25th-27th January 2025
ICRIER Report, India’s Digital Economy, Ministry of Defence, Indian Armed Forces, PNB MetLife, Punjab National Bank, MetLife, Jio Financial Services, Reliance Industries, NTPC, International Conference, International Day of Education 2025, National Girl Child Day 2025, TATA AIG, NIFT Hyderabad, THE World University Rankings 2025, IISc Bengaluru, Tata AIA Life Insurance, JK Tyre, IFC, HDFC Life, CARS24 Financial Services, Janet E. Petro, NASA, GalaxEye Space Solutions Private Limited, PSLV POEM, National Voters’ Day 2025, National Tourism Day 2025, PNB, Clari5 Integration, Geo-Tagging, Kashmir’s Iconic Chinar Trees, Indian Grandmaster Iniyan, National Geographic Day 2025, RBI, Reserve Bank of India, Indian banking system, Indian rupee, National Day of Commemoration, Holocaust 2025, Jitender Pal Singh, India, Israel, International Day of Clean Energy 2025, Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), April 1, 2025, Arshdeep Singh, ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year 2024, Madison Keys, Australian Open 2025, Women’s Champion, Operation Sard Hawa, BSF, Pakistan Border, Michael Clarke, Australian Cricket Hall of Fame, Jay Shah, MCC Advisory Board, Global Cricket, FIEO, Credlix, Indian Exporters, Financial, Logistical Support, Union Minister Rajnath Singh, SANJAY, Battlefield Surveillance System, New Delhi, India, UK, 5-Year Partnership, Health Sectors, GPI 2025, Military Strength Ranking, USA, 4th Position, THE World University Rankings 2025, IISc Bengaluru, Top 100 Institutes, CS, Republic Day 2025, Gallantry Awards 2025, Republic Day, Padma Awards 2025, Winners List, A Chinese startup, DeepSeek
- ICRIER Report: India’s Digital Economy to Contribute One-Fifth of GDP by 2030
- MoD signs Rs 1,561 crore deal with Heavy Vehicles Factory for 47 T-72 Bridge Laying Tanks
- PNB MetLife Partners with Truhome Finance to Offer Group Credit Life Insurance
- Jio Financial Services and BlackRock Expanding Into Stock Broking Sector
- NTPC Partners with Sri Lanka for Major Solar Project
- International Conference Marks 125 Years of Solar Physics Research in India
- International Day of Education 2025 – January 24
- National Girl Child Day 2025 – January 24
- TATA AIG Launches ‘CyberEdge’ to Offer Cyber Insurance for Indian Businesses
- NIFT Hyderabad launches ‘VisionNxt’, fashion forecasting platform
- THE World University Rankings 2025 by Subjects: IISc Bengaluru Among Top 100 Institutes in CS
- Tata AIA Life Insurance Introduced ‘Shubh Muhurat’ to Simplify Wedding Savings
- JK Tyre Receives USD 100 Million Sustainability-Linked Loan from IFC
- HDFC Life Tie-Up with CARS24 Financial Services for Life Insurance Distribution
- Janet E. Petro, 1st Woman appointed as 15th Acting Administrator of NASA
- GalaxEye Space Solutions Private Limited deploys GLX-SQ payload aboard ISRO’s PSLV POEM
- National Voters’ Day 2025 – January 25
- National Tourism Day 2025 – January 25
- PNB Pioneers Real-Time Cybercrime Response with Clari5 Integration
- Geo-Tagging Saves Kashmir’s Iconic Chinar Trees
- Indian Grandmaster Iniyan Wins Malaysian Title
- National Geographic Day 2025- History, Significance and Celebrations
- RBI Fines Canara, BOI, and J&K Bank for Non-Compliance
- International Customs Day 2025- Theme, History, Significance and Key Facts
- Sinner Secures Back-to-Back Aussie Open Championships
- International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust 2025
- Jitender Pal Singh Appointed as India’s New Ambassador to Israel
- International Day of Clean Energy 2025 Observed on 26th January
- Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) Notified, To be Effective from April 1, 2025
- Arshdeep Singh, ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year 2024
- Madison Keys Wins Australian Open 2025 Women’s Champion
- Operation Sard Hawa: BSF Intensifies Vigil on Pakistan Border
- Michael Clarke Inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame
- Jay Shah Joins New MCC Advisory Board to Shape Future of Global Cricket
- FIEO and Credlix Signed MoU to Empower Indian Exporters with Financial and Logistical Support
- Union Minister Rajnath Singh Flags-off ‘SANJAY – The Battlefield Surveillance System’ from New Delhi
- India & UK Renew 5-Year Partnership to Strengthen Health Sectors
- GPI 2025 Military Strength Ranking: USA Tops, India Secures 4th Position
- THE World University Rankings 2025 by Subjects: IISc Bengaluru Among Top 100 Institutes in CS
- Republic Day 2025: Gallantry Awards 2025 Announced on the Eve of Republic Day
- Padma Awards 2025 Announced, Check Complete Winners List
- A Chinese startup called DeepSeek has launched a new AI model.
Table of Content
National News
- India Celebrates 76th Republic Day
- What:
- India celebrated its 76th Republic Day on January 26, 2025, at Kartavya Path, with President Droupadi Murmu leading the event and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto as the special guest.
- Why:
- The celebrations aimed to emphasize military strength, development, and cultural diversity under the theme ‘Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas’, marking 75 years since the enactment of the Constitution.
- Tell me more:
- Notable tableaux highlighted significant figures like Birsa Munda and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
- State Tableaux
- Uttar Pradesh – Focused on the Kumbh Mela, depicting sadhus and the mythological Samudra Manthan, the churning of the ocean believed to have produced amrit (elixir of immortality).
- Madhya Pradesh – Highlighted cheetahs, representing the Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary and India’s cheetah reintroduction project.
- Andhra Pradesh – Showcased Etikoppaka Bommalu, eco-friendly wooden toys traditional to the state.
- First-Ever Tri-Services Tableau
- Indian Armed Forces – Presented the first-ever Tri-Services Tableau with the theme “Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat” (Strong and Secure India). It displayed a Joint Operations Room, illustrating synchronized military coordination across land, water, and air. Key elements included:
- Arjun Main Battle Tank
- INS Visakhapatnam (Destroyer)
- Tejas MKII Fighter Aircraft
- Remotely Piloted Aircraft
- Advanced Light Helicopter
- Indian Armed Forces – Presented the first-ever Tri-Services Tableau with the theme “Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat” (Strong and Secure India). It displayed a Joint Operations Room, illustrating synchronized military coordination across land, water, and air. Key elements included:
- This year marked the return of the traditional buggy for the arrival of the Presidents after a gap of 40 years.
- The parade was commanded by Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area. It featured 18 marching contingents, 15 bands and 31 tableaux from different states, union territories, ministries and the armed forces.
- Gallantry Awards:
- President Smt Droupadi Murmu has approved Gallantry awards to 93 Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces personnel, including 12 posthumous.
- The President also approved 305 defence decorations to Armed Forces and other personnel. These include 30 Param Vishisht Seva Medals; 5 Uttam Yudh Seva Medals; 57 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals; 10 Yudh Seva Medals; 1 Bar to Sena Medals (Devotion to Duty); 43 Sena Medals (Devotion to Duty); 8 Nao Sena Medals (Devotion to Duty); 15 Vayu Sena Medals (Devotion to Duty); 4 Bar to Vishisht Seva Medal and 132 Vishisht Seva Medals.
- Kirti Chakra: Major Manjit of Punjab and Naik Dilwar Khan of the Artillery in the Rashtriya Rifles (RR)
- Padma Awards:
- The awards are announced annually on Republic Day. The President of India presents these awards at ceremonial functions held at Rashtrapati Bhawan, usually around March or April.
- For 2025, the President has approved 139 Padma Awards, including one duo case (counted as one award).
- The list includes 7 Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri Awards.
- Among the awardees, 23 are women, while 10 recipients belong to the Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI category, and 13 are posthumous awardees.
Padma Vibhushan | Field | State/Country |
---|---|---|
Shri Duvvur Nageshwar Reddy | Medicine | Telangana |
Justice (Retd.) Shri Jagdish Singh Khehar | Public Affairs | Chandigarh |
Smt. Kumudini Rajnikant Lakhia | Art | Gujarat |
Shri LakshminarayanaSubramaniam | Art | Karnataka |
Shri M. T. Vasudevan Nair (Posthumous) | Literature and Education | Kerala |
Shri Osamu Suzuki (Posthumous) | Trade and Industry | Japan |
Smt. Sharda Sinha (Posthumous) | Art | Bihar |
- International Conference on Solar Physics Held in Bengaluru
- What:
- An international conference on ‘Sun, Space Weather, and Solar-Stellar Connections’ took place in Bengaluru, organized by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA).
- Why:
- The conference commemorates the 125th anniversary of the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, highlighting its contributions to solar astrophysics and the importance of ongoing research.
- Tell me more:
- The conference features diverse themes including solar magnetism and space weather, with significant participation from students and international experts.
Knowledge Nuggets |
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- The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory was established in 1899 and has been pivotal in solar research. - Prof. Abhay Karandikar discussed initiatives like digitizing historic records and the proposed National Large Solar Telescope in Ladakh. - A public talk on solar phenomena by Prof. Nat Gopalswamy from NASA is scheduled at CHRIST University during the conference. |
Source: PIB
International News
- Chinese Startup DeepSeek Launches New AI Model
- What:
- Chinese startup DeepSeek has launched an AI model named DeepSeek R1, which competes directly with OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
- Why:
- DeepSeek R1 is designed for reasoning-intensive tasks such as mathematics and coding, claiming to match or outperform OpenAI models at a lower cost.
- Tell me more:
- It minimizes memory use and computing demands, making it accessible for researchers and developers.
- DeepSeek was developed using pre-sanction Nvidia A100 chips and alternative chips due to US restrictions.
- The model’s open-source nature allows smaller versions to run on laptops.
Source: BT
Banking and Economy
- PNB MetLife Partners with Truhome Finance for Insurance
- What:
- PNB MetLife India Insurance Company has formed a strategic partnership with Truhome Finance to offer Group Credit Life insurance to home loan customers.
- Why:
- The collaboration aims to enhance financial inclusion and provide financial protection for homeowners, covering outstanding loan liabilities in unforeseen circumstances.
- Tell me more:
- The Group Credit Life Insurance will be available at 165 Truhome Finance branches across 17 states.
- This partnership aligns with PNB MetLife’s mission, “Milkar Life Aage Badhein,” to expand its reach in providing financial security.
- The initiative supports the vision of ‘Insurance for All by 2047’ by making financial security accessible to more individuals and families.
Knowledge Nuggets |
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- Sameer Bansal is the MD & CEO of PNB MetLife. - Ravi Subramanian is the MD & CEO of Truhome Finance. |
Source: BFSI
- Jio Financial Services Launches New Broking Subsidiary
- What:
- Jio Financial Services has established a new subsidiary named Jio BlackRock Broking Private Ltd to enter the broking business, pending regulatory approvals.
- Why:
- The aim is to provide broking services and enhance access to investment solutions for customers, transforming India’s financial landscape.
- Tell me more:
- The new subsidiary was incorporated on January 20, 2025, as part of a joint venture with BlackRock, which was announced in July 2023.
- Both Jio Financial Services and BlackRock are investing $150 million each in this 50:50 partnership.
- The joint venture previously received approval from SEBI to set up a mutual fund business and has secured incorporation certificates for Jio BlackRock Asset Management.
Source: ET
- NTPC to Set Up Solar Project in Sri Lanka
- What:
- NTPC is establishing a 50 MW solar project in Sri Lanka through a joint venture with Ceylon Electricity Board.
- Why:
- The project aims to diversify Sri Lanka’s energy mix, boost clean energy capacity, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
- Tell me more:
- The joint venture, named Trincomalee Power Company Limited (TPCL), has been set up with a 50:50 partnership.
- The tariff for the solar project is set at 5.97 US cents per unit and can be extended to 120 MW.
- The project is located at Sampoor in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka.
Source: ET
- Tata AIG Launches Cyber Insurance Solution CyberEdge
- What:
- Tata AIG has introduced CyberEdge, a cyber insurance solution for Indian businesses to protect against various cyber risks.
- Why:
- The policy aims to enhance cybersecurity resilience and provide financial protection for businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which are often more vulnerable.
- Tell me more:
- CyberEdge covers forensic investigations, legal fees, data recovery, extortion payments, and business interruption losses.
- The policy includes a 24/7 First Response Cover, ensuring expert support within two hours during cyber incidents.
- The Indian cyber insurance market was valued at Rs 850 crore in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 25% from 2025 to 2030.
Source: TOI
- Tata AIA Launches ‘Shubh Muhurat’ for Wedding Savings
- What:
- Tata AIA Life Insurance has introduced ‘Shubh Muhurat,’ a life insurance plan aimed at helping parents save for their child’s wedding.
- Why:
- The initiative addresses the high costs associated with weddings in India, which averaged ₹12.5 lakh last year.
- Tell me more:
- The solution is designed for parents aged 31 to 50 with children aged 1 to 20 years, providing capital guarantee with equity exposure and safeguarding funds under the Married Women’s Property Act.
Knowledge Nuggets |
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- In 2024, over 80 lakh weddings were held in India, with total expenditures reaching ₹10.7 lakh crore. Luxury weddings often exceed ₹1 crore in expenses. - The plan ensures financial assistance for families in case of the parent's demise, waiving future premiums to maintain policy continuity. |
Source: HBL
- JK Tyre Secures $100 Million Sustainability Loan
- What:
- JK Tyre & Industries has received a $100 million sustainability-linked loan from the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
- Why:
- The funding aims to enhance tyre manufacturing capacity, focusing on energy-efficient production and job creation.
- Tell me more:
- The loan includes $30 million for JK Tyre and up to $70 million for its subsidiary, Cavendish Industries, supporting production at plants in Madhya Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Source: BS
- HDFC Life Partners with CARS24 for Insurance Distribution
- What:
- HDFC Life has formed a Corporate Agency tie-up with CARS24 Financial Services Pvt. Ltd. to distribute life insurance products.
- Why:
- The partnership aims to increase the reach of life insurance and promote financial security among consumers.
- Tell me more:
- CARS24 is a registered Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) and Insurance Corporate Agent, offering vehicle financing solutions and has over 280 branches in India.
Knowledge Nuggets |
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- HDFC Life offers 70 products with a claim settlement ratio of 99.50%. - The collaboration supports the goal of 'Insurance for all by 2047'. - INSURE24 is a key initiative by CARS24 to enhance digital insurance access. |
Source: ET
- PNB Integrates Clari5’s NCRP Solution for Cybercrime
- What:
- Punjab National Bank (PNB) has become the first Indian bank to implement Clari5’s NCRP Integration Solution.
- Why:
- This integration aims to enhance real-time management of cybercrime complaints and improve customer safety.
- Tell me more:
- The solution automates the handling of cybercrime complaints across various banking channels, ensuring faster resolution and robust fraud prevention.
- Key features include real-time lien logic, intelligent debit freeze for fraudulent accounts, and advanced monitoring tools.
- The system prioritizes complaints using First-In-First-Out logic for quicker resolutions.
Source: APAC
- RBI Penalizes Banks for Regulatory Non-Compliance
- What:
- The Reserve Bank of India has penalized Jammu and Kashmir Bank, Bank of India, and Canara Bank for regulatory compliance deficiencies.
- Why:
- The penalties were imposed to address violations related to financial inclusion, banking regulations, and priority sector lending.
- Tell me more:
- Jammu and Kashmir Bank was fined ₹3.31 crore, Bank of India received a ₹1 crore penalty, and Canara Bank was penalized ₹1.63 crore.
Knowledge Nuggets |
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- Datson Exports in West Bengal was also fined ₹1 lakh for non-compliance with RBI directions on managing risks in outsourcing financial services. - The penalties reflect deficiencies in statutory compliance but do not question the validity of transactions with customers. |
Source: BS
- Government Introduces Unified Pension Scheme
- What:
- The government has notified the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) for central government employees under the National Pension System, effective from April 1, 2025.
- Why:
- The purpose of introducing the UPS is to provide an additional option for central government employees covered under the National Pension System.
- Tell me more:
- The UPS will be available to existing and future central government employees who can choose between the UPS option or continue with the existing National Pension System.
- The notification was issued on January 24, 2025.
Source: ET
Reports and Indices
- India’s Digital Economy Report Released
- What:
- The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has released a report titled ‘Estimation and Measurement of India’s Digital Economy’, in collaboration with Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER).
- Why:
- The report aims to provide credible estimates on the digital economy’s role in economic growth, employment, and sustainable development, which is essential for policymakers and businesses.
- Tell me more:
- India’s digital economy was estimated at 11.74% of national income for 2022-23, equivalent to INR 31.64 lakh crore (~USD 402 billion) in GDP.
- The digital-enabling industry contributes 7.83% of Gross Value Added (GVA), while new digital industries account for nearly 2%.
- Traditional industries like banking, trade, and education contribute an additional 2% to GVA.
- Projections indicate that by 2030, the digital economy could contribute to nearly one-fifth of national income.
- The report uses the OECD framework for its estimates, making India a leader among developing countries in this area.
- The digital economy accounted for 14.67 million workers or 2.55% of India’s workforce in 2022-23.
Source: PIB
- THE World University Rankings by Subject 2025
- What:
- The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru has ranked 99th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025 for computer science.
- Why:
- This achievement highlights the growing recognition of Indian institutions in global education rankings and aims to enhance the reputation of Indian universities.
- Tell me more:
- This is the first time an Indian institution has made it to the top 100 in this category.
- In the previous year’s rankings, IISc was placed in the 251-300 band.
- A total of 53 Indian universities are now listed among the world’s top institutions for computer science, up from 47 in 2024.
- The top three universities in computer science are Oxford University, University of Cambridge, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
- Delhi University is recognized in the world’s top universities for law and psychology.
Source: IE
- Global Firepower Index 2025
- What:
- The Global Firepower Index ranks the military strength of 145 countries based on over 60 factors.
- Why:
- Global military expenditures have reached $2.4 trillion in 2023, reflecting countries’ efforts to enhance military capabilities amid geopolitical tensions.
- Tell me more:
- This rise in conflict has been attributed to escalating hostilities in regions such as the Middle East, North Africa, and Eastern Europe, positioning warfare as a significant threat to global stability.
- The world is experiencing a record number of armed conflicts, with approximately 60 conflicts documented in the past year, leading to a surge in civilian fatalities by over 30%.
- The U.S. has held the top position since 2005 due to its extensive resources and manpower.
Rank 2025 | Country | Power Index 2025 | Total Military Personnel 2025 (est.) |
---|---|---|---|
1 | United States of America | 0.0744 | 21,27,500 |
2 | Russia | 0.0788 | 35,70,000 |
3 | China | 0.0788 | 31,70,000 |
4 | India | 0.1184 | 51,37,550 |
5 | South Korea | 0.1656 | 38,20,000 |
6 | United Kingdom | 0.1785 | 11,08,860 |
7 | France | 0.1878 | 3,76,000 |
8 | Japan | 0.1839 | 3,28,150 |
9 | Turkiye | 0.1902 | 8,83,900 |
10 | Italy | 0.2164 | 2,89,000 |
Source: IE
Defence News
- Indian Army Procures Bridge Laying Tanks
- What:
- The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract to procure 47 Tank-72 Bridge Laying Tanks (BLT) for the Indian Army at a cost of Rs 1,560.52 crore.
- Why:
- This procurement aims to enhance the battlefield mobility and offensive capability of the Indian Army by providing critical equipment for launching bridges during operations.
- Tell me more:
- The BLT is essential for Mechanised Forces and supports both offensive and defensive operations.
- This initiative supports the Make-in-India program by focusing on indigenously designed, developed, and manufactured products.
- Heavy Vehicles Factory is a unit of Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited involved in this contract.
Source: PIB
- BSF Launches ‘Operation Sard Hawa’ for Security
- What:
- The Border Security Force (BSF) has initiated ‘Operation Sard Hawa’ along the Pakistan border in Jaisalmer to enhance security and prevent infiltration attempts during winter fog.
- Why:
- The operation aims to strengthen border security due to reduced visibility caused by fog, ensuring vigilance against infiltration.
- Tell me more:
- The operation runs from January 22 to 29, with increased patrolling using modern weapons and technology. Officers and soldiers will be stationed near the fencing, and camel patrolling will be utilized in inaccessible areas.
- ‘Operation Sard Hawa’ is a winter counterpart to the summer ‘Operation Garam Hawa.’
- BSF Commandant Harbans Singh emphasized the need for heightened security during this period.
Source: ETV
- Indian Army to Induct ‘Sanjay’ Surveillance System
- What:
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has flagged off ‘Sanjay,’ a battlefield surveillance system (BSS) set to be inducted into the Indian Army by October 2025.
- Why:
- The purpose of ‘Sanjay’ is to enhance battlefield transparency and improve decision-making for commanders by integrating inputs from various battlefield sensors.
- Tell me more:
- The system will be introduced in three phases across all operational brigades, divisions, and corps of the Army. It features advanced sensors and analytics to monitor land borders and prevent intrusions.
- ‘Sanjay’ has been developed jointly by the Indian Army and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).
- The system supports both conventional and sub-conventional operations in a network-centric environment.
Knowledge Nuggets |
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- The current year has been declared as a 'Year of Reforms' in the Ministry of Defence. |
Source: NIE
Science and Technology
- GalaxEye Launches GLX-SQ Payload with ISRO
- What:
- GalaxEye has successfully deployed its GLX-SQ payload aboard ISRO’s PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM).
- Why:
- This deployment aims to revolutionize satellite-based Earth observation by integrating Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and optical imagery.
- Tell me more:
- The GLX-SQ mission enhances remote sensing capabilities and addresses needs in sectors like defence, agriculture, and disaster response.
- The mission allows for real-time data processing, converting analogue signals into digital format in under 10 minutes.
Knowledge Nuggets |
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- GalaxEye is preparing for its upcoming Mission Drishti, which will deliver all-weather, high-resolution imaging. - The POEM platform converts the PSLV rocket's fourth stage into an orbital testbed for technology validation. |
Source: BS
Awards
- ICC Awards 2024 Recognize Indian Cricket Stars
- Rohit Sharma and Arshdeep Singh received major honors at the ICC Awards 2024, with Rohit named captain of the ICC Men’s T20I Team of the Year and Arshdeep awarded ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year.
- The awards recognize outstanding performances in international cricket, with winners determined by voting from the ICC Voting Academy and global cricket fans.
Award Name | Winner |
---|---|
ICC Men's T20I Cricketer of the Year | Arshdeep Singh (IND) |
ICC Women's T20I Cricketer of the Year | Amelia Kerr (NZL) |
ICC Umpire of the Year | Richard Illingworth (ENG) |
ICC Men’s Associate Cricketer of the Year | Gerhard Erasmus (NAM) |
ICC Women’s Associate Cricketer of the Year | Esha Oza (UAE) |
ICC Emerging Men’s Cricketer of the Year | Kamindu Mendis (SRI) |
ICC Emerging Women’s Cricketer of the Year | Annerie Dercksen (RSA) |
ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year | Azmatullah Omarzai (AFG) |
ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year | To be announced |
ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year | To be announced |
Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy for ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year | To be announced |
Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year | To be announced |
Source: OC
- Michael Clarke Inducted into Australian Cricket Hall of Fame
- What:
- Former captain Michael Clarke has been inducted as the 64th player into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
- Why:
- The induction honors Clarke’s significant contributions to Australian cricket, including his impressive statistics and leadership achievements.
- Tell me more:
- Clarke scored over 8600 runs in Test matches and 7981 runs in ODIs, with a remarkable average of 49.10 in Tests. He captained Australia to a World Cup victory in 2015 and a 5-0 series win in the Ashes.
- Clarke is the only player to score a Test triple-century at the Sydney Cricket Ground, achieving 329 against India.
- He played a total of 115 Test matches and was known for his exceptional performance against top teams like India and England.
Source: TH
Important Dates
- International Day of Education – January 24
- Theme: AI and Education: Human Agency in an Automated World
- National Girl Child Day – January 24
- Theme: Empowering Girls for a Bright Future
Source: TOI
- 15th National Voters’ Day – January 25
- “India Votes 2024: A Saga of Democracy” book was presented by the Chief Election Commissioner, Shri Rajiv Kumar, to the President.
Source: PIB
- National Tourism Day – January 25
- Theme: Tourism for Inclusive Growth
- The Government of India created a separate department of tourism in 1948 with the aim of preserving the national heritage and looking after the tourist destinations to keep their beauty intact while making them tourist-friendly.
Source: ET
- International Customs Day – January 26
- Theme: Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security and Prosperity
Source: WCO
- International Day of Clean Energy – January 26
- Theme: Clean energy: for all…
Source: UN
- International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust – January 27
- Theme: Holocaust remembrance and education for dignity and human rights
- National Geographic Day – January 27
Sports
- Iniyan Panneerselvam Wins Johor International Open Chess
- Indian Grandmaster Iniyan Panneerselvam has won the 9th Johor International Open chess tournament in Malaysia.
- Iniyan had already secured the title before the final round after defeating Indonesian IM Nayaka Budhidharma.
Source: TH
- Australian Open 2025
- What:
- Jannik Sinner (Italian) and Madison Keys (American) won men’s and women’s singles respectively at Melbourne Park.
- Tell me more:
- The Australian Open is the first Grand Slam of the year, established in 1905, initially known as the Australasian Championships.
- The tournament was designated as one of the four major Grand Slams by the International Tennis Federation in 1924 to promote tennis globally.
- The tournament was renamed to the Australian Championships in 1927 and officially became the Australian Open in 1969.
Source: OC
Memorandum of Understanding
- FIEO Partners with Credlix to Boost Exports
- What:
- The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Credlix to enhance the growth of Indian exporters and strengthen their global presence.
- Why:
- The partnership aims to streamline international trade by providing exporters with innovative financial solutions, logistical support, and critical resources to overcome challenges in the export sector.
- Tell me more:
- Initiatives under this collaboration include workshops, training, financing advisory, and technological support to help businesses scale effectively. FIEO will promote the initiative and guide exporters in navigating global markets.
Knowledge Nuggets |
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- FIEO is an apex trade promotion body established in 1965 by the Ministry of Commerce & Industries. - The MSME sector contributed 45.73% of India's exports in 2023-24 but faces challenges with limited access to export finance. - Credlix specializes in supply chain financing solutions, focusing on providing rapid, collateral-free access to working capital for SMEs. |
Source: BS
- India and UK Renew Health Partnership Agreement
- What:
- India and the United Kingdom have signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to renew their health and life sciences partnership.
- Why:
- The agreement aims to deepen collaboration in addressing global health challenges, including antimicrobial resistance, non-communicable diseases, and digital health innovations.
- Tell me more:
- The MoU was formalized in New Delhi, attended by Union Health Minister JP Nadda and UK Secretary of State for Health Wes Streeting. It focuses on improving healthcare delivery systems through technology and innovation.
- The partnership emphasizes a shared vision for Universal Health Coverage.
Source: BS
Appointments
- Janet Petro Becomes First Woman NASA Administrator
- What:
- Janet Petro has been appointed as the acting NASA administrator by US President Donald Trump.
- Why:
- This appointment is significant as it marks the first time a woman has led NASA since its establishment in 1958.
- Tell me more:
- Janet Petro is also the 11th director of NASA’s John F. Kennedy Space Center.
- She previously served as deputy director at the Kennedy Space Center and has a background as a commissioned officer in the US Army.
- Petro was inducted into the Florida Women’s Hall of Fame in 2018 for her contributions.
Source: BS
- Next Ambassador of India to the State of Israel
- Shri. Jitender Pal Singh has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the State of Israel.
Source: MEA
- Jay Shah Joins World Cricket Connects Advisory Board
- What:
- ICC chairperson Jay Shah has been inducted into the newly established World Cricket Connects Advisory Board to address challenges and opportunities in cricket.
- Why:
- The advisory board aims to facilitate discussions on strategic issues in cricket and ensure the sport’s future success. The advisory board replaces the MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club) World Cricket committee, which was established in 2006.
- Tell me more:
- The World Cricket Connects event will take place at Lord’s, gathering influential figures from various aspects of cricket. The first event in 2024 was attended by around 120 leaders in the cricket community.
- Kumar Sangakkara will chair the board, which includes notable members like Sourav Ganguly and Heather Knight.
- The event will occur before the ICC World Test Championship Final between South Africa and Australia.
Source: IN
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About Anuj Jindal
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Anuj Jindal, the founder, is an ex-manager from SBI, with an M.Com from Delhi School of Economics. He also has a JRF in Commerce & Management and NET in HRM, along with more than 5 years of experience in the field of Education.
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