29th January 2025

1. Sambhar Festival 2025: Celebrating Culture by the Lake
2. World Leprosy Day 2025 Date and Theme
3. Kathmandu Hosts Inaugural Pashmina Festival
4. The Man Behind India’s First Union Budget: James Wilson
5. Hariman Sharma: The Apple Man of India Honored with Padma Shri
6. Melie Kerr Clinches ICC Women’s Player of the Year Award
7. Lala Lajpat Rai’s 160th Birth Anniversary
8. UPI’s Dominance in India’s Digital Payments Landscape
9. Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) Cases in Pune, Maharashtra
10. Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP): A Comprehensive Overview
11. City Union Bank’s Consecutive Triumph at IBA Banking Technology Awards
12. Doordarshan Honored for Electoral Campaigns
13. India’s Forex Reserves Decline
14. Declining Population of the Koraga Tribe in India
15. Rabies Control Efforts in India and Global Initiatives
16. Assam’s Second Capital
17. CBIC Introduces Temporary Identification Number
18. INS Sarvekshak Completes Hydrographic Survey in Mauritius
19. Overview of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo’s visit to India from January 23-26, 2025
20. 55th Annual Meeting of WEF held in Switzerland from January 20-24, 2025: Part I
21. WHO Declares Georgia as the 45th Malaria-Free Country
22. iSPIRT Launches PSLAI to Strengthen MSME Financing
23. HSBC India Launches ‘HSBC TravelOne Credit Card’ for Frequent Travelers
24. RBI Penalizes J&K Bank, BoI, Canara Bank for Regulatory Non-Compliance
25. BIMTECH Launches Blockchain-Based Digital Currency “BIMCOIN”
26. Three Indian Women Make It to Forbes 50 Over 50 Global List 2025, with Quarraisha Abdool Karim Ranking First

National News

1. History of India’s first Union Budget

• What:
  • India’s first Union Budget was presented on April 7, 1860, by James Wilson.
• Tell me more:
  • James Wilson introduced income tax in India during the first budget.
  • Individuals earning below ₹200 annually were exempt from taxes in Wilson’s budget.
  • Wilson established an auditing system for government expenditure.
  • He passed away in August 1860, shortly after presenting the first budget.

Source: HT

2. Indonesian President’s State Visit to India

• What:
  • Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto visited India from January 23-26, 2025, as the Chief Guest for India’s 76th Republic Day celebrations.
• Why:
  • The visit marked the 75th anniversary of India-Indonesia diplomatic relations and aimed to strengthen bilateral ties across various sectors.
• Tell me more:
  • The visit included a high-level delegation and participation of 352 Indonesian Armed Forces personnel in the Republic Day Parade.
  • President Prabowo held talks with Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focusing on defence, trade, health, and cultural cooperation.
  • Both nations emphasized the establishment of a Bilateral Maritime Dialogue and Cyber Security Dialogue.
  • New agreements were signed on health cooperation, traditional medicine quality assurance, and local currency settlement systems to facilitate trade.
  • The visit reaffirmed the 2018 “Shared Vision of India-Indonesia on Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.”

Source: MEA

State News

1. Sambhar Festival 2025 to Celebrate Culture and Nature

• What:
  • Sambhar Festival will take place from January 24 to 28, 2025, organized by the Tourism Department in Rajasthan’s Sambhar Lake.
• Why:
  • The festival aims to attract tourists and promote local culture through various engaging activities.
• Tell me more:
  • The event will feature kite flying, horse and camel riding, jeep safaris, parasailing, and street performances. Art and craft stalls, a photography exhibition, and bird watching tours will also be part of the festival.
  • The festival will include wall paintings of flamingos and salt heaps. The peak season for bird watchers in Sambhar is from November to March.

Source: NDTV

2. Surge in Guillain-Barre Syndrome Cases in Maharashtra

• What:
  • Maharashtra has reported over 100 cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), prompting investigations by health authorities.
• Tell me more:
  • Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the nerves, causing muscle weakness, loss of sensation, and difficulty swallowing or breathing.
  • The exact cause is unclear, but it often follows infections like flu, gastroenteritis (caused by Campylobacter jejuni), or viruses like Epstein-Barr and Zika

Source: ET WHO

3. Koraga Tribe

• The Koraga are an indigenous tribal community mainly living in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts of Karnataka and Kasaragod district of Kerala.
• This region in Karnataka is known as Tulunadu, which was once part of the South Canara district.
• Smaller Koraga populations also exist in Uttara Kannada, Shimoga, and Kodagu. The Indian government classifies them as a particularly vulnerable tribal group.
• The Koraga tribe is facing decline in its population.

Source: wiki

4. Assam to Develop Dibrugarh as Second Capital

• What:
  • Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that Dibrugarh will be developed as the state’s second capital within three years.
• Why:
  • This initiative aims to enhance administrative efficiency and representation in the state by establishing a dual-capital system.
• Tell me more:
  • Starting in 2027, one Assam Assembly session will be held annually in Dibrugarh.
  • Tezpur will be designated as the cultural capital with a new Raj Bhavan, while Silchar will host the secretariat and Chief Secretary’s office to connect Barak Valley with Guwahati.

Source: MoC

International News

1. International Pashmina Festival Highlights Nepali Craft

• What:
  • The first International Pashmina Festival cum Exhibition is being held in Nepal, showcasing the delicate and warm natural fiber from Pashmina goats.
• Why:
  • The festival aims to promote authentic Nepali Pashmina and increase consumer awareness about its quality and craftsmanship.
• Tell me more:
  • The exhibition features over 150 stalls, with more than 40 dedicated to pure Nepali Pashmina. Traditional weaving methods are used, and the wool is hand-combed and spun into fine threads.
  • Genuine Pashmina in Nepal is branded as “Chyangra Pashmina” with a government-certified label.

Source: DD

2. Global Plastic Action Partnership Expands to 25 Countries

• What:
  • The World Economic Forum’s Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) has recently welcomed seven new members – Angola, Bangladesh, Gabon, Guatemala, Kenya, Senegal, and Tanzania.
• Why:
  • The initiative focuses on creating circular solutions to reduce emissions and generate green jobs while addressing the urgent plastic waste crisis.
• Tell me more:
  • Now, the GPAP has expanded to 25 countries, impacting over 1.5 billion people with its initiatives.
  • GPAP has mobilized $3.1 billion in investments for sustainable materials and recycling systems. From India, Maharashtra joined GPAP in 2022.
  • The GPAP was launched in 2018 during the World Economic Forum’s Sustainable Development Impact Summit and collaborates with governments, businesses, and civil society for practical solutions.

Source: WEF

3. 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025

• What:
  • The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025, took place in Davos-Klosters from 20 to 24 January, convened global leaders under the theme, Collaboration for the Intelligent Age.
  • The meeting focused on five key areas: Reimagining Growth, Industries in the Intelligent Age, Investing in People, Safeguarding the Planet, and Rebuilding Trust.
• Tell me more:
  • Industrial Clusters at WEF 2025
    • 13 New Clusters Joined WEF’s Transitioning Industrial Clusters Initiative (Total: 33 clusters in 16 countries).
    • India’s 5 New Industrial Clusters:
      1. Gopalpur Industrial Park (Odisha): Green energy investments.
      2. Kakinada Cluster (Andhra Pradesh): Green ammonia & hydrogen hub.
      3. Kerala Green Hydrogen Valley: Hydrogen-powered transport.
      4. Mundra Cluster (Gujarat): Green power for industrial projects.
      5. Mumbai Green Hydrogen Cluster (Maharashtra): Green hydrogen economy.
    • Global Cluster Additions: Australia, Brazil, Colombia, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Thailand, UK.
  • Crystal Award Winners 2025
    • Presented By: Hilde Schwab, Chairwoman, Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship
    • Winners:
      1. Riken Yamamoto – Architect, 2024 Pritzker Prize laureate.
      2. Diane von Furstenberg – Fashion designer, philanthropist, women’s rights advocate.
      3. David Beckham – UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, children’s rights advocate.
  • WMO’s Framework for Business Engagement in Early Warning Systems (EWS)
    • Report: Catalysing Business Engagement in Early Warning Systems
    • Presented By: Celeste Saulo (Secretary-General, World Meteorological Organization) at WEF 2025.
    • Goal: Close global early warning gap by 2030 under Early Warnings for All Initiative.
  • WEF Report on Geo-economic Fragmentation
    • Report: Navigating Global Financial System Fragmentation (January 2025).
    • Estimated Impact:
      • Global GDP loss: $0.6 trillion to $5.7 trillion (up to 5% of global GDP).
      • High Fragmentation Scenario: Inflation increase by over 5%.
      • Severe Scenario:
        • GDP could decline >10% in Eastern and Western blocs.
        • India, Brazil, Türkiye, Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia most affected.
  • Anant Singh’s Appointment to GACC
    • Indian-Origin South African Filmmaker Anant Singh appointed to Global Arts and Culture Council (GACC) at WEF 2025.
    • Known For: Films on apartheid, HIV/AIDS, gender-based violence (Long Walk to Freedom, a biopic on Nelson Mandela).

Source: IE WEF1 WEF2 WEF3 WEF4 DH WEF5

4. Georgia Certified Malaria-Free by WHO

• What:
  • Georgia has been certified malaria-free by the World Health Organization (WHO) after nearly a century of efforts.
• Why:
  • The certification recognizes Georgia’s long-term actions to eliminate malaria, highlighting its commitment to public health.
• Tell me more:
  • Georgia is now one of 45 countries and 1 territory to achieve this milestone.
  • WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised Georgia’s success as a hopeful example for a malaria-free world.
  • The certification indicates that indigenous malaria transmission has been interrupted for at least three consecutive years.
  • The last indigenous malaria case in Georgia was recorded in 2009.

Source: WHO

Banking and Economy

1. UPI Dominates India’s Digital Payments Landscape

• What:
  • The United Payments Interface (UPI) accounted for 83% of India’s total payment volume by the end of 2024, a significant rise from 34% in 2019.
• Why:
  • This growth highlights UPI’s role in transforming digital payments in India, making it the leading payment system in the country.
• Tell me more:
  • UPI’s transaction volume increased from 375 crore in 2018 to 17,221 crore in 2024, while the total payments volume reached 20,787 crore. The value of transactions surged from Rs 5.86 lakh crore to Rs 246.83 lakh crore during the same period.
  • UPI has seen a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 89.3% in volume and 86.5% in value over five years.
  • The Digital Payment Index published by RBI increased over four-fold from March 2018 to March 2024.

Source: ET

2. India’s Forex Reserves Decline by $1.88 Billion

• What:
  • India’s foreign exchange reserves fell by $1.88 billion to $623.983 billion for the week ending January 17, 2025.
• Why:
  • The decline in reserves is attributed to revaluation and interventions by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to stabilize the rupee.
• Tell me more:
  • Earlier, reserves had decreased by $8.714 billion to $625.871 billion in the week ending January 10, 2025.
  • For the week ending January 17, foreign currency assets dropped by $2.878 billion to $533.133 billion.

Source: TH

3. Temporary Identification Number Introduced for GST Payments

• What:
  • Entities not required to register for GST can now obtain a Temporary Identification Number (TIN) to make tax payments.
• Why:
  • This amendment aims to simplify tax payments for those who are not obligated to register under the GST Act but need to make payments under specific provisions.
• Tell me more:
  • The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) introduced Rule 16A in the Central GST Rules, allowing for TIN issuance.
  • Registration is mandatory for businesses with an annual turnover of Rs 40 lakh in goods and Rs 20 lakh in services.
  • The TIN will help reduce compliance burdens for entities not regularly engaged in taxable activities.

Source: TOI

4. Formation of Priority Sector Lenders Association of India

• What:
  • iSPIRT, a think tank for India’s software products industry, has announced the formation of the Priority Sector Lenders Association of India (PSLAI), an industry body focused on promoting loans under RBI’s Priority Sector Lending norms.
• Why:
  • The purpose of PSLAI is to ensure that essential sectors like agriculture, small businesses (MSMEs), and affordable housing receive necessary credit.
• Tell me more:
  • Founding members include lending institutions such as UGRO Capital, IIFL, and fintechs like GetVantage and GetGrowth Capital.
  • According to RBI rules, banks must allocate 40% of their Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC) to PSL, amounting to about Rs 64 trillion in loans annually.
  • The MSME sector, which significantly contributes to India’s economy (29% of GDP and nearly 46% of exports), faces a credit gap of Rs 103 trillion as of FY 2024.

Source: ET

5. HSBC Launches TravelOne Credit Card for Travelers

• HSBC has launched the TravelOne Credit Card aimed at frequent travelers, offering various features for travel-related expenses.
• The card is designed to provide rewards and benefits that cater specifically to the needs of travelers, enhancing their travel experience.

Source: CNBC

6. BIMTECH Launches Blockchain-Based Digital Currency ‘BIMCOIN’

• What:
  • Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH) has introduced a blockchain-based digital currency called ‘BIMCOIN’ for its ecosystem.
• Why:
  • The purpose of BIMCOIN is to facilitate secure, transparent, and instant transactions among students, vendors, and administrators.
• Tell me more:
  • BIMCOIN operates on a blockchain platform, offering decentralization and programmable features like smart contracts.
  • It streamlines payments and promotes transparency while ensuring enhanced security and fraud protection.
  • BIMCOIN also serves as an educational tool, providing students with hands-on experience in blockchain technology and digital currencies.

Source: HBL

Defence News

1. INS Sarvekshak Completes Hydrographic Survey in Mauritius

• What:
  • INS Sarvekshak has finished the final phase of a hydrographic survey in Mauritius, covering over 25,000 square nautical miles.
• Why:
  • The survey aims to assist Mauritius in developing its maritime infrastructure, managing resources, and planning coastal development.
• Tell me more:
  • The High Commissioner of India to Mauritius, Shri Anurag Srivastava, handed over the survey results and nautical charts to the President of Mauritius, Mr. Dharambeer Gokhool.
  • Capt Tribhuvan Singh, the Commanding Officer of INS Sarvekshak, met with the Minister of Housing and Lands in Mauritius to discuss the survey operations.
  • The initiative aligns with India’s vision of ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region).

Source: PIB

Awards

1. Hariman Sharma Receives Padma Shri for Apple Innovation

• What:
  • Hariman Sharma from Himachal Pradesh has been awarded the Padma Shri for his significant contribution to Indian agriculture through the development of a new apple variety.
• Why:
  • The award recognizes Sharma’s innovation, which allows apple cultivation in tropical and sub-tropical regions where it was previously not possible.
• Tell me more:
  • Sharma developed a self-pollinating apple variety called HRMN-99, which can thrive in high summer temperatures of 40-45°C. This variety has expanded apple farming across 29 Indian states and Union Territories.
  • The HRMN-99 variety can produce up to 75 kg of fruit per plant annually. His work was validated by the National Innovation Foundation (NIF) in 2012.

Source: DD

2. City Union Bank Wins Seven Awards at Technology Conference

• What:
  • City Union Bank (CUB) won seven awards at the 20th Annual Technology Conference, Expo, & Citations 2024 held in Mumbai.
• Why:
  • The awards recognize the bank’s achievements in technology adoption and innovation in customer service.
• Tell me more:
  • This is the second consecutive year that CUB has received awards in all seven categories at the event.
  • The awards were presented by T Rabi Sankar, Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, to Vijay Anandh, Executive Director of CUB.

Source: HBL

3. Doordarshan Wins Award for Voter Awareness Campaign

• What:
  • Doordarshan has received an award in the Electronic Media category for its campaign on Voter Awareness and Education.
• Why:
  • The award recognizes Doordarshan’s efforts to promote informed voting during the Lok Sabha Elections 2024.
• Tell me more:
  • The campaign included the “Chunav Ka Parv Desh Ka Garv” series and featured 30 voter education short films.
  • It was broadcast across DD National, DD India, and DD News channels to reach a wide audience.
  • The award was presented by President Droupadi Murmu on January 25, 2025.
  • The campaign aimed to empower voters, especially first-time voters, to participate in the democratic process.
  • Doordarshan’s initiatives were recognized by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) for their creative and inclusive approach.

Source: TH

4. Three Indian Women Honored on Forbes 50 Over 50 List

• What:
  • Three Indian women have been recognized on the inaugural Forbes 50 Over 50 Global list, which honors trailblazers who prove that age is just a number.
• Why:
  • The list celebrates entrepreneurs, investors, inventors, artists, activists, and other high achievers who make a significant impact through their work.
• Tell me more:
  • The three honorees are Urmila Asher, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, and Sheela Patel.
    • Urmila Asher, at 80, launched a food business called Gujju Ben na Nasta after personal losses and has become a TEDx speaker and YouTuber.
    • Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, 71, is the founder of Biocon India and a leader in the biopharmaceutical industry with a net worth of $3.6 billion.
    • Sheela Patel, 72, is an activist who co-founded SPARC and advocates for the rights of slum dwellers and equitable urban spaces.
  • The Forbes 50 Over 50 list includes individuals from various fields making impactful contributions later in life.

Source: HT

Important Dates

1. World Leprosy Day – January 26

• Theme: Unite. Act. Eliminate

Source: WHO

2. Commemorating Lala Lajpat Rai’s 160th Birth Anniversary on January 28

• What:
  • The nation is set to celebrate the 160th birth anniversary of Lala Lajpat Rai on January 28, 2025.
• Tell me more:
  • Lala Lajpat Rai was a key figure in the Indian National Congress and Arya Samaj, known for leading protests against the Simon Commission.
  • He was born on January 28, 1865, in Dhudike, Punjab, and became a founding member of the Bar Council of Hisar.
  • Lajpat Rai was part of the famous trio “Lal Bal Pal” with Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal.
  • He founded the Servants of the People Society to empower society against caste discrimination. Lala Lajpat Rai was an advocate for the Swadeshi Movement.
  • He was seriously injured during a non-violent protest against the Simon Commission and passed away on November 17, 1928.

Source: N18

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