20th-22nd January 2025

1. Forbes Billionaires List 2025- World’s Richest People
2. India Tests ‘Bhargavastra’ Micro-Missile for Countering Drone Swarms
3. Alok Kumar Agarwal Appointed CEO of Zurich Kotak General Insurance
4. Ranji Trophy Winners List (1934-2025)
5. Sanjiv Ranjan Appointed as Secretary General of Indian Ocean Rim Association
6. List of ICC Champions Trophy Winners (1998-2025)
7. Russia and Iran Forge Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
8. China Unveils World’s Longest Tunnel, Enhances BRI Connectivity
9. Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura Celebrate Statehood Day 2025
10. Flamingo Festival 2025 Concludes in Andhra Pradesh
11. India’s Coffee Journey: From Roots to Global Reach; World’s 7th Largest Coffee Producer
12. ISKCON and Adani Group Collaborate to Serve Meals at Maha Kumbh Mela
13. Ambarish Kenghe Appointed Group CEO of Angel One, Effective March 2025
14. Donald Trump Sworn in as 47th President of the United States
15. Karnataka Clinch Vijay Hazare Trophy For Record 5th Time
16. Uttarakhand Clears Uniform Civil Code Rules
17. Smriti Irani, Shekhar Kapur Join PM Museum Council
18. Pankaj Mishra’s ‘The World After Gaza’: A Guide to Challenging Times
19. Kokborok Language Protests Call for Roman Script Adoption
20. CII Projects 7% GDP Growth for 2025-26 Amid Rising Investments
21. Denis Law, Manchester United & Scotland Legend, Dies at 84
22. Uttarakhand-Iceland Partnership for Geothermal Energy
23. India Dominates Inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025
24. Musi River’s Historic Buildings on 2025 World Monuments Watch
25. GI Tag for Virgin Coconut Oil of Andaman
26. HSBC India Expands: RBI Approves 20 New Branches
27. Urbasi Sinha Wins Gates-Cambridge Impact Prize 2025
28. Odisha-Singapore MoU: Launch of FinTech Hub in Bhubaneswar
29. Legendary Director David Lynch Dies at 78
30. Djokovic Breaks Federer’s Record for Grand Slam Match Count
31. Cabinet Approves ₹11,440 Crore Revival Package for Debt-Ridden RINL
32. First Black-eyed Pea Sprouts in Space by ISRO
33. Lokpal of India Commemorates First Foundation Day
34. Justice Arun Mishra: New Ombudsman of BCCI
35. Mridangist T.V. Gopalakrishnan Honoured with RK Srikantan Trust Award
36. Kalagram: Cultural Heart of Mahakumbh 2025
37. Vineet Joshi Takes Charge as Secretary of Higher Education
38. Nine Years of Startup India: A Journey of Innovation
39. India’s Textile Sector at Heimtextil 2025
40. PM Modi Inaugurates Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025

National News

1. PMML Society Reconstituted with New Members

• What:
  • The Prime Ministers’ Museum & Library (PMML) society has been reconstituted, with Nripendra Mishra continuing as chairperson for another five years.
• Why:
  • The reconstitution aims to enhance the governance and functioning of the PMML, ensuring it meets its objectives effectively.
• Tell me more:
  • The society now includes notable members such as Smriti Irani, Rajiv Kumar, and filmmaker Shekhar Kapur.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi serves as the president, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is the vice-president of the decision-making body.
  • The new council has expanded to 34 members from the previous 29.

Source: IE

2. First Foundation Day of Lokpal Celebrated

• What:
  • The first Foundation Day of the Lokpal of India was celebrated on January 16 at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, attended by Chief Justice of India, Shri Justice Sanjiv Khanna.
• Why:
  • This event marks the establishment of the Lokpal under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, which came into force on January 16, 2014.
• Tell me more:
  • Justice A.M. Khanwilkar, Chairperson of Lokpal, emphasized the need for vigilance against corruption and outlined measures to enhance Lokpal’s effectiveness.

Source: PIB

3. India Pavilion Inaugurated at Heimtextil 2025

• What:
  • The Hon’ble Minister of Textiles inaugurated the India Pavilion at Heimtextil 2025 in Messe Frankfurt, Germany, showcasing India’s textile industry.
• Why:
  • This event highlights India’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global partnerships in the textile sector.
• Tell me more:
  • India had the largest participation at this global home textiles fair, with a focus on collaboration for sustainable growth.
  • The Minister invited global investors to explore opportunities in India’s textile ecosystem and emphasized the success of the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Source: PIB

4. Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025

• What:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
• Why:
  • The expo aims to boost India’s mobility sector, innovation, and sustainability while attracting global investments.
• Tell me more:
  • It is the world’s second-largest automotive expo and is expected to become the biggest next year.
  • The event spans three venues: Bharat Mandapam (New Delhi), Yashobhoomi (Dwarka), and India Expo Centre & Mart (Greater Noida).
  • It covers 200,000+ sq. meters, with 1,500+ exhibitors, 500,000+ visitors, nine concurrent shows, and 20+ conferences.
  • The expo aligns with Viksit Bharat 2047 and supports Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.
  • Engineering Export Promotion Council, India (EEPC) is coordinating the event with support from SIAM, ACMA, ICEMA, ATMA, IESA, ISA, NASSCOM, MRAI, ITPO, Invest India, IBEF, CII, Yashobhoomi, and IEML.

Source: PIB1 PIB2

State News

1. Statehood Day Celebrations for Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura

• What:
  • The Statehood Day of Manipur, Meghalaya, and Tripura was celebrated at Raj Bhavan in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh.
• Why:
  • The celebration aims to promote unity and cultural diversity among the states and strengthen the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.’
• Tell me more:
  • With the introduction of North-East Area (Re-organisation) Act 1971, Tripura, Manipur and Meghalaya attained statehood on January 21, 1972.

Source: TOI

2. Flamingo Festival 2025 Celebrated at Nelapattu Sanctuary

• The Flamingo Festival 2025 concluded at the Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh, attracting thousands of participants including students and bird enthusiasts.

Source: IE

3. ISKCON and Adani Group Serve Meals at Maha Kumbh

• ISKCON, in partnership with the Adani Group, is providing meals to nearly one lakh people daily at the Maha Kumbh.
• The initiative involves 100 vehicles provided by the Adani Group for food distribution.

Source: BS

4. Uttarakhand Approves Uniform Civil Code Implementation

• What:
  • The Uttarakhand cabinet has approved the rules for the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), set to be implemented in the next 10 days.
• Why:
  • The UCC aims to create a common set of laws governing personal matters such as marriage and inheritance, promoting equality and justice.
• Tell me more:
  • Uttarakhand will be the first state in India to adopt the UCC since Independence.
  • A five-member panel led by Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai drafted the code after extensive public consultations.

Source: TOI

5. Tribals Demand Roman Script for Kokborok Language

• What:
  • Several tribal groups organized a demonstration demanding the adoption of the Roman script for the Kokborok language in Tripura.

Source: ET

6. Uttarakhand Government Partners with Iceland for Geothermal Energy

• What:
  • The Uttarakhand government has identified 40 geothermal sites and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Iceland’s Verkis Consulting Engineers to develop geothermal energy.
• Why:
  • This initiative aims to promote renewable energy resources and contribute to achieving carbon neutrality by 2070.
• Tell me more:
  • The MoU signing took place at the Secretariat with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Dr. Benedikt Hoskuldsson, the Ambassador of Iceland, in attendance.
  • The Icelandic government will fund the feasibility study for geothermal energy in Uttarakhand.
  • The Geological Survey of India and the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology identified the geothermal sites.
  • Verkis Consulting Engineers specializes in geothermal projects globally.

Source: NIE

7. Women Empowered in Virgin Coconut Oil Production

• What:
  • Women in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands producing Virgin coconut oil are being organized into self-help groups and receiving training in marketing and branding.
• Why:
  • This initiative aims to economically empower tribal communities in the region following the Virgin coconut oil’s recent Geographical Indication (GI) tag recognition.
• Tell me more:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced this during the 118th episode of Mann Ki Baat.
  • The GI tag for Virgin coconut oil was awarded to the Nicobar district.

Source: ANI

8. Odisha Partners with GFTN for Global Competency Centre

• What:
  • The Government of Odisha has partnered with Singapore-based Global Finance and Technology Network (GFTN) to establish a Global Competency Centre in Bhubaneswar focusing on InsureTech.
• Why:
  • This initiative aims to support India’s vision of “Insurance for All” by 2047, promoting financial inclusion.
• Tell me more:
  • The agreement was signed during the visit of Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam.
  • The center will facilitate product development, skilling initiatives, and international forums.
  • Key initiatives include an advanced skilling center and a global sandbox platform for insurance innovation.

Source: N18

9. Kalagram Celebrates India’s Cultural Heritage at Mahakumbh 2025

• What:
  • Kalagram, a cultural hub at Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, was inaugurated on January 12, 2025, showcasing India’s diverse heritage.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to celebrate and promote India’s rich traditions through crafts, cuisines, and cultural performances.
• Tell me more:
  • Kalagram is a 10-acre cultural hub at Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, conceptualized by the Ministry of Culture.
  • It showcases India’s rich heritage through Craft, Cuisines, and Culture, bringing together artisans, performers, and culinary experts from across the country.
  • It features regional crafts, live performances, historical exhibitions, immersive storytelling zones, and traditional cuisine, offering visitors an interactive and transformative experience of India’s cultural legacy.

Source: PIB

International News

1. Iranian President Signs Cooperation Treaty in Russia

• What:
  • Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Russia to sign a comprehensive cooperation treaty amid growing economic challenges in Iran.
• Why:
  • The treaty aims to strengthen ties between Iran and Russia across various sectors, including trade, military cooperation, science, education, and culture.
• Tell me more:
  • The signing of the treaty comes ahead of the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who has indicated a tougher stance on Iran.
  • Iran joined the BRICS bloc of developing economies last year, which reflects its growing international partnerships.
  • Russia has been a key ally for Iran, providing military support and technology, including the construction of Iran’s first nuclear plant.
  • The treaty is seen as crucial for Iran as it faces economic sanctions and regional challenges, particularly from Israel.

Source: HT

2. China Builds Major Tunnel to Enhance Connectivity

• What:
  • China has constructed a 22.13-km expressway tunnel in the Xinjiang region to improve connectivity between Central Asia and eastern China.
• Why:
  • The tunnel is part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and aims to boost trade and transport links in Eurasia.
• Tell me more:
  • The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel will reduce travel time through the Tianshan Mountains from three hours to about 20 minutes.
  • The tunnel will also connect to the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, which is under construction.
  • The Tianshan Mountains are referred to as a “geological museum” due to their numerous fault zones.

Source: ET

Banking and Economy

1. HSBC India to Open 20 New Branches

• What:
  • HSBC India has received approval from the Reserve Bank of India to open 20 branches in 20 different cities.
• Tell me more:
  • With these new branches, HSBC India’s total will reach 46, up from 26 closures made in recent years.
  • The selected cities for the new branches include Amritsar, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, and others.
  • The new branches aim to serve affluent clients and tap into growing wealth pools in these cities.

Source: BS

Defence News

1. India’s Solar Group Tests Unique Counter-Drone System Named ‘Bhargavastra’

• What:
  • The Solar Group has tested the world’s first guided micro missile counter-drone system, capable of firing 64 missiles in a single salvo.
• Why:
  • This system aims to provide a cost-effective solution to counter drone strikes, which currently rely on expensive surface-to-air missiles.
• Tell me more:
  • The system was developed based on lessons from conflicts in Azerbaijan-Armenia and Russo-Ukraine, where thousands of drones are deployed annually.
  • Named ‘Bhargavastra,’ the system can effectively target swarm drones that are difficult to jam or spoof.
  • Trials were conducted at Seaward Firing Ranges in Gopalpur, Odisha, achieving successful hits on designated targets.

Source: TOI

Science and Technology

1. ISRO Successfully Germinates Seeds in Space

• What:
  • ISRO’s Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS) has successfully germinated lobia (black-eyed pea) seeds in space.
• Why:
  • Growing plants in space is essential for sustainable food production during long space missions to celestial bodies like Mars and the Moon.
• Tell me more:
  • The experiment demonstrates that plants can provide food, oxygen, and improve mental well-being for astronauts.
  • Challenges include microgravity, which affects root growth and nutrient absorption, as well as high radiation and temperature fluctuations.
  • The CROPS module functions like a mini greenhouse with a soil-like medium, controlled light, and Earth-like atmospheric conditions.

Source: IE

Awards

1. Forbes 2025 Billionaires List

• The combined net worth of the world’s top 500 richest individuals has reached $10 trillion, driven largely by the rise of US technology stocks.
• The United States leads with 813 billionaires, followed by China with 473 and India with 200.
• The tech leaders collectively accounted for over $600 billion of the $1.5 trillion increase among the wealthiest individuals.

Source: ET

2. Musi River Historic Buildings Added to World Monuments Watch

• What:
  • The Musi River Historic Buildings in Hyderabad have been included in the 2025 World Monuments Watch announced by a New York-based organization.
• Tell me more:
  • The list also features Gujarat’s Bhuj Historic Water Systems as another site from India.
  • Key landmarks in Hyderabad include the High Court, State Central Library, Osmania General Hospital, and City College.

Source: TH

3. Professor Urbasi Sinha Wins Gates-Cambridge Impact Prize

• What:
  • Professor Urbasi Sinha from the Raman Research Institute has been awarded the Gates-Cambridge Impact Prize 2025 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
• Why:
  • The prize recognizes her contributions to quantum computing and celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Gates-Cambridge scholarship.
• Tell me more:
  • Prof. Sinha is one of eight winners and leads the Quantum Information and Computing lab at RRI.
  • Her lab was among the first in India to develop heralded and entangled photon sources for various quantum applications.
  • She is involved in the National Quantum Mission, which aims to enhance India’s capabilities in quantum technologies.

Source: DST

4. TV Gopalakrishnan Honored at Sankranti Music Festival

• What:
  • Veteran mridangist Tripunithura Viswanatha Iyer Gopalakrishnan (TVG) has been honored at the Sankranti Music Festival in Bengaluru.
• Why:
  • He received the ‘Srikanta-Shankara’ title in recognition of his significant contributions to Carnatic music over his eight-decade career.
• Tell me more:
  • He has collaborated with global music legends and has trained musicians across various genres, including film and jazz.
  • At 93, he performs around 40 concerts annually and has a deep connection with Karnataka’s music scene.

Source: TH

Sports

1. Karnataka Wins Fifth Vijay Hazare Trophy Title

• What:
  • Karnataka defeated Vidarbha by 36 runs to win their fifth Vijay Hazare Trophy title.
• Tell me more:
  • The tournament was established as the Ranji One Day Trophy in the 2002-03 season and rebranded as the Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2007-08.
  • Former Karnataka player Karun Nair was the highest run-getter in the tournament with 779 runs, while Arshdeep Singh was the highest wicket-taker with 20 wickets.

Source: IE

2. India Wins Inaugural Kho Kho World Cup Title

• What:
  • The Indian men’s and women’s kho kho teams won the Kho Kho World Cup 2025 by defeating Nepal in their respective finals.
• Why:
  • This victory marks a historic achievement as it is the inaugural edition of the Kho Kho World Cup, showcasing India’s strength in the sport.
• Tell me more:
  • The tournament featured 20 men’s teams and 19 women’s teams, supported by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
  • Both Indian teams remained unbeaten throughout the tournament.
  • The finals took place at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi.

Source: OC

3. Novak Djokovic Sets New Tennis Record

• What:
  • Novak Djokovic has set a new record for the most major singles matches played by defeating Jaime Faria.
• Tell me more:
  • Djokovic’s victory marks his 430th Grand Slam singles match, making him the first player to reach this milestone.
  • He is also the first man over 30 to achieve 150 Grand Slam wins.
  • If he wins the men’s title in Melbourne, he will become the first player to win 25 Grand Slam singles titles.
  • No other player has reached the 400-match milestone in Grand Slam singles.

Source: OC

Appointments

1. Alok Kumar Agarwal Appointed CEO of Zurich Kotak

• What:
  • Alok Kumar Agarwal has been appointed as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zurich Kotak General Insurance, effective January 1, 2025.
• Tell me more:
  • Alok Kumar Agarwal joins Zurich Kotak from ICICI Lombard General Insurance, where he held various leadership roles for 22 years.
  • In June 2024, Zurich completed the acquisition of a majority stake in Kotak Mahindra General Insurance, marking its entry into India’s growing insurance market.

Source: ET

2. Ambarish Kenghe Appointed as CEO of Angel One

• Ambarish Kenghe has been appointed as the Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Angel One, effective March 2025.
• Kenghe previously worked as Vice President and General Manager at Google Pay APAC and was Chief Product Officer at Myntra.
• Dinesh Thakkar is the Chairman and Managing Director of Angel One.

Source: ET

3. 47th US President

• Donald Trump has taken oath as the 47th President of the United States of America.

Source: TN

4. Justice Arun Mishra Appointed BCCI Ombudsman

• Former Supreme Court judge Justice Arun Mishra has been appointed as the Ombudsman of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and will also serve as the BCCI Ethics Officer.
• Justice Mishra served in the Supreme Court from July 7, 2014, to September 2, 2020, and was the chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) from June 2, 2021, until June 1, 2024.

Source: ET

Miscellaneous

1. ‘The World After Gaza’ Book by Pankaj Mishra

Source: Scroll

2. Denis Law, Manchester United Legend, Passes Away

• Denis Law (Scottish), the legendary Manchester United player and Scotland international, has died at the age of 84.

Source: IE

3. David Lynch, Twin Peaks and Mulholland Drive Director Passed Away

• David Lynch, the storied American moviemaker, musician and actor, has died.

Source: TG

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