National News

PM Modi Inaugurates Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat RRTS Line Worth 4,600 Crore.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has officially inaugurated an additional 13-km section of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor, marking the launch of Delhi's first Namo Bharat connectivity.
• The ?4,600 crore project features multiple stations, with prominent stops in Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Meerut, such as Sarai Kale Khan, Anand Vihar, Sahibabad, and Meerut South.
• The corridor will host India’s fastest rapid transit trains, Namo Bharat, operating at speeds up to 160 km/h, which will cut down travel time between Delhi and Meerut to just about one hour.
• Ticket prices range from ?150 for a standard coach to ?225 for a premium coach.

Telangana Farmers to Receive ?12,000 Per Acre Annually Under Rythu Bharosa Scheme.

• The Telangana government has increased the cash benefit under the Rythu Bharosa scheme to ?12,000 per acre annually.
• This enhancement, amounting to an additional ?2,000, will be provided to farmers owning cultivable land.
• Additionally, the newly introduced Indiramma Atmeeya Bharosa scheme will offer a similar benefit to the families of landless farm laborers.
• Under the Rythu Bharosa scheme, there are no conditions, and the benefit is applicable to every acre of cultivable agricultural land.
• However, the scheme does not cover non-agricultural lands such as mining areas, hills, real estate developments, roads, residential, industrial, or commercial properties, lands converted to Nala, and government-acquired land.

  About Telangana

• Established: 2 June 2014
• Capital: Hyderabad
• Chief Minister: Revanth Reddy (succeeded K. Chandrashekar Rao)
• Deputy CM: Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka
• Governor: P. Radhakrishnan
• Speaker of Telangana Assembly: Gaddam Prasad Kumar
• Legislative Assembly Seats: 119

18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention 2025 Kicks Off in Bhubaneswar.

• The 18th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention 2025 officially began in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, on January 8th.
• The theme of this three-day event is "The Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat" (A Developed India).
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the convention, while the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Christine Carla Kangaloo, will deliver a virtual address as the chief guest.
• The event aims to strengthen the connection between India and its global diaspora.
• In addition, the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, under the Pravasi Teertha Darshan Yojana by the Ministry of External Affairs, will be part of the convention's activities.
• The convention will conclude with a Valedictory Session led by President Droupadi Murmu on January 10th, 2025.
• Additionally, the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will be observed on January 8th, 2025, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

Rajiv Ranjan Singh Launches India’s First Organic Fisheries Cluster in Sikkim.

• Union Minister of Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, has launched India’s first Organic Fisheries Cluster in Soreng District, Sikkim.
• This initiative aims to promote sustainable aquaculture and boost farmer incomes by producing antibiotic-free, chemical-free, and pesticide-free organic fish.
• The organic fisheries cluster is designed to cater to eco-conscious markets worldwide, offering high-quality, organic fish.
• This project is part of a broader effort under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), with an investment of ?50 crore.
• The initiative covers all northeastern states except Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram.
• In addition to the fisheries cluster, Singh inaugurated and laid the foundations for 50 key projects across the northeastern region, further promoting sustainable practices in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.

Bengaluru to Host 15th Aero India 2025.

• Bengaluru, Karnataka, will host the 15th edition of Asia’s largest biennial airshow and aviation exhibition, Aero India 2025, at the Air Force Station in Yelahanka from February 10-14, 2025.
• The event is organized by the Defence Exhibition Organisation under the Union Ministry of Defence and showcases India’s growing aerospace and defence capabilities.
• The theme for Aero India 2025 is “The Runway to a Billion Opportunities,” highlighting the country's expanding role in the global aviation and defence sectors.
• Aero India has been held since 1996 and has become a significant platform for aerospace companies, military officials, and industry leaders to exhibit cutting-edge technologies, products, and innovations.
• The 15th edition is expected to attract a diverse group of exhibitors and visitors from around the world.

                     Banking and Financial

HDFC Bank to Acquire Up to 9.5% Stake in Kotak Mahindra, AU, and Capital Small Finance Banks.

• HDFC Bank, India's largest private-sector lender, has received approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to acquire up to a 9.5% stake in Kotak Mahindra Bank, AU Small Finance Bank, and Capital Small Finance Bank.
• This acquisition will include shares held by HDFC Bank and its group companies, such as HDFC Mutual Fund, HDFC Life Insurance, and HDFC ERGO General Insurance, among others.
• The RBI’s approval is valid for one year, expiring on January 2, 2026.
• This move reflects HDFC Bank’s strategy to diversify its portfolio and strengthen its position in the Indian banking sector.

IndiaBonds.com Launches Digital Fixed Deposits, Expanding Fixed Income Investment Opportunities.

• IndiaBonds.com, a SEBI-registered stock broker in the debt segment and licensed Online Bond Platform Provider (OBPP), has launched Digital Fixed Deposits (FDs) on its platform.
• This new feature enhances accessibility for individual investors, offering a seamless solution to manage both bonds and fixed deposits in one place.
• The initiative aligns with IndiaBonds.com's goal of providing stable, rewarding investment options while simplifying portfolio management for retail investors.
• The platform allows fully digital and paperless onboarding, including quick Know Your Customer (KYC) verification, making it easier for users to begin their fixed-income investment journey.
• Investors can earn interest rates of up to 9.4% on their fixed deposits, with an integrated portfolio dashboard to track cash flows, returns, and allocations efficiently.
• The platform also offers customizable payout options, low minimum investment thresholds, and the convenience of managing all fixed-income investments under one roof.
• Additionally, IndiaBonds.com plans to introduce more fixed deposit partnerships in the coming weeks to further expand its offerings.

Recent Banking and Insurance Sector Developments:

• SBI has introduced two new deposit schemes: Har Ghar Lakhpati and SBI Patrons.
• SBI has also launched a TAB-based digital NRI account onboarding process.
• ICICI Prudential Life Insurance and RGA have partnered to launch ICICI Pru Wish, a first-of-its-kind health product to cover women-specific ailments.
• Bank of Baroda has unveiled Phygital Branches, aimed at transforming customer banking experiences by combining digital and physical services.
• LazyPay introduced LazyPay EMI, which simplifies high-value purchases.
• Axis Bank launched the ARISE Women’s Savings Account, a specialized product designed to address the financial needs of women.

                          Appointments

Air Commodore Debakinandan Sahu Takes Command of Base Repair Depot, Tughlakabad.

• Air Commodore Debakinandan Sahu has assumed command of the Base Repair Depot (BRD) at Tughlakabad, succeeding Air Commodore Rishi Seth.
• Commissioned into the Aeronautical Engineering branch of the Indian Air Force on May 30, 1994, Air Commodore Sahu brings over three decades of distinguished service to his new role.
• A graduate of the Air Force Technical College (AFTC), Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), and the College of Air Warfare in Secunderabad, he is well-regarded for his extensive expertise in aviation systems and Guided Weapon Missile technologies.

                            Sports News

Varun Tomar Clinches National Shooting Championship Title in Men’s 10m Air Pistol.

• Varun Tomar, representing the Indian Army, claimed the National Shooting Championship title in the Men’s 10-meter Air Pistol event at the 67th National Shooting Championship 2024, held at Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi.
• Tomar triumphed in the finals, with his teammate Pradhyumn Singh securing the silver medal, while Aakash Bhardwaj from Rajasthan clinched the bronze.
• In addition to his victory in the senior Men’s 10m Air Pistol event, Varun Tomar also dominated the Men’s Junior 10-meter Air Pistol competition, where Pradhyumn Singh earned the bronze medal.
• Nikhil from Uttar Pradesh finished with the silver.
• In the Men’s Youth 10-meter Air Pistol event, Chirag Sharma of Uttar Pradesh took home the gold, while his teammate Dev Pratap earned silver and Rajasthan's Mayank Choudhary secured the bronze.

                             Obituary

Nuclear Scientist Dr. R. Chidambaram Passes Away at 88.

• Dr. Rajagopala Chidambaram, former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, passed away at the age of 88.
• He played a crucial role in India's nuclear advancements, especially during the landmark Pokhran-II nuclear tests in May 1998.
• Born in Chennai in 1936 to C Rajagopal Aiyar, a Controller of Defence Accounts, and Ananthalakshmi, Chidambaram excelled academically, becoming a first-ranker at Madras University where he completed his B.Sc (Honours).
• He later pursued his masters at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, and completed his PhD in 1961.
• In 1962, Chidambaram joined the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), where he contributed significantly to India's nuclear program.
• While he is most closely associated with the Pokhran-II nuclear tests, his contributions to the earlier Pokhran-I tests in 1974 were also pivotal.
• For his exceptional work, he was awarded the Padma Shri in 1975 and the Padma Vibhushan in 1999. Dr. Chidambaram's legacy continues to influence India’s scientific and technological advancements.

World’s Oldest Person Tomiko Itooka Dies at 116.

• Tomiko Itooka, a Japanese woman recognized as the world’s oldest person by Guinness World Records, has passed away at the age of 116.
• She died at a care home in Ashiya, Hyogo Prefecture, according to elderly policies official Yoshitsugu Nagata.
• Born in 1908, Ms. Itooka became the world’s oldest person last year following the death of 117-year-old Maria Branyas, as confirmed by the Gerontology Research Group.
• Her extraordinary longevity made her a symbol of vitality and resilience.

Costas Simitis, Former Greek Prime Minister, Dies at 88.

• Costas Simitis, the former Prime Minister of Greece, has passed away at the age of 88.
• Simitis served as Greece's Prime Minister from 1996 to 2004 and was a key figure in the country's political landscape, particularly known for his role in leading Greece into the European Union's Economic and Monetary Union.
• His leadership left a significant mark on Greek politics and the country's integration into Europe.