National News

Ministry Of Home Affairs Revokes FCRA Registration Of Centre For Policy Research

• The Centre for Policy Research (CPR) in New Delhi faced a setback as the Ministry of Home Affairs in India revoked its Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Act, 2020 registration, citing alleged violations.
• Led by Yamini Aiyar, daughter of Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar, CPR, a renowned public policy research institution, had its FCRA license temporarily suspended for 180 days, a period later extended by an additional 180 days.
• Established in 1973, CPR has been a leading policy think-tank, focusing on in-depth research into various policy issues concerning India in the 21st century.

India To Host Year-Long ‘Ramayan’ Festival From Delhi

• India is gearing up to host a year-long ‘Ramayan’ festival, aiming to forge global connections through the celebration of Ramayan and its cultural significance.
• The festival, starting from Delhi’s historic Purana Qila on January 18, promises a series of events, including ballet performances, talks, and interactive arts and crafts exhibitions centered around the Ramayana.
• The initiative, titled the “Year of Connecting the World Through Ramayana,” aims to showcase India's cultural richness and strengthen global cultural ties.

State News

Bull-Taming Festival ‘Jallikattu’ Starts In Tamil Nadu

• Tamil Nadu, a vibrant state in South India, kicked off the traditional bull-taming festival, ‘Jallikattu,’ in the village of Avaniyapuram within Madurai district.
• Part of the Pongal harvest festival held in January, Jallikattu will unfold over a three-day period, with Avaniyapuram hosting the first day, followed by Palamedu on the second day and Alanganallur on the third.
• Originating around 2,000 years ago, Jallikattu has evolved into a symbol of valor and tradition, deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of Tamil Nadu.

Defence News

Vice Admiral Vineet McCarty Assumes Role As Commandant, Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala

• Vice Admiral Vineet McCarty assumed the prestigious position of Commandant at the Indian Naval Academy on January 15, 2024.
• Commissioned into the Indian Navy on July 1, 1989, Vice Admiral McCarty has showcased exemplary leadership and dedication to the nation throughout his career.
• Specializing in ‘Gunnery and Missiles,’ he served as part of the commissioning crew of INS Delhi and demonstrated expertise in naval weaponry and technology.

Banking News

Karnataka Bank And Clix Capital Forge Digital Co-Lending Partnership Via Yubi Platform

• In adherence to Reserve Bank of India guidelines, Karnataka Bank (KBL) and Clix Capital, a rapidly growing NBFC, have formed a digital co-lending partnership through the Yubi Co.lend Platform.
• Targeting the Indian MSME sector, a key contributor to the country’s GDP and employment growth, this alliance aims to provide seamless and accessible finance solutions.
• The move aligns with the RBI’s encouragement for banks and NBFCs to co-lend to priority sectors.

RBI Releases Draft Norms For Fintech Self-Regulatory Organisations

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released draft norms for Fintech Self-Regulatory Organizations (SROs), aiming to strike a balance between fostering innovation and ensuring regulatory priorities for consumer protection and risk containment.
• The SRO-FT, with voluntary and inclusive FinTech membership, is envisioned as the primary authority responsible for setting market standards and defining rules of conduct in the fintech sector.

Business News

LIC Claims Top Position, Surpasses SBI in Market Capitalization

• In a remarkable turn of events, the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has not only made a remarkable comeback but has also exceeded the market capitalization of the State Bank of India (SBI).
• With LIC's share price soaring over 2% in morning trades, its market capitalization has now crossed ₹5.8 Lakh Crore, surpassing that of the SBI.
• This milestone signifies a significant achievement for the insurance giant. Focusing on PAR and Non-PAR business segments, LIC has strategically emphasized the participating life insurance plan (PAR), allowing policyholders to share in the company’s profits, thereby enhancing overall margins.

Important Days News

Sri Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti 2024 Celebrations

• Celebrated with immense joy and fervour, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti, also known as Prakash Utsav, is a significant Sikh festival commemorating the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth and last Sikh Guru.
• This day holds immense significance as it marks the birth of a visionary leader who strengthened the Sikh community and stood against tyranny.
• Guru Gobind Singh Ji's establishment of the Khalsa Panth in 1699 symbolizes courage, selflessness, and devotion to righteousness.

Ranks & Reports News

Gujarat, Kerala, Karnataka Lead in Indian Startup Ecosystem

• The startup ecosystem in India witnessed a substantial boost with Gujarat, Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu emerging as the best-performing states in the Startup Ranking for 2022.
• Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Telangana also earned recognition as top performers.
• The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) categorized 33 states and union territories, unveiling the rankings, with Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal officiating the event.

India Tops Global Trust Rankings in Edelman Trust Barometer 2024

• In the recently unveiled Edelman Trust Barometer 2024, India emerges as a global leader in trust, securing the top position in confidence in businesses and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
• Despite this, the nation takes the 4th spot for media trust and the 5th position for trust in the government.
• The survey, spanning 28 countries with over 32,000 respondents, highlights a global trend of skepticism, with 63% expressing concerns about intentional misinformation from government leaders.

Agreements News

World Economic Forum and Telangana Government Collaborate for C4IR in Hyderabad

• In a groundbreaking collaboration, the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the Telangana government are jointly establishing the 19th Centre of the WEF’s Fourth Industrial Revolution Network (4IR) in Hyderabad.
• The centre aims to advance healthcare technology, aligning with the broader vision of the Telangana government and WEF.
• The C4IR in Hyderabad is set to become the world’s premier healthcare hub, fostering partnerships between the government and small and medium enterprises.

IndoSpace Commits Rs 2000 Cr Investment in Tamil Nadu

• IndoSpace, a key player in industrial and logistics real estate, solidifies its commitment to Tamil Nadu’s economic development by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) valued at Rs 2000 crore.
• This substantial investment is anticipated to generate employment opportunities for approximately 15,000 individuals, addressing unemployment challenges and contributing to a more robust economy for Tamil Nadu.

Books & Authors News

Biography Release: "An Uncommon Love: The Early Life of Sudha and Narayana Murthy"

• Authored by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, the book “An Uncommon Love: The Early Life of Sudha and Narayana Murthy” provides an intimate view into the lives of Sudha and Narayana Murthy, the respected co-founders of Infosys.
• The biography explores their philanthropic work, pivotal roles in the Indian IT industry, and their unique story with a deep connection to literature and reading.
• It sheds light on their professional challenges, particularly Narayana Murthy’s dedication to building Infosys.

Science & Technology News

India International Science Festival 2023 Kicks Off

• The India International Science Festival (IISF) 2023 has begun, celebrating the achievements of India in the frontier areas of science and technology.
• Organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), of India, and coordinated by the National Innovation Foundation-India, IISF 2023 aims to foster scientific temperament and spread awareness.
• The central theme, “Science and Technology Public Outreach in Amrit Kaal,” emphasizes public engagement in science and technology for societal betterment.

Sports News

Praggnanandhaa Surpasses Viswanathan Anand in Chess Rankings

• Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, an 18-year-old chess prodigy from Chennai, achieved a historic milestone by defeating World Champion Ding Liren.
• This victory not only marked a personal triumph but also propelled him to become India’s No.1 chess player, surpassing the legendary Viswanathan Anand.
• With a FIDE live rating of 2748.3, Praggnanandhaa became the second Indian to defeat a reigning world champion in classical chess, following Anand.