Table of Contents
National News
New Appointment Process for India’s Election Commissioners
The appointment procedure for India’s Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs) has undergone significant changes with the enactment of the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023. This legislation introduces a structured selection process aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in the Election Commission of India.
APAAR ID Registration, Full Form
The Ministry of Education and Government of India has initiated the APAAR ID, known as the “One Nation One Student ID Card.” This groundbreaking program aims to digitally centralize academic data, including degrees, scholarships, rewards, and other credits for students. In this article, we will provide you with detailed information about the benefits of the APAAR ID and how to download it from the official website.
The One Nation One Student ID Card, APAAR ID, is a significant step towards a more organized and accessible academic experience for students in India. By registering and downloading your APAAR ID, you can unlock various benefits and conveniently store your academic records. With thousands of institutes and millions of students already benefiting from this program, it’s a promising development in the education sector.
Full form of APAAR ID stands for “Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry.” The Government of India introduced the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC Bank) to administer the issuance of APAAR ID cards. These cards function as a registry within the educational system, commonly known as an ‘EduLocker.’
Bharat Cleantech Platform Boosts India’s Green Goals
On January 11, 2025, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, unveiled the Bharat Cleantech Manufacturing Platform at the Bharat Climate Forum 2025 in New Delhi. This initiative aims to enhance India’s cleantech value chains in sectors such as solar, wind, hydrogen, and battery storage, steering the nation towards its sustainability objectives.
National Turmeric Board Launched to Elevate India’s ‘Golden Spice’
On January 14, 2025, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, inaugurated the National Turmeric Board in New Delhi, appointing Shri Palle Ganga Reddy as its first Chairperson. The Board’s headquarters is established in Nizamabad, Telangana, a prominent turmeric-producing region.
IMD Vision-2047: Zero Deaths, 100% Weather Detection
On January 14, 2025, during the 150th Foundation Day celebrations of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the ‘IMD Vision-2047’ document. This strategic roadmap outlines ambitious goals to enhance India’s meteorological capabilities by 2047, coinciding with the nation’s centenary of independence.
Defence News
India Unveils ‘Utkash’ as Second Multi-Purpose Vessel
On January 13, 2025, the second of two Multi-Purpose Vessels (MPVs) built by M/s L&T Shipyard for the Indian Navy was launched at the L&T Shipyard in Kattupalli, Chennai. The event was graced by Rajesh Kumar Singh, Defence Secretary, along with senior officials from the Indian Navy and L&T Shipyard. The vessel, named ‘Utkarsh’, signifies a leap forward in India’s indigenous shipbuilding capabilities and aligns with the country’s broader vision of self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
State News
Tripura Woman Embraces Tamil Tradition in Thalai Pongal Celebration
Thalai Pongal, the first day of the Tamil month, is a significant harvest festival celebrated with fervor across Tamil Nadu. On January 14, 2025, Supriya, a physician from Tripura, and her husband, Thileepan from Sathankulam in Thoothukudi district, celebrated the festival in a traditional Tamil manner. Supriya, who is originally from Tripura, shared how the Pongal festival in her hometown is celebrated differently, where it is known as “Hangrai”. Her participation in this celebration highlighted the cultural diversity and significance of Pongal in uniting people from different regions and communities. This celebration also included an array of cultural performances and rituals, with a focus on the harvest and agricultural prosperity.
Hatti Tribes Celebrate Boda Tyohar in Trans-Giri
The Boda Tyohar festival, also known as Magho ko Tyohar, is the largest annual celebration for the Hatti tribes of Himachal Pradesh’s Trans-Giri region. Celebrated by over three lakh members of the Hatti community, this month-long festival marks the end of the ‘Magha’ month and is characterized by unique cultural practices, rituals, and a strong sense of community unity. With a deep-rooted tradition, Boda Tyohar holds immense cultural significance and is a vibrant showcase of Hatti customs and beliefs.
Gaan-Ngai 2025: A Celebration of Unity and Tradition in Manipur
The Gaan-Ngai festival, the largest cultural and religious post-harvest celebration of the Zeliangrong community, commenced with grand celebrations on January 12, 2025, in various regions of Manipur. Known for its vibrant cultural performances and traditional rituals, Gaan-Ngai brings together the people in a spirit of unity and celebration. The festival, lasting five days, marks the transition from the old year to the new, with a focus on peace, prosperity, and community healing.
Economy News
Wholesale Price Inflation Increases to 2.37% in December 2024
India’s wholesale price inflation rose to 2.37% in December 2024, up from 1.89% in November, driven by higher prices in manufactured products, non-food articles, and fuel and power.
India’s GDP Growth Projected to Reach 6.7% in FY25
India’s GDP growth is projected to improve to 6.7% in the fiscal year 2025 (FY25), according to a CRISIL Intelligence report. This anticipated growth follows a moderation to 6.4% in the current fiscal year, down from 8.2% in the previous year.
Summits and Conferences News
India to Host 28th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in 2026
India is set to host the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of Parliaments of Commonwealth Countries (CSPOC) in January 2026. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla announced this during the CSPOC Standing Committee Meeting in Guernsey. The conference will focus on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and social media into parliamentary processes, reflecting India’s commitment to technological advancement and modern governance.
Sports News
ICC Players of the Month for December 2024 Announced
International Cricket Council (ICC) recognizes exceptional individual performances in international cricket by awarding the ICC Men’s and Women’s Players of the Month titles. For December 2024, these honors have been bestowed upon India’s Jasprit Bumrah and Australia’s Annabel Sutherland, acknowledging their stellar contributions on the global cricketing stage.
Awards News
WBFJA Awards: Aparna Sen Honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award
The West Bengal Film Journalists Association (WBFJA) held its annual awards ceremony on January 13, 2025, at Priya Cinema, Kolkata. Renowned filmmaker Aparna Sen received the prestigious ‘Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award’ for her significant contributions to Indian cinema. The event celebrated Bengali cinema’s excellence, with awards given in various categories, including Best Film, Best Actor, and Best Director. It also paid tribute to legendary filmmaker Raj Kapoor on his birth centenary with a thematic tribute to the circus industry.
14th January 2025 Current Affairs (Daily...
13th January 2025 Current Affairs (Daily...
Weekly One Liners 06th to 12th January 2...
