Table of Contents
International News
India and Oman to Amend Tax Treaty and Accelerate Trade Pact Negotiations
India and Oman have taken significant steps to strengthen their economic relationship. The two nations have agreed to expedite discussions for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and have signed a protocol to amend their existing Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA).
UAE President Declares 2025 the ‘Year of Community’
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced that 2025 will be the “Year of Community,” a national initiative aimed at fostering unity and inclusion within society. The campaign, under the slogan “Hand in Hand,” emphasizes the UAE leadership’s commitment to building a cohesive and empowered community. This initiative will involve a range of programs and events throughout the year, focused on strengthening social bonds, promoting volunteering, and celebrating the country’s cultural diversity.
India and Indonesia Sign Five MoUs to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
In a significant move to bolster bilateral ties, India and Indonesia have signed five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) during Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s official visit to New Delhi from January 23 to 26, 2025. This visit, marking President Subianto’s first to India since assuming office in 2024, culminated in his role as the Chief Guest at India’s 76th Republic Day celebrations.
State News
Tripura Pioneers Multi-Lingual Governance with Bhashini MoU
In a landmark development on January 28, 2025, Tripura became the first northeastern state to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Digital India Bhashini Division (DIBD) of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). The agreement will bring revolutionary changes to how regional languages are used in governance, making public services more accessible and inclusive for the people of Tripura.
Why is Sikkim Tax-Free? A Deep Dive into Its Unique Tax Exemption Status
Sikkim, a picturesque state nestled in the northeastern part of India, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unique tax policies. Unlike other states in India, Sikkim enjoys a special tax exemption status, which has intrigued many. This article explores the historical, legal, and socio-economic factors behind Sikkim’s tax-free status, shedding light on its significance and implications.
“Telangana CM Launches 4 Welfare Schemes on Republic Day”
On January 26, 2025, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy unveiled four significant welfare initiatives aimed at supporting farmers, landless agricultural laborers, and marginalized communities. These schemes were part of the Congress Party’s promises during the 2023 Telangana Legislative Assembly elections, where they secured a decisive victory.
PM Modi Inaugurates ‘Utkarsh Odisha’ Business Conclave
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the ‘Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025’ on January 28, 2025, at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar. The event, attended by Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Ashwini Vaishnaw, and business leaders from across India, is Odisha’s largest business event to date. The two-day conclave aims to promote investment, boost industrial growth, and position Odisha as a key economic hub in Eastern India.
Banking News
RBI Sets 6.66% Interest Rate on GOI Floating Rate Bonds 2035
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently announced that the interest rate for the Government of India Floating Rate Bonds 2035 (GOI FRB 2035) will be set at 6.66% per annum. This rate will be applicable for the period from January 25, 2025, to January 24, 2030. The rate is determined based on the prevailing 5-year yield on Government of India securities as of January 24, 2025, reflecting the market conditions.
SBI Payments & Pine Labs Boost Partnership for Digital Commerce Growth
In a major move towards expanding digital commerce, State Bank of India (SBI) Payments and Pine Labs have announced the strengthening of their 12-year-old partnership. This new phase of collaboration, which began on January 25, 2025, is focused on driving the adoption of digital payments across India. By enhancing merchant solutions and creating seamless payment experiences, the partnership aims to transform the digital payment landscape in the country, benefiting both consumers and businesses.
Banks Reevaluate Recovery Strategies as IBC Effectiveness Declines
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), once a pivotal tool for resolving distressed assets in India, is experiencing a slowdown in case admissions. Banks are increasingly hesitant to utilize this channel due to diminishing recovery rates and prolonged resolution timelines. This shift has led financial institutions to explore alternative recovery methods.
JioSoundPay: Simplifying UPI Payments for Small Businesses
In a move to revolutionize UPI payments for small businesses in India, Jio has launched JioSoundPay, a free feature designed to make digital transactions easier and more efficient. This new addition to the JioBharat phone offers instant, multilingual audio confirmations for every UPI payment, ensuring that small merchants such as kirana stores, vegetable vendors, and roadside eateries can handle transactions seamlessly. The introduction of this feature aligns with Jio’s ongoing commitment to simplifying digital tools for everyday users and small businesses.
Economy News
India’s Forex Reserves Experience Significant Decline
India’s foreign exchange reserves have witnessed a notable decrease, reflecting the nation’s ongoing economic challenges. As of January 10, 2025, the reserves stood at $625.87 billion, marking a decline from the previous week’s $634.59 billion.
Important Days News
Indian Newspaper Day 2025- Date, History, Significance and Evolution
Every year on January 29, India observes Indian Newspaper Day, also known as National Newspaper Day to commemorate the introduction of the first newspaper in the pre-Independence era. This day serves as a reminder of the pivotal role newspapers have played in shaping India’s socio-political landscape. It also aims to promote the habit of reading newspapers daily, encouraging citizens to stay informed and engaged with current affairs.
Science and Technology News
ISRO Launches NVS-02, Marks 100th Mission from Sriharikota
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) marked a historic milestone with its 100th launch from Sriharikota on January 29, 2025. The GSLV-F15 rocket successfully lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at 6:23 a.m., placing the NVS-02 navigation satellite in a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit 19 minutes after launch. This mission strengthens India’s Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system, reinforcing India’s self-reliance in satellite-based navigation.
The Shifting Magnetic North Pole- A Closer Look at Earth’s Dynamic Geomagnetic Field
Recent scientific findings have revealed that the Magnetic North Pole is shifting at an accelerated pace, moving closer to Siberia and continuing its drift toward Russia. This phenomenon, tracked using the World Magnetic Model (WMM), highlights the dynamic nature of Earth’s geomagnetic field. The shift has significant implications for navigation systems, animal migration, and global communication networks. This article delves into the science behind Earth’s magnetic poles, the causes of the pole’s movement, and its broader implications.
Awards News
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Honored with Maharaja Hari Singh Award
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha was conferred with the prestigious Maharaja Hari Singh Award at a grand ceremony held at Satyam Resort, Jammu. The event, organized by the Gulistan News Network, was part of the ‘Maharaja Hari Singh Peace and Harmony Award 2024-25’ celebrations. The award recognized LG Sinha’s contributions to reforms and planning in Jammu and Kashmir.
Sports News
PM Modi Kicks Off 38th National Games in Dehradun
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 38th National Games in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, marking an important milestone for the state as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. The event highlighted India’s growing sports culture and provided a platform for youth across the country to showcase their talent. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of sports in shaping the future, promoting fitness, and boosting the local economy. The Games are being held under the theme of ‘Green Games,’ showcasing the nation’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
Ladakh Tops Khelo India Winter Games 2025; Army Retains Ice Hockey Title
The first phase of the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) 2025 concluded with Ladakh emerging as the top performer. Hosted in Leh, the capital of Ladakh, the games featured exciting competitions, including a thrilling men’s ice hockey final where the Indian Army successfully defended its title. The games also showcased impressive performances in skating and ice hockey, with notable achievements from Ladakh, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra.
Odisha Warriors Win First Women’s Hockey India League Title
The Odisha Warriors, led by Janneke Schopman, clinched the inaugural Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) title, emerging victorious in a thrilling final against Soorma Hockey Club with a 2-1 scoreline. This match, held at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Stadium in Ranchi, marked a redemption moment for Schopman, who had previously faced defeat with India against Japan. The Warriors’ resilience and tactical brilliance, particularly from Ruturaj Dadaso Pisal, were key to their historic win.
Australia Clinches ICC Women’s Championship Trophy
Australia has once again asserted its dominance in women’s cricket by winning the ICC Women’s Championship for the third consecutive time. The team was presented with the prestigious ICC Women’s Championship Trophy in Melbourne after emerging victorious in the 10-team competition that serves as a pathway to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. Captain Alyssa Healy received the trophy from Cricket Australia Chair and ICC Director Mike Baird.
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