NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Centre launches ‘Entity Locker’ for efficient business document management: Building on the success of DigiLocker, the government has introduced ‘Entity Locker,’ a new digital platform aimed at streamlining the management and verification of business and organizational documents.Developed by the National eGovernance Division (NeGD) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), this secure, cloud-based platform caters to a diverse range of entities, including corporations, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), trusts, startups, and societies.Entity Locker leverages advanced technology to seamlessly integrate with various government and regulatory systems. Key features include real-time access to government databases, consent-based mechanisms for secure information sharing, Aadhaar-authenticated role-based access, and legally valid digital signatures. Users are also provided with 10 GB of encrypted cloud storage for secure document handling.
2. 3rd National Mining Ministers Conference in Konark, Odisha: The third National Mining Ministers Conference concluded in Konark, Odisha, focusing on critical minerals mining. Rajasthan won the award for outstanding contribution in conducting the highest number of auctions in 2023-24.The main aim of the Conference was to bring together the central government, state government, and the industry related to the mining sector to discuss ways to make India self-sufficient in the mineral sector, especially critical minerals, and promote sustainable mining in the country.The first National Mining Ministers Conference was held in Hyderabad, Telangana in September 2022, and the 2nd National Mining Ministers Conference was held in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh in January 2024.The National Mining Ministers Conference was organised by the Union Ministry of Mines in collaboration with the Odisha state government.
3. National Broadband Mission 2.0 aims to expand fiber to 2.7 lakh villages by 2030: The Department of Telecommunications launched the vision document for the National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0, a follow-up to the previous NBM released in December 2019.The growth of broadband subscriptions “serves as the fulcrum, the foundation, and the basis for the launch of NBM 2.0”.The goals of the new NBM include improved fiberisation in rural areas, faster-fixed internet speeds, and improving right-of-way for telecom infrastructure.The Mission aims to expand “operational” fiber connectivity to 2.7 lakh villages by 2030, from 50,000 now. 90% of “anchor institutions” like schools, anganwadis, public health centres, and panchayat offices should be connected through fiber by then as well, the Mission says. The share of rural Indians who are subscribers should also grow from 45% to 60% by then.
4. Chhattisgarh CM launches scheme to provide Rs 10K annual aid to labourers: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has launched ‘Deendayal Upadhyay Bhoomiheen Krishi Majdoor Kalyana Yojana’ in Raipur.Under this scheme, more than 5.62 lakh landless agricultural labourers, Baigas and Gunias of the state will be given financial assistance of Rs 10,000 annually.Under this, an amount of more than Rs 562 crores was released to the beneficiaries of the scheme.The Chief Minister also participated in the ‘Nagar Vikas Ke Sopan’ program in Raipur and laid the foundation stone of 813 works worth Rs 155.38 crore.
5. Alok Kumar Agarwal appointed CEO of Zurich Kotak General Insurance: Zurich Kotak General Insurance has appointed Alok Kumar Agarwal as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the company.He succeeds Suresh Agarwal.Agarwal brings over two decades of experience from ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company, where he held multiple leadership roles across corporate, SME, crop, and retail business segments during his 22-year tenure.The development follows Zurich Insurance Group’s strategic acquisition of a majority stake in Kotak Mahindra General Insurance Company in June 2024.
6. Tripura, Meghalaya, Manipur celebrate 53rd Statehood Day: Every year on January 21, the northeastern states of Manipur, Meghalaya, and Tripura celebrate their Statehood Day, marking the historic moment they attained full statehood under the North Eastern Region (Reorganization) Act of 1971. This momentous occasion reflects the evolution of these regions into integral and empowered states within the Union of India.This day is not just a commemoration of their statehood but also a reflection of their rich history, cultural vibrancy, and contributions to India’s identity.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. India ranks 7th in global coffee production as exports hit $1.29 billion: India has emerged as the world’s seventh-largest coffee producer, with exports reaching $1.29 billion in FY 2023-24, almost double the $719.42 million recorded in 2020-21, according to the Commerce Ministry.In the first half of January 2025, India exported over 9,300 tonnes of coffee with top buyers including Italy, Belgium, and Russia. Approximately three-fourths of India’s coffee production consists of Arabica and Robusta beans. These are primarily exported as unroasted beans. However, there is a growing demand for value-added products like roasted and instant coffee, further fueling the export boom.Domestic consumption has increased from 84,000 tonnes in 2012 to 91,000 tonnes in 2023. India’s coffee is primarily grown in the ecologically rich Western and Eastern Ghats, areas famous for their biodiversity.
2. Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Inaugurates International Seminar: Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya has inaugurated a two-day international seminar on “Formalization and Social Security Coverage for Workers in the Informal Sector: Challenges and Innovations” in New Delhi.He also launched the coffee table book “Social Protection in India” which highlights India’s journey in ensuring social protection for its citizens through various social welfare schemes.This international dialogue was organized by the Ministry of Labour and Employment of India, in collaboration with the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) and International Social Security Association (ISSA) at the Yashobhoomi – India International Convention and Expo Center.
3. Odisha, Singapore sign MoU to establish FinTech hub in Bhubaneswar: The Government of Odisha’s Electronics and IT Department and Singapore’s Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN) signed an MoU to establish a Global Competency Centre in Bhubaneshwar to foster FinTech collaboration, with a focus on developing an inclusive and sustainable InsureTech and related areas.The initiative marks another positive step commemorating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Singapore in 2025.Odisha aims to leverage global expertise and resources to drive innovation and create tailored Fintech solutions. It is establishing incubation centres, promoting collaborations with academia and industry, and enhancing financial accessibility.
4. Trump orders US exit from World Health Organization: United States President Donald Trump signed an executive order to withdraw from the World Health Organisation (WHO) on his very first day in office.The order said the reasons for withdrawing were WHO’s “mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic”, “failure to adopt urgently needed reforms”, “inability to demonstrate independence from the inappropriate political influence of WHO member states”, and for continued demand of “unfairly onerous payments from the United States.”During the 2024-25 budget cycle, US contributions came to $662 million, or 19% of the agency’s total revenue, according to the WHO.The WHO is a UN body working on global health. It works with countries to strengthen their primary health care, its guidelines help prepare government policies, and it helps organise programmes to tackle specific diseases.
5. Trump Withdraws US from Paris Agreement: The United States will once again withdraw from the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change after Donald Trump assumed office for his second term as President.Trump had pulled the US out of the Paris Agreement during his first term as well, but his successor Joe Biden had got back in four years later.Adopted in 2015, the Paris Agreement is a global accord aimed at limiting global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C.The agreement encourages countries to set and achieve their own emission reduction targets, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).The US is the second largest emitter of greenhouse gas emissions. Its decision to extract, use and export more fossil fuels could negate even this 2 per cent reduction.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Indian Army Inaugurates Bailey Bridges Over Shyok River: The Indian Army has recently inaugurated two bailey bridges over the Shyok River in Ladakh. This development enhances connectivity between the Shyok and Nubra valleys. The inauguration took place near Shatse Taknak in the Diskit sub-division of Leh, under the supervision of Brigadier V S Salaria. The bridges, constructed by the Fire and Fury Corps Engineers, aim to improve access for local communities, especially during harsh winter months. The Shyok Valley widens at the confluence with the Nubra River but narrows into a gorge near Yagulung. It continues through various villages before crossing into Baltistan. The valley’s geography, including its junction with the Saltoro River, adds to its significance in the region.
SPORTS
1. Eritrea’s Berhane Tesfay, and Kenya’s Joyce Chepkemoi Tele win Mumbai Marathon 2025: Eritrea’s Berhane Tesfay and Kenya’s Joyce Chepkemoi Tele won the men’s and women’s elite races, respectively, at the Mumbai Marathon 2025.Berhane Tesfay claimed his maiden international full marathon title after clocking 2:11:44 to win the men’s race while Joyce Chepkemoi Tele finished with a time of 2:24:56 to bag the women’s elite crown.In fact, runners from Eritrea claimed the top two spots in the men’s elite race. Merhawi Kesete (2:11:50) finished second behind compatriot Tesfay while Ethiopia’s Tesfaye Demeke (2:11:56s) came in third.In the women’s elite race, Bahrain’s Shitaye Eshete finished in second spot behind Tele with atime of 2:25:29. Ethiopia’s Medina Deme Armino was third after crossing the finish line in 2:27:58.
2. Kochi hosts 7th edition of India Boat & Marine Show: The 7th edition of the India Boat & Marine Show (IBMS) was held at Bolgatty Palace Event Centre, Kochi.The event is supported and endorsed by K-BIP of the Kerala government, NSIC, Kochi Water Metro, Kerala Tourism, Indian Coast Guard, Southern Naval Command, Kerala Maritime Board, CIFT and Fisheries Department.
Kochi has become a hub for ship repair and shipbuilding with the new projects being commissioned at CSL. The projects will not only boost infrastructure but will also provide employment and support MSMEs.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Gaganyaan: LPSC Delivers Crew Module’s Liquid Propulsion System: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is advancing its Gaganyaan project, which aims to establish human spaceflight capabilities. As of January 22, 2025, the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) has successfully integrated the Crew Module’s liquid propulsion system and dispatched it for the first uncrewed mission, Gaganyaan (G1). This mission is a critical step towards sending a crew of three astronauts into a 400 km orbit for a three-day mission. Before the crewed mission, ISRO plans several precursor missions to test and validate technologies. These include the Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT) and Pad Abort Test (PAT). Safety and reliability will be proven through unmanned missions, ensuring all systems are robust before human involvement.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. RBI announces Standing External Advisory Committee for evaluating Applications forUniversal Banks and Small Finance Banks: The Reserve Bank of India has announced the names of the members of the Standing External Advisory Committee (SEAC) for evaluating applications for Universal Banks as well as Small Finance Banks. The tenure of the SEAC will be for three years.K. Jain, former Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, will be the Chairperson of the committee. Revathy Iyer, Director, Central Board, RBI, Parvathy V. Sundaram, former Executive Director, RBI, Hemant G. Contractor, former MD, SBI and former Chairman, PFRDA and N. S. Kannan, former MD & CEO, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Co. Ltd will be the members of the SEAC.The secretarial support to the committee would be provided by the Department of Regulation, Reserve Bank of India.
2. Bajaj Finance, Airtel collab to launch digital financial services platform: Bajaj Finance has entered into a partnership with Bharti Airtel to create a digital platform for financial services.With this pact, the telecom company will progressively offer most of the non-banking financial company’s (NBFC’s) retail financial offerings to all its 370 million customers.The platform will service 375 million customers and the over 1.2 million strong distribution network of Airtel through Bajaj Finance’s diversified suite of 27 product lines. It will use the distribution heft of more than 5,000 branches and 70,000 field agents.Airtel will initially offer Bajaj Finance’s retail financial products on its Airtel Thanks App. This is for seamless and secure customer experience, and later through its nationwide network of stores.
3. Recent MoUs Signed in Banking Sector: PNB MetLife partners with Saraswat Co-operative Bank to offer insurance solutionsSuryoday Small Finance Bank partnered with Tata Digital to extend its fixed deposit (FD) offerings via the Tata Neu platform.PhonePe partners with ICICI Lombard to offer Maha Kumbh Mela insuranceTata Power, Canara Bank partner to offer loans for rooftop solar systemsM2P Fintech Collaborates with SBI to Revolutionise Prepaid Payment Solutions Magma HDI General Insurance Partners with IndoStar Capital Finance to Expand Insurance Accessibility
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