Table of Contents
National News
10 Years of NITI Aayog: Shaping India’s Future
NITI Aayog, established on January 1, 2015, emerged as a visionary reform in India’s governance structure, replacing the Planning Commission to better address the needs of a growing, market-driven economy. In his first Independence Day speech in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced NITI Aayog as an institution with a new design and structure, emphasizing a shift towards decentralization and competitive federalism. Over the past decade, NITI Aayog has evolved into a platform for policy innovation, addressing the country’s development challenges and promoting inclusive growth through collaborative governance.
International News
Meet Sister Inah Lucas: The World’s Oldest Living Person
At 116 years old, Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, has been confirmed as the world’s oldest living person by LongeviQuest. Her confirmation came after the death of Tomiko Itooka of Japan on December 29, 2024. A lifelong nun, teacher, and soccer enthusiast, Lucas has made history as the 20th oldest person ever recorded and the second-oldest nun in documented history. Her inspiring journey spans faith, education, and a passion for soccer.
State News
Assam Launches Gunotsav 2025: 14 Lakh Students to Be Assessed
The Assam government launched the first phase of its flagship education evaluation programme, Gunotsav 2025, on January 6, 2025. This initiative is aimed at assessing the quality of education and ensuring improved learning outcomes for nearly 14.11 lakh students across the state. The program, themed “Ensuring Quality Education”, will be conducted in three phases and covers a wide spectrum of schools and districts, with the support of external evaluators and full cooperation from various stakeholders.
Defence News
What is Abdali Missile?
Amid rising tensions in India-Bangladesh relations, Dhaka is reportedly mulling to purchase the Abdali Short Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBMs). The Abdali (Hatf 2) is a short-range, road-mobile, solid-propellant ballistic missile. It is developed by the Pakistan Space Research Commission (SUPARCO), the Abdali missile system is designed for quick response scenarios on the battlefield.
India-U.S. Collaboration on Sonobuoy Production for Indian Navy
India and the U.S. have entered into a significant partnership for co-producing U.S. sonobuoys to enhance undersea domain awareness (UDA) for the Indian Navy. This move is part of a broader collaboration aimed at improving naval capabilities and tracking submarines in the deep seas, in response to the growing Chinese naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Ultra Marine (UM), a U.S.-based leader in undersea warfare technology, and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) will jointly manufacture sonobuoys, ensuring interoperability between the U.S. and Indian navies, as well as allied nations like Australia and Japan.
Economy News
RBI Lifts Lending Restrictions on Asirvad Micro Finance and DMI Finance
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has lifted the restrictions imposed on Asirvad Micro Finance Limited and DMI Finance Private Limited, allowing them to resume loan sanctioning and disbursal operations immediately.
Bajaj Broking & TMB Partner for Unified 3-in-1 Account Services
Bajaj Broking, a subsidiary of Bajaj Finance Ltd., has partnered with Tamilnad Mercantile Bank (TMB) to introduce a comprehensive 3-in-1 account solution that seamlessly integrates banking, broking, and investment services.
India’s FY25 Outlook: Per Capita GDP to Rise by ₹35,000
The State Bank of India (SBI) has revised its GDP growth forecast for the financial year 2024-25 (FY25) to 6.3%, slightly below the National Statistical Office’s (NSO) projection of 6.4%. This adjustment reflects concerns over a slowdown in lending and manufacturing, coupled with a high base effect from the previous year. Despite these challenges, per capita nominal GDP is expected to increase by ₹35,000 compared to FY23, indicating a positive trend in individual economic well-being.
Schemes News
Goa’s ‘Bima Sakhi Yojana’
On January 7, 2025, Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant launched the ‘Bima Sakhi Yojana’ under the state’s Swayampurna Goa 2.0 initiative. This program aims to empower women by providing them with training and opportunities to become Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) agents, thereby promoting financial literacy and expanding life insurance coverage at the grassroots level.
UJALA – 10 Years of Energy-Efficient Lighting
The UJALA (Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All) scheme, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 5th January 2015, has completed a decade of impactful service to the nation. This initiative, originally launched as the Domestic Efficient Lighting Programme (DELP), revolutionized India’s domestic lighting sector by providing affordable, energy-efficient LED bulbs, tube lights, and fans to households across the country. It has contributed to not only lowering energy consumption but also reducing carbon emissions, making India a global leader in energy-efficient lighting. The UJALA scheme, along with the Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP), has significantly impacted the country’s energy efficiency, economic savings, and environmental sustainability.
Jharkhand Mukhyamantri Maiya Samman Yojana
The Jharkhand Mukhyamantri Maiya Samman Yojana is a financial assistance scheme launched by the Jharkhand government to empower women across the state. Initially launched in August 2024 by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, the scheme aims to enhance the financial security of women by providing direct cash transfers. This initiative addresses socio-economic challenges, particularly in rural areas, and contributes to the state’s development by improving household income and promoting financial inclusion.
Appointments News
T. Pandey Revenue Secretary and A. Chawla Secretary DIPAM Appointed
On January 8, 2025, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved significant changes in top positions within the Ministry of Finance, ahead of the Union Budget 2025. These strategic appointments include the reassignment of Tuhin Kanta Pandey and Arunish Chawla to key roles. These reshuffles are seen as pivotal as the government prepares for the budget presentation by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, 2025. The changes reflect a continued focus on strengthening the finance ministry’s leadership for critical policy decisions and financial management.
Appointment of Shri Ashish Naithani as Judge of Uttarakhand High Court
On January 6, 2025, the Central Government appointed Shri Ashish Naithani, a distinguished judicial officer, as a judge of the Uttarakhand High Court. This appointment addresses the current shortfall in the court’s sanctioned strength of 11 judges, as it has been functioning with only 6 judges, leaving 5 vacancies.
Science and Technology News
Understanding Isolation Guidelines for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV): Protecting Yourself and Others
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a significant respiratory virus that primarily affects young children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals. Known for causing a range of illnesses from mild respiratory infections to severe conditions like bronchiolitis and pneumonia, HMPV has been under increased scrutiny following a rise in cases globally, including detections in Karnataka, India.
In light of these developments, all Indian states have been advised to enhance surveillance for Severe Acute Respiratory Illnesses (SARI) and Influenza-Like Illnesses (ILI). The Union Ministry of Health has issued specific directives to bolster testing efforts and prevent the virus’s spread.
IIT-Madras Sets Record with Asia’s Largest Wave Basin
IIT-Madras has successfully commissioned Asia’s largest shallow wave basin at its Discovery campus in Thaiyur. This research facility is designed to address complex coastal engineering challenges and is expected to make significant contributions to marine science and engineering. Developed with indigenous technology, the shallow wave basin is set to enhance the country’s capabilities in port and waterway research without relying on foreign technology.
What is Rabbit Fever?
Rabbit fever, or tularemia, is a rare and potentially fatal disease caused by Francisella tularensis. It affects humans through contact with infected animals, bites, or contaminated water. Symptoms include fever, ulcers, and respiratory issues. Tularemia can be treated with antibiotics but lacks a vaccine in the U.S. Between 2011 and 2022, there’s been a 56 per cent increase in the annual average incidence of tularemia infections compared with previous years from 2001 to 2010.
Important Days News
Earth’s Rotation Day 2025
Earth’s Rotation Day, observed on January 8, commemorates French physicist Léon Foucault’s 1851 groundbreaking experiment that proved the Earth’s rotation. Using a pendulum, Foucault demonstrated the planet’s spin on its axis, revolutionizing scientific understanding. This day emphasizes scientific curiosity, especially among children, fostering a deeper appreciation for Earth’s dynamic movements.
Sports News
Martin Guptill Announces Retirement from International Cricket
New Zealand’s prolific opener, Martin Guptill, has officially retired from international cricket, concluding a distinguished 14-year career that began in 2009. Throughout his tenure, Guptill represented the Black Caps in 198 One Day Internationals (ODIs), 122 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), and 47 Test matches, amassing a total of 14,877 runs across all formats.
Obituaries News
Pritish Nandy: A Multifaceted Legacy in Indian Arts and Media
Pritish Nandy, the esteemed poet, journalist, filmmaker, and former Rajya Sabha member, passed away on January 8, 2025, at the age of 73. He died of a cardiac arrest at his residence in South Mumbai, with his last rites conducted the same evening.
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