Table of Contents
National News
Saving Lives on Highways: Cashless Treatment Plan Announced by Gadkari
Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, announced a significant initiative to provide cashless treatment of up to ₹1.5 lakh for seven days for road accident survivors. The scheme is expected to be expanded across all states by March 2025. The minister also revealed new tech-based interventions for heavy vehicles to reduce road accidents and improve safety standards. Gadkari highlighted India’s rising road fatalities and proposed solutions to tackle the shortage of skilled drivers, along with updates on emission norms and vehicle safety standards.
Pranab Mukherjee Memorial at Delhi’s Rajghat Complex
The Central Government has decided to set up a memorial for former President Pranab Mukherjee at the Rashtriya Smriti Sthal, part of the Rajghat precinct in Delhi. Mukherjee, who passed away on August 31, 2020, was a veteran Congress leader and the 13th President of India. His daughter, Sharmistha Mukherjee, expressed her gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this unexpected gesture. The memorial will be a tribute to Mukherjee’s decades-long contribution to Indian politics.
Prabowo Subianto to Be Republic Day Chief Guest in 2025
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has formally accepted New Delhi’s invitation to be the chief guest at India’s 2025 Republic Day parade. His visit marks a significant step in enhancing India-Indonesia relations, signaling the importance of the Act East Policy in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term. The two countries are expected to bolster their strategic cooperation, defense ties, and economic engagement during this visit.
Indusfood 2025: India Hosts Global Exhibitors from 30 Countries
Indusfood 2025, Asia’s premier food and beverage trade exhibition, will be held from January 8-10, 2025, at Greater Noida, India. The event, organized by the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI) in collaboration with the Department of Commerce, is set to feature over 2,300 exhibitors from 30+ countries and attract 7,500 international buyers, along with 15,000 Indian trade visitors. This three-day event aims to bridge gaps across the farm-to-fork value chain, enhancing trade opportunities, market access, and farmer incomes.
International News
Indonesia’s Addition Strengthens BRICS Alliance
Indonesia has officially become a full member (11th) of the BRICS group of emerging economies. Brazil, holding the presidency of BRICS for 2025, announced this development, noting that Indonesia’s candidacy was endorsed by BRICS leaders at the Johannesburg summit in 2023. Indonesia’s membership aligns with the ongoing efforts to reform global governance institutions and deepen cooperation within the Global South, key priorities for Brazil’s BRICS presidency. This expansion marks a significant moment in the evolving dynamics of global economic power.
Economy News
India’s GDP Growth Projected at 6.4% for 2024-25
The National Statistical Office (NSO) has projected India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to grow by 6.4% in the financial year 2024-25, a deceleration from the 8.2% growth recorded in 2023-24.
Indian Railways’ Capital Expenditure in FY25
Indian Railways has achieved a significant milestone in the fiscal year 2024-25 (FY25) by surpassing ₹2 lakh crore in capital expenditure (capex), accounting for 76% of its budgetary allocation. By December 2024, Indian Railways expended approximately ₹1.91 lakh crore from the GBS, ₹824 crore from external resources, and ₹8,733 crore from extra-budgetary resources, totaling over ₹2 lakh crore.
Fiscal Deficit Target on Track Despite Revised GDP Growth
Despite a downward revision in India’s GDP growth forecast for the fiscal year 2024-25, the government’s fiscal deficit target of 4.9% of GDP remains attainable. The National Statistics Office (NSO) has projected a nominal GDP growth of 9.7% for FY25, slightly below the earlier estimate of 10.5%. This adjustment is expected to have a minimal impact on the fiscal deficit, as the government plans to reduce capital expenditure to offset the lower GDP growth.
Schemes News
e-Shram Portal Expands to 22 Scheduled Languages
The e-Shram portal, designed to provide unorganised workers with seamless access to various government schemes, has been upgraded to support all 22 scheduled languages. This enhancement, launched by Union Minister of Labour and Employment Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, aims to make the portal more accessible to workers across India.
Shahid Madho Singh Haath Kharcha Scheme
On January 7, 2025, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the Shahid Madho Singh Haath Kharcha Scheme at the Adivasi Mela in Bhubaneswar. This initiative aims to reduce dropout rates among Scheduled Tribe (ST) students by providing a one-time financial assistance of ₹5,000 to those enrolling in Class IX and Class XI. The scheme targets students from families with an annual income not exceeding ₹2,50,000.
Appointments News
V. Narayanan Takes Over as ISRO Chief and Space Secretary
Dr. V. Narayanan, a distinguished scientist with nearly four decades of experience in rocket and spacecraft propulsion, has been appointed as the new Secretary of the Department of Space and Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). He will succeed S. Somanath, effective from January 14, 2025, as per the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. Currently serving as the Director of the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), Dr. Narayanan brings a wealth of expertise in liquid and cryogenic propulsion systems. His leadership has been instrumental in several landmark ISRO missions, including the development of the GSLV Mk III and Chandrayaan-3 propulsion systems.
Bahadur Singh Sagoo Elected as AFI President
Asian Games gold medalist and Padma Shri awardee Bahadur Singh Sagoo has been elected unanimously as the new president of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI). His election took place during the two-day Annual General Meeting in Chandigarh. Sagoo, who won gold in shot put at the 2002 Asian Games, takes over from outgoing president Adille Sumariwalla, who stepped down after serving three consecutive terms. The AFI also announced several key initiatives to boost athletics in India, including a major javelin competition and hosting international events.
Important Days News
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025- Date, Theme, History and Highlights
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, also known as Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Day, is an annual event celebrated on January 9th in India to honour and engage with the Indian diaspora worldwide. This significant occasion aims to strengthen the bonds between India and its overseas citizens, leveraging their expertise and resources for the nation’s development.
The theme for this year’s Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat”.
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Celebrates 78th Foundation Day
On January 6, 2025, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) commemorated its 78th Foundation Day, underscoring its dedication to quality and innovation. Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and New & Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, emphasized that quality is not merely a measure but a way of life that drives trust, progress, and innovation.
Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Dates
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is one of the most awaited Hindu festivals. It will take place in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, from January 13 to February 26, 2025. This grand event, held every 12 years, brings millions of devotees together to seek blessings and take a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam, where three sacred rivers meet: the Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati.
Science and Technology News
First Human Death from H5N1 Bird Flu in Louisiana
On January 6, 2025, Louisiana reported the first human fatality in the United States linked to the H5N1 bird flu virus. This marks a significant event in the ongoing battle against avian influenza, highlighting the persistent threat of zoonotic diseases.
Historic Moon Artifact Donated to Frontiers of Flight Museum
A significant piece of aviation history is set to be displayed at the Frontiers of Flight Museum in Dallas. Neil Armstrong’s family has donated a fragment of the original Wright Flyer fabric, which was flown at Kitty Hawk in 1903 and later carried by Armstrong during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969. This artifact will be unveiled on October 2, 2025, serving as a testament to the evolution of flight from the Wright brothers’ first powered flight to humanity’s first steps on the Moon.
Banded Royal Butterfly Discovered in Tripura
The Banded Royal butterfly (Rachana jalindra indra) has recently been discovered in Tripura, marking a significant milestone in the state’s biodiversity documentation. This rare species was spotted for the first time in the Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary, an area rich in flora and fauna. The discovery underscores the importance of ongoing ecological research and wildlife protection in the region. The Banded Royal butterfly, known for its unique appearance, is now officially documented in the peer-reviewed journal Munis Entomology & Zoology.
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