Dear Readers, Here we have given the list of Important Weekly Current Affairs of Jan 22nd to 31st Jan 2025. Candidates those who are preparing for Upcoming SBIClerk 2025 and other competitive exams can make use of it.

Weekly Current Affairs January 22nd to 31st PDF Download

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

• Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti (23rd January) – Observed to honor the birth of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
• International Day of Education (24th January) – Declared by the UN in 2018 to recognize the importance of education.
• National Girl Child Day (24th January) – Established in 2008 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development to address gender discrimination.
• National Voters Day (25th January) – First observed in 2011 to encourage electoral participation, with the 2025 theme: "Nothing Like Voting, I Vote for Sure."
• National Tourism Day (25th January) – Highlights the significance of tourism in India's economy.
• International Day of Clean Energy (26th January) – Declared by the UN in 2023 to promote clean energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• World Leprosy Day (26th January) – Observed on the last Sunday of January to raise awareness about leprosy.
• International Customs Day (26th January) – Established by the World Customs Organization (WCO) in 1983 to promote customs cooperation.
• International Holocaust Remembrance Day (27th January) – Established by the UN in 2005 to honor the victims of the Holocaust.
• Birth Anniversary of Lala Lajpat Rai (28th January) – Commemorates the life of freedom fighter and social reformer Lala Lajpat Rai.
• Data Protection Day (28th January) – Established by the Council of Europe in 2006 to promote awareness about data privacy and security.
• The World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day 2025is celebrated every year on the 30th of January 2025
• Martyrs Day 2025is observed on the 30th of January 2025.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: BANKING AND FINANCE

• The Reserve Bank of India(RBI) injected ₹75,772 crore into the banking system via a variable rate repo (VRR)
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI)came up with new guidelines for Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs) to streamline and provide an efficient settlement process for the dues of borrowers.
• Bajaj Finance and Bharti Airtelhave partnered to create a digital platform for financial services, targeting Airtel’s vast customer base.
• Power Finance Corporation (PFC)has signed a loan agreement with Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) for 120 billion Japanese yen (~₹6,600 crore).
• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)has proposed broadening the definition of Not-for-Profit Organizations (NPOs) and expanding eligible activities under the Social Stock Exchange (SSE) to address operational challenges and create a more inclusive framework.
• Skydo Technologies, a cross-border payments company, has received in-principle authorization from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)to operate as a Payment Aggregator-Cross Border (PA-CB) entity.
• Shriram Life Insurancehas launched Shriram Life Sunishchit Laabh, a non-participating individual savings plan that guarantees high returns of up to 668% of the total premium paid.
• TATA AIG General Insurance Company, a leading general insurance provider, has introduced CyberEdge, a new cyber insurance solutiondesigned to protect businesses of all sizes against a wide array of cyber risks.
• IDFC FIRST Bank,in collaboration with RuPay, has launched the transformative UPI-enabled RuPay Credit Card named ‘FIRST EA₹N’.
• Tata AIA Life Insurancehas launched ‘Shubh Muhurat,’ a life insurance solution to help parents save for their child’s wedding.
• ACKO, a leading digital-first insurance provider, has introduced an innovative e-challan servicefor seamless traffic fine payments in Karnataka.
• YES Bank,in collaboration with the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH) and the  Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), has launched the Frictionless Finance Accelerator Programme on National Startup Day.
• iSPIRThas collaborated with UGRO Capital to launch the Priority Sector Lenders Association of India (PSLAI), a Section 8 company aimed at addressing credit challenges in priority sectors, particularly Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
• 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 Bankhas partnered with Escorts Kubota Limited, 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.
• Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shahwill inaugurate the corporate office of the National Urban Cooperative Finance and Development Corporation (NUCFDC) in Mumbai on January 24, 2025.
• Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM),powered by NPCI BHIM Services Limited (NBSL), has joined hands with FinTech Yatra 2025 to promote financial inclusion and digital literacy across India.
• Bank of Baroda(BoB) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with South Central Railway (SCR) to provide a comprehensive salary package for over 85,000 employees across 6 states: Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
• State Bank of India Paymentsand Pine Labs have announced an expanded partnership, building on their 12-year collaboration.
• Reliance Jiohas launched JioSoundPay, an innovative feature for its JioBharat device, designed to revolutionize payment operations for small-scale merchants across India.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI)released the Annual Report of the Ombudsman Scheme for the period from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024.
• RBI imposed a penalty of ₹3.32 croreon Jammu and Kashmir Bank Limited through an order dated January 14, 2025, for non-compliance with directions related to Basic Savings Bank Deposit Account (BSBDA), Know Your Customer (KYC), and Loans and Advances – Statutory and Other Restrictions.
• On January 7, 2025, RBI imposed a penalty of ₹1 crore on Bank of Indiafor failing to comply with provisions of Section 26A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, concerning the Depositor Education and Awareness Fund Scheme, 2014.
• RBI also penalized Canara Bank ₹1.64 croreon January 7, 2025, for non-compliance with directions on Priority Sector Lending – Targets and Classification, Interest Rate on Deposits, and BSBDA.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced that the interest rate on the Government of India Floating Rate Bonds, 2035 (GOI FRB 2035),will be66% per annum for the period from January 25, 2025, to January 24, 2030.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), through an order dated January 15, 2025, has imposed a monetary penalty of ₹1 lakhon Datson Exports Limited., West Bengal for non-compliance with RBI’s directions on ‘Managing Risks and Code of Conduct in Outsourcing of Financial Services by NBFCs’.
• On January 26, 2025, during the 76th Republic Daycelebrations, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) unveiled Dharohar – Milestones in the Indian Securities Market, a comprehensive digital knowledge repository.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI)announced measures to provide relief to India’s banking system by injecting liquidity. This includes purchasing government securities (G-Secs) worth ₹60,000 crore through open market operations (OMOs) in three tranches of ₹20,000 crore
• Ratnakar Bank Limited (RBL Bank), a private sector bank, and Piramal Capital and Housing Finance(Piramal Finance), a subsidiary of Piramal Enterprises Limited, have announced a strategic co-lending partnership.
• Slice, a prominent fintech company, will be rebrandedas Slice Small Finance Bank Limited (Slice SFB) following its merger with North East Small Finance Bank (NESFB).
• The United Payments Interface (UPI)has become the dominant platform in India’s digital payments ecosystem, capturing 83% of the total payment volume by the end of 2024, a significant rise from 34% in 2019, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Payments System Report.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI)has superseded the board of Aviom India Housing Finance Private Limited due to the company’s inability to meet payment obligations and concerns about governance practices.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI)has increased its scrutiny of peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platforms, sending an 18-point questionnaire to 8 prominent financial technology companies in the P2P space, including LiquiLoans, Monexo, i2iFunding, and IndiaP2P.
• RMBS Development Company Limited (RDCL)received the Certificate of Registration (CoR) from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on January 23, 2025, enabling it to commence operations.
• The total investment announcements stood at ₹32.01 lakh crorein the nine months this fiscal (FY25), marking a 39% increase from ₹23 lakh crore in the same period last fiscal, reflecting a positive investment outlook, the government stated on January 26, 2025, citing a recent report by the State Bank of India (SBI).
• One MobiKwik Systemsand Cred have recently initiated their individual e-rupee pilot programs in partnership with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• Starting 1 February 2025, all Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactionscontaining special characters in transaction IDs will be rejected by the central system, as per a recent directive issued by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
• HSBChas introduced the TravelOne Credit Card, designed to cater to the needs of frequent travelers.
• Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH)has launched BIMCOIN, a blockchain-based digital currency designed specifically for its ecosystem.
• After launching its first insurance product, ‘Aditi,’in July 2024, Narayana Health Insurance has now introduced ‘Arya,’ a high-coverage health insurance plan aimed at addressing gaps in the healthcare industry.
• Karnataka Bankwon six prestigious awards at the 20th Annual Banking Technology Conference, Expo & Citations, 2024, organized by the Indian Banks’ Association.
• Jumpp is a super app that combines banking, payments, savings, investing, and borrowinginto one platform. It allows users to consolidate their financial accounts through account aggregation and enables instant YES Bank savings account openings.
• HDFC, in collaboration with Startup India’s Bharat Startup Grand Challenge, has launched the Manufacturing Accelerator Programto foster innovation and drive growth in India’s manufacturing sector.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced that housing finance companies (HFCs) must now follow the same private placement regulations for non-convertible debentures (NCDs) as non-banking financial companies (NBFCs).
• RBI's Digital Payments Index (RBI-DPI) for September 2024 stands at 465.33 as against 445.5 for March 2024, the Reserve Bank stated in a statement on January 29, 2025.
• The Government of India has approved the Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme for MSMEs (MCGS-MSME), fulfilling a key announcement from the Union Budget 2024-25.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL NEWS

• 3rd National Mining Ministers’ Conferenceheld in Konark, Odisha, with participation from Union Minister Shri G. Kishan Reddy and Odisha CM Shri Mohan Charan Majhi.
• Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration 2024launched on 20th January 2025.
• Entity Locker, a digital platform for business document management, launched by MeitY.
• Smriti Iraniand Shekhar Kapur join reconstituted Prime Ministers’ Museum and Library Society.
• Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authoritylaunches ₹2,000 crore expansion projects, including solar-powered boats and tugs.
• Livestock Conclavein Shillong inaugurated by Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh.
• Diamond Imprest Authorization (DIA) Schemeintroduced to boost India’s diamond sector, effective April 2025.
• India prepares for eVTOL air taxi trialsto address urban congestion.
• 10th anniversaryof Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme celebrated, aligning with Viksit Bharat 2047
• India aims for 500 GW renewable energy capacity by 2030.
• Draft e-commerce self-regulation guidelinesintroduced to protect consumers.
• Indian Sustainable Natural Rubber (iSNR)initiative launched in Kottayam, Kerala.
• National Health Mission (NHM)drives progress toward health-related SDGs by 2030.
• Competition Commission of India’s Monetary Penalty Guidelinesnominated for global antitrust award.
• India showcases inclusive growthand digital transformation at World Economic Forum 2025.
• UNESCOand MeitY collaborate on AI Readiness Assessment to align with global ethical standards.
• INCOISawarded Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar-2025 for disaster management contributions.
• Air Indialaunches AI-powered eZ Booking feature for seamless ticket booking.
• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the Minimum Support Price (MSP)for Raw Jute for the Marketing season 2025-26.
• 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 toolkitaimed at simplifying and enhancing the process.
• The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), Government of India, organized the Second BIMSTEC Expert Group Meeting on Cyber Security Cooperationin New Delhi.
• The Industrial Finance Corporation of India (IFCI)announced that the Government of India has approved a capital infusion of ₹500 crore into the company through the preferential issue of shares.
• On 26th January 2025, President Droupadi Murmuled the nation in celebrating the 76th Republic Day at Kartavya Path (formerly Janpath) in New Delhi.
• Indoreand Udaipur recognized as Wetland Cities under Ramsar Convention.
• India’s National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP)aims for TB elimination by 2025.
• India participates in FITUR 2025to boost tourism from Spain and Latin America.
• THDC Indiaachieves COD for Khurja Super Thermal Power Plant’s Unit #1 (660 MW).
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 38th National Gamesin Dehradun, Uttarakhand
• The Union Cabinet has approved the National Critical Mineral Mission (CMM) with a financial allocation of Rs 16,300 crore
• The Republic Day Parade 2025 at Kartavya Path, Delhi showcased India’s military strength, cultural diversity, and historical legacy.
• The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) chairperson Jagdambika Pal stated that the panel adopted Waqf (Amendment) Bill draft report and the amended version of the proposed law with a majority vote

CURRENT AFFAIRS: INTERNATIONAL NEWS

• Indiahas officially joined the Eurodrone programme as an observer state, marking its entry into the OCCAR-managed Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS)
• Nepal Pashmina Industries Associationand the Confederation of Nepalese Industries hosted the first International Pashmina Festival in Nepal, showcasing over 150 domestic stalls, including 40 dedicated to pure Nepali Pashmina.
• The Trump administration’s Interior Department announced a rebranding effort. The Gulf of Mexicowas renamed to the Gulf of America and Alaska’s Denali was renamed back to Mount McKinley.
• UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyanannounced 2025 as the Year of Community, aiming to promote unity and inclusion across the society.
• The Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, marks the beginning of the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: STATE NEWS

• Arunachal Pradesh’s Chief Minister Pema Khanduinaugurated the much-anticipated Pangsau Pass International Festival (PPIF), marking a vibrant return of the event after a four-year break.
• Uttarakhand’s Pushkar Singh Dhami Cabinetapproved the UCC manual of rules on January 20, 2025.
• Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayanpresented a resolution in the Kerala Legislative Assembly, urging the Centre to withdraw the 2025 University Grants Commission (UGC) draft regulations and introduce new norms after engaging in discussions with state governments and academic experts.
• The Haryana Governmenthas notified the Vehicle Scrappage and Recycling Facility Incentive Policy, 2024, which will enable proper disposal and recycling of old vehicles while promoting environmental sustainability National Green Tribunal (NGT) fixed the passing limit period of 10 years for old diesel vehicles and 15 years for petrol vehicles in the National Capital Region (NCR)
• 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.
• The Odisha governmenthas launched a programme aimed at empowering local communities in forest management by providing direct funding for forest protection and management to 100 villages.
• Mizoramhas 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 Sailaunched the ‘Deendayal Upadhyay Bhoomiheen Krishi Majdoor Kalyana Yojana’ in Raipur.
• Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayaninaugurated the Kerala Warnings, Crisis and Hazard Management System (KaWaCHaM) at the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram.
• HaryanaChief Minister Nayab Singh Saini inaugurated 324 crèches across the state, aimed at assisting working women and providing a safe environment for their children.
• The Rythu Bharosa schemeis one of the four welfare programmes launched on Republic Day, January 26, alongside the Indiramma Housing Scheme, Indiramma Atmeeya Bharosa Scheme, and the issuance of new ration cards in Telangana.
• Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarmaannounced that Dibrugarh, located 478 km east of Guwahati, will be developed into the state’s second capital within the next three years.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: BUSINESS NEWS

• India is among the top countriesfor CEO investment plans and economic growth confidence, according to PwC’s annual CEO survey. 87% of Indian CEOs are confident about the country’s economic growth, far exceeding the global average of 57%.
• India Cements Ltdreported a consolidated net profit of ₹116.52 crore in Q3 FY25, a significant improvement from a net loss of ₹6.58 crore in the same period last fiscal.
• Deloitte Indiahas revised its GDP growth forecast for 2024-25 to 6.5-6.8%, with 6.7-7.3% expected in the following year.
• 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.
• India’s automobile exports have experienced a 19% YoY growthin 2024, with total exports reaching 50,98,810 units, up from 42,85,809 units in 2023, according to data from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).
• Tata Steel has become the first Indian company to develop hydrogen-compliant pipes, marking a significant advancement in India’s clean energy efforts

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

• The 97th Academy Awards(Oscars 2025) will be held on March 2, 2025 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles. Leading Film: “Emilia Pérez”
• The 55th World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meetingcommenced 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.
• President Droupadi Murmuconferred gallantry awards to 93 personnel from the Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), recognising their extraordinary bravery, valiant efforts, and selfless service to the nation.
• The Padma Awardsare among India’s highest civilian honours, recognizing distinguished achievements across various fields which announced annually on the eve of Republic Day, the awards are conferred in three categories: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri.
• On the occasion of the 76th Republic Day, President Smt. Droupadi Murmuhas approved the prestigious President’s Tatrakshak Medal (PTM) and Tatrakshak Medal (TM) for the personnel of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
• Shri Hariman Sharma, a pioneering farmer from Himachal Pradesh, has been awarded the prestigious Padma Shri (2025)for his revolutionary contributions to Indian agriculture.
• Doordarshan, India’s national broadcaster, has been recognized with an award in the Electronic Media categoryfor its exemplary Voter Awareness and Education Campaign during the Lok Sabha Elections 2024.
• Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinhawas conferred with the prestigious Maharaja Hari Singh Award at a grand ceremony held at Satyam Resort, Jammu
• Uttar Pradesh’s tableau,titled ‘Maha Kumbh 2025 – Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas’, has claimed the first place in the People’s Choice Award category, securing 40% of the votes (25,007).

CURRENT AFFAIRS: APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

• Gobind Jain, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of IndusInd Bank, resigned on January 17, 2025, after serving 25 years.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI)reconstituted the Standing External Advisory Committee (SEAC) to evaluate applications for universal banks and small finance banks.
• Neeraj Parakhhas been appointed as the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Reliance Power Limited, effective January 20, 2025.
• Usha Vance has made history as the 1st Indian-American and Hindu 2nd Lady of the United States. Her husband J.D. Vance took the oath of office as the 50th Vice President in Washington, D.C.
• Paytmhas appointed former IAS officer Bimal Julka as a Non-Executive Independent Director, effective from 20 January 2025.
• Donald Trump,who took oath as the 47th US President on January 20, 2025.
• Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal, a 1994-batch IPS officerfrom the Tamil Nadu cadre, has been appointed as the Additional Director General (ADG) of the Border Security Force (BSF).
• The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI)has announced the election of Dhananjay Shukla as its President for the year 2025.
• DigiHaat, a buyer app launched by Nirmit Bharat, a subsidiary of the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), has announced the appointment of Rahul Vijas its new Chief Operating Officer (COO).
• Akhil Gupta, the Vice Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, has been appointed as the new Chairman of Bharti AXA Life Insurance.
• 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).
• IDBI Bankhas announced the reappointment of Rakesh Sharma as Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for another three-year term.
• Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martinhas been confirmed as Prime Minister of Ireland after a vote in the Dáil, Ireland’s lower house of parliament.
• Jitender Pal Singh, who has served as India’s point personfor engaging with the Taliban since their capture of power in Afghanistan in August 2021, has been appointed as India’s new Ambassador to Israel.
• Ayushmann Khurranahas been appointed as the ambassador of ‘FICCI Frames’.
• Alexander Lukashenkohas been reelected president of Belarus, securing a 7th five-year term.
• Sridhar Vembu,co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Zoho Corp, will step down from his role as CEO and take on a new position as Chief Scientist.
• Mandar Donde, currently Head of Asia-Pacific TMT Investment Banking at BofA Securities, will take over as the new Head of Global Corporate and Investment Banking in Indiastarting April 1, 2025.
• Geoff Allardice, the CEO of the International Cricket Council (ICC), has decided to step down just weeks before the upcoming Champions Trophy.
• Milos Vucevic, the Prime Minister of Serbia, has announced his resignation amid growing protests and political tensions following the train station canopy collapsein Novi Sad in November, 2024.
• Vedanta Resources, the parent company of Mumbai-based Vedanta Ltd, has appointed Deshnee Naidooas Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective from 20 January 2025.
• Hideaki Nishino will become the CEO and president of Sony Interactive Entertainment as a whole.
• Maruti Suzuki’s Board of Directors approved Hisashi Takeuchi's re-appointment as Managing Director and CEO for another 3 Years.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

• The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), in partnership with the Adani Group, provides meals to nearly one lakh people daily at the ongoing Maha Kumbh.
• JSW Grouphas announced plans to invest ₹3 lakh crore across various sectors in Maharashtra, including in the naxal-infested Gadchiroli. The commitment was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Maharashtra government at the World Economic Forum (WEF)
• The 7th India-France Maritime Cooperation Dialoguewas held on 14 January 2025 in New Delhi.
• The Ministry of Defence (MoD)has signed a ₹1,560.52 crore contract with Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF), a unit of Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited (AVNL), for the procurement of 47 Tank-72 Bridge Laying Tanks (BLT) for the Indian Army.
• Reliance Industries (RIL)has signed an MoU with Vadhvan Port Project Limited (VPPL) for the allocation of a liquid jetty and 50 acres of land at Vadhvan Port under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP)
• The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)collaborates with Apna, India’s leading jobs and professional networking platform.
• The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), under the Ministry of Power, Government of India, and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI)signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a Centre of Excellence for Energy Transition (CoEET).
• Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)with Bhaane Group, a subsidiary of Shahi Exports Private Limited, the largest manufacturer of apparel in India.
• In a strategic move to bolster industrial growth and self-reliance, Taural India, a leading world-class integrated aluminium foundry, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)with the Government of Maharashtra to expand its advanced manufacturing facility in Supa, Ahilya Nagar, Maharashtra.
• Tripurahas become the first northeastern state to sign an MoU with the Digital India Bhashini Division (DIBD) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
• Five MoUs signedduring Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to India
• The Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) and Cochin College have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote industry-academia collaboration, aimed at bridging the gap between academic learning and practical industry experience.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: RANKING AND REPORTS

• Indiahas emerged as the seventh-largest coffee producer in the world, with its coffee exports reaching $1.29 billion in FY 2023-24, nearly doubling from $719.42 million in 2020-21.
• Elon Muskremains the world’s richest person in 2025, with a net worth of $433.9 billion, primarily from Tesla and SpaceX.
• NITI Aayogreleased the Fiscal Health Index (FHI) for 18 major states in India, analyzing their fiscal health based on GDP contribution, demography, public expenditure, revenues, and fiscal stability. Odisha topped the index with a score of 67.8, excelling in Debt Index (99.0).
• Chinese AI startup DeepSeekhas made significant strides by overtaking OpenAI’s ChatGPT as the most downloaded free app in the  on Apple’s App Store

CURRENT AFFAIRS: ACQUISITION AND MERGERS

• The Competition Commission of India (CCI)has approved the proposed combination involving Agro Tech Foods Limited (ATFL), Bharti Enterprises Limited (BEL), DMPL India Limited (DMPL India), and Del Monte Foods Private Limited (DMFPL).
• The Competition Commission of India (CCI)has approved the proposed amalgamation of several entities with Sequent Scientific Limited (SSL) as the ultimate surviving entity.
• The Competition Commission of India (CCI)has approved the proposed acquisition of AI Lenarco Midco Ltd. by Majesty II Pte. Ltd. and the acquisition of certain compulsory convertible debentures in Manjushree Technopack Limited by Ashoka India Equity Investment Trust plc, Nuvama Private Investment Trust, and InCred Growth Partners Fund – I.
• The Competition Commission of India(CCI) has approved the proposed acquisition of up to 72.64% shareholding in ITD Cementation India Limited by Renew Exim DMCC.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: DEFENCE NEWS

• Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad, has developed Supersonic Combustion Ramjet (Scramjet)powered hypersonic technology.
• The Ministry of Defence (MoD)has 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.
• INS Sarvekshaksuccessfully completed the final phase of the hydrographic survey of Mauritius, covering over 25,000 sq. nautical miles.
• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singhflagged off ‘SANJAY – The Battlefield Surveillance System (BSS)’ from South Block, New Delhi on January 24, 2025.
• The Keel Laying of the 7th ship (BY 529, Machilipatnam) under the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) project was conducted on 29 Jan 25 in the presence of RAdm Upal Kundu, Chief of Staff, Southern Naval Command.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

• India’s 1sttactical quasi-ballistic missile, Pralay, is set to debut at the 26 January, 2025 Republic Day parade.
• India has successfully tested its 1stindigenously developed micro-missile system, Bhargavastra, designed to counter the growing threat of swarm drones.
• Skyroot Aerospacehas signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Telangana government to set up an integrated private rocket manufacturing, integration, and testing facility.
• The ePlane Company, incubated at IIT Madras, has become the first private Indian firmto receive formal acceptance from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for the Type Certification of its electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, the e200X.
• India is set to launch its 1st human underwater submersible (Deep-Sea Manned Vehicle)this year, marking a significant milestone in the country’s scientific capabilities and the blue economy.
• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), in its 100th launch, is set to send a 2,250-kg navigation satellite, NVS-02, onboard GSLV-F15from Sriharikota on January 29 at 06.23 am.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: APPS & PORTALS

• Sanchar Saathi App: A new mobile app has been launched to allow citizens to easily report fraudulent calls directly from their mobile phone call logs.
• On National Girl Child Day 2025, Haryana Women and Child Development Minister Shruti Choudhry launched the ‘Samman Sanjeevani’ app under the ‘Mahila Evam Kishori Samman Yojana’ in Chandigarh.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

• Jannik Sinnerand Iga Swiatek have been awarded the prestigious International Tennis Federation’s (ITF) 2024 World Champion Awards.
• India to Host FIDE Chess World Cup 2025: The tournament, a major chess event, is scheduled to take place from October 31 to November 27, 2025.
• The Indian Physical Disability (PD) Cricket Teamachieved a landmark victory by winning the PD Champions Trophy 2025, defeating England by 79 runs in the final.
• Arshdeep Singhbecame India’s highest wicket-taker in T20 internationals, surpassing Yuzvendra Chahal’s record of 96 wickets.
• India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympicstook a major leap forward with a four-day Olympic Research Conference in Gujarat.
• 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.
• Jasprit Bumrahhad an exceptional year in 2024, cementing his position as one of the greatest fast bowlers in Test cricket.
• Smriti Mandhanahad an extraordinary year in One Day International (ODI) cricket in 2024, solidifying her position as one of the greatest players in women’s cricket.
• Azmatullah Omarzai, Afghanistan’s dynamic all-rounder, had an outstanding 2024in One Day International (ODI) cricket, further establishing himself as one of the top performers in the game.
• Iniyan Panneerselvam, the talented 22-year-old Grandmasterfrom Erode, Tamil Nadu, delivered a remarkable performance to claim victory at the 9th Johor International Open Chess Tournament held in Malaysia.
• In a significant development for global cricket, Jay Shah, the current ICC Chairand former Secretary of the BCCI, has been named one of the 13 founding members of the newly formed World Cricket Connects advisory board.
• Melie Kerr,the dynamic all-rounder from New Zealand, emerged as the standout performer in women’s cricket, securing the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy (ICC Women’s Player of the Year 2024).
• Jannik Sinnerhas successfully defended his Australian Open title, defeating Alexander Zverev 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-3 in the men’s singles final.
• Odisha Warriorssecured the first-ever Women’s Hockey India League (HIL) title with a 2-1 victory over Soorma Hockey Club in the final
• The first phaseof the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) 2025 concluded with Ladakh emerging as the top performer
• Australiahas reaffirmed its supremacy in women’s cricket by winning the ICC Women’s Championship for the third consecutive time
• The official logo and mascot for the 23rd National Para Athletics Championship 2025 were unveiled
• In a remarkable feat for Indian cricket, Dinesh Karthik has surpassed MS Dhoni to become the highest run-scorer among Indian wicket-keepers in T20 cricket
• Australian batter Steve Smith reached a significant milestone during the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle
• The 2025 Senior National Table Tennis Championships concluded, at the Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay Indoor Stadium in

CURRENT AFFAIRS: BOOKS & AUTHOR

• Pankaj Mishra’s latest work, “The World After Gaza”, offers a poignant and deeply critical explorationof the ongoing war in the Palestinian Gaza Strip.
• Amitabh Kant, India’s G-20 Sherpa, authored the book ‘How India Scaled Mt. G-20’, published by Rupa Publicationschronicling India’s achievements during its G-20 Presidency.
• The newly released biography “Soumitra Chatterjee: The Legacy of Apu and Beyond”. It was published by Penguin India Vintage books

CURRENT AFFAIRS: OBITUARIES

• Wing Commander (retired) Dr K Ramchand, aged 82, the Founder Director of Centre for Airborne Systems (CABS), DRDO, Bengaluru, passed away.
• KM Cherian, a world-renowned cardiologist with over 50 years of experience, has passed away in Bengaluruat the age of 82.
• Renowned sculptor Latika Kattpassed away on January 25 in Jaipur at the age of 76.