30th January 2025

1. International Saraswati Mahotsav to be Celebrated in Haryana
2. Manush Shah, Diya Chitale Crowned National Table Tennis Champions
3. Shailesh Kumar Davey: The New CEO of Zoho Corp
4. UAE President Declares 2025 the ‘Year of Community’
5. Odisha Warriors Win First Women’s Hockey India League Title
6. JioSoundPay: Simplifying UPI Payments for Small Businesses
7. SBI Payments & Pine Labs Boost Partnership for Digital Commerce Growth
8. Ladakh Tops Khelo India Winter Games 2025; Army Retains Ice Hockey Title
9. “Telangana CM Launches 4 Welfare Schemes on Republic Day”
10. India and Indonesia Sign Five MoUs to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
11. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Honored with Maharaja Hari Singh Award
12. India and Oman to Amend Tax Treaty and Accelerate Trade Pact Negotiations
13. PM Modi Inaugurates ‘Utkarsh Odisha’ Business Conclave
14. Australia Clinches ICC Women’s Championship Trophy
15. 55th Annual Meeting of WEF held in Switzerland from January 20-24, 2025: Part II
16. Mobikwik becomes India’s 1st fintech company to roll out CBDC in partnership with RBI and Yes Bank
17. RBL Bank & Piramal Finance partner to offer co-lending business
18. PNB unveils 1st-ever real-time NCRP solution for cybercrime
19. Paytm launches ‘Receive Money QR Widget’ for Android users
20. India’s AlonOS signs MoU with Indosat to boost Indonesia’s AI growth
21. SEBI unveils ‘Dharohar’: A digital repository for India’s securities market
22. KRBL appoints Amitabh Bachchan as ambassador for Indian rice brand ‘India Gate’
23. ISRO completes 100th mission, GSLV-F15 successfully launched from Sriharikota, AP
24. South Africa’s MeerKAT telescope discovers the “Inktahzo” galaxy
25. NASA discovers LID-568: A supermassive black hole
26. Need fiscal changes for 6.4% GDP growth in 25: Moody

National News

1. ISRO Successfully Launches GSLV-F15 and NVS-02

• What:
  • The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the GSLV-F15 rocket, placing the NVS-02 satellite into orbit.
• Why:
  • This launch marks the 100th rocket mission from Sriharikota and is significant for India’s advancements in space technology.
• Tell me more:
  • The NVS-02 satellite will enhance the NavIC constellation, increasing operational satellites from four to five.
  • The GSLV-F15 is the 17th flight of this type of rocket and the eighth operational flight with a domestic cryogenic stage engine.

Source: BS

State News

1. Haryana CM Launches International Saraswati Mahotsav 2025

• What:
  • Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini inaugurated the International Saraswati Mahotsav 2025 at Adi Badri in Yamunanagar district from January 29 to February 2, 2025.
• Tell me more:
  • The Saraswati river, as per the Mahabharata, originated from Adi Badri and flowed through Haryana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, covering about 1,600 kilometers before merging into the Arabian Sea.
  • The Haryana Government is working to revive the Saraswati river by connecting it with other rivers through the Haryana Sarasvati Heritage Development Board (HSHDB).
  • An agreement has been signed with Himachal Pradesh to ensure a perennial flow of water in the Saraswati River, including the construction of a dam on the Som river.

Source: TOI

2. Telangana Government Launches Four Welfare Schemes

• What:
  • The Telangana government will launch four welfare schemes on Republic Day, including Rythu Bharosa and Indiramma Housing Scheme.
• Why:
  • The schemes aim to provide financial assistance and improve living conditions for eligible beneficiaries across the state.
• Tell me more:
  • Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy will launch the schemes at Chandravancha in Narayanapet district.
  • The government will continue identifying beneficiaries for these schemes until March due to a large number of applications.
  • Rythu Bharosa provides ₹6,000 per acre for crop assistance, while Indiramma Aatmeeya Bharosa offers ₹6,000 to landless agricultural laborers.
  • The government plans to provide ₹5 lakh each for constructing houses in the first phase of the Indiramma Housing Scheme.
  • Ration Card Issuance scheme aims for universal food security, allowing eligible families to apply at Praja Palana Seva Kendrams. BPL families will receive super fine rice.

Source: NIE

3. PM Modi Inaugurates Make in Odisha Conclave 2025

• What:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025 in Bhubaneswar.
• Why:
  • The event aims to position Odisha as a leading investment destination and industrial hub in India.
• Tell me more:
  • The conclave will feature CEOs and leaders’ roundtables, sectoral sessions, B2B meetings, and policy discussions over two days from January 28 to 29.
  • Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed gratitude to PM Modi for his support and highlighted the potential for infrastructural development in Odisha.
  • The Make in Odisha Exhibition was also inaugurated, showcasing the state’s achievements in developing an industrial ecosystem.

Source: ANI

International News

1. UAE Declares 2025 as Year of Community

• What:
  • UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan declared 2025 as the Year of Community under the slogan ‘Hand in Hand’.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to foster a united and empowered community by strengthening family and community bonds.
• Tell me more:
  • The Year of Community will focus on preserving cultural heritage, nurturing intergenerational ties, and creating inclusive spaces for collaboration.
  • It encourages contributions to society through community service, volunteering, and impactful initiatives.
  • Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan will oversee the initiative along with Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Source: ANI

2. Discovery of Giant Radio Galaxies by South Africa’s MeerKAT Telescope

• What:
  • The MeerKAT telescope has discovered a giant radio galaxy named Inkathazo, which has plasma jets spanning 3.3 million light-years.
• Why:
  • This discovery aims to enhance understanding of the physics behind giant radio galaxies and their formation in the universe.
• Tell me more:
  • The MeerKAT telescope is located in the Karoo region of South Africa and consists of 64 radio dishes.
  • It serves as a precursor to the Square Kilometre Array, which will be the world’s largest telescope by 2028.
  • The discovery of Inkathazo adds to the ongoing research conducted by the International Gigahertz Tiered Extragalactic Exploration (MIGHTEE) team.

Source: BS

3. NASA Discovers LID-568: A Supermassive Black Hole

• What:
  • An international research team has discovered a unique black hole named LID-568 using NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and the Chandra X-ray Observatory.
• Why:
  • The discovery aims to provide new insights into the formation and growth of supermassive black holes in the universe.
• Tell me more:
  • LID-568 existed just 1.5 billion years after the Big Bang and is feeding on surrounding matter at nearly 40 times the previously assumed upper limit.
  • It was first identified through Chandra’s X-ray observations but was confirmed by JWST.
  • The Eddington limit, which dictates how much matter a black hole can accrete, is significantly surpassed by LID-568.

Source: TH

5. 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum

• C4IR India’s Impact Journey Report
  • Launch: The Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) India released its 6-year Impact Journey Report.
  • Established: C4IR India was launched in 2018 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, with NITI Aayog and Reliance Industries as founding partners.
  • Impact:
    • Reached 1.25 million people and aims to expand to 10 million.
    • Focus areas: Climate technology, space technologies.
    • Key projects: AI for India 2030, Space Economy initiative, AVIATE (Aviation – Innovation Autonomy and Technology for Everyone).
  • Recognition: WEF acknowledged India’s role as a global leader in technological innovation and economic growth.
  • Partnership: WEF and India have collaborated for over 40 years, making strides in AI-driven agriculture, healthcare, and sustainable urban development.
• India’s WASH Innovations Lead Global Discourse
  • Discussion: “India’s WASH Innovation: Driving Global Impact in Climate and Water Sustainability” held at the India Pavilion.
  • Focus: India’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives and their role in climate resilience.
  • Achievements Highlighted:
    • Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM): Over 95 million toilets constructed.
    • Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM): Expansion of household tap water connections.
  • Panel Discussions:
    • Topics: “Bringing Global Impact in Water Sustainability” and “Innovation in Global Health Through Sanitation.”
    • Participants: National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), UNICEF, WaterAid, Gates Foundation, Riseberg Ventures, and actor-advocate Vivek Oberoi.
  • Key Speaker: Union Minister C. R. Patil emphasized India’s contributions toward UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and 13 (Climate Action).
• WEF Report: “Blueprint to Close the Women’s Health Gap”
  • Released by: WEF and McKinsey Health Institute (MHI), USA.
  • Key Findings:
    • Addressing women-specific health issues could contribute USD 400 billion to global GDP annually by 2040.
    • Women spend 25% more of their lives in poor health than men.
  • Health Conditions Identified (9 Total):
    • Life-threatening conditions (5): Maternal hypertensive disorders, postpartum hemorrhage, ischemic heart disease, cervical cancer, breast cancer.
    • Chronic conditions (4): Endometriosis, menopause, migraine, premenstrual syndrome.
  • Initiatives Introduced:
    • Women’s Health Impact Tracking (WHIT) Platform: Created by Global Alliance for Women’s Health to measure and track health gaps.
    • Five Key Actions:
      • Count women: Improve global data collection.
      • Study women: Advance research in hormonal health.
      • Care for women: Implement condition-specific clinical guidelines.
      • Include all women: Expand early treatment access.
      • Invest in women: Promote funding for women’s health research.
• Major Investment Announcements at WEF 2025
  • India Secures USD 250 Million Investment from Belgium’s AB InBev
    • Sector: Beverage industry.
    • Timeframe: Next two to three years.
    • Beneficiary States: Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, South Indian regions.
• Telangana Secures Rs 1.78 Lakh Crore Investments
  • Jobs Created: 49,550.
  • Focus Areas: Data centers, pumped storage facilities.
  • Key Investors:
    • Ramky Group: Integrated industrial parks, a dry port, and townships.
    • MTS Group LLC: Committed significant investments.
• The Maharashtra government has entered into 61 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) totaling an impressive Rs 15.70 lakh crore.

Source: TOI PIB WEF ANI NIE FE

Banking and Economy

1. Jio Introduces JioSoundPay for Small Merchants

• What:
  • Reliance-backed Jio announced a new feature called JioSoundPay for its JioBharat device, providing free audio confirmations for UPI payments to small-scale merchants.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to enhance business operations for small merchants like kirana stores and roadside eateries by making payment processes more efficient.
• Tell me more:
  • JioSoundPay offers instant, multilingual audio confirmations, which will save small merchants approximately Rs 1,500 annually, as they currently pay around Rs 125 monthly for similar sound boxes.
  • Reliance Jio recently regained subscribers after four months of losses, while other private telecom companies also experienced subscriber losses in November.

Source: ET

2. SBI Payments and Pine Labs Strengthen Partnership

• What:
  • SBI Payments and Pine Labs announced an expanded partnership to enhance digital payment solutions for merchants in India.
• Why:
  • The collaboration aims to accelerate the adoption of digital payments and improve business operations for small-scale merchants.
• Tell me more:
  • The partnership will combine SBI Payments’ distribution network with Pine Labs’ merchant solutions to create a seamless checkout experience.
  • A comprehensive digitization suite will be offered to help merchants streamline workflows and drive sales growth.
  • The alliance reflects a commitment to financial inclusion and empowering merchants through advanced payment solutions.

Source: APAC

3. MobiKwik Launches India’s First CBDC Wallet

• What:
  • MobiKwik has launched the first full-scale Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) wallet, e-rupee (e₹), in collaboration with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Yes Bank.
• Why:
  • The e₹ wallet aims to facilitate digital transactions and reduce cash dependency in India.
• Tell me more:
  • The e₹ wallet is available to all Android users and allows peer-to-peer (P2P) and peer-to-merchant (P2M) transactions.
  • Users can pay by scanning any UPI QR code, as the wallet is compatible with the Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
  • Existing MobiKwik users can open an e₹ wallet immediately after completing KYC, while new users must complete a video KYC process.
  • The wallet supports daily transactions up to ₹50,000 and a limit of ₹10,000 per transaction.

Source: CNBC

4. RBL Bank and Piramal Finance Launch Co-Lending Partnership

• What:
  • RBL Bank and Piramal Finance have announced a co-lending partnership to provide loans to middle- and low-income borrowers in rural and semi-urban areas.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to address the credit gap for MSMEs and home loan borrowers, enhancing financial inclusion.
• Tell me more:
  • This is Piramal Finance’s third co-lending collaboration after similar ventures with Axis Bank and Central Bank of India.
  • The partnership will utilize RBL Bank’s extensive network of over 2,000 touchpoints and Piramal Finance’s technology-driven loan processing system.
  • Loans will be tailored for underserved borrowers, with a focus on Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets.

Source: TOI

5. Paytm Introduces QR Widget for Easy Payments

• What:
  • Paytm-owner One97 Communications Limited has launched the ‘Receive Money QR Widget’ for Android users.
• Why:
  • This feature aims to simplify the payment collection process for various users, including influencers, shopkeepers, and small businesses.
• Tell me more:
  • The QR widget allows users to display their unique QR code on their phone’s home screen without opening the Paytm app.
  • Users can make payments by scanning any UPI QR code, making transactions faster and more efficient.
  • Paytm also introduced a “coin-drop” sound notification to confirm payments received instantly.

Source: TOI

6. AIonOS and Indosat Partner to Enhance Indonesia’s AI Ecosystem

• What:
  • AIonOS and Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison have signed an agreement to transform Indonesia’s AI ecosystem through a collaboration called AI Cube.
• Why:
  • This partnership, the first large-scale AI-focused collaboration between India and Indonesia, aims to leverage AI to boost key sectors like food security, talent development, and tourism, contributing to Indonesia’s “Golden Indonesia Vision 2045.”
• Tell me more:
  • The collaboration will utilize AIonOS’s technology along with Indosat’s local expertise to develop innovative solutions for Indonesia’s digital economy.
  • Strategic pillars of AI Cube include transforming the travel economy, cultivating a knowledge economy, and advancing sustainable food security.
  • The initiative aims to enhance Indonesia’s travel sector contribution to GDP and integrate its cultural heritage with global travel networks.
  • The partnership will work with educational institutions in both countries to develop an AI-enabled workforce.

7. SEBI Launches Digital Repository “Dharohar” for Indian Securities Market

• What:
  • The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has launched a digital knowledge repository called “Dharohar – Milestones in the Indian securities market.”
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to document and showcase the rich heritage and evolution of the Indian securities market, enhancing awareness among various stakeholders.
• Tell me more:
  • The repository was launched on the occasion of India’s 76th Republic Day and features a website with an interactive timeline and 3D galleries.
  • It contains over 3,000 assets, including articles, regulations, interviews, historic newspaper clippings, share certificates, infographics, videos, and committee reports.
  • The repository is designed for a wide audience, including students, investors, researchers, journalists, and the general public.

Source: ET

8. India and Oman Accelerate Economic Partnership Talks

• What:
  • India and Oman have decided to expedite discussions for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and signed a protocol to amend the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA).
• Why:
  • The aim is to strengthen bilateral trade relations and align tax procedures with international standards.
• Tell me more:
  • The discussions were held during Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal’s visit to Oman on January 27-28.
  • India’s exports to Oman in 2023-24 were valued at $4.47 billion, while imports were $4.5 billion, primarily consisting of petroleum products and urea.
  • The protocol aims to simplify tax procedures and enhance cooperation in tax matters between the two countries.

Source: ET

9. Moody: India’s Economic Outlook for 2025

• What:
  • Moody’s Analytics has stated that India needs to change its fiscal and monetary policy to achieve a 6.4% GDP growth in 2025 due to challenges like a weak rupee and declining foreign investment.
• Why:
  • The purpose is to support domestic demand and investment while aiming for a fiscal deficit of less than 4.5% of GDP for the next fiscal year.
• Tell me more:
  • The fiscal deficit was 5.6% in 2023-24 and is expected to decrease to 4.9% in the current fiscal year.
  • The rupee has weakened significantly, hitting a record low of Rs 86.6 to the US dollar in mid-January 2025.
  • Inflation is expected to cool to 4.7% in 2025, but the tumbling rupee may increase imported inflation.
  • GDP growth in India was approximately 6.8% in 2024, down from 7.8% in 2023.

Source: ET

Awards

1. Maharaja Hari Singh Peace & Harmony Award Presented

• What:
  • The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, presented the Maharaja Hari Singh Peace & Harmony Award to recipients posthumously.
• Why:
  • The award honors individuals for their leadership qualities and dedication to the welfare of the people.
• Tell me more:
  • The recipients included Pandit Prem Nath Dogra, Pandit Girdhari Lal Dogra, and Devender Singh Rana (posthumous).
  • The Lieutenant Governor emphasized the contributions of Maharaja Hari Singh in shaping modern Jammu and Kashmir and his commitment to social welfare.

Source: J&K

Sports

1. Senior National Table Tennis Championships 2025

• Location: Pandit Dindayal Upadhyay Indoor Stadium in Surat

Source: ANI

2. Women’s Hockey India League 2024-25

• Odisha Warriors defeated Soorma Hockey Club 2-1 in the final of the Women’s Hockey India League 2024-25 held in Ranchi.
• The final took place at Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Hockey Stadium.

Source: OC

3. Khelo India Winter Games 2025

• What:
  • Ladakh finished first in the Khelo India Winter Games 2025, with the event concluding at NDS Stadium, Leh.
• Why:
  • The games aim to promote winter sports and provide a platform for athletes from various regions in India.
• Tell me more:
  • The Indian Army won the men’s ice hockey final against ITBP with a score of 2-1.
  • Ladakh won a total of seven medals, including four golds, during the games. Ladakh secured two gold medals on the final day, including a mixed relay win in ice skating.
  • The second phase of the KIWG 2025 will take place in Gulmarg from February 22-25.

Source: ANI

4. ICC Women’s Championship Trophy 2025

• What:
  • Australia was awarded the ICC Women’s Championship trophy after winning the 10-team competition.
• Why:
  • The championship serves as a pathway to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 and aims to grow women’s cricket globally.
• Tell me more:
  • Captain Alyssa Healy received the trophy in Melbourne from ICC Director Mike Baird.
  • Australia has won all three editions of the championship since its inception in 2014.
  • The championship featured eight teams initially, with Bangladesh and Ireland added in the latest edition from 2022 to 2025.

Source: ICC

Memorandum of Understanding

1. Indonesia-India MOUs

• What:
  • Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to Delhi resulted in the signing and renewal of five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in various fields.
• Tell me more:

Source: ANI CNBC

Appointments

1. Zoho Corporation’s New CEO

• Shailesh Kumar Davey has become the new group CEO.

Source: LM

2. KRBL Partners with Amitabh Bachchan for Rice Brand

• KRBL has appointed Amitabh Bachchan as the brand ambassador for India Gate Basma Rice.
• KRBL Limited is an Indian rice processing and exporting company, and the world’s largest rice miller.
• It is best known for its India Gate brand of basmati rice, which is the largest selling rice brand in India.

Source: BS

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