflix’s ‘A Man on the Inside’. for 93 personnel from the Armed Forces and
 American actress & film producer Viola Central Armed Police Forces. These awards
Davis was presented with the ‘Cecil B. recognize their extraordinary bravery and
DeMille Award 2025’ for her powerful selfless service to the nation. The honours
performances in ‘Fences’ & ‘The Woman include 2 Kirti Chakras, 14 Shaurya Chakras,
King.’ 1 Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry), 66 Sena
 The film ‘All We Imagine As Light’ directed Medals, 2 Nao Sena Medals, and 8 Vayu
by Indian filmmaker Payal Kapadia featured Sena Medals. Among these, several awards
in double nominations for the categories: have been conferred posthumously, reflecting
Best Motion Picture (Non-English Language) the ultimate sacrifice made by the recipients.
and the Best Director (Motion Picture). Kirti Chakra
 Emilia Perez (French musical crime Na Unit/
comedy) led with 10 nominations, including Award Rank Branch
me Regiment
Best Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy), Kirti Major
Major 22 RR Army
Best Director (Jacques Audiard) & Best Chakra Manjit
Actress (Karla Sofia Gascon). Naik
Kirti Naik ARTY,
 The film won 4 awards, including Best Chakra
Dilwar
(Posthumous) 28 RR
Army
Picture, Best Supporting Actress (Zoe Khan

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SPORTS
t

Australia Wins ICC Women’s  The logo highlights the championship’s core
Championship Trophy for the 3rd values of empowerment and equality.
time  The mascot is an elephant, representing
 Australia won International Cricket Council strength and determination.
(ICC) Women’s Championship trophy 2022-  The mascot, an elephant, symbolizes
2025. Australia secured the championship for resilience, reflecting the unwavering spirit of
the third consecutive time. para-athletes.
 This was the 3rd edition of the ICC Women’s  The 23rd National Para Athletics
Championship. Championship 2025 is set to take place from
 Each Team has to play 3 One Day February 17 to 20, 2025, at Jawaharlal Nehru
International (ODI) matches against all other Stadium in Chennai, with over 1,700 para-
teams. At the end of the cycle, Team which athletes from across the country.
secured top position will be awarded. Odisha Warriors win 1st ever
 Captain Alyssa Healy (Australia) received Inaugural Women’s Hockey India
the trophy in Melbourne, Australia on behalf League Title 2025
of the ICC by Cricket Australia Chair and  In January 2025, Odisha Warriors won the
ICC Director Mike Baird. 1st ever ‘Inaugural Women’s Hockey India
 iAustralia finished the 3rd edition series with League Title 2025’ by defeating JSW
the highest total of 39 points (17 wins, three ((Jindal South West) Soorma Hockey Club of
no-results, three losses) in 24 matches. Punjab and Haryana.
 India secured 2nd position with 37 points in  The ‘Odisha Warriors’ secured 2-1 in the
the table. final tournament held at Marang Gomke
 Top 6 team from the points table will be Jaipal Singh Munda AstroTurf Hockey
directly qualified for the 2025 Women’s Stadium in Ranchi, Jharkhand.
Cricket World Cup hosted by India. Australia  Rutuja Dadaso Pisal was the Star player of
(39), India (37), England (32), South Africa the show for the ‘Odisha Warriors’ as she
(25), Sri Lanka (22) and New Zealand (21) scored both the goals for her side in the 20th
are the direct entrants. and 56th minute.
23rd National Para Athletics  She gave the ‘Odisha Warriors’ the lead in
Championship : Official Logo and the 2nd quarter but Penny Squibb (28′)
Mascot Launched in TN equalised for JSW Soorma Hockey Club.
 In January 2025, The official logo and  Best Goalkeeper – Savita Punia (JSW
mascot of the 23rd National Para Athletics Soorma Hockey Club)
Championship 2025 were unveiled in an  Player of the Tournament – Jyoti Rumavat
event in Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN). (JSW Soorma Hockey Club)
 The logo includes elements that symbolize  Top Scorers of the Tournament – Yibbi
the dynamic nature of para athletics and the Jansen (Odisha Warriors) and Charlotte
inclusive spirit of the event. Englebert (JSW Soorma Hockey Club)

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 Upcoming Player tof the Tournament: Sonam  Italy’s Sinner is the 11th man in the Open
(JSW Soorma Hockey Club) Era to retain the title in Melbourne.
Indian Athlete Jyothi Yarraji Sets  He has become Italy’s first three-time men’s
National Record in 60m Hurdles Grand Slam singles champion surpassing
 In January 2025, Jyothi Yarraji, Indian track Nicola Pietrangeli who won 2 consecutive
and field athlete from Visakhapatnam, men’s titles at Roland Garros in 1959-60.
Andhra Pradesh (AP) clinched the Gold  Women’s Singles:Madison Keys (USA)
medal in the women’s 60 meter(m) hurdles secured her first-ever Grand Slam title after
held at the Elite Indoor Meeting in Nantes, defeating defending champion Aryna
France. Sabalenka (Belarus) in the finals.
 Jyothi Yarraji, broke her own National  This was her first Grand Slam final since the
Record twice in one day and clocked 8.07 2017 US Open.
seconds in the heats and 8.04 seconds in the  At 29, she has become the fourth-oldest
final, setting a new National Record for player to win her first Grand Slam title.
India.  Men’s Doubles: Harri Heliovaara (Finland)
 Her previous record was 8.12 seconds, set at and Henry Patten (Britain) have won their
the 2024 Asian Indoor Championships in 2nd major title at the Australian Open after
Tehran (Iran) where she also won Gold defeating Italian pair Simone Bolelli and
medal in the 60m hurdle. Andrea Vavassori in the finals.
Australian Open 2025: Jannik  Heliovaara and Patten won the Wimbledon
Sinner & Madison Keys Win Men’s title 2024 which was their first major event
as a team.
and Women’s Singles Title
 Jannik Sinner of Italy won the Men’s Singles  Women’s Doubles: Katerina Siniakova
title while Madison (Czech Republic) and Taylor Townsend
Keys of United States (USA) defeated Jelena Ostapenko (Latvia)
of America (USA) and Hsieh Su-wei (Taiwan) to the women’s
won the Women’s doubles titles on the finals.
Singles title at the  This was their 2nd Grand Slam title as a team
Australian Open after their Wimbledon title win in 2024.
(AO) 2025 held at  Mixed Doubles:Australian pair Olivia
Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia. Gadecki and John Peers defeated their
 This was the 113th edition of the Australian compatriots John-Patrick Smith and
Open, the 57th in the Open Era, and the first Kimberly Birrell to win the mixed doubles
major of 2025 and was held from 12th final.
January to 26th January 2025. Australian Deaf tennis championship
Australian Open 2025 Winners  India’s Prithvi Sekhar won the men’s
 Men’s Singles: World No. 1 Jannik Sinner singles title by defeating France’s Olivier
(Italy) won his 2nd consecutive Australian Grave at the Australian Open Deaf
Open title after defeating World No. 2 Championships 2025 in Melbourne.
Alexander Zverev (Germany).  This is his 2nd consecutive title after winning
it in 2024.
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 He has also won men’s

t singles world title at Trophy(VHT) held at the Kotambi Stadium
the 2019 World Deaf Tennis Championships. in Vadodara, Gujarat.
Indian GM Iniyan Panneerselvam  Karnataka was captained by Mayank Anurag
wins 9th Johor International Chess Agarwal while Vidarbha was captained by
title Karun Kaladharan Nair.
 In January 2025, 22-year-old Grandmaster  The 23rd edition of Vijay Hazare Trophy was
(GM) Iniyan Panneerselvam from Erode, held, from 21st December 2024 to 18th
Tamil Nadu (TN), won the 9th Johor January 2025, with 38 teams competing in
International Open Chess Tournament, 135 matches.
organized by the Johor Chess Association,  Karnataka has won their previous 4 titles in
held at Fairview International School in 2013-14, 2014-15, 2017-18 and 2019-20.
Johor Bahru, Malaysia. He defeated About Vijay Hazare Trophy
Vietnamese GM Nguyen Van Huy in the  It is the annual One day domestic tournament
final round. organised by the Board of Control for
 Indian International Master (IM) V.S. Raahul Cricket in India (BCCI).
and Chinese IM Li Bo secured second and  It is a domestic 50-over tournament which
third places, respectively. was established as a national tournament as
Mumbai Marathon 2025: Berhane the Ranji One Day Trophy in the 2002-03
season from its previous zonal format.
Tesfay & Joyce Chepkemoi Tele
 The tournament was renamed as Vijay
Win Men’s & Women’s Elite Race
Hazare Trophy in the 2007-08 edition, named
 In January 2025, Eritrea’s Berhane Tesfay
after Indian batsman Vijay Samuel Hazare.
and Kenya’s Joyce Chepkemoi Tele won the
men’s and women’s elite races, respectively, 22nd India Open 2025: Viktor
at the TATA Mumbai Marathon 2025 held in Axelsen, An Se-Young secure men’s
Mumbai,Maharashtra. and women’s singles titles
 It is the 20th edition of the Mumbai  Paris Olympic gold medalists Viktor Axelsen
Marathon, which is a World Athletics Gold of Denmark and
Label Road Race event,organized by Procam South Korea’s An
International Private Limited. It was also a Se Young won
qualifier for the World Athletics the Men’s and
Championships in Tokyo(Japan) in Women’s Singles
September 2025. titles in the finals of 22nd India Open Super
Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25: 750 badminton tournament 2025 held on
19th January 2025 at the KD Jadhav Indoor
Karnataka defeats Vidarbha to win
Hall in New Delhi, Delhi.
record 5th time
 Axelsen defeated Hong Kong’s Lee Cheuk
 In January 2025, Karnataka Cricket Team
Yiu in the Men’s Singles final while An Se
secured their 5th title after defeating
Young defeated Thailand’s Pornpawee
Vidarbha Cricket Team by 36 runs in the
Chochuwong in the women’s singles final.
finals of 2024-25 edition of Vijay Hazare

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 The India Opent Super 750 badminton wins defeating Sri Lanka in the quarter-finals
tournament 2025 was held from 14th January and South Africa in the semi-finals.
to 19th January 2025.  The Indian women’s Kho Kho team also
 The total prize money for the India Open remained undefeated in the tournament. They
2025 was USD 950,000. won their three Group A matches and then
 Malaysia’s Goh Sze Fei and Nur defeated Bangladesh and South Africa in the
Izzuddindefeated South Korea’s Kim Won quarter-finals and semi-finals, respectively.
Ho and Seo Seung Jae in the Men’s doubles  The mascots, ‘Tejas’ and ‘Tara’, are
 In the Women’s doubles category, Japan’s dynamic gazelles that represent the spirit of
Arisa Igarashi and Ayako Sakuramoto the tournament.
defeated South Korea’s Kim Hye Jang and Jannik Sinner and Iga Natalia
Kong Hee Young in the finals to win the Świątek Crowned ITF World
title. Champions 2024
 China’s Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin won  On January 21, 2025, the International
in the mixed doubles category after defeating Tennis Federation (ITF) announced Jannik
France’s Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue Sinner (Italy) as ‘Men’s ITF World
in the finals. Champion 2024’ and Iga Natalia Świątek
About India Open (Poland) as ‘Women’s ITF World Champion
 The India Open, officially known as the 2024’, for their exceptional performances
Yonex Sunrise India Open is an annual across major tournaments, including Grand
badminton event which has been held in Slams tournaments, the Davis Cup, Billie
India since 2008. Jean King Cup, the Olympic Games and
Kho Kho World Cup 2025: India other premier events.
wins both men’s and women’s team  With this, Jannik Sinner became the first
events Italian player to receive this award.
 The Indian men’s and women’s teams won  Iga Natalia Świątek was awarded the ITF
the Kho Kho World Cup 2025 titles in their honor for the second time, after 2022.
respective finals of the 1st edition of the Kho Winners of ITF World Champion Awards 2024
Kho World Cup 2025 held from January 13
Category Player
to 19, 2025 at the Indira Gandhi Indoor
Stadium in New Delhi, Delhi.
Men’s Singles
 The Indian men’s Kho Kho team beat Nepal Champion
Jannik Sinner (Italy)
by 54-36 while the women’s team defeated
the Nepalese team by 78-40 in the finals. Women’s Singles
Iga Natalia Świątek (Poland)
Champion
 The Indian men’s team was captained by
Pratik Waikar while the Women’s team was Marcelo Arévalo González
Men’s Doubles
captained by Priyanka Ingle. Champions
(El Salvador) & Mate Pavic
 India men’s team remained unbeaten (Croatia)

throughout the Kho Kho tournament. The Women’s Doubles Sara Errani & Jasmine
team topped the Group A standings with four Champions Paolini (Italy)

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Spanish Super tCup: FC Barcelona  Prabhtej Singh Bhatia, cricket administrator

defeats Real Madrid to win 15th from Chhattisgarh, was also elected as the
title Treasurer of BCCI, succeeding Ashish Shelar
 In January 2025, Futbol Club(FC) Barcelona, who was elected as a Member of the
defeated Real Madrid by 5-2 to win the 41st Legislative Assembly(MLA) in Maharashtra.
edition of Spanish Super Cup (also known as Bangladesh Batsman Tamim Iqbal
Supercopa de España) Clasico final held at Khan Retires from International
the King Abdullah Sports City stadium in Cricket
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.  On January, 10, 2025, a 35-year-old
 The tournament was held from 8th January to Bangladesh left-handed batsman Tamim
12th January 2025. Iqbal Khan announced his retirement from all
 Barcelona has won the Spanish Cup for the forms of International Cricket.This marks his
15th time after this win which is two more second departure from the game; he initially
than Real Madrid (13). retired in July 2023 but reversed the decision
 The Supercopa de Espana 2025 has a prize within 24 hours after intervention by
money pool of USD 20.7 million. Bangladesh’s – Prime Minister (PM), Sheikh
Bihar Sports University Gains UGC Hasina.
Recognition, Set to Offer Academic New Zealand Cricketer Martin
Courses in Sports and Physical Guptill Retires from International
Education Cricket
 On January 11, 2025, Bihar Sports  On 9th January 2025, New Zealand cricketer
University, located in Rajgir(Bihar), was 38-year-old Martin Guptill announced his
recognized by the University Grants retirement from international cricket. He
Commission(UGC) under Section 2(f) of the played 367 games
UGC Act, 1956, enabling it to offer academic for New Zealand in
courses in physical education and sports total and scored
sciences, including undergraduate programs, 13,463 runs in his
diplomas, and Post Graduate (PG) diplomas. 14-year international career.
 Retired IAS officer Shishir Sinha has been  i.He played 198 One Day Internationals
appointed by the Bihar government as the (ODIs), 122 Twenty20 Internationals
first Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the university. (T20Is), 47 Tests and scored 23 centuries
Devajit Saikia Elected as Secretary across the three formats and breaking
of BCCI numerous white-ball batting records.
 On 12 January 2025, Devajit Saikia, an  He became the first New Zealand cricketer to
advocate and a former wicket-keeper score an ODI double-century achieving an
batsman from Assam, was announced as the unbeaten 237 in the International Cricket
new Secretary of the Board of Control for Council (ICC) Cricket World Cup 2015
Cricket in India (BCCI), succeeding Jay quarter-final against the West Indies at
Shah who took over the role of ICC Wellington Stadium, New Zealand.
Chairman in December 2024.

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Anju Bobby t George chaired Australia won the final test in Sydney by 6
Athletes Commission wickets.
 On 8 January 2025, Long-jump great Anju  India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwinhad
Bobby George was named Chairperson of the announced his retirement from international
Athletics Federation of India (AFI)’s cricket in which he secured a total of 765
Athletes Commission. Two-time Olympic wickets for India across the formats.
medallist and javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra  Virat Kohli scored his 7th test century in the
is one of the members in the Athletes Perth Test surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s
Commission.This commission features tally of 6 Test centuries in Australia.
India’s nine-athletes with six women athletes Manush Shah, Diya Chitale Crowned
and three men athletes. National Table Tennis Champions
 The Athletes Commission seeks to represent  The 2025 Senior National Table Tennis
the viewpoints and interests of athletes Championships concluded on January 26 at
within the Athletics Federation of India’s the Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay Indoor
governing bodies. Stadium in Surat, witnessing thrilling
 The tenure of the Athletes Commission is performances. Manush Shah and Diya
four years; the current members are Chitale claimed the men’s and women’s
committed to the 2025–2029 cycle. singles titles, respectively.
Australia beats India 3-1 to win  Manush Shah defeated Payas Jain with a 4-1
Border-Gavaskar Trophy after 10 scoreline in the final.Diya Chitale defeated
years two-time national champion Sreeja Akula in
 Australia beats India 3-1 in 5 match test a hard-fought 4-3 battle in the final
series to win Border-Gavaskar Trophy after Ladakh Tops Khelo India Winter
10 years and final test of the Series was held Games 2025; Army Retains Ice
on 5th January 2025 at the Sydney Cricket Hockey Title
Ground in Sydney, Australia.  The first phase of the Khelo India Winter
 The Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 was Games (KIWG) 2025 concluded with Ladakh
scheduled from 22nd November 2024 to 7th emerging as the top performer. Hosted in
January 2025 in Australia. Leh, the capital of Ladakh, the games
 This marks the first time Australia had won featured exciting competitions, including a
the series over India in the last 10 years since thrilling men’s ice hockey final where the
they won at home in 2014-15. Indian Army successfully defended its title.
 India has won four consecutive series (2016-  Ladakh topped the medal tally with seven
17, 2018-19,2020-21 and 2022-23) including medals, including four golds. The state’s
two in Australia. athletes shone in events like mixed relay and
 India won the 1st match series at Perth by women’s ice hockey.
295 runs but Australia won the 2nd one in  The Army retained its ice hockey crown by
Adelaide, by 10 wickets.The 3rd match defeating ITBP 2-1 in a thrilling final. The
ended in draw in Brisbane but Australia won match had intense moments, with goals
the 4th test in Melbourne by 184 runs and coming in the final period.

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OBITUARIES
t

World Oldest Living Olympic Gold Former El Salvador President

Medalist in Athletics, Greg Bell, Mauricio Funes Passed Away
Passes Away  In January 2025, Former El Salvador
 In January 2025, Gregory Curtis Bell (Greg President Carlos Mauricio Funes Cartagena
Bell), the American long jump legend and passed away at the age of 65 in Managua,
the world’s oldest living Olympic gold Nicaragua. He was born on 18 October 1959
medalist in athletics, passed away at the age in San Salvador, El Salvador.
of 94 in Indiana, the United States of  He served as the President of El Salvador
America (USA). He was born on November from 2009 to 2014.
7, 1930, in Indiana.
Ballon d’Or Winner Denis Law
 Greg Bell was the world’s leading men’s
Passed Away
long jumper during the 1950s.In 1956
 In January 2025, Manchester United legend
Melbourne Olympics, Greg Bell won the
and Ballon d’Or winner Denis Law, passed
gold medal in the long jump.
away at the age of 84 in Aberdeen, Scotland.
Renowned Cardiac Surgeon & He was born on 24 February 1940 in
Padma Shri Awardee Dr. K. M. Aberdeen.He is the only Scottish player to
Cherian passed away win both the Ballon d’Or and the European
 On January 25 2025, a renowned Cardiac Player of the Year awards in 1964.
Surgeon and Padma Shri Dr. K. Ramchand, Founder &
Awardee, Dr Kotturathu
Director of CABS passed away
Mammen Cherian, who  In January 2025, Wing Commander Dr. K.
performed India’s 1st Ramchand (Retd), the founder and director of
coronary artery bypass the Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS),
surgery passed away at the age of 82 in under Defence Research and Development
Bengaluru, Karnataka. He was born on 8 Organisation (DRDO) lab in Bengaluru,
March 1942 in the Kingdom of Travancore Karnataka, passed away at the age of 82 in
(now Travancore-Cochin), Kerala. Bengaluru, Karnataka.
 In 1975, Dr. K.M. Cherian performed India’s  i.He led the team at the DRDO for the
1st successful coronary artery bypass graft indigenous design and development of the
(CABG) surgery, at Southern Railway Airborne Early Warning and Control
Headquarters hospital, Perambur, (AEW&C) aircraft.
Chennai(Tamil Nadu, TN).
Veteran Soldier Havaldar Baldev
 In 2010, he became the 1st Indian to be
Singh Passed Away
designated as President of the World Society
 In January 2025, Veteran soldier (retired)
of Cardio Thoracic Surgeons(WSCTS).
Havaldar Baldev Singh, who fought four
 In 1991, he was honored with the ‘Padma
wars against Pakistan, passed away at the age
Shri’, India’s 4th highest civilian award for
of 93 in Rajouri district, Jammu and Kashmir
his exceptional work in the medical field.

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(J&K). He was born t on 27th September 1931 Former Greek Prime Minister
in Naunihal village, Nowshera, J&K. Costas Simitis passed away
 Singh had volunteered at age 16 to join Bal  Former Greek Prime Minister (PM) Costas
Sena Force under the leadership of Brigadier Simitis, a law professor and a reformist, has
Usman, Commander of the 50 Para Brigade, passed away at the age of 88 in Corinth,
during the battle of Nowshera and Jhangar in Greece. He was born on 23rd June 1936 in
1947-48. Piraeus, Greece.
 In 1950, he joined the Indian Army, where he  He served as the PM of Greece for eight
served for nearly three decades. He served years from 1996 to 2004.
during several battles, notably the India-  He was credited as the architect of Greece’s
Pakistan conflicts in 1961, 1962, and 1965. joining the common European currency, the
 He retired from service in 1969, but he was euro.
recalled during the India-Pakistan war in Renowned Kannada Novelist and
1971 and served for another eight months. Writer Na D’Souza Passed Away at
Renowned playback singer P 87
Jayachandran passed away  On January 05 2025, Prominent Kannada
 On January 9 2025, Renowned playback Novelist and writer Norbert D’Souza,
singer P Jayachandran, affectionately called popularly known as Dr. Na D’Souza, passed
as ‘Bhava Gayakan‘ passed away at the age away at the age of 87 in Mangalore,
of 80 in Thrissur (Kerala). He was born on Karnataka. He was born in Sagar, Karnataka
March 3 1944, in Ernakulam. on June 6, 1937.
 PJayachandran was an acclaimed playback  He was known for his inspiring works on
singer, known for his versatility in singing in social justice, human rights, and human
Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, and relationships and was one of those early
Hindi. Kannada writers who created awareness on
 He received the ‘National Film Award’ for environment and climate change
Best Male Playback Singer (1986) for his Veteran nuclear scientist and
outstanding contribution to Indian cinema .
Padma Awardee Rajagopala
Renowned Writer-filmmaker and Chidambaram Passed away
Padma Shri Awardee Pritish Nandy  On January 04 2025, Dr. Rajagopala
passed away Chidambaram, a profound nuclear scientist
 On January 8 2025, Renowned Writer- who played an important role in advancing
filmmaker and Padma Shri Awardee Pritish India’s nuclear capabilities, passed away at
Nandy passed away at the age of 73 in the age of 88 in Mumbai, Maharashtra. He
Mumbai (Maharashtra). He was born on 15 was born on November 11, 1936 in Chennai,
January 1951 in Bhagalpur, Bihar. Tamil Nadu(TN).
 In 1997, he received the ‘Padma Shri’ India’s  He was honoured with the Padma Shri in
4th highest civilian award at the age of 26 for 1975 and the Padma Vibhushan in 1999 for
his exceptional contributions to Indian his contributions in the field of Science &
literature. Technology.

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APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

t

Ahmed al-Sharaa Appointed as consecutive five-year term. He received

Interim President of Syria 86.8% of the vote in the presidential election.
 In January 2025, an Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-  The Republic of Belarus was formed in 1991
Sham (HTS) leader Ahmed shortly after declaring itself independent of
al-Sharaa was appointed the Soviet Union. In 1994, Alexander
interim president of Syria Lukashenko was elected as the first president
after the ‘The Conference for of Belarus. As of January 2025, he is the
Announcing the Victory of only person to have served as President of
the Syrian Revolution’ event in Damascus, Belarus.
Syria.  The capital of Belarus is Minsk and its
 He succeeds former Syrian Ba’ath Party currency is the Belarusian Ruble(BYN).
leader Bashar al-Assad whose government Roman Alexandrovich Golovchenko is the
fell on December 8, 2024, ending his nearly Prime Minister(PM) of Belarus.
14-year struggle to retain power. IDBI Bank Re-appoints Rakesh
 Syria’s old constitution and parliament had Sharma as MD & CEO for 3 years
been dissolved and Ahmed al-Sharaa was  In January 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra)
authorised to form a temporary legislative based IDBI Bank Limited has reppointed
council for the transitional phase. Rakesh Sharma as Managing Director (MD)
 Syria Capital – Damascus and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the
 Currency – Syrian Pound(SYP) bank for three years with effect from March
Serbian Prime Minister Milos 19 2025.
Vucevic Resigns  The decision, approved by the Board of
 On January 28, 2025, Serbia’s Prime Directors after receiving approval from the
Minister (PM) Milos Vucevic resigned from Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
the position of PM along with Novi Sad ICC Chairman Jay Shah Elected as
Mayor Milan Djuric following weeks of anti-
New Member of Marylebone Cricket
corruption protests sparked by the deadly
Club
collapse of a concrete canopy at the Novi Sad
 In January 2025, Jay Shah, chairman of
railway station, Serbia in November 2024,
International Cricket Council (ICC) was
which killed 15 people.
elected as the board member of the London
 He assumed the role of Serbia’s Prime (the United Kingdom, UK)-based
Minister in May 2024.
Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) advisory
Alexander Lukashenko Wins 7th board. Jay Shah is among the 13 founding
Consecutive Term as President of members of the newly formed advisory board
Belarus of World Cricket Connects (WCC), which
 In January 2025, Alexander Lukashenko was will be chaired by former Sri Lanka skipper
re-elected as president of Belarus for the 7th and MCC president Kumar Sangakkara.

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Micheal Martin t elected as PM of  He succeeded Zulfiqar Hasan, who retired on

Ireland 31 October 2024.
 On 23 January 2025, Micheal Martin, leader Donald Trump Sworn in as 47th
of the Fianna Fail party, was elected as the President of the USA, JD Vance
Prime Minister (PM) of Ireland for a second Takes Office as Vice President
term. He received 95 votes out of 171 votes  On January 20, 2025, Donald John Trump
in the parliament. He will serve as the PM of took the oath of office as the 47th President
Ireland until November 2027. He succeeds of the United States
Simon Harris of America ( USA)
 He previously served as PM of Ireland from at Capitol Hill,
2020 to 2022. Washington, D.C.,
 Ireland President – Michael Daniel Higgins USA. This marked
 Capital – Dublin the beginning of his second term in office.
 Currency – Euro(EUR) He succeeded Joe Biden after securing
Janet E. Petro, 1st Woman victory in the November 2024 election.
appointed as 15th Acting  James David (JD) Vance sworn in as the 50th
Administrator of NASA Vice President of the United States,
 On January 20 2025, Janet E. Petro was succeeding Kamala Harris.
appointed as the 15th Acting Administrator  On behalf of Government of India External
of National Aeronautics Affairs Minister S Jaishankar attended
Space Administration Donald Trump’s grand inauguration
(NASA) by the ceremony.
President of the United Policy Agenda for Trump's Second Term
States of America (USA) Donald John  Key actions during President Trump’s
Trump. She became the 1st woman to lead second term include issuing nearly 1,600
NASA since its founding in 1958 and pardons for those involved in the 2021 USA
replaced the 14th NASA administrator, Bill Capitol riots, withdrawing the USA from
Nelson. the Paris Climate Agreement and the
 Currently, she also serves as the 11th World Health Organization (WHO), and
Director of NASA’s John F. Kennedy Space ending birthright citizenship for children of
Center (KSC, originally known as the NASA undocumented immigrants and temporary
Launch Operations Center) in Florida, USA, visa holders.
and was the 1st woman to hold this position.  Additionally, he proposed a 100% tariff on
Amrit Mohan Prasad to Hold goods from BRICS ( Brazil, Russia, India,
Additional Charge as BCAS DG China, South Africa) countries, which could
 On 22 January 2025, Amrit Mohan Prasad, significantly impact India, and a 25% tariff
the Director General (DG) of Sashastra on imports from Canada and Mexico starting
Seema Bal (SSB), was given the additional February 1.
charge of DG of the Bureau of Civil Aviation  He also declared a national emergency at the
Security (BCAS) for six months. southern border with Mexico and reversed 78

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executive orders issued

t by former President ACC Approves Ashok Chandra as
Joe Biden. PNB MD & CEO, Binod Kumar as
 He imposed travel bans on certain countries Indian Bank MD & CEO
and repealed several executive orders that  The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet
supported diversity initiatives and aimed to (ACC) has approved the appointment of
promote equality for the Lesbian, Gay, Ashok Chandra as the Managing Director
Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of
community. Punjab National Bank (PNB) and Binod
Gyanendra Pratap Singh Appointed Kumar as the MD and CEO of Indian Bank
as DG of CRPF (IB). .
 In January 2025, Gyanendra Pratap Singh  Both appointments are for a tenure of three
was appointed Director General (DG) of the years, effective from the date they assume
Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF),India’s charge, or until further orders. Binod Kumar
largest paramilitary force, with the approval tenure may be extended by an additional two
of the Appointments Committee of the years after a performance review.
Cabinet (ACC). He will serve as the CRPF  Ashok Chandra succeeds Atul Kumar Goel,
chief until further orders or until his who retired on December 31, 2024.Binod
superannuation on November 30, 2027. Kumar takes over from Shanti Lal Jain, who
 He will take charge from Special DG of the also retired on December 31, 2024.
CRPF Vitul Kumar who has been holding RBI Assigns Deputy Governor M
officiating charge of the force after the Rajeshwar Rao to head monetary
retirement of Anish Dayal Singh on policy
December 31, 2024.  The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has
Nawaf Abdallah Salim Salam redesigned portfolios of its deputy governors
appointed as 53rd PM of Lebanon as the 5-year term with two one-year
 In January 2025, Nawaf Abdallah Salim extended tenure of Dr. Michael Debabrata
Salam was appointed as the Patra ended on 14th January 2025.
53rd Prime Minister (PM) of  The central bank has reshuffled its 33
Lebanon. He was selected by departments among the three deputy
the parliament by securing 78 governors -Rajeshwar Rao, T Rabi Sankar
votes out of 128 Members of and Swaminathan Janakiraman.
the Parliament (MPs) and will replace  The key Monetary Policy department under
incumbent PM Najib Azmi Mikati. Michael Debabrata Patra was given to
 Currently, he is serving as the President at Deputy Governor M Rajeshwar Rao.
the International Court of Justice (ICJ), The Justin Trudeau Steps down as PM
Hague, Netherlands. of Canada
 In February 2024, he was elected as the 27th  In January 2025, Canadian Prime Minister
President of the ICJ, becoming the 2nd Arab (PM) Justin Trudeau announced his
and 1st Lebanese to hold the esteemed resignation to step down as Canada’s PM and
position. as leader of the Liberal Party after facing a

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stiff internal revolt.

t He leaves the office once Naim Aoun whose term ended in October
a new ruling party leader is elected. 2022.
 Canada’s parliament will be suspended until  He is the fifth army commander to become
24 March 2025 when a new leader is chosen. president in Lebanon’s history. Currently, he
 Justin Trudeau, is the leader of the Liberal is serving as the Commander of Lebanese
Party for 11 years and served as PM for 9 Armed Forces (LAF).
years.He was sworn in as 23rd PM on V Narayanan appointed as 11th
November 4, 2015 and he successfully led Chairman of ISRO
the party to re-election in 2019, and again in  On January 07 2025, the Government of
2021, securing a third term. India (GoI) appointed V Narayanan as the
Zoran Milanović re-elected as 11th chairman of the Indian Space Research
President of Croatia for 2nd Organisation(ISRO) and Secretary of the
consecutive term Department of Space(DoS). His tenure starts
 On January 13 2025, Zoran Milanović, on January 14, 2025, for a period of 2 years
political leader of the Social Democratic by replacing incumbent Sreedhara Panicker
Party (SDP), was re-elected as the 5th Somanath.
President of Croatia for the 2nd consecutive MoF Appoints C S Setty, Uday Kotak as
term. Governing Council Members of NIIFTL
 He won the presidential election by securing  In January 2025, the Ministry of Finance
74% of the votes, defeating Dragan (MoF) appointed Challa Sreenivasalu Setty,
Primorac, a candidate from the ruling party Chairman of State Bank of India (SBI) and
Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ). Uday Kotak, Founder and Director of Kotak
Nicolas Maduro Moros Sworn in as Mahindra Bank Limitedas the governing
President of Venezuela for 3rd council member of the National Investment
and Infrastructure Fund Trustee Limited
consecutive term
 On January 11 2025, Nicolas Maduro Moros (NIIFTL), which provides strategic guidance
was sworn in as the 53rd President of on a number of matters including investment
Venezuela for the 3rd consecutive term. The of the corpus of NIIF.
swearing-in ceremony was held at the  C S Setty replaced Dinesh Khara, former
National Assembly in Caracas, Venezuela. Chairman of SBI, while Uday Kotak
 He will be serving as the President of replaced T V Mohandas Pai, Chairman of
Venezuela for a period of 6 years until 2031. Bangalore (Karnataka) based Aarin Capital.
Joseph Khalil Aoun elected as the Jyoti Sharma Named as CEO of
14th President of Lebanon NASSCOM foundation
 On January 9 2025,General Joseph Khalil  On January 02 2025, Jyoti Sharma was
Aoun was elected as the 14th President of appointed Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of
Lebanon. He won the parliamentary election National Association of Software and
by securing 99 votes out of 128 votes. The Service Companies (NASSCOM) foundation
session was the legislature’s 13th attempt to with immediate effect. Jyoti Sharma will
elect a successor to former President Michel succeed Nidhi Bhasi

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REPORTS, INDICES AND RANKING

t

Dr. Arvind Panagariya Launched Score:25-40) and Aspirational(FHI Score

NITI Aayog’s Inaugural FHI 2025 ; ≤25).
Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Goa Top 3  States in Achiever category: Odisha (rank
Performing States 1st), Chhattisgarh (2nd), Goa (3rd),
 In January 2025, Dr. Arvind Panagariya, Jharkhand (rank 4th with overall score of
Chairman of 16th Finance Commission (FC) 51.6) and Gujarat (rank 5th overall score of
launched the 50.5).
inaugural issue  The report mentioned that these top 5
of National achiever states have higher capital outlay of
Institution for up to 4% of Gross State Domestic Product
Transforming (GSDP), effective mobilization of non-tax
India (NITI) Aayog’s report titled ‘Fiscal revenue, are revenue surplus and have low
Heath Index (FHI) 2025 for the Financial interest payments, which is maximum 7% of
Year 2022-23 (FY23)’ in New Delhi, Delhi. revenue recipients.
 As per the report, Odisha has outperformed  States in Front-runner category:
all other states with cumulative score of 67.8 Maharashtra (50.3); Uttar Pradesh (UP)
out of 100, followed by Chhattisgarh (55.2) (45.9); Telangana (43.6); Madhya Pradesh
and Goa (53.6). (MP) (42.2); and Karnataka (40.8)
 The report mentioned that Odisha,  The report mentioned that front-runner states
Chhattisgarh, Goa and Gujarat have reported high total developmental
consistently been the top-performing states expenditure of up to 73%, saw consistent
across time periods considered in the study. growth in own tax revenue, had balanced
 The report provides a comprehensive fiscal management and improved debt
evaluation of the fiscal health of 18 major sustainability with debt-to-GSDP ratio of
Indian states that drive the Indian economy 24%.
in terms of their contribution to India’s Gross  States in Performer category: Tamil Nadu
Domestic Product (GDP), demography, total (TN) (29.2); Rajasthan (28.6); Bihar (27.8)
expenditure, revenues, and overall fiscal and Haryana (27.4)
stability.  States in Aspirational category: Kerala
 The report ranked states based on 5 key sub- (25.4), West Bengal (WB)(21.8), Andhra
indices such as: Quality of Expenditure, Pradesh (AP) (20.9) and Punjab (10.7).
Revenue Mobilisation, Fiscal Prudence, Debt  As per the report, states in this category are
Index, and Debt Sustainability. the worst performers with lowest composite
Classification of States FHI score compared to other states.
 The report has classified the states into 4  The report observed that most South Indian
main categories based on their composite states have performed poor in managing their
score: Achiever(FHI Score>50), Front finances. It has specifically highlighted 3
Runner(FHI Score: 40-50), Performer(FHI southern states i.e. AP, Kerala and TN,

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which have performed

t worse in the rankings followed by Russia in second place and
as they scored below 30 out 100. China in third.
Three Indian Women Make It to  The GFP 2025 evaluates the military
Forbes 50 Over 50 Global List 2025, capabilities of 145
with Quarraisha Abdool Karim countries based on
Ranking First more than 60 factors.
 In January 2025 Forbes, an American global  The ranking assigns a
media company has unveiled its first Forbes Power Index
“50 Over 50” (PwrIndx) score, where a score of 0.0000 is
Women Global considered perfect.
list 2025  According to Global Firepower
celebrating the Analysis(GFA) for defence allocation in
achievements of 2025,the USA allocates the highest budget to
inspiring women from 32 countries and its military, amounting to USD 895 billion. It
territories across Asia, Europe, the Middle is followed by China with a defense budget
East, Africa, and South and Central America. of USD 296 billion, Russia at USD 126
 Quarraisha Abdool Karim, expert in billion.
infectious diseases epidemiology and one of  India’s defence allocation amounted to USD
the top researchers on Human 75 billion for the year 2025.
Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Top 5 on 2025 Military Strength Ranking
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Rank Country PwrIndx
(AIDS), is ranked first, while Rafaela 1 USA 0.0744
Aponte-Diamant is the co-owner of the 2 Russia 0.0788
Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) 3 China 0.0788
based in Geneva, Switzerland, ranked 2nd.
4 India 0.1184
 The list features three remarkable Indian
5 South Korea 0.1656
women: Urmila Asher, popularly known as
‘Gujju Ben’ and the founder of Gujju Ben Na  The top ten countries in the 2025 Military
Nasta, ranked 3rd; Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, a Strength Ranking include the United
billionaire and founder of Biocon India Kingdom (UK-6th), France (7th), Japan
Private Limited, ranked 32nd; and Sheela (8th), Turkey (9th), and Italy (10th). Pakistan
Patel, a renowned activist, ranked 37th. dropped in the rankings, moving from 9th to
12th place in global military spending.
GFP 2025 Military Strength
 At the bottom of the list, Bhutan is ranked
Ranking: USA Tops, India Secures
145th with a PwrIndx score of 6.3934. It is
4th Position
preceded by Benin with a score of 4.3156,
 According to the 2025 Military Strength
the Central African Republic with 4.2347,
Ranking by the Global Firepower Index
Somalia with 4.2037, and Kosovo with
(GFP), India has secured 4th place as most
4.9141.
powerful military in the world. The United
States of America (USA) leads the ranking,

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Guinea Eliminates t HAT Disease : India’s Digital Economy to

WHO Report Contribute One-Fifth of GDP by 2030
 In January 2025, the World Health  In January 2025, the Ministry of Electronics
Organization (WHO) announced that Guinea and Information Technology (MeitY)
has successfully eradicated the gambiense released a comprehensive report titled
form of Human African Trypanosomiasis ‘Estimation and Measurement of India’s
(HAT), commonly known as sleeping Digital Economy’, prepared by the Indian
sickness, as a public health issue. Council for Research on International
 HAT present in Guinea has become the 1st Economic Relations (ICRIER). This marks
Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) to be the first attempt to quantify the digital
eradicated in the country. sector’s impact on India’s income and
 The achievement comes just ahead of the employment.
global observance of World Neglected  According to the report, India’s digital
Tropical Diseases Day (WNTDD) on January economy is projected to grow nearly twice as
30, 2025. fast as the overall economy, contributing to
THE World University Rankings almost one-fifth of national income by 2029-
2025 by Subjects: IISc Bengaluru 30.
Among Top 100 Institutes in CS  The report estimates that India’s digital
 In January 2025, the Times Higher Education economy accounted for 11.74% of India’s
(THE) has released the ‘World University income in 2022-23, contributing Rs. 28.94
Rankings by Subject 2025’. The Indian lakh crore (Approximately USD 368 billion)
Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru, in Gross Value Added (GVA) and Rs. 31.64
Karnataka stands out as the only Indian lakh crore (Approximately USD 402 billion)
institution in the top 100 for Computer in Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
science (CS), securing the 96th position for  In 2022-23, the digital economy accounted
the first time. for 14.67 million workers or 2.55% of
 Last year, IISc Bengaluru, was ranked in the India’s workforce
251-300 range and still led Indian MNRE : Total RE Installed Capacity
universities in this field. Rises 15.84% to 209.44 GW in 2024
 University of Oxford (the United Kingdom,  According to the Ministry of New and
UK) has topped among all universities Renewable Energy (MNRE), India has made
followed by the University of significant strides in its Renewable Energy
Cambridge(UK), and the Massachusetts (RE) journey, strengthening its position as a
Institute of Technology(the United States of global leader in clean energy.
America, USA).  As of December 2024, India’s total RE
 The rankings ranked over 11,000 universities installed capacity has reached 209.44
across 11 subjects, including arts, business, Gigawatt (GW), a 15.84% increase compared
computer science(CS), engineering, law, life to 180.80 GW in December 2023.
sciences, medical and health, physical  The total capacity added during 2024
sciences, psychology, and social sciences. amounted to 28.64 GW, representing a

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significant Year-on-Year(YoY)
t increase of  WeChat (95.2) has been ranked as the
119.46% compared to the 13.05 GW added world’s strongest brand for the 2nd
in 2023. consecutive year followed by Nike (94.7) on
Forbes 2025 Billionaires list: Elon the 2nd spot and Google (94.3) on the 3rd
Musk Emerges as the Richest position.
Individual in 2025  United States of America (USA) has the
 According to the World’s Billionaires List greatest number of brands (193) in the list
2025 released by Forbes, Elon Musk secured followed by China and Germany on the 2nd
the top spot with a net and 3rd place, with 69 and 27 brands
worth of USD 433.9 respectively.India got 8th place in the list
billion largely driven by with the number of brands 15.
SpaceX’s valuation of  HCL Technologies (HCLTech) has emerged
USD 350 billion. as world’s fastest-growing IT services brand
 Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has secured the in 2025, while Infosys has achieved the
2nd position with USD 239.4 billion while highest compound annual growth rate among
Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg bagged the IT services brands over the past 5 years (at
3rd spot by surpassing Oracle founder Larry 18.2%).
Ellison net worth of USD 211.8 billion.  The ‘e&’, telecommunications brand has
 Elon Musk has become the first individual in become the fastest-growing brand in the
history to cross a net worth of USD 400 world in 2025 with an eight-fold increase in
billion, mainly due to SpaceX’s valuation of brand value to USD 15.3 billion.
USD 350 billion.  According to the Brand Finance Global 500
 According to Forbes’ World’s Billionaires 2025 report, the top five Indian brands are
List 2025, the United States of America Tata Group,Infosys,HDFC Group,Life
(USA) is on the top with a record 813 Insurance Corporation(LIC),and Reliance
billionaires, followed by China with 473 and Group.
India on the 3rd spot with 200 billionaires. MoC&I: India becomes World’s 7th
Brand Finance Global 500 2025: Largest Coffee Producing Country;
Apple Tops Global Rankings; TATA Exports Soar to USD 1.29 Billion in
Most Valuable Indian Brand FY24
 According to the 19th Global 500 2025  According to the Ministry of Commerce &
report published by Brand Finance, Apple Industry (MoC&I), India became the world’s
has retained its position as the world’s most 7th largest coffee producing country with
valuable brand, with a brand value of USD exports reaching USD 1.29 billion in
574.5 billion (bn).Tata Group (USD 28.6 bn) Financial Year 2023-24 (FY24), from USD
is the most valuable Indian brand for the 15th 719.42 million recorded in FY21.
consecutive holding 60th spot in the list.  The Ministry further revealed that India
 In Global rank, Apple is followed by exported over 9,300 tonnes of coffee in the
Microsoft (USD 461.1 bn) on the 2nd, and 1st half of January 2025, with top buyers
Google (USD 413 bn) on 3rd respectively. including Italy, Belgium and Russia.

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 As per MoC&I, t domestic consumption of spot with a company valued at USD 3,146
coffee has increased from 84,000 tonnes (in billion.
2012) to 91,000 tonnes (in 2023).  Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai (USD 2,107
 India’s coffee is primarily grown in the billion) and YouTube CEO Neal Mohan
ecologically rich Western and Eastern Ghats. (USD 455 billion) secured the 2nd and 3rd
Karnataka topped in terms of coffee spots, respectively.
production, contributing 2,48,020 Metric  The combined value of the top 10 individuals
Tonnes (MT) in 2022-23, followed by Kerala is equal to 73% of the total combined value
and Tamil Nadu (TN). of the list. Notably, 5 companies in the list
 Top 5 coffee producing countries: Brazil, belong to the software and services sector.
Vietnam, Colombia, Indonesia, and Ethiopia.  The list includes 12 women led by Reshma
QS World Future Skills Index 2025: Kewalramani of Vertex Pharmaceuticals,
USA topped; India ranked 25th followed by Jayshree Ullal of Arista
 In January 2025, London(the United Networks, and Leena Nair, the global CEO
Kingdom, UK-based Quacquarelli Symonds of Chanel, who are recognised as the most
(QS) released its first ‘World Future Skills influential women of Indian origin.
Index 2025’. India secured 25th position ILO’s WESO Report 2025: Global
globally earning a score of 76.6, which unemployment slow down at 5%
classifies it as a “future skills contender.”  On January 18 2025, the International
 India secured the 2nd position globally, Labour Organization (ILO) released its
behind the United States of America (USA) flagship report titled ‘World Employment
in the ‘Future of Work’ category indicating and Social Outlook : Trends 2025(WESO
its strong readiness for technology-driven Trends 2025)’, highlighting the current state
roles and industries of the future, especially of global labour markets and the social
in digital skills, artificial intelligence (AI), outlook.
and green technologies.  According to the report, the global
 The USA leads the rankings with a score of unemployment rate slowed down at 5% in
97.6, followed by the UK (97.1), Germany 2024 and is projected to tick lower again in
(94.6), Australia (93.3), and Canada (91.0) in 2026 to 4.9%. However, Youth
the top 5 positions, categorized as “future unemployment remain high at 12.6% in
skills pioneers.” 2024.
HSBC Hurun Global Indians List  The unemployment rates for the overall
2024: Microsoft’s satya Nadella number of jobs missing, stood around 402.4
topped million in 2024 globally.
 According to the 1st edition of ‘HSBC Hurun  According to the report, Global growth rates
Global Indians List’ , published by remain stable, hovering around 3.2% in 2024
HSBC(Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking and 2025.
Corporation) and Hurun India, Microsoft’s  Inflation rates have come down from 6.7% in
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer 2023 to 5.9% in 2024 and are expected to
(CEO) Satya Nadella has secured the top decelerate further in 2025.

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 The global Labour t Force Participation world’s most powerful passport with visa-
Rate(LFPR) remained at 61% in 2024. free access to 195 out of 227 destinations
 According to the report, the unemployment worldwide, followed by Japan which secured
rate in India is projected to grow by 6.2% in 2nd rank with visa-free access to 193
2024 and 5.8% in 2025. destinations.
Tracxn’s Annual India Fintech  India’s rank dropped from 80th spot (in
Report 2024: India Ranked 3rd in 2024) to 85th spot (in 2025) on the list, with
Global Fintech Funding visa-free access to only 57 destinations of the
 According to Bengaluru (Karnataka)-based world, down from 62 visa-free destinations
Tracxn Technologies Limited, a leading in 2024.
global market intelligence platform, ‘Annual  India shared its latest rank with two
India Fintech Report 2024’, India ranked at countries: Niger and Equatorial Guinea.
3rd position globally in terms of funding  Afghanistan secured 106th spot on the list
received in the fintech segment, despite and has the world’s weakest passport with
witnessing a decline of 33% on a Year-over- visa-free access to only 26 destinations
Year (Y-o-Y) to USD 1.9 billion, down from globally. It is followed by Syria (105th spot
USD 2.8 billion funding garnered in 2023. with 27 destinations), Iraq (104th with 31
 As per the report, the United States of destinations), Pakistan and Yemen (jointly
America (USA) topped the ranking globally, ranked at 103th spot with 33 destinations).
followed by the United Kingdom (UK)  While, China also witnessed significant jump
which secured 2nd position. in its ranking from 94th (2015) to 60th
 Top 3 Indian cities which emerged as hub for (2025).
fintech funding in 2024: Bengaluru MoE Released UDISE+ Report for
(Karnataka), Mumbai (Maharashtra) and 2023-24 on School Education;
Delhi (Delhi). School Enrolment Dropped by Over
 Top 3 Investing Companies: Karnataka- 1 Crore Compared to 2018-19 Level
based Peak XV Partners, LetsVenture  In January 2025, the Ministry of Education
Technologies Private Limited based in (MoE) released a comprehensive report on
Bengaluru, Karnataka, and California (the the ‘Unified District Information System for
United States of America, USA)-based Y Education Plus (UDISE+) 2023-24’ on
Combinator, LLC. school education in India. As per the report,
Henley Passport Index 2025: school enrollment of students in India
Singapore Reclaimed Title of decreased from 25.17 crore (in 2022-23) to
World’s Most Powerful Passport; 24.8 crore (in 2023-24), a drop of nearly 1.22
India Ranked 85th crore students (6%) as compared to 2018-19.
 On January 08 2025, London (the United  As per the report, total number of boys
Kingdom, UK)-based Henley & Partners enrolled in school has decreased by 4.87%,
released the annual edition of Henley from 13.53 crore (in 2018-19) to 12.87 crore
Passport Index 2025. As per the index, (in 2023-24).
Singapore has reclaimed its title as the

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DAYS AND THEMES

t

Date Day Theme&Details

January 30 Shaheed Divas or Martyrs’ Martyrs’ Day, also known as Sarvodaya Day or
Day 2025 Shaheed Diwas, is annually observed across India
on January 30 to honour those who sacrificed their
lives for the nation.
This day also marks the death anniversary of
Mahatma Gandhi, the ‘Father of the Nation.
30th January 2025 marks the 77th death anniversary
of Mahatma Gandhi.
January 30 World Neglected Tropical Theme: “Unite. Act. Eliminate” emphasizes the
Diseases Day 2025 collective commitment needed to end these
diseases.
January 28 Lala Lajpat Rai Birth On January 28, 2025, India will commemorate the
Anniversary 160th birth anniversary of one of its most revered
freedom fighters, Lala Lajpat Rai. Known as the
‘Punjab Kesari’ or the ‘Lion of Punjab’.
January 27 National Geographic Day
2025
January 26 The 76th Republic Day India celebrated the 76th Republic Day celebrations
on January 26, 2025.
Theme: “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas”
(Golden India: Heritage and Development).
January 26 World Leprosy Day 2025 Theme: Unite, Act, and Eliminate Leprosy
(last Sunday of January)
January 26 International Day of Clean
Energy 2025
January 26 International Customs Day Theme: “Customs Delivering on its Commitment
2025 to Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity.”
January 25 National Tourism Day 2025 Theme: “Tourism for Inclusive Growth”.
January 25 National Voters’ Day 2025 National Voters’ Day (NVD) is observed annually
across India on 25th January commemorating the
foundation of the Election Commission of India
(ECI) in 1950.
25th January 2025 marks the observance of the 15th
National Voters’ Day and also marks the
celebration of 75 years of service of ECI.
Theme: “Nothing Like Voting, I Vote For Sure”,
a continuation of the 2024 theme.

January 24 International Day of Theme: “AI and education: Preserving human

Education 2025 agency in a world of automation”.
January 24 National Girl Child Day Theme: “Empowering the Future of India”.
2025

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January 23 Parakram
t Diwas 2025 Parakram Diwas, also known as the Day of Valour,
is observed annually across India on 23 January to
commemorate the birth anniversary of one of the
Indian freedom fighters Subhash Chandra Bose,
popularly called as Netaji.
The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information
Services (INCOIS), based in Hyderabad,Telangana
has been selected for the Subhash Chandra Bose
Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar 2025 in the
institutional category for its outstanding
contributions to disaster management.
International Year of On January 21 2025, the United Nations
Glaciers’ Preservation Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) and the World Meteorological
Organization (WMO) have jointly declared 2025 as
International Year of Glaciers’
Preservation(IYGP) in Geneva(Switzerland),
emphasizing the global urgency to safeguard
glaciers, which are critical sources of freshwater for
over 2 billion people worldwide.
January 19 National Disaster Response NDRF Established in 2006.
Force Raising Day 2025
January 15 77th Indian Army Day On the occasion of Indian Army Day 2025, PM
Modi commissioned three significant naval
combatants—Indian Naval Ship INS Surat, INS
Nilgiri, and INSVaghsheer at
the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
January 11-17 National Youth Day 2025 National Youth Day, also known as ‘Rashtriya
Yuva Divas’ in Hindi and ‘Vivekananda Jayanti’, is
observed annually across India on 12th January to
commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami
Vivekananda, a Hindu spiritual leader,
Philosopher, and social reformer in India, who
played a crucial role in shaping modern India.

January 11 - National Road Safety Week

17
January 1-31 National Road Safety
Month2025
January 10 World Hindi Day 2025 Theme: “A Global Voice of Unity and Cultural
Pride,”
January 9 Pravasi Bharatiya Divas The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is observed every year
2025 on 9th January since 2003 to commemorate the day
in 1915 when
Mahatma Gandhi, returned to India from South
Africa to lead the country’s freedom struggle.

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t Theme: ”Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit

Bharat” (Developed India).
2025 as the “Year of The All-India Council for Technical Education
Artificial Intelligence (AI) (AICTE) has announced 2025 as the “Year of
Artificial Intelligence (AI)” to shape India as a
global leader in AI.
Campaign: “AI for all: The Future Begins Here”.
January 8 Earth’s Rotation Day 2025 Earth’s Rotation Day is observed globally on
January 8 to commemorates the anniversary of
French physicist Léon Foucault‘s scientific
demonstration in 1851.
January 6 World Day of War Orphans
2025
January 5 National Bird Day 2025
January 4 World Braille Day 2025 The United Nations(UN’s) World Braille Day is
observed annually on January 4 across the globe to
commemorate the birth anniversary of Louis
Braille, the 19th-century French inventor of the
Braille writing system.
January 3 Savitribai Phule Jayanti
January 1 Global Family Day 2025 Theme: "One World, One Family: Building
Bridges Across Generations."

BOOKS AND AUTHORS

BOOK NAME AUTHOR
‘How India scaled Mt G20: The The book titled ‘How India scaled Mt G20: The inside story
inside story of the G20 of the G20 Presidency’ written by Amitabh Kant was
Presidency released. This book was published by Rupa Publications
India.
“Soumitra Chatterjee and His “Soumitra Chatterjee and His World” is a comprehensive
World” biography, written by journalist Sanghamitra Chakraborty,
was released during the Kolkata Literary Meet in West
Bengal(WB). It was published by Penguin India’s Vintage
Books.
Bring It On: The Incredible Story Harper Collins Publishers Limited (United Kingdom, UK),
of My Life has announced the release of Bring It On: The Incredible
Story of My Life, a memoir by Deepa Malik, India’s first
female Paralympic medalist.
‘Mother Mary Comes to Me’ Renowned Indian Author and 1997 Booker Prize winner
Arundhati Roy, is set to publish her first memoir titled
“Mother Mary Comes to Me” in September 2025. The book
will be published by Penguin Random House.

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t
CURRENT AFFAIRS PRACTICE QUESTIONS
1. Recently, the Fiscal Health Index (FHI), which 5. Which bank has declared that Rakesh Sharma
was published by NITI Aayog, examined the has been reappointed to a three-year term as
fiscal health of 18 major Indian states by both the CEO and the Managing Director?
looking at factors such as GDP contribution, a) Canara bank b) YES bank
demographics, public spending, revenues, and c) IDBI bank d) Karnataka bank
fiscal stability. Which state has the lowest e) Axis bank
index score?
6. On 26th January 2025, during the 76th
a) Goa b) Gujarat
Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path,
c) Odisha d) Haryana who was the Chief Guest at the event,
e) Punjab symbolizing India's close ties with their
2. Which governments released the "Samman country?
Sanjeevani" app as part of the "Mahila Evam a) Emmanuel Macron
Kishori Samman Yojana" on National Girl b) Fumio Kishida
Child Day 2025? c) Sheikh Hasina
a) Haryana b) Sikkim d) Prabowo Subianto
c) Gujarat d) Uttar Pradesh e) Justin Trudeau
e) Bihar
7. How many Indian cities have achieved the
3. According to the Jan’25 report. India has important milestone of being designated as
entered the Medium Altitude Long Endurance Wetland Cities under the Ramsar Convention
(MALE) remotely piloted aircraft system on Wetlands?
(RPAS) initiative, which is governed by the a) 1 b) 2
OCCAR, by formally joining the Eurodrone
program as an observer state. In November c) 3 d) 4
2023, which nation was the first to become an e) 5
observer state? 8. With initiatives spanning more than 60 years,
a) China b) Japan India has been a global leader in the fight
c) Russia d) USA against tuberculosis (TB). Which year does
India intend to eradicate tuberculosis?
e) UK
a) 2025 b) 2027
4. On January 24, 2025, Union Home Minister
Amit Shah will open the National Urban c) 2028 d) 2030
Cooperative Finance and Development e) 2029
Corporation's (NUCFDC) corporate office in 9. What percentage will the interest rate on the
Mumbai. How much crores in paid-up capital Government of India Floating Rate Bonds,
must the NUCFDC have by February 8, 2025, 2035 (GOI FRB 2035) be annually for the
within a year of its registration, according to period of January 25, 2025, to January 24,
the RBI's directive? 2030, according to the Reserve Bank of India's
a) Rs.100crore b) Rs.200crore (RBI) announcement?
c) Rs.300crore d) Rs.400crore a) 6.66% b) 6.56%
e) Rs.500crore c) 6.64% d) 6.65%
e) 6.67%

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10. Which state becamet the first in India to 15. Which country has declared 2025 as the ‘Year
implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), of Community’?
ensuring uniform personal laws for all a) United States b) UAE
citizens? c) Qatar d) United Kingdom
a) Gujarat e) India
b) Himachal Pradesh
16. Which country is set to launch its first human-
c) Uttarakhand operated underwater submersible as part of the
d) Rajasthan Deep Ocean Mission?
e) Madhya Pradesh a) Japan b) USA
11. Which city is home to the Indian National c) China d) India
Centre for Ocean Information Services e) Russia
(INCOIS), which was recognized for its 17. Which AI startup recently surpassed ChatGPT
exceptional contributions to disaster on the U.S. App Store?
management with the prestigious Subhash
Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar- a) Wisor AI b) DeepSeek AI
2025? c) Meta AI d) Baidu AI
a) Kochi b) Hyderabad e) Gemini AI
c) Bengaluru d) Kolkata 18. Who won a seventh term as President of
e) Mumbai Belarus in a controversial election?
12. On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump was a) Alar Karis
sworn in as the 47th President of the United b) Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya
States. Out of the following statements, which c) Gitanas Nauseda
one is false? d) Alexander Lukashenko
a) JD Vance was sworn in as the vice e) Justin Trudeau
president ahead of Trump.
19. Which state/Union Territory emerged as the
b) Donald Trump is the 45th and 47th winner of the 5th Khelo India Winter Games
President of the United States, serving from 2025?
2017-2021 and re-elected in 2024.
a) Himachal Pradesh b) Ladakh
c) Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, a
c) Tamil Nadu
mentor to Usha Vance, administered the oath
to her husband. d) Maharashtra
d) Trump also withdrew the US from the Paris e) Kerala
Climate Agreement. 20. Which bank became the first in India to adopt
e) All are true Clari5’s NCRP Integration Solution for real-
time fraud prevention?
13. How many crores did the Reserve Bank of
India (RBI) inject into the banking system a) State Bank of India
through a variable rate repo (VRR) operation? b) HDFC Bank
a) ₹75,772 crore b) ₹75,762 crore c) ICICI Bank
c) ₹75,782 crore d) ₹75,792 crore d) Punjab National Bank
e) ₹75,752 crore e) Bank of Baroda
14. Who has been reappointed as the MD & CEO 21. Who won the 9th Johor International Open
of IDBI Bank for a three-year term starting Chess Tournament in 2025?
March 19, 2025? a) Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa
a) Rakesh Sharma b) Sunil Mehta b) Iniyan Panneerselvam
c) Sanjiv Chadha d) Aditya Puri c) Arjun Erigaisi
e) Rajeshwar Rao d) Nguyen Van Huy
e) D.Gukesh

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22. Who has been tappointed as India’s new 28. Which state has approved funding for 100
Ambassador to Israel in January 2025? villages under the Forest Right Act for forest
a) Jitender Pal Singh management and protection?
b) Sanjeev Kumar Singla a) Odisha
c) Vikram Misri b) Maharashtra
d) Amir Khan Muttaqi c) Chhattisgarh
e) Ruchira Kamboj d) Kerala
23. Which team won the inaugural Women’s e) Karnataka
Hockey India League title? 29. In which city will Reliance Industries build the
a) Ranchi Royals world’s largest data centre?
b) JSW Soorma Hockey Club a) Noida
c) Odisha Warriors b) Ahmedabad
d) Punjab Panthers c) Jamnagar
e) Delhi SG Pipers d) Pune
24. Which country recently benefited from the e) Bengaluru
Indian Navy's hydrographic survey of 25,000 30. In which city was Telangana's first 24-hour
square nautical miles? drinking water supply project launched?
a) Mauritius a) Warangal
b) Seychelles b) Nizamabad
c) Tanzania c) Karimnagar
d) Sri Lanka d) Khammam
e) Bangladesh e) Nalgonda
25. What was the theme for Republic Day 2025? 31. Which company received in-principle
a) Unity in Diversity approval from the RBI to operate as a Payment
Aggregator-Cross Border entity?
b) Golden India: Heritage and Progress
a) Skydo
c) Vibrant India: Growth and Harmony
b) Paytm
d) India@75: Glory and Aspirations
c) Razorpay
e) Swachh Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
b) PhonePe
26. Which rocket is set to launch the NVS-02
satellite as part of ISRO’s 100th mission from e) Google Pay
the Satish Dhawan Space Centre? 32. What is the name of the Battlefield
a) PSLV-C55 Surveillance System launched by Defence
b) PSLV-C56 Minister Rajnath Singh to boost Army
surveillance?
c) GSLV–F15
a) SANJAY
d) GSLV Mark III
b) ARJUN
e) SSLV-D3
c) VIKAS
27. Which state launched the ‘Samman
d) SURAKSHA
Sanjeevani’ app to track benefits under the
‘Mahila Evam Kishori Samman Yojana’? e) VEER
a) Punjab 33. What position did India secure in the Global
Firepower Index 2025?
b) Kerala
a) 2nd b) 4th
c) Haryana
c) 3rd d) 5th
d) Rajasthan
e) 6th
e) Uttar Pradesh

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t
34. Christine Carla Kangaloo has been conferred 39. Who won the 2025 Australian Open Men’s
the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award by India Singles title?
in 2025. Which country does Christine Carla a) Alexander Zverev
Kangaloo serve as President? b) Jannik Sinner
a) Guyana c) Novak Djokovic
b) Fiji d) Rafael Nadal
c) Trinidad and Tobago e) Daniil Medvedev
d) Suriname
40. What is the approved Minimum Support Price
e) Mauritius (MSP) of Raw Jute (TD-3 grade) for the 2025-
35. Dr K.M. Cherian passed away recently in 26 marketing season?
Bengaluru. What significant milestone is Dr. a) Rs. 5,000 per quintal
K.M. Cherian known for in Indian medical b) Rs. 5,315 per quintal
history?
c) Rs. 5,650 per quintal
a) Performing the first kidney transplant in
India d) Rs. 6,060 per quintal
b) Performing India’s first coronary bypass e) Rs. 4,800 per quintal
surgery 41. What position has India secured in the Brand
c) Performing the first liver transplant in India Finance 2025 ranking for IT services brand
value?
d) Conducting the first heart transplant in
India a) First b) Second
e) Developing the first artificial heart valve in c) Third d) Fourth
India e) Fifth
36. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has 42. Who has been appointed as the Director
inaugurated the 38th National Games in General of the Border Security Force (BSF)?
Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Which two sports a) Ajay Kumar Singh
have been included in the National Games for b) Rajeev Ranjan
the first time?
c) Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal
a) Kabaddi and Kho-Kho
d) Sanjay Arora
b) Yoga and Mallakhamb
e) Rakesh Asthana
c) Judo and Gymnastics
43. The 1st International Olympic Research
d) Wrestling and Archery Conference is set to be hosted in
e) Tennis and Badminton _____________. Officials from the Indian
37. What is the target set by the Government of Olympic Association (IOA) and experts will
India for Geographical Indication (GI) tags by discuss strategies and economic models for
2030? hosting the Olympics in India.
a) 5,000 GI tags a) Maharashtra
b) 18,000 GI tags b) Gujarat
c) 8,000 GI tags c) Madhya Pradesh
d) 12,000 GI tags d) Delhi
e) 10,000 GI tags e) Tamil Nadu
38. Where will the 4th Badminton Asia Mixed 44. Which edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival
Team Championships be held in February will be held from 30 January to 3 February
2025? 2025?
a) Tokyo, Japan b) Qingdao, China a) 16th edition b) 18th edition
c) Bangkok, Thailand d) Jakarta, Indonesia c) 15th edition d) 10th edition
e) Seoul, South Korea e) 25th edition

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t
45. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti, also 51. Who has been appointed as the Director
known as ‘Parakram Diwas’ or Courage Day, General of the Central Reserve Police Force
is celebrated annually on 23 January to honour (CRPF)?
one of India’s most prominent freedom a) Anish Dayal Singh
fighters, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. This b) Gyanendra Pratap Singh
year marks the _____ birth anniversary of
Subhas Chandra Bose. c) Vitul Kumar
a) 120th b) 128th d) Kuldeep Singh
c) 138th d) 140th e) Ajay Bhalla
e) 150th 52. Who won the men’s singles title at the India
Open Super 750 badminton tournament?
46. United States President Donald Trump signed
an executive order to withdraw from the a) Lee Cheuk Yiu
World Health Organisation (WHO) on his b) Viktor Axelsen
very first day in office. What percentage of the c) Kento Momota
WHO’s total revenue did the US contributions d) Anthony Ginting
account for during the 2024-25 budget cycle?
e) Kidambi Srikanth
a) 10% b) 15%
53. Karnataka emerged triumphant against
c) 29% d) 25% Vidarbha by 36 runs in the Vijay Hazare
e) 19% Trophy (VHT) 2024-25 final played at the
47. Science and Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara. How many
Singh dedicated India’s 1st of its kind CSIR Vijay Hazare Trophy titles has Karnataka
Innovation complex through virtual mode in won, excluding the 2024-25 season?
which city? a) Three b) Four
a) New Delhi b) Bengaluru c) Five d) Six
c) Hyderabad d) Mumbai e) Two
e) Chennai 54. Who has been appointed as the Managing
48. What is the projected growth rate of India for Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer
FY26 and FY27 as per the IMF? (CEO) of Punjab National Bank (PNB)?
a) 5.5% b) 6.5% a) Dinesh Kumar Khara b) Ashok Chandra
c) 7.0% d) 6.0% c) Atul Kumar Goel
e) 7.5% d) Binod Kumar
49. Which indigenously designed and built guided e) Sandeep Bakshi
missile destroyer is participating in the fourth 55. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has
edition of the La Perouse naval exercise? inaugurated the ‘Bharat Mobility Global Expo
a) INS Kolkata 2025′, the largest mobility expo in the country,
b) INS Mumbai at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Which
organization is coordinating the Bharat
c) INS Chennai Mobility Global Expo 2025?
d) INS Delhi a) Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
e) INS Visakhapatnam
b) Federation of Indian Chambers of
50. Which country has recently been admitted as a Commerce and Industry (FICCI)
“partner country” of the BRICS bloc?
c) Engineering Export Promotion Council
a) Turkey (EEPC)
b) Nigeria d) National Small Industries Corporation
c) Azerbaijan (NSIC)
d) Saudi Arabia e) Associated Chambers of Commerce and
e) Malaysia Industry of India (ASSOCHAM)

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56. The Union Cabinet t has approved the 61. Who is the author of the book titled “Middle
establishment of a Third Launch Pad (TLP) at Class India: Driving Change in the 21st
the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Century”?
Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. What is the a) Arundhati Roy
projected cost for the completion of the TLP b) Shashi Tharoor
project?
c) Chetan Bhagat
a) Rs. 5000 crore
d) Ramachandra Guha
b) Rs. 2984 crore
e) Manisha Pande
c) Rs. 3984 crore
62. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated
d) Rs. 3509 crore
the 6.5 km Z-Morh tunnel in Central
e) Rs. 4500 crore Kashmir’s Ganderbal district. What is the
57. Indigenously developed micro missile system expenditure incurred for the construction of
Bhargavastra was successfully tested at the the Z-Morh tunnel?
Gopalpur Seaward firing range, Odisha. a) ₹2,000 crore b) ₹2,500 crore
Which company developed the Bhargavastra c) ₹2,700 crore ad) ₹3,000 crore
micro missile system?
e) ₹3,500 crore
a) Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)
63. Which state government launched the Swami
b) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
Vivekanand Yuva Shakti Mission on the
c) Economic Explosives Ltd (EEL) occasion of the National Youth day?
d) Larsen & Toubro (L&T) a) Madhya Pradesh
e) Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) b) Uttar Pradesh
58. Who has been conferred with the Honorary c) Punjab
Citizen Award by Singapore in January 2025? d) Haryana
a) Ratan Tata b) Tarun Das e) Rajasthan
c) Narayan Murthy d) Sundar Pichai
64. Consider the following statements regarding
e) Kiran Mazumdar Shaw the newly inaugurated National Turmeric
59. What is the name of the major military Board:
exercise conducted by the Indian Army and 1. The National Turmeric Board has been
the Indian Air Force to enhance the inaugurated at Vanijya Bhawan in New Delhi.
operational capabilities of the Indian Armed 2. Palle Ganga Reddy has been appointed as
Forces? the first chairperson of the Board.
a) Exercise Shatrujeet
3. The headquarters of the National Turmeric
b) Exercise Vayu Shakti Board is located in Nizamabad.
c) Exercise Devil Strike 4. India is the largest producer, consumer and
d) Exercise Yudh Abhyas exporter of turmeric in the world.
e) Exercise Garuda Which of the above statements are correct?
60. The Gaan Ngai festival commemorates the end a) 1, and 2 b) 2, 3, and 4
of the harvest season and is celebrated in c) 1 and 4 d) 1, 3, and 4
Manipur. Which community celebrates the e) all are correct
Gaan Ngai festival in Manipur?
65. Tamim Iqbal has recently announced his
a) Meitei
retirement from international cricket. He is
b) Kuki from which country?
c) Kabui/Rongmei Naga a) Pakistan b) Bangladesh
d) Tangkhul c) Sri Lanka d) Afghanistan
e) Hmar e) Oman

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66. Nicolás Maduro wast recently sworn in as the 71. The world’s oldest person Tomiko Itooka,
President of which country? according to Guinness World Records, has
a) Colombia b) Chile died at the age of 116. What was the
nationality of Tomiko Itooka?
c) Brazil d) Argentina
a) Chinese b) Japanese
e) Venezuela
c) South Korean d) Thai
67. Martin Guptill announced his retirement from
international cricket at the age of 38. He is e) Vietnamese
from which country? 72. The 15th edition of Asia’s biggest biennial air
a) Australia show and aviation exhibition – Aero India
b) South Africa 2025 will be held at the Air Force Station,
Yelahanka in Bengaluru,Karnataka from 10-
c) England 14 February 2025. What is the theme of Aero
d) Netherlands India 2025?
e) New Zealand a) “Wings of Progress”
68. Which of the following statements is correct b) “Sky is the Limit”
regarding the Henley Passport Index 2025? c) “The Runway to a Billion Opportunities”
1. Singapore ranks first with visa-free access d) “Empowering Indian Aerospace”
to 195 destinations. e) “Innovation in the Skies”
2. India ranks 85th with visa-free access to 57 73. Which city will be the headquarters of the
destinations. newly proposed 69th Railway Division of
3. Afghanistan remains at the bottom of the Indian Railways?
ranking with the largest mobility gap. a) Firozpur b) Jammu
4. France, Germany, Italy, and Spain hold the c) Srinagar d) Pathankot
second position.
e) Amritsar
How many of the given statements is/are
CORRECT? 74. Quarraisha Abdool Karim, who was featured
in the Forbes 50 Over 50 Global List 2025, is
a) only one known for her contributions in which field?
b) only two a) Space research
c) only three b) Public health and HIV/AIDS research
d) all are correct c) Environmental conservation
e) all are incorrect d) Artificial Intelligence
69. In January 2025, who has been appointed as e) Educational Service
the new Chairman of Indian Space Research
Organisation (ISRO)? 75. How many IBA Banking Technology Awards
did City Union Bank (CUB) win in 2025?
a) K. Sivan
a) Five
b) A. S. Kiran Kumar
b) Six
c) S. Somanath
c) Seven
d) Dr. V Narayanan
d) Eight
e) P. S. Goel
e) Nine
70. In January 2025, who has been sworn in for a
second term as Ghana’s president? 76. Who won the ICC Men's Cricketer of the Year
award in 2024?
a) Mahamudu Bawumia
a) Jasprit Bumrah
b) John Mahama
b) Virat Kohli
c) Nana Akufo-Addo
c) Pat Cummins
d) Kofi Annan
d) Babar Azam
e) Kwame Nkrumah
e) Joe Root
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77. What was the rank t of IISc Bengaluru in the 84. Which bank ranked first in the "Top 25 Global
Computer Science category in THE World Banks by Market Capitalization - Q4 2024"
University Rankings 2025? report by GlobalData?
a) 80th b) 85th a) HDFC Bank
c) 100th d) 96th b) ICICI Bank
e) 76th c) JP Morgan Chase
78. Which country does Joyce Chepkemoi Tele, d) State Bank of India (SBI)
the winner of the women's elite race in the e) The Federal Reserve System
Tata Mumbai Marathon 2025, represent?
85. What position did India achieve globally in
a) Kenya coffee production as announced by the
b) Ethiopia Ministry of Commerce and Industry on
c) Uganda January 20, 2025?
d) Tanzania a) Fifth b) Sixth
e) Srilanka c) Seventh d) Eighth
79. What was the theme of the World Economic e) Tenth
Forum (WEF) 2025? 86. Who was awarded the prestigious Gates-
a) "Harnessing the Power of Sustainability" Cambridge Impact Prize 2025 for
b) "Building Bridges for Global Prosperity" contributions to quantum computing and
technology?
c) "Transforming Economies through
a) Professor Urbasi Sinha
Technology"
b) Dr. Arvind Gupta
d) "Collaboration for the Intelligent Age"
c) Dr. Manish Tiwari
e) Transforming Economies through AI
d) Professor Rajeev Ranjan
80. What percentage of India's overall GDP is the
digital economy expected to constitute by e) Dr. Shiva Narayan
2030? 87. Which organization's recognition added
a) 20% b) 15% Hyderabad's Musi River Historic Buildings to
the 2025 World Monuments Watch list?
c) 18% d) 25%
a) UNESCO
e) 25%
b) Archaeological Survey of India
81. What is the global rank of TATA in the Brand
Finance Global 500 2025 report? c) World Monuments Fund (WMF)
a) 5th b) 8th d) National Trust for Historic Preservation
c) 10th d) 12th e) UN Tourism
e) 11th 88. What is the generation capacity of the Upper
Karnali Hydropower Project?
82. Which two organizations declared 2025 as the
International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation? a) 500 MW
a) UNESCO and WMO b) 700 MW
b) UNEP and FAO c) 900 MW
c) WHO and IMF d) 1,200 MW
d) UNDP and WTO e) 1,000 MW
e) WHO and FAO 89. The FICCI Economic Outlook Survey 2025
projects India's GDP growth for the fiscal year
83. Which country is hosting the FIDE Chess
2024-25 to be:
World Cup 2025?
a) 7.0% b) 6.4%
a) Russia b) United States
c) 6.8% d) 5.9%
c) India d) China
e) 6.2%
e) UAE

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90. Which accounts can t non-residents utilize to e) Assam

settle transactions according to the revised 96. Who is the author of "BRING IT ON: The
FEMA guidelines? Incredible Story of My Life"?
a) Special Non-Resident Rupee (SNRR) and a) P. T. Usha
Special Rupee Vostro Accounts (SRVA) b) Mary Kom
b) Resident Foreign Currency Accounts c) Dr. Deepa Malik
(RFCA) and Special Domestic Accounts
(SDA) d) Dipa Karmakar
c) NRI Savings Accounts and Overseas Rupee e) Virat Kholi
Accounts 97. When is National Road Safety Week 2025
d) Exporter Foreign Currency Accounts and observed in India?
Importer Rupee Accounts a) January 1 to January 7, 2025
e) none of these b) January 8 to January 14, 2025
91. Binod Kumar has been appointed as the MD c) January 11 to January 17, 2025
and CEO of which Indian public sector bank? d) January 15 to January 21, 2025
a) Punjab National Bank e) January 10 to January 16, 2025
b) Indian Bank 98. Who received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman
c) Bank of Baroda Award 2025 on January 13, 2025?
d) Canara Bank a) Dr. Syed Anwar Khursheed
e) UCO Bank b) Dr. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw
92. What rank did India achieve in the "Future of c) Dr. Ramesh Kumar Verma
Work" category in the QS World Future Skills d) Dr. Satya Nadella
Index 2025? e) Sundar Pichai
a) 1st b) 2nd 99. Which airport in India became the first to
c) 3rd d)5th receive Level 5 accreditation from the Airports
e) 7th Council International (ACI)?
93. Who is the author of the book titled a) Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International
"Parliament: Powers, Functions & Privileges; Airport, Mumbai
a Comparative Constitutional Perspective"? b) Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi
a) Jagdeep Dhankhar c) Kempegowda International Airport,
b) Dr. K.S. Chauhan Bengaluru
c) M. Venkaiah Naidu d) Rajiv Gandhi International Airport,
d) Pranab Mukherjee Hyderabad
e) Shashi Tharoor e) Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose
International Airport, Kolkata.
94. As per the Tracxn Annual India Fintech
Report 2024, what was the total fintech 100. How much funding has the World Bank
funding raised by India in 2024? approved for the MPOWER project in
Meghalaya?
a) $2.5 billion b) $1.9 billion
a) $25 million
c) $3.3 billion d) $1.5 billion
b) $35 million
e) ) $1.7 billion
c) $50 million
95. Which state became the 34th to implement the
Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya d) $100 million
Yojana (AB PM-JAY) on January 13, 2025? e) $150 million
a) West Bengal b) Gujarat
c) Odisha d) Bihar

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ANSWERS

1 e 11 b 21 b 31 a 41 b 51 b 61 e 71 b 81 c 91 b

2 a 12 e 22 a 32 a 42 c 52 b 62 c 72 c 82 a 92 b

3 b 13 a 23 c 33 b 43 b 53 b 63 a 73 b 83 c 93 b

4 c 14 a 24 a 34 c 44 b 54 b 64 e 74 b 84 c 94 b

5 c 15 b 25 b 35 b 45 b 55 c 65 b 75 c 85 c 95 c

6 d 16 d 26 c 36 b 46 e 56 c 66 e 76 a 86 a 96 c

7 b 17 b 27 c 37 e 47 d 57 c 67 e 77 d 87 c 97 c
d
8 a 18 28 a 38 b 48 b 58 b 68 d 78 a 88 c 98 a

9 a 19 b 29 c 39 b 49 b 59 c 69 d 79 d 89 b 99 a

10 c 20 d 30 c 40 c 50 b 60 c 70 b 80 a 90 a 100 b

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