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CURRENT AFFAIRS: BANKING & FINANCE

Punjab National Bank (PNB) Becomes First Indian Bank to Launch Clari5’s National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) Integration Solution

• Punjab National Bank (PNB) has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first Indian bank to implement Clari5’s NCRP Integration Solution, a cutting-edge platform integrated with the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre’s (I4C) National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP).
• This marks a significant step toward real-time cybercrime complaint management and fraud prevention.

Key Highlights:

• Enhanced Cybercrime Management: The system ensures real-time complaint handling across banking channels such as Internet Banking, Mobile Banking, ATMs, Debit Cards, UPI, IMPS, and more.
• Future-Proof Technology: The platform is designed to accommodate future integrations, including credit cards and Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), aligning with I4C’s evolving standards.

Key Features of Clari5’s NCRP Integration Solution

• Complaints are prioritized using First-In-First-Out logic for faster resolution.
• Fraudulent accounts are automatically frozen based on predefined rules, such as complaints exceeding a specific threshold.
• Whitelisting: Important accounts are excluded from unnecessary complaint processes to avoid disruptions.
• Dynamic Dashboards: Real-time insights and automated reprocessing ensure data integrity during system downtimes, offering 100% reliability.

Recent News:

• In Jan 2025,the government appointed Ashok Chandra as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Punjab National Bank (PNB)

About Punjab National Bank (PNB):
● Founded: 1894
● Headquarters: New Delhi, India
● Tagline: "The Name You Can Bank Upon"

Indian Bank Partners with Escorts Kubota Limited for Financing Solutions

• Indian Bank has partnered with Escorts Kubota Limited, a manufacturer of tractors and construction equipment, to offer financing solutions to its dealers and customers.
• The partnership aims to provide working capital and tractor loans at affordable interest rates, covering Escorts Kubota's full product range, including Powertrac, Farmtrac, and Kubota tractors.
• Indian Bank Executive Director Ashutosh Choudhury emphasized that the collaboration would enable quick and hassle-free financing for dealers, farmers, and prospective customers.
• He added that this initiative aligns with the bank's commitment to advancing financial inclusion and digitalization across the country.
• Through Indian Bank's digital platform, Escorts Kubota Ltd dealers can easily access these benefits, streamlining the financing process and supporting the agricultural and construction sectors.

Recent News:

• In Jan 2025, The government appointed Binod Kumar as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Indian Bank.

About Indian Bank:
● Founded: 1907
● Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
● Tagline: "Your Own Bank"

Securities and Exchange Board of India Proposes ₹250 Sachetised Systematic Investment Plan to Enhance Mutual Fund Accessibility

• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed the introduction of a ₹250 systematic investment plan (SIP), referred to as a sachetised mutual fund product, to enhance mutual fund accessibility across the country.
• The consultation paper is open for public comments until February 6, 2025.

Key highlights:

• Discounted Fees: SEBI proposes subsidized fees for mutual fund asset management companies (AMCs) offering this product.
• Limit on SIPs: Investors can initiate up to three ₹250 SIPs, one each in up to three AMCs, with discounted rates applicable only to the first three SIPs.
• Growth Option: The ₹250 SIP will be available only under the Growth option of mutual fund schemes.
• Payment Modes: Payments for ₹250 SIPs will be restricted to NACH (National Automated Clearing House) and UPI auto-pay
• Demat Account Requirement: Investment can be made in either statement of account (SOA) mode or demat mode, as per investor preference.
• Communication with Investors: Statutory disclosures and updates will be shared via SMS and email, with detailed information accessible through active links provided in these communications.

Benefits of ₹250 SIP

• Financial Empowerment:Thesachetisation of mutual funds aims to empower low-income and underserved sections of society through affordable investments.
• Wider Reach: It encourages mutual fund houses to expand to remote locations, promoting financial inclusion.
• Industry Participation: While some AMCs already offer small-ticket SIPs, the ₹250 SIP will standardize this initiative across the entire industry.

What is sachetisation:

• The concept of ‘Sachetisation’, where financial products and services are made available in smaller, more manageable packets, has been transformative for this sector.
• Digital platforms like Open Credit Enablement Network (OCEN), open networks, GST Sahay, and GeM Sahay have made sachetisation of MSME loans possible, ushering in a new era of financial inclusivity and efficiency.

Recent News:

• In Jan 2025, The SEBI partnered with the National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM) to launch an e-learning course on municipal bonds.

About SEBI :

• Established : 12 April 1988 as an executive body and was given statutory powers on 30 January 1992 through the SEBI Act, 1992
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Chairman : Madhabi Puri Buch (first woman to lead the SEBI)
• SEBI is the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India under the ownership of the Ministry of Finance (MoF), GoI.

Policybazaar.ae Launches 'PB Advantage' to Enhance Health Insurance Experience in United Arab Emirates

• ae, the UAE’s leading online insurance marketplace, has introduced PB Advantage, a revolutionary initiative aimed at transforming the health insurance experience in the UAE.
• It offers innovative features and exclusive benefits, ensuring a seamless journey from policy purchase to claims processing.

Key Features:

• 30-Minute Claims Assistance: A dedicated claims desk ensures quicker resolutions for customers.
• Auto Recharge of Sum Insured: Automatically restores the full coverage amount after the first claim, providing additional coverage for unrelated conditions.
• For example, an AED 1 million policy is recharged with another AED 1 million for future claims.
• No Claim Bonus: Adds 10% to the sum assured for each claim-free year, up to a maximum of five years.
• Policy portability between the UAE and India, allowing NRIs to access coverage across both countries.
• Complimentary annual health check-ups in India.

About Policybazaar.ae:
● Headquarters: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
● CEO: Neeraj Gupta
About UAE:

• Capital: Abu Dhabi
• Currency: UAE Dirham (AED)
• President: Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
• Prime Minister: Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL NEWS

Central Consumer Protection Authority Issues Notices to Ola and Uber Over Pricing Discrepancies

• The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued notices to cab aggregators Ola and Uber regarding alleged differential pricing based on the user's mobile operating system (iOS vs Android).
• Complaint Details:
  • Reports indicate users with Apple iOS devices were charged higher fares compared to Android users for identical routes.
  • This raised concerns about unfair trade practices and violation of consumer rights.
• Government's Intervention:
  • Union Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi highlighted the issue, stating it demonstrates a "blatant disregard for consumer rights".
  • Minister Joshi ordered a thorough inquiry into these allegations last month.
• CCPA's Notice:
  • Ola and Uber are required to clarify their pricing mechanisms and address whether a user's operating system influences fare calculations.
• Broader Context:
  • This isn't the first time CCPA has taken action against technology firms:
    • In a previous instance, a notice was issued to Apple over complaints of iPhone performance slowdowns following updates to iOS 18.

About CCPA

• Full Form: Central Consumer Protection Authority
• Established: July 2020 under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019
• Headquarters : New Delhi, India
• Objective: Protect consumers from unfair trade practices, ensure consumer rights, and promote accountability in the marketplace.

Swachh Survekshan 2024: Introduction of Super Swachh League and New Toolkit for Urban Cleanliness

• Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal Khattar, launched the 9th edition of Swachh Survekshan (SS), the world's largest urban cleanliness survey, with a new toolkit aimed at simplifying and enhancing the process.
• The launch was attended by Shri S. Katikithala, Secretary, MoHUA, and various state officials and representatives from urban local bodies (ULBs).

Key Features of the 9th Edition of Swachh Survekshan

1. Introduction of Super Swachh League:
   • A special category designed to acknowledge the top cities excelling in cleanliness.
   • Cities that have been in the top 3 for at least 2 years (2021-2023) are included in this league.
   • ULBs in this league must maintain a score of 85% or higher to retain their position.
2. Swachh Survekshan Toolkit:
   • The new toolkit is simpler, sharper, and more systematic.
   • 10 assessment buckets have been introduced, which include key parameters such as visible cleanliness, waste segregation, sanitation access, used water management, and welfare of sanitation workers.
   • The toolkit is designed to ensure clearer data collection, better understanding for ULBs, and full transparency in evaluation.

Cities in the Super Swachh League

1. Very Small Cities (<20,000 population):
   • Panchgani, Patan
2. Small Cities (20,000 – 50,000 population):
   • Vita, Sasvad
3. Medium Cities (50,000 – 3 Lakh population):
   • Ambikapur, Tirupati, New Delhi Municipal Council
4. Big Cities (3 – 10 Lakh population):
   • Noida, Chandigarh
5. Million Plus Cities (> 10 Lakh population):
   • Navi Mumbai, Indore, Surat

About Swachh Survekshan

• Launched: 2016 by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
• Purpose: To rank cities based on cleanliness and sanitation practices.
• Target Cities: Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across India.

About Swachh Bharat Mission

• Launched: 2nd October 2014, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• Objective: To eliminate open defecation, improve solid waste management, and make urban and rural areas clean.
• Focus Areas: Sanitation and cleanliness across rural and urban India.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SUMMITS AND CONFERENCE

National Conference on Good Governance 2025: Advancing Citizen-Centric Reforms

• Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, Government of India, in collaboration with the Government of Gujarat.
• Theme: "Maximum Governance – Minimum Government", inspired by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• Venue and Date: 30th–31st January 2025, Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

Inaugural Session

• Dignitaries:
  • Shri Bhupendra Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat.
  • Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions.
  • Chief Secretary of Gujarat and Secretary, DARPG.
• Key Launch:
  • e-Journal on Administrative Reforms: Minimum Government-Maximum Governance, featuring Prime Minister’s Awards 2023

Objectives of the Conference

1. Share innovative governance practices and foster collaboration among national and state-level public administration entities.
2. Promote government process re-engineering for citizen-centric services.
3. Disseminate best practices in e-Governance, public administration, and digital governance.

About Gujarat

• Capital: Gandhinagar.
• Governor: Acharya Devvrat
• Chief Minister: Shri Bhupendra Patel.

India's First eVTOL Air Taxi Prototype ‘Shunya’ Unveiled by Sarla Aviation

• Sarla Aviation, a Bengaluru-based aerospace startup, has launched ‘Shunya’, India’s first electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxi prototype.
• The initiative represents a significant step toward urban air mobility, aimed at addressing traffic congestion and pollution in Indian cities.

Key Features of ‘Shunya’

1. Design and Capacity:
   • Designed for short trips of 20-30 kilometers.
   • Can accommodate up to six passengers with a maximum payload of 680 kg, making it the highest payload eVTOL vehicle currently available.
2. Speed and Efficiency:
   • Capable of reaching speeds of 250 km/h, providing a rapid alternative to conventional ground transportation.
3. Environmental Impact:
   • Fully electric, promoting clean and sustainable urban transport, aligning with India’s vision for sustainable smart cities.

Launch Plans and Expansion

1. Initial Launch:
   • Bengaluru has been chosen as the first city for the launch in 2028, addressing the city’s notorious traffic congestion.
2. Future Expansion:
   • Planned rollout to Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, and other metropolitan cities.

Strategic Partnerships

1. Collaboration with Sona SPEED:
   • Sona SPEED, a precision manufacturing firm, will develop critical components such as motors and landing gear.
   • Sona SPEED has prior experience working with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), ensuring high-quality engineering.

Future Services

1. Air Ambulance Initiative:
   • Sarla Aviation aims to introduce a free air ambulance service to enhance emergency response in urban areas.
   • This service will provide faster medical assistance, particularly in high-traffic zones.

About Karnataka

• Capital: Bengaluru
• Chief Minister: Siddaramaiah
• Governor: Thawar Chand Gehlot
• National Parks: Bannerghatta National Park

About ISRO:

• Full Form: Indian Space Research Organisation
• Established: 1969
• Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka
• Current Chairman: V Narayanan

Sustainable Smart Cities in India:

• Smart cities are part of the Smart Cities Mission, launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to improve urban infrastructure with a focus on sustainability.

eVTOL Technology:

• Definition: Electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles designed for urban air mobility.
• Advantages: Environmentally friendly, reduces urban congestion, and enhances emergency response capabilities.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: BUSINESS NEWS

Amazon Web Services to Invest ₹60,000 Crore in Telangana for Data Centre Expansion

• Amazon Web Services (AWS) has committed ₹60,000 crore to expand its data centre infrastructure in Hyderabad, Telangana.
• The announcement was made during the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025 in Davos, in a meeting between:
  • Michael Punke, AWS Vice President
  • Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy
  • IT and Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu
• Significance of the Investment:
  • The expansion will strengthen Hyderabad’s position as a key hub for cloud services in India, with a focus on artificial intelligence and advanced cloud infrastructure.
  • This reflects AWS’s confidence in Telangana’s business environment.
• Past Investments by AWS in Telangana:
  • AWS previously committed $4.4 billion (approx. ₹36,000 crore) by 2030 for cloud infrastructure development in the state.
  • Operational Sites: Three data centres have already been established with a $1 billion
• Telangana's Role as a Tech Hub:
  • Hyderabad is emerging as the "Data Centre Hub of India," further enhancing its leadership in the cloud services sector.
  • The Telangana government has agreed to allocate additional land to AWS for seamless expansion.

About Telangana:

• Capital: Hyderabad
• Chief Minister: Revanth Reddy
• Governor: Jishnu Dev Varma
• Major National Parks:
  • Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park
  • Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park
  • Mrugavani National Park

About Amazon Web Services (AWS):

• Parent Company: Amazon
• Headquarters: Seattle, Washington, USA
• CEO: Matt Garman
• Specialization: Cloud computing services, AI, data analytics, and storage solutions.

About World Economic Forum (WEF):

• Founded: 1971
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
• Founder: Klaus Schwab
• Significance: Promotes global public-private cooperation on economic, social, and technological issues.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: STATE NEWS

Odisha Government Launches Programme to Empower Local Communities in Forest Management

• The Odisha government has launched a programme aimed at empowering local communities in forest management by providing direct funding for forest protection and management to 100 villages.
• The funds will be deposited into the bank accounts of village councils, or gram sabhas, marking a significant shift in the management of forest resources and placing greater responsibility in the hands of local communities.
• The Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs’ Project Appraisal Committee (PAC) approved Community Forest Resource (CFR) plans for these 100 villages, which are part of the Forest Rights Act.
• The state government has plans to implement these initiatives in a total of 400 villages.

Key Highlights:

• The PAC allocated ₹16 crore for the execution of these plans, with each village receiving ₹15 lakh annually.
• In a historic move, funds will now go directly to the gram sabhas, rather than the gram panchayats, empowering villagers to manage their resources more effectively.
• The villagers will also take on responsibility for executing projects under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), a shift from the previous system where the Forest Department managed these projects.
• Gram sabhas will lead efforts in tree plantation and create development plans that are tailored to local needs, with active participation from communities to ensure the sustainability and relevance of these plans.
• The establishment of self-help groups will further foster community engagement.
• This initiative will replace the Vana Surakhya Samiti and Eco Development Committees, which were previously controlled by the Forest Department, thereby giving villagers more control over forest resources.
• This shift is expected to promote better conservation practices and improve the livelihoods of local communities.
• The initiative will focus on districts such as Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Keonjhar, Sambalpur, Nayagarh, Kandhamal, Koraput, Malkangiri, Dhenkanal, and Bargarh.
• Odisha ranks 3rd in India for the number of Community Forest Resource Rights titles issued, after Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh.
• The PAC has recommended considering the CFR plans for the remaining 300 villages in subsequent years, allowing for adaptation and learning based on the experiences of the first 100 villages.
• If successful, this initiative could be expanded throughout Odisha.
• The state government has requested ₹64 crore for the comprehensive implementation of the CFR plans, with technical agencies receiving ₹1 lakh for preparing management plans, ensuring communities have the necessary resources and support for effective forest management.

Recent News:

• In Jan 2025, the Odisha government announced a monthly pension of ₹20,000 for people who were imprisoned during the 1975 Emergency imposed by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

About Odisha:

• Chief Minister: Mohan Charan Majhi
• Governor: Hari Babu Kambhampati
• Capital: Bhubaneswar
• National Parks: Simlipal National Park, Bhitarkanika National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Chilika Wildlife Sanctuary, Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Nandankanan Wildlife Sanctuary

Mizoram Leads Northeast India in Distributing Survey of villages and mapping with improvised technology in village areas (SVAMITVA) Property Cards

• Mizoram has become the first state in Northeast India to distribute property cards under the SVAMITVA (Survey of villages and mapping with improvised technology in village areas) scheme.
• Governor Gen (Dr) VK Singh, PVSM, AVSM, YSM (Retd), virtually participated in the distribution event from Raj Bhavan.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi graced the occasion and handed out over 65 lakh property cards to beneficiaries across 10 states and 2 union territories.

Key Highlights:

• In Mizoram, 1,754 property cardholders from 18 villages were among the beneficiaries.
• The Governor praised the Land Revenue & Settlement Department for their efforts and urged them to continue working towards the scheme's objectives.
• The SVAMITVA Scheme, launched on April 24, 2020, aims to create records of rights in inhabited village areas using drone and GIS technology.
• Property cards under the scheme serve as legal documentation and can be used as collateral for bank loans and other purposes.
• The Mizoram Government and the Survey of India signed an MoU for SVAMITVA implementation on July 8, 2021.
• Drone surveys in villages without revenue surveys began on December 9, 2021, and were completed by December 2, 2024, covering 319 villages across nine districts.
• Mizoram distributed its first property cards under SVAMITVA on April 24, 2023.
• A total of 2,909 property cards have been distributed in Mizoram so far, with plans to extend the initiative to provide 35,000 property cards in future phases.

Recent News:

• In Jan 2025, Former Army Chief V.K. Singh has been sworn in as the 25th Governor of Mizoram.

About Mizoram:
• Chief Minister:  Lalduhoma
• Governor: Vijay Kumar Singh
• Capital: Aizawl
• National Parks: Murlen National Park, Ngengpui National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Dampa Wildlife Sanctuary, Lengteng Wildlife Sanctuary, Tawi Wildlife Sanctuary

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Launches 'Deendayal Upadhyay Bhoomiheen Krishi Majdoor Kalyana Yojana'

• Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai launched the 'Deendayal Upadhyay Bhoomiheen Krishi Majdoor Kalyana Yojana' in Raipur.
• Financial Assistance: Over 62 lakh landless agricultural laborers, including Baigas and Gunias, will receive ₹10,000 annually.
• Total Funds Released: An amount exceeding ₹562 crore was disbursed to the scheme's beneficiaries.
• CM Sai described January 20 as a "proud and historic day" for the state's urban bodies, emphasizing the commitment to welfare and development.

Development Projects Inaugurated:

1. Nagar Vikas Ke Sopan Program:
   • Foundation stones laid for 813 projects worth ₹155.38 crore.
   • 70 works inaugurated, valued at ₹15.25 crore, in urban bodies across the state.
2. Amrit Mission 2.0 Projects:
   • Foundation stone laid for water supply schemes in 6 urban bodies, with a project cost of ₹270 crore.

Recent News:

• In Jan 2025, Chhattisgarh became the first Indian state to implement the Green Gross Domestic Product (Green GDP) model.

About Chhattisgarh:
• Chief Minister: Vishnu Deo Sai
• Governor: Ramen Deka
• Capital: Raipur
• National Parks: Indravati National Park, Kanger Valley National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary, Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary, Sitanadi Wildlife Sanctuary

CURRENT AFFAIRS: APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Amrit Mohan Prasad Given Additional Charge as Director General of Bureau of Civil Aviation Security

• Amrit Mohan Prasad, a 1989-batch Odisha cadre IPS officer, has been given the additional charge of Director General of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), in addition to his current role as Director General of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).
• The Director General, BCAS is responsible for the development, implementation and maintenance of the National Civil Aviation Security Programme.
• As per an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on January 22, 2025, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s proposal for ex-post facto approval of Mr. Prasad’s additional charge.
• Tenure: Six months, starting from November 1, 2024, or until a regular appointee assumes office, whichever comes first.
• The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) issued the order following the retirement of BCAS DG Zulfiqar Hasan on October 31, 2024.
• Prasad was assigned the additional charge on the same day, but the duration was initially unspecified.

About Bureau of Civil Aviation Security:

• Head quarter: New Delhi
• Founded: 1978
• Director General: Amrit Mohan Prasad
• The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) is an attached office of the Ministry of Civil Aviation (India)

CURRENT AFFAIRS: DEFENCE

INS Sarvekshak completes major hydrographic survey in Mauritius

• INS Sarvekshak successfully completed the final phase of the hydrographic survey of Mauritius, covering over 25,000 sq. nautical miles.
• During a reception ceremony, Shri Anurag Srivastava, High Commissioner of India to Mauritius, handed over the survey’s fair sheet, newly prepared nautical charts, and survey equipment to Dharambeer Gokhool, the Hon'ble President of Mauritius.
• This new chart will help Mauritius improve its maritime infrastructure, resource management, and coastal development planning.
• The milestone event highlights the strong India-Mauritius partnership in maritime development and regional cooperation.
• Additionally, a joint India-Mauritius yoga session was held on 20 January 2025, with the participation of the ship’s crew, personnel from the National Coast Guard of Mauritius, and the Indira Gandhi Centre for Indian Culture (IGCIC).
• Tribhuvan Singh, Commanding Officer of INS Sarvekshak, met with Mr. Shakeel Ahmed Yousuf Abdul Razack Mohamed, Minister of Housing and Lands of Mauritius, to discuss the survey operations, reaffirming the continued commitment and partnership between the two countries in alignment with the vision of ‘SAGAR’.

About INS Sarvekshak:

• INS Sarvekshak is an Indian Navy hydrographic survey ship based at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi.
• It is equipped with state-of-the-art survey equipment, including a Deep Sea Multi-Beam Echo Sounder, Side Scan Sonars, and a fully automated digital surveying and processing system.
• INS Sarvekshak is the second ship of the Darshak class and has a complement of 15 officers and 175 sailors.
• In the past, it has undertaken foreign cooperation surveys in Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Seychelles, Tanzania, and Kenya.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh Launches ‘SANJAY - The Battlefield Surveillance System’ in New Delhi

• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh flagged off ‘SANJAY - The Battlefield Surveillance System (BSS)’ from South Block, New Delhi on January 24, 2025.
• SANJAY is an automated system that integrates inputs from all ground and aerial battlefield sensors, processes them to verify their accuracy, prevents duplication, and fuses them to create a Common Surveillance Picture of the battlefield over secured Army Data Network and Satellite Communication Network.
• This will enhance battlefield transparency and transform future operations through a Centralised Web Application, which will provide inputs to Command & Army Headquarters and the Indian Army Decision Support System.
• The BSS is equipped with state-of-the-art sensors and cutting-edge analytics. It will monitor the vast land borders, prevent intrusions, assess situations with unmatched accuracy, and serve as a force multiplier in Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance.
• This will enable commanders to operate in both conventional and sub-conventional operations in a Network Centric Environment.
• Its induction will mark an extraordinary leap towards data and network centricity in the Indian Army.

Key Highlights:

• SANJAY has been indigenously & jointly developed by the Indian Army and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), fostering an ecosystem towards achieving ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in line with the Indian Army’s ‘Year of Technology Absorption’.
• These systems will be inducted into all operational Brigades, Divisions, and Corps of the Indian Army in three phases from March to October 2025, coinciding with the ‘Year of Reforms’ in the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The system has been developed under the Buy (Indian) category at a cost of ₹2,402 crore.
• The flagging-off ceremony was attended by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi, Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar, Chairman & Managing Director, BEL Shri Manoj Jain, and other senior officials from the MoD and BEL.

Recent news:

• In Jan 2025, The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a ₹1,561 crore contract with Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) for the procurement of 47 T-72 Bridge Laying Tanks (BLT) for the Indian Army.

About Ministry of Defence:

• Cabinet Minister: Rajnath Singh
• Minister of State (MoS): Ajay Bhatt

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Oscar nominations 2025: Anuja makes it to Academy Awards, Emilia Pérez leads the way

• The 97th Academy Awards (Oscars 2025) will be held on March 2, 2025 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles.
• The ceremony was postponed twice due to the Los Angeles wildfires.
• The awards will recognize the best in film, with a notable increase in diversity and international representation among nominees.
• Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga supported the short film "Anuja" set in New Delhi, nominated for Live Action Short Film.

Leading Film: "Emilia Pérez"

• Director: Jacques Audiard
• Language: Spanish-French
• Nominations: 13 nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Karla Sofía Gascón.
• Historic Milestone: Karla Sofía Gascón is the first openly trans actor to be nominated for an Oscar.

Notable Nominations

1. Best Picture:
   • Films like "Emilia Pérez", "Dune: Part 2", and "The Substance" are among the top contenders.
2. Best Actress:
   • Karla Sofía Gascón for "Emilia Pérez".
   • Notable Miss: Angelina Jolie, who played Maria Callas in Pablo Larraín's "Maria".
3. Best Actor:
   • Timothée Chalamet for "A Complete Unknown" and Adrien Brody for "The Brutalist".
4. Best Director:
   • Jacques Audiard for "Emilia Pérez".
   • Sean Baker for "Anora".
5. Best Supporting Actress:
   • Zoe Saldaña for "Emilia Pérez".
6. Best Supporting Actor:
   • Kieran Culkin for "A Real Pain".
7. Best Sound:
   • "A Complete Unknown", "Emilia Pérez", and "Dune: Part Two"

Categories & Awards

1. Best Animated Film:
   • "Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl" and "The Wild Robot".
2. Best Cinematography:
   • "The Brutalist", "Dune: Part Two".
3. Original Score:
   • Nominations include "The Brutalist" and "Emilia Pérez".
4. Documentary Features:
   • "Black Box Diaries", "Sugarcane", and "Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat" are in the race.

Important Categories and Nominations

• Best Animated Short Film: "Wander to Wonder" and "Magic Candies".
• Live Action Short Film: "Anuja" and "A Lien".

55th World Economic Forum: Crystal Awards Honoring Champions of Change

• The 55th World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting commenced in Davos, Switzerland, recognizing global leaders with the Crystal Awards for their contributions to social, environmental, and creative progress.
• The 2025 awardees include:
  • David Beckham: For championing children's rights.
  • Diane von Furstenberg: For empowering women.
  • Riken Yamamoto: For innovating sustainable architecture.

Awardees and Their Contributions

1. David Beckham: Advocate for Children’s Rights

• Role: UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for over two decades.
• Contributions:
  • Focused on improving the lives of vulnerable children globally.
  • Advocated for education, protection, and well-being, especially for young girls in crisis-stricken areas.
  • Urged collective action to combat challenges such as poverty, violence, and discrimination.

2. Diane von Furstenberg: Empowering Women

• Profession: Fashion designer and philanthropist.
• Notable Achievement: Creator of the iconic wrap dress and founder of her eponymous brand.
• Impact:
  • Advocated for gender equality and women’s rights.
  • Encouraged acts of kindness and connections to foster personal and professional growth.

3. Riken Yamamoto: Innovator in Sustainable Architecture

• Profession: Architect.
• Focus: Social and environmental responsibility in architecture.
• Contributions:
  • Pioneered designs that emphasize community regeneration and environmental preservation.
  • Stressed the importance of respecting and preserving cultural memories in urban development.

About the Crystal Awards

• Established By: World Economic Forum’s World Arts Forum, co-founded by Hilde Schwab.
• Purpose: Honors cultural leaders driving meaningful change through creativity and insight.
• Focus Areas: Social progress, environmental sustainability, and artistic contributions.

About Switzerland

• Capital: Bern.
• Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF).
• President:Karin Keller-Sutter.

About UNICEF

• Full Form: United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund.
• Established: 1946.
• Headquarters: New York, USA.
• Executive Director :Catherine M. Russell

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENTS

DPIIT Partners with Apna for Startup Talent Hunt Initiative

• The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) collaborates with Apna, India’s leading jobs and professional networking platform.
• The partnership aims to equip DPIIT-registered startups with skilled manpower and create job opportunities for unemployed youth.
• A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed, marking a major milestone in strengthening India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Details of the Partnership

Monetary Value of the Initiative

• Credits for Hiring: Each DPIIT-registered startup receives Rs 2,000 worth of hiring credits on Apna’s platform.
• Scope:
  • Currently, there are 7 lakh entities registered on the Bharat Startup Registry (Bhaskar) platform, totaling a value of Rs 140 crore.
  • With the growing startup ecosystem, this value is projected to scale to Rs 300 crore.

Features and Benefits

• Enhanced Hiring Efficiency:
  • Credits allow startups to post jobs and access tailored talent pools using Apna’s AI-driven matching tools.
  • Facilitates faster time-to-market for startups, boosting scalability.
• Skilled Workforce Engagement: Creates pathways for skilled workers to actively engage in India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Integration with Startup India Program

• Collaborative Efforts: DPIIT’s Startup India program will work with Apna to curate job postings and align talent pools with industry-specific requirements.

About DPIIT

• Full Form: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade.
• Ministry: Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Founded: 1995 (earlier known as Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion).
• Headquarters: New Delhi.
• Minister: Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry.

About Startup India

• Launch Date: 16th January 2016.
• Objective: Promote entrepreneurship, support startups, and foster innovation.

About Apna

• Founded: 2019.
• Founder: Nirmit Parikh.
• Headquarters: Bengaluru, India.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Michael Clarke was Inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame

• Michael Clarke, former Australian cricket captain, has been inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame, becoming its 64th member.
• This honor highlights his remarkable contributions to Australian cricket through record-breaking performances and dynamic leadership.

Career Overview

• First-Class Debut: Represented New South Wales, Australia, at the age of 17.
• International Debut: Made a spectacular entry into Test cricket during the 2004 India tour, scoring 151 runs in Bengaluru.
• Played 115 Test matches and 245 ODIs, solidifying his place as one of Australia’s greatest middle-order batsmen.

About Australia:

• Capital: Canberra
• Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD)
• Prime Minister: Anthony Albanese

Bengaluru Open 2025 Upgraded to ATP 125 Category

• Bengaluru Open 2025, an important event on the ATP Challenger Tour, has been upgraded to the ATP 125 category.
• Prize Money: Increased to USD 200,000, with the winner earning USD 28,400 and 125 ATP points.
• The Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA) in Bengaluru, Karnataka hosts the tournament.

Indian Players' Achievements

• Sumit Nagal: Singles winner in 2017.
• PrajneshGunneswaran: Singles champion in 2018.
• Ramkumar Ramanathan: Won the doubles title three times:
  • Twice with Saketh Myneni.
  • Once with Purav Raja.
• Divij Sharan: Won the inaugural doubles title alongside Mikhail Elgin.

About the ATP Challenger Tour:

• A professional tennis circuit organized by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP).
• The ATP Challenger Tour is a tier below the ATP Tour, providing opportunities for players to gain ranking points and move up to the main tour.

   About the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP):

• Headquarters: London, United Kingdom

• Governs professional men’s tennis worldwide.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: BOOKS AND AUTHOR

Prime Minister Narendra ModiLauds Amitabh Kant’s Book: 'How India Scaled Mt. G-20'

• Amitabh Kant, India’s G-20 Sherpa, authored the book 'How India Scaled Mt. G-20', published by Rupa Publications chronicling India’s achievements during its G-20 Presidency.
• The book highlights India’s determination and collaborative efforts in making the 2023 G-20 Summit in New Delhi a historic success.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the book as a commendable endeavour, providing a clear perspective on India’s efforts toward human-centric development.

About the Author

• Amitabh Kant:
  • Former CEO of NITI Aayog, India's premier policy think tank.
  • Played a pivotal role as G-20 Sherpa, steering negotiations and diplomatic efforts during India’s presidency.
• The book includes a foreword by S. Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister, emphasizing the transformative impact of the G-20 Summit.

Significance of the Book

• Chronicles India’s journey in hosting the first-ever G-20 Summit under its presidency.
• Offers insights into PM Modi’s leadership, which enabled bold decisions and transformative diplomacy.
• Highlights India’s role in achieving global consensus on pressing challenges.

About G-20

• Full Form: Group of Twenty.
• Established: 1999.
• Members: 19 countries + European Union.
• 2023 G-20 Presidency: India.
• Theme: “VasudhaivaKutumbakam” – One Earth, One Family, One Future.

About NITI Aayog

• Full Form: National Institution for Transforming India.
• Established: 1st January 2015 (replaced Planning Commission).
• Chairman: Prime Minister of India.
• CEO :BVR Subrahmanyam.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

National Voters Day: 25th January

• National Voters Day is observed on the 25th of January.
• This Year’s Theme “Nothing Like Voting, I Vote for Sure”is a continuation of last year’s theme emphasizing the importance of participation in the electoral process, and encouraging voters to take pride in exercising their franchise.
• The Election Commission of India (ECI), which was established in 1950, was founded on January 25.
• In order to encourage young people to participate in the election process, this day was first observed in 2011.
• The primary goal of the Election Commission is to promote voter registration, especially among qualified voters.
• Let us inform you that while the voting age was once 21 years old, it was decreased to 18 years old in 1988.
• The voting age in India was lowered by the Sixty-First Amendment Bill of 1998.

National Tourism Day: 25th January

• National Tourism Day is observed on the 25th of January 2025.
• National Tourism Day has a long history dating back to the Indian government's proclamation of January 25 as Tourism Day in India.
• This day was created to highlight the value of travel and raise awareness of how vital it is to the economy of the nation.
• National Tourism Day originated from the Government of India’s efforts to highlight the role of tourism in driving economic growth and fostering cultural exchange.
• It is believed that the first National Tourism Day was celebrated in 1948.
• To position India as a prominent global tourist hub, the government introduced numerous initiatives, including campaigns and events.

Daily CA One- Liner: January 25

• Punjab National Bank (PNB) has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first Indian bank to implement Clari5’s NCRP Integration Solution, a cutting-edge platform integrated with the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre’s (I4C) National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP).
• Indian Bank has partnered with Escorts Kubota Ltd, a manufacturer of tractors and construction equipment, to offer financing solutions to its dealers and customers.
• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed the introduction of a ₹250 systematic investment plan (SIP), referred to as a sachetised mutual fund product, to enhance mutual fund accessibility across the country.
• ae, the UAE’s leading online insurance marketplace, has introduced PB Advantage, a revolutionary initiative aimed at transforming the health insurance experience in the UAE.
• The Odisha government has launched a programme aimed at empowering local communities in forest management by providing direct funding for forest protection and management to 100 villages.
• Mizoram has become the first state in Northeast India to distribute property cards under the SVAMITVA (Survey of villages and mapping with improvised technology in village areas) scheme.
• Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai launched the 'Deendayal Upadhyay Bhoomiheen Krishi Majdoor Kalyana Yojana' in Raipur.
• Amrit Mohan Prasad, a 1989-batch Odisha cadre IPS officer, has been given the additional charge of Director General of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), in addition to his current role as Director General of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).
• INS Sarvekshak successfully completed the final phase of the hydrographic survey of Mauritius, covering over 25,000 sq. nautical miles.
• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh flagged off ‘SANJAY - The Battlefield Surveillance System (BSS)’ from South Block, New Delhi on January 24, 2025.
• The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued notices to cab aggregators Ola and Uber regarding alleged differential pricing based on the user's mobile operating system (iOS vs Android)
• Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal Khattar, launched the 9th edition of Swachh Survekshan (SS), the world's largest urban cleanliness survey, with a new toolkit aimed at simplifying and enhancing the process.
• Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, Government of India, in collaboration with the Government of Gujarat
• Sarla Aviation, a Bengaluru-based aerospace startup, has launched ‘Shunya’, India’s first electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxi prototype.
• Amazon Web Services (AWS) has committed ₹60,000 crore to expand its data centre infrastructure in Hyderabad, Telangana
• The 97th Academy Awards (Oscars 2025) will be held on March 2, 2025 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles
• The 55th World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting commenced in Davos, Switzerland, recognizing global leaders with the Crystal Awards for their contributions to social, environmental, and creative progress.
• The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) collaborates with Apna, India’s leading jobs and professional networking platform.
• Michael Clarke, former Australian cricket captain, has been inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame, becoming its 64th member.
• Bengaluru Open 2025, an important event on the ATP Challenger Tour, has been upgraded to the ATP 125 category
• Amitabh Kant, India’s G-20 Sherpa, authored the book 'How India Scaled Mt. G-20', published by Rupa Publications chronicling India’s achievements during its G-20 Presidency.
• National Voters Day is observed on the 25th of January.
• National Tourism Day is observed on the 25th of January 2025.