Table of Contents
National News
Cabinet Nod for 8th Pay Commission Implementation
On January 16, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi with his cabinet approved the formation of the 8th Central Pay Commission (CPC) for central government employees. This decision, announced by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, aims to revise the salaries and allowances of central government employees, along with pensioners. The 8th Pay Commission will work to address the financial needs of the workforce and ensure a timely revision of compensation structures. This step comes ahead of the 7th Pay Commission’s term, which will conclude in 2026, allowing sufficient time to implement the changes before the term ends.
India’s Hydrogen Train Engine Sets a Power Benchmark
India’s Railway Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, recently shared a remarkable achievement in the field of green energy technology during the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. Indian Railways has developed the world’s most powerful hydrogen fuel-run train engine, setting a new benchmark in global railway innovation. The engine, built with indigenous technology, reflects India’s growing capabilities in green energy and sustainable development.
ISKCON Temple Inaugurated by PM Modi in Navi Mumbai
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sri Sri Radha Madanmohanji Temple of ISKCON in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, on January 15, 2025. Built over 12 years at a cost of ₹170 crore, this temple is Asia’s second-largest ISKCON temple. It stands as a fusion of spirituality and knowledge, featuring various facilities that reflect ISKCON’s mission to serve society. The inauguration was attended by prominent figures, including Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Governor CP Radhakrishnan, and MP Hema Malini.
International News
Singapore Confers Honorary Citizenship on Tarun Das
Singapore has awarded its highest honor for non-citizens, the Honorary Citizen Award, to Tarun Das, former Director General of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in recognition of his significant contributions to strengthening Singapore-India relations.
India Set to Surpass Japan as World’s Fourth-Largest Economy by 2026
India is projected to overtake Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2026, according to the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI). This optimistic outlook is underpinned by robust GDP growth forecasts and strategic policy recommendations aimed at enhancing economic resilience and fostering sustainable development.
US Removes Indian Entities, Adds Chinese Firms to Entity List
The United States Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has updated its Entity List, removing three Indian organizations and adding eleven Chinese firms due to national security concerns.
The entities removed are:
- Indian Rare Earths
- Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Center (IGCAR)
- Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC)
India-Spain Declare 2026 as ‘Dual Year’ for Culture, Tourism, and AI
In a significant diplomatic development, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced that India and Spain will commemorate 2026 as a ‘dual year’ focusing on culture, tourism, and advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). This initiative aims to strengthen bilateral ties and promote mutual understanding between the two nations.
NPCI and Magnati Partner to Boost UPI Use in UAE
NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL), the international arm of India’s National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has partnered with UAE-based fintech firm Magnati to enable Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions for Indian travelers in the UAE. This collaboration aims to integrate UPI into the UAE’s payment ecosystem, allowing Indian visitors to use their preferred payment method seamlessly.
Defence News
Indian Army Conducts Exercise ‘Devil Strike’
The Indian Armed Forces are set to conduct a major military exercise, Exercise Devil Strike, from January 16 to 19, 2025. The exercise, which is being organized under the leadership of the Indian Army, aims to enhance the combat readiness of the forces by simulating high-intensity combat operations. This exercise is expected to feature advanced strategies and innovative combat techniques to strengthen national security and ensure effective defense against external threats. It also serves as a test of the synchronization between various branches of the Indian military, ensuring a well-coordinated response to potential challenges.
State News
Kanuma Panduga 2025: Key Highlights of the Festival
Kanuma Panduga is an essential festival celebrated in the southern states of India, especially in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu, coinciding with the Sankranti festival. It falls on the day after Makar Sankranti and is dedicated to honoring cattle, primarily cows and bulls, symbolizing the bond between humans, animals, and nature. This festival marks the sun’s journey toward the northern hemisphere, heralding the arrival of the spring season and longer days. The festival is observed with much fervor, traditional rituals, and cultural celebrations.
Odisha Government Announces ₹20,000 Pension for Emergency Detainees
The Odisha state government has announced a significant welfare measure for individuals who were jailed during the Emergency period from 1975 to 1977. As of January 1, 2025, all surviving detainees from Odisha will receive a monthly pension of ₹20,000, along with medical coverage and other benefits. This move is part of the government’s effort to honor and support those who were imprisoned under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) during the Emergency declared by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Science and Technology News
ISRO Successfully Docks Satellites, Enters Elite Club
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully docked two satellites in space, marking India as the fourth country to achieve this feat after the United States, Russia, and China. The docking process, part of the SpaDeX (Space Docking Exercise) mission, demonstrates ISRO’s capability to conduct autonomous satellite docking. This milestone is critical for future missions like Chandrayaan-4 and the planned Bharatiya Antariksh Station.
Sports News
Smriti Mandhana Smashes India’s Fastest Women’s ODI Century!
Indian opener Smriti Mandhana broke multiple records in the 3rd ODI against Ireland Women at the Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot. Leading the team in the absence of Harmanpreet Kaur, Mandhana scored the fastest century by an Indian in women’s ODIs, showcasing her dominance. Her record-breaking performance and partnership with Pratika Rawal contributed to India’s strong showing in the series.
Arjun Erigaisi Stuns Chess World with Wins Against Carlsen, Caruana
Indian grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi achieved a remarkable feat in the online chess community by defeating World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen and World No. 2 Fabiano Caruana in the Titled Tuesday weekly blitz competition conducted by Chess.com. This competition, held in the early hours of Tuesday, was fiercely contested, and Erigaisi’s performance stood out as he finished with 10 points out of 11 rounds, marking his dominance in the event.
Pixxel and Digantara Launch Satellites for Earth and Space Monitoring
In a significant achievement for India’s private space sector, two Indian start-ups, Pixxel and Digantara, launched their satellites aboard a SpaceX rocket. These pioneering missions are aimed at addressing pressing global challenges such as agriculture, defence, and space sustainability. Pixxel’s launch introduces a constellation of satellites for advanced Earth observation, while Digantara’s SCOT satellite focuses on real-time tracking of space objects.
15th January 2025 Current Affairs (Daily...
14th January 2025 Current Affairs (Daily...
13th January 2025 Current Affairs (Daily...
