Current Affairs One - Liner : 28th January 2025

• National:
• India and China have agreed to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra pilgrimage in summer 2025. This decision follows discussions between Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong, with plans to restore direct flights and enhance cooperation on trans-border rivers.

• The Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan was granted a Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) licence on January 25, 2025 by the Union Home Ministry. This allows the temple to receive foreign donations, following court-appointed management committee's application and approval.
• International:
• The World Health Organization (WHO) declared Georgia malaria-free on January 23, 2025. Georgia is now the 45th country to achieve this status and the first in the WHO European Region. This certification acknowledges Georgia's significant efforts in malaria control and elimination.
• Banking:
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced measures on January 27, 2025, to inject ₹1.5 lakh crore into the banking system. This includes a ₹60,000-crore bond purchase, a 56-day variable rate repo auction of ₹50,000 crore, and a $5-billion USD/rupee swap auction.
• HSBC India launched the HSBC TravelOne Credit Card on January 28, 2025, for frequent travelers. The card offers instant reward redemption, accelerated points on travel-related expenses, complimentary airport lounge access, and purchase protection up to USD 20,000 annually.
• YES Bank launched the Frictionless Finance Accelerator Programme on January 28, 2025, in collaboration with the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH) and S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR). The initiative supports fintech startups by addressing challenges, scaling innovations, and enhancing financial inclusion.
• The Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH) launched BIMCOIN, a blockchain-based digital currency, on January 23, 2025. BIMCOIN facilitates secure transactions within BIMTECH's ecosystem, offering hands-on experience with blockchain technology and financial systems for students.
• On January 27, 2025, the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH) announced the successful use of the Unified Lending Interface (ULI) pilot to disburse 7.5 lakh loans totaling ₹38,000 crore. ULI streamlines the lending process by providing seamless access to authenticated data from various sources.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) superseded the board of directors of Aviom India Housing Finance Private Limited on January 27, 2025. This action was taken due to governance concerns and defaults in payment obligations. Ram Kumar, former Chief General Manager of Punjab National Bank, was appointed as the Administrator.
• According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), bank customer complaints via the Ombudsman program increased by 32.81% in FY24. A total of 9.34 lakh complaints were received, with 85,281 complaints related to loans and advances.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed penalties on Jammu & Kashmir Bank (J&K Bank), Bank of India (BoI), and Canara Bank for regulatory non-compliance on January 24, 2025. The highest penalty of ₹3.31 crore was imposed on J&K Bank, followed by ₹1.63 crore on Canara Bank, and ₹1 crore on BoI.
• MoUs:
• The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and the Jammu & Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on January 28, 2025, at JKEDI's Baribrahamna campus in Jammu & Kashmir. This aims to strengthen the region's startup ecosystem by providing mentorship, infrastructure support, market linkages, and funding opportunities.
• Tripura signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Digital India Bhashini Division of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) on January 28, 2025, at Pragna Bhavan in Agartala. The aim is to promote multi-lingual governance by integrating AI-driven language translation tools to enhance digital participation and public service delivery in regional languages.
• Sports:
• The Odisha Warriors won the inaugural Women's Hockey India League on January 26, 2025, at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi. They defeated JSW Soorma Hockey Club 2-1, with Rutuja Dadaso Pisal scoring both goals and earning the title of Player of the Match.
• Defence:
• The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Indonesian Coast Guard (BAKAMLA) renewed their MoU on January 27, 2025. This renewal, during the 2nd High-Level Meeting at the ICG headquarters in New Delhi, focuses on enhancing cooperation in maritime safety and security for another three years.
• Index & Ranking:
• Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Goa are among the top-performing states in NITI Aayog's Fiscal Health Index 2025. The index evaluates states on expenditure quality, revenue mobilization, fiscal prudence, debt index, and debt sustainability. Odisha topped the index with a score of 67.8.
• Important Days:
• The International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust is observed on January 27. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.
• Lala Lajpat Rai's 160th birth anniversary was celebrated on January 28, 2025. Known as the Punjab Kesari (Lion of Punjab), he was a prominent freedom fighter and social reformer. Rai's legacy in education, journalism, and India's independence movement continues to inspire generations.
• World Leprosy Day 2025 was observed on January 26, 2025. The day aims to raise awareness about leprosy, combat stigma, and promote efforts towards its eradication. The theme for this year is "Unite. Act. Eliminate."
• Appointments:
• P. Suriaraj assumed the role of Executive Director (ED) at Dhanlaxmi Bank on January 20, 2025. Appointed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for a three-year term, he brings 37 years of experience from Tamilnad Mercantile Bank Ltd.

Questions:

1. Which state topped NITI Aayog's Fiscal Health Index 2025?

• A) Odisha
• B) Goa
• C) Chhattisgarh
• D) Kerala

Answer: A) According to NITI Aayog's Fiscal Health Index 2025, Odisha was the top performer with a score of 67.8.

2. Who assumed the role of Executive Director (ED) at Dhanlaxmi Bank on January 20, 2025?

• A) S. Ramesh
• B) P. Suriaraj
• C) R. Subramaniam
• D) V. Krishnan

Answer: B) P. Suriaraj assumed the role of Executive Director at Dhanlaxmi Bank on January 20, 2025, as appointed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).