Table of Contents
National News
Neutral Expert’s Decision on Indus Waters Treaty: A Win for India
The recent decision by the Neutral Expert, appointed by the World Bank under the terms of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), marks a significant diplomatic win for India. The Expert deemed himself “competent” to adjudicate the technical differences raised between India and Pakistan regarding the design of two hydroelectric projects in Jammu and Kashmir. This outcome vindicates India’s long-standing position and opens a new chapter in the resolution of disputes under the IWT framework.
International News
Federal Judge Halts Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Order
A Seattle-based federal judge has temporarily blocked Donald Trump’s first major executive order since returning to office, calling it “blatantly unconstitutional.” The order aimed to restrict birthright citizenship in the United States, sparking significant legal and political debates.
State News
Kolkata’s ‘Boi Mela’, India’s Oldest Book Fair
For book lovers, book fairs are magical events where people wander from stall to stall, searching for author-signed copies, unique covers, classic editions, and tempting discounts. In India, book fairs are a vibrant part of cultural life, and one such event stands out above all, Kolkata’s boi mela.
More than just a marketplace for books, the boi mela reflects Bengali culture, deeply rooted in the city’s legacy of reading, intellectual exchange, and knowledge-sharing. It also holds the distinction of being India’s oldest book fair, making it an iconic part of the city’s rich cultural landscape.
Economy News
Deloitte Projects Indian Economy to Grow 6.5-6.8% in FY 2024-25
Deloitte India has revised its GDP growth projection for the fiscal year 2024-25 to a range of 6.5% to 6.8%, citing global trade uncertainties and domestic challenges. The firm emphasizes the need for cautious optimism as the economy navigates these complexities.
Banking News
Skydo Receives RBI Nod as Cross-Border Payment Aggregator
Skydo Technologies, a Bengaluru-based fintech firm, has received in-principle authorization from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to function as a Payment Aggregator-Cross Border (PA-CB) entity. This approval underscores Skydo’s commitment to providing compliant, seamless, and cost-effective cross-border payment solutions for Indian exporters.
IDFC FIRST Bank and RuPay Introduce FIRST EA₹N RuPay Credit Card
IDFC FIRST Bank has partnered with RuPay to launch the FIRST EA₹N RuPay Credit Card, a secured credit card that combines the benefits of a fixed deposit with the convenience of UPI transactions. This innovative card aims to provide users with enhanced financial flexibility and rewards.
Tata AIA Life Insurance launches Shubh Muhurat
Tata AIA Life Insurance has unveiled ‘Shubh Muhurat,’ a life insurance solution designed to assist families in financially preparing for their children’s weddings. This initiative aims to address the escalating costs associated with weddings in India, a sector valued at over ₹10.7 lakh crore in 2024.
Tata AIG Launches CyberEdge to Protect Indian Businesses
Tata AIG General Insurance Company has launched CyberEdge, a comprehensive cyber insurance solution designed to protect Indian businesses from escalating cyber risks. This initiative aligns with the company’s strategic goal to capture 25% of the cyber insurance market within the next five years.
Ranks & Reports News
Tata Tops India, Apple Leads Globally in 2025 Brand Rankings
In the latest Brand Finance Global 500 report for 2025, Tata Group has solidified its status as India’s most valuable brand, achieving a brand value of $31.6 billion—a 10% increase from the previous year. This marks the first time an Indian brand has surpassed the $30 billion threshold. Globally, Apple continues to dominate with a brand value of $574.5 billion, maintaining its lead over competitors.
India Ranks 4th in Global Firepower Index 2025
India has been consistently ranked as the fourth most powerful military in the world, according to the Global Firepower Index 2025. This ranking underscores India’s significant military capabilities, placing it just behind the United States, Russia, and China.
Schemes News
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana’s 10-Year Journey
Launched on January 22, 2015, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) has completed a decade of fostering financial security for India’s girl children. Over these ten years, the scheme has seen significant participation, with over 4.2 crore accounts opened by November 2024. SSY allows guardians to invest a minimum of ₹250 and up to ₹1.5 lakh annually in the name of a girl child, offering attractive interest rates and tax benefits.
Awards News
WEF 2025: Crystal Awards Honor Beckham, Furstenberg, and Yamamoto
The 55th World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting commenced in Davos, Switzerland, with the presentation of the prestigious Crystal Awards to three distinguished individuals: David Beckham, Diane von Furstenberg, and Riken Yamamoto. These awards recognize their significant contributions to social, environmental, and creative progress worldwide.
Important Days News
National Girl Child Day 2025: Date
National Girl Child Day 2025 is observed annually in India on January 24 to highlight the issues faced by girls in our nation and to advocate for their rights and welfare.
International Day of Education 2025: Date and Theme
Every year, the world comes together to celebrate the International Day of Education on January 24, recognizing the vital role of education in fostering peace and sustainable development. This year, the seventh International Day of Education is celebrated with the theme: ‘AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation.’
Sports News
Khelo India Winter Games 2025: A Celebration of Sports and Culture in Ladakh and J&K
The Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) 2025 were inaugurated amidst great enthusiasm at the iconic NDS Stadium in Leh, Ladakh, marking the commencement of the fifth edition of this national-level winter sports event. The first phase, hosted by the Union Territory of Ladakh, will run from January 23 to January 27, 2025, while the second phase, focusing on snow games, will be held in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir from February 22 to February 25, 2025.
Miscellaneous News
New Delhi World Book Fair 2025
The national capital is set to host the much-awaited New Delhi World Book Fair 2025, a grand celebration for readers, authors, and publishers alike. This event, scheduled to run from February 1 to February 9, 2025, will take place at the Bharat Mandapam in Pragati Maidan. With over five decades of legacy, the book fair promises to be a vibrant confluence of literature, culture, and knowledge.
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