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CURRENT AFFAIRS: BANKING & FINANCE
State Bank of India Payments and Pine Labs Partner to Accelerate Adoption of Digital Commerce Solutions
- State Bank of India Payments and Pine Labs have announced an expanded partnership, building on their 12-year collaboration.
- SBI Payments, a joint venture between the State Bank of India and Hitachi Payment Services Pvt. Ltd., has joined forces with Pine Labs, a leading merchant commerce platform, to further strengthen their alliance.
Key Highlights:
- The partnership aims to accelerate the adoption of digital payments and commerce solutions across India.
- By leveraging SBI Payments’ vast distribution network and Pine Labs’ advanced merchant solutions, the collaboration seeks to deliver a seamless checkout experience for businesses and consumers.
- A key highlight of the partnership is the introduction of a comprehensive merchant digitization suite, which enables merchants to:
- Streamline workflows
- Digitize operations
- Improve efficiency
- Drive sales growth
- The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to financial inclusion and digital empowerment for merchants nationwide.
Recent News:
- In January 2025, SBI launched two new deposit schemes: Har Ghar Lakhpati, a recurring deposit plan helping customers save ₹1 lakh or more, and SBI Patrons, a fixed deposit scheme offering higher interest rates for senior citizens aged 80 and above.
About SBI Payments:
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- MD & CEO: Sujay Kumar Yadav
About Pine Labs:
- Founded : 1998
- Headquarters: Noida, Uttar Pradesh
- MD & CEO: Amrish Rau
Jio Introduces ‘JioSoundPay’ to Simplify UPI Payments for Small Businesses
- Reliance Jio has launched JioSoundPay, an innovative feature for its JioBharat device, designed to revolutionize payment operations for small-scale merchants across India.
- The feature provides instant, multilingual audio confirmations for UPI payments, eliminating the need for a separate sound box.
- Currently, small and micro merchants spend approximately ₹125 per month on sound boxes, but JioSoundPay is offered free for life, allowing JioBharat users to save nearly ₹1,500
- This solution is expected to benefit around 5 crore merchants, including Kirana stores, vegetable vendors, and roadside eateries, by enhancing cost-efficiency and eliminating the need for external devices.
- The move is part of Reliance Jio’s strategy to strengthen its market presence following subscriber losses.
- By disrupting the sound box segment, currently dominated by competitors like Paytm, Jio aims to empower small businesses and expand its reach across the country.
About Reliance Jio:
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Founder: Mukesh Ambani
- Chairman : Akash Ambani
Reserve Bank of India Ombudsman Scheme Overwhelmed: 32.81% Surge in Banking Complaints
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the Annual Report of the Ombudsman Scheme for the period from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024.
Key Highlights:
- The report highlights key activities under the Integrated Ombudsman Scheme (RB-IOS), 2021, which covers banks, NBFCs, payment system participants, and credit information companies, and emphasizes consumer education and protection.
- The scheme saw a 32.81% increase in complaints, reaching 9.34 lakh, which were registered with 24 Offices of the RBI Ombudsman (ORBIOs) and the Centralised Receipt and Processing Centre (CRPC).
- Of the total complaints, 2,93,924 (31.46%) were received at ORBIOs, and 6,40,431 (68.54%) were received at the CRPC. ORBIOs achieved a 95.10% disposal rate, resolving 2,84,355 complaints.
- The report also reveals that 85,281 complaints (29.01%) related to loans and advances, showing a 42.70% increase, while 57,242 complaints (19.48%) were related to mobile/electronic banking, marking a 32.61% increase. 46,358 complaints (15.77%) were about deposit accounts, and 42,329 complaints (14.40%) concerned credit cards.
- Chandigarh, NCT of Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Uttarakhand were the top five contributors to complaints at ORBIOs in terms of complaints per lakh accounts, while Mizoram, Nagaland, Ladakh, Manipur, and Lakshadweep were the lowest contributors.
About RBI :
- Established : 1 April 1935
- Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- Governor : Sanjay Malhotra
Reserve Bank of India penalises J&K Bank, Bank of India, Canara Bank
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed monetary penalties on Jammu and Kashmir Bank Limited, Bank of India, and Canara Bank for non-compliance with regulatory directions.
Penalty on Jammu and Kashmir Bank:
- RBI imposed a penalty of ₹3.32 crore on Jammu and Kashmir Bank Limited through an order dated January 14, 2025, for non-compliance with directions related to Basic Savings Bank Deposit Account (BSBDA), Know Your Customer (KYC), and Loans and Advances – Statutory and Other Restrictions.
- The penalty followed inspections of the bank’s financial positions as of March 31, 2022, and March 31, 2023.
- The action was taken under Section 47A(1)(c) read with Section 46(4)(i) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
Penalty on Bank of India:
- On January 7, 2025, RBI imposed a penalty of ₹1 crore on Bank of India for failing to comply with provisions of Section 26A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, concerning the Depositor Education and Awareness Fund Scheme, 2014.
- This penalty was based on findings from an inspection of the bank’s financial position as of March 31, 2023, under Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 51(1) of the Act.
Penalty on Canara Bank:
- RBI also penalized Canara Bank ₹1.64 crore on January 7, 2025, for non-compliance with directions on Priority Sector Lending – Targets and Classification, Interest Rate on Deposits, and BSBDA.
- The penalty was based on an inspection of the bank’s financial position as of March 31, 2023.
- Specific violations included collecting charges on Priority Sector loans of up to ₹25,000, failing to pay interest on certain Savings Bank accounts, and maintaining both Savings Bank Deposit accounts and BSBDAs for the same customers.
About Jammu & Kashmir Bank:
- Founded: 1938
- Headquarters: Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India
- Managing Director & CEO: Amitava Chatterjee
- Tagline: “Serving to Empower”
About Bank of India:
- Founded: 1906
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
- Managing Director & CEO: Rajneesh Karnatak
- Tagline: “Relationships Beyond Banking”
About Canara Bank:
- Founded: 1906
- Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
- Managing Director & CEO: K. Satyanarayana Raju
- Tagline: “Together We Can”
Reserve Bank of India Announces 6.66% Interest Rate on Government of India Floating Rate Bonds 2035
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced that the interest rate on the Government of India Floating Rate Bonds, 2035 (GOI FRB 2035), will be 6.66% per annum for the period from January 25, 2025, to January 24, 2030.
- The GOI FRB 2035 was originally issued on January 25, 2005, by the Government of India to the RBI on a private placement basis.
- This issuance was made against the transfer of subordinated debt of
- For the current period, the coupon rate of 6.66% was determined based on secondary market transactions in Government securities as of January 24, 2025.
Key Features of GOI FRB 2035:
- Interest Rate: The interest on these bonds is not fixed. It is reset periodically, typically every five years, based on the prevailing yield of Government of India securities. For example, the interest rate for the period from January 25, 2025, to January 24, 2030, is set at 6.66% per annum.
- Maturity: These bonds have a long tenure, with a maturity date of 2035.
- Purpose: They are issued to raise funds for the government’s financial needs and to support long-term infrastructure projects.
- Investment Risk: As the interest rate is floating, the returns for the investor depend on the fluctuations in government bond yields.
- Primary Issuance: Initially issued via a private placement basis (transferred from IDFC’s subordinated debt).
Recent News:
- In January 2024, The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) revised its guidelines for Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs) to ensure more transparency and standardization in borrower settlements.
- ARCs must adopt board-approved policies for settlements, with stricter criteria for accounts exceeding ₹1 crore.
Reserve Bank of India imposes monetary penalty on Datson Exports Limited, West Bengal
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), through an order dated January 15, 2025, has imposed a monetary penalty of ₹1 lakh on Datson Exports Limited., West Bengal for non-compliance with RBI’s directions on ‘Managing Risks and Code of Conduct in Outsourcing of Financial Services by NBFCs’.
- This action has been taken under the provisions of Section 58 G(1)(b) read with Section 58B(5)(aa) of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
- The penalty was imposed following a statutory inspection of the company’s financial position as of March 31, 2023.
- During the inspection, it was found that the company had outsourced one of its decision-making functions, specifically the sanctioning of loans, to its Digital Lending Application (DLA) partner, in violation of RBI guidelines.
- The company was issued a notice and given an opportunity to respond, including making oral submissions during a personal hearing.
- After reviewing the responses, RBI determined that the non-compliance warranted the penalty.
- This action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and does not affect the validity of transactions or agreements entered into by the company with its customers.
- Additionally, the penalty does not preclude further actions that RBI may initiate against the company.
CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL NEWS
76th Republic Day Celebration: Highlights and Key Details (2025)
- On 26th January 2025, President Droupadi Murmu led the nation in celebrating the 76th Republic Day at Kartavya Path (formerly Janpath) in New Delhi.
- An impressive parade, tableaux, and a cultural extravaganza marked the occasion. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was the Chief Guest, symbolizing India’s close ties with Indonesia.
Key Highlights of the Republic Day Celebration (2025)
- Historical Context
- Republic Day commemorates the promulgation of the Indian Constitution on 26th January 1950.
- Since 2022, Republic Day celebrations span from 23rd January (Parakram Diwas) to 30th January (Martyrs’ Day).
- Parade and Leadership
- Commander of Parade: Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area.
- Notable Participations:
- A 152-member contingent from the Indonesian National Armed Forces and a 190-member Indonesian Military Band participated in the parade.
- First Foreign Military Participation: French Army Band (67th Republic Day, 2016).
- CRPF All-Women Contingent: Led by Assistant Commandant Aishwarya Joy M.
- BSF Camel Contingent: Led by Deputy Commandant Manohar Singh Kheechee.
- Tableaux and Cultural Performances
- Theme: “Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas” (Golden India: Heritage and Progress).
- Participants:
- 15 States/UTs and 10 Union Ministries/Departments displayed tableaux showcasing India’s diversity and achievements.
- 5,000 artists performed over 45 traditional dances titled ‘Jayati Jaya Mamaḧ Bharatam’, covering the entire Kartavya Path for the first time to ensure equal visibility for all guests.
- Ceremonies During Republic Day Festivities
- Beating Retreat Ceremony (29th January):
- Held at Vijay Chowk, featuring performances by bands from the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, CAPF, and Delhi Police.
- The ceremony marks the conclusion of the Republic Day parade, with Armed Forces seeking the President’s permission to return to their barracks.
- Historical Significance: ‘Beating Retreat’ is a centuries-old military tradition, signifying the end of combat at sunset.
- Martyrs’ Day (30th January):
- Observed to commemorate the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, marking the official end of Republic Day celebrations.
- Bharat Parv Festival
- Organized by the Union Ministry of Tourism at the Red Fort from 26th to 31st January 2025.
- Features include:
- Display of Republic Day Tableaux.
- Cultural performances by artists from across the country.
- Static performances by Military Bands.
- Important Observances During Republic Day Festivities:
- Parakram Diwas (23rd January): Birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
- Beating Retreat Ceremony (29th January): End of the Republic Day Parade.
- Martyrs’ Day (30th January): Commemorating Mahatma Gandhi’s death anniversary.
Indore and Udaipur Achieve Global Recognition as Wetland Cities under Ramsar Convention
- Indore and Udaipur have reached a significant milestone by becoming the first two Indian cities to be recognized under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands as Wetland Cities.
- This prestigious recognition is a testament to India’s ongoing commitment to sustainable urban development and ecological conservation.
- The accreditation highlights the role of wetlands in providing ecological, social, and economic benefits, making them crucial to the sustainable growth of cities.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated both cities, stressing the need to balance urban growth with environmental sustainability.
Key Highlights of Indore and Udaipur’s Recognition
- Achieving Ramsar Wetland City Status
- Indore and Udaipur are the first cities from India to be recognized as Wetland Cities under the Ramsar Convention.
- The Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) nominated both cities for the prestigious recognition.
- Wetlands in Indore and Udaipur
- Indore:
- Home to Sirpur Lake, a Ramsar site that is notable for its role as a water bird congregation area and is being developed into a bird sanctuary.
- Udaipur:
- Surrounded by five major wetlands: Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Rang Sagar, Swaroop Sagar, and Doodh Talai. These wetlands are integral to the city’s culture, identity, and the regulation of its microclimate.
- Significance of Wetlands
- Wetlands provide numerous benefits, including:
- Flood regulation, ensuring cities are protected from extreme weather events.
- Livelihood opportunities for local communities.
- Recreational value and enhancement of the quality of life for residents.
- They are vital for ecological conservation, biodiversity support, and in mitigating climate-related challenges.
About Wetland City Accreditation (WCA)
- The Ramsar Convention, established in 1971, is an international treaty aimed at the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
- In 2015, during COP12, the Ramsar Convention introduced the Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) system to recognize cities that have taken significant steps in safeguarding their urban wetlands.
Key Aspects of Wetland City Accreditation:
- Eligibility:
- Cities must meet six international criteria outlined in the Operational Guidance for WCA to be formally accredited.
- Objectives:
- The WCA system promotes the conservation and wise use of urban and peri-urban wetlands.
- It provides an opportunity for cities to gain international recognition and positive publicity for their efforts in protecting wetland ecosystems.
- Global Impact:
- Since Ramsar COP13, 43 cities from 17 countries have been officially recognized as Wetland Cities.
- This initiative underscores the critical role of wetlands in urban development and helps cities make better decisions about their natural resources.
India’s Determined Path to Tuberculosis (TB) Elimination
- India has been a global leader in the fight against tuberculosis (TB), with efforts spanning over six decades.
- Despite significant progress, the country faces several challenges in reaching the World Health Organization’s (WHO) targets for TB elimination.
- India’s resolve to eliminate TB by 2025 is reflected in its evolving strategies and robust public health initiatives.
Historical Context: Evolution of India’s TB Control Efforts
- 1962: National Tuberculosis Program (NTP) was launched, focusing primarily on BCG vaccinations as a preventive measure against TB.
- 1997: The Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP) was introduced, adopting the Directly Observed Treatment Short-course (DOTS) strategy to improve treatment adherence and success rates.
- 2005: Nationwide coverage of RNTCP was achieved, expanding TB control across the country.
- 2020: The NTP was renamed the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP), marking a more ambitious goal of eliminating TB by 2025.
Current Status and Challenges
Despite these milestones, India still grapples with major challenges in its battle against TB:
- Global Burden: India accounts for approximately 27% of the world’s TB cases, with an incidence rate of 210 per 100,000 population as of 2021.
- Drug-Resistant TB: India faces a significant challenge from drug-resistant TB strains, including Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) and Extensively Drug Resistant (XDR) TB.
Key Initiatives Under the NTEP
India has implemented several initiatives under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) to combat TB effectively:
- Nikshay Poshan Yojana:
- Launched under the National Health Mission to provide nutritional support to TB patients.
- Financial incentive of ₹500 per month is given to each notified TB patient during their treatment to improve recovery outcomes.
- Private Sector Engagement:
- The NTEP has partnered with the private sector to enhance treatment adherence and case notification, leveraging the private healthcare infrastructure for more effective TB care.
Way Forward: Addressing Critical Areas for TB Elimination
To meet the WHO’s ambitious TB elimination targets by 2025, India must focus on the following key areas:
- Enhanced Diagnostics:
- Introducing AI-assisted handheld radiology and other innovative diagnostic tools can help in the early detection of TB, ensuring faster treatment and better outcomes for patients.
- New Therapeutic Agents:
- It is crucial to accelerate the development and availability of newer, more effective anti-TB drugs to combat drug-resistant strains of TB.
- Public Awareness and Education:
- Increasing public awareness about TB symptoms, the importance of completing the full course of treatment, and available treatment options is essential.
- Education campaigns can help reduce stigma associated with TB, improving treatment adherence and early case detection.
About WHO:
- Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
- Founded: 7 April 1948
- Director-General: Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS
President approves Gallantry awards to 93 Armed Forces personnel, including 12 posthumous & 305 defence decorations
- President Droupadi Murmu conferred gallantry awards to 93 personnel from the Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), recognising their extraordinary bravery, valiant efforts, and selfless service to the nation.
- These awards celebrate acts of heroism, including many conferred posthumously, honoring those who sacrificed for India.
Key Highlights of the 2025 Gallantry Awards
- Overview of Awards
- Kirti Chakra: 2 recipients (1 posthumous).
- Shaurya Chakra: 14 recipients (2 posthumous).
- Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry): 1 recipient.
- Sena Medals (Gallantry): 66 recipients.
- Nao Sena Medals (Gallantry): 2 recipients.
- Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry): 8 recipients.
- Significance of Gallantry Awards
- The Kirti Chakra, India’s second-highest peacetime gallantry award, honors acts of exceptional courage.
- Shaurya Chakra, the third-highest peacetime award, is conferred for valiant action not in the face of the enemy.
- Sena, Nao Sena, and Vayu Sena Medals recognize exceptional bravery and courage by personnel of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, respectively.
- Notable Recipients and Contributions
- Kirti Chakra:
- Major Manjit (22 RR, Army).
- Naik Dilwar Khan (Posthumous, 28 RR, Army).
- Shaurya Chakra Highlights:
- Flight Lieutenant Aman Singh Hans and Corporal Dabhi Sanjay Hiffabai Essa from the Indian Air Force demonstrated valor during critical operations.
- Assistant Commandant Eshenthung Kikon (Army) and Vikrant Kumar (CRPF) displayed exemplary leadership during challenging missions.
- Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry):
- Lieutenant Colonel KH Shem, Army, for outstanding courage in repeated operations.
- Sena Medal (Gallantry):
- A total of 66 personnel from the Indian Army, including Major Archit Indurkar, Captain Dushyant Sihag, and Havildar Gurpreet Singh, were recognized for their valor in safeguarding national security.
- Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry):
- Lieutenant Commander Sourabh Malik and Lieutenant Commander Satyam Singh from the Navy were honored for their bravery in maritime operations.
- Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry):
- Notable recipients include Group Captain Ankit Raj Singh and Wing Commander Akshay Saxena, who demonstrated exceptional courage in critical air force missions.
About Gallantry Awards:
- Established: 1950 (post-independence).
- Categories: Wartime (Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, Vir Chakra) and Peacetime (Ashoka Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra).
Hierarchy of Awards:
- Peacetime: Ashoka Chakra > Kirti Chakra > Shaurya Chakra.
- Wartime: Param Vir Chakra > Maha Vir Chakra > Vir Chakra.
Padma Awards 2025: Honoring Excellence in Civilian Contributions
- The Padma Awards are among India’s highest civilian honours, recognizing distinguished achievements across various fields such as art, medicine, literature, science, social work, and more.
- Announced annually on the eve of Republic Day, the awards are conferred in three categories:
- Padma Vibhushan: Exceptional and distinguished service.
- Padma Bhushan: Distinguished service of higher order.
- Padma Shri: Distinguished service in various fields.
These awards are based on recommendations made by the Padma Awards Committee, constituted by the Prime Minister of India.
Padma Vibhushan 2025: Exceptional Achievements (7 Awardees)
The Padma Vibhushan recognizes unparalleled contributions to society.
Name | Field | State/Country |
Shri Duvvur Nageshwar Reddy | Medicine | Telangana |
Justice (Retd.) Shri Jagdish Singh Khehar | Public Affairs | Chandigarh |
Smt. Kumudini Rajnikant Lakhia | Art | Gujarat |
Shri Lakshminarayana Subramaniam | Art | Karnataka |
Shri M. T. Vasudevan Nair (Posthumous) | Literature and Education | Kerala |
Shri Osamu Suzuki (Posthumous) | Trade and Industry | Japan |
Smt. Sharda Sinha (Posthumous) | Art | Bihar |
Padma Bhushan 2025: Distinguished Service of Higher Order (19 Awardees)
The Padma Bhushan honors exceptional contributions across various disciplines.
Name | Field | State/Country |
Shri A Surya Prakash | Literature and Education-Journalism | Karnataka |
Shri Anant Nag | Art | Karnataka |
Shri Bibek Debroy (Posthumous) | Literature and Education | NCT Delhi |
Shri Jatin Goswami | Art | Assam |
Shri Jose Chacko Periappuram | Medicine | Kerala |
Shri Kailash Nath Dikshit | Others-Archaeology | NCT Delhi |
Shri Manohar Joshi (Posthumous) | Public Affairs | Maharashtra |
Shri Nalli Kuppuswami Chetti | Trade and Industry | Tamil Nadu |
Shri Nandamuri Balakrishna | Art | Andhra Pradesh |
Shri P R Sreejesh | Sports | Kerala |
Shri Pankaj Patel | Trade and Industry | Gujarat |
Shri Pankaj Udhas (Posthumous) | Art | Maharashtra |
Shri Rambahadur Rai | Literature and Education-Journalism | Uttar Pradesh |
Sadhvi Ritambhara | Social Work | Uttar Pradesh |
Shri S Ajith Kumar | Art | Tamil Nadu |
Shri Shekhar Kapur | Art | Maharashtra |
Ms. Shobana Chandrakumar | Art | Tamil Nadu |
Shri Sushil Kumar Modi (Posthumous) | Public Affairs | Bihar |
Shri Vinod Dham | Science and Engineering | USA |
Padma Shri 2025: Distinguished Service (113 Awardees)
The Padma Shri honors remarkable contributions across diverse fields.
Notable Awardees
- Arijit Singh (Art, West Bengal) – Celebrated playback singer.
- Ajay V. Bhatt (Science and Engineering, USA) – Co-inventor of USB technology.
- R Ashwin (Sports, Tamil Nadu) – Renowned Indian cricketer.
- Pawan Goenka (Trade and Industry, West Bengal) – Automotive industry leader.
- Shri Vinayak Lohani (Social Work, West Bengal) – Founder of Parivaar Education Society.
Special Mentions
- Sheikha Shaikha Ali Al-Jaber Al-Sabah (Medicine, Kuwait) – International recognition for contributions to global healthcare.
- Pratibha Satpathy (Literature and Education, Odisha) – Eminent poet and literary figure.
- Shri Miriyala Apparao (Posthumous) (Art, Andhra Pradesh) – Contribution to traditional performing arts.
About Padma Awards
- Established: 1954.
- Presented by: President of India.
- Categories: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri.
Indian Coast Guard Personnel Honoured with President’s Tatrakshak Medal and Tatrakshak Medal on 76th Republic Day
- On the occasion of the 76th Republic Day, President Smt. Droupadi Murmu has approved the prestigious President’s Tatrakshak Medal (PTM) and Tatrakshak Medal (TM) for the personnel of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
- These awards are conferred to recognize the gallantry, exceptional devotion to duty, and distinguished/meritorious service displayed by the recipients.
Categories and Recipients of the Awards
- President’s Tatrakshak Medal (Distinguished Service)
- ADG Anil Kumar Harbola, TM
- IG Homesh Kumar Sharma, TM
- Tatrakshak Medal (Gallantry)
- Comdt Anshuman Raturi
- Asst Comdt Manish Singh
- Sameer Ranjan, U/Nvk(R)
- Tatrakshak Medal (Meritorious Service)
- IG Jyotindra Singh
- DIG Atul Joshi
- Shanmugham Sankar, P/Adh (P)
About the Tatrakshak Medal and President’s Tatrakshak Medal
The Tatrakshak Medal is a prestigious award bestowed upon Indian Coast Guard personnel for acts of gallantry, devotion to duty, or meritorious service in their line of duty.
- President’s Tatrakshak Medal (PTM) is awarded for distinguished service, recognizing the extraordinary contributions and leadership of senior officers.
- Tatrakshak Medal (TM) is awarded in three categories:
- Gallantry for bravery and courage in the line of duty.
- Meritorious Service for exceptional service to the organization and country.
CURRENT AFFAIRS: APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS
Jitender Pal Singh Appointed India’s New Envoy to Israel
- Jitender Pal Singh, who has served as India’s point person for engaging with the Taliban since their capture of power in Afghanistan in August 2021, has been appointed as India’s new Ambassador to Israel.
- This appointment comes at a crucial time when diplomatic efforts are ongoing to resolve the Middle East crisis, particularly the hostages and ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.
About Jitender Pal Singh:
- A 2002-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, Singh is currently serving as Joint Secretary in charge of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran.
- He has also worked closely with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s office.
- In the past four years, Singh has had extensive engagement with the Taliban, including multiple visits to Afghanistan where he met prominent Taliban officials such as Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Defence Minister Mullah Yaqoob.
- Additionally, he has met with former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai. His groundwork played a role in facilitating the recent meeting between Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Taliban Foreign Minister Muttaqi in Dubai.
- Singh’s experience also includes serving in Afghanistan following the 2008 terror attack on the Indian embassy in Kabul, which claimed the lives of an Indian diplomat and an Army officer.
- He has also served as Deputy High Commissioner in Islamabad and as Consul General in Istanbul, Turkey.
Recent News:
- In December 2024, Israel approved a $11.13 million settlement expansion plan in the Golan Heights, aiming to double the population and enhance infrastructure. Captured in 1967 and annexed in 1981, the territory remains internationally unrecognized as Israeli.
About Israel:
- Capital: Jerusalem
- Currency: Israeli New Shekel (ILS)
- President: Isaac Herzog
- Prime Minister: Benjamin Netanyahu
Ayushmann Khurrana Appointed as Ambassador for Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) Frames, Representing India’s Media and Entertainment Industry
- Ayushmann Khurrana has been appointed as the ambassador of ‘FICCI Frames’.
- Khurrana, known for films like ‘Badhaai Ho’, ‘Andhadhun’, ‘Bala’, ‘Article 15’, and ‘An Action Hero’, expressed that it’s a huge honour to be announced as the first Brand Ambassador for ‘FICCI Frames’ in its silver jubilee year.
- The theme of this year is ‘RISE: Redefining Innovation, Sustainability and Excellence’, which underscores the transformative impact of ‘FICCI Frames’ in shaping narratives, fostering creativity, and driving the evolution of the ‘Media and Entertainment’ industry.
- Held annually in Mumbai, the event brings together influential personalities, creative professionals, and policymakers from around the world to discuss emerging trends, innovative technologies, and key challenges in the entertainment landscape.
- The 25th edition of ‘FICCI Frames’ promises to be a grand affair, with a renewed focus on new-age technologies such as artificial intelligence, digital content creation, virtual reality, and the metaverse, alongside traditional media and entertainment.
Recent News:
- In December 2024, Bollywood star Salman Khan was appointed as the brand ambassador for the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup, set to take place in New Delhi from January 13 to 19, 2025.
About FICCI:
- Founded: 1927
- Headquarters: New Delhi, India
- President: Harsha Vardhan Agrawal
CURRENT AFFAIRS: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Indian Space Research Organisation’s 100th Launch: Advanced Navigation Satellite with Indigenous Atomic Clocks to Boost Indian Navigation System
- The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), in its 100th launch, is set to send a 2,250-kg navigation satellite, NVS-02, onboard GSLV-F15 from Sriharikota on January 29 at 06.23 am.
- This satellite is the 2nd of the 5 second-generation satellites developed to replace existing satellites in the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), also known as NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation).
Key Highlights:
- The new generation satellites have an extended lifespan of 12 years and feature indigenously developed atomic clocks that are more accurate.
- These satellites also utilize the L1 frequency, commonly used in the US Global Positioning System (GPS), making them more suitable for smaller devices like fitness trackers.
- The upcoming launch will be the 17th flight of the GSLV vehicle and the 11th using an indigenously developed cryogenic engine.
- The mission, lasting over 19 minutes, will inject the satellite into a 170 x 36,577 km Geostationary Transfer Orbit.
- The IRNSS constellation, launched initially in 2013, is a seven-satellite system providing positioning, navigation, and timing services across the Indian mainland and a 1,500 km radius.
- However, some satellites faced issues with malfunctioning atomic clocks, requiring replacements.
- One replacement satellite, IRNSS-1H, failed to reach orbit when the PSLV launch vehicle’s heat shield did not open.
- The new NavIC satellites, beginning with NVS-01 in 2023, utilize L1 frequency to enhance services for smaller devices.
- Criticism arose regarding underutilization of NavIC services; a 2018 CAG report highlighted delays in developing user receivers, wasting the early mission life of satellites.
- However, recent years have seen progress, with cellphone chipsets now capable of receiving IRNSS data, enabling newer phones to utilize the Indian navigation constellation
Recent News:
- In January 2025, ISRO successfully docked two satellites in space, making India the 4th country to achieve this milestone after the US, Russia, and China.
About ISRO:
- Founded: 1969
- Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
- Chairman: V Narayanan
CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS
Jasprit Bumrah: Winning ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year
- Jasprit Bumrah had an exceptional year in 2024, cementing his position as one of the greatest fast bowlers in Test cricket.
- After making a remarkable comeback from a back injury in late 2023, Bumrah’s performances were pivotal in India’s success across both home and away series.
- His consistency, ability to take wickets, and record-breaking feats helped India maintain its challenge for the ICC World Test Championship, earning him the prestigious ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year award for 2024.
Key Highlights of Jasprit Bumrah’s Performance in 2024
- Overall Performance
- Matches Played: 13
- Wickets Taken: 71
- Average: 14.92 (the lowest among bowlers with 70+ wickets in a calendar year).
- Strike Rate: 30.1
- Economy Rate: 2.96
- Overs Bowled: 357
- Historic Milestone
- 200+ Test Wickets at an Average Below 20: Bumrah became the only bowler in Test cricket history to have taken over 200 wickets at an average under 20 (19.4).
- Series Contributions
South Africa (Cape Town Series)
- Performance: 8 wickets across two innings.
- Outcome: Played a crucial role in helping India secure an eight-wicket victory.
England (Home Series)
- Wickets: 19 in a five-match series.
- Contribution: Was key to India’s dominant 4-1 series win over England.
Australia (Border-Gavaskar Trophy)
- Wickets: 32 wickets in five matches.
- Player of the Series: Awarded Player of the Series for his incredible impact.
- Milestone: Reached 200 Test wickets during the series.
- Memorable Performances
Perth Test (Australia)
- Match Figures: 5/30 and 3/42.
- Victory: Led India to a historic 295-run victory, marking Australia’s first-ever loss at Perth.
- Captaincy: Stepped up as leader in the absence of Rohit Sharma, displaying strong leadership skills.
Smriti Mandhana: ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2024
- Smriti Mandhana had an extraordinary year in One Day International (ODI) cricket in 2024, solidifying her position as one of the greatest players in women’s cricket.
- Renowned for her graceful left-handed batting and ability to perform under pressure, Mandhana’s consistency and dominance played a pivotal role in India’s success in multiple series.
- Her achievements earned her the prestigious title of ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2024.
Key Highlights of Smriti Mandhana’s 2024 Performance
- Overview/Stats
- Runs Scored: 747 runs in 13 matches, making her the leading run-scorer in WODIs for the year.
- Batting Average: 57.86, showcasing her remarkable consistency in the 50-over format.
- Strike Rate: 95.15, reflecting her ability to balance aggression with precision.
- Centuries Scored: 4 centuries, a new record in women’s ODIs in a calendar year.
- Boundary Count: 95 fours and 6 sixes, underlining her dominance at the crease and her ability to find boundaries consistently.
- ICC Women’s Championship:
- Finished as the highest run-scorer with 1358 runs in 24 matches, helping India maintain a competitive edge in the tournament.
- Achievements:
- ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year: 2018, 2021.
- ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year: 2024.
Azmatullah Omarzai: ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2024
- Azmatullah Omarzai, Afghanistan’s dynamic all-rounder, had an outstanding 2024 in One Day International (ODI) cricket, further establishing himself as one of the top performers in the game.
- With impressive right-arm pace bowling and versatile batting, Omarzai played a pivotal role in Afghanistan’s success, contributing significantly to four ODI series victories.
- His remarkable performances earned him the prestigious title of ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2024, reinforcing his growing impact in world cricket.
Key Highlights of Azmatullah Omarzai’s 2024 Season
- ODI Performance
- Matches Played: 14 matches.
- Runs Scored: 417 runs.
- Wickets Taken: 17 wickets.
- Batting and Bowling Stats
- Batting Average: 12 in ODIs.
- Bowling Average: 47, showcasing his consistency and impact as a bowler.
- Strike Rate: 15, emphasizing his aggressive yet controlled batting style.
Recent news
- The ICC has introduced cricket development initiatives to strengthen cricket in regions like the USA, Nepal, and Scotland, offering financial support, coaching resources, and infrastructure to boost their cricketing programs.
About the International Cricket Council (ICC):
- Headquarters: Dubai, UAE.
- Established: 1909.
- Chairman :Jay Shah
- Current CEO (2025): Geoff Allardice (Australia).
Indian Grandmaster Iniyan Panneerselvam Wins 9th Johor International Open Chess Tournament
- Iniyan Panneerselvam, the talented 22-year-old Grandmaster from Erode, Tamil Nadu, delivered a remarkable performance to claim victory at the 9th Johor International Open Chess Tournament held in Malaysia.
- Iniyan dominated the event, finishing 1.5 points ahead of his nearest competitor and securing the title before the final round.
- This victory, combined with his earlier success at the Chennai Open in January 2025, further solidifies his position as one of India’s rising chess stars.
Key Highlights of Iniyan panneerselvam’s Performance
- Tournament Overview
- Tournament Name: 9th Johor International Open Chess Tournament
- Venue: Malaysia
- Iniyan’s Achievements
- Points Scored: 5 points in 9 rounds, maintaining a commanding lead throughout.
- Victory Margin: Finished 5 points ahead of the second-place finisher, securing the title before the final round.
- Key Wins:
- Defeated 4 International Masters (IMs) and 1 Grandmaster (GM), demonstrating his strength against top-rated players.
- His final-round victory against Vietnamese GM Nguyen Van Huy sealed the win.
- Tournament Stats
- Total Participants: 84 players
- Countries Represented: Eight countries
- Titled Players: 24 players, including Grandmasters, International Masters, and FIDE Masters.
- Standout Matches
- Secured Title (Penultimate Round): Defeated Indonesian IM Nayaka Budhidharma, ensuring an unassailable lead.
- Final Round Win: His victory over GM Nguyen Van Huy capped off an already dominant tournament performance, securing his victory with ease.
- Other Top Finishers
- Second Place: Indian IM VS Raahul
- Third Place: Chinese IM Li Bo
- Additional Achievements
- Rating Points Gained: Iniyan gained 15 rating points from this tournament, further boosting his chess ranking.
- Previous Victory: Earlier in January 2025, Iniyan won the Chennai Open, further cementing his excellent form this year.
- Notable Achievements:
- Winner of the 9th Johor International Open Chess Tournament (2025).
- Winner of the Chennai Open (2025).
- Ranked among India’s top chess players with a rising Elo rating.
About FIDE:
- Full Form: Fédération Internationale des Échecs (International Chess Federation).
- Headquarters: Lausanne, Switzerland.
- President (2025): Arkady Dvorkovich.
Jay Shah Joins New MCC Advisory Board to Shape the Future of Global Cricket
- In a significant development for global cricket, Jay Shah, the current ICC Chair and former Secretary of the BCCI, has been named one of the 13 founding members of the newly formed World Cricket Connects advisory board.
- This move marks a major shift in the governance of cricket, as the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) introduces a more dynamic and inclusive forum to guide the future of the game.
MCC’s Strategic Shift and the Formation of the Advisory Board
The World Cricket Connects advisory board, launched by the MCC, replaces the club’s previous World Cricket Committee. It serves as a platform to discuss and address the most pressing issues in the global cricket landscape.
- Jay Shah’s Role: Shah’s inclusion in the new advisory board follows his absence at the inaugural World Cricket Connects forum at Lord’s in 2024, an event that brought together influential cricket figures. His appointment now signifies a more inclusive and strategic approach to addressing the challenges of modern-day cricket.
- The advisory board aims to bring together key figures from all sectors of cricket, including former players, administrators, and industry leaders, to provide guidance on shaping the future of the sport.
The Role and Structure of the New Advisory Board
- Chairman: The advisory board will be led by Kumar Sangakkara, former MCC president and one of cricket’s most respected figures, known for his leadership and vast experience in the game.
- Prominent Members:
- Sourav Ganguly (former India captain)
- Graeme Smith (former South Africa captain)
- Andrew Strauss (former England captain)
- Heather Knight (England Women’s cricket team captain)
- Sanjog Gupta, CEO of JioStar (Sports), adding a commercial perspective.
- Chris Dehring, CEO of CWI (Cricket West Indies).
- Anurag Dahiya, ICC’s Chief Commercial Officer.
- These leaders bring a wealth of experience and diverse perspectives, ensuring that the advisory board will influence the sport from multiple angles.
CURRENT AFFAIRS: OBITUARY
India’s preeminent cardiac surgeon K.M. Cherian passes away
- KM Cherian, a world-renowned cardiologist with over 50 years of experience, has passed away in Bengaluru at the age of 82.
- His death comes shortly after he launched his biography in Kerala.
- The biography of Dr. K. M. Cherian, is titled Hand of God.
- Priya M Menon wrote the book, and Times Group Books published it.
About K.M. Cherian:
- Cherian was a pioneer in cardiac surgery, and one of his most notable achievements was performing India’s first heart-lung transplant on a patient.
- He founded the Frontier Lifeline Hospital and the Frontier Mediville, a large medical science park in Chennai, which became a hub for patients worldwide.
- His expertise and innovative approaches attracted numerous international patients seeking treatment.
- Cherian was particularly praised for his compassionate approach towards children.
- He was known for treating both the fear psychosis of children and the concerns of their parents with great kindness and understanding.
- His approach to pediatric cardiac care became highly recognized and applauded.
- He completed his medical education at Kasturba Gandhi Hospital in Manipal and taught at CMC Vellore.
- Further honing his expertise, he trained in cardiac surgery in Australia and New Zealand.
- Cherian also served as the honorary cardiac surgeon to the President of India and was involved in various international medical missions.
- One of his remarkable experiences included performing heart surgeries on 20 Iraqi children and playing a key role in the diplomatic release of four Indian drivers who had been imprisoned in Iraq.
CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS
Birth Anniversary of Lala Lajpat Rai: 28th January
- The birth Anniversary of Lala Lajpat Rai is observed on the 28th of January 2025.
Birth Anniversary of Lala Lajpat Rai History
- Lala Lajpat Rai achieved academic success. At the Public Authority Higher Auxiliary School in Rewari, Punjab, he consented to his initial training. His father was employed as a teacher at a similar school.
- To pursue legitimate training, he was granted entrance to the Public Authority School of Lahore in 1880.
- Lala Lajpat Rai made a critical cultural commitment. Helped spread the news about Arya Samaj in Punjab close to Master Dayanand Saraswati.
- Lala Lajpat Rai advanced the Dayanand Old English Vedic Schools, known as DAV Schools and Universities, along with Lala Hansraj and Kalyan Chandra Dixit.
- He always stood ready to assist others.
Data Protection Day: January 28, 2025
- Data Protection Day, also known as Data Privacy Day, is celebrated annually on January 28.
- The purpose of this day is to raise awareness about data protection and privacy rights, emphasizing the need for individuals to safeguard their personal information in an increasingly digitized world.
- As technology advances, the security of our data becomes a major concern, and Data Protection Day encourages both individuals and organizations to adopt measures that protect personal data from misuse.
History and Significance
- The origins of Data Protection Day trace back to April 26, 2006, when the Council of Europe decided to establish the day as a way to promote awareness of data privacy.
- The Council of Europe’s Data Protection Convention, also known as Convention 108, was opened for signature on January 28, 1981, and the observance of Data Protection Day was set to coincide with this date.
- Since then, Data Protection Day has been recognized globally and is known as Privacy Day outside of Europe.
Daily CA One- Liner: January 28
- On 26th January 2025, President Droupadi Murmu led the nation in celebrating the 76th Republic Day at Kartavya Path (formerly Janpath) in New Delhi
- Indore and Udaipur have reached a significant milestone by becoming the first two Indian cities to be recognized under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands as Wetland Cities
- India has been a global leader in the fight against tuberculosis (TB), with efforts spanning over six decades.
- President Droupadi Murmu conferred gallantry awards to 93 personnel from the Armed Forces and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), recognising their extraordinary bravery, valiant efforts, and selfless service to the nation
- The Padma Awards are among India’s highest civilian honours, recognizing distinguished achievements across various fields such as art, medicine, literature, science, social work, and more
- On the occasion of the 76th Republic Day, President Smt. Droupadi Murmu has approved the prestigious President’s Tatrakshak Medal (PTM) and Tatrakshak Medal (TM) for the personnel of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
- Jasprit Bumrah had an exceptional year in 2024, cementing his position as one of the greatest fast bowlers in Test cricket
- Smriti Mandhana had an extraordinary year in One Day International (ODI) cricket in 2024, solidifying her position as one of the greatest players in women’s cricket.
- Azmatullah Omarzai, Afghanistan’s dynamic all-rounder, had an outstanding 2024 in One Day International (ODI) cricket, further establishing himself as one of the top performers in the game
- Iniyan Panneerselvam, the talented 22-year-old Grandmaster from Erode, Tamil Nadu, delivered a remarkable performance to claim victory at the 9th Johor International Open Chess Tournament held in Malaysia
- In a significant development for global cricket, Jay Shah, the current ICC Chair and former Secretary of the BCCI, has been named one of the 13 founding members of the newly formed World Cricket Connects advisory board
- The birth Anniversary of Lala Lajpat Rai is observed on the 28th of January 2025.
- Data Protection Day, also known as Data Privacy Day, is celebrated annually on January 28
- SBI Payments, a joint venture between the State Bank of India and Hitachi Payment Services Pvt. Ltd., has joined forces with Pine Labs, a leading merchant commerce platform, to further strengthen their alliance.
- Reliance Jio has launched JioSoundPay, an innovative feature for its JioBharat device, designed to revolutionize payment operations for small-scale merchants across India.
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the Annual Report of the Ombudsman Scheme under the Integrated Ombudsman Scheme (RB-IOS), 2021, which covers banks, NBFCs, payment system participants, and credit information companies, and emphasizes consumer education and protection.
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed monetary penalties on Jammu and Kashmir Bank Limited (₹3.32 crore), Bank of India (₹1 crore), and Canara Bank (₹1.64 crore) for non-compliance with regulatory directions.
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced that the interest rate on the Government of India Floating Rate Bonds, 2035 (GOI FRB 2035), will be 6.66% per annum for the period from January 25, 2025, to January 24, 2030.
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), through an order dated January 15, 2025, has imposed a monetary penalty of ₹1 lakh on Datson Exports Ltd., West Bengal for non-compliance with RBI’s directions on ‘Managing Risks and Code of Conduct in Outsourcing of Financial Services by NBFCs’.
- Jitender Pal Singh, who has served as India’s point person for engaging with the Taliban since their capture of power in Afghanistan in August 2021, has been appointed as India’s new Ambassador to Israel.
- Ayushmann Khurrana has been appointed as the ambassador of ‘FICCI Frames’.
- The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), in its 100th launch, is set to send a 2,250-kg navigation satellite, NVS-02, onboard GSLV-F15 from Sriharikota on January 29 at 06.23 am.
- KM Cherian, a world-renowned cardiologist with over 50 years of experience, has passed away in Bengaluru at the age of 82.