National News
India’s Digital Leap: NBM 2.0 & Sanchar Saathi App
On January 17, 2025, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) unveiled two important initiatives aimed at enhancing India’s digital connectivity and security: National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0 and Sanchar Saathi mobile application.
building on the foundation laid by nbm 1.0, which is almost established 8 lakh towers and increased broadband subscriptions 66 crore to 94 crore, NBM wants to connect 2.0 Remanent 1.7 lakh villages across India. The mission aims to ensure at least 60 out of every 100 rural households Have access to broadband connectivity with minimum fixed broadband Download speed of 100 MbpsThis initiative is expected to bridge the digital divide and promote inclusive growth.
Government launches app to promote battlefield tourism
In a significant initiative to connect citizens with the heroic history of India’s Armed Forces, the Government has launched “Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan” App and website on the occasion of Army Day celebrations on January 15, 2025 in Pune, Maharashtra. Developed jointly by the ministries of defence, tourism and the Indian Army, the app allows citizens to visit key battlefield locations including those of the 1962, 1971 and 1999 wars and important conflict areas such as Siachen Base Camp and Galwan Valley. The effort aims to transform border areas into tourism hubs, providing citizens with a closer connection with India’s military history and the sacrifices of its soldiers.
Lokpal of India celebrated its first foundation day
Lokpal of India celebrated its inauguration ceremony on January 16, 2025 Foundation day But Manekshaw Center in New Delhi, Completed 11 years of its establishment on January 16, 2014 under Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, 2013.
International news
China launches Pakistan’s satellite into space
China successfully launched on January 17, 2025 Pakistan’s first indigenous electro-optical (EO-1) satellite, PRSC-EO1, Se Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The satellite, designed to collect Earth observation data using electro-optical sensors, was deployed into its planned orbit by a Long March-2D carrier rocket at 12:07 pm Beijing time.
economy news
IMF cuts India’s FY2025 growth forecast to 6.5%
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised India’s economic growth forecast for FY2015. It was reduced to 6.5%, Below earlier estimates. Despite this decline, the IMF maintained a stable growth outlook for FY26. This adjustment reflects current challenges, including global economic uncertainties and domestic inflation pressures, which may impact India’s growth path. The revision comes in the context of the country’s ongoing post-pandemic recovery, with the IMF also citing inflation, investment slowdown and geopolitical risks as key factors that could impact the economic pace.
Cabinet approves ₹11,440 crore revival package for debt-ridden RINL
The Union Cabinet has given major approval ₹11,440 crore package to resuscitate Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL)What is commonly known as Vizag Steel is resolving its significant financial challenges. This strategic intervention aims to inspire ₹10,300 crore as equity capital in RINL and convert ₹1,140 crore of its working capital loan 7% in non-cumulative Preference share capital, redeemable after a decade. This initiative is expected to resolve many long standing operational issues of RINL.
banking news
RBI allows foreign banks to open INR accounts
In a significant policy change, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has authorized overseas branches banks are about to open Indian Rupee (INR) account for non-residents. The initiative aims to promote the global use of the Indian rupee in cross-border transactions and investments.
RBI’s record forex intervention in November 2024
In November 2024, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) sold one Record $20.2 billion in the foreign exchange market to stabilize the rupee amid significant foreign portfolio investor (FPI) outflows. This intervention increased the net short position of RBI in the futures market. $58.9 billion By the end of the month, over $49.18 billion in October.
appointment news
Justice Arun Mishra: New Ombudsman of BCCI
Justice Arun MishraFormer Supreme Court judge has been appointed Ombudsman and Ethics Officer of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The announcement was made and it turned out to be another important milestone in his illustrious career. Justice Mishra’s extensive legal expertise and leadership experience make him well suited for the dual responsibilities of ensuring ethical practices and addressing disputes within the BCCI.
sports news
Djokovic breaks Federer’s record in Grand Slam match count
novak djokovic One of the greatest players of tennis, added another milestone to his illustrious career by breaking the tie with Roger Federer for most Grand Slam matches played in tennis history on January 17, 2025. The Serbian tennis star achieved his 430th Grand Slam match during the second round of the Australian Open, where he won a challenging match against Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria. The victory added to Djokovic’s growing list of records, highlighting his unparalleled success in tennis.
science and technology news
Blue Origin launches new Glen in maiden flight
blue originThe Aerospace company founded by Amazon’s Jeff Bezossuccessfully launched its New Glenn rocket in its first test flight. The rocket, named after John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth, carried a prototype satellite into orbit. The launch marked an important milestone for the company as it moves into space exploration competing with SpaceX, NASA and other aerospace giants.
First black-eyed pea sprouts in space by ISRO
Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) Achieved an important milestone in space agriculture by successfully germinating black-eyed pea (cowpea) seeds on board its ship Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies (CROPS)This success underscores the potential for cultivating sustainable food sources for long-duration space missions, which is essential to meet the nutritional and psychological needs of astronauts during extended periods in space.
Is zombie deer disease dangerous to humans?
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)also known as “Zombie Deer Disease,” It is spreading among wildlife, primarily deer, moose and elk. Although this prion disease is known to affect animals, concerns have arisen about its possible transmission to humans. Recent cases of sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD) in humans, particularly among hunters who eat the meat of infected animals, have raised concern. However, the evidence for the spread of CWD to humans is still inconclusive, and more research is needed to determine the true risk.
New Indo-Burmese pangolin species discovered by ZSI scientists
Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has made an unprecedented discovery by identifying a new species of Indo-Burmese pangolin, Manis indoburmanica. This species is a distinct evolutionary branch that diverged from Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) About 3.4 million years ago. The research, led by ZSI scientists, used advanced genetic tools to analyze the mitochondrial genome, revealing the unique evolutionary history and genetic characteristics of this species. The discovery has important implications for pangolin conservation and the understanding of biodiversity in the Indo-Burma region, one of the world’s recognized biodiversity hotspots.
obituary news
Legendary director David Lynch dies at the age of 78
david lynchAcclaimed Hollywood director and writer has died at the age of 78. A true visionary of modern cinema, Lynch revolutionized the film industry with his distinctive surreal style and exploration of the darker aspects of human nature and the subconscious. His works, often steeped in bizarre and disturbing stories, left an indelible mark on both the horror and psychological thriller genres. Lynch’s creative talent spanned six decades and earned him numerous accolades, including four Academy Award nominations and the Palme d’Or. Best known for creating the iconic TV series Twin Peaks, Lynch’s contributions to cinema are celebrated around the world.
