Current Affairs - January 31, 2025 Current Affairs

CRED introduced India's first fintech-led e-rupee wallet, enabling users to conduct Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) transactions. The wallet allows transactions of up to ₹10,000 per transfer and ₹50,000 daily, with the added benefit of zero-cost merchant payments. Future updates will enhance usability with features like programmable payments and PIN-less transactions for amounts under ₹500. This initiative marks a significant step in India's digital payment ecosystem, facilitating seamless and secure e-rupee transactions.

Karnataka's cabinet approved the Greater Bengaluru Integrated Satellite Township (GBIST) project, covering 8,032 acres between Bidadi and Harohalli. This initiative is part of a larger plan to develop five more satellite townships in Devanahalli, Nelamangala, Hoskote, Bidadi, and Doddaballapur, enhancing multi-modal connectivity in the region. Additionally, the cabinet sanctioned a ₹5,000 crore Karnataka Water Security & Disaster Resilience Program, aimed at strengthening water security and disaster preparedness. These decisions reflect Karnataka’s commitment to sustainable urban expansion and infrastructure development.

India achieved the highest passenger load factor globally for domestic flights in 2024, reaching 86.4%. This figure surpassed that of the United States (84.1%) and China (83.2%), highlighting India's strong aviation growth. A total of 163 million passengers boarded domestic flights in the country, with a particularly strong performance toward the end of the year. The global aviation sector also saw a surge, with overall air traffic demand rising by 10.4%, exceeding pre-pandemic levels. India's leadership in this metric underscores its expanding domestic travel market and increasing air traffic demand.

NITI Aayog organized a workshop on the Circular Economy in Jaipur, focusing on the management and recycling of End of Life Vehicles (ELV) and End of Life Tyres (ELT). The event was inaugurated by Shri Naresh Pal Gangwar and emphasized the importance of circular economy practices in achieving India's Viksit Bharat@2047 vision. With over 150 participants, the workshop facilitated discussions on policy, technological advancements, and collaborative solutions for improving recycling and sustainability in the sector.

World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) Day is observed every year on January 30th. This day commemorates key milestones in the fight against NTDs, including the launch of the first WHO roadmap for NTDs and the 2012 London Declaration on Neglected Tropical Diseases. The theme for this year, “Unite, Act, and Eliminate NTDs,” calls for collective action, collaboration, and reflection on the progress made toward eliminating these diseases. The observance of this day is vital in raising awareness about NTDs, which affect millions of people, particularly in poverty-stricken regions.

Shubhanshu Shukla has been selected as the pilot for the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) to the International Space Station, scheduled for spring 2025. This makes him the first Indian astronaut to visit the ISS aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. His participation aligns with India's Gaganyaan mission objectives and represents a significant step in India's human spaceflight program. The mission is commanded by veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson and includes astronauts from ESA and Hungary, contributing to the expansion of private astronaut missions to the ISS.

On January 24, 2025, Himachal Pradesh approved a cannabis cultivation pilot aimed at exploring its agricultural, medicinal, and industrial applications. The initiative will be managed by the state's agriculture department, aligning Himachal Pradesh with other states like Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh that have already recognized the economic potential of cannabis. Globally, cannabis is valued for its versatility, with industrial uses ranging from textiles and bioplastics to over 25,000 different products. This move signifies a step towards leveraging cannabis for economic and research benefits while ensuring regulated and sustainable cultivation practices.

Wing Commander Akshay Saxena was honoured with the Vayu Sena Medal for his pivotal role in an anti-piracy mission in the Arabian Sea. He piloted a C-17 aircraft in a high-risk 10-hour operation, successfully executing a precision airdrop of marine commandos to rescue the hijacked ship Ruen. The Indian Navy, supported by INS Kolkata and INS Subhadra, intercepted the vessel, leading to the capture of Somali pirates and the safe recovery of the crew. His exceptional skills and bravery were instrumental in the success of this critical mission.

Hiroki Totoki has been appointed as the new CEO of Sony, taking over from Kenichiro Yoshida. His primary focus will be on expanding Sony's entertainment sector. Alongside this leadership change, Hideaki Nishino will be in charge of game and network services, while Hermen Hulst will head the game studios. Following the announcement of these executive changes, Sony's shares saw a notable 4.7% increase in Tokyo, reflecting investor confidence in the new leadership.

Tata Steel has become the first Indian company to develop hydrogen-compliant pipes, marking a major advancement in clean energy infrastructure. These API X65 pipes, manufactured at Tata Steel’s Khopoli plant using steel from its Kalinganagar facility, are designed to transport 100% pure gaseous hydrogen under high pressure (100 bar). This innovation supports India’s National Hydrogen Mission, which aims to position the country as a global leader in green hydrogen production. Tata Steel’s in-house development of these specialized pipes underscores its commitment to sustainability and innovation in the steel industry.

Karnataka Bank earned top honours in six categories at the 2024 IBA Banking Technology Awards, showcasing its leadership in digital banking. The awards recognized the bank’s achievements in areas such as tech talent, IT risk management, AI adoption, and fintech integration. Karnataka Bank's innovative approaches include fostering a digital-first culture, implementing advanced risk management systems, integrating fintech solutions, and excelling in AI/ML adoption for personalized banking. This recognition underscores the bank’s commitment to advancing technology to enhance customer experiences and drive digital transformation.

AstroSage AI has introduced Kundli AI, an advanced tool that integrates artificial intelligence with traditional astrology. This feature provides real-time Kundli interpretations and caters to users ranging from beginners to professionals. Kundli AI offers interactive insights into various astrological systems, including Ashtakvarga, Lal Kitab, and the KP System, while also answering personalized astrology-related queries. With over 1.1 million daily active users, the tool aims to make astrology more accessible and user-friendly by leveraging AI technology.