National News
Saving lives on highways: Gadkari announces cashless treatment scheme
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari announced an important initiative to provide cashless treatment of up to ₹1.5 lakh for seven days to road accident survivors.The scheme is expected to be expanded to all states by March 2025. The minister also revealed new technology-based interventions for heavy vehicles to reduce road accidents and improve safety standards. Gadkari highlighted India’s rising road mortality rate and proposed solutions to tackle the shortage of skilled drivers along with updates on emission norms and vehicle safety standards.
Pranab Mukherjee Memorial in Rajghat Complex, Delhi
The Central Government has decided to establish memorial for former President Pranab Mukherjee at the Rashtriya Smriti Sthal, Part of the Rajghat complex in Delhi. Mukherjee, who died on August 31, 2020, was a veteran Congress leader and the 13th President of India. His daughter Sharmistha Mukherjee expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for this unexpected step. The memorial will be a tribute to Mukherjee’s decades-long contribution to Indian politics.
Prabowo Subianto to be chief guest of Republic Day in 2025
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto Has formally accepted New Delhi’s invitation to be the chief guest at India’s 2025 Republic Day parade. His visit is an important step in enhancing India-Indonesia ties, signaling the importance of the Act East policy in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third term. During the visit, both the countries are expected to strengthen their strategic cooperation, defense ties and economic engagement.
IndusFood 2025: India hosts global exhibitors from 30 countries
IndusFood 2025, Asia’s leading food and beverage trade exhibitionWill be held in Greater Noida, India on January 8-10, 2025. Organized by the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI) in collaboration with the Department of Commerce, the event will feature over 2,300 exhibitors from over 30 countries and attract 15,000 Indian trade visitors as well as 7,500 international buyers. The three-day event aims to bridge the gap in the farm-to-fork value chain, enhancing business opportunities, market access and farmers’ income.
economy news
India’s GDP growth is estimated at 6.4% for 2024-25
National Statistical Office (NSO) has estimated India’s gross domestic product (GDP) 6.4% increase In Financial year 2024-25, a recession from A growth of 8.2% was recorded in 2023-24.
Capital expenditure of Indian Railways in FY25
Indian Railways has achieved an important milestone in the financial year 2024-25 (FY25) ₹2 lakh crore. In capital expenditure (capex), accounting 76% of its budgetary allocation. By December 2024, Indian Railways has spent approximately ₹1.91 lakh crore from GBS, ₹824 crore from external resources and ₹8,733 crore from extra-budgetary resources, totaling over ₹2 lakh crore.
Fiscal deficit target on track despite revised GDP growth
Despite the decline in India’s GDP growth forecast for FY 2024-25, the government’s Fiscal deficit target 4.9% of GDP remains attainable. The National Statistical Office (NSO) has estimated nominal GDP growth rate for FY25 at 9.7%, slightly below Estimate of 10.5%This adjustment is expected to have minimal impact on the fiscal deficit, as the government plans to reduce capital expenditure to compensate for lower GDP growth.
schemes news
Expansion of e-Shram portal to 22 scheduled languages
e-shram portal, Designed to provide unorganized workers seamless access to various government schemes, it has been upgraded to support all 22 scheduled languages. This enhancement, launched by Union Labor and Employment Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, It aims to make the portal more accessible to workers across India.
Shahid Madho Singh Haath Kharcha Scheme
7 January 2025, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated Shahid Madho Singh Haath Kharcha Scheme But Tribal fair in Bhubaneswar. This initiative aims to reduce the school dropout rate among Scheduled Tribe (ST) students by providing one-time financial assistance ₹5,000 For those taking admission in class IX and class XI. This scheme targets students from such families Annual income not exceeding ₹2,50,000.
appointment news
V. Narayanan takes over as ISRO chief and Space Secretary
Dr. V. Narayanan, A distinguished scientist with nearly four decades of experience in rocket and spacecraft propulsion, Has been appointed as the new Secretary of the Department of Space and Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). According to the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, he will become S. with effect from January 14, 2025. Will replace Somnath. Dr. Narayanan, currently serving as the Director of Liquid Propulsion Systems Center (LPSC), has expertise in liquid and cryogenic propulsion systems. His leadership has played a key role in many of ISRO’s landmark missions including the development of the GSLV Mk III and Chandrayaan-3 propulsion system.
Bahadur Singh Sagoo Elected as AFI President
Asian Games gold medalist and Padma Shri awardee Bahadur Singh Sagoo has been unanimously chosen as New President of Athletics Federation of India (AFI). His election took place during the two-day annual general meeting in Chandigarh. Sagoo, who won gold medal in shot put at the 2002 Asian Games, took charge Outgoing President Adile SumariwalaWho left the post after three consecutive terms. AFI also announced several major initiatives to promote athletics in India, including a major javelin competition and hosting of international events.
important day news
Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas 2025- Date, Theme, History and Highlights
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, also known as Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Day, is an annual event celebrated on 9 January In India to honor and connect with the Indian diaspora across the world. This important occasion aims to strengthen ties between India and its foreign nationals, leveraging their expertise and resources for the development of the country.
The theme of this year’s Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat”,
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) celebrates 78th Foundation Day
on 6 January 2025 Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) remembered this 78th foundation dayUnderscoring its dedication to quality and innovation. Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi, It was emphasized that quality is not just a measurement but a way of life that inspires trust, progress and innovation.
Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Dates
Mahakumbh Mela 2025 is one of the most awaited Hindu festivals. will occur in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, from January 13 to February 26, 2025. This grand event, held every 12 years, brings together millions of devotees to seek blessings and take a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam, where three sacred rivers meet: the Ganges, the Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati.
science and technology news
First human death from H5N1 bird flu in Louisiana
Louisiana reported on January 6, 2025 first human death United States of America H5N1 bird flu virus. This is a significant development in the ongoing fight against avian influenza, highlighting its persistent threat Zoonotic diseases.
Historic Moon artifacts donated to Frontiers of Flight Museum
An important part of aviation history will be displayed here Limits of Flight Museum In Dallas. Neil Armstrong’s family has donated a piece of the original right flyer fabric, blown on Kitty Hawk in 1903 and later carried by Armstrong Apollo 11 mission in 1969. The artwork will be unveiled on October 2, 2025, serving as a testament to the Wright brothers’ evolution of flight. humanity’s first powered flight First steps on the moon.
Banded Royal Butterfly discovered in Tripura
banded royal butterfly (Rachna Jalindra Indra) has recently been discovered in Tripura, marking an important milestone in the biodiversity documentation of the state. This rare species was seen for the first time Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary, Area rich in flora and fauna. The discovery underlines the importance of ongoing ecological research and wildlife conservation in the area. The Banded Royal butterfly, known for its unique appearance, is now officially documented in the peer-reviewed journal Munis Entomology & Zoology.