- National:
- India's first-of-its-kind CSIR Mega Innovation Complex was inaugurated in Mumbai on January 19, 2025, by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh. The facility aims to foster innovation and collaboration among startups, MSMEs, and CSIR labs, providing high-end scientific infrastructure and regulatory support.
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- The Haryana government notified the Vehicle Scrappage and Recycling Facility Incentive Policy 2024 on January 20, 2025. This policy promotes proper disposal and recycling of old vehicles, aiming to enhance environmental sustainability and drive economic growth in the state.
- Banking:
- SEBI is planning to introduce a "when listed" facility where investors can sell shares immediately after they are allotted in an IPO, aiming to curb grey market trading. This initiative was announced by SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch on January 22, 2025.
- IDFC FIRST Bank launched the FIRST EA₹N RuPay Credit Card on January 22, 2025. It's a unique card backed by a fixed deposit, supports UPI transactions, and offers cashback rewards on various purchases. New users get 100% cashback on their first UPI transaction up to ₹500 within 15 days of activation.
- Shriram Housing Finance has rebranded itself as Truhome Finance following its acquisition by Warburg Pincus and co-investors, including Qatar's sovereign wealth fund (QIA), on January 16, 2025. The rebranding aims to continue their mission of providing affordable home loans with a focus on quality and customer satisfaction.
- Economy:
- Moody's lowered India's economic growth forecast to 7% for FY 2024-25 on January 20, 2025. This reduction is due to a broader slowdown in global and domestic economic trends. The forecast was previously at 8.2% for the last fiscal year.
- Science & Technology:
- ISRO successfully demonstrated the restart of its Vikas liquid engine on January 17, 2025 at its Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri. The engine was fired for 60 seconds, shut off for 120 seconds, and restarted for 7 seconds.
- Reports:
- The UNICEF report titled "Prospects for Children in 2025: Building Resilient Systems for Children’s Futures" was released on January 13, 2025. The report highlights disruptions in children's lives due to climate change, conflict, and digital inequality, and calls for stronger legal frameworks and governance to protect children's rights and well-being.
- Sports:
- Jannik Sinner and Iga Natalia Świątek were crowned the ITF World Champions 2024 on January 20, 2025. The International Tennis Federation (ITF) announced their titles in recognition of their exceptional performances in tennis throughout the year.
- Govt.Schemes:
- The Chhattisgarh government launched the Deendayal Upadhyay Bhoomiheen Krishi Majdoor Kalyana Yojana on January 20, 2025 in Raipur. This scheme aims to provide annual financial assistance of Rs 10,000 to over 5.62 lakh landless agricultural labourers, including Baigas and Gunias, to improve their economic stability and living standards.
- Important Days:
- The Statehood Day of Manipur, Tripura, and Meghalaya is celebrated on January 21 each year to mark the day these states achieved full statehood in 1972 under the North Eastern Areas Reorganisation Act, 1971.
- Appointments:
- Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya was sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court on January 21, 2025. The oath was administered by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena at Raj Niwas in New Delhi, with dignitaries including Chief Minister Atishi in attendance.
- Justice Alok Aradhe was appointed as the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court on January 21, 2025. The oath was administered by Maharashtra Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai.
- Senior IPS Officer Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal was appointed as BSF Additional Director General (ADG) on January 19, 2025. He is from the 1994 IPS batch of the Tamil Nadu cadre and previously served as Commissioner of Police in Chennai.
- Nidhi Khare took on the additional charge as Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) on January 14, 2025. She was already the Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs.
Questions:
1 Which state government launched the "Deendayal Upadhyay Bhoomiheen Krishi Majdoor Kalyana Yojana"?
- A) Madhya Pradesh
- B) Jharkhand
- C) Chhattisgarh
- D) Odisha
2 What is the revised economic growth forecast for India by Moody's for FY 2024-25?
- A) 7%
- B) 6.5%
- C) 8.2%
- D) 7.5%