NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. PM Modi inaugurated inaugurate Make in Odisha Conclave in Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the ‘Utkarsh Odisha, Make in Odisha Conclave‘ in Bhubaneswar.
Around 7,500 delegates, including some top industrialists, are expected to attend the two-day conclave.The two-day conclave aims to promote investment, boost industrial growth, and position Odisha as a key economic hub in Eastern India.
2. Govt Launches INR 277 Cr TEAM Initiative To Add 5 Lakh MSMEs To ONDC: The ministry for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) has partnered with Open Network for Digital Commerce to launch MSME Trade Enablement And Marketing (TEAM) with an allocation of INR 277.35 Cr.This will help over 5 lakh MSMEs with a special focus on women-led businesses get onboard the ONDC network.ONDC will open up opportunities for small and medium businesses to grow, leveraging digital storefronts, integrated payment systems, and logistics support.The MSME TEAM Initiative is more than just a programme – it’s an opportunity to empower small businesses with the tools and resources they need to thrive in the digital age.
3. Indore and Udaipur earn global recognition for ‘Wetland Conservation’ effort: Two Indian cities Indore of Madhya Pradesh and Udaipur of Rajasthan have been accredited as the Wetland Cites under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. These Indian cities were part of the 31 cities worldwide which has been granted the prestigious status of Wetland Accredited Cities.Currently, 85 Indian wetlands are protected under the Ramsar Convention, which includes 172 member countries globally.Earlier the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change nominated three Indian cities Indore and Bhopal of Madhya Pradesh and Udaipur for the inaugural Wetland City Accreditation.Wetlands are areas on land or coastal areas where water covers the soil or is present either at or near the soil’s surface all year or for a particular period during the year.The 12th meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP) of the Ramsar Convention held in Punta del Este, Uruguay in 2015, introduced a Wetland City Accreditation scheme.
4. Telangana launched 4 welfare schemes on Republic Day: The Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has launched the four welfare schemes of his government- Rythu Bharosa, Indiramma Atmiya Bharosa, Indiramma Indlu, and new ration cards on the occasion of the Republic Day.The scheme was announced by Chief Minister Reddy at the Chandravanch village of the Narayanpet district.About the launched SchemesIndiramma Indlu- a housing scheme for, homeless Dalits, Tribals, and backward classes. They will receive financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh to construct homes. The government has set a target to construct 4,50,000 houses in 2024-2025 with a budget outlay of Rs 22,500 crore.Rythu Bharosa- eligible farmers will be provided financial assistance of Rs. 12,000 per acre of arable land. The amount will be credited to the farmer’s bank account.Indiramma Aathmeeya Bharosa- financial support of Rs. 12,000 annually will be provided to landless agricultural labour families.
5. Nagaland launches Chief Minister Mobile Operation Theatre: Nagaland Governor La Ganesan has launched the Chief Minister Mobile Operation Theatre on the occasion of the 76th Republic Day celebration in the state capital, Kohima.The Chief Minister Mobile Operation Theatre initiative of the state government aims to provide advanced surgical and healthcare facilities to the remote and rural areas of the state.The Mobile Operation Theatre which will be on a modified vehicle will be managed by doctors from Kohima hospitals and will include private hospital doctors.The Mobile Operation Theatre is equipped with an advanced mobile surgical unit and portable diagnostic tools such as ultrasound, X-ray, endoscopy, and blood testing equipment, along with instruments for minimally invasive surgeries
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. India, Indonesia sign MOUs for cooperation in health, traditional medicine; renew one on maritime security: President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia successfully concluded his four-day official visit to India on 26 January 2025. He was the Chief Guest at the 76th Republic Day ceremony, and during his visit to India, he held high-level talks with the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during which five memorandum of understanding (MoU) were signed between the two countries.Five MoUs were exchanged between the two sides that aims to strengthen the bilateral ties between the two countries. These MoUs are as follows:
2. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed declares 2025 as ‘Year of Community’: UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has announced 2025 as the Year of Community, launching a national initiative aimed at fostering unity and inclusion across society.Under the slogan “Hand in Hand,” the campaign reflects the UAE leadership’s vision to build a cohesive and empowered community.The UAE is home to over four million Indians, who form a vital part of the country’s diverse population. President Sheikh Mohamed’s announcement reinforces the leadership’s commitment to creating a harmonious and inclusive society.
3. 26 January – International Day of Clean Energy: The United Nations (UN’s) International Day of Clean Energy is observed annually on 26 January across the globe to raise awareness and encourage action toward a fair and inclusive transition to clean energy, benefiting both people and the planet.The 1st-ever International Day of Clean Energy was celebrated on 26th January 2024.26 January is also the founding date of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), a global intergovernmental agency established in 2009 to support countries in their energy transitions, serve as a platform for international cooperation, and provide data and analyses on clean energy technology, innovation, policy, finance and investment.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. ISRO successfully launches NVS-02 satellite from Sriharikota: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched its new generation satellite NVS-02 from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F15) carried the NVS-02.This launch marks a remarkable milestone for ISRO commemorating the 100th launch from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.The NVS-02 is the second satellite in the NVS series, and part of India’s Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC).NavIC is India’s independent regional navigation satellite system designed to provide accurate Position, Velocity, and Timing (PVT) service to users in India and the region extending about 1,500 km beyond the Indian landmass, which is its primary service area.NavIC provides two types of services: Standard Positioning Service (SPS) and Restricted Service (RS). NavIC SPS provides a position accuracy of better than 20 metres (2σ) and
2. Red Cross Raises Alarm Over Ebola Risks in Goma: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has expressed serious concerns regarding the potential escape of Ebola samples from a laboratory in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo. Ongoing fighting in the city has raised fears of power cuts that could compromise the integrity of these samples. The ICRC urges immediate action to protect these pathogens, warning of catastrophic consequences if they were to spread. Ebola outbreaks are rare but have occurred regularly since the virus was identified. The largest outbreak occurred between 2014 and 2016, resulting in over 28,000 cases and 11,000 deaths. Ebola persists in infected animals and can occasionally spread to humans even between outbreaks.
3. India’s Role in United Nations Peacekeeping Missions: India has a long-standing commitment to United Nations peacekeeping missions. This commitment is brought into light by recent events in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Following the tragic deaths of peacekeepers, UN officials expressed gratitude for India’s contributions. India has deployed number of troops and police personnel to various missions, showcasing its dedication to global peace.
SPORTS
1. Khelo India Winter Games 2025: Ladakh finish on top: The Union Territory of Ladakh finished on top of the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) 2025, the first phase of which concluded at the NDS Stadium. Leh, the capital of Ladakh, hosted the games for the second time this year.The grand finale featured a thrilling men’s ice hockey final, where the Indian Army edged past ITBP 2-1 to retain the KIWG crown.The second and final phase of KIWG 2025 is scheduled to take place in Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir, from February 22 to 25.Ladakh bagged two of the four gold medals decided. Their mixed relay team, comprising Stanzin Jampal, Skarma Tsultim, Mohammed Saquaf Raza, and Padma Angmo, clinched gold with a time of 3:02.19 seconds. Maharashtra (3:03.78 seconds) and Telangana (3:04.85 seconds) secured silver and bronze, respectively.
2. Manush & Diya Chitale wins 2025 National TT Championship Singles title: Manush Shah and Diya Chitale have won the men’s and women’s singles titles, respectively, at the Senior National Table Tennis Championships 2025 at the Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay Indoor Stadium in Surat, Gujarat.Manush Shah defeated Payas Jain 4-1 (10-12, 11-6, 11-6, 12-10, 11-8) in the men’s singles table tennis final.In the women’s final, Diya Chitale faced a tougher challenge against two-time national champion Sreeja Akula but came out on top with a scoreline of 4-3 (10-12, 8-11, 13-11, 12-10, 11-8, 9-11, 11-9)
3. Odisha Warrior wins inaugural Women’s Hockey India League 2025: The Odisha Warriors Club has won the inaugural edition of the Women’s Hockey India League 2024-25 title by defeating Soorma Hockey Club 2-1 in the final played at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi.The Women’s Hockey India League is a franchise club tournament based on the Cricket’s Indian Premier League (IPL) model.In the inaugural Women’s Hockey India League four franchise teams- Soorma Hockey Club, Delhi SG Pipers, Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, and Odisha Warriors- participated.Each franchise team had a maximum of 24-player squad, which included at least 16 Indian hockey players (with a mandatory four junior players) and eight international hockey players.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. WHO Guidelines on K-Salts: Recent health guidelines from the World Health Organisation (WHO) suggest that switching from traditional table salt to potassium-based salts, known as K-salts, could aid in managing blood pressure and reducing heart disease risks. This recommendation is particularly relevant in countries like India, where hypertension is public health concern. Several challenges hinder the adoption of K-salts. Many consumers have developed a taste preference for high-sodium foods, leading to increased consumption of salty snacks and beverages. Sodium also enhances food shelf-life and moisture retention, making it a popular choice in packaged foods. Consequently, encouraging the switch to K-salts in the food industry may be difficult.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. India and Oman CEPA and DTAA: India and Oman are advancing their economic collaboration by expediting discussions for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). This development comes as the two nations aim to strengthen trade relations. In the fiscal year 2023-24, India’s exports to Oman were valued at approximately $4.47 billion. Conversely, imports from Oman were around $4.5 billion. Key imports include petroleum products and urea, which together account for over 70% of total imports from Oman.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. India honours Trinidad and Tobago President with Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award: India has conferred the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award on Christine Carla Kangaloo, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, recognising her outstanding achievements in public affairs and her contributions to enhancing India’s global prestige.Kangaloo, an Indo-Trinidadian President, served as the chief guest for the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, from January 8 to 10, 2025.During her address at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, Kangaloo emphasised the deep-rooted ties between India and Trinidad and Tobago, dating back to 1845 when Indian indentured workers first arrived on the Trinidadian shores.She highlighted that India was among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Trinidad and Tobago after its independence in 1962.The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award is the highest honour conferred upon overseas Indians for their exceptional contributions in various fields, strengthening ties between India and the global diaspora.
2. Laapataa Ladies bags Best International Film nomination at Japan Academy Film Prize 2024: Kiran Rao’s directorial feature Laapataa Ladies might not have secured an Oscar nomination, but it has now secured a nomination for a Japan Academy Film Prize.The film, which saw a theatrical release in Japan last year in October, was met warmly by the audience and completed a 100-day run at the box office. Now, it has been nominated in the prestigious Best International Film category at the Japan Academy Film Prize 2024.
3. Republic Day 2025 parade: Uttar Pradesh tableau wins first prize; J&K Rifles wins best-marching contingent: Uttar Pradesh’s tableau based on the theme ‘Mahakumbh 2025 – Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas’, has won the best tableau award at the Republic Day Parade held on 26th January at Kartavya Path in New Delhi.While, Tripura’s ‘Eternal Reverence: The worship of 14 Deities in Tripura – Kharchi Puja’ themed tableau has been adjourned 2nd and Andhra Pradesh’s tableau depicting ‘Etikoppaka Bommalu – Eco-Friendly Wooden Toys’ won the 3rd prize.Amongst the Central Ministries and Departments, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs ‘Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh’ won the best tableau award.Meanwhile, the best Marching Contingent award was won by the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles Contingent among Services, while the Delhi Police Marching Contingent won the award among CAPFs and other auxiliary forces.The Central Public Works Department and ‘Jayati Jai Mamah Bharatam’ Dance Group were conferred with the Special Prize: (75 years of the Constitution of India).
No comments:
Post a Comment