NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Signing of DPIIT MoU with Bhaane Group to promote startup ecosystem in manufacturing sector: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has signed a MoU with the Bhaane Group, a subsidiary of Shahi Exports Pvt Ltd, the largest manufacturer of apparel.This collaboration will launch incubation programs for startups specialising in manufacturing, along with other production areas and foster relationships with international startup ecosystems.The private firm will support upcoming startups by providing access to market insights. The firm will facilitate them to create a holistic understanding of the workings of foreign markets, along with guidance on operational knowledge throughout the startup lifecycle.This collaboration serves a greater good – to nurture a thriving entrepreneurial spirit and strengthen India’s manufacturing landscape.
2. Unused Cess Funds for Construction Workers in India: The issue of unutilised cess funds for construction workers has gained attention following a Right to Information (RTI) response from the Union Labour Ministry. The response revealed that welfare boards across various states have failed to allocate amount of cess collected from employers, amounting to ₹70,744.16 crore. This situation raises concerns regarding the welfare of millions of construction workers in India. The utilisation of cess funds has been alarmingly low. For example, Maharashtra has collected ₹19,489.25 crore in cess over 19 years but has allocated only ₹13,683.18 crore. This discrepancy suggests possible cess evasion by builders and employers. The lack of accurate data on construction projects further complicates the situation.
3. Study on Effectiveness of New MGNREGS Wage Payment System: The Aadhaar-Based Payment System (ABPS) has been a focal point of discussion in India since its mandatory implementation for wage payments under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) from January 1, 2024. This system aims to enhance efficiency and transparency in wage disbursement. However, recent studies have raised concerns about its effectiveness compared to traditional bank account methods. A study published in the Indian Journal of Labour Economics analysed over 3 crore MGNREGA transactions. It found no difference in timely wage payments between ABPS and traditional bank methods. About 39% of ABPS payments were processed within seven days, compared to 36% for bank accounts. Payment rejection rates were also similar, with 2.1% for ABPS and 2.85% for traditional accounts.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Increasing Frequency of Multi-Year Droughts Worldwide: Multi-year droughts (MYDs) are increasingly common and severe, as brought into light by a recent 40-year study. The research indicates that these droughts have expanded globally, impacting ecosystems and water supplies. This trend is linked to climate change, which exacerbates drought conditions. The study, conducted by a consortium of researchers from various institutions, analysed data from 1980 to 2018. The research showed that the global land area affected by MYDs has increased by approximately 50,000 square kilometres annually. The most affected regions include temperate grasslands. The study identified the ten most severe MYDs across various continents, with notable occurrences in central Chile, the western United States, and parts of Australia.
2. US Immigration Policy and Indian Deportations in 2025: Recently, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed irregular immigration with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. This meeting brought into light the ongoing issue of undocumented Indian immigrants in the US. As of late 2024, there were over 20,000 undocumented Indians facing deportation. This article explores the deportation process, appeals, costs, and the increasing trend of deportations of Indian nationals. Non-citizens facing deportation may appeal if they express a fear of persecution or wish to apply for asylum. Asylum provides a legal foothold in the US. If a credible fear is established, the individual enters formal removal proceedings, allowing for a more thorough review.
3. Cyanobacteria Research in Lake Victoria’s Winam Gulf: Recent research has focused on the genetic survey of cyanobacteria in the Winam Gulf of Lake Victoria, Kenya. This study, published in January 2025, is crucial for understanding harmful algal blooms (cyanoHAB) in freshwater ecosystems. The findings are expected to aid local authorities in tracking these blooms and provide insights applicable to other regions like Lake Erie in the United States. Metagenomic analysis showed that cyanobacteria in the Winam Gulf employ various survival strategies. They utilise biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) to adapt to changing environmental conditions. The diversity of these BGCs in the Gulf is comparable to those found in western Lake Erie, indicating similar adaptive mechanisms.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. INS Sarvekshak Completes Hydrographic Survey in Mauritius: The Indian Navy’s INS Sarvekshak has successfully concluded a major hydrographic survey in Mauritius. This survey covered over 25,000 square nautical miles. The formal handover of the survey results took place on January 23, 2025. High Commissioner of India to Mauritius, Anurag Srivastava, presented the fair sheet and nautical charts to President Dharambeer Gokhool. This event marks milestone in India-Mauritius maritime cooperation. INS Sarvekshak is equipped with advanced hydrographic survey tools. These include sonar systems and various survey boats. The ship also houses a helicopter and a Bofors 40 mm gun. Its operational versatility enhances its role in maritime surveys and security.
2. SANJAY Battlefield Surveillance System: The SANJAY system was recently launched by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on January 24, 2025. This Battlefield Surveillance System (BSS) is designed to enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Army. It integrates ground and aerial battlefield sensors to create a comprehensive surveillance picture. This innovation marks advancement in military technology. The induction of SANJAY into the Indian Army will occur in three phases from March to October 2025. It will be deployed across all operational brigades, divisions, and corps. This timeline has been designated as the ‘Year of Reforms’ by the Ministry of Defence. Effective surveillance is crucial for understanding terrain, infrastructure, and troop placements. SANJAY provides a unified platform for data collection and analysis, facilitating rapid response to threats. It transforms how commanders engage with both conventional and sub-conventional operations.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Microplastics Impact Brain Function and Blood Circulation: Recent studies have revealed alarming vital information about the effects of microplastics on brain function. Research published in *Science Advances* indicates that microplastics may obstruct blood circulation, leading to impaired cognitive abilities. These findings stem from experiments conducted on mice, denoting the urgent need to understand the implications for human health. The study used advanced imaging techniques to observe microplastics in the mouse brain. Researchers tracked the movement of these particles in real-time. They found microplastics lodged in the blood vessels of the cerebral cortex, which is crucial for cognitive functions. Immune cells were seen engulfing the microplastics, causing blood vessel obstruction and impairing blood flow.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. Kotak Mahindra Bank acquires StanChart’s Rs 3,330-cr personal loan portfolio: Kotak Mahindra Bank (KMB) has concluded a deal to purchase a personal loan portfolio of Rs 3,330 crore from Standard Chartered Bank, less than Rs 4,100 crore indicated at time of deal announcement in October 2024 as many customers paid-off loans in between.The personal loans are part of unsecured retail advances. The unsecured retail loans including retail microcredit had 10.5 per cent share in net advances of KMB at end of December 2024.
2. IDFC FIRST Bank Launches all new FIRST EARN RuPay Credit Card: IDFC FIRST Bank, in partnership with RuPay, a global card payment network from India, has launched the UPI enabled RuPay Credit Card called – FIRST EARN .This credit card is backed by Fixed Deposit and hence everyone is eligible to instantly avail this unique credit card, online. It also offers cashback on UPI payments thus making the product rewarding for users.This UPI-enabled virtual credit card is designed to make transactions both convenient and highly rewarding for cardholders.
3. Tata AIA Life Insurance launches ‘Shubh Muhurat’ to meet wedding expenses: Tata AIA Life Insurance has launched ‘Shubh Muhurat,’ a life insurance solution designed to help families prepare financially for weddings, a major life milestone in India.The plan aims to address the rising costs of weddings by combining disciplined savings, wealth creation, and financial security.
India’s wedding industry, the second largest globally, hosted over 80 lakh weddings in 2024, with expenditures exceeding ₹10.7 lakh crore, according to a report by Jefferies. The average wedding cost of ₹12.5 lakh often surpasses expenses on education.Recognising this financial burden, Tata AIA’s new offering targets parents aged 31-50 years with children between 1-20 years, encouraging long-term financial planning.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Recent Award:
· Gates-Cambridge Impact Prize 2025 – Prof Urbasi Sinha
· Singapore’ Honorary Citizen Award – Tarun Das (Former DG of Confederation of Indian Industry)
· 14th PSE Excellence Awards by ICC – Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA)
· Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi’ award for leadership – External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar
· Bhutan’s royal honour – Renowned Indian educationist Arun Kapur
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