We at Edusprint Academy are committed to bringing you the most relevant and updated 23rd January 2025 current affairs curated from trusted and official sources. These updates are designed to keep you ahead in your exam preparation journey.
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National news
Geographical Indications (GI) Tags Granted to Products from Andaman and Nicobar Islands (December 2024)
The Geographical Indications (GI) Registry, located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, under the Department of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry (moc&I), granted GI tags to seven indigenous products from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (A&N). This recognition underscores the cultural and traditional importance of these products and highlights the unique heritage of the Union Territory (UT).
The Seven GI-Tagged Products:
- Nicobari Mat (Chatrai-hileuoi)
- Nicobari Hut (Chanvi Pati – Nyi hupul)
- Nicobari Hodi Craft
- Padauk Wood Craft
- Nicobar Coconut
- Nicobari Tavi-i-Ngaich (Virgin Coconut Oil)
- Andaman Karen Musley Rice
This is the first time in India that a single Union Territory has been granted GI tags for seven products in a single instance.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands:
- Capital: Port Blair
- Governor: Incumbent Devendra Kumar Joshi
Rubber Board’s New Initiatives to Boost India’s Rubber Industry (January 2025)
In January 2025, during the platinum jubilee celebrations of the Rubber Act, 1947, and the Rubber Growers’ Conference in Kottayam, Kerala, the Rubber Board (RB), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I), unveiled two significant initiatives: ISNR (Indian Sustainable Natural Rubber) and INR Konnect platform. These initiatives are designed to strengthen India’s position in the global rubber market and promote domestic rubber production.
Key Initiatives:
ISNR (Indian Sustainable Natural Rubber):
- Goal: Align Indian rubber production with European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) standards.
- This initiative aims to ensure that India’s natural rubber production is sustainable and meets international environmental standards, enhancing India’s global competitiveness.
INR Konnect Platform:
- Type: Web-based platform.
- Goal: Connect owners of untapped rubber plantations with adopters to enhance productivity.
- The platform will facilitate the adoption of underutilized rubber plantations, encouraging productivity and optimizing rubber cultivation across India.
About the Rubber Board (RB):
- Executive Director (ED): M. Vasanthagesan
- Headquarters: Kottayam, Kerala
- Founded: 1947
Role: The Rubber Board is responsible for promoting the cultivation and processing of natural rubber in India. It works to ensure the development of sustainable rubber production and serves as a key regulator in the industry.
UNESCO and MeitY Partner on AI Readiness Assessment in India
UNESCO’s South Asia Regional Office, in collaboration with India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and Ikigai Law, held a two-day consultation on AI Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) on January 16-17, 2025. The events took place at IIIT Bangalore and NASSCOM AI office. The primary goal was to align India’s AI ecosystem with global ethical standards and identify opportunities for responsible AI adoption.
Objective: To develop actionable insights for ethical and responsible AI deployment using AI RAM, a diagnostic tool that assesses AI infrastructure, legislation, and stakeholder engagement. The initiative focuses on fostering trust and safety in India’s AI landscape.
Key Highlights
Diverse Stakeholder Engagement:
- Participants included government officials, academia, industry leaders, and civil society.
- Discussions centered on ethical principles like transparency, inclusiveness, and fairness.
Focus on Startups:
- The second day emphasized startups’ role in driving AI innovation.
- Strategies for creating an innovation-friendly and responsible AI environment were explored.
Expert Discussions: Dr. Mariagrazia Squicciarini from UNESCO emphasized the importance of RAM for assessing AI readiness and ensuring responsible growth.
Alignment with India’s AI Initiatives
- Supports INDIAai Mission with a ₹10,000 crore investment.
- Focus on the Safe and Trusted AI pillar to promote ethical practices, indigenous frameworks, and robust governance in AI development.
- Aims to democratize AI benefits while ensuring accountability and safety.
UNSECO:
- Founded: 16 November 1945, London, United Kingdom
- Headquarters: Paris, France
- Abbreviation: UNESCO
- Director-General: Audrey Azoulay
International news
U.S. Withdraws from WHO and Suspends Foreign Aid
On January, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order initiating the United States’ withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) and suspending all foreign aid for 90 days, sparking global concern and debate.
Reasons for Withdrawal:
- Mishandling of COVID-19: Criticism of WHO’s perceived leniency towards China’s initial response to the pandemic.
- Lack of Independence: Concerns about the WHO being influenced by political pressures from member states.
- Financial Disparities: The U.S. argued it was contributing disproportionately to the WHO’s budget compared to other nations, like China.
Yala Glacier in Nepal Set to Vanish by 2040s Due to Climate Change
The Yala Glacier, located in Nepal’s Langtang National Park, is a key site for studying the effects of climate change on the Himalayan cryosphere. Recent predictions indicate that the glacier could vanish by the 2040s, emphasizing the urgency of climate action.
Historical Retreat and Current Status:
Retreat:
Scientific Significance: The glacier is listed in the Global Glacier Casualty List (launched in 2024), marking its critical status among endangered glaciers.
Implications of Glacier Loss:
- Water Resources: The Hindu Kush Himalaya region, warming twice as fast as the global average, relies on glaciers for freshwater, supporting 240 million people.
- Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs): Accelerated melting leads to the formation of unstable glacial lakes, posing catastrophic flood risks to nearby communities.
Global and Regional Responses:
International Efforts:
- The United Nations designated 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation.
- March 21 will now be observed annually as the World Day for Glaciers to raise awareness about glacier preservation.
Regional Actions:
India:
- Launched the National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem.
- Established the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) to monitor glacier-related events and issue GLOF alerts.
Nepal:
- Capital: Kathmandu
- Currency: Nepalese Rupee
- PM: KP Sharma Oli
Agreement news
India and USA Sign MoU to Boost Cybercrime Investigation Cooperation (January 2025)
In January 2025, the Government of India (GoI) and the Government of the United States of America (USA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in cybercrime investigations. The MoU aims to strengthen security collaboration between the two nations and tackle interconnected issues such as terrorism, drug trafficking, human trafficking, money laundering, and other security challenges linked to cybercrime.
Key Points of the MoU:
Signing of the Agreement: The MoU was signed by Indian Ambassador Vinay Kwatra and Acting USA Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Kristie Canegallo in Washington DC, USA.
Key Objectives:
- The agreement focuses on cybercrime investigations and aims to strengthen India-USA security cooperation.
- Shared focus: Addressing cybercrime, terrorism, drug trafficking, money laundering, and human trafficking, which are often interconnected and cross-border issues.
Implementation in India:
In India, the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will oversee the implementation of the agreement.
Implementation in the USA: In the USA, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), along with its agencies like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Homeland Security Investigations Cyber Crimes Center (C3), will be responsible for executing the MoU.
State news
Chhattisgarh CM Launches Rs 10K Annual Aid Scheme for Labourers
On January , 2025, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister (CM) Vishnu Deo Sai launched the ‘Deendayal Upadhyay Bhoomiheen Krishi Majdoor Kalyana Yojana’ in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The scheme aims to provide financial support to landless agricultural labourers and other marginalized communities to enhance their income and improve their quality of life.
Key Features of the Scheme:
Financial Assistance: The scheme provides Rs 10,000 annually to landless agricultural labourers, including Baigas, Gunias, and other landless families in the state.
Beneficiaries:
A total of 5.62 lakh landless agricultural labourers across Chhattisgarh will benefit from the scheme.
Total Allocation: Rs 562 crore has been allocated to support these beneficiaries.
Inclusive Coverage:
- The scheme also includes forest produce collectors, shepherds, carpenters, blacksmiths, cobblers, barbers, washermen, and other families involved in the Pauni-Pasari system.
- Additionally, the scheme extends to tribal temple worshippers such as Pujari, Baiga, Gunia, and Majhi families in scheduled areas.
Related Initiatives by CM Vishnu Deo Sai:
- ‘Nagar Vikas Ke Sopan’ Program: CM Vishnu Deo Sai participated in the ‘Nagar Vikas Ke Sopan’ program in Raipur, during which he laid the foundation stone for 813 development works worth Rs 155.38 crore.
- Inauguration of Works: The CM also inaugurated 70 works worth Rs 15.25 crore in various urban bodies across the state.
- Water Supply Schemes: As part of the Amrit Mission-2.0, he laid the foundation stone for water supply schemes to be built at a cost of Rs 270 crore in 6 urban bodies.
About Chhattisgarh
- Chief Minister (CM): Vishnu Deo Sai
- Governor: Ramen Deka
- Capital: Raipur
Ranks and report news
India Slips to Third Place in Edelman Trust Barometer 2025 Rankings
The Edelman Trust Barometer 2025, an annual survey by the global communications firm Edelman, provides insights into public trust levels in government, businesses, media, and NGOs. The survey revealed that India slipped one rank to third globally in terms of overall trust, despite its trust score remaining unchanged.
Key Highlights:
India’s Position in Trust Rankings:
Global Ranking: India ranks third in overall trust in institutions, behind China and Indonesia.
Top Three Countries:
- 1st: China
- 2nd: Indonesia
- 3rd: India
India lost its second position to Indonesia, which saw an increase in its trust score, while India’s score remained stable.
Trust in Indian-Origin Companies:
- India ranks 13th in trust for companies headquartered in India.
- Top Countries for Trust in Indian-Origin Companies: Canada, Japan, and Germany.
Trust Gap Between Income Groups in India:
High-Income Group:
- India ranks 4th globally in trust, with 80% trust levels.
- Top-ranking countries for high-income group trust: Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and China.
Low-Income Group: India ranks 3rd globally in trust, with 65% trust levels.
- Top-ranking countries for low-income group trust: China and Indonesia.
- The 15% trust gap between high and low-income groups highlights the impact of economic inequality on perceptions of institutional credibility.
Top 10 Countries with the Highest Public Pension Wealth in 2025
Public pension wealth, the total value of assets held by a country’s public pension system, plays a critical role in determining its financial stability and social security outlook. These funds ensure economic security for retired individuals, offering financial independence in their later years. In this article, we explore the top 10 countries with the highest public pension wealth in 2025, highlight the position of India, and examine the challenges and reforms in its pension system.
Importance of Public Pension Wealth:
- Economic Security in Retirement: Provides financial independence for retirees, ensuring they can meet their basic needs.
- Financial Stability for Governments: Reduces poverty among the elderly by guaranteeing social security in old age.
- Sustainability: Ensures that future generations can also rely on pension benefits.
Top 10 Countries with the Most Public Pension Wealth in 2025:
According to the latest Global SWF 2025 report, the following countries lead the world in public pension assets:
- USA $11,760
- Japan $2,066
- Canada $1,804
- Netherlands $1,131
- Australia $1,121
- South Korea $948
- UK $610
- China $588
- Denmark $569
- Sweden $489
Key Highlights:
- United States: Leads globally with a total of $11.76 trillion in public pension funds, demonstrating the size and strength of its social security system.
- Japan: While ranked second, Japan holds the world’s largest pension fund, the Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF), valued at $15.93 trillion.
- Canada, Netherlands, and Australia: These countries prioritize well-structured and sustainable pension systems, ensuring financial inclusion and long-term growth.
Appointment news
Justice Alok Aradhe Appointed as Chief Justice of Bombay High Court
The central government has issued a notification confirming the appointments of Justice Alok Aradhe as the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court and Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya as the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court. These transfers aim to strengthen judicial leadership in two of India’s busiest high courts.
Appointment of Chief Justice of a High Court:
Collegium System: The Chief Justice of a High Court is appointed by the President of India based on recommendations from the Supreme Court Collegium.
The Collegium consists of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and a group of senior judges from the Supreme Court.
Senior Most Judge: The Chief Justice is typically selected from among the senior judges of the High Court, with seniority being a key factor.
Consultation with State: The Collegium may consider input from the state government, particularly the Governor and the Chief Minister of the concerned state.
Formal Appointment: After the recommendation from the Collegium, the President of India formally appoints the Chief Justice.
Transferability: The Chief Justice may be transferred from one High Court to another, based on the needs of the judiciary.
Article 217 of the Indian Constitution:
- Article 217 outlines the process of the appointment and removal of judges in the High Courts, including the Chief Justice.
- The President appoints the Chief Justice in consultation with the CJI and the Governor of the state.
Related Articles in the Indian Constitution:
- Article 217: This article deals with the appointment of judges of the High Court, including the Chief Justice, and outlines the consultation process with the Chief Justice of India and the Governor.
- Article 224: Pertains to the appointment of acting Chief Justices and judges in the High Court when required.
Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association vs. Union of India (1993): This landmark judgment by the Supreme Court established the Collegium System for judicial appointments, including the appointment of High Court judges and Chief Justices.
Dhananjay Shukla Becomes ICSI President for 2025
The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) has elected Dhananjay Shukla as its President and Pawan G Chandak as Vice President for the year 2025. This announcement was made on January 19, 2025.
About ICSI:
- Established: Under the Company Secretaries Act, 1980.
- Under: Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India.
- Role: Regulates and develops the profession of company secretaries in India.
- Membership: Over 75,000 members and approximately 200,000 students.
Senior IPS Officer Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal Appointed as BSF ADG
Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal, a 1994-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the Tamil Nadu cadre, has been appointed as the Additional Director General (ADG) of the Border Security Force (BSF). This appointment was confirmed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on January 19, 2025. Aggarwal will serve in this capacity for four years from the date he assumes charge or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Summit news
3rd National Mining Ministers Conference in Konark, Odisha
The 3rd National Mining Ministers Conference concluded in Konark, Odisha, on 21 January 2025, with a focus on the mining of critical minerals and promoting sustainable mining practices in India. The event was aimed at making India self-sufficient in the mineral sector, especially for critical minerals, and fostering cooperation between the central government, state governments, and industry stakeholders.
Inauguration:
- The conference was inaugurated by G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Coal and Mines.
- Mohan Charan Majhi, the Chief Minister of Odisha, was the Chief Guest at the event.
Participants:
- Ministers of Mines from 11 states
- Principal Secretaries/Special Secretaries (Mines)
Directorate General of Mines Safety
- Officials from the Ministry of Mines, Ministry of Coal, and Ministry of Steel
- Chairpersons and managing directors of Central Public Sector Enterprises under the Ministries of Mines, Coal, and Steel, along with private sector representatives.
Key Focus Areas:
Self-Sufficiency in Mineral Sector: Discussions centered around ways to make India self-sufficient in minerals, with a particular emphasis on critical minerals.
Sustainable Mining: Strategies for promoting sustainable mining practices were explored, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
Award for Rajasthan:
Rajasthan won the award for conducting the highest number of auctions in the 2023-24 fiscal year.
- 1st Place: Rajasthan
- 2nd Place: Madhya Pradesh
- 3rd Place: Maharashtra
This recognition highlights Rajasthan’s active role in the auctioning of mining leases and contributes to the country’s mineral resource development.
Odisha:
- Chief minister: Mohan Charan Majhi
- Capital: Bhubaneswar
- Governor: Incumbent Kambhampati Hari Babu
Sports news
Karnataka won Vijay Hazare Trophy for the 5th time beating Vidarbha
Karnataka’s men’s senior cricket team claimed their 5th Vijay Hazare Trophy title by defeating Vidarbha in the final by 36 runs. The match was played at Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara, Gujarat, marking the end of a five-year title drought for Karnataka in domestic cricket.
Key Highlights of the Final:
- Date & Venue: The final was played on January 18, 2025, at Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara, Gujarat.
- Karnataka’s Score: Karnataka, batting first, scored 348/6 in their 50 overs. Ravichandran Smaran was the top scorer with a brilliant 101 runs.
- Vidarbha’s Reply: Vidarbha was bowled out for 312 runs, losing by 36 runs. Dhruv Shorey top-scored for Vidarbha with 110 runs.
Captaincy:
Karnataka Captain: Devdutt Padikkal
Vidarbha Captain: Karun Nair
Award Winners:
- Player of the Final: Ravichandran Smaran (Karnataka) for his match-winning knock of 101 runs.
- Player of the Tournament: Karun Nair (Vidarbha) for his 779 runs throughout the tournament.
Karnataka’s Historical Wins:
This victory was Karnataka’s 5th Vijay Hazare Trophy title, with their previous wins coming in the following seasons:
- 2013-14
- 2014-15
- 2017-18
- 2019-20
About the Vijay Hazare Trophy:
- Introduction: Introduced by the BCCI in the 1993-94 season as the Ranji One Day Trophy for senior men’s teams.
- Format Changes: Initially divided into zones, it changed to a group-based format in the 2002-03 season.
- Renaming: The tournament was renamed in 2007-08 in honor of legendary Indian batsman Vijay Hazare.
- First Winner: The first Vijay Hazare Trophy was won by Saurashtra.
Karnataka:
- Capital: Bengaluru (Executive Branch)
- Chief minister: Siddaramaiah
- Governor: Thawar Chand Gehlot
Gujarat to host 1st Olympic Research Conference
India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympics has gained momentum with a significant four-day event held in Gujarat. Organized by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the event focuses on developing strategies, sustainable infrastructure, and innovative economic models to position India as a strong contender for the prestigious global sporting event.
The Four-Day Event: Vision and Strategy: This event serves as a critical platform to discuss the 2036 Olympics bid, featuring sessions, discussions, and collaborative efforts aimed at crafting a comprehensive roadmap for India’s Olympic aspirations. The aim is to ensure India is ready not only in terms of infrastructure but also in areas like sustainability, inclusivity, and competitiveness.
Key Themes of the Event:
- “2036 Vision: Pathway to Become an Olympic Host”: Focused on India’s journey toward hosting the Olympics and evaluating its readiness to take on such a monumental challenge.
- “Global Best Practices and Comparative Analysis in Olympic City Selection and Urban Legacy”: Studying successful host cities, understanding their urban development strategies, and applying these lessons to India’s bid.
- “Financing the Future: Innovative Economic Models for Hosting Olympics in India”: Exploring funding mechanisms and investment opportunities that will make hosting the Olympics financially viable and sustainable.
- “Greening the Games: Integrating Sustainability into the Indian Olympic Plan”: Ensuring the inclusion of environmentally friendly practices in the planning and execution of the Games to meet global sustainability standards.
- “The Road to 2036: Promoting Gender Equity and Inclusion Across Disciplines”: Promoting gender equality and ensuring diversity and equal opportunities in various sports, aligning with the global push for inclusivity.
Indian Olympic association:
- President: P. T. Usha
- Founded: 1927
Books and author
How India Led the G20: Amitabh Kant’s Inside Story
Amitabh Kant, India’s G20 Sherpa, unveils the journey behind India’s historic G20 Presidency in his book, “How India Scaled Mt G20: The Inside Story of the G20 Presidency”. The book provides an inside look into the challenges, negotiations, and triumphs that led to the success of the G20 Summit held in New Delhi in September 2023.
Key Highlights:
The Road to Consensus: A Grueling Journey:
- The New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration (NDLD), a key document, took 300 hours of intense negotiations and more than 250 bilateral meetings to finalize.
- The book showcases the painstaking efforts of diplomats, negotiators, and world leaders to find common ground on various issues, despite conflicting national interests.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Leadership:
- Kant describes Prime Minister Modi’s proactive role in the negotiations, underscoring his hands-on approach to the summit.
- Modi stayed closely involved, demanding urgent situation reports every two hours to ensure the team remained focused and efficient.
- A defining moment was on September 9, 2023, when Modi emphasized that he was results-driven and focused solely on securing a consensus, bypassing procedural concerns.
- This decisive leadership helped to overcome the complex challenges faced during the summit.
Geopolitical Challenges: Navigating Conflicts:
- The book highlights the significant geopolitical hurdles faced during the summit, especially the tense relations between the United States and China.
- Kant describes how these bilateral issues threatened to derail the broader multilateral agenda of the summit, making the task of securing a unified agreement even more difficult.
- However, Modi’s leadership helped navigate these conflicts, ensuring that India’s G20 Presidency was marked by diplomatic success.
Important days
International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation 2025 (IYGP)
On January 21, 2025, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) jointly declared 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation (IYGP). This declaration, made in Geneva, Switzerland, highlights the urgent need to protect glaciers, which are vital sources of freshwater for over 2 billion people worldwide.
Key Objectives of IYGP 2025:
- Global Support and Awareness: The International Year aims to raise global awareness about the importance of glaciers and the rapid melting they are undergoing due to climate change.
- Research and Data Accessibility: Focus on encouraging research related to glacier preservation and making cryosphere data more accessible to global scientists and policymakers.
- Impact Reduction: The initiative aims to reduce the impacts of glacier melting, particularly in regions that depend heavily on glaciers for freshwater resources.
Key Events in 2025:
World Glacier Day: March 21, 2025, will mark the first-ever World Glacier Day, aligning with World Water Day (March 22), to emphasize the link between glacier preservation and water security.
International Conference on Glacier Preservation: An International Conference on Glacier Preservation will be held in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, in May 2025, bringing together global experts to discuss strategies and solutions for glacier protection.
Background: The International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation 2025 (IYGP 2025) was established through UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/77/158, adopted during its 77th session in December 2022. This resolution was led by UNESCO and the WMO, with the goal of fostering global action on glacier preservation.
WMO:
- Founded: 23 March 1950
- President: Abdulla Al Mandous
UNSCEO:
- Founded: 16 November 1945, London, United Kingdom
- Headquarters: Paris, France
- Founders: India, United States, France, China, Mexico, Türkiye · See more
- Abbreviation: UNESCO
- Director-General: Audrey Azoulay
