National News
India gets its first glass bridge in Kanniyakumari
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin inaugurated the event along with several dignitaries. India’s first glass bridge in Kanniyakumari. The bridge connects two iconic sites, the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the 133-foot Thiruvalluvar Statue, enhancing the appeal of Kanniyakumari as a major tourist destination. Built under a Rs 37 crore initiative by the Government of Tamil Nadu, the Glass Bridge aims to improve the travel experience for visitors and boost the local tourism sector. The project coincides with the silver jubilee of the unveiling of the Thiruvalluvar statue by former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi. It is expected that the Glass Bridge will become a landmark tourist attraction, attracting both domestic and international tourists.
Centralized Pension System of EPFO
Employees Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) has successfully implemented this Centralized Pension Payment System (CPPS) Across all regional offices in India, this marks a significant progress in pension disbursement. This initiative will benefit 68 lakh pensionersSo that they can get their pension from any bank branch across the country.
International news
Mike Johnson re-elected as US House Speaker
Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, was re-elected as Speaker of the US House of Representatives in a tense, high-stakes vote on the first day of the new Congress. Despite opposition from hard-right Republicans and growing challenges to unified GOP control, Johnson won office with the support of President-elect Donald Trump. This re-election came with many challenges, including a slim majority, internal Republican divisions and heightened political stakes as the GOP prepares for ambitious policy initiatives under Trump’s leadership.
state news
Increase in elephant population seen in Assam in 7 years
Assam’s latest elephant population estimate 2024 reveals a guess There are 5,828 elephants, which represents an increase of 109 from the previous 2017 count. This simultaneous assessment exercise highlights the sustainability of Assam’s elephant population despite challenges such as habitat fragmentation and human-elephant conflict. Key findings underline the important role of elephant reserves and offer recommendations for improved conservation efforts.
Chhattisgarh’s Green GDP Initiative
Chattisgarh has become first indian state to include ecological services of its forests Adopt and incorporate into your economic structure Green Gross Domestic Product (Green GDP) Sample. The initiative aims to link environmental contributions – such as clean air, water conservation and biodiversity – to the state’s economic growth, ensuring sustainable development while preserving natural resources for future generations.
economy news
India has revised the GDP base year to 2022-23
In a significant step to increase the accuracy of economic assessments, the Government of India has announced plans to update the base year for calculations Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from 2011-12 to 2022-23. This revision, the first in more than a decade, aims to better reflect the current economic landscape and structural changes.
Nomura cuts India’s FY25 GDP growth forecast to 6.7%
Nomura has adjusted its forecast India’s fiscal year 2025 GDP growth rate 6.7%below last Estimated at 6.9%. The revision follows official data indicating a slowdown in the April-June quarter GDP growth was 6.7%, Below expectations and decline 7.8% increase In the last quarter.
Government forms committee to update WPI base year
On January 2, 2025, the Government of India established a 18 member committee Revising the base year of Wholesale Price Index (WPI) From 2011-12 to 2022-23. The initiative aims to increase the accuracy of factory-gate inflation measures by reflecting structural changes in the economy over the past decade.
banking news
RBI approves merger of National and Cosmos Cooperative Banks
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the merger of National Co-operative Bank (Bangalore) with Cosmos Co-operative Bank (Maharashtra), effective January 6, 2025. The decision is part of ongoing consolidation efforts within India’s banking sector. , After the merger, the branches of National Co-operative Bank will operate as part of Cosmos Co-operative Bank. This approval has been given after several restrictions were imposed on the National Cooperative Bank due to its weak financial performance.
BharatPe to sell 25% stake in Unity Small Finance Bank
India’s leading fintech company BharatPe is planning to sell up to 25% of its 49% stake in Unity Small Finance Bank (Unity Bank). The move aims to raise around $800 million (roughly Rs. 6,500 crore) and is part of the company’s plan to meet the regulatory requirements of the RBI. Digital payments and financial services major BharatPe has appointed Rothschild & Co to oversee the stake sale.
SBI Introduces ‘Har Ghar Lakhpati’ and ‘SBI Patrons’ Deposit Schemes
State Bank of India (SBI) has launched two new deposit schemes: ‘Har Ghar Lakhpati’ and ‘SBI Patrons,’ It aims to enhance financial inclusion and cater to the diverse needs of customers. ,Every house is a millionaire’ is a pre-calculated recurring deposit amount designed to help customers deposit ₹1 lakh or multiples thereof. The plan simplifies the process of achieving financial goals, allowing customers to plan and save effectively. It is also available to minors, encouraging early financial planning and saving habits.
RBI’s 2024-25 report on state finances
Reserve Bank of Recent report of India (RBI), “State Finances: A Study of the Budget 2024-25,” Important improvements in the financial health of state governments following the pandemic have been highlighted, while areas that require greater focus have also been identified.
schemes news
Expansion of Rythu Bharosa Scheme of Telangana
of Telangana government Rythu Bharosa Scheme With the aim of enhancing agricultural support across the State, it has been expanded to provide financial assistance to all farmers cultivating crops. The scheme will give Rs 7,500 per acre for each crop season to about 70 lakh farmers in Telangana.
Rank and report news
Decline in student enrolment: UDISE+ Report 2023-24
Integrated District Information System of the Ministry of Education for Shiksha Plus (UDISE+) Report for 2023-24 shows a significant decline in student enrollmentWhich marks a remarkable change from the stagnant figures seen in previous years. Total student enrollment dropped to 24.8 crore in 2023-24, more than one crore less than previous years. This shows a decline of 6% from 26.02 crore recorded in 2018-19.
important day news
World Braille Day: Celebrating inclusivity and accessibility
World Braille Day is celebrated every year on 4 January to commemorate the birth anniversary of Louis Braille, the inventor of the Braille system. Recognized by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2018, the day emphasizes the importance of Braille as an important tool for literacy, independence and inclusivity for persons with visual impairments. The day aims to raise awareness about the rights and needs of the visually impaired community and highlight the importance of accessibility in creating an inclusive society.
appointment news
Faiz Ahmed Kidwai appointed as DGCA Director General
Senior IAS officer Faiz Ahmed KidwaiHas been a 1996-batch officer of Madhya Pradesh cadre Appointed as the new Director General (DG) of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). His appointment, approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, fills the post left vacant after his predecessor Vikram Dev Dutt was promoted and transferred to the Coal Ministry. Kidwai now faces major challenges, including resolving disputes over pilot duty and rest criteria.
