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 Current Affairs Weekly PDF – January 2025 – 3rd Week
(17 – 24)

NATIONAL AFFAIRS

TRAI Released Draft Telecommunication IMD Celebrated its 150th Foundation Day
Tariff (71st Amendment) Order, 2025 to On January 15 2025, the India Meteorological
Boost PM-WANI Scheme Department (IMD) under the Ministry of Earth
On January 15 2025, the Telecom Regulatory Authority Sciences (MoES) celebrated its 150th Foundation
of India (TRAI) under the Ministry of Communications Day. A series of events, activities and workshops were
(MoC) released a ‘Draft Telecommunication Tariff organised which demonstrated the contributions of
(71st Amendment) Order, 2025’ which proposes the IMD in making India climate-resilient and providing
rationalization of broadband tariffs for Public Data critical weather and climate services.
Offices (PDOs) under the Prime Minister’s Wireless ✓ He also released commemorative postage
Fidelity (Wi-Fi) Access Network Interface (PM- stamp of Rs.5 denomination and coin to
WANI) scheme. mark the 150 years of IMD. He also unveiled a
✓ The regulator has proposed that the broadband vision document titled “IMD Vision
tariff i.e. Fiber to the Home (FTTH) for PDOs 2047” which outlines a framework for weather
under the PM-WANI scheme should not be resilience and climate change adaptation as
more than twice the tariff applicable for retail India prepares to mark 100 years of
broadband (Fiber to the home) services of independence in 2047.
corresponding capacity offered by service
providers. Union Minister Piyush Goyal launches
✓ PM-WANI scheme aimed to contribute to the National Turmeric Board with Palle Ganga
wider objectives of the National Digital Reddy as chairman
Communications Policy, 2018 and Bharat 6G In January 2025, Union Minister Piyush Goyal, Ministry
Vision, and has set the target for the of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I), launched
deployment of 50 million public wi-fi hotspots the National Turmeric Board (NTB) in New Delhi,
by 2030. As of July 2024, there are Delhi with an aim to boost the turmeric
207,642 PM-WANI Wi-Fi hotspots deployed in industry(Golden Spice) in India.
India. ✓ Palle Ganga Reddy has been appointed as its
first Chairperson. The headquarters of the
Odisha Becomes the 34th State in the Board has been set up at Nizamabad,
Country to Implement Ayushman Bharat Telangana.
PM-JAY Scheme
In January 2025, the Department of Health and Family INROAD Project Received Rs 100 Crore to
Welfare, Government of Odisha signed a Enhance Natural Rubber Quality in
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Northeast India
National Health Authority (NHA), Ministry of Health In January 2025, the Indian Natural Rubber Operations
and Family Welfare (MoHFW) for the implementation for Assisted Development (INROAD) project received
of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan financial support of Rs 100 crore for improving the
Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) in Odisha. quality of natural rubber in Northeast India.
✓ With this, Odisha became the 34th state in the ✓ INROAD is the world’s first project in which the
country to implement AB PM-JAY. As per the tyre industry directly contributes to the growth
MoU, AB PM-JAY will be implemented in of rubber plantations. The project also focuses
convergence with the existing Gopabandhu Jan on women’s economic empowerment in
Arogya Yojana (GJAY) in Odisha. rubber cultivation.

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Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh Payment Security Mechanism (PSM) to reduce
inaugurated ‘Entrepreneurship investment risks in RESCO-based grid-
connected rooftop solar models for the
Development Conclave’ in Pune,
residential sector.
Maharashtra
In January 2025, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan
Singh alias Lalan Singh, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal MoD & BDL Ink Rs. 2,960 crore Contract for
Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAHD) and Ministry MRSAM
of Panchayati Raj(MoPR), inaugurated the On January 16, 2025, the Ministry of Defence (MoD)
‘Entrepreneurship Development Conclave’ at G.D. signed a Rs. 2,960 crore contract with Hyderabad
Madgulkar Natyagruha in Pune, Maharashtra. (Telangana) based Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for
✓ The event was organized by the Department of the supply of Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles
Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) under (MRSAM) for the Indian Navy (IN) in New Delhi (Delhi).
the MoFAHD with an aim to bring together key ✓ The MRSAM system is jointly developed by the
policymakers, industry leaders, and Defence Research and Development
stakeholders from the livestock sector to Organisation (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace
boost innovation and accelerate growth. Industries (IAI), in partnership with Indian
✓ The theme of the event was “Empowering industries from both the public and private
Entrepreneurs: Transforming Livestock sectors, including Micro, Small, and Medium
Economies”. Enterprises (MSMEs).
✓ During the event, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan ✓ MRSAM, developed jointly with Israel, is a
Singh launched a total of 40 projects. 20 high-response, quick-reaction, vertically
projects each under the National Livestock launched supersonic missile designed to
Mission (NLM) and the Animal Husbandry counter enemy aerial threats such as missiles,
Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) with aircraft, guided bombs, and helicopters.
an outlay of Rs 545.04 crores.
✓ NLM – Entrepreneurship Development GoI Reconstituted AEC with Ajith Kumar
Programme (NLM-EDP) Dashboard was Mohanty as Chairman
launched to provide an organized summary of In January 2025, the Government of India (GoI)
project information to the public. has reconstituted the high-powered Atomic Energy
✓ The top-performing Commission (AEC) to include new members Cabinet
states Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Secretary T.V. Somanathan and Expenditure
Nadu (TN) for AHIDF, Secretary Manoj Govil as ex-officio member of AEC.
and Karnataka, Telangana, and Madhya ✓ The newly reconstituted AEC also
Pradesh (MP) for included Pankaj Mishra, who took over charge
the Entrepreneurship Programme were of member (Finance) for AEC in 2024. The GoI
awarded during the event. has decided to retain Ajith Kumar Mohanty,
Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)
MNRE Issued Operational Guidelines for as the chairman of the reconstituted AEC.
Implementation of Various Components
under MEITY in association with DSCI Launches
PMSGMBY CSGC 2.0 for Advancing Cybersecurity
In January 2025, the Ministry of New and Renewable Innovations
Energy (MNRE) has issued operational guidelines for On January 15, 2025, S. Krishnan, Secretary of the
implementation of various components such as: Ministry of Electronics & Information
‘Payment Security Mechanism’ component and Technology (MEITY), introduced the second edition of
‘Central Finance Assistance’ component for the Cyber Security Grand Challenge (CSGC 2.0). This
Renewable Energy Service initiative is implemented by the Data Security Council
Company (RESCO) models/ Utility Led of India (DSCI) based on Noida, Uttar Pradesh (UP) to
Aggregation (ULA) models under the ‘Prime Minister- boost India’s cybersecurity capabilities and prepare for
Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY)’. a secure digital future.
✓ Rs 100 crore corpus fund has been allocated
under this scheme component, for the

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C-DOT Partners with IIT Delhi to Develop Limited to improve innovation and strengthen
THz Communication Front Ends for 6G India’s startup ecosystem.
✓ Under this partnership, ITC aims to implement
Technology
startup solutions in strategic areas such as
In January 2025, The Centre for Development of
energy storage systems, integrating Renewable
Telematics (C-DOT), a telecom research and
Energy(RE) sources for manufacturing
development (R&D) center under the Department of
locations and digital platforms for
Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of
Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES).
Communications (MoC) has partnered with the Indian
Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) based in New
Delhi, Delhi to work on “Building Blocks for Terahertz C-DOT & IIT Bombay Signed Agreement to
(THz) Communication Front Ends” for 6G (sixth- Develop Optical Transceiver Chipset for
generation) technology. High-Bandwidth 6G Wireless Links
In January 2025, the Centre for Development of
Cabinet approvals on January 16th 2025 Telematics (C-DOT), under the Department of
On January 16 2025, the Union Cabinet , chaired by Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi has approved the Communications (MoC) signed an agreement with the
following proposals: Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT B),
✓ Construction of a Third Launch Pad (TLP) for Mumbai(Maharashtra) to develop an “Optical
Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO’s) Transceiver Chipset for High-Bandwidth 6G
Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) at Wireless Links.”
Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh (AP). The project
costs Rs. 3,984.86 crore and is expected to India’s 6th Astronomical Observatory &
be completed in 4 years. Eastern India’s 1st Inaugurated in WB
✓ The Union Cabinet approved the formation of In January 2025, the Satyendra Nath Bose Centre for
the 8th Pay Commission to revise the salary Basic Sciences (SNBCBS), an autonomous institute
and pension of over 1.2 crore central under the Department of Science and Technology
government employees and pensioners. The (DST), under the Ministry of Science and Technology
term of the 7th Pay Commission will conclude (MoS&T), established India’s sixth and Eastern
on December 31 2025, after which the 8th Pay India’s first astronomical observatory in the
Commission will come into effect. Garpanchkot Hills of Purulia district in West Bengal
✓ The Union Cabinet has approved the refarming (WB), to aid scientific observations, student training,
of 687 megahertz(MHz) of spectrum from and global research collaboration.
government ministries and ISRO to support 5G ✓ The observatory center has been named after
and future 6G services. This spectrum, valued the renowned scientist Satyendra Nath Bose.
at Rs. 2 lakh crore, will be auctioned to
telecom operators. Of the 687 MHz, 328 MHz
will be released immediately, with the Govt Launches Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan
remaining portion becoming available in App to Promote Battlefield Tourism
phases by 2030. Union Minister Rajnath Singh, Ministry of
✓ The Union Cabinet Committee on Economic Defence(MoD) launched “Bharat Ranbhoomi
Affairs (CCEA) has approved a revival plan for Darshan” mobile application (app) and website to
Visakhapatnam(Andhra Pradesh, AP) based enable civilians to visit and explore significant
Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL),with a battlefields along India’s borders. The app was
total investment of Rs.11,440 crores. launched on 15 January 2025, coinciding with the 77th
Indian Army Day.
DPIIT Partners with ITC to Bolster India’s
Startup Ecosystem Startup India Marks 9 Years: 1.59 Lakh
In January 2025, the Department for Promotion of Startups Recognised and 16.6 Lakh Jobs
Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Created
Commerce & Industry(MoC&I), entered into a strategic On January 16 2025, Startup India, a transformative
partnership with Kolkata(West Bengal) based ITC initiative of Government of India (GoI) that started in
2016, has successfully completed 9 years. The

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initiative aimed to foster innovation and boost the ✓ The Sanchar Saathi Mobile App is a user-
growth of startups across the country. GoI has friendly platform aimed at enhancing telecom
designated January 16 as National Startup Day to security and empowering citizens. It enables
celebrate the nation’s stride in promoting a robust and users to secure their telecom services and
inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. protect against fraud.
✓ With over 1.59 lakh startups (from 500 in ✓ NBM 2.0, is an expansion of the earlier NBM
2016) recognised by DPIIT (as of January 15, 1.0 and aims to further develop India’s digital
2025,), India has firmly positioned itself as the infrastructure. Under NBM 2.0, the government
world’s 3rd largest startup ecosystem. intends to connect the remaining 1.7 lakh
✓ Startup India initiative is being implemented by villages and improve the broadband speed to
Department for Promotion of Industry and 100 Mbps (Megabits per second).
Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce &
Industry (MoC&I). Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar
✓ Indian cities like: Bengaluru (Karnataka),
Launched the Toolkit for 9th Edition
Hyderabad (Telangana), Mumbai
(Maharashtra), and Delhi-National Capital of Swachh Survekshan
Region (NCR) emerged as major hubs for In January 2025, Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar,
startups in India, while smaller cities have Ministry of Housing and Urban
increasingly contributed to India’s Affairs (MoHUA) launched the toolkit for 9th edition
entrepreneurial momentum. of ‘Swachh Survekshan(SS)’, the world’s largest urban
✓ On January 16 2025, Union Minister cleanliness survey, in its new version- simpler, sharper,
Piyush Goyal, MoC&I launched two key systematic and all-inclusive.
initiatives including Cities which are included in the SSL are:
the PRABHAAV Factbook (Powering a
Resilient and Agile Bharat for the Advancement Category Selected City
of Visionary Startups) and Bharat Startup
Challenge at the celebration of 9 years of Very
Panchgani (Maharashtra), Patan
Startup India in New Delhi, Delhi. Small
(Gujarat)
✓ In January 2025, Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Cities
Minister (CM) of Maharashtra signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Small Vita (Maharashtra), Saswad
SIDBI to establish a Rs 100 crore fund aimed at Cities (Maharashtra)
strengthening startups and small businesses in
the state. Ambikapur (Chhattisgarh),
✓ Startup Policy Forum (SPF), with the support Medium Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh, AP),
of DPIIT and Startup India, launched two Cities New Delhi Municipal Council
flagship initiatives namely, ‘Startup Baithak’ (Delhi)
and ‘Startup Baatcheet’ to celebrate National
Startup Day 2025. Noida (Uttar Pradesh, UP),
Big Cities
Chandigarh(Punjab).
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia Million Navi Mumbai (Mumbai), Indore
Launches Sanchar Saathi App, NBM 2.0 and Plus (Madhya Pradesh, MP) and Surat
ICR Facility to Boost Telecom Connectivity Cities (Gujarat)
In January 2025, Union Minister Jyotiraditya
Madhavrao Scindia, Ministry of Communications
(MoC), introduced several citizen-focused initiatives, Indian Armed Forces Conducts ‘Exercise
including the launch of the Sanchar Saathi Mobile Devil Strike’
Application (App), the unveiling of the National The Indian Armed Forces conducted ‘Exercise Devil
Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0, and the inauguration of Strike’, a joint exercise involving the elite airborne
the Intra Circle Roaming(ICR) facility at Digital Bharat forces of the Indian Army (IA) and the Indian Air Force
Nidhi (DBN)-funded 4G (fourth generation) mobile (IAF) from January 16-19, 2025 at the training areas
sites in New Delhi, Delhi. and firing ranges, validating critical drills and improving
operational preparedness.

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ISM, CG Power and CSPL Sign Fiscal ✓ President of Singapore
Support Agreement Tharman Shanmugaratnam and President of
In January 2025, the India Semiconductor Mission India Droupadi Murmu jointly unveiled the 60th
(ISM), Mumbai(Maharashtra) based CG Power and Anniversary Commemorative logo at
Industrial Solutions Limited(also known as Crompton Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. The logo
Greaves Limited), and Ahmedabad , (Gujarat) based celebrates six decades of strong ties between
CG Semi Private Limited(CSPL) signed a Fiscal India & Singapore.
Support Agreement (FSA) to advance India’s ✓ During his visit, several Memorandum of
semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Understanding (MoUs) were signed between
the Odisha government and Singaporean
organizations.
FIU-IND & NHB ink MOU to enhance
coordination and information exchange Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh
In January 2025, New Delhi (Delhi) based Financial
Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND) under the Department inaugurated India’s 1st of its kind CSIR
of Revenue (DoR), Ministry of Finance (MoF) signed a Innovation Complex in Mumbai
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with New Delhi In January 2025, Union Minister of State(MoS)
(Delhi) based National Housing Bank (NHB), (Independent Charge, IC) Dr. Jitendra Singh, Ministry
under MoF to collaborate on a range of critical areas, of Science and Technology(MoS&T) and Ministry of
including intelligence sharing, capacity building and risk Earth Sciences(MoES), inaugurated India’s first-of-its-
assessment. kind Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)
Mega “Innovation Complex” through virtual mode
and dedicated it to StartUps and Industry stakeholders
NeGD Launches ‘Entity Locker’ for Business
in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Document Management ✓ CSIR signed 6 Memorandums of Association
In January 2025, the National electronic (e)Governance (MoA) with 6 esteemed institutions, including
Division (NeGD), under the Ministry of Electronics and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)
Information Technology(MeitY), has introduced ‘Entity Bombay, iCreate, and the National Research
Locker’, a modern digital platform designed to simplify Development Corporation (NRDC), to promote
the way organisations manage and verify their innovation, industrial collaboration, and job
documents. creation.
✓ The platform aligns with India’s Digital Public
Infrastructure(DPI) and the Union Budget
2024-25’s goal of advancing digital governance MoC&I: India becomes World’s 7th Largest
and simplifying business processes. Coffee Producing Country; Exports Soar to
✓ The platform integrates seamlessly with key USD 1.29 Billion in FY24
systems like the Ministry of Corporate Affairs According to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry
(MCA), Goods and Services Tax Network (MoC&I), India became the world’s 7th largest coffee
(GSTN), and Directorate General of Foreign producing country with exports reaching USD 1.29
Trade (DGFT), reducing delays and operational billion in Financial Year 2023-24 (FY24), from USD
challenges in document handling. 719.42 million recorded in FY21.
✓ The Ministry further revealed that India
Overview of Singapore President exported over 9,300 tonnes of coffee in the 1st
half of January 2025, with top buyers including
Tharman Shanmugaratnam’s visit to India
Italy, Belgium and Russia.
from January 14 to 18, 2025 ✓ India’s coffee is primarily grown in the
Singapore ecologically rich Western and Eastern
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, visited India Ghats. Karnataka topped in terms of coffee
from January 14 to 18, 2025, marking his 1st bilateral production, contributing 2,48,020 Metric
state visit to India. He was accompanied by Chee Hong Tonnes (MT) in 2022-23, followed by Kerala
Tat, Minister for Transport and 2nd Minister for Finance and Tamil Nadu (TN).
of Singapore; and Sim Ann, Senior Minister of State,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of National
Development of Singapore.

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Seven Products from Andaman and Nicobar and web-portal for the Prime Minister (PM)’s Awards
Islands Granted GI Tags for Excellence in Public Administration 2024.
In December 2024, the Geographical Indications (GI) ✓ The scheme for PM’s Awards for Excellence in
Registry in Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN), under the Public Administration for 2024, will recognize
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal the contribution of civil servants
Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry under 3 categories through 16 awards. Name
(MoC&I), granted GI tags to seven indigenous and of these 3 categories and Awards are:
distinctive products from the Andaman and ✓ Category-1: Holistic Development of Districts
Nicobar(A&N) Islands, recognizing their cultural and under 11 priority sector programmes (05
traditional importance. awards);
7 New GI Products: ✓ Category-2: Aspirational Blocks Programme
(05 awards);
Goods ✓ Category-3: Innovations for Central
GI Product Ministries/Departments, States and Districts
Type
(06 awards).
Nicobari mat (Chatrai-hileuoi)
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi Announces
Nicobari Hut (To Chanvi Pati-Nyi Updates to OMSS(D) Policy for 2024-25
Handcrafts
hupul) Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, Ministry of Consumer
Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (MoCAF&PD) , has
Nicobari Hodi craft announced updates to the Open Market Sale Scheme
(Domestic) [OMSS(D)] for 2024-25. These changes
Padauk Wood Craft Furniture aim to enhance food security and streamline rice
distribution across the country.
Nicobari Tavi-i-Ngaich (virgin ✓ The reserve price of rice is set at Rs 2,250 per
Oil
coconut oil) quintal (applicable across India). This is a
reduction from the earlier price of Rs 2,900 per
Andaman Karen Musley rice Crop quintal, which was set in August 2024.
Andaman & Nicobar coconut Plant
India & USA Sign MoU to Boost Cybercrime
Investigation Cooperation
India’s Rubber Board unveils ‘iSNR’ & In January 2025, the Government of India (GoI) signed
‘INR Konnect’ to Boost Rubber Production a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the
In January 2025, the Kottayam (Kerala) based Rubber Government of the United States of
Board (RB) under the Ministry of Commerce and America (USA) to enhance collaboration in
Industry (MoC&I) unveiled two initiatives’ iSNR (Indian cybercrime investigations.
Sustainable Natural Rubber)’ and ‘INR Konnect’ ✓ The MoU was signed by Indian
platform during the platinum jubilee celebrations of Ambassador Vinay Kwatra and Acting USA
the Rubber Act, 1947, and the Rubber Growers’ Deputy Secretary of Homeland
Conference held in Kottayam. Security, Kristie Canegallo in Washington DC,
✓ Awards were also presented to the top the USA.
performers of ‘mRube’, the digital marketing
platform for Natural Rubber (NR). Cabinet Approvals on January 22 2025
On January 22 2025, the Union Cabinet, chaired by
DARPG Launched Scheme and Portal for Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi has approved the
PM’s Awards for Excellence in Public following proposals:
Administration 2024 ✓ Apprised of Achievements under National
Health Mission (NHM) (2021-24). It has also
In January 20 2025, the Department of Administrative
approved continuation of the NHM for another
Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG), the Ministry of
5 years.
Personnel, Public Grievances, and
o The Union Cabinet was apprised of the
Pensions (MoPP&P) officially launched the scheme
achievements under the National

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 Health Mission (NHM) during a period MoA&FW Conducts India’s First Edible Oil
of 3 years (from 2021-22 to 2023-24). Consumption Survey
o It was also apprised of accelerated On January 9, 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture &
decrease in Maternal Mortality Rate Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) launched the first-
(MMR), Infant Mortality (IMR), Under-5 ever edible oil consumption survey on the “My Gov”
Mortality Rate (U5MR), and Total portal to assess edible oil consumption patterns
Fertility Rate (TFR). It has also across India.
approved continuation of the NHM for ✓ This initiative aims to support the effective
another 5 years. implementation of the National Mission on
✓ Approved the Minimum Support Price (MSP) Edible Oils-Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds).
of Rs 5,650 per quintal for raw jute (TD-3 ✓ Industry reports show that per capita annual
grade) for marketing season 2025-26. This consumption (PCAC) of edible oil in India has
marks an increase of nearly 6% i.e. Rs 315 per surpassed 20 Kilogram (kg), well above the
quintal compared to last marketing season recommended limits of 12 kg by the Indian
2024-25. Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and 13 kg
o The GoI has increased MSP of raw jute by the World Health Organization (WHO).
by 2.35 times (Rs 3,250 per quintal), ✓ The National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds
from Rs 2,400 per quintal (in 2014-15 (NMEO-Oilseeds) is a focused initiative aimed
season) to Rs 5,650 per quintal (2024- at increasing oilseed production and achieving
25 season). self-reliance in India. It was launched by
Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
DoC Introduces ‘DIA Scheme’ to Enhance (DA&FW) under MoA&FW in October 2024.
Global Competitiveness of Diamond Sector
In January 2025, the Department of Commerce (DoC), India & France strengthens maritime
Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I), security cooperation in IOR
introduced the Diamond Imprest Authorization (DIA) In January 2025, India and France strengthened
Scheme. This scheme aims to enhance the global their maritime security cooperation to maintain peace
competitiveness of India’s diamond sector and will be and security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) during
implemented with effect from 1 April 2025. the 7th India-France maritime cooperation
✓ All diamond exporters with USD 15 million in dialogue held in New Delhi, Delhi.
annual exports and Two Star Export House ✓ In January 2025, India and France agreed to
status or higher are eligible to receive benefits deepen their bilateral partnership in high-end
under this program. technologies, during the India-France Foreign
Office Consultations (FOC) held in Paris,
France.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju’s visit to Saudi and Saudi Arabia’s Minister for Hajj
Arabia from 11th to 14th January, 2025 and Umrah Tawfiq Bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah in
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Ministry of Minority Jeddah.
Affairs(MoMA) and Ministry of Parliamentary
Affairs(MoPA) visited Saudi Arabia from 11th January China built World’s First 300 MW CAES
to 14th January 2025 with an aim to look into the Plant Connected to Grid at Full Capacity
important arrangements related to preparations for the In January 2025, Nengchu-1, the world’s first 300-
upcoming Haj pilgrimage to enhance the experience of Megawatt (MW) Compressed Air Energy Storage
Indian pilgrims. (CAES) demonstration project was fully connected to
✓ On 13th January 2025, India signed a Hajj the grid in Yingcheng, central China’s Hubei Province. It
agreement with Saudi Arabia securing a quota is the world’s first full green, non-supplementary
of 1,75,025 pilgrims for Indian pilgrims for combustion project invested and individually
2025. The agreement was signed between Kire developed by China Energy Engineering Group
Rijiju Corporation Limited(CEEC).

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 ✓ Nengchu-1 is the world’s first large-scale
2 UK 97.1
CAES solution with independent intellectual
property rights and a full industrial supply
3 Germany 94.6
chain which will store physical energy for a
long time. 4 Australia 93.3

WEF Includes CEAT and HUL in the Global 5 Canada 91.0

Lighthouse Network
In January 2025, Switzerland based World Economic 25 India 76.6
Forum (WEF) announced that Sriperumbudur(Tamil
Nadu, TN) based CEAT Limited and Tinsukia(Assam)
ILO’s WESO Report 2025: Global
based facility of Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), the
Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) Company have unemployment slow down at 5%
joined its Global Lighthouse Network (GLN) for driving On January 18 2025, the International Labour
manufacturing transformation through innovation. Organization (ILO) released its flagship report
titled ‘World Employment and Social Outlook : Trends
2025(WESO Trends 2025)’, highlighting the current
Indian Navy Participates in 5th Edition of La state of global labour markets and the social
Perouse 25 Multinational Naval Exercise outlook. The report provides an in-depth analysis of
On January 16, 2025, the Indian Navy (IN), along with global employment trends, challenges, and prospects
eight Indo-Pacific nations, is participating in the 5th for the near future.
edition of the La Perouse 25 multinational naval ✓ According to the report, the global
exercise. The exercise is being conducted in the unemployment rate slowed down at 5% in
strategic maritime straits of Malacca, Sunda, and 2024 and is projected to tick lower again in
Lombok, which serve as crucial routes for global 2026 to 4.9%. However, Youth unemployment
maritime trade between the Indian Ocean and the remain high at 12.6% in 2024.
Pacific Ocean. ✓ The unemployment rates for the overall
number of jobs missing, stood around 402.4
QS World Future Skills Index 2025: USA million in 2024 globally.
topped; India ranked 25th
In January 2025, London(the United Kingdom, UK- Highlights of EAM S.Jaishankar’s Visit to
based Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) released its Spain from 13th to 14th January 2025
first ‘World Future Skills Index Union Minister S. Jaishankar, Ministry of External
2025’. India secured 25th position globally earning a Affairs(MEA) made a 2-day visit to Spain from January
score of 76.6, which classifies it as a “future skills 13th to 14th, 2025 which marks his second visit to
contender.” Spain and first visit as External Affairs Minister(EAM).
✓ India secured the 2nd position globally, behind ✓ The aim of the visit was to meet the leadership
the United States of America (USA) in the of Spain and hold wide range discussions with
‘Future of Work’ category indicating its strong the Spain’s Foreign Minister Manuel Albares.
readiness for technology-driven roles and He also addressed the 9th Annual Conference
industries of the future, especially in digital of Spanish Ambassadors and met the Indian
skills, artificial intelligence (AI), and green community.
technologies. ✓ During the meeting, India and Spain signed two
✓ The USA leads the rankings with a score Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) that
of 97.6, followed by the UK (97.1), Germany focused on cooperation
(94.6), Australia (93.3), and Canada (91.0) in in sports and sustainable urban
the top 5 positions, categorized as “future development.
skills pioneers.”
Overall Ranking:
Nigeria Joined BRICS as the 9th Partner
Rank Country Score Country
In January 2025, the government of Brazil, which holds
the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South
1 USA 97.6

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Africa) bloc presidency in 2025, announced sectors like education, healthcare and social
that Nigeria, the world’s 6th largest population and protection.
Africa’s largest country, has officially joined BRICS as
the 9th Partner Country. Brand Finance Global 500 2025: Apple Tops
✓ Other Partner countries of BRICS bloc are:
Global Rankings; TATA Most Valuable Indian
Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia,
Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan. Brand
✓ 16th BRICS Summit was held under the According to the 19th Global 500
chairmanship of Vladimir Putin, President of 2025 report published by Brand Finance, Apple has
Russia, in Kazan (Russia) from October 22 to retained its position as the world’s
24, 2024. Theme: “Strengthening most valuable brand, with a brand value of USD 574.5
Multilateralism for Just Global Development billion (bn).Tata Group (USD 28.6 bn) is the most
and Security”. valuable Indian brand for the 15th consecutive
holding 60th spot in the list.
✓ In Global rank, Apple is followed
USA Removed BARC, IGCAR and by Microsoft (USD 461.1 bn) on the 2nd,
IREL From Restrictive Entity List and Google (USD 413 bn) on 3rd respectively.
In January 2025, the United States of America (USA)’s WeChat (95.2) has been ranked as the
Bureau of Industry & Security (BIS) has removed world’s strongest brand for the 2nd
3 prominent Indian nuclear entities from its restrictive consecutive year followed by Nike (94.7) on
Entity List. This move aims to strengthen bilateral ties the 2nd spot and Google (94.3) on
between India and USA and also focus on promoting the 3rd position.
advanced energy cooperation. ✓ HCL Technologies (HCLTech) has emerged as
✓ The entities removed from the USA entity list world’s fastest-growing IT services brand in
are: Trombay, Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based 2025, while Infosys has achieved the highest
Bhabha Atomic Research compound annual growth rate among IT
Center (BARC), Department of Atomic services brands over the past 5 years (at
Energy(DAE); Mumbai (Maharashtra)- 18.2%).
based IREL (India) Limited(formerly Indian Highlights of Top 5 Valuable Indian Brands:
Rare Earths Ltd); and Kalpakkam (Tamil Nadu,
TN)-based Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Valuation (in
Rank Brand
Research (IGCAR). billion)

Climate Change, Conflict, Digital Inequality 60 Tata Group USD 28.6

Disrupting Children’s Lives: UNICEF Report
In January 2025, the United Nations Children’s 132 Infosys USD 16.3
Fund (UNICEF), a humanitarian aid organisation of UN
released a report titled ‘Prospects for Children in 2025: 164 HDFC Group USD 14.2
Building Resilient Systems for Children’s Futures’. As
per the report, climate change, economic instability, Life Insurance
177 USD 13.3
conflict and digital inequality are disrupting children’s Corporation
lives and limiting their prospects.
237 Reliance Group USD 9.8
✓ Global Impact of Conflict on Children: As per
the report, more than 473 million children i.e.
more than one in six globally, lived in areas WMF’s 2025 Watch List Added Moon to List
affected by conflict in 2023. The percentage of
children affected by conflict has almost
of Threatened Cultural Sites for the
doubled, from around 10% (in 1990s) to 1st Time; 2 Indian Sites on the List
almost 19%. In January 2025, New York (the United States of
✓ Children Living in Debt-Ridden America, USA)-based World Monuments
Countries: The report revealed that nearly 400 Fund (WMF), a non-profit organisation released
million children live-in debt ridden countries, its “2025 World Monuments Watch List”. The list
which hinders important investments in includes 25 endangered cultural heritage sites
spanning 29 countries across 5 continents.

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 ✓ Other than Moon, the list features notable India Officially Joins Eurodrone Programme
endangered cultural sites like: Erdene Zuu as Observer State
Buddhist Monastery (Mongolia), Noto In January 2025, India has officially joined the Medium
Peninsula Heritage Sites (Japan), Ruins of Old Altitude Long Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft
Belchite (Spain), among others. System (MALE RPAS) or Eurodrone programme as
✓ The list features two Indian sites the Observer State. With this, India became the
namely, Bhuj Historic Water second Asia-Pacific country after Japan to gain
Systems (Gujarat) and Musi River Historic observer status.
Buildings (Telangana). ✓ India made a formal request to become part of
this programme in August 2024, and the
approval was granted in January 2025.
✓ The Eurodrone project is a collaborative
initiative involving four nations: Germany,
France, Italy, and Spain. It was launched in
2016, is valued at an estimated Euro 7 billion
(USD 7.3 billion).

BANKING & FINANCE

NPCI International partners with Magnati to ✓ Non-residents are now allowed to settle
Expand UPI Acceptance in UAE legitimate transactions with other non-
NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), the residents using balances in their repatriable
international arm of the National Payments INR accounts. These accounts include: Special
Corporation of India (NPCI), has partnered Non-Resident Rupee Accounts (SNRR),
with Magnati, a leading payment solutions provider in Special Rupee Vostro Accounts (SRVA).
the Middle East, to provide the feature of QR (Quick
Response) based Unified Payments BoB Launches ‘BoB Liquid FD scheme’
Interface (UPI) merchant payments via Magnati’s In January 2025, Vadodara(Gujarat) based Bank of
Point-Of-Sale (POS) terminals in the United Arab Baroda(BoB) has launched a new Fixed Deposit (FD)
Emirates (UAE). scheme named ‘bob Liquid FD’ as an alternative to the
traditional FD that has combined the benefits of FD
RBI Decided to Conduct Daily VRR interest rates with the convenience of easy liquidity of
a Savings Account.
Operations to Boost Banking Liquidity amid
✓ The scheme has flexible deposit amounts
Deficit starting at Rs.5,000 (and in multiples of
In January 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has Rs.1,000 thereafter, with no maximum deposit
decided to conduct Variable-Rate amount), duration of the deposit ranges
Repo (VRR) auctions on a daily basis until further from 12 to 60 months and partial withdrawals
notice. This move will boost the banking liquidity amid are accepted in multiples of Rs.1,000.
deficit. The 1st such VRR was conducted on January
16, 2025 worth Rs 50,000 crore and standalone
primary dealers were allowed to participate in the PFC Sign 120 Billion JPY Loan Deal
auction with other eligible bidders. with JBIC for RE Projects in India
In January 2025, New Delhi (Delhi) based Power
Finance Corporation Limited (PFC) under the Ministry
RBI Introduces Changes to FEMA to
of Power (MoP) signed an agreement with Tokyo
Facilitate Cross-Border Trade in INR (Japan) based Japan Bank for International Cooperation
On January 16, 2025, the Reserve Bank of (JBIC) for 120 billion Japanese Yen (JPY) or Rs.6600
India (RBI) introduced new measures under the crore loan to support Renewable Energy(RE) projects
Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) 1999, to in India.
encourage the use of the Indian Rupee (INR) and other ✓ Under the agreement, JBIC will contribute JPY
local currencies for international trade. 72 billion(Rs 40.04 billion), while the

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 remaining amount will be provided by Chase & Co remains as the world’s largest bank by
commercial banks. market capitalization (MCap) recording an increase of
37.2% to USD 674.9 billion by the end of Q4 of
Shriram Life Insurance Launches 2024 from Q4 of 2023.
✓ USA-based Bank of America Corporation
Sunishchit Laabh Savings Plan
(BAC) secured the 2nd position with USD
In January 2025, Shriram Life
337.2 billion, while China-based Industrial and
Insurance launched Shriram Life Sunishchit Laabh, a
Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) ranked
non-participating individual savings plan that
3rd with USD 328.2 billion.
guarantees high returns of up to 668% of the total
✓ In Q4 2024, India’s HDFC bank Limited
premium paid. Individuals aged 30 days to 60
dropped from 7th to 13th position compared
years are eligible for the plan with an annual premium
to Q4 2023, ICICI bank Limited moved up one
starting at Rs 30,000.
spot to 19th from 20th position, and State
Bank of India (SBI) retained its 24th position.
RBI Released NBFC Upper Layer List for
2024-25 Shriram Housing Finance Rebranded
In January 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
as Truhome Finance
released the list of Non-Banking Finance Companies
In January 2025, Shriram Housing Finance
(NBFCs) in the Upper Layer (UL) segment under the
Limited(SHFL), a housing finance company in India,
Scale Based Regulation (SBR) for NBFCs for the
has rebranded as Truhome Finance. The rebranding
Financial year 2024-25(FY25).
follows its acquisition by Warburg Pincus and co-
✓ RBI has retained Tata Sons Private Limited in
investors, including Qatar Investment Authority (QIA),
the NBFC UL list despite its request to de-
Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund from Shriram Finance.
register as a NBFC, is under examination.
✓ Shriram Finance Group received an investment
✓ The updated list comprises 15 companies that
of Rs 1,225 crore, increasing the Company’s
include Life Insurance Corporation of India
net worth to over Rs 3,300 crore.
(LIC) Housing Finance Limited (HFL), Bajaj
Finance Limited (BHL), and Shriram Finance
Limited (SFL), among others. RBI Introduced Revised Guidelines for ARC-
✓ Muthoot Finance Limited (MFIN), a flagship of Borrower Settlements
Muthoot Group is the only gold loan On January 20 2025, the Reserve Bank of
NBFC included in the RBI’s ‘UL’ list for three India (RBI) introduced revised guidelines for the
consecutive years. settlement of dues payable by borrowers to Asset
Reconstruction Companies (ARCs) under the Master
IDFC FIRST Bank Unveils ‘FIRST Direction- Reserve Bank of India (Asset
Reconstruction Companies) Directions, 2024. These
EA₹N RuPay Credit Card’
guidelines came into force with immediate effect.
On January 20 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra)
✓ These revised guidelines were issued through a
based IDFC FIRST Bank Limited, in partnership with
circular in exercise of powers given by Sections
Rupay (developed by National Payments Corporation
9 and 12 of the Securitisation and
of India (NPCI)), a global card payment network from
Reconstruction of Financial Assets and
India, launched the Unified Payments Interface (UPI)-
Enforcement of Security(SARFAESI ) Act,
enabled ‘FIRST EA₹N RuPay Credit Card’.
2002 (54 of 2002).

GlobalData: HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank & RBI Sets Up MK Jain-Led Committee to
SBI Rank Among Top 25 Global Banks by Evaluate UB and SFB Applications
Market Cap; JP Morgan Chase Tops the List On January 20 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
In January 2025, London, the United Kingdom (UK) formed a five-member Standing External Advisory
based data analytics and research Committee (SEAC) chaired by the former Deputy
company GlobalData Plc released a report on the Top Governor of RBI, Mahesh Kumar (MK) Jain to evaluate
25 Global Banks by Market Capitalization in the fourth the applications for Universal Banks (UBs) and Small
quarter (Q4) of 2024, with the New York, United States Finance Banks (SFBs).
of America (USA) based JPMorgan

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 ✓ The committee has a three-year tenure, Skydo Receives In-Principle Approval from
supported by the Department of Regulation, RBI as Payment Aggregator for Cross-Border
RBI for secretarial assistance.
Payments
On 21 January 2025, Skydo Technologies Private
Bajaj Finance, Bharti Airtel partner to launch Limited, a cross-border fintech company based in
digital financial services platform Bengaluru, Karnataka, received in-principle
In January 20 2025, Bharti Airtel, telecom services approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to
provider and Bajaj Finance, a private-sector Non- operate as a Payment Aggregator-Cross Border (PA-
Banking Financial Company (NBFC), have partnered to CB).
develop one of India’s largest digital platforms for ✓ Skydo also secured Payment Service
financial services to ensure faster last mile delivery. Provider (PSP) approval from Amazon, an
✓ Airtel will initially offer Bajaj Finance’s retail American multinational technology company
financial products on its Airtel Thanks headquartered in Washington, United States of
Application (App) for easy and safe customer America ( USA).
experience, and thereafter through its nation-
wide network of stores.

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

India Set to Become World’s 4th Largest Indian Economy Expected to Grow by 6.7%
Economy by 2026; GDP to Grow 6.8% in in Next Two Fiscal Year: World Bank
FY25: PHDCCI In January 2025, The World Bank(WB) released its
According to New Delhi (Delhi)-based PHD Chamber biannual report titled Global Economic Prospects
of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI)’s latest report (GEP) for January 2025. The report has projected that
titled ‘Economic Outlook 2025’, India is set to India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will grow at a
become the World’s 4th largest economy by rate of 6.7% over the next two financial years i.e. for
2026, surpassing Japan. Financial Year 2025-26 (FY26) and FY27.
✓ The report has further projected that India’s ✓ The projection for FY26 remained same from
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will grow its GEP for June 2024 and growth rate for FY27
at 6.8% in Financial Year 2024-25(FY25) was revised downwards by 10 basis point
and 7.7% in FY26. (bps), from its previous estimate of 6.8%.
✓ The report has also projected India will
become USD 7 trillion economy
by 2030, which will further increase to USD 10
trillion by 2034 and USD 34 trillion by 2047.

FICCI: India estimated to grow by 6.4% &

CPI inflation projected at 4.8% in FY25
In January 2025, the Federation of Indian Chambers of
Commerce and Industry (FICCI) released
its Economic Outlook Survey. It projects India’s Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) growth for 2024-25 is
projected at 6.4% from the 7.0% estimated in
September 2024 reflecting a decline as compared to
the 8.2% growth achieved in 2023-24.
✓ Consumer Price Index (CPI)-
based inflation has been projected at 4.8% for
2024-25, aligning with the Reserve Bank of
India’s (RBI) forecast in its December 2024
monetary policy whereas the food inflation is
expected to decline.

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IREDA Partners with SJVN, GMR and NEA as Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation has
for 900 MW Upper Karnali Hydropower decreased from 5.5% (in November) to 5.2%
(in December).
Project in Nepal
On 17th January 2025, New Delhi(Delhi) based Indian
Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited
(IREDA) entered into a Joint Venture (JV) Agreement
with Shimla, Himachal Pradesh(HP)
based SJVN Limited(formerly known as Satluj Jal
Vidyut Nigam), GMR Energy Limited, and Nepal
Electricity Authority (NEA) for the development of the
900 megawatt (MW) Upper Karnali Hydro-electric
Project over River Karnali, the largest hydro-electric
power project in Nepal.
✓ The agreement was signed in the presence of
senior officials from IREDA, SJVN, and GMR
Energy Limited in New Delhi, Delhi.
✓ The project is partly funded by the Asian
Development Bank(ADB), and is expected to
be completed within five years of
commencement of construction.

BPCL Signs Loan Agreement with SBI – led

IMF Retains India’s GDP growth forecast at
Consortium for Expansion Projects
On January 2025, Mumbai, Maharashtra based Bharat 6.5% for FY26 & FY27
Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), India’s 2nd- On January 19, 2025, the International Monetary Fund
largest oil marketing company has signed a loan (IMF) maintained its growth forecast for India’s
agreement worth Rs 31,802 crore with a consortium of economy at 6.5% for both Financial Year 2025-
banks led by State Bank of India (SBI). 26 (FY26) and FY27. The IMF’s World Economic
Outlook report stated that India’s growth is expected to
remain solid at 6.5%, consistent with previous
Uttarakhand Signs MoU with projections made in October 2024.
Iceland’s Verkis for Geothermal Energy ✓ India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth
Development slowdown in the 2nd quarter of Financial Year
The Government of Uttarakhand has signed a 2025 (FY25) to 5.4%, lower than
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Icelandic the 6.7% recorded in the same period of the
company Verkis Consulting Engineers (Verkis) for previous financial year 2024 (FY24). The
geothermal exploration and development in slowdown is attributed to a sharp deceleration
Uttarakhand. in industrial activity.
✓ The agreement was signed in the virtual ✓ The IMF’s global growth forecast remains
presence of Chief Minister (CM) Pushkar at 3.3% for both 2025 and 2026, which is
Singh Dhami and Icelandic Ambassador Dr below the historical average of 3.7%.
Benedict Hoskulsson.
Moody’s Lowers India’s Economic Growth
India’s GDP Growth Likely to Reach 6.7% in Forecast to 7% for FY 2024-25
FY26: CRISIL On January 20, 2025, Moody’s Corporation revised
According to the CRISIL Ratings India’s economic growth forecast for the financial year
Limited’s (formerly Credit Rating and Information 2024-25 (FY25), lowering it to 7%, down from 8.2% in
Services of India Limited)Report, India’s Gross the previous FY2024. India’s GDP per capita, adjusted
Domestic Product (GDP) growth is likely to improve for purchasing power parity, increased by 11% year-
to 6.7% in Financial Year 2025-26 (FY26). on-year, reaching USD 10,233 in FY 2023.
✓ As per the report, headline inflation is making
progress towards the RBI’s 4% inflation target

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CSE & NCDEX signs MoU for Commodities ✓ The MoU aims to foster knowledge transfer
and Derivatives Trading between NCDEX and CSE, focusing on the
On January 20, 2025, Colombo Stock development of trading systems, regulatory
Exchange(CSE) of Sri Lanka and National Commodity frameworks, and innovative product design
and Derivatives Exchange(NCDEX) of India signed a benefiting traders and market participants in
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance both countries.
commodities and derivatives trading in Sri Lanka.

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

Singapore Confers Honorary Citizen Award ✓ Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai (USD 2,107
on former CII head Mr Tarun Das billion) and YouTube CEO Neal Mohan (USD
Singapore has awarded Tarun Das, former Director 455 billion) secured the 2nd and 3rd spots,
General of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), respectively.
the Honorary Citizen Award for his outstanding Top 5 Indians on the list:
contributions to Singapore and Singapore-India
Value of the
relations.
Rank Name Company (in
✓ The award was presented by Singapore
USD)
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at a
ceremony held in New Delhi on 15th January
2025. Satya Nadella
1 3,146 billion
✓ Tarun Das is the second Indian to receive (Microsoft)
Singapore’s honorary citizenship after
late Ratan Tata, former chairman of the Tata Sundar Pichai
2 2,107 billion
Group who was conferred the same award (Alphabet)
in 2008.
Neal Mohan
3 455 billion
(YouTube)
HSBC Hurun Global Indians List 2024:
Microsoft’s satya Nadella topped Thomas Kurian
4 353 billion
According to the 1st edition of ‘HSBC Hurun Global (Google Cloud)
Indians List’ , published by HSBC(Hong Kong and
Shanghai Banking Corporation) and Hurun India, Shantanu
Microsoft’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer 5 Narayen 231 billion
(CEO) Satya Nadella has secured the top spot with a (Adobe)
company valued at USD 3,146 billion.

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

ACC Approves Ashok Chandra as PNB MD & tenure may be extended by an additional two
CEO, Binod Kumar as Indian Bank MD & years after a performance review.
✓ Ashok Chandra succeeds Atul Kumar Goel,
CEO
who retired on December 31, 2024.Binod
The Appointments Committee of the
Kumar takes over from Shanti Lal Jain, who
Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment
also retired on December 31, 2024.
of Ashok Chandra as the Managing Director (MD) and
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Punjab National Bank
(PNB) and Binod Kumar as the MD and CEO of Indian RBI Assigns Deputy Governor M Rajeshwar
Bank (IB). Rao to head monetary policy
✓ Both appointments are for a tenure of three The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has redesigned
years, effective from the date they assume portfolios of its deputy governors as the 5-year term
charge, or until further orders. Binod Kumar with two one-year extended tenure

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of Dr. Michael Debabrata Patra ended ✓ He will take charge from Special DG of the
on 14th January 2025. The central bank has reshuffled CRPF Vitul Kumar who has been holding
its 33 departments among the three deputy governors officiating charge of the force after the
-Rajeshwar Rao, T Rabi Sankar and Swaminathan retirement of Anish Dayal Singh on December
Janakiraman. 31, 2024. Prior to this, he served as the DG of
✓ The key Monetary Policy department under Police (DGP) of Assam.
Michael Debabrata Patra was given to Deputy ✓ Senior IPS officer Mahesh Kumar
Governor M Rajeshwar Rao. Aggarwal has also been named as the
Additional Director General (ADG) of the
Nawaf Abdallah Salim Salam appointed Border Security Force (BSF).
as 53rd PM of Lebanon
In January 2025, Nawaf Abdallah Nidhi Khare Assumes Additional Charge as
Salim Salam was appointed as Secretary of MNRE
the 53rd Prime Minister (PM) of In January 2025, Nidhi Khare, Secretary of the
Lebanon. He was selected by the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA), Ministry of
parliament by securing 78 Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution
votes out of 128 Members of the (MoCAF&PD), was given the additional charge as
Parliament (MPs) and will replace the Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable
incumbent PM Najib Azmi Mikati. Energy (MNRE). She replaced Prashant Kumar
✓ Currently, he is serving as the President at the Singh who was appointed as the Chief Secretary(CS)
International Court of Justice (ICJ), The Hague, of Manipur.
Netherlands.
Donald Trump Sworn in as 47th President of
DoT Extends Robert Jerard Ravi’s Tenure as the USA, JD Vance Takes Office as Vice
CMD of BSNL and MTNL until April 2025 President
In January 2025, the Department of On January 20, 2025, Donald John
Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Trump took the oath of office as
Communications (MoC) has extended the additional the 47th President of the United
charge of Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) States of America ( USA) at Capitol
of BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited) Hill, Washington, D.C., USA. This
and MTNL (Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited) marked the beginning of his second
assigned to Robert Jerard Ravi for another three term in office. He succeeded Joe Biden after securing
months with effect from January 15, 2025, till April 14, victory in the November 2024 election.
2025, or until further orders, whichever is earlier, ✓ James David (JD) Vance sworn in as the 50th
subject to approval by the Appointments Committee of Vice President of the United States,
the Cabinet (ACC). succeeding Kamala Harris.

Gyanendra Pratap Singh Appointed as DG of Alok Kumar Agarwal Appointed MD and CEO
CRPF of Zurich Kotak General Insurance
In January 2025, Gyanendra Pratap Alok Kumar Agarwal was appointed as the Managing
Singh was appointed Director Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of
General (DG) of the Central Reserve Mumbai (Maharashtra) based Zurich Kotak General
Police Force (CRPF),India’s largest Insurance. He took charge of this post from January 01,
paramilitary force, with the approval 2025, succeeding Suresh Agarwal.
of the Appointments Committee of ✓ His appointment came following Zurich
the Cabinet (ACC). He will serve as completed the strategic majority stake
the CRPF chief until further orders or until his acquisition of Mumbai based Kotak Mahindra
superannuation on November 30, 2027. General Insurance Company Limited (KGI) in
June 2024.

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 ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

CCI Approved Proposed Acquisition of 34% CCI Approvals on January 21 2025

Shareholding of Ashoka Concessions by On January 21 2025, the Competition Commission of
Ashoka Buildcon India (CCI) has approved the following proposals:
In January 2025, the Competition Commission of ✓ Acquisition of 100% shareholding of Gurugram
India (CCI) approved the proposed acquisition (Haryana)-based Del Monte Foods Private
of 34% shareholding of Ashoka Concessions Limited (DMFPL) by Gurugram based Agro
Limited (ACL), the infrastructure arm of the Ashoka Tech Foods Limited (ATFL), worth Rs
Group by Ashoka Buildcon Limited (ABL), which mainly 1,300 crore.
engaged in engineering, procurement and construction ✓ Merger of 9 entities with pharmaceutical firm
(EPC) in various sectors and operation and Sequent Scientific Limited (SSL).
maintenance (O&M) . ✓ Acquisition of 100% shareholding of Cyprus-
based investment holding company of Advent
International Group, AI Lenarco Midco Ltd. by
Singapore-based Majesty II Pte. Limited.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

India Test Fired Its First Indigenous Micro- ‘Indian Naval Ship (INS) Utkarsh’, from its shipyard in
Missile System Named Bhargavastra Kattupalli, near Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN).
In January 2025,Economic Explosives Limited (EEL), a ✓ The INS Utkarsh was designed at L&T’s
subsidiary of Nagpur, Maharashtra-based Solar Warship Design Centre in Chennai and
Industries India Limited, successfully test-fired India’s constructed at the L&T Shipbuilding Limited in
first guided micro-missiles as part of Kattupalli. The MPV is 107 meters (m) long,
its ‘Bhargavastra’ counter-drone system. 18.6 m wide, weighs over 3,750 tonnes (t) and
✓ This system, developed by EEL, was initiated reaches speeds of up to 50 knots.
by the private sector without formal
requisitions from the Indian Armed Forces. Google-Backed Pixxel Launches First Three
Satellites of Firefly Constellation
DRDO Successfully Conducts Field Trials of Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based Pixxel, a space
Nag Mark 2 Anti-Tank Guided Missile technology startup backed by Google, has successfully
On January 13, 2025, the Defence Research and launched the first three satellites of its Firefly
Development Organisation (DRDO), under the Ministry constellation, marking India’s first private satellite
of Defence (MoD), and headquartered in New Delhi, constellation.
Delhi, successfully conducted field trials of the Nag ✓ This launch is the first phase of Pixxel’s
Mark 2, an advanced Anti-Tank Fire-and-Forget Guided commercial satellite constellation, with three
Missile. more Firefly satellites set to launch in the
✓ The trials took place at the Pokhran Field second quarter (Q2) of 2025.
Range in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. ✓ The Firefly constellation consists of some of
✓ With the successful trials, the Nag Mark 2 and the highest-resolution commercial-grade
its carrier system are now ready for induction hyperspectral satellites, launched
into the Indian Army (IA), reflecting India’s aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-12
progress under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self- mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base in
reliant India) initiative. California, United States of America (USA).

L&T Launches Second Multi-Purpose Vessel Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin Launched ‘New
‘INS Utkarsh’ for IN Glenn Rocket’ on First Test Flight
In January, 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra)- based Larsen In January 2025, Blue Origin Enterprises, L.P., the
& Toubro Limited(L&T) has launched the Indian Navy American space technology company headquartered in
(IN)’s second Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV), named Washington, the United States of America (USA),
founded by Amazon’s Executive Chairman Jeff Bezos,

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successfully launched its reusable ‘New Glenn(NG) demonstrated the restart of its Vikas liquid engine at a
rocket’ on a first test flight, from Cape Canaveral test facility at the Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri,
Space Force Station in Florida, the USA. The rocket Tamil Nadu (TN).
was named after John Glenn who was the first ✓ The test marks a significant milestone in the
American to orbit Earth. development of stage recovery technologies,
✓ The mission named NG-1, included a first- paving the way for reusability in future launch
stage booster landing in the Atlantic Ocean, vehicles.
while the rocket’s second stage continues ✓ In January 2025, V Narayanan, Chairman of
towards orbit ISRO flagged off the core liquid stage (L110) of
✓ The 320-foot (98-meter(m)) rocket sent a ISRO’s Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (LVM3) launch
prototype satellite into orbit, designed to vehicle to the launch complex at Sriharikota,
deploy satellites into their correct orbits. Andhra Pradesh (AP).

SpaceX Falcon 9 Launches Blue Ghost and Digantara Launches World’s First
Resilience Lunar Landers from Kennedy Commercial Satellite SCOT for Advanced
Space Center Space Monitoring
On January 15, 2025, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket In January 2025, Bengaluru (Karnataka)-based
launched from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, United aerospace company Digantara, backed by the Aditya
States of America (USA) carrying two lunar Birla Group and the Small Industries Development
landers: Blue Ghost as the primary payload Bank of India (SIDBI), launched Space Camera for
and Resilience as the secondary payload. Object Tracking (SCOT) satellite, the world’s first
✓ The Blue Ghost, named Ghost Riders in the commercial satellite for Space Situational Awareness
Sky, is led by Firefly Aerospace, (SSA).
headquartered in Texas, USA and the ✓ The satellites were launched aboard SpaceX’s
Resilience lunar lander, is spearheaded by Transporter-12 mission from Vandenberg
Tokyo (Japan)-based ispace Inc. Space Force Base in California, the United
✓ The two landers have different timelines for States of America (USA).
reaching the Moon, with Blue Ghost being XDLINX Space Labs launches ELEVATION-
deployed first. 1 satellite:
Hyderabad(Telangana) based XDLINX Labs Private
China Launches PRSC-EO1 Satellite for Limited in collaboration with the USA based Almagest
Space Corporation launched its technology
Pakistan’s Space Program
demonstrator satellite, ELEVATION-1 which carried
On January 17 2025, China successfully launched
the world’s first E-band communications payload.
Pakistan’s first Remote Sensing Satellite -Earth
✓ The ELEVATION-1 satellite, developed by
Observing 1 (PRSC-EO1) aboard the Long March-
XDLINX Spacelabs, is powered by Antaris’
Dimensional (LM-2D) rocket for Pakistan from the
Cloud Platform and SatOS™, and was
Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center (JSLC), China. The
assembled, integrated, and tested by
rocket also carried 2 other satellites, Tianlu-1 and
Hyderabad based Ananth Technologies
Lantan-1.
Limited.
✓ The satellite was designed and developed by
Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere
Research Commission (SUPARCO). DRDO Carries Out Test of India’s First
✓ The PRSC-EO1 launch marked the 95th Scramjet Combustor for Hypersonic
flight of the Long March-2D and the 556th Technology
flight of the entire Long March fleet. The In January 2025,The Defence Research and
launch was China’s third orbital launch Development Organisation (DRDO) under the Ministry
attempt of the year. of Defence (MoD) successfully carried out a ground
test of an active cooled scramjet combustor, lasting
ISRO Successfully Demonstrated Restarting 120 seconds, marking a first for India.
of Vikas Liquid Engine ✓ This test is part of India’s effort to
In January 2025, Bengaluru (Karnataka) based Indian develop hypersonic technology powered by
Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully supersonic combustion ramjets (scramjets).

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 ✓ This technology was developed by the Laboratory (DRDL), based in Hyderabad,
Defence Research & Development Telangana, and part of the DRDO.

ENVIRONMENT
------

SPORTS

India Open 2025: Viktor Axelsen, An Se- ‘Men’s ITF World Champion 2024’
Young secure men’s and women’s singles and Iga Natalia Świątek (Poland) as ‘Women’s ITF
World Champion 2024’, for their exceptional
titles
performances across major tournaments, including
Paris Olympic gold medalists Viktor Axelsen of
Grand Slams tournaments, the Davis Cup, Billie Jean
Denmark and South Korea’s An Se Young won
King Cup, the Olympic Games and other premier
the Men’s and Women’s Singles titles in the finals
events.
of India Open Super 750 badminton
Winners of ITF World Champion Awards 2024:
tournament 2025 held on 19th January 2025 at
the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall in New Delhi, Delhi. Category Player
Results:

Category Winners Men’s Singles

Jannik Sinner (Italy)
Champion
Men’s singles Viktor Axelsen (Denmark) Women’s Singles Iga Natalia Świątek
Champion (Poland)
Women’s
An Se-young (South Korea)
singles Marcelo Arévalo
Men’s Doubles
González (El Salvador) &
Men’s Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Champions
Mate Pavic (Croatia)
doubles (Malaysia)
Women’s Doubles Sara Errani & Jasmine
Women’s Arisa Igarashi and Ayako
Champions Paolini (Italy)
doubles Sakuramoto (Japan)

Mixed Jiang Zhen Bang and Wei Ya Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25:
doubles Xin (China)
Karnataka defeats Vidarbha to win record
5th time
Kho Kho World Cup 2025: India wins both In January 2025, Karnataka Cricket Team secured their
men’s and women’s team events 5th title after defeating Vidarbha Cricket Team by 36
The Indian men’s and women’s teams won the Kho Kho runs in the finals of 2024-25 edition of Vijay Hazare
World Cup 2025 titles in their respective finals of the Trophy(VHT) held at the Kotambi Stadium in
1st edition of the Kho Kho World Cup 2025 held from Vadodara, Gujarat.
January 13 to 19, 2025 at the Indira Gandhi Indoor ✓ Karnataka was captained by Mayank Anurag
Stadium in New Delhi, Delhi. Agarwal while Vidarbha was captained by
✓ The Indian men’s Kho Kho team beat Nepal Karun Kaladharan Nair.
by 54-36 while the women’s team defeated ✓ The 23rd edition of Vijay Hazare Trophy was
the Nepalese team by 78-40 in the finals. held, from 21st December 2024 to 18th
January 2025, with 38 teams competing in 135
matches.
Jannik Sinner and Iga Natalia Świątek ✓ Note: Karnataka has won their previous 4 titles
Crowned ITF World Champions 2024 in 2013-14, 2014-15, 2017-18 and 2019-20.
On January 21, 2025, the International Tennis
Federation (ITF) announced Jannik Sinner (Italy) as

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Mumbai Marathon 2025: Berhane Tesfay & ✓ In overall Elite Men Category, Berhane Tesfay
Joyce Chepkemoi Tele Win Men’s & (Eritrea) won the race. In overall Elite Women
Category, Joyce Chepkemoi Tele (Kenya) won
Women’s Elite Race
the race.
In January 2025, Eritrea’s Berhane
✓ Mohamed Muktar Jama Farah, widely known
Tesfay and Kenya’s Joyce Chepkemoi Tele won the
as Sir Mo Farah, represents Great Britain in
men’s and women’s elite races, respectively, at
athletics, a multiple Olympic and World
the TATA Mumbai Marathon 2025 held in Mumbai,
Champion, as the International
Maharashtra.
Event Ambassador for the 20th edition of the
Mumbai Marathon.

OBITUARY

Dr. K. Ramchand, Founder & Director of ✓ He authored the book “The Incredible Journey
CABS passed away of the Indian Airborne Warning and Control
In January 2025, Wing Commander Dr. System (AWACS)”, released at Aero India in
K. Ramchand (Retd), the founder and director of the 2019.
Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), under Defence
Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) lab Ballon d’Or Winner Denis Law Passed Away
in Bengaluru, Karnataka, passed away at the age of 82 In January 2025, Manchester United legend and Ballon
in Bengaluru, Karnataka. d’Or winner Denis Law, passed away at the age of 84
✓ He led the team at the DRDO for the in Aberdeen, Scotland. He was born on 24 February
indigenous design and development of the 1940 in Aberdeen. He is the only Scottish player to win
Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) both the Ballon d’Or and the European Player of the
aircraft. Year awards in 1964.

BOOKS & AUTHORS

VP Jagdeep Dhankhar launched the book Amitav Ghosh’s new book, “Wild Fictions”
“Parliament: Powers, Functions & addressing climate change & societal issues
Privileges; A Comparative Constitutional On January 10 2025, A new book named ‘Wild
Perspective” Fictions’ authored by Amitav Ghosh was published by
In January 2025, the Vice-President (VP) of the Fourth Estate India at the 41st Dr CD Deshmukh
India, Jagdeep Dhankhar launched the book Memorial Lecture at the India International
“Parliament: Powers, Functions & Privileges; A Centre (IIC) in New Delhi, Delhi.
Comparative Constitutional Perspective” in New Delhi ✓ The book explores climate change, societal
(Delhi). The book was authored by Dr. KS Chauhan, issues, and political instability in “time of
Senior Advocate, at VP’s Enclave, New Delhi(Delhi). monsters” addressing urgent global crises like
biodiversity loss, climate change, and
emerging diseases.

IMPORTANT DAYS

77th Indian Army Day – 15 January 2025: Cariappa as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the
Commissioning of Three Major Naval Indian Army in 1949.
✓ 15th January 2025, marks the observance of
Combatants
the 77th Indian Army Day. The year 2025 has
Indian Army Day is celebrated every year on 15th
been declared as the ‘Year of Reforms’ for the
January across the globe to honor the courage and
Ministry of Defence (MoD), focusing on
dedication of the Indian Army (IA) soldiers. It is also
enhancing processes across the ministry and
known as Bhartiya Sena Diwas, the day
the three armed forces.
commemorates the appointment of Field Marshal KM

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 ✓ On the occasion of Indian Army Day 2025, UNESCO & WMO Declare 2025 as
Prime Minister (PM) of India Narendra Modi International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation
commissioned three significant naval On January 21 2025, the United Nations Educational,
combatants—Indian Naval Ship (INS) Surat, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the
INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer—at the Naval World Meteorological Organization (WMO) have jointly
Dockyard in Mumbai, Maharashtra, built by declared 2025 as International Year of Glaciers’
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Preservation(IYGP) in
located in Mumbai. Geneva(Switzerland), emphasizing the global urgency
to safeguard glaciers, which are critical sources of
9th Indian Armed Forces Veterans’ Day – freshwater for over 2 billion people worldwide.
January 14 ✓ The UN has designated March 21 as the
Armed Forces Veterans’ Day is annually celebrated International Day of Glaciers’
across India on 14 January to honour and recognise Preservation.The first World Glacier Day will
the service of Field be celebrated on March 21, 2025, aligning
Marshal Kodandera Madappa Cariappa, the 1st with World Water Day, observed annually on
Indian Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) of the Indian March 22.
Armed Forces, who retired on this day in 1953 and led
Indian forces to victory in the 1947 war. 14 January Parakram Diwas 2025 – January 23
2025 marks the 9th Armed Forces Veterans’ Day Parakram Diwas, also known as the Day of Valour, is
observance. observed annually across India on 23 January to
commemorate the birth anniversary of one of
National Disaster Response Force Raising the Indian freedom fighters Subhash Chandra
Day 2025 – January 19 Bose, popularly called as Netaji. 23 January 2025
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Raising marks the 128th birth anniversary of Subhash Chandra
Day is observed annually across India on January 19 to Bose.
mark the founding of the NDRF, a special force under ✓ INCOIS Hyderabad Awarded Subhash
the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). January 19, 2025 Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar
marks the observance of the 20th NDRF Raising Day. 2025
The Indian National Centre for Ocean
Information Services (INCOIS), based in
Hyderabad,Telangana has been selected for
the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda
Prabandhan Puraskar 2025 in the institutional
category for its outstanding contributions to
disaster management.

STATE NEWS

MP CM Mohan Yadav Launched Swami Chhattisgarh Launches ‘Deendayal

Vivekanand Yuva Shakti Mission Upadhyay Bhoomiheen Krishi Majdoor
In January 2025, Dr. Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister (CM) Kalyana Yojana’ for Landless Labourers
of Madhya Pradesh (MP) launched “Swami On January 20 2025, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister
Vivekanand Yuva Shakti Mission” on the occasion of (CM) Vishnu Deo Sai launched the
National Youth Day (12th January) which marks the ‘Deendayal Upadhyay Bhoomiheen Krishi Majdoor Kaly
birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, at Ravindra ana Yojana’ scheme in Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
Bhavan Auditorium in Bhopal, MP. He also launched ✓ The scheme aims to provide financial support
the Swami Vivekananda Yuva Shakti Mission Portal and to landless agricultural labourer families,
theme song. helping them to improve their net income and
enhance their overall quality of life. The
scheme was designed to provide financial
assistance of Rs 10,000 annually to landless

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 agricultural labourers, Baigas, Gunias, and
other landless families in the state. Tripura Gets New State Emblem with the
Approval of MHA
Gujarat CM inaugurates GIFT IFI and In January 2025, Tripura Chief Minister (CM) Manik
Innovation Hub in Gandhinagar Saha announced that the Ministry of Home Affairs
In January 2025, Gujarat Chief Minister (MHA) had approved the New state emblem. The
(CM) Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the GIFT state’s history and culture will be prominently featured
International Fintech Institute (GIFT IFI) and the GIFT in the logo.
International Fintech Innovation Hub (GIFT IFIH) at ✓ The proposal of the State Emblem of the
Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), government of Tripura has been examined
Gandhinagar, Gujarat. by Rule 4(2) of the State Emblem of
✓ Both the institutions are supported by the India (Regulation of Use) Rules, 2007 (as
Asian Development Bank (ADB) and aim to amended in 2010) and determined to be in
develop the fintech sector. order.

Kerala launches ‘KaWaCHaM’ India’s Appointments of New Chief Justices for

1st Fully Integrated Disaster Risk Warning Delhi and Bombay High Courts
System On 21 January 2025, Justice Devendra Kumar
On January 21 2025, the Chief Minister (CM) of Upadhyaya was sworn in as the 33rd Chief
Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan launched the ‘Kerala Justice (CJ) of the Delhi High Court (HC), situated in
Warnings, Crisis and Hazard New Delhi, Delhi. He succeeds Justice Vibhu Bakhru,
Management(KaWaCHaM) System’, India’s first fully who served as the Acting Chief Justice prior to his
integrated disaster warning system at the Kerala State appointment.
Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) in ✓ Justice Alok Aradhe was sworn in as
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. the 48th Chief Justice of the Bombay High
✓ It is developed by KSDMA with support from Court located in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Justice
the National Disaster Management Authority Aradhe succeeded Justice Devendra Kumar
(NDMA) and the World Bank (WB) as part of Upadhyaya.
the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project
(NCRMP).

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