NATIONAL UPDATES:
Kerala CM Vijayan launches disaster risk warning system KaWaCHaM: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has inaugurated India’s first fully integrated disaster warning system KaWaCHaM (Kerala Warnings, a Crisis and Hazard Management System).The KaWaCHaM system has been developed under the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project.The KaWaCHaM system is considered one of the fastest weather alert systems in the world which will enhance rescue and rehabilitation efforts during extreme weather events driven by climate change.The KaWaCHaM system has been developed by the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) with funding support from the National Disaster Management Authority, the government of India, and the World Bank. It is a part of the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project.
NITI Aayog launches the “Fiscal Health Index 2025” in New Delhi: NITI Aayog has unveiled the inaugural edition of the Fiscal Health Index (FHI) 2025 in New Delhi, aiming to assess and improve the fiscal health of Indian states.The report was launched by Dr. Arvind Panagariya, Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission, in the presence of senior dignitaries, including NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery, CEO BVR Subrahmanyam, and member Dr. Arvind Virmani.
The FHI report evaluates 18 major states based on five critical sub-indices: Quality of Expenditure, Revenue Mobilisation, Fiscal Prudence, Debt Index, and Debt Sustainability.Odisha emerged as the top performer with a score of 67.8, followed by Chhattisgarh (55.2) and Goa (53.6). The rankings highlight interstate disparities, with achiever states excelling in fiscal discipline, while states like Karnataka face challenges in expenditure management and debt sustainability.
Government set a target of 10,000 GI Tag by 2030: The Government of India has set a target of 10,000 Geographical Indication (GI) tags for the Indian products by 2030. According to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) 605 Indian products have been issued GI tags till date.The new target for the GI tag was announced by the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal at the GI Samagam held in New Delhi.Darjeeling tea was the first product to be given a GI in 2003. The geographical indication registration is valid for 10 years. It can be renewed from time to time for 10 years each.
25 January – National Tourism Day: National Tourism Day is celebrated annually on January 25 to highlight the importance of tourism in India and promote its potential as a key driver of the country’s economy.The day aims to encourage tourism in India, raise awareness about the diverse culture, heritage, and natural beauty of the country, and promote responsible and sustainable tourism practices.Theme 2025 – Tourism for Inclusive Growth
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. 24 January – International Day of Education: International Day of Education is celebrated on January 24 each year to recognize the pivotal role of education in achieving global peace, development, and human rights.The day aims to raise awareness about the global need for quality education, especially in underserved regions, and to advocate for inclusive and equitable education for allTheme 2024 – AI and education: Preserving human agency in a world of automation It is proclaimed by the United Nations in 2018, this day highlights the importance of education for sustainable development and its role in empowering individuals and communities.
2. 27 January – International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust: Every year on 27 January, the international community comes together to commemorate the International Holocaust Remembrance Day. This Day was chosen by the United Nations General Assembly to mark the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp in 1945.The United Nations Office at Geneva and its partners will mark the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust (27 January) reflecting the theme of this year’s commemoration: “Holocaust Remembrance for Dignity and Human Rights”
3. 26 January – International Customs Day: International Customs Day is observed annually on 26th January to recognize the role of customs officials and agencies in the global trade system.
The day aims to raise awareness about the important role customs plays in global trade, economic development, and security by ensuring the effective implementation of laws and regulations.Theme 2025 – Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security and ProsperityThe roots of International Customs Day trace back to the formation of the Customs Cooperation Council (CCC), which is now known as the World Customs Organisation (WCO). The CCC was established in 1952 as an intergovernmental body to improve the efficiency of customs administrations around the globe.
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.
SPORTS
1. Sindhu & Lakshya to lead India in Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championship: The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has announced a 14-member India squad for the 4th Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships to be played in Qingdao, China from 11-19 February 2025.The Indian team will be led by two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu and Paris Olympics semi-finalist Lakshya Sen, both of whom are among the country’s top badminton stars.The India team won a bronze medal at the 3rd edition of the Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships held in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates in 2023.China is the most successful team in the Championship with two gold medals and one bronze medal. India has won only one medal -bronze at the 2023 edition.
2. India Squad for Badminton Asia Mixed Team Championships: Men: Lakshya Sen, HS Prannoy, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, Dhruv Kapila, MR Arjun, Sathish Kumar K Women: PV Sindhu, Malvika Bansod, Gayatri Gopichand, Treesa Jolly, Ashwini Ponnappa, Tanisha Crasto, Adya Variyath.
3. Arshdeep Singh named ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year: The left-arm pacer of India, Arshdeep Singh, was the leading wicket-taker during India’s successful outing in the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup, and he recently became India’s highest wicket-taker in T20 internationals.Rohit Sharma was named the captain of the ICC Men’s T20I Team of the Year 2024 while Arshdeep Singh won the ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year 2024 award. Arshdeep Singh, along with Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma, was also named in the ICC Men’s T20I Team of the Year while the ICC Women’s T20I Team of the Year 2024 included Smriti Mandhana, Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma.
4. Jannik Sinner & Madison Keys wins 2025 Australian Open Singles Titles: Jannik Sinner of Italy and Madison Keys of the United States of America won the men’s and women’s singles titles of the 2025 Australian Open Grand Slam Tennis tournament, respectively.The 2024 Australian Open singles winner, Jannik Sinner successfully defended his Australian Open title. It was the first Australian Open title for Madison Keys.It was the third Grand Slam title for Jannik Sinner and the first Grand Slam title for Madison Keys.The 120th edition of the Australian Open was held from 6-26 January 2025 at Melbourne Park in Melbourne City, Australia.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Silicon Carbide Extraction from Simulated Lunar Soil: Recently, researchers at IIT Madras have successfully extracted silicon carbide from simulated moon soil. This achievement has implications for constructing habitats on the moon. Silicon carbide has a wide range of applications. It is used in industrial furnaces, wear-resistant components for pumps, and rocket engines. In electronics, SiC serves as a substrate for light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Its hardness makes it an excellent abrasive, second only to diamond and cubic boron nitride.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. Suriaraj takes charge as executive director of Dhanlaxmi Bank: Suriaraj has taken charge as Executive Director of the Dhanlaxmi Bank. He was appointed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as executive director of the Bank for a period of three years.A seasoned banker with 37 years’ experience with the Tamilnad Mercantile Bank Ltd, Mr. Suriaraj has served as the General Manager of various departments, including Integrated treasury, HR, recovery, establishment, planning and resource mobilization, operation and services, inspection and accounts.Suriaraj is a post graduate in Commerce and a Certified Associate of the Indian Institute of Bankers (CAIIB) and he will represent as a whole time director on the Board in accordance with Section 10A(2)(a) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
2. India’s Forex Reserves Decline: India’s foreign exchange (forex) reserves have experienced fluctuations in recent weeks. As of January 17, 2025, the reserves stood at $623.983 billion, a decrease of $1.88 billion from the previous week. This decline follows a larger drop of $8.714 billion recorded in the week ending January 10. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) attributes these changes to market interventions aimed at stabilising the Indian rupee and adjustments in asset valuations. The decline in reserves marks a shift from the peak of $704.885 billion reached in September 2024. The recent downward trend is concerning for analysts, as it may indicate underlying economic pressures. Continuous monitoring of reserve levels is vital for assessing India’s economic health.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Padma Awards 2025 Announced: On the eve of the 76th Republic Day, as per tradition, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs announced the names of the 2025 Padma awardees.Padma Awards – one of the highest civilian Awards of the country, are conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.The awards are given in various disciplines/ fields of activity, viz.- art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc. ‘Padma Vibhushan’ is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service; ‘Padma Bhushan’ for distinguished service of high order and ‘Padma Shri’ for distinguished service in any field.
No comments:
Post a Comment