Dear Readers, get to know the daily current affairs today covering all the National & International Events provided here in this article. Current Affairs is an important topic in various competitive exams like IBPS/SBI/PO/Clerk and other competitive exams. To score better in this section, be updated with the daily happenings. Check the Daily Current Affairs January 2025 updates here. Revision is very important in remembering current affairs. Candidates after learning the Daily current affairs January 15th to 17th 2025, can test their knowledge by attempting Current Affairs Quiz provided with answers. Daily current affairs January 15th to 17th 2025 covers current affairs from International & National news, Important Days, State News, Banking & Economy, Business News, Appointments & Resignation, Awards & Honour, Books & Authors, Sports News, etc.,

Daily Current Affairs PDF of January 15th to 17th 2025

Get More: Static GK Pdfs

CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING & FINANCE

India to reduce stakes in 5 public sector banks, including UCO   

• India is considering reducing its ownership in 5 state-run banks, including UCO Bank, Central Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank, Bank of Maharashtra, and Punjab and Sind Bank, through stake sales or allowing the banks to sell shares to large investors.

Key Highlights :

• Minimum Public Holding Norms: The goal is to bring down the government's stake in these banks below 75% to meet regulatory norms.
• Methods of Stake Reduction:The Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) may facilitate the stake sales.
• The alternative is for the banks to sell shares to large investors, which will help them meet the required public holding norms.
• Liquidity and Lending: Allowing stake sales will improve the liquidity of these banks, which could enable them to lend more, especially as analysts suggest asset quality in the banking sector may have peaked amid slowing economic growth.
• Market Response: Shares of UCO Bank and Indian Overseas Bank surged significantly, indicating strong investor interest in state-run banks.
• Performance of State-Run Banks:Over the last 12 months, state-owned bank stocks have shown a positive performance, with a 4% increase in the Nifty gauge of state-owned banks, contrasting with a 3.6% decline in the Nifty Private Bank index.
• Valuation of Banks: The banks where the government plans to reduce its stake are trading at a price-to-book ratio between 1.43 and 3.62, compared to the State Bank of India’s price-to-book ratio of 1.44.

Bank of Baroda secures Rs 5,000 crore via 10-year infrastructure bond at 7.23% interest rate   

• Bank of Baroda (BoB) raised Rs 5,000 crore through a 10-year infrastructure bond at a coupon rate of 7.23%.
• The infrastructure bond issued by BoB was rated AAA by CRISIL and India Ratings, indicating a high credit rating.

Key Highlights :

• Issue Details:The base issue size was Rs 2,000 crore, with a green shoe option of Rs 3,000 crore, allowing for an additional issue of bonds.
• The demand for the bond was strong, with total demand amounting to Rs 14,830 crore, which was 7.5 times the base issue size.
• Full Issue Amount Retained: BoB decided to retain the full issue amount of Rs 5,000 crore despite the demand exceeding the issue size.
• IRFC's Bond Issuance: The Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) also raised Rs 2,780 crore through 10-year bonds at a 7.25% interest rate.
• The base issue size was Rs 500 crore, and the green shoe option was Rs 2,500 crore.
• Demand for IRFC Bonds: IRFC received bids worth Rs 6,030 crore but retained Rs 2,780 crore, falling short of its target amount.
• IREDA's Upcoming Bond Issue: The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) plans to raise Rs 1,500 crore through a 10-year bond issuance later in the week, with bonds rated AAA by ICRA and India Ratings.

About BoB :

• Founded : 20 July 1908
• Headquarters : Vadodara, Gujarat, India
• MD & CEO : Debadatta Chand

Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India Expands Sandbox Framework to Foster Innovation   

• The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has expanded the scope of its regulatory sandbox framework to encourage innovation, improve efficiency, and ease of doing business.
• Objective of Changes:These changes align with IRDAI's move towards a modern, dynamic, and principle-based regulatory framework.
• The aim is to foster innovation, improve governance, ensure data security, and drive sustainable growth while upholding policyholder protection.

Key Highlights :

• Principle-Based Approach:The IRDAI (Regulatory Sandbox) Regulations, 2025 are now more principle-based, with operational aspects to be issued through a master circular.
• Inter-Regulatory Sandbox Proposals:A significant addition allows for filing Inter-Regulatory Sandbox proposals, which can cross more than one financial sector.
• Regulatory Sandbox Concept:The regulatory sandbox allows for the live testing of new products or services in a controlled/test regulatory environment, where certain relaxations may be permitted for testing purposes.
• Data Maintenance & Security:The regulations require electronic record-keeping with robust security and privacy measures.
• Entities must adopt a data governance framework and implement board-approved policies for record maintenance.
• Confidential Information Sharing:The regulations set guidelines for sharing confidential information and mandate that data must be stored in data centres located in India.
• Other Amendments:IRDAI notified the IRDAI (Meetings)(Amendment) Regulations, 2025, IRDAI (Insurance Advisory Committee) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025, and IRDAI (Re-Insurance Advisory Committee) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025.

About IRDAI :

• Formation : 1999
• Location : Hyderabad, Telangana
• CHairman : Debasish Panda

Bank of India Plans Its First Dollar Loan of $400 Million in Over Ten Years      

• Bank of India is raising its first dollar syndicated loan since 2012, with a target amount of $400 million.
• Loan Structure:The loan is split into two tranches:
  • A three-year tranche.
  • A five-year tranche.
• The loan is being raised through the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT) branch of Bank of India.
• Arrangers of the Loan Facility:The arrangers for the syndicated loan facility are CTBC Bank Co. and Standard Chartered Plc.
• Rising Foreign Currency Debt Among Indian Borrowers:The Bank of India’s move is part of a broader trend where more Indian borrowers are tapping global credit markets.
• Reliance Industries Ltd. is planning to raise up to $3 billion, which could be the largest loan from India since 2023.
• State Bank of India (SBI) is also marketing a ¥30 billion ($191 million) syndicated loan and planning to raise up to $1.25 billion, potentially becoming the largest dollar loan from the Indian banking sector this year.
• Bank of India's Last Offshore Loan:Bank of India last raised funds from the offshore loan markets in 2012, when it secured a $200 million two-year facility.

About Bank of India :

• Established : 7 September 1906
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• MD & CEO : Rajneesh Karnatak
• Tagline : Relationship beyond banking

3 Indian Banks Rank Among Top 25 Global Banks by Market Cap, with ICICI as a Standout Performer

• According to a report by GlobalData, a leading data analytics and research company, 3 Indian banks -HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and State Bank of India (SBI) ranked in the top 25 global banks by market capitalization for Q4 2024:
  • HDFC Bank: Ranked 13th with a market cap of $158.5 billion.
  • ICICI Bank: Ranked 19th with a market cap of $105.7 billion.
  • SBI: Ranked 24th with a market cap of $82.9 billion.
• ICICI Bank's Standout Performance:ICICI Bank was a standout performer, with its market cap growing by 25.8% to $105.7 billion, driven by the strength of India's expanding digital banking and credit ecosystem.
• Market Cap Growth of HDFC Bank:HDFC Bank's market cap increased by 1.6% to $158.5 billion, despite facing rising competition and cost pressures.
• Global Banks' Market Capitalization Growth:The aggregate market capitalization of the top 25 global banks grew by 27.1% YoY, reaching $4.6 trillion in Q4 2024, compared to the previous year.
• JPMorgan Chase's Position:JPMorgan Chase continued to be the largest bank in the world by market cap, with a market cap of $674.9 billion, marking a 37.2% increase by the end of Q4 2024.
• Goldman Sachs' Performance:Goldman Sachs experienced a 42.9% growth in its market cap, which moved it up to 9th position, from 13th place in the previous quarter.

Monthly Mutual Fund SIPs Surpass Rs 26,000 Crore for the First Time, Reaching Rs 26,459 Crore in December 

• As per data provided by Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI), The monthly mutual fund SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) crossed the Rs 26,000 crore mark for the first time in December 2024, reaching Rs 26,459 crore, up from Rs 25,320 crore in November 2024.

Key Highlights :

• New SIP Registrations:The number of new SIPs registered in December 2024 was 54,27,201, an increase from 49,46,408 in November 2024.
• SIP AUM (Assets Under Management):The SIP AUM stood at Rs 13.63 lakh crore in December 2024, compared to Rs 13.54 lakh crore in November 2024.
• SIP Accounts:The total number of SIP accounts reached an all-time high of 10,32,02,796 in December 2024, up from 10,22,66,590 in November 2024.
• Equity Mutual Fund AUM Growth:The equity mutual fund AUM stood at Rs 3,057,548.59 crore in December 2024, a 40% increase from Rs 2,179,424.11 crore in December 2023.
• SIP Characteristics:SIP is a method where investors contribute a fixed amount of money at regular intervals, typically monthly, to a mutual fund.
• SIP is a convenient investment method using standing instructions to debit the bank account monthly.
• The minimum SIP instalment can be as low as ₹500 per month, similar to a recurring deposit where a fixed amount is deposited regularly.

About AMFI :

• Formation : 22 August 1995
• Location : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• CEO : Chalasani Venkat Nageswar

CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Russia Sends Nuclear Reactor Vessel for Kudankulam Reactor 6; Steam Generators Expected This Year              

• The Russian government-owned company Rosatom has shipped the 6th and final unit of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant being set up in Kudankulam, Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu, on board a specialised ship from the seaport of Novorossiysk.
• The equipment, weighing 320 tonnes and manufactured by Atommash, Rosatom’s machine-building division, was shipped at the end of 2024.
• The construction of upcoming units of the Russian-assisted Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant was delayed due to the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict.

Key Highlights :

• Historical Agreement : In 1988 an agreement was signed between the government of India and the Soviet Union to construct a 6000 MW nuclear power plant in Kudankulam, Tamil Nadu.
• Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant Overview : The Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant will be the largest nuclear power plant at a single location in the country.
• The power plant consists of 6 units of 1000 MW capacity each.
• India’s Nuclear Energy Status (2024) : According to the Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) in 2024 there were 24 operational nuclear reactors in the country with an installed capacity of 8080 MW.
• Future Power Capacity Target : The government has set a target to increase the power capacity to 22480 MW by 2031-32.

About Russia :

• President : Vladimir Putin
• Prime Minister : Mikhail Mishustin
• Capital : Moscow
• Currency : Ruble

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL

Kashi Tamil Sangamam To Be Held From 15-24 February 2025 With Theme Centred Around Maharishi Agastya

• The Kashi Tamil Sangamam 2025 Event will be held on February 15-24, 2025.

• Theme: The 3rd edition of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam will focus on Rishi Agastya, emphasizing the ancient connection between Tamil Nadu and Varanasi (Kashi).

Key Features of the Programme

• Objective: Celebrating the civilizational and cultural bond between Kashi and Tamil Nadu.
• Inaugural Speech by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan:
  • The event is described as a matter of faith, conviction, and commitment to India's heritage.
  • Tamil is one of the oldest languages of human civilization, and the government plays a crucial role in fostering unity and promoting cultural heritage.

Participants and Engagement

• Expected Participants: 1,200, including:
  • 200 Tamil students from central institutions.
  • Farmers, teachers, writers, small entrepreneurs, innovators, and women from self-help groups in Tamil Nadu.
• Activities:
  • Seminars, cultural performances, and visits to iconic locations like Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Ayodhya.
  • Maha Kumbh participation to enhance the spiritual experience.

• Online Registration Portal: Participants will be selected through a quiz.

• This programme is part of the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative, fostering connections between diverse cultural traditions in India.

Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal launches National Turmeric Board 

• Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal inaugurated the National Turmeric Board in New Delhi.
• Shri Palle Ganga Reddy was announced as the first Chairperson of the Board.
• The Board's headquarters has been established in Nizamabad, a major turmeric-producing region in India.

Key Highlights

• Turmeric's Importance: Known as the ‘Golden Spice’, turmeric is vital for the economy, particularly in the 20 states that cultivate it, including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, and Meghalaya.
• Focus on Farmers: The new Board will prioritize the welfare of turmeric farmers and aims to increase production, especially in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, boosting the income of turmeric producers across the country.

Objectives of the National Turmeric Board

• Research & Development: The Board will promote research and development of new turmeric products and work on value addition for export purposes.
• Global Promotion: It will raise awareness about turmeric’s essential and medical properties, while focusing on increasing yield and improving logistics to expand trade in international markets.
• Quality Standards: The Board will ensure the quality and safety of turmeric production and exports.

Turmeric Production in India

• 2023-24 Statistics:
  • 3.05 lakh hectares under turmeric cultivation.
  • 10.74 lakh tonnes of turmeric production.
  • India accounts for over 70% of global turmeric production.
  • 30 varieties of turmeric are produced in India.

Board Composition

• In addition to Shri Palle Ganga Reddy, representatives from the Ministry of AYUSH, Department of Pharmaceuticals, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, and Department of Commerce will be part of the Board.
• States like Maharashtra, Telangana, and Meghalaya (known for its Lakadong Turmeric) will also be represented, with rotation among states for participation.

Trade and Economic Impact

• India is the largest producer, consumer, and exporter of turmeric globally, holding over 62% of the world trade.
• During 2023-24, India exported 1.62 lakh tonnes of turmeric and turmeric products worth 226.5 million USD.

PM Modi releases Commemorative coin, 'Vision 2047' document on 150th foundation day of India Meteorological Department (IMD)

• The India Meteorological Department (IMD), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, is celebrating a historic milestone—150 years of dedicated service to the nation.
• Established in 1875, IMD has significantly contributed to weather forecasting, climate monitoring, disaster management, agriculture, aviation, and public safety.
• The department has been instrumental in advancing meteorology and allied sciences, safeguarding lives, supporting socio-economic development, and fostering scientific research for the nation’s benefit.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi graced the 150th Foundation Day celebrations of IMD on January 14, 2025, held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
• During this event, the Prime Minister acknowledged IMD’s remarkable 150-year journey as a symbol of India’s progress in science and technology.

Key highlights:

• Launch of Mission Mausam: This initiative aims to transform India into a ‘Weather-ready and Climate-smart’ nation, employing advanced technologies like high-resolution atmospheric observations, radars, satellites, and high-performance computing.
• Commemorative Stamp and Coin: The Prime Minister unveiled a commemorative postage stamp and coin to mark the occasion.
• IMD Vision-2047: A roadmap was released to ensure India’s weather resilience and climate change adaptation, looking forward to the nation’s centenary celebrations of independence in 2047.
• Workshops and Activities: Several workshops showcased IMD’s contributions to making India more climate-resilient and emphasized the department’s critical role in weather and climate services.

IMD: Origin and Evolution

• Established in 1875, IMD was founded in response to severe weather events such as the 1864 tropical cyclone in Calcutta, and subsequent monsoon failures in 1866 and 1871, which highlighted India’s vulnerability to weather extremes.
• The department unified meteorological work, creating a centralized authority for weather monitoring and forecasting in India.
• IMD's legacy reflects continuous advancements in meteorology, disaster preparedness, and climate monitoring.
• Now, it serves as a critical institution for enhancing resilience to climate challenges across the nation.

IMD’s Achievements and Technological Advancements

Pioneering Meteorological Innovations
IMD has made several landmark advancements in weather observations and technology:

• Digital Barometers: By 2023, IMD replaced all Mercury Barometers with Digital Barometers at all Class I observatories in compliance with the UNEP Minamata convention.
• Agro-meteorological Services: Deployment of 200 AGRO AWS stations enhances support for agriculture.
• GPS-based PB Stations: Sustenance of 25 GPS-based PB stations ensures accuracy in weather data collection.

Communication and Outreach
IMD introduced several platforms for public participation and engagement:

• Crowdsource Web Interface (2021): A platform allowing users to share real-time weather observations.
• Public Observation App (2022): A mobile app for crowdsourced weather feedback, supporting six key weather events—Rain, Hail, Duststorm, Wind Speed, Thunderstorm/Lightning, and Fog.

Advancements in Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP)
IMD has shown significant progress in forecast accuracy, improving by 40% from 2014 to 2023:

• Expansion of the Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) network from 15 to 39 stations, increasing land coverage by 35%.
• Accurate predictions of major cyclones, such as Phailin (2013), Hudhud (2014), Fani (2019), and Amphan (2020), have greatly reduced casualties, demonstrating IMD’s effectiveness in disaster mitigation.

Technological Innovations
IMD introduced cutting-edge tools to enhance weather forecasting:

• High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) Model: For nowcasting rainfall and reflectivity.
• Electric Weather Research and Forecasting (EWRF) Model: Used for nowcasting lightning density and accumulated rainfall forecasts.
• Mausamgram: A dynamic meteogram providing location-specific weather forecasts, launched on 15 January 2024.

Make in India Initiatives
IMD has been a key proponent of indigenous technology development, including:

• Indigenous Radar Development (1958)
• Indian Satellite Products in collaboration with ISRO (1983)
• Doppler Weather Radar (2010)
• Impact-Based Forecasting (2019)
• Dynamic Composite Risk Atlas (2022)

IMD’s Role in Climate Resilience and Socio-Economic Development

IMD's contributions extend beyond weather forecasting, as it plays a critical role in:

• Disaster management: Providing timely warnings to save lives and minimize damage from natural disasters.
• Agriculture: Offering weather services that support crop planning and water management.
• Public Safety: Helping in aviation and maritime operations, as well as urban planning and water resource management.

The department’s continuous efforts in climate change adaptation and weather resilience align with India’s broader goal to address environmental challenges and safeguard the nation’s future in a changing climate.

Looking Ahead: IMD Vision-2047

With its Vision-2047 document, IMD has outlined its roadmap to prepare India for the next 25 years, focusing on:

• Enhancing weather resilience across all sectors.
• Developing new technologies for climate-smart infrastructure.
• Expanding India’s role in global climate research and policy-making.

India Energy Week (IEW) 2025, the government’s annual flagship oil and gas sector conference, is set to take place in New Delhi from February 11-14, 2025.

• India Energy Week (IEW) 2025, the government’s flagship oil and gas sector conference, will be held in New Delhi from February 11-14, 2025.
• The event will feature participation from over 20 energy ministers and deputy ministers, representing advanced economies, major energy producers, and the Global South.

High-Level Representation

• Heads of leading international organizations and 90 CEOs from Fortune 500 energy giants, including BP, TotalEnergies, QatarEnergy, ADNOC, Baker Hughes, and Vitol, will attend the event.
• Agencies like OPEC and the International Energy Agency (IEA) will launch key reports, emphasizing India's role as the world’s third-largest energy consumer.
  • OPEC: Launch of the India Oil Demand Report.
  • IEA: Release of a comprehensive study on India’s natural gas sector.

India’s Growing Role in Energy Transition

• Oil Secretary Pankaj Jain stated that IEW 2025 will act as a platform for global stakeholders to exchange ideas, explore opportunities, and showcase India's contributions to green hydrogen, solar advancements, and advanced exploration techniques.
• The event will emphasize India’s leadership in navigating complex energy transitions.

Focus on Clean Cooking Solutions

• A clean cooking ministerial will highlight India's success with initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY).
• The ministerial aims to promote affordable, climate-friendly cooking solutions for low-income households, particularly in Africa and other Global South nations.

Prime Minister’s Roundtable and Strategic Themes

• The Prime Minister will host a roundtable with CEOs from top oil and gas companies, fostering stronger collaborations.
• IEW 2025 will focus on seven strategic themes:
  • Collaboration
  • Resilience
  • Transition
  • Capacity
  • Digital Frontiers
  • Innovation
  • Leadership
• These themes will address decarbonization, energy equity, and the creation of low-carbon economies.

Participation and Exhibitions

• Over 70,000 delegates from 120 countries are expected to attend.
• Innovations will be showcased by 700 exhibitors and 10 country pavilions, including the US, UK, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Russia.
• Indian ministries, such as the Ministry of Power, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, NITI Aayog, and Ministry of Mines and Minerals, will play pivotal roles.

Innovation Through Avinya Energy Start-Up Challenge

• The Avinya Energy Start-Up Challenge 2.0 will spotlight innovative solutions from the top five start-ups, providing them with global visibility.
• Winners of the technical papers presentation (selected from nearly 3,000 submissions) will present groundbreaking ideas to industry leaders.

The center has reconstituted the Atomic Energy Commission.

• The government has re-constituted the Atomic Energy Commission. T V Somanathan and Manoj Govil are among the new members.
• The reconstituted commission includes National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
• The AEC formulates policies for the Department of Atomic Energy.

New Members Added to the Commission

• T V Somanathan has been included as the Cabinet Secretary.
• Manoj Govil has joined as the Expenditure Secretary.
• Pankaj Kumar Mishra, who assumed the role of Member (Finance) last year, is also a member.

Leadership of the Reconstituted AEC

• Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy, has been appointed as the Chairman of the commission.

Ex-Officio Members of the AEC

• National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.
• Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Pramod Kumar Mishra.
• Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
• Vivek Bhasin, Director of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre.

Other Notable Members

• Former AEC Chairpersons: M R Srinivasan and Anil Kakodkar.
• Former Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology: P Rama Rao.
• Former Principal Adviser to the Department of Atomic Energy: Ravi B Grover.
• Former Chairman of the Space Commission: K Kasturirangan.

Purpose and Significance

• The inclusion of diverse experts from fields such as atomic energy, finance, national security, and space ensures a multidisciplinary approach to decision-making.
• The reconstituted AEC is expected to guide critical policies and initiatives in the atomic energy sector.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 6.5 km long Z-Morh tunnel in Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir

• The Z-Morh Tunnel is a vital component of the Zojila Tunnel Project, aimed at providing year-round connectivity between Srinagar and Ladakh.
• The name "Z-Morh" originates from the Z-shaped roadway that previously existed in the area.

Key Highlights:

• Initial Challenges: Conceived in 2012 by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the project faced financial and administrative hurdles under its original contractor.
• Retendering in 2019: Work was halted in 2018 due to financial stress at IL&FS and subsequently retendered.
• Completion Timeline: Originally slated for 2016-2017, the project was delayed to 2024 for the Z-Morh Tunnel, with the Zojila Tunnel targeted for December 2026.
• A soft opening occurred in February 2024, with the final inauguration delayed due to the Model Code of Conduct.

• Features include a two-lane tunnel with real-time monitoring systems and a 7.5-meter-wide parallel escape passage for emergencies.
• Vehicles can travel at speeds of 70 km/h, reducing travel time significantly and accommodating 1,000 vehicles per hour.

Significance of the Z-Morh Tunnel

• Located at an altitude of 8,650 feet, it provides all-weather connectivity to Ladakh, critical for defense needs and regional accessibility.
• Ensures uninterrupted access to Baltal and Ladakh for both civilian and military use, bypassing landslide and avalanche-prone routes.

• Enhances road transportation of troops, equipment, and supplies, reducing reliance on Indian Air Force aircraft and lowering costs.
• Provides faster and more efficient logistical support to forward positions in Ladakh.

• The tunnel bolsters India’s defense capabilities in a region marked by tensions with Pakistan and China.
• Improves access to Siachen Glacier, the Turtuk sub-sector, and other strategic border posts.

• Mitigates disruptions caused by snowfall, transforming Sonamarg into a year-round tourist destination.
• Supports adventure sports, skiing, and economic growth, complementing the popularity of Gulmarg.

• Ensures all-weather access to Sonamarg, supporting local livelihoods and promoting tourism.
• Facilitates the development of winter sports infrastructure, contributing significantly to regional economic development.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : STATE NEWS

Odisha Joins as the 34th State to Implement Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana Scheme   

• Odisha became the 34th state to implement AB PM-JAY after a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the National Health Authority (NHA) and the Government of Odisha.
• The scheme will be implemented in convergence with the existing Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY) in Odisha.

Key Highlights :

• Coverage:Provides a health cover of ₹5 lakh per family per year, with an additional ₹5 lakh for women members.
• Around 1.03 crore families will benefit from the converged scheme, with 67.8 lakh families supported by the Union Government.
• Key Benefits:Over 2,000 medical procedures across 27 specialties are covered, including major surgeries like bypass and knee replacement.
• Cashless treatment will be available at over 29,000 empaneled government and private hospitals.
• Financial Impact:AB PM-JAY has provided ₹1.13 lakh crore for healthcare to marginalized sections of society.
• 19 crore hospital admissions have been recorded under the scheme.
• Support for Senior Citizens: The Ayushman Vay Vandana Card for senior citizens aged 70 years and above will benefit approximately 6 crore people.
• Health Access:In areas like Bastar and Bijapur (Naxal-affected districts), there has been a 4.3% increase in hospital admissions.
• The scheme has also improved healthcare access for cancer patients by 33%, especially for early diagnosis and treatment.
• Historical Context:AB PM-JAY is the world’s largest health assurance scheme, aiming to cover over 500 million vulnerable people across India with ₹5 lakh health coverage per family per year.

About Odisha :

• Governor : Kambhampati Hari Babu
• Chief Minister : Mohan Charan Majhi
• Capital : Bhubaneswar

About Ministry of Health and Family Welfare :

• Cabinet Minister : J. P. Nadda
• Minister of State : Anupriya Patel, Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav

CURRENT AFFAIRS: BUSINESS

• India’s wholesale inflation rose to 2.37% in December 2024, up from 1.89% in November 2024.
• Key Contributors to the Rise: The increase in inflation was driven by fuel and power and primary non-food articles, which together contributed 42 basis points (bps) out of the 48 bps increase in wholesale prices.
• Food Prices: Despite the overall inflation rise, food prices eased, with food inflation dipping below 9% for the first time in December, falling to 8.4%.

Comparison with Retail Inflation

• Retail Inflation: In contrast, retail inflation, which directly affects consumer prices, hit a four-month low of 5.2% in December 2024.
• This indicates a divergence between wholesale prices (which measure the cost of goods at the wholesale level) and retail prices (which reflect the cost to consumers).

What is Wholesale Price Index:

• The wholesale price index(WPI) is the price of a representative basket of wholesale
• The WPI is published by the Economic Adviser in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• The Wholesale Price Index focuses on the price of goods traded between corporations, rather than the goods bought by consumers, which is measured by the Consumer Price Index.

Reliance Jio rolls out Internet to Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest battlefield

• Reliance Jio has successfully deployed the first-ever 5G site in the Siachen Glacier, marking a significant achievement for both the telecom company and the Indian Army.
• This development is crucial as the Siachen Glacier, the highest battlefield in the world, had previously lacked reliable connectivity.
• The 5G network will enable seamless communication for soldiers in this remote and challenging region, enhancing critical communication capabilities.

Key Highlights:

• Fire and Fury Corps, the Indian Army division responsible for Siachen, collaborated with Jio Telecom to install the 5G mobile tower.
• The successful deployment was announced through an X post by Fire and Fury Corps, highlighting the partnership with Jio.
• The region's extreme temperatures, which can drop below -40°C, posed a significant challenge, making the installation of the Base Transceiver Station (BTS) an extraordinary technological feat.

• Jio acknowledged the achievement, emphasizing the extensive coordination with Army Signallers, which involved planning, training sessions, system pre-configuration, and comprehensive testing.
• This collaboration demonstrates Jio's commitment to enhancing connectivity in even the most difficult and isolated terrains.

Strategic Importance

• The deployment of 5G in Siachen Glacier will provide the Indian Army with improved communication infrastructure, ensuring soldiers remain connected for strategic and emergency purposes.
• Jio’s efforts align with its broader initiative to extend better connectivity to remote and critical areas, strengthening communication in vital sectors.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Justice Upadhyay appointed as the new Chief Justice of Delhi High Court   

• Justice Upadhyay, the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, has been appointed as the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court.
• This decision was made on January 14, 2025, following a recommendation by the Supreme Court Collegium on January 7, 2025.
• Justice Vibhu Bakhru is currently serving as the acting Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court after the elevation of Justice Manohar to the Supreme Court.
• Justice Alok Aradhe, the Chief Justice of the Telangana High Court, has been appointed as the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, following the same recommendation by the Supreme Court Collegium.
• The transfers and appointments of judges are made following the recommendations of the Supreme Court Collegium, which ensures judicial independence and balance across courts.

Lebanon's President Appoints ICJ Judge Nawaf Salam as Prime Minister   

• Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has appointed Nawaf Salam, a prominent diplomat and judge, as Lebanon's new Prime Minister after securing majority support from the Lebanese parliament.
• Salam, the head of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), won the support of 73 out of 128 members of parliament, mainly from Western-backed groups and independents, and is also backed by Saudi Arabia and Western countries.
• The nomination of Salam marks a setback for Hezbollah, as it comes after the group's militant wing weakened due to the 14-month war with Israel.
• Salam’s appointment signifies the diminishing influence of Hezbollah in Lebanon’s politics.
• As Prime Minister, Salam faces the challenge of addressing Lebanon’s five-year economic crisis, the aftermath of the Israel-Hezbollah war, and working towards rebuilding the nation.

About Nawaf Salam :

• Salam, born in Beirut, was Lebanon’s ambassador to the United Nations from 2007 to 2017.
• He has previously been suggested as a potential prime minister due to his reformist stance and his alignment with the demands for transparency and accountability.
• Salam is a well-regarded academic and has extensive international experience, including his leadership role at the ICJ.
• Salam is seen as a reformist figure capable of addressing Lebanon's systemic issues of corruption and inefficiency.

About Lebanon :

• Capital : Beirut
• Currency : Lebanese pound

Reserve Bank of India Reshuffles Deputy Governors' Portfolios as Michael Patra's Term Concludes     

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced a reshuffle in the portfolios of its three remaining Deputy Governors on January 14, as Michael Debabrata Patra's term is set to end on January 15.
• New Portfolio Assignments:M Rajeshwar Rao will take over as the head of the Department of Monetary Policy, a role previously managed by Dr. Patra.
• T Rabi Sankar will now oversee the Financial Markets Operations Department.
• Upcoming Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) Meeting: The portfolio changes come ahead of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting, which is scheduled for February 5-7, 2025.

Portfolio Distribution:

• M Rajeshwar Rao is now responsible for 11 portfolios.
• T Rabi Sankar will handle 13 departments.
• Swaminathan Janakiraman will manage 9 portfolios.
• Selection of New Deputy Governor: The Government of India has initiated the process for selecting a new Deputy Governor to replace Dr. Patra.
• The selection will be made by the Financial Sector Regulatory Appointments Search Committee (FSRASC), which is chaired by the Cabinet Secretary.

Government Set to Reappoint Robert J Ravi as Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited

• The Ministry of Communications is likely to reappoint Robert Jerard Ravi as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL).
• Ravi was first appointed as BSNL CMD in July 2024, succeeding PK Purwar, whose tenure ended after serving since July 2019.
• In October 2024, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) advertised for hiring a new BSNL CMD, with the application deadline being November 15.
• However, no applications were received for the position.
• Robert J Ravi is currently serving as Deputy Director General at DoT and previously served as Advisor (Consumer Affairs and Quality of Services) at the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
• MTNL and BSNL Merger:The merger of MTNL (Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited) with BSNL is not deemed favorable due to MTNL’s high debt.
• Instead, the government is exploring the option of handing over MTNL's operations to BSNL through an agreement without a formal merger.
• This approach aims to avoid logistical hurdles like de-listing MTNL and buying back shares.

About BSNL :

• Founded : 15 September 2000
• Headquarters : New Delhi, India
• It is an Indian central public sector undertaking, under the ownership of the Department of Telecommunications, which is part of the Ministry of Communications, Government of India.

Chief Justice of Patna High Court Appointed as Supreme Court Judge

• President Droupadi Murmu appointed Justice Krishnan Vinod Chandran, the Chief Justice of Patna High Court, as a judge of the Supreme Court on January 13, 2025.
• The Supreme Court Collegium, headed by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, recommended the appointment of Justice Chandran on January 7, 2025.
• The Collegium noted that there was no judge from Kerala High Court on the Supreme Court Bench at the time of Justice Chandran's recommendation.
• Justice Chandran was the senior most among High Court judges from Kerala when recommended for the appointment.
• With the appointment of Justice Chandran, the judicial strength of the Supreme Court has increased to 33 judges, which is one short of the full quorum.

About Justice Krishnan Vinod Chandran :

• Justice Chandran was appointed as a judge of Kerala High Court on November 8, 2011 and became the Chief Justice of Patna High Court on March 29, 2023.
• He has served as a High Court judge for over 11 years and as Chief Justice for more than 1 year.
• He stands 13th in the combined all-India seniority of High Court Judges.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS & HONOURS

Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam awarded Tarun Das the Honorary Citizen Award for his contributions to India-Singapore relations

• Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam presented the Honorary Citizen Award to Tarun Das in New Delhi.
• The Honorary Citizen Award is the highest recognition granted by the Singapore government to a non-Singaporean.
• This prestigious award is presented to individuals who have made notable contributions in various fields such as business, science and technology, education, health, arts and culture, and community service.

Contribution to Bilateral Relations:

• Tarun Das, former head of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), was honored for his exceptional role in strengthening the bilateral relations between India and Singapore.
• Das has been instrumental in promoting India-Singapore cooperation, serving as a key advocate for Singapore in India.

Milestones in Strengthening Relations:

• Das’s involvement in strengthening ties dates back to 1993, when he led a delegation of Indian industrialists to Singapore as part of India's Look East policy.
• He reflected on his 31-year journey with Singapore, highlighting the evolution of the ‘Singapore-India Fever’, a partnership that has grown in multiple dimensions over the years.
• His continuous efforts have solidified his reputation as one of Singapore's strongest advocates in India, emphasizing his long-standing role in building connections between the two countries.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: BOOKS & AUTHOR

Amitav Ghosh discusses his new book, "Wild Fictions," addressing climate change and societal issues in a "time of monsters."

• Ghosh unveils his book “Wild Fictions (Essays)” with former foreign secretary, Shyam Saran, at India International Centre (IIC).

September 11, 2001: A Personal Tragedy

• For Amitav Ghosh and his family, September 11, 2001, marked a significant day.
• His 10-year-old daughter, Lila, was set to join a new school in New York City, one located directly across from the World Trade Centre.
• On her very first day, Lila witnessed the catastrophic events as two hijacked planes, orchestrated by the terror group al-Qaeda, crashed into the twin towers of the World Trade Centre.
• The horror of the moment left an indelible mark on their lives.

Key Highlights:

A Personal and Historical Perspective

• At the India International Centre (IIC), twenty-four years later, Ghosh reflected on the terrifying day.
• He recounted how he rushed to pick up his daughter, feeling as if he were witnessing a major shift in history.
• At the launch of his new book, Wild Fictions (Essays), Ghosh also delivered the CD Deshmukh Memorial lecture on the theme "Time of Monsters, Time of Possibilities: Reflections of an Interstitial Era."
• In his speech, Ghosh quoted Italian Marxist philosopher Antonio Gramsci, emphasizing that the world was entering a "time of monsters," a period in which the old era was dying while a new one struggled to emerge.
• He reflected on the past 25 years, describing them as times marked by human and environmental disasters—"monsters" that had emerged in various forms.

The Role of "Monsters" in Modern History

• Ghosh, known for his literary works such as The Hungry Tide, The Shadow Lines, and his non-fiction books like The Great Derangement: Climate Change and the Unthinkable, emphasized the unprecedented challenges of the modern era.
• He discussed how climate change has given rise to extreme weather events that were once considered improbable.
• “These monsters—super-charged storms, mega droughts, catastrophic rain-bombs, and wildfires—would have been deemed ‘natural’ disasters in the past, but today we know better. The role of anthropogenic greenhouse gases in intensifying these calamities blurs the lines between what is considered natural and political,” stated Ghosh.

Ghosh's Contributions and Recognition

• A prominent figure in Indian literature, Ghosh's works address crucial issues like climate change and global interconnectedness.
• His contributions were recently recognized when he won the prestigious Erasmus Prize.
• As he presented his book, he reiterated the importance of reflecting on the past quarter-century, as it was a period marked by immense change and challenges for humanity and the planet.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

Competition Commission of India Approves Ashoka Buildcon’s Acquisition of 34% Stake in Ashoka Concessions and Convertible Instruments, Along with Viva Highways’ 26% Stake in Jaora Nayagaon Toll Road Company   

• The Competition Commission of India has approved Ashoka Buildcon's (ABL) acquisition of 34% equity shareholding in Ashoka Concessions Limited (ACL) and certain convertible instruments of ACL by ABL and Viva Highways (Viva).
• Additionally, the approval covers the acquisition of a 26% shareholding in Jaora Nayagaon Toll Road Company (JN) by Viva.

Parties Involved:

• Ashoka Buildcon (ABL): Engaged in engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC), as well as operation and maintenance (O&M) of roads and highways in India.
• It operates its road assets through various models, including EPC, BOT, and Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM).
• Ashoka Concessions Limited (ACL): The infrastructure arm of Ashoka Group, focused on the operation and maintenance of roads and highways in India, primarily through subsidiaries operating road assets.
• It was established by ABL to bring BOT-based road projects under one umbrella.
• Viva Highways (Viva): A company involved in the acquisition of the 26% stake in Jaora Nayagaon Toll Road Company.
• Jaora Nayagaon Toll Road Company (JN): A BOT concessionaire with a concession granted by the Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation to reconstruct, widen, and rehabilitate State Highway (SH)-31 (125 km to 250 km) in Madhya Pradesh.

About CCI :

• Formed : 14 October 2003
• Headquarters : New Delhi, India
• Chairman : Ravneet Kaur

CURRENT AFFAIRS : DEFENCE NEWS

Ministry of Defence Signs Rs 2,960 Crore Deal with Bharat Dynamics Limited for Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles for Indian Navy Under Aatmanirbhar Bharat Initiative

• The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM) for the Indian Navy.
• The contract is valued at approximately Rs 2,960 crore.
• The agreement was signed in New Delhi on January 16, 2025, in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh.
• Purpose and Significance:The MRSAM system is designed for onboard use on multiple Indian Naval Ships.
• It will be fitted on the majority of future naval platforms planned for acquisition.
• The contract supports India’s efforts to strengthen its defence capabilities and focus on indigenisation of military technology.
• With the emphasis on ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, the missiles would be supplied by BDL under ‘Buy (Indian)’ category with largely indigenous content.
• The contract would generate employment of approx. 3.5 lakh mandays in the defence industry, including various MSMEs.

About Ministry of Defence :

• Defence Minister : Rajnath Singh
• Minister of State : Sanjay Seth

CURRENT AFFAIRS : SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

India Successfully Tests Upgraded Version of Nag Mark 2 Anti-Tank Guided Missile

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted field evaluation trials of the Nag Mark 2, a third-generation fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile, at the Pokhran field range in Rajasthan.
• The missile demonstrated exceptional precision, successfully destroying all designated targets at both maximum and minimum range limits during the trials.
• The Nag Mark 2 missile was developed by DRDO and is specifically designed to neutralise modern armoured threats.

Key Highlights :

Missile Speed and Range:

• Speed: The missile travels at 230 meters per second.
• Range: The missile can strike enemy tanks up to 4 kilometers away within 17-18 seconds. The missile has a maximum range of 7-10 kilometers and a minimum range of 500 meters.
• Missile Specifications: The Nag Mk-2 weighs approximately 45 kilograms and measures 6 feet 1 inch.
• It is designed to swiftly neutralise enemy tanks and armoured vehicles.
• Development and Cost: The missile was developed by DRDO at a cost of ₹300 crore.
• Its first successful test was conducted in 1990, with subsequent trials in 2017, 2018, and 2019 incorporating technological advancements.
• Fire-and-Forget Technology: The missile features third-generation fire-and-forget technology, allowing operators to lock onto targets before launch, ensuring precision strikes even in complex battlefield scenarios.
• Nag Missile Carrier (NAMICA): The Nag Mk-2 was successfully integrated with the NAMICA Version 2, which also underwent field evaluations, enhancing the overall weapon system.

Key Features of Nag Mk-2:

• Third-Generation Fire-and-Forget Technology: Ensures precision strikes with minimal operator intervention post-launch.
• Versatile Performance: Effective against modern armoured vehicles, including those with explosive reactive armour (ERA).
• Platform Compatibility: Successfully integrated with NAMICA, improving battlefield mobility and deployment flexibility.
• Strategic Importance: The successful testing of the Nag Mk-2 enhances India’s anti-tank warfare capabilities, particularly along the nation’s borders, and supports the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India) initiative in strengthening indigenous defence technology.

About DRDO :

• Established : 1958
• Headquarters : New Delhi, India
• Chairman : Sameer V. Kamat

New Glenn Rocket, Named After NASA Astronaut John Glenn, is a Heavy-Lift Launch Vehicle

• The New Glenn rocket is a heavy-lift launch vehicle which has been named after John Glenn, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) astronaut who was the first American to circle the Earth in 1962.

Key Highlights :

• Rocket Dimensions & Features : The two-stage rocket is around 320 feet tall — as tall as a 32-story building — and consists of a 7-metre payload fairing.
• First Stage & Reusability : The first stage is reusable and powered by seven BE-4 engines, which the company claims are the world’s most powerful liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fueled, oxygen-rich staged combustion engines.
• According to Blue Origin, the first stage is designed for a minimum of 25 flights.
• Payload Capacity : New Glenn will launch payloads into high-energy orbits.
• It can carry more than 13 metric tons to geostationary transfer orbit (GTO) and 45 metric tons to low Earth orbit (LEO).
• Second Stage Engine : New Glenn’s second stage is powered by two BE-3U engines, which use liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen to provide more than 320,000 pounds of vacuum thrust.
• January Mission & Military Application:The January mission of New Glenn focuses on launching technology for the Blue Ring program.
• This program aims to provide maneuverable spacecraft for the Pentagon.

About Blue Origin :

• Founded by Bezos in 2000, Blue Origin has registered only small accomplishments over the years, especially in comparison to Elon Musk’s SpaceX, which was established in 2002.

Pixxel and Digantara Launch Satellites with SpaceX for Earth Monitoring and Space Surveillance   

• Pixxel and Digantara launched satellites onboard a SpaceX rocket, marking a new era for private space firms in India.
• These satellites are aimed at closely monitoring the Earth and objects orbiting it, with a focus on earth observation and space surveillance.

Key Highlights :

• Pixxel's Achievements:Pixxel became the first private company in India with its own constellation of satellites.
• Firefly Satellites:
  • Five-meter resolution—six times sharper than the typical 30-meter resolution.
  • Equipped with hyperspectral imaging technology that allows observation of Earth in over 150 spectral bands.
  • Firefly satellites can detect subtle changes in chemical compositions, vegetation health, water quality, and atmospheric conditions, which is valuable for sectors like agriculture, climate action, and defense.
• Future Plans: Pixxel plans to launch three more Firefly satellites in the next two months, with 18 additional satellites planned for future deployment.
• Clients: Pixxel has signed over 60 clients, including the US National Reconnaissance Organization, Rio Tinto, British Petroleum, and the Union Ministry of Agriculture.
• Digantara's SCOT Satellite:SCOT (Space Camera for Object Tracking) is the world’s first commercial satellite designed to track objects as small as 5 cm in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
• Space Situational Awareness (SSA): SCOT is designed to improve space safety by monitoring space debris and ensuring sustainable space operations as Earth’s orbit becomes crowded.
• Key Features of SCOT:
  • Launched on SpaceX’s Transporter-12 mission.
  • SCOT is deployed in a sun-synchronous orbit to track objects more efficiently than existing sensors.
  • Unlike traditional systems, SCOT offers persistent monitoring of Resident Space Objects (RSOs) with high frequency and precision.
• Impact on Space Safety: SCOT aims to optimize space traffic management, enhance space safety, and support national security initiatives by addressing space debris and congestion.
• Technological Significance:Hyperspectral Imaging (Pixxel): Pixxel’s narrowband sensors provide more detailed data compared to traditional broad spectral bands, uncovering hidden patterns and anomalies in environmental monitoring.
• Space Situational Awareness (Digantara): SCOT represents a significant advancement in SSA, providing greater monitoring capabilities for a safer and more sustainable space environment.

About Pixxel :

• Founded : February 2019
• Headquarters : Bangalore, Karnataka
• CEO : Awais Ahmed

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS

The 8th Elite Men’s National Boxing Championship with a commanding performance in the finals held at Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh

• The Services Sports Control Board (SSCB) retained their title at the 8th Elite Men’s National Boxing Championship, claiming their third consecutive championship victory.
• The finals were held in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, hosted by the Boxing Federation of India (BFI) in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Boxing Association.
• Distinguished Guests: The event was attended by Ajay Singh (BFI President), Neeraj Singh (Uttar Pradesh Boxing Association chairman), Olympian Vijender Kumar, World Champion Saweety Boora, and Mayor Umesh Gautam.

Key Victories for SSCB:

• • Sachin Siwach: Gold in the Lightweight (55-60kg) category.
  • Lakshya Chahar: Gold in the Light Heavyweight (75-80kg) division.
  • Jadumani Singh: Gold in the Flyweight (47-50kg) category.
  • Hitesh: Gold in the Light Middleweight (65-70kg) division.
  • Vishal: Gold in the Heavyweight (85-90kg) class.
• Abhinash Jamwal’s Triumph: Abhinash Jamwal capped off an extraordinary performance with a gold medal in the Welterweight (60-65kg) category. He previously defeated Shiva Thapa and Vanshaj Kumar, and outclassed Amit in the final.

Other Standout Performances

• Bantamweight (50-55kg): Manish Rathore claimed gold after defeating Pawan Bartwal of SSCB.
• Welterweight (70-75kg): Nikhil Dubey triumphed over Deepak.
• Cruiserweight (80-85kg): Sumit defeated Jugnoo of SSCB.
• Super Heavyweight (90-90+kg): Narender claimed the gold, overcoming Anshul Gill from Haryana.

Key Announcements and Future Plans

• Employment Initiative for Retired Boxers: The BFI announced a new initiative to provide employment opportunities at SpiceJet Ltd for 15 retired boxers per state, contingent upon their qualifications.
• New Selection Policy: The BFI introduced a selection policy offering multiple pathways for entry into the national camp through REC Open, COAS Cup, National Level tournaments, and the Federation Cup.

SSCB’s Medal Haul

• Gold Medals: 5
• Silver Medals: 3
• Bronze Medals: 1

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

The Indian Army Day is commemorated each year on January 15^th.

• Army Day is celebrated on 15 January every year in India, in recognition of Lieutenant General Kodandera M. Cariappa's (later who became Field Marshal ) taking over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from General Francis Roy Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief of India, on 15 January 1949.
• The 77th Indian Army Day will be celebrated with a grand light and sound show in Pune, depicting the evolution of Indian warfare across different periods of history.

Event Details

• Name of the Event: Gaurav Gatha
  • The show will blend laser and multi-media technology, enhancing the storytelling of India’s military evolution.
  • Location: Bhagat Pavillion of the Bombay Engineers Group (BEG) and Centre, Pune, part of the Army's Southern Command.

Thematic Focus of the Show

• The light and sound show will draw inspiration from:
  • Indian Epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
  • Modern Indian warfare and its strategic shifts.
• Key Themes:
  • Prachin Ranniti (Ancient Strategy)
  • Yudh Kala (Art of War)
  • Yudh Parivartan (Evolution of War)
  • Yudh Pradarshan (War Demonstration)
  • Shaurya Gatha (Tales of Valor)
  • Vijayotsav (Victory Celebration)

Parade and Special Features

• Parade Theme: 'Samarth Bharat, Saksham Sena' (Strong India, Capable Army)
  • Location: Pune (first time hosting the parade)
  • Special Participants:
    • Nepal Army Band
    • All-girl NCC marching contingent
    • Robotic Mules (showcasing technological advancements in the military)

National Startup Day in India is being observed on January 16, 2025

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared January 16 as National Startup Day in the year
• Since then various programs and events are organized by government and non-government organizations to applaud and promote the Indian startup ecosystem.

• National Startup Day celebrates India's growing startup ecosystem and encourages entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation.

Growth of India's Startup Ecosystem

• India is now the third-largest startup ecosystem globally.
• The number of DPIIT-recognised companies has grown from around 500 in 2016 to 1,59,157 as of January 15, 2025.

History of National Startup Day

• The Startup India initiative, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 15, 2016, marked the beginning of the Startup India Innovation Week.
• The idea for National Startup Day was introduced during this week, and since 2022, it has been commemorated every year on January 16.

• Purpose: The day aims to foster a supportive environment for entrepreneurs, acknowledging their crucial role in driving economic development and job creation.
• Udyamotsav 2025: As part of the National Startup Week celebrations, Udyamotsav 2025 is a platform to empower student entrepreneurs by connecting them with investors, providing them an opportunity to pitch their startups, seek funding, and receive mentorship.

Events and Celebrations

• Udyamotsav 2025 will be held across 14 cities, including Ahmedabad, Delhi-NCR, Jaipur, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Chennai, Srinagar, Coimbatore, Nagpur, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Trivandrum, and Guwahati.
• The event focuses on student entrepreneurs, helping them engage with the investor community and improve their business models and scaling strategies.

Daily CA on Jan 15,16 & 17 :

• India is considering reducing its ownership in 5 state-run banks, including UCO Bank, Central Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank, Bank of Maharashtra, and Punjab and Sind Bank, through stake sales or allowing the banks to sell shares to large investors.
• Bank of Baroda (BoB) raised Rs 5,000 crore through a 10-year infrastructure bond at a coupon rate of 7.23%.
• The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has expanded the scope of its regulatory sandbox framework to encourage innovation, improve efficiency, and ease of doing business.
• Bank of India is raising its first dollar syndicated loan since 2012, with a target amount of $400 million.
• According to a report by GlobalData, a leading data analytics and research company, 3 Indian banks -HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and State Bank of India (SBI) ranked in the top 25 global banks by market capitalization for Q4 2024:
  • HDFC Bank: Ranked 13th with a market cap of $158.5 billion.
  • ICICI Bank: Ranked 19th with a market cap of $105.7 billion.
  • SBI: Ranked 24th with a market cap of $82.9 billion.
• As per data provided by Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI), The monthly mutual fund SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) crossed the Rs 26,000 crore mark for the first time in December 2024, reaching Rs 26,459 crore, up from Rs 25,320 crore in November 2024.
• The Russian government-owned company Rosatom has shipped the 6th and final unit  of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant being set up in Kudankulam, Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu, on board a specialised ship from the seaport of Novorossiysk.
• Odisha became the 34th state to implement AB PM-JAY after a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the National Health Authority (NHA) and the Government of Odisha.
• Justice Upadhyay, the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, has been appointed as the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court.
• Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has appointed Nawaf Salam, a prominent diplomat and judge, as Lebanon's new Prime Minister after securing majority support from the Lebanese parliament.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced a reshuffle in the portfolios of its three remaining Deputy Governors on January 14, as Dr. Michael Debabrata Patra's term is set to end on January 15.
• The Ministry of Communications is likely to reappoint Robert Jerard Ravi as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL).
• President Droupadi Murmu appointed Justice Krishnan Vinod Chandran, the Chief Justice of Patna High Court, as a judge of the Supreme Court on January 13, 2025.
• The Competition Commission of India has approved Ashoka Buildcon's (ABL) acquisition of 34% equity shareholding in Ashoka Concessions Limited (ACL) and certain convertible instruments of ACL by ABL and Viva Highways (Viva).
• The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM) for the Indian Navy.
• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted field evaluation trials of the Nag Mark 2, a third-generation fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile, at the Pokhran field range in Rajasthan.
• The New Glenn rocket is a heavy-lift launch vehicle which has been named after John Glenn, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) astronaut who was the first American to circle the Earth in 1962.
• Pixxel and Digantara launched satellites onboard a SpaceX rocket, marking a new era for private space firms in India.

• The Kashi Tamil Sangamam 2025 Event will held on February 15-24, 2025. The 3rd edition of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam will focus on Rishi Agastya, emphasizing the ancient connection between Tamil Nadu and Varanasi (Kashi).

• Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal inaugurated the National Turmeric Board in New Delhi. Shri Palle Ganga Reddy was announced as the first Chairperson of the Board.

• The India Meteorological Department (IMD), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, is celebrating a historic milestone—150 years of dedicated service to the nation. Established in 1875, IMD has significantly contributed to weather forecasting, climate monitoring, disaster management, agriculture, aviation, and public safety.

• India Energy Week (IEW) 2025, the government’s flagship oil and gas sector conference, will be held in New Delhi from February 11-14, 2025. The event will feature participation from over 20 energy ministers and deputy ministers, representing advanced economies, major energy producers, and the Global South.

• The government has re-constituted the Atomic Energy Commission. T V Somanathan and Manoj Govil are among the new members. The reconstituted commission includes National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.

• The Z-Morh Tunnel is a vital component of the Zojila Tunnel Project, aimed at providing year-round connectivity between Srinagar and Ladakh. The name "Z-Morh" originates from the Z-shaped roadway that previously existed in the area.
• India’s wholesale inflation rose to 2.37% in December 2024, up from 1.89% in November 2024.
• Reliance Jio has successfully deployed the first-ever 5G site in the Siachen Glacier, marking a significant achievement for both the telecom company and the Indian Army.
• Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam presented the Honorary Citizen Award to Tarun Das in New Delhi. The Honorary Citizen Award is the highest recognition granted by the Singapore government to a non-Singaporean.

• Ghosh unveils his book “Wild Fictions (Essays)” with former foreign secretary, Shyam Saran, at the India International Centre (IIC).

• The Services Sports Control Board (SSCB) retained their title at the 8th Elite Men’s National Boxing Championship, claiming their third consecutive championship victory.
• Army Day is celebrated on 15 January every year in India, in recognition of Lieutenant General Kodandera M. Cariappa's taking over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared January 16 as National Startup Day in the year 2021. Since then various programs and events have been organized by government and non-government organizations to applaud and promote the Indian startup ecosystem.