🌐 International News
On January 30, 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that Niger eliminated onchocerciasis (river blindness) as a public health threat, making it the first African nation to achieve this historic milestone.
Global context:
- Other countries that have eradicated the disease – Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Mexico
- Regional significance – Particularly important for sub-Saharan Africa, where the disease has been widespread
- Global health achievement – Recognized as major progress in tackling neglected tropical diseases (NTDs)
Onchocerciasis, also called river blindness, is a parasitic disease that can cause severe itching, skin lesions, and visual impairment leading to blindness. The WHO certifies disease elimination milestones. NTDs (Neglected Tropical Diseases) are targeted under global public health initiatives.
This marks a historic achievement in Africa’s public health landscape, demonstrating the effectiveness of sustained public health interventions.
Niger – First African country to eliminate onchocerciasis | January 30, 2025
🇮🇳 National News
The Ministry of Railways launched the ‘SwaRail’ SuperApp, which integrates multiple railway services into one unified platform. The app is currently in beta phase and is available on both Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
SuperApps combine multiple services in a single digital interface, providing users with a seamless experience. This reflects the ongoing digital transformation in public transport services in India.
This improves user convenience and service accessibility, making railway services more user-friendly and efficient.
SwaRail – Integrated railway services app launched
India has added four new wetlands to its Ramsar list, bringing the total number of Ramsar sites to 89. This marks the first Ramsar recognition for both Jharkhand and Sikkim.
The four new Ramsar sites include:
- Two from northeastern states – Including Sikkim’s first site
- One from Gujarat
- Udhwa Lake (Jharkhand) – Jharkhand’s first Ramsar site
The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands of international importance. Wetlands are vital for biodiversity and ecosystem balance, providing habitat for numerous species and regulating water cycles.
This strengthens India’s conservation efforts and demonstrates commitment to protecting critical wetland ecosystems.
India now has 89 Ramsar sites | First for Jharkhand & Sikkim
A High-Level Committee (HLC) chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah approved ₹3,027.86 crore for disaster mitigation initiatives. The committee included key ministers and NITI Aayog leadership.
Committee members:
- Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
- Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan
- Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog
Focus areas for allocation:
- Lightning safety – Protection measures and awareness
- Drought mitigation – Water conservation and management
- Forest fire management – Prevention and control systems
Disaster mitigation refers to measures taken to reduce risks and impacts before disasters occur. The High-Level Committee approves major financial allocations for national importance projects.
This enhances preparedness against natural hazards and strengthens India’s disaster management infrastructure.
₹3,027.86 crore sanctioned for disaster risk reduction
The Sci-Fi Science Film Festival was inaugurated by Goa CM Pramod Sawant in Panaji on January 30, 2025. The four-day event is organized by Vidnyan Parishad Goa and dedicated to Dr. M. Swaminathan.
Event details:
- Theme – “Green Revolution”
- Duration – Four-day event
- Purpose – Promoting scientific awareness among youth
- Dedication – Honoring Dr. M. Swaminathan’s legacy
Science festivals encourage youth participation in research and innovation. Themes often link science with sustainability and real-world challenges.
The festival encourages innovation and scientific curiosity among students and young researchers.
Sci-Fi Science Film Festival – Theme: Green Revolution
India will host the BRICS Youth Entrepreneurship Meet from March 3–7, 2025. The event is organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports with the theme “Youth Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Growth”.
Event highlights:
- Participants – Around 45 youth representatives from BRICS nations
- Focus areas – Entrepreneurial framework and global market access
- Goal – Youth-driven economic collaboration
BRICS comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa – representing major emerging economies. The emphasis is on youth-driven economic collaboration and innovation.
This strengthens international youth entrepreneurship networks and promotes collaboration among emerging economies.
BRICS Youth Meet – March 3–7, 2025
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced its annual awards recognizing outstanding performances in Indian cricket.
| Award Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Lifetime Achievement Award | Sachin Tendulkar |
| Polly Umrigar Award (Best International Cricketer – Men 2021-22) | Jasprit Bumrah |
| Best International Cricketer (Women 2020-21 & 2021-22) | Smriti Mandhana |
The Polly Umrigar Award recognizes the top male international performer of the year. The BCCI organizes these annual awards to honor excellence in Indian cricket.
Tendulkar (Lifetime), Bumrah (Men), Mandhana (Women)
🔬 Science & Technology
Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams surpassed Peggy Whitson’s record for spacewalking, completing 9 spacewalks with a total EVA (Extravehicular Activity) time of 62 hours 6 minutes.
Mission details:
- Latest spacewalk – Conducted with Butch Wilmore
- Location – International Space Station (ISS)
- Current status – Stranded since June 2024 due to Boeing Starliner issues
- Record achievement – Most spacewalking hours for a female astronaut
EVA (Extravehicular Activity) refers to any activity performed by astronauts outside their spacecraft. The International Space Station (ISS) is an international space laboratory where astronauts conduct scientific research in microgravity.
This highlights the achievements of Indian-origin astronauts in international space exploration.
Sunita Williams – 62 hours 6 minutes total spacewalk time
💼 Business & Economy
The Union Budget 2025–26 presented a comprehensive financial roadmap with a total expenditure of ₹50.65 lakh crore and a fiscal deficit target of 4.4% of GDP.
Focus sectors for investment:
- Railways – Infrastructure modernization and expansion
- Highways – Road network development
- Defence – Military modernization and security
- Rural development – Agricultural and rural infrastructure
- Social sector funding – Education, health, and welfare
Fiscal deficit is the difference between total government expenditure and total revenue (excluding borrowings). Capital investment in infrastructure drives long-term economic growth.
The budget emphasizes growth with fiscal discipline, balancing development needs with fiscal responsibility.
Budget Outlay: ₹50.65 lakh crore | Deficit target: 4.4%
The Union Budget 2025–26 introduced significant income tax relief under the new tax regime, benefiting millions of taxpayers.
Tax exemption details:
- General taxpayers – No tax for income up to ₹12 lakh under new regime
- Salaried individuals – Tax-free income up to ₹12.75 lakh (including ₹75,000 standard deduction)
The standard deduction of ₹75,000 for salaried employees provides additional relief, effectively raising their tax-free income threshold. This puts more money in the hands of middle-class taxpayers.
Tax-free income up to ₹12 lakh (₹12.75 lakh for salaried)
The Union Budget 2025–26 allocated ₹98,311 crore to healthcare, an increase from the previous allocation of ₹90,658.63 crore.
Key healthcare measures:
- Customs duty exemptions – On life-saving medicines to reduce costs
- Medical education expansion – Increasing seats and institutions
- Cancer care initiatives – Specialized treatment facilities
- Healthcare connectivity – Telemedicine and digital health
- Medical tourism boost – Positioning India as a healthcare destination
Budget allocations reflect government policy priorities. Healthcare investment strengthens human capital, improving population health and productivity, which are essential for long-term economic growth.
Healthcare Budget 2025–26: ₹98,311 crore
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