Current Affairs - January 24, 2025 Current Affairs

IDFC FIRST Bank has collaborated with RuPay to introduce the FIRST EA₹N RuPay Credit Card. This secured card combines the benefits of a fixed deposit with cashback rewards on UPI transactions. Users can earn cashback on UPI payments, with a minimum fixed deposit of ₹5,000, providing financial flexibility. The card also offers additional perks, including complimentary roadside assistance and personal accident cover, making it a convenient choice for users.

Skydo Technologies, a Bengaluru-based fintech firm, received in-principle approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as a Payment Aggregator-Cross Border (PA-CB) entity. This approval allows Skydo to provide seamless and cost-effective cross-border payment solutions to Indian exporters. Skydo, which serves over 12,000 Indian exporters, is now poised to scale operations, expand its services globally, and diversify its offerings. The RBI's endorsement strengthens Skydo’s position in the competitive fintech industry and supports the international growth aspirations of Indian businesses.

NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL) has emerged as the winner of a 300 MW solar project from NHPC through a competitive bidding process conducted via an e-reverse auction. The bid was made by NTPC Renewable Energy Limited (NTPC REL), a subsidiary focused on renewable energy projects. This project is part of a broader 1200 MW solar initiative aimed at enhancing India’s renewable energy capacity. By leveraging the interstate transmission system (ISTS), the project will contribute significantly to the country's commitment to clean energy and meeting its sustainability goals. This milestone underlines NGEL's growing leadership in India's renewable energy sector.

The DRDO successfully conducted a 120-second ground test of an active-cooled scramjet combustor, marking a significant advancement in hypersonic missile technology. Hypersonic missiles, capable of travelling at speeds greater than Mach 5, can evade modern air defences. The Defense Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) is spearheading these efforts to develop next-generation hypersonic weapons. India joins nations like the US, Russia, and China in pushing the boundaries of advanced weaponry, positioning itself as a key player in this strategic defence sector.

India’s share of global consumption is expected to increase from 9% in 2023 to 16% by 2050, making it the second-largest contributor after North America, which stands at 17%. This growth is attributed to India’s youthful and expanding population, coupled with rising incomes. Meanwhile, advanced economies are seeing declining fertility rates, shifting global demographic attention to regions like India.

Uttar Pradesh Foundation Day is celebrated annually on January 24. This tradition began in 2017, following the suggestion of then-Governor Ram Naik. The state observed its first foundation day in 2018, marking the transition of the United Provinces to Uttar Pradesh on January 24, 1950. This date signifies the state’s official recognition as part of India’s post-independence reorganization. The celebration honors the rich history and contributions of Uttar Pradesh to the nation.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched the Battlefield Surveillance System named SANJAY to strengthen the Indian Army's reconnaissance capabilities. This advanced system integrates data from both ground and aerial sensors, offering real-time surveillance and situational awareness to aid in strategic decision-making. Developed in collaboration with Bharat Electronics, SANJAY represents a significant step forward in modernizing India’s defence infrastructure and is planned for phased deployment by October 2025. The system underscores the importance of technology in enhancing national security.

Tata AIG launched CyberEdge, a comprehensive cyber insurance solution aimed at protecting Indian businesses, particularly SMEs, from the growing threat of cyber risks. The product provides extensive coverage, including data recovery, legal fees, and business interruption losses. Tata AIG’s goal is to capture 25% of the cyber insurance market in the next five years. With cyberattacks on the rise in India, this initiative is timely, offering essential protection to businesses vulnerable to cyber threats, including small and medium enterprises that often lack strong cybersecurity measures.

ACKO Insurance has launched an e-challan portal in Hyderabad to simplify traffic checks and enhance convenience for residents. This platform allows users to access their traffic violation history and pay fines effortlessly. The initiative leverages technology to streamline urban daily tasks, particularly addressing the challenges of increasing traffic in cities. By offering an easy way to stay updated on road safety laws and manage challans, the portal is set to improve the overall customer experience and encourage better compliance with traffic regulations.

National Girl Child Day is observed annually on January 24 in India to raise awareness about the issues faced by girls and to promote their rights and welfare. Initiated in 2008 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, this day emphasizes the importance of gender equality, the education of girls, and the eradication of harmful practices such as child marriage. It also coincides with the day Indira Gandhi assumed office, symbolizing progress in women's empowerment and the ongoing fight for gender equality in India.

The 5th Khelo India Winter Games commenced in Ladakh at Leh’s NDS Ice Hockey Stadium. This event saw participation from over 400 athletes across India in sports such as ice hockey and ice skating. The opening ceremony featured cultural performances, including Jabro by the changpas, and even foreign visitors participated in the celebrations.

The Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, located in Bengaluru, has completed 1,000 robotic surgeries, marking a significant milestone. It is the first government hospital to adopt the advanced Da Vinci robotic surgical system. The hospital is also notable for its extensive inpatient care and for providing the highest number of treatments under the Ayushman Bharat Arogya Karnataka scheme.

India ranks 4th in the Global Firepower Index 2025, maintaining its strong military position globally. This ranking is based on over 60 parameters, including manpower, resources, and geography, reflecting India’s significant military capabilities. India’s score is 0.1184, just behind the United States, Russia, and China. The Global Firepower Index evaluates the military strength of 145 countries, and India's consistent position in the top ranks showcases its military prowess.

The International Day of Education is celebrated annually on January 24, recognizing the crucial role of education in fostering peace and sustainable development. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2018, the day promotes a global commitment to achieving inclusive and quality education for all. The theme for 2025, "AI and Education: Preserving Human Agency in a World of Automation," highlights the transformative potential of AI in education, while emphasizing the need to maintain human agency in this evolving technological landscape. The day serves as a call to action for global educational challenges and reforms.

National Voters’ Day is celebrated annually on January 25, a day before Republic Day. The 15th edition of the event highlights the theme “Nothing Like Voting, I Vote for Sure.” It recognizes the growing strength of India’s electoral rolls, which now stand at 99.1 crore voters. This year, President Droupadi Murmu will present the Best Electoral Practices Awards, while a docu-drama series and new publications on the 2024 elections will also be launched to mark the occasion. The day emphasizes the importance of voting in a democracy and encourages greater participation.