Table of Contents
National News
Piyush Goyal Launches PRABHAAV Factbook and Startup Challenge
The 9th Foundation Day of Startup India, celebrated in New Delhi, marked a significant milestone in India’s journey toward becoming a global leader in innovation and entrepreneurship. Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, launched key initiatives, including the PRABHAAV Factbook and the Bharat Startup Challenge, while emphasizing the transformative role of startups in shaping India’s economic and social landscape. The event highlighted India’s achievements in fostering a thriving startup ecosystem, empowering women entrepreneurs, and supporting Tier II and Tier III city startups.
PM Modi Inaugurates Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025
On January 17, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 at 10:30 AM at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
This event, recognized as India’s largest mobility expo, aims to consolidate the entire mobility value chain under one umbrella.
Maha Kumbh 2025: ‘One Plate, One Bag’ Campaign Launched
In a significant step toward promoting eco-friendly practices, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has launched the “One Plate, One Bag” campaign at the Maha Kumbh 2025. This initiative aims to make the world’s largest religious congregation plastic-free by encouraging the use of cloth bags and steel plates and glasses instead of plastic alternatives.
Maha Kumbh 2025: World’s First Mahamrityunjaya Yantra Installed in Prayagraj
The world’s first Mahamrityunjaya Yantra, measuring 52 feet in length, width, and height, has been installed at Tapovan Ashram in Jhunsi Havelis, Prayagraj—known as the sacred land of Maha Kumbh. This monumental Yantra is a spiritual marvel, believed to connect devotees to the higher consciousness of Lord Shiva.
State News
Archaeological Experiential Museum Launched in Vadnagar
On a historic day, the Union Ministry of Culture and the Gujarat State Government unveiled a state-of-the-art Archaeological Experiential Museum in Vadnagar. The inauguration ceremony was presided over by Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah and attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel, Union Minister of Education Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, along with other senior officials. This landmark project showcases the rich cultural and historical heritage of Vadnagar, a town with a history spanning over 2,500 years.
Banking News
Shriram Housing Finance Rebrands as Truhome Finance
In a significant development, Shriram Housing Finance has rebranded itself as Truhome Finance, marking a pivotal shift in its corporate identity and strategic direction. This transformation follows the acquisition by Warburg Pincus and co-investors, including Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund, QIA. The rebranding aligns with the company’s vision to enhance accessibility to affordable home loans across diverse socio-economic segments.
PNB MetLife Joins Hands with Saraswat Bank for Financial Inclusion
On January 15, 2025, PNB MetLife India Insurance Company Limited announced a strategic bancassurance partnership with Saraswat Co-Operative Bank Ltd., India’s largest urban co-operative bank. This collaboration aims to provide a comprehensive range of life insurance solutions—including savings, protection, retirement, and group plans—to Saraswat Bank’s extensive customer base of approximately 30 lakh individuals across 302 branches nationwide.
Punjab National Bank and Indian Bank Appoint New MDs and CEOs
On January 16, 2025, the Indian government appointed new Managing Directors and Chief Executive Officers for two major public sector banks: Ashok Chandra at Punjab National Bank (PNB) and Binod Kumar at Indian Bank.
Economy News
FICCI Revises India’s Economic Projections for FY 2024-25
The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has adjusted its economic forecasts for India, projecting a GDP growth rate of 6.4% and a Consumer Price Index (CPI)-based inflation rate of 4.8% for the fiscal year 2024-25. This revision reflects a cautious outlook amid global uncertainties and domestic challenges.
India’s Projected Economic Growth: World Bank
India is projected to maintain its position as the fastest-growing major economy, with an anticipated growth rate of 6.7% for both fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27, according to the World Bank’s latest Global Economic Prospects report.
Agreements News
C-DOT and IIT Bombay Unite for Indigenous 6G Optical Chipset
India is making significant strides in next-generation telecommunications technology, with the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) and the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT Bombay) signing an agreement for the development of an “Optical Transceiver Chipset for High-Bandwidth 6G Wireless Links.” This initiative, under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) 6G Call for Proposals by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), aims to strengthen India’s leadership in 6G innovation and deployment by 2030, with a focus on affordability, sustainability, and ubiquity.
Appointments News
Justice Krishnan Vinod Chandran Joins the Supreme Court
Justice Krishnan Vinod Chandran was sworn in as the newest judge of the Supreme Court of India on January 16, 2025. Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna administered the oath of office. With this appointment, the Supreme Court’s judicial strength has risen to 33, just one short of its full sanctioned capacity.
Vineet Joshi Takes Charge as Secretary of Higher Education
Shri Vineet Joshi has assumed the role of Secretary of the Department of Higher Education in the Ministry of Education, effective today at Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi. Prior to this appointment, Shri Joshi had a distinguished career in various key positions within the Indian educational sector. His vast experience in managing education-related initiatives is expected to bring significant improvements to India’s higher education landscape.
Science and Technology News
New Launchpad of ISRO Coming Up at Sriharikota
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the establishment of a third launchpad at ISRO’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The project, costing ₹3,985 crore, is a critical step in enhancing India’s space transportation capabilities, especially for the Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLVs). This launchpad is designed to support future human spaceflight missions and India’s ambitious plans for space exploration, including an Indian crewed lunar landing by 2040.
Sports News
PV Sindhu Partners with PUMA India
PV Sindhu, the two-time Olympic medallist and a global badminton icon, has forged a multi-year partnership with PUMA India, marking the sportswear giant’s official entry into the badminton domain. This strategic collaboration signifies a landmark moment for badminton in India and aims to capitalize on the sport’s burgeoning popularity, which currently boasts a fan base of 57 million across the country. With this partnership, PUMA aims to deepen its footprint in India’s rapidly expanding sports market, while Sindhu continues to inspire millions with her remarkable achievements.
Awards News
Mridangist T.V. Gopalakrishnan Honoured with RK Srikantan Trust Award
Renowned mridangist T.V. Gopalakrishnan has been selected to receive the RK Srikantan Trust Award during the Sankranti Music Fest. This recognition celebrates his exceptional contributions to Indian classical music.
16th January 2025 Current Affairs (Daily...
15th January 2025 Current Affairs (Daily...
14th January 2025 Current Affairs (Daily...
