Table of Contents
National News
GOI Launches ‘Entity Locker’ For Efficient Business Document Management
The government has unveiled a groundbreaking digital platform called Entity Locker, building on the success of DigiLocker. This initiative is designed to streamline the management and verification of business and organizational documents, ensuring a more efficient and secure digital governance system.
International News
Donald Trump Sworn in as 47th President of the United States
Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025, marking his return to the White House after four tumultuous years. The inauguration, held indoors at the Capitol Rotunda due to extreme cold, symbolizes one of the most extraordinary political comebacks in American history. Trump is only the second president after Grover Cleveland in 1893 to regain the presidency after losing it. At 78 years old, Trump also replaces Joe Biden as the oldest president to take the oath of office.
Russia and Iran Forge Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
On January 17, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a 20-year “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty” in Moscow, aiming to bolster bilateral relations across various sectors.
China Unveils World’s Longest Tunnel, Enhances BRI Connectivity
China has completed the construction of the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, the world’s longest expressway tunnel, marking a significant advancement in infrastructure development and enhancing connectivity within the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
Defence News
INS Mumbai Joins La Perouse 2025
The Indian Navy’s guided-missile destroyer, INS Mumbai, is actively participating in the fourth edition of the multinational exercise La Perouse, which commenced on January 16, 2025. This exercise involves nine nations and is being conducted in the strategic waterways of the Malacca, Sunda, and Lombok straits, vital corridors for global maritime trade.
India Tests ‘Bhargavastra’ Micro-Missile for Countering Drone Swarms
India has successfully tested its first indigenous micro-missile system, ‘Bhargavastra,’ designed to counter swarm drone threats. This development marks a significant milestone in enhancing the nation’s defense capabilities against emerging aerial threats.
State News
Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura Celebrate Statehood Day 2025
Every year on January 21, the northeastern states of Manipur, Meghalaya, and Tripura celebrate their Statehood Day, marking the historic moment they attained full statehood under the North Eastern Region (Reorganization) Act of 1971. This day holds significant importance for the region, not only as a commemoration of their statehood but also as a celebration of their rich cultural heritage, vibrant history, and significant contributions to India’s identity. The northeastern states, often referred to as the “Seven Sisters,” are renowned for their unique culture, history, and natural beauty, and this day serves as a reflection of their growth into integral and empowered states within the Union of India.
Flamingo Festival 2025 Concludes in Andhra Pradesh
The three-day Flamingo Festival 2025 in Andhra Pradesh concluded on January 20, 2025, with calls to protect the rich biodiversity of the region, specifically in Pulicat Lake and Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary. The event, which attracted numerous visitors, particularly bird watchers and photographers, was hailed as a major success. The closing ceremony saw the participation of Ministers Anam Ramanarayana Reddy and Anagani Satya Prasad, who expressed their gratitude to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for the revival of the festival, which had been dormant for some time.
Economy News
Indian Economy Projected to Grow at 7% in FY25: Moody’s Revises Forecast
The global ratings agency Moody’s has downgraded India’s economic growth forecast for the fiscal year 2024-2025 to 7%, down from the 8.2% growth recorded in the previous fiscal year. This revision reflects a combination of domestic and global economic slowdown and a weaker-than-expected performance in key sectors. The revised forecast aligns with the trend observed in other major economic organizations, including the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), which have also lowered their growth projections.
Mudra Loans Disbursal Hits Record ₹3.39 Lakh Crore in Q3 FY25
In the third quarter of the fiscal year 2024-25, the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) achieved a historic milestone by disbursing ₹3.39 lakh crore in loans, marking the highest quarterly disbursement since the scheme’s inception in 2015. This significant uptick underscores the government’s ongoing commitment to bolstering micro and small enterprises across India.
Banking News
RBI Constitutes New Advisory Committee for Bank Licensing
On January 20, 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) established a new Standing External Advisory Committee (SEAC) to evaluate applications for Universal Banks and Small Finance Banks (SFBs). This committee is chaired by former RBI Deputy Governor M. K. Jain and comprises five members.
RBI Directs Banks to Use ‘1600xx’ Number Series for Transactional Calls
In a move to combat financial fraud, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has mandated that banks and other regulated entities (REs) utilize the ‘1600xx’ numbering series exclusively for transactional calls to customers. For promotional communications, the ‘140xx’ series should be employed. This directive aims to enhance the security of digital transactions and protect customers from fraudulent activities.
Alok Kumar Agarwal Appointed CEO of Zurich Kotak General Insurance
Alok Kumar Agarwal has been appointed as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zurich Kotak General Insurance, effective January 1, 2025. He succeeds Suresh Agarwal in this role.
Ranks & Reports News
India’s Coffee Journey: From Roots to Global Reach; World’s 7th Largest Coffee Producer
India has ascended to the position of the world’s seventh-largest coffee producer, with exports reaching $1.29 billion in the fiscal year 2023-24, nearly doubling from $719.42 million in 2020-21.
Agreements News
ISKCON and Adani Group Collaborate to Serve Meals at Maha Kumbh Mela
The ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela has witnessed a remarkable collaboration between the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and the Adani Group, which has significantly enhanced the food distribution services at the event. This partnership ensures that nearly one lakh people are provided with nutritious meals daily during the 45-day spiritual gathering.
Appointments News
Ambarish Kenghe Appointed Group CEO of Angel One, Effective March 2025
Angel One, one of India’s leading financial services platforms, has announced the appointment of Ambarish Kenghe as its Group Chief Executive Officer, effective March 2025. With a wealth of experience in fintech, technology, and e-commerce, Kenghe is set to guide Angel One through a period of growing competition and rapid transformation in the financial services industry.
Sanjiv Ranjan Appointed as Secretary General of Indian Ocean Rim Association
On December 30, 2024, the Ministry of External Affairs announced the appointment of Shri Sanjiv Ranjan as the next Secretary General of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). A seasoned diplomat from the 1993 batch of the Indian Foreign Service, Shri Ranjan is set to assume his new role shortly.
Science and Technology News
Inauguration of Eastern India’s First Astronomical Observatory
The Department of Science and Technology, under the Union Ministry of Science and Technology, has inaugurated the first astronomical observatory in Eastern India atop Panchet Hill in the Garpanchkot area of Purulia district, West Bengal. This marks an important milestone in the advancement of astronomical research in India. It is the sixth astronomical observatory in the country, following observatories in locations such as Ladakh, Nainital (Uttarakhand), Mount Abu (Rajasthan), Girbani Hills (Pune), and Kavalur (Tamil Nadu).
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