Table of Contents
National News
Centre Hikes MSP on Jute, Promises 66.8% Returns for farmers
The Centre has made a significant decision to increase the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for raw jute by Rs 315, setting it at Rs 5,650 per quintal for the 2025-26 marketing season. This move, approved by the Union Cabinet, aims to provide farmers with a return of 66.8 per cent over the all-India weighted average cost of production, thus encouraging farmers to invest in jute cultivation.
Sarla Aviation Unveils India’s First eVTOL Air Taxi ‘Shunya’
Sarla Aviation, a Bengaluru-based aerospace startup, has unveiled ‘Shunya,’ India’s first electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxi prototype. This marks a significant advancement in urban air mobility, aiming to alleviate traffic congestion and pollution in Indian cities.
International News
Usha Vance, The First Indian-American and Hindu Second Lady of the United States
On January 20, 2025, Usha Vance made history by becoming the first Indian-American and Hindu Second Lady of the United States. Her husband, J.D. Vance, was sworn in as the 50th Vice President of the United States, marking a significant milestone in American politics. Usha’s journey, deeply rooted in her Indian heritage and her remarkable accomplishments, has garnered widespread attention and admiration.
State News
Mizoram Pioneers Property Card Distribution in Northeast
Mizoram has become the first state in Northeast India to distribute property cards under the Survey of Villages Abadi and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas (SVAMITVA) scheme. On January 18, 2025, Governor Gen (Dr) VK Singh virtually participated in the distribution event from Raj Bhavan, Aizawl. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also attended, distributing over 65 lakh property cards to beneficiaries across 10 states and two Union Territories. Among these, 1,754 property cardholders from 18 villages in Mizoram received their cards.
The Pangsau Pass International Festival 2025- Celebrating History, Culture, and Heritage in Arunachal Pradesh
The Pangsau Pass International Festival (PPIF) 2025, held in Nampong, Arunachal Pradesh, is a vibrant celebration of the region’s rich cultural heritage and its historical significance during World War II. This year’s festival is particularly special as it coincides with the 80th anniversary of the war’s conclusion. Chief Minister Pema Khandu emphasized plans to bolster tourism by restoring World War II remnants in the region, underscoring the festival’s role in promoting economic growth, cultural exchange, and historical remembrance.
Kerala Enhances Disaster Preparedness with Localized Early Warning Systems
In the face of escalating climate change impacts, Kerala is enhancing its disaster preparedness through localized early warning systems and scientific land use. This initiative aims to mitigate the effects of natural calamities, exemplified by the devastating Wayanad landslides in July 2024.
Business News
India Inaugurates CSIR Mega Innovation Complex in Mumbai
On January 17, 2025, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated India’s first-of-its-kind CSIR Mega Innovation Complex in Mumbai, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s innovation landscape. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to bolster start-ups, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and industry stakeholders by providing high-end scientific infrastructure and expertise.
Policybazaar.ae Introduces ‘PB Advantage’
Policybazaar.ae, a leading online insurance marketplace in the UAE, has launched ‘PB Advantage,’ a comprehensive initiative designed to enhance the health insurance experience for customers. This program introduces innovative features that streamline policy purchases and claims processing, setting new standards in the industry.
Banking News
RBI Tightens Guidelines for ARCs in Borrower Settlements
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced stricter guidelines for Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs) to enhance transparency and accountability in borrower settlements. These revisions aim to standardize procedures and align them with practices of banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs).
RBI’s Strategic Liquidity Infusion to Stabilize Money Markets
In a decisive move to address liquidity constraints in the Indian banking system, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has conducted a series of Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auctions, infusing a substantial ₹76,000 crore into the financial ecosystem. This initiative aims to alleviate the liquidity deficit and stabilize short-term interest rates, particularly the call money rates, which had been trading above the RBI’s repo rate of 6.5%.
Science and Technology News
What is the Trump’s Ambitious Stargate AI project?
The Stargate AI Project, announced by US President Donald Trump at the White House, marks a monumental step in the evolution of artificial intelligence (AI). Touted as the largest AI infrastructure initiative in history, this ambitious project has garnered support from some of the world’s biggest tech and business names. With an investment of $500 billion over the next four years, the Stargate AI Project aims to develop world-class AI infrastructure, create jobs, and boost the US economy.
Sports News
India to Host FIDE Chess World Cup 2025
India is set to host the prestigious FIDE Chess World Cup 2025, marking a significant milestone for the country as it takes on the role of the host for its first major international chess tournament since the 2022 Chennai Chess Olympiad. This announcement is poised to further elevate India’s stature in the global chess arena, especially considering the country’s growing influence in the sport.
Important Days News
Parakram Diwas 2025: Celebrating the Legacy of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
Every year, on January 23, India commemorates Parakram Diwas to honour the birth anniversary of one of the nation’s greatest freedom fighters, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Known as the “Day of Valor”, this day pays tribute to Bose’s indomitable spirit and his unparalleled contributions to India’s struggle for independence. Parakram Diwas serves as a reminder of Netaji’s vision for a free and self-reliant India, inspiring generations to work towards the nation’s progress.
Awards News
INCOIS Honored with Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar-2025
The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) in Hyderabad has been selected for the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar-2025 in the Institutional Category, recognizing its exceptional contributions to disaster management.
Miscellaneous News
Discovery of a Rare Umamaheshwara Sculpture in Karnataka
A significant historical artifact, a Umamaheshwara metal sculpture, has been unearthed in Taggunje, Ajri village, Kundapura taluk, Udupi district, Karnataka. This intricate sculpture, believed to have been created in the 17th century using a 12th-century style, showcases a rare blend of Shaiva-Shaktha and Naga cult traditions, according to T. Murugeshi, a retired Associate Professor of Ancient History and Archaeology.
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