Table of Contents
National News
The Iron Age in India: A Revised Timeline and Its Implications
A groundbreaking study titled “Antiquity of Iron: Recent Radiometric Dates from Tamil Nadu” by K. Rajan and R. Sivanantham has reshaped our understanding of the Iron Age in India. The study challenges the previously accepted timeline, suggesting that the Iron Age in Tamil Nadu began as early as 3345 BCE, significantly earlier than the global estimate of 1200 BCE and the Indian estimate of 1500–2000 BCE. This discovery, supported by advanced radiometric dating techniques, has far-reaching implications for both Indian and global history.
International News
Kathmandu Hosts Inaugural Pashmina Festival
The first-ever International Pashmina Festival cum Exhibition, organized by the Nepal Pashmina Industries Association and the Confederation of Nepalese Industries, attracted significant attention from consumers. The event highlighted the delicate, lightweight, and warm natural fibre obtained from the Chyangra or Pashmina goat. Nepal, a prominent producer of authentic Pashmina, showcased its expertise in traditional weaving methods, celebrating the heritage and craftsmanship behind this iconic product. The festival underscored the global recognition of Nepali Pashmina, especially the premium “Chyangra Pashmina” brand.
DeepSeek AI Surpasses ChatGPT on US App Store
Chinese AI startup DeepSeek has made headlines by surpassing OpenAI’s ChatGPT as the most-downloaded free app in the U.S. on Apple’s App Store. Founded in 2023, DeepSeek has quickly gained prominence with its advanced AI models, particularly R1, a reasoning model that rivals OpenAI’s technology. This development underscores the competitive landscape of the generative AI market, projected to reach $1 trillion in revenue within a decade. However, challenges like cybersecurity threats and regulatory scrutiny also loom large.
Lukashenko Wins Seventh Term in Controversial Belarus Election
Alexander Lukashenko has secured a seventh term as President of Belarus, extending his 30-year authoritarian rule. The election, held on January 26, 2025, reported Lukashenko winning nearly 87% of the vote, a result widely denounced as fraudulent by both domestic opposition and international observers.
Defence News
India Joins Eurodrone Programme as Observer
On January 21, 2025, India officially became an Observer State in the Eurodrone programme, managed by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) and led by Airbus Defence and Space. This development underscores India’s commitment to enhancing defence collaboration with European nations.
State News
Mahakumbh 2025: Prayagraj Airport Leads the Way
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu, Prayagraj Airport has undergone a significant transformation, emerging as a modern hub of connectivity for the grand Maha Kumbh Mahotsav 2025. With major expansions, efficient planning, and enhanced passenger facilities, the airport has become a gateway to the city of devotion and culture, accommodating millions of devotees from January 13 to February 26, 2025.
Economy News
India Sets New Norms for Claiming Tax Treaty Benefits
The Income Tax Department of India has recently issued a guidance note on the applicability of the Principal Purpose Test (PPT) for claiming tax treaty benefits. This move is part of India’s ongoing efforts to align its Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) with global standards, particularly those outlined in the OECD’s Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) Action Plan 6. The new norms will apply prospectively, ensuring clarity and consistency in the interpretation of tax treaties. This article delves into the key aspects of the new guidance, its implications, and how it interacts with grandfathering provisions in India’s treaties with Cyprus, Mauritius, and Singapore.
Government Approves ₹500 Crore Capital Infusion into IFCI for FY 2024-25
The Government of India has sanctioned a ₹500 crore capital infusion into the Industrial Finance Corporation of India (IFCI) for the financial year 2024-25. This strategic move aims to bolster IFCI’s financial health ahead of its planned restructuring and consolidation.
Banking News
RBI Greenlights NUCFDC to Boost Urban Cooperative Banks
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the creation of the National Urban Cooperative Finance and Development Corporation (NUCFDC) to bolster the operational efficiency of Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) across India. This initiative aims to address challenges such as regulatory compliance, financial stability, and technological advancement within the sector.
IDBI Bank Reappoints Rakesh Sharma as MD & CEO for 3 Years
IDBI Bank’s Board of Directors has approved the reappointment of Rakesh Sharma as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) for a three-year term, effective March 19, 2025. This decision follows the necessary approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
UPI’s Dominance in India’s Digital Payments Landscape
In 2024, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) solidified its position as the cornerstone of India’s digital payment ecosystem, accounting for 83% of all digital transactions, a significant rise from 34% in 2019. This surge underscores UPI’s rapid adoption and the declining reliance on traditional digital payment methods.
City Union Bank’s Consecutive Triumph at IBA Banking Technology Awards
City Union Bank (CUB) has once again demonstrated its technological prowess by securing seven prestigious awards at the 19th Banking Technology Conference, Expo & Citations 2023, organized by the Indian Banks Association (IBA) in Mumbai. This marks the second consecutive year that CUB has achieved such a remarkable feat, underscoring its commitment to innovation and excellence in the banking sector.
CheQ Unveils Wisor: India’s First AI-Powered Credit Card Expert
CheQ, a leading Indian fintech company founded by former Flipkart executive Aditya Soni, has introduced Wisor, India’s first AI-driven credit card expert. This innovative tool aims to transform credit card management by providing personalized insights, seamless management, and maximizing rewards for users.
Ranks & Reports News
Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP)
The Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP), an initiative launched by the World Economic Forum (WEF), has emerged as a pivotal platform in the global fight against plastic pollution. With its recent expansion to include 25 member countries, GPAP is making significant strides in promoting a circular economy and addressing the pressing issue of plastic waste. This article delves into the origins, objectives, key activities, and challenges associated with GPAP, while also exploring the broader context of plastic pollution and its impact on the environment and human health.
World University Rankings by Subject 2025
The Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by Subject 2025 have been released, highlighting the leading institutions across various disciplines. Notably, the United States continues to dominate, securing top positions in nine out of eleven subjects. This trend underscores the nation’s sustained excellence in higher education.
Important Days News
Lala Lajpat Rai’s 160th Birth Anniversary
On January 28, 2025, India will commemorate the 160th birth anniversary of one of its most revered freedom fighters, Lala Lajpat Rai. Known as the ‘Punjab Kesari’ or the ‘Lion of Punjab’, Lala Lajpat Rai was a towering figure in India’s struggle for independence. His contributions as a freedom fighter, politician, social reformer, and journalist have left an indelible mark on the nation’s history. This article delves into the life, achievements, and enduring legacy of Lala Lajpat Rai, exploring his role in the Indian National Congress, his leadership in the Arya Samaj, and his unwavering commitment to India’s freedom.
Awards News
Hariman Sharma: The Apple Man of India Honored with Padma Shri
Shri Hariman Sharma, a visionary farmer from Himachal Pradesh, has been awarded the prestigious Padma Shri for revolutionizing Indian agriculture. His development of the HRMN-99 apple variety has transformed apple cultivation, enabling it to thrive in tropical and subtropical regions. This innovative, self-pollinating, low-chilling apple variety has expanded apple farming beyond traditional temperate zones, benefiting farmers and consumers alike. Shri Sharma’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a national icon reflects the transformative potential of grassroots innovations.
Doordarshan Honored for Electoral Campaigns
Doordarshan, India’s national broadcaster, has been honoured with an award in the Electronic Media category for its outstanding campaign on Voter Awareness and Education during the Lok Sabha Elections 2024. The recognition highlights its impactful series “Chunav Ka Parv Desh Ka Garv” and other initiatives aimed at fostering an informed and active citizenry. The award was presented to Doordarshan Director-General Kanchan Prasad by President Droupadi Murmu on Republic Day 2025 (January 25).
‘Anuja’ Nominated for Oscar, Backed by Priyanka Chopra & Guneet Monga
The Indian short film Anuja has been nominated for Best Live Action Short Film at the 97th Academy Awards, marking a significant achievement for Indian cinema on the global stage. This nomination highlights the film’s compelling storytelling and the impactful contributions of its producers, including Priyanka Chopra and Guneet Monga.
Science and Technology News
India to Launch First Human Submersible Under Deep Ocean Mission
India is preparing to launch its first human-operated underwater submersible as a part of the Deep Ocean Mission. The submersible is designed for underwater exploration and will be capable of reaching depths of up to 500 meters, with plans to extend its reach to 6,000 meters by the following year. This milestone represents India’s commitment to deep-sea exploration, resource identification, and the advancement of marine and space technologies.
DeepSeek- Revolutionizing the AI World
In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), DeepSeek has emerged as a transformative force, redefining how AI technologies are developed, deployed, and utilized across industries. As a cutting-edge AI company, DeepSeek is at the forefront of innovation, leveraging advanced machine learning (ML), natural language processing (NLP), and data analytics to create solutions that address complex challenges. This article explores how DeepSeek is changing the AI world, its groundbreaking contributions, and the potential it holds for shaping the future of technology.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) Cases in Pune, Maharashtra
In recent weeks, Pune, Maharashtra, has witnessed a sudden increase in cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a rare but serious neurological disorder. This alarming rise has prompted health authorities to investigate the underlying causes and implement measures to manage the situation. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Guillain-Barré Syndrome, its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and the current scenario in Pune.
Sports News
Melie Kerr Clinches ICC Women’s Player of the Year Award
In 2024, New Zealand’s Melie Kerr emerged as the standout player in women’s cricket, clinching the prestigious Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy (Known as ICC Women’s Player of the Year), awarded to the best player of the year. Kerr’s brilliance in all aspects of the game – from her explosive batting to her lethal leg-spin bowling – made her a force to be reckoned with. Her exceptional performance during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, where she helped New Zealand win their first T20 World Cup, was a highlight of her remarkable year.
29th January 2025 Current Affairs (Daily...
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