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National News
IRDAI Limits Senior Citizens’ Health Premium Hike to 10% Annually
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has taken a crucial step to protect senior citizens from sharp increases in health insurance premiums. The new directive mandates that insurers cannot raise premiums for individuals aged 60 and above by more than 10% per year without prior approval from IRDAI. This move, effective immediately, aims to keep health insurance affordable and accessible for the elderly, who often rely on fixed incomes.
Article 224A: Appointing Retired Judges as Ad Hoc Judges in High Courts
Article 224A of the Indian Constitution deals with the appointment of retired judges to serve as ad hoc judges in High Courts. This provision allows the Chief Justice of a High Court to request a retired judge, with the previous consent of the President, to sit and act as a judge of the High Court. Such ad hoc judges are entitled to allowances determined by the President and possess the jurisdiction, powers, and privileges of a High Court judge during their tenure. However, they are not deemed to be permanent judges of the High Court.
State News
Empowering Women in Odisha: The Subhadra Scheme and IIM Sambalpur’s Role
The Subhadra Scheme, a flagship initiative of the Odisha Government’s Women and Child Development Department, is transforming the lives of women across the state. Designed to empower women through financial support, enhanced digital literacy, and access to social safety nets, the scheme aims to improve the socio-economic conditions of women and their families. Launched as one of the BJP’s poll promises ahead of the 2024 elections in Odisha, the Subhadra Scheme has already begun to make a significant impact.
Economy News
Economic Survey 2025: Nirmala Sitharaman Tables the 2024-25 Report – A Detailed Analysis
The Economic Survey 2024-25 highlights India’s steady economic growth with a projected 6.4% GDP growth in FY25. Key focus areas include stable inflation, strong trade performance, and efforts to attract FDI for manufacturing and technology. (Click Here to read the complete article)
NPCI Implements Stricter UPI Rules from Feb 1, 2025
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has announced new compliance measures for Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions, which will take effect from February 1, 2025. As part of these updates, UPI transaction IDs must now be strictly alphanumeric, with special characters no longer allowed. This change aims to enhance security, ensure uniformity, and improve transaction efficiency within India’s fast-growing digital payments ecosystem.
Business News
Tata Steel Develops India’s First Hydrogen-Transport Pipes
Tata Steel, one of India’s leading steel manufacturers, has announced a groundbreaking achievement in the country’s clean energy sector. The company claims to be the first Indian company to develop hydrogen-compliant pipes designed specifically for transporting hydrogen, a critical step in supporting India’s transition to clean energy. This innovation aligns with the global push for sustainable energy solutions and India’s ambitious National Hydrogen Mission.
Banking News
Karnataka Bank’s Triumph at IBA Banking Technology Awards
Karnataka Bank has achieved a remarkable milestone by securing top honours in six categories at the 20th Annual Banking Technology Conference, Expo & Citations, 2024, organized by the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA). This accomplishment underscores the bank’s unwavering commitment to technological innovation and excellence in the banking sector.
Appointments News
Rajesh Nirwan Appointed as Director General of Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS)
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Rajesh Nirwan as the Director General (DG) of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) under the Ministry of Civil Aviation. According to an order issued by the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT), Nirwan’s appointment will be effective from the date he assumes charge and will continue until further orders.
Important Days News
World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day 2025: Date, Theme
Every year on January 30th, the global health community observes World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day. This day commemorates two significant milestones in the fight against NTDs: the launch of the first WHO roadmap for NTDs and the 2012 London Declaration on Neglected Tropical Diseases. These initiatives marked a turning point in global efforts to combat diseases that disproportionately affect the world’s most vulnerable populations.
The theme for this year’s observance, “Unite, Act, and Eliminate NTDs”, serves as a powerful call to action for the NTDs community.
Science and Technology News
BIMTECH Launches BIMCOIN: India’s First Campus Blockchain Currency
The Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH) has introduced BIMCOIN, a blockchain-powered digital currency designed to create a secure, transparent, and efficient system for transactions within the campus. With this launch, BIMTECH becomes the first business school in India to implement such a technology, following in the footsteps of IIT Madras. This step represents a forward-thinking approach to integrating blockchain technology into the academic environment, setting a new trend for other institutions to follow.
Shubhanshu Shukla: India’s First Astronaut to Pilot Axiom-4 to ISS
India’s space exploration has just reached a new milestone with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla set to become the first Indian astronaut to pilot a space mission to the International Space Station (ISS). He has been chosen as the pilot for Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), a private spaceflight scheduled for launch in the spring of 2025. This marks a significant moment in India’s space history, continuing the journey that started 40 years ago with Rakesh Sharma’s iconic spaceflight. Let’s take a closer look at this exciting development and what Shubhanshu Shukla’s participation means for India.
30th January 2025 Current Affairs (Daily...
29th January 2025 Current Affairs (Daily...
28th January 2025 Current Affairs (Daily...
