🇮🇳 National News
India continues intensive efforts to eliminate Tuberculosis (TB), with strategies aligned with World Health Organization (WHO) targets. The focus is on improved diagnosis, treatment accessibility, and public awareness campaigns.
Key Strategies:
- Enhanced Diagnosis – Advanced testing and early detection methods
- Treatment Access – Free medication and support services
- Public Awareness – Education campaigns on TB prevention and treatment
- WHO Alignment – Following global TB elimination targets
- Targeted Interventions – Focus on high-burden areas
Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. The WHO has set global TB elimination goals as part of the End TB Strategy, aiming to reduce TB deaths and new cases significantly by 2030.
Indore and Udaipur have become the first Indian cities to join the Ramsar Convention’s Wetland Cities Network, recognized for their sustainable wetland management practices. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated both cities on this achievement.
Recognition Significance:
- First in India – Pioneering Indian cities in the network
- Sustainable Management – Exemplary wetland conservation practices
- Ramsar Recognition – International accreditation for wetland protection
- Ecological Benefits – Preservation of critical wetland ecosystems
- Economic Value – Wetlands support biodiversity and water security
The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty for wetland conservation. Wetlands provide crucial ecological services including water purification, flood control, carbon storage, and biodiversity support, while also offering economic benefits through tourism and fisheries.
Piyush Goyal announced India’s ambitious target of achieving 10,000 Geographical Indication (GI) tags by 2030 at the GI Samagam in New Delhi. Currently, 605 GI tags have been granted, with a special committee overseeing implementation of this expansion plan.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Target Year | 2030 |
| Target GI Tags | 10,000 |
| Current GI Tags | 605 |
| Growth Required | ~9,400 additional tags |
| Announced At | GI Samagam, New Delhi |
Geographical Indication (GI) tags protect region-specific products by certifying their unique origin, quality, and traditional production methods. Governed under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, GI tags prevent unauthorized use and promote authentic regional products.
The Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, has been granted an FCRA license by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, allowing it to accept foreign donations. This approval follows the formation of a management committee through court intervention.
The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) regulates the acceptance and utilization of foreign contributions by organizations in India, ensuring transparency and preventing misuse of foreign funds.
The Jammu & Kashmir Forest Research Institute (JKFRI) launched the ‘Digital Tree Aadhar’ initiative, assigning unique digital IDs to chinar trees across Kashmir. This geo-tagging system helps in conservation efforts and raises awareness about protecting these iconic trees threatened by urbanization.
Initiative Features:
- Unique Digital IDs – Each chinar tree gets individual identification
- Geo-Tagging – GPS-based location mapping
- Conservation Tracking – Monitoring tree health and survival
- Urbanization Threat – Protecting trees from development pressure
- Biodiversity Support – Using technology for conservation
Chinar trees are iconic to Kashmir’s landscape and cultural heritage. Geo-tagging supports biodiversity conservation by enabling precise monitoring, documentation, and protection of individual trees.
Shruti Choudhry launched the ‘Samman Sanjeevani’ app on January 24, 2025, to enhance implementation of the Mahila Evam Kishori Samman Yojana. The app facilitates provision of sanitary napkins to BPL women and girls aged 10–45 years. The launch coincided with the 10th anniversary of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao.
App Features:
- Digital Platform – Technology-enabled scheme delivery
- Target Group – BPL women and girls (10–45 years)
- Sanitary Napkins – Free distribution for menstrual hygiene
- Enhanced Implementation – Streamlined scheme management
- BBBP Anniversary – Launched on 10th anniversary of scheme
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) was launched in 2015 to promote girl child welfare, address declining child sex ratio, and ensure girls’ education and empowerment across India.
💼 Business & Economy
The Reserve Bank of India imposed monetary penalties on three banks for non-compliance with regulatory norms, reinforcing RBI’s supervisory oversight and commitment to banking standards.
Penalized Banks:
- Canara Bank
- Bank of India
- Jammu & Kashmir Bank
The RBI regulates commercial banks under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. Monetary penalties ensure adherence to compliance standards, maintaining financial system integrity and protecting depositor interests.
Punjab National Bank (PNB) became the first Indian bank to integrate Clari5’s NCRP solution, linking with the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP). Developed in collaboration with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), this system enables real-time fraud complaint processing.
Integration Benefits:
- First in India – PNB leads in cybercrime response technology
- Real-Time Processing – Immediate fraud complaint handling
- NCRP Integration – Direct connection to national portal
- I4C Collaboration – Ministry of Home Affairs partnership
- Customer Protection – Enhanced fraud prevention measures
The National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) facilitates reporting of cybercrimes across India. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs to coordinate cybercrime prevention and investigation.
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) is investigating differential pricing allegations against ride-hailing platforms Ola and Uber, specifically claims that iPhone users are charged higher fares than Android users. The investigation was directed by Minister Pralhad Joshi, focusing on consumer protection and pricing fairness.
Investigation Focus:
- Differential Pricing – Allegations of device-based fare discrimination
- iPhone vs Android – Higher charges for iOS users claimed
- Consumer Protection – Ensuring fair pricing practices
- CCPA Authority – Consumer Protection Act, 2019 powers
- Market Fairness – Preventing discriminatory practices
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) functions under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with powers to investigate unfair trade practices, misleading advertisements, and violations of consumer rights.
👔 Appointments
P. Suriaraj has been appointed as Executive Director of Dhanlaxmi Bank. Previously associated with Tamilnad Mercantile Bank Ltd, he is expected to strengthen the bank’s strategic and operational performance.
Dhanlaxmi Bank is a private sector bank based in Kerala. Executive Directors handle policy execution, governance, and operational oversight in banking institutions.
Amrit Mohan Prasad, Director General of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), has been given additional charge as Director General of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) for a tenure of six months or until regular appointment.
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) oversees aviation security standards and regulations in India, ensuring safety of airports, aircraft, and passengers.
Jitender Pal Singh, a 2002-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, has been appointed as India’s Ambassador to Israel on January 24, 2025. He is currently serving in the External Affairs Minister’s office.
Ambassadors represent India diplomatically in foreign countries, managing bilateral relations, promoting trade and cultural ties, and protecting Indian interests abroad.
🏆 Sports
Iniyan Panneerselvam won the 9th Johor International Open Chess Tournament in Malaysia, finishing 1.5 points ahead of his competitors. He recently also won the Chennai Open, demonstrating consistent excellence in international chess.
Indian chess players continue to excel in international tournaments, with multiple grandmasters representing India at the highest levels of competitive chess worldwide.
Afghan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai won the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award for his outstanding performance in 2024, helping Afghanistan win four ODI series during the year.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) annual awards recognize global cricket excellence across different formats, celebrating outstanding individual and team performances.
Jannik Sinner successfully defended his Australian Open title by defeating Alexander Zverev at Melbourne Park. He became the youngest player since Jim Courier to win back-to-back Australian Open titles.
The Australian Open is one of tennis’s four Grand Slam tournaments, held annually in Melbourne. Defending a Grand Slam title demonstrates exceptional consistency and dominance in professional tennis.
Smriti Mandhana was honored as the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2024 for her outstanding performance, becoming the leading run-scorer in Women’s ODIs during the year.
ICC Women’s awards highlight exceptional performances in global women’s cricket, celebrating achievements across all formats of the game.
📅 Important Days
International Holocaust Remembrance Day is observed on January 27, based on UN General Assembly Resolution 60/7, to honor the victims of the Holocaust and mark the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in 1945.
Day’s Significance:
- Holocaust Victims – Remembering millions who perished
- Auschwitz Liberation – January 27, 1945 by Soviet forces
- UNGA Resolution – Designated by United Nations in 2005
- Education & Awareness – Learning from history to prevent future atrocities
- Global Remembrance – International commemoration events
The Holocaust was the systematic genocide of six million Jews and millions of others during World War II. January 27 marks the liberation of Auschwitz, the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp, serving as a symbol of remembrance for all Holocaust victims.
National Geographic Day is celebrated on January 27 to commemorate the founding of the National Geographic Society, promoting science, exploration, and conservation worldwide.
Day’s Purpose:
- Scientific Exploration – Celebrating geographic and scientific discovery
- Conservation Awareness – Promoting environmental protection
- Education – Inspiring curiosity about the natural world
- Photography & Documentation – Capturing Earth’s wonders
- Global Understanding – Connecting people through geography
The National Geographic Society was founded in 1888 in Washington, D.C., with a mission to increase and diffuse geographic knowledge. It supports scientific research, exploration, education, and conservation projects worldwide.
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