Table of Contents
National News
India’s Determined Path to Tuberculosis Elimination
India has been at the forefront of the global fight against tuberculosis (TB), implementing various strategies to eliminate the disease. Despite significant progress, challenges persist in achieving the World Health Organization’s (WHO) targets for TB elimination.
Indore, Udaipur Join Global Wetland Cities Network
Indore and Udaipur have achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first two cities from India to join the global list of accredited Wetland Cities under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. This recognition marks an important step in India’s commitment to sustainable urban development and ecological conservation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated both cities, highlighting the importance of balancing urban growth with environmental sustainability. The accreditation reflects the value of wetlands in providing ecological, social, and economic benefits, making them vital for the sustainable development of cities.
India Eyes 10,000 GI Tags by 2030, Goyal Announces
Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, announced an ambitious target of reaching 10,000 Geographical Indication (GI) Tags by 2030. The announcement was made during the GI Samagam held in New Delhi, organized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) in collaboration with the India Today Group. The minister emphasized a whole-of-government approach to achieve this milestone, with the formation of a dedicated committee to oversee its implementation. Currently, 605 GI tags have been issued.
International News
US Suspends USAID Funding to Bangladesh Amid Global Foreign Aid Review
In a significant policy shift, the United States has suspended all USAID funding to Bangladesh following President Donald Trump’s directive for a comprehensive 90-day review of foreign aid programs. This decision mandates an immediate halt to all USAID-related activities in Bangladesh, affecting numerous development projects across the nation.
State News
Banke Bihari Temple Secures FCRA License to Accept Foreign Donations
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has granted the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, a license under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), enabling it to receive foreign funds. This approval follows a court’s intervention, which led to the formation of a management committee overseeing the temple’s operations. The committee had applied for the FCRA license, citing the temple’s substantial foreign currency receipts and its intention to accept international donations.
Uniform Civil Code Rollout Begins in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand is making history by becoming the first state in independent India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), effective from January 27, 2025. The decision is part of the BJP’s election promise, and it has been widely anticipated since the state’s assembly elections in 2022. The UCC aims to bring uniformity in personal laws, providing equal rights and responsibilities for all citizens, regardless of their religion or community. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has emphasized that the law’s purpose is not to target any individual or group but to ensure fairness, equality, and social harmony.
Geo-Tagging Saves Kashmir’s Iconic Chinar Trees
Kashmir’s majestic chinar trees, long considered a symbol of its cultural and natural heritage, face growing threats from urbanization and infrastructure projects. To preserve and monitor these iconic trees, the Jammu & Kashmir Forest Research Institute (JKFRI) has launched the ‘Digital Tree Aadhar’ initiative, providing each chinar tree with a unique digital identity. This ambitious project integrates technology to protect biodiversity, preserve cultural heritage, and raise awareness about these remarkable trees.
Banking News
P. Suriaraj Appointed Executive Director of Dhanlaxmi Bank
P. Suriaraj has assumed the role of Executive Director at Dhanlaxmi Bank, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his tenure at Tamilnad Mercantile Bank Ltd. His appointment is expected to bolster the bank’s strategic initiatives and operational efficiency.
PNB Pioneers Real-Time Cybercrime Response with Clari5 Integration
Punjab National Bank (PNB) has become the first Indian bank to implement Clari5’s National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) Integration Solution, marking a significant advancement in fraud prevention and complaint management. This state-of-the-art system, developed in collaboration with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), enables automated, real-time processing of cybercrime complaints across all retail banking channels, including Internet and Mobile Banking, ATMs, UPI, and NEFT/RTGS.
RBI Fines Canara, BOI, and J&K Bank for Non-Compliance
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently imposed monetary penalties on Canara Bank, Bank of India, and Jammu & Kashmir Bank due to various regulatory compliance deficiencies.
32.81% Surge in Complaints to RBI Ombudsman
In 2024, the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) Integrated Ombudsman Scheme saw a significant 32.81% increase in bank customer complaints, reaching a total of 9.34 lakh. This rise highlights a growing concern regarding customer grievances in the banking sector. The complaints mainly stemmed from delays in service, errors in transactions, and inadequate redressal by banks, indicating the need for improvements in customer service and grievance handling mechanisms.
Schemes News
‘Samman Sanjeevani’ App Unveiled on National Girl Child Day
On National Girl Child Day 2025, Haryana Cabinet Minister Shruti Choudhry launched the ‘Samman Sanjeevani’ app, aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the ‘Mahila Evam Kishori Samman Yojana’. The initiative is designed to provide essential services to BPL (Below Poverty Line) women and girls between the ages of 10 and 45, particularly sanitary napkins. This app is a part of the Haryana Government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring timely and efficient delivery of welfare benefits to its citizens. The event also marked the 10th anniversary of the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ scheme, a major initiative focusing on women’s empowerment.
Appointments News
SSB Chief Amrit Mohan Gets Additional Charge as BCAS DG
The Central Government has appointed Amrit Mohan Prasad, the Director General (DG) of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), to hold the additional charge as the Director General (DG) of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). This decision, which has been approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, highlights the government’s trust in Prasad’s leadership abilities. The appointment is set for six months, starting from November 1, 2024, or until the regular incumbent joins, whichever comes first. This is a significant move considering the strategic importance of civil aviation security in India.
Jitender Pal Singh Appointed as India’s New Ambassador to Israel
On January 24, 2025, the Government of India announced the appointment of Jitender Pal Singh as the next Ambassador to Israel. An Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer from the 2002 batch, Singh is currently serving in the office of the External Affairs Minister and has previously led the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran division within the Ministry of External Affairs since 2020.
Important Days News
International Day of Clean Energy 2025 Observed on 26th January
The International Day of Clean Energy on 26 January was declared by the General Assembly as a call to raise awareness and mobilize action for a just and inclusive transition to clean energy for the benefit of people and the planet. Energy lies at the heart of a dual challenge facing humanity today: ensuring no one is left behind while protecting our planet for future generations. Clean energy offers a critical solution to this challenge, addressing socio-economic inequalities and mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.
International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust 2025
United Nations General Assembly Resolution 60/7 that established the Holocaust and the United Nations Outreach Programme, also designated 27 January as an annual International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust – observed with ceremonies and activities at United Nations Headquarters in New York and at United Nations offices around the world.
International Customs Day 2025- Theme, History, Significance and Key Facts
International Customs Day (ICD) is celebrated annually on January 26 to honour the indispensable role of customs officials and agencies in facilitating the smooth and secure flow of goods across international borders. This day not only commemorates the efforts of customs authorities in ensuring effective trade management but also raises awareness about their pivotal role in revenue generation, supply chain security, and preventing illegal trade. The global observance is spearheaded by members of the World Customs Organisation (WCO), who actively participate in organizing events, showcasing their activities, and promoting the objectives of customs management. The theme for International Customs Day 2025 is:
“Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity.”
National Geographic Day 2025- History, Significance and Celebrations
National Geographic Day is celebrated every year on January 27 to honor the foundation of the National Geographic Society, one of the most renowned organizations in the fields of science, exploration, and environmental conservation. The day serves as a reminder of the society’s monumental contributions to understanding Earth, nature, and humanity, while inspiring individuals to take an active part in preserving our planet.
Business News
CCPA Investigates Ola and Uber Over Alleged Differential Pricing Practices
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued notices to ride-hailing companies Ola and Uber, investigating claims of differential pricing based on users’ mobile operating systems. Reports suggest that iPhone users are charged higher fares than Android users for identical rides. Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Pralhad Joshi, has directed the CCPA to probe these allegations, emphasizing the need to protect consumer rights and ensure fair trade practices.
Sports News
Indian Grandmaster Iniyan Wins Malaysian Title
Indian Grandmaster Iniyan Panneerselvam showcased an exceptional performance to win the 9th Johor International Open Chess Tournament in Malaysia. The 22-year-old, hailing from Erode, Tamil Nadu, dominated the event, finishing 1.5 points ahead of his closest rival. His victory adds to his earlier triumph at the Chennai Open in January, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in chess.
Omarzai Crowned ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year
Azmatullah Omarzai, Afghanistan’s dynamic all-rounder, had an exceptional year in 2024, cementing his place as one of the top performers in One Day International (ODI) cricket. With impressive right-arm pace bowling and versatile batting, Omarzai played a pivotal role in Afghanistan’s successful ODI campaigns. His performances in ODIs helped elevate Afghanistan’s cricketing stature, with the team achieving four ODI series wins. Omarzai’s contribution to Afghanistan’s victories, especially in key moments, demonstrated his invaluable impact on the field.
Smriti Mandhana Named ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2024
Smriti Mandhana had an outstanding 2024 in One Day International (ODI) cricket, establishing herself as a leading figure in the women’s game. Known for her elegant left-handed batting and ability to perform under pressure, Mandhana’s contributions in ODIs were pivotal in India’s success across various series. She not only became the leading run-scorer in WODIs for the year but also set multiple personal and team records. Below are the key highlights of Mandhana’s remarkable 2024.
Sinner Secures Back-to-Back Aussie Open Championships
Jannik Sinner defended his Australian Open crown in style, defeating Alexander Zverev in a one-sided final to cement his status as one of the brightest stars in tennis. The 23-year-old Italian produced a dominant performance, defeating his German opponent 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-3. Sinner has now etched his name into tennis history as the youngest man since Jim Courier (1992-1993) to claim back-to-back titles at Melbourne Park.
Bumrah Crowned ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year
Jasprit Bumrah had an extraordinary year in 2024, establishing himself as the most dominant bowler in Test cricket. Making a stellar comeback after recovering from a back injury in late 2023, Bumrah’s incredible performances propelled India’s success in both home and away series. His consistency, wicket-taking ability, and record-breaking achievements solidified his status as one of the all-time greats. Bumrah was instrumental in keeping India in contention for the ICC World Test Championship and earned the prestigious ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year award for 2024.
Books and Authors News
Soumitra Chatterjee: The Legacy of Apu and Beyond
Soumitra Chatterjee, the iconic Bengali actor, poet, artist, and theatre personality, left an indelible mark on Indian cinema, particularly through his collaboration with Satyajit Ray in films like Apur Sansar and Sonar Kella. While he is deeply cherished by cinephiles and Bengalis for his iconic roles, his multifaceted career as an actor, poet, and artist deserves broader recognition. Soumitra Chatterjee and His World, a new biography by Sanghamitra Chakraborty, aims to explore and celebrate the many facets of Chatterjee’s life. Through extensive research, Chakraborty delves into the actor’s journals, letters, and conversations with those who knew him, creating a rich portrait of the man who captured the heart of Bengal’s cultural landscape.
Obituaries News
Farewell to Narendra Chapalgaonkar: Judge, Writer, Scholar
Narendra Chapalgaonkar, a retired judge of the Bombay High Court and a respected author, passed away on Saturday morning at the age of 87. His demise comes after a brave battle with cancer over the past few months. Chapalgaonkar was a significant figure in the Marathwada region, known for his contributions to literature, law, and social thought. As a distinguished judge, academic, and author, he left a lasting legacy in the fields of law, literature, and social history.
Weekly One Liners 20th to 26th January 2...
25th January 2025 Current Affairs (Daily...
24th January 2025 Current Affairs (Daily...
