January 2025 Current Affairs MCQ Questions and Answers

The 72nd Plenary of the North Eastern Council (NEC) was held in Agartala, Tripura from 20 to 21 December 2024. Home Minister Amit Shah chaired the 72nd NEC Plenary which was founded in 1972. He acknowledged the effective roles played by the regional body in ensuring development and growth in the region in the past 52 years.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal announced that under the Sanjeevani Yojana, the Delhi government will provide free treatment for senior citizens aged 60 and above. Kejriwal stated that registration for the Sanjeevani Yojana has commenced in the Jangpura assembly constituency.

The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved an $800 million loan to support the Amaravati Integrated Urban Development Programme in Andhra Pradesh. This initiative aims to establish Amaravati as a climate-resilient, well-managed urban centre that promotes economic growth, and improves living standards, particularly for vulnerable communities.

Madath Thekkepaattu Vasudevan Nair, a celebrated Malayalam author, screenwriter, and filmmaker has passed away in Kerala. Born in Kerala’s Kudallur in 1933, MT’s works captured the ethos of Malayali society, often weaving intricate tales of human relationships, cultural dilemmas, and existential struggles of postindependence Kerala.

Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL) has recently entered into an important agreement with Canara Bank. This partnership has been done with the aim of promoting the Prime Minister’s Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme.

The 18th biennial India State of Forest Report (ISFR2023) was released by Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav on December 21 at the Forest Research Institute in Dehradun. The ISFR is released biennially and involves forest cover mapping of the country using satellite data.

The New Delhi airport has become the first airport in India to connect 150 destinations, said Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL). The airport operator said that the ongoing induction of wide-body aircraft by Indian carriers is set to transform Delhi Airport into a super-connector hub, reinforcing its position as a leading choice for international and long-haul travel.

A total of 47 projects from Bihar have been issued inprinciple approvals for interest subvention on bank loans for establishing new or expanding existing distilleries, the government said. Currently, 22 ethanol distilleries – 8 molasses-based and 14 grain-based – are operational in Bihar

Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister for Science and Technology unveiled Kisan Kavach, India’s first-of-itskind anti-pesticide bodysuit. Designed to protect farmers from the harmful effects of pesticide exposure, this innovation marks a transformative step in ensuring farmer safety.

Times Internet, the digital arm of The Times of India Group, in partnership with ICICI Bank and Visa, has launched the Times Black ICICI Bank Credit Card, a superpremium co-branded metal credit card to cater to affluent Indians and the growing base of high net-worth individuals (HNIs).

Qatar has reopened its embassy in Damascus, 13 years after closing it during the early stages of Syria’s civil war. The move comes as foreign governments seek to establish relations with Syria’s new leadership. The Qatari embassy in Damascus had been closed since July 2011, when Doha withdrew its ambassador in response to violent crackdowns on protesters by Assad’s regime.

Celebrated filmmaker Shyam Benegal, renowned for his significant contributions to Indian cinema, passed away in December 2024 at the age of 90. Throughout his nearly seven-decade-long career, Benegal explored a wide range of themes, mediums, and perspectives, addressing topics such as rural hardships, feminist issues, incisive satire, and biographical narratives.

One of the premier events of the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), the National Science Drama Festival 2024 was held at the National Science Centre, Delhi on 27th and 28th December 2024. The Chief Guest of the ceremony was Shri Robin Kumar Das, Eminent Theatre Director & Actor, National Awardee in Scenic Design and Former Professor, National School of Drama, New Delhi.

Madhya Pradesh has garnered international recognition as one of the Wall Street Journal’s “Go-To Global Destinations for 2025,” highlighting its rich legacy, diverse wildlife, and natural beauty. This coveted recognition adds to the state’s continuous attempts to position itself as a top vacation destination.

President of India Smt Droupadi Murmu appointed retired Supreme Court Justice V. Ramasubramanian as the Chairperson of National Human Rights Commission. The post of NHRC chief was lying vacant since June 2024.President also appointed Priyank Kanoongo and retired Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi as the Members of the NHRC-India.

HDFC Bank said it has become the first domestic bank to execute a gold forward deal from GIFT City, Gujarat. The deal was executed by HDFC Bank GIFT City IBU in collaboration with Hindustan Platinum Private Limited, a refiner and manufacturer of precious metal products and industrial services.

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar received the Shri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati National Award of Excellence for Public Leadership from the South Indian Education Society (SIES). In his speech, Jaishankar stressed India’s self- sufficiency and while commemorating the Maha Parivar’s lessons about the significance of worldwide collaboration and universal brotherhood.

Malaysia has announced an extension of the visa exemption for Indian nationals until December 31, 2026. A similar exemption has been granted to Chinese nationals. The exemption allows Indian nationals to visit Malaysia without a visa for up to 30 days.

Goa Governor P.S. Sreedharan Pillai released ‘Ente Jeevitham Niraye: The Autobiography of a Nephrologist’ written by Dr. K. Thomas Mathew, in Kozhikode. Chairman and managing director of Baby Memorial Hospital Dr. K.G. Alexander received the book while Thottathil Raveendran, MLA, presided over the event.

The Central Government has notified the appointment of Chief Justices of two High Courts – Himachal Pradesh & Uttarakhand High Court. While Justice G. Narendar has been appointed as the Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court, Justice GS Sandhawalia has been appointed as the Himachal Pradesh High Court’s Chief Justice.

Mukesh Ambani, along with his daughter Isha Ambani, is spearheading the pilot launch of Shein’s casual women’s western wear on the Ajio platform through Reliance Retail. This marks the return of the Chinese fast-fashion brand to the Indian market after a ban of nearly four and a half years.

On December 22, Indore Airport officially became the first zero-waste airport in India. The airport has adopted a comprehensive waste management system where garbage from both the aircraft and the airport will be recycled, with wet waste converted into fertilizer.

Bihar is all set to script history once more as it prepares to host the Women’s Kabaddi World Cup in March 2025. This is the second time, Bihar will organize this prestigious international event, following its successful debut as the host in 2012.

Jasprit Bumrah’s exploits in Australia have resulted in him setting records in both the ICC ratings and rankings. Bumrah, the No. 1 Test bowler in the men’s game, has 904 points in the Test Ratings. He is only the second Indian after Ravichandran Ashwin to score 900-plus points.

Tonga’s government elected a new leader, two weeks after the previous premier resigned abruptly after a power struggle with the Pacific nation’s royal family. Veteran politician Aisake Valu Eke was voted prime minister by secret ballot in parliament

Veer Bal Diwas, which falls every year on December 26, is a national day of remembrance in India that marks the extraordinary bravery and martyrdom of the younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru. The decision to commemorate this day was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 9, 2022

India’s medal-winning athletes are aiming to reach higher levels in the new year after their impressive show at the December 19-25 Asian youth and junior weightlifting championships 2024 in Doha. Overall, India won 33 medals across youth and junior categories.

J&K Bank has announced the appointment of Amitava Chatterjee, currently Deputy Managing Director of State Bank of India (SBI), as its new managing director (MD) and CEO. Chatterjee, in his banking career spanning over more than three decades in diverse geographical locations and strategic positions, also served as MD and CEO of SBI CAPS.

The bald eagle has finally got an official status of the national bird of the US, after President Joe Biden signed a law on Christmas Eve. The legislation, introduced by Senator Amy Klobuchar and Representative Brad Finstad, both from Minnesota, highlights the bald eagle as “a historic symbol of the United States, representing independence, strength, and freedom.”

Hero Future Energies (HFE) recently launched a 29 MW solar power project in Chitradurga, Karnataka, marking a significant step in the company’s renewable energy portfolio. The project is expected to produce 33 million units of clean energy each year, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 31,624 tonnes annually.

The first confirmed case of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Bengaluru was detected on January 6, 2025. This respiratory virus, similar to the common cold, poses a significant threat as it can lead to severe complications, particularly in children and the elderly. States like Delhi, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh have responded by strengthening surveillance, implementing testing protocols, and establishing isolation facilities to mitigate risks and prevent a potential outbreak.

The Banded Royal Butterfly, a rare and strikingly beautiful species, was spotted in the forests of Tripura. Its distinctive black and white patterns make it one of India’s lesser-seen species, and its presence highlights the region’s rich biodiversity. Environmentalists emphasize the need to protect such species as they play an essential role in pollination and ecological balance. Conservation efforts are expected to intensify in the region to safeguard the butterfly’s habitat.

Under the Ladki Bahin Scheme, launched in June 2024, eligible women from economically weaker sections receive ₹1,500 per month. This initiative aims to provide financial stability and uplift the beneficiaries. However, concerns about the scheme’s sustainability have arisen, as its annual expenditure is estimated to be ₹46,000 crore. The government is reviewing the process to streamline operations and verify beneficiaries, ensuring the program’s long-term viability.

World Day of War Orphans, observed on January 6, highlights the struggles faced by children who have lost their parents to war and conflict. These children often deal with displacement, lack of education, and limited access to healthcare. Various non-governmental organizations and international bodies conduct awareness campaigns, fundraisers, and initiatives to support these vulnerable children. In India, programs were organized in conflict-affected regions to address their challenges and protect their rights.

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan’s visit to India focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in critical areas such as defense, artificial intelligence, and space exploration. This high-profile visit underscores the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations. Sullivan’s discussions with Indian officials also covered collaborative strategies to address security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region and foster advancements in emerging technologies.

The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu conferred the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar on 17 children, in seven categories, for their exceptional achievements at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre on December 26, 2024.

Indian batting great Sachin Tendulkar has accepted an invitation to become an honorary member of the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC). MCC is one of the oldest sports clubs in Australia and is responsible for managing the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

China has approved the construction of the world’s largest dam, stated to be the planet’s biggest infra project costing $137 billion, on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet close to the Indian border, raising concerns in neighbouring countries— India and Bangladesh.

India’s Lakshya Sen finished third in the King Cup International Badminton Open 2024 after beating French shuttler Alex Lanier at Shenzhen, the People’s Republic of China. Sen beat world No. 18 Lanier by a 21-17, 21-11 scoreline in the third-place playoff match.

While other countries are showcasing their fifthgeneration fighter jets or striving to acquire them, China has stunned the world by flying its sixth-generation fighter jet. Equipped with advanced stealth technology and versatile combat capabilities, the J-36 marks a significant leap in China’s military aviation power.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has launched a new citizen-centric initiative called the SWAR (Speech and Written Analysis Resource) platform. The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s Bhashini Team (National Language Translation Mission), has developed the SWAR platform

Koneru Humpy regained the women’s World rapid chess championship after a gap of five years. The 37-year-old from Vijayawada finished with 8.5 points after beating Indonesia’s Irene Sukandar in the final round in New York.

Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has entered into a strategic alliance with boAt, an Indian company in audio and wearables market. This collaboration aims to foster innovation and provide tailored support to DPIIT recognised Startups including startups in D2C and manufacturing domains.

Kaamya Karthikeyan, 17, has etched her name in history as the youngest female to conquer the highest peak on each of the seven continents. She had previously conquered Mt Kilimanjaro in Africa, Mt Elbrus in Europe, Mt Kosciuszko in Australia, Mt Aconcagua in South America, Mt Denali in North America, and Mt Everest in Asia.

Jasprit Bumrah achieved a remarkable feat recently, becoming the fastest Indian bowler to reach 200 Test wickets during the Boxing Day Test against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

A team of researchers at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay have developed a shock syringe, which doesn’t rely on piercing the skin with a sharp tip. Instead, it uses high-energy pressure waves (shock waves) that can travel faster than the speed of sound to pierce the skin

India will host the World Audio Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) for the first time from February 5 to 9, 2025. This summit will bring together global leaders from the media and entertainment industry, marking a significant step towards establishing India as a hub for content creation.

The Indian economy is exhibiting resilience and stability, and the gross domestic product (GDP) is projected to grow at 6.6 per cent in 2024-25, aided by a revival in rural consumption, a pickup in government consumption and investment, and strong services exports, an RBI report said

The Telangana Assembly unanimously resolved to recommend Bharat Ratna for former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh who passed away recently. The Assembly also approved a proposal to install a statue of Dr. Manmohan Singh in Hyderabad to commemorate him as a great leader who fulfilled the 60-year aspirations of the Telangana people.

ISRO successfully launched PSLV-C60 carrying the SpaDeX mission and 24 payloads from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The SPADEX mission is a pivotal project by ISRO aimed at developing and demonstrating technologies for spacecraft rendezvous, docking, and undocking using two small satellites

Senior IAS officer K Vijayanand was appointed as new chief secretary of Andhra Pradesh in place of Neerabh Kumar Prasad. In a statement, Vijayanand thanked chief minister N Chandra Babu Naidu for reposing faith and giving an opportunity to serve the state as the chief secretary

The Income Tax Department has extended the deadline of Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme 2024 from December 31, 2024 to January 31, 2025. This scheme helps taxpayers to settle an ongoing dispute by paying a lower amount of income tax.

Every year, Global Family Day is celebrated on January 1. In 1999, the members of the United Nations received a formal invitation to dedicate the first day of the year to developing strategies to bring peace to the world. Since then, Global Family Day has been celebrated every year on the same date

The Defence Ministry has declared 2025 as the year of reforms. The reform measures would be rolled out to transform the armed forces into a technologicallyadvanced combat-ready force capable of multi-domain integrated operations.

West Bengal extended their supremacy in the National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy with a 1-0 win over Kerala in the summit showdown in Hyderabad, claiming the title for an unprecedented 33rd time. Robi Hansda scored the only goal of the match in the addedtime of the second half.

Air India has become the first airline to offer in-flight WiFi on both domestic and international routes. Passengers on Airbus A350, Boeing 787-9, and select A321 neo flights will be able to connect to the internet while flying above 10,000 feet.

The Gujarat government has approved the bifurcation of Banaskantha district to form a new administrative unit named Vav-Tharad district, with its headquarters in Tharad town. State health minister and government spokesperson Rushikesh Patel said the creation of the new district addresses a longstanding public demand and aims to enhance administrative efficiency.

India’s coffee exports rose to a record high of $1,146.9 million between April and November in FY24, compared to $803.8 million during the same period last year, registering a 29 per cent rise. This figure is nearly double the exports during the same period in FY21, which stood at $460 million.

World Introvert Day, celebrated on January 2, honours the quiet strength and creativity of introverts. It raises awareness of misconceptions, promotes selfacceptance, and encourages appreciation for different personality traits.

Iran’s deputy foreign minister Majid Takht Ravanchi was on a visit to India for talks aimed at resuming energy trade, which stopped in 2019 because of US sanctions. The expansion of trade was discussed in the 19th round of India- Iran political consultations held in New Delhi during January 2-3.

Dr. K.S. Manilal, the esteemed botanist who brought the ancient botanical treasure Hortus Malabaricus to the modern world, passed away early on January 1, 2025. Dr. Manilal dedicated around 35 years of his life to researching, translating, and annotating Hortus Malabaricus, a 17th-century Latin manuscript compiled by Dutch Governor Hendrik Adrian van Rheede.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, released the book ‘Jammu Kashmir & Ladakh Through the Ages: A Visual Narrative of Continuities and Linkages’ in New Delhi. In his address, the Union Home Minister emphasized that the National Book Trust (NBT), through its latest publication, has effectively dismantled a long-standing myth about India by presenting facts and evidence, thereby establishing historical truths.

Odia poet Pratibha Satpathy was conferred with the Gangadhar National Award for Poetry-2023 during the 58th foundation day celebration of Sambalpur University. The award, instituted in memory of poet Gangadhar Meher (1862-1924), honours distinguished Indian poets annually.

World Braille Day, observed on January 4th, commemorates the birthday of Louis Braille, the visionary who developed a tactile script that revolutionized communication for blind and partially sighted individuals. Celebrated globally since 2019, this day highlights the significance of Braille in empowering visually impaired individuals to access education, information, and opportunities, fostering their full participation in society.

In a rare feat, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has secured a 100 per cent conviction rate in cases in which trial was complete in 2024 and solved several highprofile cases while arresting 210 accused across various crime categories, the agency said in a statement.

Four decades after the Bhopal gas tragedy, toxic waste, totalling 337 metric tonnes, from the defunct Union Carbide India Ltd factory in Madhya Pradesh finally left the site on January 1, 2025, reaching Pithampur industrial area in Dhar district for disposal.

The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention was held from January 8-10, 2025, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The theme for this year was “Diaspora’s contribution to a Viksit Bharat”. The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is the flagship event of the Ministry of External Affairs.

The Yogi Adityanath government of Uttar Pradesh has appointed former IPS officer Dr Satya Narayan Sabat as the new chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Subordinate Services Selection Commission (UPSSSC). Dr. Sabat, whose career spanned over three decades, was selected for the Indian Police Services in 1990.

Blinkit recently launched a rapid-response ambulance service in Gurugram, to help deliver aid within 10 minutes. CEO and co-founder Albinder Dhindsa announced this initiative on January 2, highlighting plans to expand the service to other major cities

The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) has appointed Manish Singhal as its new Secretary General. Singhal brings over 35 years of experience in both corporate India and chambers of commerce, having previously served as the Deputy Secretary General of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

The 31st National Children’s Science Congress (NCSC) was held at Ravindra Bhavan, Bhopal from January 3 to January 6, 2025. The four-day programme centred on a theme ‘Understanding Ecosystem for Health and Wellbeing’, offering students a platform to demonstrate their scientific aptitude.

Dr Bharati Kulkarni, an acclaimed physician-scientist recently took over as the Director of the ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (ICMR-NIN). Dr Kulkarni has a specialization in paediatrics from Pune University and has a Master’s degree in public health from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, USA.

State Bank of India (SBI) has launched two new deposit schemes–Har Ghar Lakhpati and SBI Patrons. Har Ghar Lakhpati is a pre-calculated Recurring Deposit (RD) scheme designed to help customers accumulate Rs 1,00,000 or multiples thereof.

The United States House of Representatives has reelected Republican Mike Johnson as its speaker. Johnson emerged victorious after an uncertain first round of voting, as some members of his party initially withheld their votes over issues like his role in the recent bipartisan budget negotiations.

Eminent physicist Rajagopala Chidambaram, who played a key role in the nuclear tests of 1974 and 1998, died, according to the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). He was also the longest serving Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA) to the Indian government from 2002-2018.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has declared the unseasonal rain in December last year a natural calamity. The move was aimed at facilitating the disbursement of compensation to farmers for crop damage due to the untimely weather event from the the state disaster response fund (SDRF).

The Telangana government has decided to celebrate the birth anniversary of Savitribai Phule on January 3 as ‘Women Teacher’s Day’ every year to honour the late social reformer and teacher’s contributions to women’s education

Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually laid the foundation stone for the new Central Ayurveda Research Institute (CARI) building in Rohini, New Delhi recently. The state-of-the-art facility, spanning 2.92 acres and built at a cost of ₹187 crore, is poised to become a global hub for Ayurvedic research and healthcare.

India has become the second highest target for cyber attacks globally in 2024, with 95 entities affected by data theft, following the United States. Key sectors impacted include finance, banking, and government. Major breaches involved millions of records and ransomware incidents were significant.

India’s metro systems have revolutionised urban travel, spanning over 1,000 km across 11 states and 23 cities.They offer millions of people a quick, affordable, and reliable mode of transportation. With this growth, India now boasts the third-largest metro network globally, reshaping how cities function and thrive.

Union Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh launched the country’s first organic fisheries cluster in Sikkim. The Union Fisheries Ministry said the organic fish cluster in Soreng District of Sikkim will boost farmer incomes and promote sustainability in aquaculture.

US President Joe Biden has announced a ban on new offshore oil and gas drilling along most of America’s coastline, weeks before Donald Trump takes office. The ban covers the entire Atlantic coast and eastern Gulf of Mexico, as well as the Pacific coast off California, Oregon and Washington and a section of the Bering Sea off Alaska.

Indonesia has officially joined the BRICS as a full member, Brazil’s government announced. The group, which brings together major emerging economies, now consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and Indonesia.

The 8th edition of Indusfood, Asia’s premier Food and Beverage (F&B) Trade Show, was inaugurated by Chirag Paswan, Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, on 8th January 2025 at the India Exposition Mart Ltd in Greater Noida, Gautam Budh Nagar

India’s rising squash star Anahat Singh won the U-17 title in the British Junior Open with a fighting win over Egypt’s Malika El Karaksy. Anahat has won the tournament previously in the U-11 and U-15 categories. She lost the U-17 final last year.

January 8 is recognized as Earth Rotation Day every year. This day marks the anniversary of French physicist Leon Foucault’s 1851 proof that the Earth revolves on its axis. He devised a pendulum to demonstrate the earth’s rotation about a fixed axis.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh held bilateral discussions with the Defence Minister of Maldives Mr. Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon in New Delhi on January 08 and comprehensively reviewed various aspects of bilateral defence & security cooperation.

Drug firm Cipla said it has launched a mobile application CipAir designed to enable the first line of screening for asthma in India. According to the Global Burden of Disease report, the total burden of asthma in India is estimated to be around 34.3 million.

V. Narayanan, a noted rocket and spacecraft propulsion expert, has succeeded S. Somanath as the new Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Dr. Narayanan was appointed as Secretary, Department of Space and Chairman, Space Commission, “for a period of two years” from January 14, 2025.

The world’s oldest living person has been revealed – and she is a 116-year-old nun from Brazil. Sister Inah Canabarro, who was born on 8 June 1908, became the world’s oldest person following the death of a woman from Japan on 29 December.

Signature Global (India) Limited, a Gurugram-based real estate company, has announced the appointment of Sanjeev Kumar Sharma as its Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This announcement follows the resignation of the former CFO, Gaurav Malik, who stepped down from the position in November 2024.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has announced the launch of the “Cashless Treatment” scheme to provide financial aid to road accident victims. Under the scheme, the government will cover treatment costs of up to ₹1.5 lakh for seven days, provided the police are informed about the accident within 24 hours.

Indian poet, journalist, film producer and former parliamentarian Pritish Nandy has passed away at 73 on January 8. Nandy was conferred the Padma Shri in 1977 for his contributions to Indian literature. He was conferred the Karamveer Puraskar in 2008.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has announced a $1 million prize for experts or organisations that succeed in deciphering the scripts of the Indus Valley Civilisation for everyone to understand. The state also allocated ₹2 crore to establish a research chair in the name of Iravatham Mahadevan, an epigraphist and civil servant, and to present an annual award to two scholars to encourage research in archaeology.

Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL) has achieved yet another milestone in Bhutan with the successful commissioning of two units of the 6×170 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project (PHEP-II). PHEP-II is a greenfield hydro project located in the Wangdue district of Western Bhutan.

Mount Ibu of Halmahera island in North Maluku province in eastern Indonesia erupted on 11 January, spewing hot lava and releasing a column of smoke and ash four kilometres (3.1 miles) into the air. Ibu is one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, erupting more than 2,000 times last year.

Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has launched special songs produced by Akashvani and Doordarshan dedicated to the Maha Kumbh 2025. Sung by Kailash Kher, the song ‘Mahakumbh Hai’ produced by Doordarshan encapsulates the spirit of devotion, celebration, and the vibrant cultural essence of the festival, an official statement said.

New Zealand opener Martin Guptill has announced his retirement from international cricket after playing for 13 years. The 38-year-old made his debut against West Indies in 2009 in an ODI at Auckland when he registered his debut ton.

Madhya Pradesh Chief minister Mohan Yadav announced the launch of “PARTH Yojana” to provide training to the state’s youth aspiring to join the Army and police. Under the “PARTH Yojana”, the sports department will conduct self-financed training at 10 locations, requiring participants to pay a nominal fee.

Within two weeks of his appointment as Revenue Secretary, the government shifted 1992-batch Bihar cadre IAS officer Arunish Chawla to the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM). Finance Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey, who had the charge of Secretary, DIPAM, has now been appointed as Revenue Secretary.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant launched the ‘Bima Sakhi Yojana’ in the state with the aim of providing “insurance for all”. With this, Goa became the second state after Haryana to launch this flagship scheme envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a government release said.

India’s ranking has dropped by five points to 85 this year in 2025 Henley Passport Index, topped by Singapore for the second consecutive year. Japan’s ranking stood at 2nd this year, while it had the top slot from 2018-2023. In 2024, both Japan and Singapore shared the top rank.

The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has launched a special FM channel of All India Radio ‘Kumbhvani’ dedicated to Maha Kumbh 2025. The live commentary on Kumbhvani will be especially beneficial for those who would not be able to come to Prayagraj to participate in the Kumbh.

Bengaluru-based Swiggy rolled out a standalone app labelled Snacc for 10-minute food delivery. Snacc will be Swiggy’s second rapid food delivery offering after it launched Bolt back in October 2024. The application was launched on January 7 and is available in select parts of Bengaluru only.

Dr. Syed Anwar Khursheed, a distinguished Indian physician based in Saudi Arabia was awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2025, the highest recognition for overseas Indians by the Government of India. The award celebrates his remarkable contributions to healthcare, community welfare, and strengthening ties between India and Saudi Arabia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit in France from February 10 to 11, said French President Emmanuel Macron. He also highlighted that the summit will focus on innovation, talent, and positioning France and Europe at the centre of the global AI landscape

Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI) has been chosen by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to establish South India’s first Infectious Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (IRDL) in Bengaluru.

India’s National Highway network has grown by 60% over the past decade, expanding from 91,287 km in 2014 to 146,195 km by 2024, as per the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). In addition, highspeed corridors have surged from 93 km to 2,474 km, significantly enhancing road connectivity across the nation.

Japan has approved additional sanctions against Russia over its war on Ukraine, including freezing the assets of dozens of individuals and groups and banning exports to dozens of organisations in Russia and several other countries that have allegedly helped it evade sanctions.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah, chaired a regional conference on ‘Drug Trafficking and National Security’ at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi. The Home Minister also launched the Drug Disposal Fortnight, inaugurated the new office complex of Bhopal Zonal Unit of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and extension of MANAS-2 helpline to all 36 states and Union Territories.

The National Youth Day is celebrated every year on January 12 to mark the birth anniversery of Swami Vivekananda. The Government of India declared the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda as National Youth day in 1984. Since January 12, 1985, the day has been celebrated in India every year as National Youth Day.

India’s Neeraj Chopra was named the best javelin thrower of 2024 by the respected US-based sports magazine Track and Field News. The recognition follows a season of remarkable consistency for the 27-year-old Indian athlete, who secured a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics

India sent humanitarian assistance to Cuba following the devastation caused by Hurricane Rafael. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that a consignment of essential medicines, including antibiotics, and painkillers were dispatched to aid the people of Cuba in their recovery efforts.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held an interaction event with the members of the Indian diaspora during his official visit to Spain. He expressed confidence in boosting India-Spain trade ties and announced that India and Spain will mark 2026 as a ‘dual year’ to celebrate culture, tourism and AI in both countries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a book titled “Yuva Shakti’s Vision For Viksit Bharat @2047” at Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2025, held at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi, on the occasion of National Youth Day commemorating Swami Vivekananda’s 163rd birth anniversary

India has joined the United Nations Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics (UN-CEBD), an entity that was created to further investigate benefits and challenges of big data, including potential for monitoring and reporting on sustainable development goals.

Retired Supreme Court justice B. N. Srikrishna will chair the ID verification and data sharing platform Equal’s newly formed Advisory Board. Equal provides identity authentication services for large firms, boasting digital integrations with several ID providers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the 6.5 km long Z-Morh tunnel in Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir that will make the Sonamarg tourist resort accessible throughout the year. Along with the PM, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and chief minister Omar Abdullah was also present there at the event.

Celebrated primarily by Sikhs and Hindus, the Lohri festival marks the end of the winter solstice and harvesting of the rabi crops. The festival is celebrated every year on January 13 with much enthusiasm and zeal. The people worship the sun and the fire and thank them for the good harvest.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has introduced the HIMKAVACH multi-layer clothing system, specially designed to provide optimal protection in extreme cold weather conditions. The innovative clothing system has passed all user trials under actual operational conditions, proving its effectiveness for military operations in cold weather, particularly in the Himalayan region.

In a bid to help the state government in the city’s beautification efforts, the Indian Railways, through its ‘Paint My City’ campaign, is also playing a role in showcasing Prayagraj’s cultural and spiritual grandeur. Prayagraj’s railway stations have been transformed into centres highlighting Indian art and heritage.

Eminent director Aparna Sen was honoured with the ‘Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award’ at the annual award ceremony of West Bengal Film Journalists Association for her contributions to Indian cinema. The event saw ‘Manik Babur Megh’ win Best Bengali Film, with Chandan Sen receiving Best Actor for his role in the film.

The VVER-1000 reactor vessel for the sixth power unit of the Kudankulam nuclear power plant, Tamil Nadu designed by Russia is being transported to the construction site. The equipment weighing 320 tonnes was manufactured at the Atommash plant (Rosatom’s Machine-Building Division) and shipped to the customer, according to a release from Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation (Rosatom).

The 85th All India Presiding Officers’ Conference (AIPOC) inaugurated by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla was held in Patna, Bihar. The two-day conference was focused on the theme, “75th Anniversary of Constitution: Contribution of Parliament and State Legislative Bodies in Strengthening Constitutional Values.”

Odisha became the 34th state to implement the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) after the National Health Authority (NHA) of the Union Ministry of Health entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Odisha.

Infrastructure major Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has launched the second multi-purpose vessel for the Indian Navy from its Kattupalli Shipyard near Chennai. The launch of the vessel, christened INS Utkarsh, comes within three months of the launch of the first MPV INS Samarthak.

India pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah was named ICC Men’s Player of the Month for December 2024 after his sensational performance during the recent tour of Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. In a challenging tour for the Indian team, Bumrah emerged as the lone warrior, earning him the Player of the Series Award.

Nidhi Khare, secretary of Department of Consumers Affairs, a 1992-batch IAS officer, has been given the additional charge of secretary of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). The appointment comes after Prashant Kumar Singh, secretary MNRE, was repatriated to Manipur to serve as the chief secretary.

After Russia, China and the United States, India became the fourth nation to successfully achieve ‘Space Docking’ capabilities essential for future human and space missions. Docking is a process by which a spacecraft can manoeuvre and attach to a space station by itself. It basically refers to the joining of two separate free-flying space vehicles.

The Australian government has launched the first national strategy to improve the lives of people with autism. Amanda Rishworth, the minister for Social Services unveiled the first National Autism Strategy, promising improved inclusion, support and life outcomes for all autistic Australians.

India celebrates its 76th Republic Day on January 26, 2025, commemorating a pivotal moment in its history— the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950. This historic day marked the transformation of India into a sovereign, democratic republic, where the Constitution replaced the Government of India Act 1935 as the governing document of the nation. Republic Day celebrations are an annual showcase of India’s military prowess, cultural heritage, and technological advancements, making it a day of pride and unity for citizens across the country.

The Chief Guest for India’s 76th Republic Day parade was Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. His presence symbolized a significant strengthening of ties between India and Egypt, highlighting the growing cooperation in areas such as defense, trade, and cultural exchanges. Hosting an international leader as the Chief Guest at Republic Day underscores India’s diplomatic efforts to build stronger global partnerships, and President El-Sisi’s visit marked a milestone in bilateral relations between the two nations.

India and Indonesia strengthened their cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, a framework that fosters collaboration across diverse sectors such as health, maritime security, cultural exchanges, and digital transformation. This partnership reflects the shared historical and cultural ties between the two nations, dating back to ancient trade routes and cultural exchanges. Key agreements included joint maritime exercises and enhancing trade in pharmaceuticals, further emphasizing the importance of peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. This development underscores the mutual commitment of both nations to address global challenges like climate change and public health crises collaboratively.

The Indian government plans to increase the agriculture budget by 15%, which represents the largest hike in over six years. This substantial increase, amounting to nearly $20 billion, highlights the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the agricultural sector. The additional funds will focus on key areas like crop insurance, farm mechanization, irrigation, and research in sustainable farming practices. By promoting rural income growth and modernizing the supply chain, this budget aims to not only secure food supplies but also achieve the government’s ambitious goal of doubling farmers’ incomes by 2025

The government has announced an 8% increase in spending on key subsidies, including food, fertilizers, and LPG, amounting to a total allocation of $47.41 billion. This move is particularly important given the ongoing global challenges such as rising food and energy prices. Subsidies play a crucial role in stabilizing the prices of essential commodities, ensuring food security for millions of citizens, and supporting economically vulnerable groups, including small farmers. Additionally, the increased subsidy for LPG under the Ujjwala Yojana aims to empower rural women and reduce indoor air pollution. While this measure provides immediate relief, it also raises concerns about the growing fiscal burden.

For the first time, the Indonesian National Armed Forces participated in India’s Republic Day parade on January 26, 2025. This historic gesture highlighted the strengthening defense cooperation between India and Indonesia, two maritime nations with shared interests in the Indo-Pacific region. The participation symbolized the deepening strategic partnership, underscoring joint efforts to promote regional stability, maritime security, and mutual growth. The parade, which showcased India’s military prowess and cultural diversity, served as a platform for both nations to reaffirm their commitment to closer ties.

China is planning to construct a 60-gigawatt dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, making it the largest dam in the world. This project is proposed near the disputed region of Arunachal Pradesh, raising significant ecological and geopolitical concerns. India has expressed apprehension over potential disruptions to downstream water availability and environmental sustainability. Despite China’s assurances of minimal impact, skepticism remains among India and neighboring nations like Bangladesh, which rely on the river for critical water resources. In response, India is exploring its own projects, such as the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, though these efforts face local opposition.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) purchased ₹101.75 billion worth of government bonds, marking its first such purchase in over three years. This move has increased liquidity in the banking system and reduced bond yields to 6.67%, nearing the repo rate of 6.50%. Analysts believe these actions signal a possible interest rate cut in February 2025 to support India’s slowing economy. With the GDP growth rate projected to decline to a four-year low in the fiscal year 2024-25, the RBI is likely prioritizing economic growth over inflation control.

Madhabi Puri Buch, the current chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), will complete her term on February 28, 2025. During her tenure, she spearheaded major investigations into market manipulation and the misuse of tax havens, enhancing SEBI’s regulatory framework. The Ministry of Finance has initiated the search for a new chairperson, with applications open until February 17. The new appointee will hold the position for five years or until the age of 65, with expectations of continued reforms in India’s financial markets.

The recent diplomatic dialogue between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri focused on fostering enhanced mutual understanding. Both sides called for reducing suspicion and alienation to build a relationship grounded in trust and cooperation. Wang Yi emphasized the need for collaborative measures to address bilateral issues and strengthen ties in areas of mutual interest. This meeting reflects ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions and work toward long-term stability in the region.

A tragic incident occurred at the Nirvana Laddu Parv in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, where a makeshift stage collapsed, resulting in five deaths and over 60 injuries. The event, which attracted a large crowd, led to chaos and panic. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered an investigation and immediate relief for the victims

In a significant diplomatic move, India and China have decided to resume direct air travel services after nearly five years of suspension due to border tensions and the COVID-19 pandemic. They have also agreed to facilitate journalist exchanges to enhance cultural and informational ties.

India’s banking sector is facing difficulties due to a surge in non-performing assets, particularly in unsecured loans like credit cards and personal loans. The economic slowdown, high inflation, and rising interest rates have exacerbated the issue

The NIA is preparing to visit the United States to expedite the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, a key figure in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. A recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling has cleared legal barriers for the extradition process.

Several Indian news firms, including those owned by Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani, have filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, accusing it of using their copyrighted content without consent to train its AI models, including ChatGPT.

Anti-corruption minister Tulip Siddiq resigned from the UK government after being named in graft probes in Bangladesh launched when her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, was ousted as the country’s leader. Siddiq, 42, has been dogged by claims about her links to Hasina, who fled Bangladesh in August 2024 after a student-led uprising against her decades-long, increasingly authoritarian tenure as prime minister.

The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), the premier telecom R&D centre under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, has signed an agreement with the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT Bombay) for the development of an “Optical Transceiver Chipset for High-Bandwidth 6G Wireless Links”.

The government has appointed Vineet Joshi, former National Testing Agency Director General, to the post of secretary, department of higher education. Before being appointed as secretary of higher education, Joshi was serving as the chief secretary of Manipur in 2023.

Renowned filmmaker David Lynch, celebrated for his visionary works like Mulholland Drive and Blue Velvet, and revered for his unique portrayal of American life, has passed away at the age of 78. Lynch also created the iconic TV series Twin Peaks. He earned three Oscar nominations for Best Director and received an honorary Oscar in 2019.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah inaugurated the Archaeological Experiential Museum, Prerna Complex, and Sports Complex in Vadnagar, Gujarat. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Union Minister of Education Shri Dharmendra Pradhan and Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel.