Table of Contents
National News
NITI Aayog Unveils Fiscal Health Index 2025 in New Delhi
On January 24, 2025, NITI Aayog introduced the inaugural “Fiscal Health Index (FHI) 2025” in New Delhi. This comprehensive report evaluates the fiscal health of 18 major Indian states, aiming to guide policy reforms for sustainable and resilient economic growth.
India’s iSNR: Setting Global Standards in Sustainable Rubber
On January 21, 2025, in Kottayam, Kerala, India unveiled the Indian Sustainable Natural Rubber (iSNR) initiative, aiming to establish new global benchmarks in sustainable rubber production. The launch event was graced by George Kurian, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, Dairying, and Minority Affairs, and presided over by Thiruvanchur Radhakrishnan, Member of the Legislative Assembly. Notable attendees included G. Anil Kumar, Vice Chairman of the Rubber Board, and N. Hari, Member of the Rubber Board.
International News
Trump’s Executive Order: Creation of Cryptocurrency Working Group
U.S. President Donald Trump took significant steps towards reshaping the nation’s cryptocurrency regulations, fulfilling his promise to overhaul U.S. crypto policy quickly. The executive order laid out the creation of a cryptocurrency working group with a primary focus on proposing new digital asset regulations and exploring the possibility of creating a national cryptocurrency stockpile. This action marks a bold move to make the U.S. a leader in the cryptocurrency space, contrasting sharply with the regulatory stance taken by former President Joe Biden’s administration, which had pursued a more restrictive approach.
Trump Administration Officially Changes Name of Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America
Trump administration has officially changed the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America as part of a series of executive actions aimed at fulfilling campaign promises. This decision was announced by the Interior Department on a Friday, hours after President Donald Trump took office, marking the beginning of a new chapter for U.S. territorial names and symbols. Another prominent change was the renaming of Denali, Alaska’s towering peak, back to its former name, Mount McKinley. These actions reflect the administration’s focus on reaffirming the nation’s historical heritage and honoring the legacy of significant figures and places.
Defence News
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh flags-off ‘SANJAY – The Battlefield Surveillance System’
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh flagged off ‘SANJAY – The Battlefield Surveillance System (BSS)’ from the South Block, New Delhi. This indigenously developed system marks a major milestone in India’s defense technology, strengthening the surveillance capabilities of the Indian Army. SANJAY is designed to enhance battlefield transparency, improve situational awareness, and optimize intelligence collection, thus transforming the battlefield in the era of modern warfare.
Operation Sard Hawa: BSF Intensifies Vigil on Pakistan Border
Ahead of Republic Day, the Border Security Force (BSF) has heightened its vigilance along the India-Pakistan border at Jaisalmer to prevent any potential infiltration attempts. The BSF has initiated a special operation named ‘Operation Sard Hawa’, starting on January 22, aimed at foiling infiltration efforts by taking advantage of the reduced visibility caused by the dense winter fog. The operation will continue until January 29, with a focus on strengthening security along the border during this critical period.
International Conference Marks 125 Years of Solar Physics Research in India
An international conference titled ‘Sun, Space Weather, and Solar-Stellar Connections’ was held in Bengaluru from January 20 to 24, 2025, to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KSO). Organized by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), the event gathered over 200 solar physicists from India and abroad to discuss advancements in solar magnetism, solar-stellar connections, and space weather.
Thailand Celebrates Marriage Equality Milestone
On January 23, 2025, Thailand became the first Southeast Asian nation to legalize same-sex marriage, marking a significant victory for LGBTQ+ rights in the region. The Marriage Equality Act, which was overwhelmingly passed by Parliament in June 2024 and ratified by King Maha Vajiralongkorn in September 2024, grants same-sex couples the same legal, financial, and medical rights as heterosexual couples.
Micheál Martin Reappointed as Irish PM
Micheál Martin has been re-elected as Ireland’s Taoiseach (Prime Minister) following a parliamentary vote on January 23, 2025. This marks his second term, having previously served from 2020 to 2022. The vote concluded with 95 in favor and 76 against, leading to the formation of a coalition government comprising Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and independent lawmakers.
State News
Uttar Pradesh Foundation Day 2025: Celebrating 76 Years of Legacy
Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state, commemorates its Foundation Day every year on January 24. This occasion reflects the state’s rich cultural heritage, remarkable contributions to India’s development, and its historical journey. In 2025, Uttar Pradesh celebrates its 76th Foundation Day, with grand events scheduled from January 24 to January 26 at Awadh Shilp Gram in Lucknow. Let us delve into the historical significance, achievements, and contributions of Uttar Pradesh on this momentous occasion.
Himachal Pradesh Statehood Day 2025: Celebrating a Rich History
Himachal Pradesh (H.P.) celebrates its Statehood Day on 25th January every year, marking the day when it officially became the 18th state of the Indian Union in 1971. On this occasion, the Prime Minister of India extended greetings to the people of H.P., acknowledging its unique cultural and historical heritage.
Business News
Reliance Industries to Build World’s Largest Data Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat
Reliance Industries, led by Chairman Mukesh Ambani, is set to build the world’s largest data centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat. This ambitious project is poised to be a game-changer in India’s digital infrastructure, especially in terms of its rapidly expanding artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. With this massive investment, Reliance aims to help India become more competitive on the global AI stage while contributing significantly to the nation’s digital and technological growth.
Schemes News
Coal Secretary Inaugurates Smart Classrooms under CIL’s CSR Initiative
On January 24, 2025, Shri Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary of the Ministry of Coal, virtually inaugurated digital classrooms in government schools across Jharkhand. These classrooms are part of ‘Digi Vidya,’ a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative by Coal India Limited (CIL) subsidiaries. The event was attended by Shri PM Prasad, Chairman of CIL, Smt. Rupinder Brar, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Coal, and other senior officials.
“Hamara Samvidhan – Hamara Swabhiman” Campaign
The “Hamara Samvidhan – Hamara Swabhiman” campaign, launched on January 24, 2024, by the Hon’ble Vice President of India at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi, commemorates the 75th anniversary of India’s Constitution and its establishment as a Republic. This year-long initiative aims to deepen citizens’ understanding of the Constitution and promote legal empowerment across the nation.
Important Days News
National Tourism Day 2025: Date, Theme, History and Significance
National Tourism Day is celebrated annually on January 25 to promote responsible, sustainable, and accessible tourism across India. It is an occasion to showcase the country’s diverse tourist destinations, rich cultural heritage, and natural landscapes to the world, emphasizing the immense potential of India’s tourism industry. The theme for this year’s National Tourism Day is “Tourism for Inclusive Growth”.
National Voters’ Day 2025: Date, Theme, History and Significance
India marks its 15th National Voters’ Day (NVD) today, January 25, 2025, celebrating the power and importance of every vote in strengthening the democratic fabric of the nation. This annual observance commemorates the establishment of the Election Commission of India (ECI) and highlights the critical role of voters in sustaining democracy.
This year’s theme, “Nothing Like Voting, I Vote for Sure,” continues the emphasis on participatory democracy.
Appointments News
Akhil Gupta Appointed as Chairman of Bharti AXA Life Insurance
In June 2024, Akhil Gupta, Vice Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, was appointed as the new Chairman of Bharti AXA Life Insurance. With over 40 years of experience, Gupta has been instrumental in the growth of Bharti Airtel and has led strategic partnerships with investors such as Warburg Pincus, Temasek, KKR, Qatar Foundation Endowment, AIF, and Sequoia Capital. He has also overseen the successful public listings of Bharti Airtel, Bharti Infratel, and Airtel Africa.
Ayushmann Khurrana Appointed Brand Ambassador for FICCI Frames 25th Anniversary Edition
FICCI Frames, India’s premier global media and entertainment convention, is gearing up to celebrate its 25th anniversary this year. This significant milestone in the history of the event marks a special moment for the media and entertainment industry, and in recognition of this achievement, renowned Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana has been appointed as the brand ambassador for this year’s edition of FICCI Frames.
Sports News
Michael Clarke Inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame
Former Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke has been inducted into the prestigious Australian Cricket Hall of Fame, becoming the 64th cricketer to receive this remarkable honor. The announcement, which has been widely celebrated, was made at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), a venue that holds significant sentimental value in Clarke’s illustrious career. The induction acknowledges Clarke’s exceptional contributions to Australian cricket, both as a player and as a leader.
Jay Shah Joins New MCC Advisory Board to Shape Future of Global Cricket
The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has introduced a new World Cricket Connects advisory board, which will replace the club’s previous World Cricket Committee. In a significant development for global cricket, Jay Shah, the current ICC Chair and former Secretary of the BCCI, has been named as one of the 13 founding members of the newly formed advisory board. This move signals a new direction in the governance and future of world cricket, with key figures from various aspects of the sport coming together to provide guidance and influence.
Arshdeep Singh Becomes India’s Leading Wicket-Taker in T20Is
In a remarkable achievement, Arshdeep Singh has overtaken Yuzvendra Chahal to become India’s highest wicket-taker in T20 Internationals. This milestone was reached during the first T20I against England on January 22, 2025, at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Arshdeep Singh’s meteoric rise in international cricket reached another milestone as he was named the ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year 2024. Alongside this accolade, Arshdeep was also included in the ICC T20I Team of the Year 2024, a testament to his consistent brilliance.
Madison Keys Wins Australian Open 2025 Women’s Champion
Madison Keys, the 29-year-old American tennis star, has made history by clinching her first-ever Grand Slam title at the 2025 Australian Open. In a nail-biting final, she defeated two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka with a scoreline of 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 in Melbourne. This victory has cemented her position as one of the most remarkable players of her generation. Here’s an in-depth look at the journey of Madison Keys, her achievements, and her rise to prominence.
Science and Technology News
ISRO Set To Launch Its 100th Satellite On Jan 29
India’s space agency, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), is preparing to make history with the launch of its 100th satellite. This milestone mission is set to take place on January 29 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, with the GSLV-F15 NVS-02 mission. This achievement marks a significant step for India in space exploration and satellite technology, reinforcing the country’s growing space capabilities.
Weekly One Liners 20th to 26th January 2...
24th January 2025 Current Affairs (Daily...
23rd January 2025 Current Affairs (Daily...
