1. 3 Indian Banks Rank Among Top 25 Global Banks by Market Cap, with ICICI as a Standout Performer

• According to a report by GlobalData, a leading data analytics and research company, 3 Indian banks -HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and State Bank of India (SBI) ranked in the top 25 global banks by
market capitalization for Q4 2024:
• HDFC Bank: Ranked 13th with a market cap of $158.5 billion.
• ICICI Bank: Ranked 19th with a market cap of $105.7 billion.
• SBI: Ranked 24th with a market cap of $82.9 billion.
• JPMorgan Chase's Position:JPMorgan Chase continued to be the largest bank in the world by market cap, with a market cap of $674.9 billion, marking a 37.2% increase by the end of Q4 2024.
• Goldman Sachs' Performance:Goldman Sachs experienced a 42.9% growth in its market cap, which moved it up to 9th position, from 13th place in the previous quarter.

 

 
2. Russia Sends Nuclear Reactor Vessel for Kudankulam Reactor 6; Steam Generators Expected This Year

• The Russian government-owned company Rosatom has shipped the 6th and final unit of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant being set up in Kudankulam, Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu, on board a specialised ship from the seaport of Novorossiysk.
• The equipment, weighing 320 tonnes and manufactured by Atommash, Rosatom’s machine-building division, was shipped at the end of 2024.
• The construction of upcoming units of the Russian-assisted Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant was delayed due to the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict.
• Historical Agreement : In 1988 an agreement was signed between the government of India and the Soviet Union to construct a 6000 MW nuclear power plant in Kudankulam, Tamil Nadu.
• India’s Nuclear Energy Status (2024) : According to the Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL) in 2024 there were 24 operational nuclear reactors in the country with an installed capacity of 8080 MW.
• Future Power Capacity Target : The government has set a target to increase the power capacity to 22480 MW by 2031-32.

 

 
3. Kashi Tamil Sangamam To Be Held From 15-24 February 2025 With Theme Centred Around Maharishi Agastya

• The Kashi Tamil Sangamam 2025 Event will be held on February 15-24, 2025.
• Theme: The 3rd edition of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam will focus on Rishi Agastya, emphasizing the ancient connection between Tamil Nadu and Varanasi (Kashi).
• Objective: Celebrating the civilizational and cultural bond between Kashi and Tamil Nadu.

 

 
4. PM Modi releases Commemorative coin, 'Vision 2047' document on 150th foundation day of India Meteorological Department (IMD)

• The India Meteorological Department (IMD), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, is celebrating a historic milestone—150 years of dedicated service to the nation.
• Established in 1875, IMD has significantly contributed to weather forecasting, climate monitoring, disaster management, agriculture, aviation, and public safety.
IMD: Origin and Evolution
• Established in 1875, IMD was founded in response to severe weather events such as the 1864 tropical cyclone in Calcutta, and subsequent monsoon failures in 1866 and 1871, which highlighted India’s vulnerability to weather extremes.

 

 
5. India Energy Week (IEW) 2025, the government’s annual flagship oil and gas sector conference, is set to take place in New Delhi from February 11-14, 2025.

• India Energy Week (IEW) 2025, the government’s flagship oil and gas sector conference, will be held in New Delhi from February 11-14, 2025.
• The event will feature participation from over 20 energy ministers and deputy ministers, representing advanced economies, major energy producers, and the Global South.
• Agencies like OPEC and the International Energy Agency (IEA) will launch key reports, emphasizing India's role as the world’s third-largest energy consumer.
IEW 2025 will focus on seven strategic themes:
• Collaboration
• Resilience
• Transition
• Capacity
• Digital Frontiers
• Innovation
• Leadership

 

 
6. Reliance Jio rolls out Internet to Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest battlefield

• Reliance Jio has successfully deployed the first-ever 5G site in the Siachen Glacier, marking a significant achievement for both the telecom company and the Indian Army.
• This development is crucial as the Siachen Glacier, the highest battlefield in the world, had previously lacked reliable connectivity.
• The 5G network will enable seamless communication for soldiers in this remote and challenging region, enhancing critical communication capabilities.

 

 
7. Justice Upadhyay appointed as the new Chief Justice of Delhi High Court

• Justice Upadhyay, the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, has been appointed as the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court.
• This decision was made on January 14, 2025, following a recommendation by the Supreme Court Collegium on January 7, 2025.
• Justice Vibhu Bakhru is currently serving as the acting Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court after the elevation of Justice Manohar to the Supreme Court.
• Justice Alok Aradhe, the Chief Justice of the Telangana High Court, has been appointed as the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, following the same recommendation by the Supreme Court Collegium.

 

 
8. Lebanon's President Appoints ICJ Judge Nawaf Salam as Prime Minister

• Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has appointed Nawaf Salam, a prominent diplomat and judge, as Lebanon's new Prime Minister after securing majority support from the Lebanese parliament.
• Salam, the head of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), won the support of 73 out of 128 members of parliament, mainly from Westernbacked groups and independents, and is also backed by Saudi Arabia
and Western countries.
• Salam’s appointment signifies the diminishing influence of Hezbollah in Lebanon’s politics.
About Lebanon :
• Capital : Beirut
• Currency : Lebanese pound

 

 
9. Chief Justice of Patna High Court Appointed as Supreme Court Judge

• President Droupadi Murmu appointed Justice Krishnan Vinod Chandran, the Chief Justice of Patna High Court, as a judge of the Supreme Court on January 13, 2025.
• The Supreme Court Collegium, headed by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, recommended the appointment of Justice Chandran on January 7, 2025.

 

 
10. Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam awarded Tarun Das the Honorary Citizen Award for his contributions to India-Singapore relations

• Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam presented the Honorary Citizen Award to Tarun Das in New Delhi.
• The Honorary Citizen Award is the highest recognition granted by the Singapore government to a non-Singaporean.
• This prestigious award is presented to individuals who have made notable contributions in various fields such as business, science and technology, education, health, arts and culture, and community
service.

 

 
11. Amitav Ghosh discusses his new book, "Wild Fictions," addressing climate change and societal issues in a "time of monsters."

• Ghosh unveils his book “Wild Fictions (Essays)” with former foreign secretary, Shyam Saran, at India International Centre (IIC).
• Ghosh, known for his literary works such as The Hungry Tide, The Shadow Lines, and his non-fiction books like The Great Derangement: Climate Change and the Unthinkable, emphasized the unprecedented challenges of the modern era.
• His contributions were recently recognized when he won the prestigious Erasmus Prize.

 

 
12. India Successfully Tests Upgraded Version of Nag Mark 2 Anti-Tank Guided Missile

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted field evaluation trials of the Nag Mark 2, a third-generation fireand-forget anti-tank guided missile, at the Pokhran field range in Rajasthan.
• The Nag Mark 2 missile was developed by DRDO and is specifically designed to neutralise modern armoured threats.
• Speed: The missile travels at 230 meters per second.
• Range: The missile can strike enemy tanks up to 4 kilometers away within 17-18
seconds. The missile has a maximum range of 7-10 kilometers and a minimum
range of 500 meters.
• Fire-and-Forget Technology: The missile features third-generation fire-and-forget
technology, allowing operators to lock onto targets before launch, ensuring
precision strikes even in complex battlefield scenarios.
About DRDO :
• Established : 1958
• Headquarters : New Delhi, India
• Chairman : Sameer V. Kamat

 

 
13. New Glenn Rocket, Named After NASA Astronaut John Glenn, is a Heavy-Lift Launch Vehicle

• The New Glenn rocket is a heavy-lift launch vehicle which has been named after John Glenn, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) astronaut who was the first American to circle the Earth in 1962.

 

 
14. The Indian Army Day is commemorated each year on January 15th.

• Army Day is celebrated on 15 January every year in India, in recognition of Lieutenant General Kodandera M. Cariappa's (later who became Field Marshal ) taking over as the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from General Francis Roy Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief of India, on 15 January 1949.

 

 
15. National Startup Day in India is being observed on January 16, 2025

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared January 16 as National Startup Day in the year.
• Since then various programs and events are organized by government and non-government organizations to applaud and promote the Indian startup ecosystem.
• India is now the third-largest startup ecosystem globally.
• The Startup India initiative, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 15, 2016, marked the beginning of the Startup India Innovation Week.
• Udyamotsav 2025: As part of the National Startup Week celebrations, Udyamotsav 2025 is a platform to empower student entrepreneurs by connecting them with investors, providing them an
opportunity to pitch their startups, seek funding, and receive mentorship.

 

 
16. Brazil Announces Indonesia's Admission to BRICS Bloc of Developing Nations

• Indonesia has been admitted as a full member of the BRICS bloc of developing economies, the group's presiding country Brazil announced.
• Indonesia became the 10th full member of the international BRICS group.
• Indonesia’s candidacy was endorsed by BRICS leaders in August 2023, according to the Foreign Ministry of Brazil, which holds the group’s presidency for 2024.
• BRICS was formed by Brazil, Russia, India and China in 2009, and added South Africa in 2010.
• The most recent BRICS summit, the 16th such gathering, took place in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024 and was hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
• This year's BRICS summit will take place in Rio de Janeiro in July, 2025.

 

 
17. 8th Pay Commission approved by Cabinet, to revise the salary of central government employees

• The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the establishment of the 8th Pay Commission to revise salaries and allowances for central government employees and pensioners.
Key Highlights
• Formation and Timeline:
• The decision was announced by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
• The chairman and two members of the commission will be appointed soon.
• Consultations will be conducted with central and state governments, along with other stakeholders.
• Coverage:
• The pay commission covers central government employees and those whose salaries are paid from the Consolidated Fund of India.
Background:
• Pay commissions are set up approximately once every decade.
• The 7th Pay Commission, established in 2016, will end its term in 2026.
• There are currently 49 lakh central government employees and 65 lakh pensioners under its ambit.

 

 
18. Defence ministry’s ‘battle tourism’ plan takes shape with launch of Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan App

• To promote tourism and highlight India’s military heritage, the government has opened significant battlefields to visitors.
• These include sites from the 1962 India-China war, offering a deeper connection to the nation's wartime history.
• The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has granted civilians access to the following battlefields:
• Kibithoo and Bum La Pass in Arunachal Pradesh
• Rezang La and Pangong Tso in Ladakh
• Doklam, the site of the 2017 conflict
• The Army is exploring the possibility of opening additional significant battlefields, including Galwan Valley, Siachen, Kargil, Lipulekh Pass
Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan: A Digital Initiative
• A new website, Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan, has been launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism.
• This platform offers Virtual tours, Historical narratives, Interactive content.
• It serves as a one-stop solution for information and clearances for visiting these forward area battlefields.

 

 
19. V.K. Singh Takes Oath as Governor of Mizoram

• Former Army Chief V.K. Singh has been sworn in as the 25th Governor of Mizoram.
• He replaced Hari Babu Kambhampati, who assumed the governorship of Odisha.
• The oath of office was administered by Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court, Vijay Bishnoi, at Raj Bhavan, Aizawl.

 

 
20. Indian Army to hold 'Exercise Devil Strike' from January 16-19,2025

• The Indian Armed Forces are set to conduct Exercise Devil Strike from January 16 to 19,2025, a joint exercise involving the elite airborne soldiers from the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force.
• The exercise will occur at the training areas and firing ranges, validating critical drills and enhancing operational readiness in a challenging environment.

 

 
21. ICC Men’s Player of the Month for December 2024 announced

• Jasprit Bumrah has been honored with the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for his stellar performances during India’s tour of Australia in December 2024.
• He edged out competitors Pat Cummins and Dane Paterson to claim the award.

 

 
22. India Launches National Broadband Mission 2.0 and Sanchar Saathi App to Boost Digital Connectivity and Security

• The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has introduced two landmark initiatives—National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0 and the Sanchar Saathi mobile application—to advance India's digital
infrastructure and strengthen telecom security.
National Broadband Mission 2.0 (NBM 2.0)
• Goal: To connect the remaining 1.7 lakh villages across India and ensure 60 out of every 100 rural households have broadband connectivity.
• Broadband Speed: Aims to provide a minimum fixed broadband download speed of 100 Mbps.

 

 
23. China Completes World's Longest Expressway Tunnel in Xinjiang Region

• China has completed the construction of the world’s longest expressway tunnel, known as the Tianshan Shengli Tunnel, located in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region.
• Tunnel Length and Location:The Tianshan Shengli Tunnel is 22.13 kilometers long, situated in the Tianshan Mountains, at an elevation of 3,000 feet above sea level.
• Impact on Travel Time:The tunnel will significantly reduce travel time by shortening a three-hour journey to just 20 minutes, offering a major convenience for commuters.

 

 
24. Andhra Pradesh Government Designates Ratha Saptami as State Festival

• The Andhra Pradesh (AP) government has declared Ratha Saptami as a State festival to be celebrated over three days at the Sri Suryanarayana Swamy temple in Arasavalli, Srikakulam district.
About Andhra Pradesh :
• Governor : Syed Abdul Nazeer
• Chief Minister : N. Chandrababu Naidu
• Capital : Amaravati

 

 
25. Indian Naval Ship Mumbai to Join Multi-National Exercise La Perouse

• The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Mumbai, an indigenously designed and built guided missile destroyer, is participating in the 4th edition of the Multinational Exercise La Perouse.
Key Highlights :
• Participants: The exercise involves personnel and assets from multiple navies, including the Royal Australian Navy, French Navy, Royal Navy, United States Navy, Indonesian Navy, Royal Malaysian Navy, Republic of Singapore Navy, and Royal Canadian Navy.
History :
• The 1st edition of the La Perouse multinational naval exercise was held in 2019, and was led by France.
• The 3rd edition of the exercise is scheduled to be conducted in the Indian Ocean Region from 13 to 14 March 2023.
About Ministry of Defence :
• Defence Minister : Rajnath Singh
• Minister of State : Sanjay Seth

 

 
26. Google Unveils Next-Generation Quantum Computing Chip 'Willow

• Google has announced a significant advancement in quantum computing as it unveiled its next-generation chip called 'Willow'.
What is quantum computing?
• Quantum computing uses quantum mechanics to solve problems beyond the capabilities of classical computers.
• Classical computers use bits (0 or 1) to process information, while quantum computers use qubits, which can represent 0, 1, or both simultaneously due to quantum phenomena like superposition and entanglement.

 

 
27. India successfully tests Bhargavastra micro-missile system to counter swarm drone threats

• India successfully tested its first domestically developed micromissile system, Bhargavastra, aimed at countering swarm drone threats.
• The testing included two successful firings at the Gopalpur Seaward Firing Ranges.
• The micro-missile system was developed by Economic Explosives Limited.
Key Highlights :
• Capabilities:The system is designed to counter swarm drones, targeting threats over 5 km away.
• It can detect small flying objects at over 6 km and neutralize them using guided micro munitions.
• The system can simultaneously fire more than 64 micro missiles.

 

 
28. Novak Djokovic Breaks Record for Most Grand Slam Matches Played

• Novak Djokovic cemented his place in tennis history by playing his 430th Grand Slam match, surpassing Roger Federer’s previous record of 429 matches.
• Djokovic achieved this milestone during the second round of the Australian Open, where he defeated Portuguese qualifier Jaime Faria in four sets.

 

 
29. Union Home Minister Amit Shah Attends NDRF 20th Raising Day in Vijayawada

• Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah participated as the Chief Guest at the 20th Raising Day ceremony of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.
• During the event, multiple infrastructure projects worth approximately ₹220 crore were inaugurated or had their foundation stones laid.
Global Impact of NDRF:
• The NDRF has gained international recognition, successfully aiding in disasters across countries like Nepal, Turkey, Myanmar, and Vietnam.
• Credited for achieving zero casualties during major storms in India over the past two years.

 

 
30. Brazil Announces Nigeria as BRICS Partner Country

• On January 17, 2025, the Brazilian government, under its pro tempore presidency of
BRICS, formally announced Nigeria’s inclusion as a partner country.
• With this development, Nigeria becomes the 9th partner of BRICS, joining other countries
such as Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and
Uzbekistan.
Expansion of BRICS
• Initially comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, BRICS has grown to
accommodate the aspirations of emerging economies worldwide.
• The partner-country category, introduced during the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia
in October 2024, has enabled more nations to collaborate with the alliance.
About Nigeria
• Capital: Abuja
• President: Bola Ahmed Tinubu
• Vice President: Kashim Shettima
• Currency: Nigerian Naira (NGN)

 

 
31. Gyanendra Pratap Singh has been appointed as the new Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force

• The Centre has appointed Gyanendra Pratap Singh as the Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), according to a Personnel Ministry order issued on January 18, 2025.
• Singh, a 1991-batch IPS officer from the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, was serving as the Director General of Police (DGP) of Assam before his new appointment.
About CRPF:
• Headquarters: New Delhi, India
• Director General: Gyanendra Pratap Singh
• Motto: "Seva and Nishtha" (Service and Loyalty)

 

 
32. India Clinches Double Gold at Inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025

• India made history by winning both the men’s and women’s titles at the first-ever Kho Kho World Cup 2025, held at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.
• The Indian teams triumphed over Nepal with commanding victories: the men’s team won 54-36, and the women’s team dominated 78-40.
Future Outlook
• Next Edition: England is likely to host the 2027 Kho Kho World Cup, as announced by men’s coach Ashwini Kumar.
• Kho Kho’s Growth: Both captains and coaches emphasized the significance of this victory in promoting kho kho as a global sport.

 

 
33. Tripura, Manipur, and Meghalaya Foundation Day 2025 : 21st January

• Tripura, Manipur, and Meghalaya Foundation Day is observed on the 21st January
History
• Two princely states, Manipur and Tripura, united with India in 1949. Later, they were given the status of a union territory. In 1972, Meghalaya and Tripura were granted full sovereignty.
• The Mizo Accord was ratified in 1986, and Mizoram became a sovereign state in 1987. NEFA, or Arunachal Pradesh, received full statehood in 1987

 

 
34. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Inaugurates Pangsau Pass International Festival at Nampong

• Arunachal Pradesh’s Chief Minister Pema Khandu inaugurated the muchanticipated Pangsau Pass International Festival (PPIF), marking a vibrant return of the event after a four-year break.
• The festival, held at Nampong in the Changlang district, last took place in 2020 before being suspended in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• This year's festival, running from January 20 to 22,2025 showcases the rich cultural tapestry of the region, featuring cultural troupes from 26 diverse tribal communities alongside three groups from Myanmar.
About Arunachal Pradesh:
• Chief Minister: Pema Khandu
• Governor: Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik
• Capital: Itanagar
• National Parks: Namdapha National Park, Mouling National Park, Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary,
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Pakke Tiger Reserve, Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary, Dampa Tiger Reserve, Daying Ering Wildlife Sanctuary.

 

 
35. Usha Vance Makes History as the First Indian-American and HinduSecond Lady of the United States as Her Husband J.D. Vance Takes Oath as 50th Vice President

• Usha Vance has made history as the 1st Indian-American and Hindu 2nd Lady of the United States.
• Her husband J.D. Vance took the oath of office as the 50th Vice President in Washington, D.C.
• Prior to assuming her role as Second Lady, she had a distinguished career as a litigation associate at a reputable law firm.
• A significant milestone for the Indian-American community, symbolizing representation and influence in U.S. politics.

 

 
36. Pralay, India’s first tactical quasi-ballistic missile, to debut at Republic Day Parade

• India’s 1st tactical quasi-ballistic missile, Pralay, is set to debut at the 26 January, 2025 Republic Day parade.
• As part of the Indian Army’s power projection, the missile and its launcher will be showcased.
• However, it remains unclear whether the missile, which completed trials in 2022, has been formally inducted into the armed forces.
• Pralay is an indigenous short-range surface-to-surface ballistic missile (SRBM) with a range of 150–500 km.
• It can carry conventional warheads weighing 350–700 kg, giving it formidable punitive capability.

 

 
37. Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek Named ITF 2024 World Champions

• Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek have been awarded the prestigious International Tennis Federation’s (ITF) 2024 World Champion Awards.

 

 
38. Pankaj Mishra’s The World After Gaza: A Reflection on Morality, Suffering, and Global Politics

• Pankaj Mishra’s latest work, The World After Gaza, offers a poignant and deeply critical exploration of the ongoing war in the Palestinian Gaza Strip.
• Mishra describes this conflict as a devastating blow to the ideals of human rights and morality, emphasizing the atrocities and systematic injustices that have come to define the war.
• Published by Juggernaut Books, the treatise serves as a reflection on global moral decay, as Mishra examines how this conflict, like many others, highlights the growing moral incapacities of the modern world.

 

 
39. 10th Anniversary of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao: Empowering India's Girl Child for a Viksit Bharat

• The Ministry of Women and Child Development is marking the 10th anniversary of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, a decade-long effort to protect, educate, and empower the girl child in India.
• The anniversary celebration aligns with India’s vision for Viksit Bharat 2047 and the global shift from Women’s Development to Women-Led Development, a theme emphasized during India’s G20
Presidency and now embraced by Brazil’s G20 Presidency.
Inaugural Event
• Date: 22nd January 2025
• Venue: Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi

 

 
40. Donald J Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States, marking his remarkable return to power for a second term of four years

• Donald Trump, who took oath as the 47th US President on January 20, 2025.
• The 78-year-old Republican leader storms back to the White House with a strongman persona and a vision of an all-powerful presidency with a promise to aggressively reset US policies in a range of domains, including immigration, tariffs and energy.
• Donald Trump is the 45th and 47th President of the United States, serving from 2017-2021.

 

 
41. Defence Research and Development Organisation Initiates Development of Long-Duration Scramjet-Powered Hypersonic Technology

• Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad, has developed Supersonic Combustion Ramjet (Scramjet) powered hypersonic technology.
• DRDL successfully conducted an Active Cooled Scramjet Combustor ground test for 120 seconds, a first in India, demonstrating ignition and stable combustion, which are critical for hypersonic vehicles.
• Hypersonic missiles travel at speeds greater than Mach 5 (over 5,400 km/hr), capable of bypassing Air Defence Systems and delivering rapid, high-impact strikes.
• Nations such as the USA, Russia, India, and China are actively pursuing this advanced technology.
About DRDO:
• Established: 1958
• Headquarters: New Delhi, India
• Chairman: Dr. Samir V Kamat

 

 
42. Ministry of Defence Signs ₹1,561 Crore Deal with Heavy Vehicles Factory for 47 T-72 Bridge Laying Tanks for Indian Army

• The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a ₹1,561 crore contract with Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) for the procurement of 47 T-72 Bridge Laying Tanks (BLT) for the Indian Army.
• Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) is a unit of Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited (AVNL).
• The contract was signed in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and senior officials of the ministry, HVF, and AVNL.
• BLT T-72 carries a prefabricated steel bridge of 20m span which can be launched over an obstacle in shortest time and to facilitate crossing of vehicles.
About Ministry of Defence:
• Cabinet Minister: Rajnath Singh
• Minister of State (MoS): Ajay Bhatt

 

 
43. Elon Musk Tops the Forbes Billionaires List for 2025, Tech Moguls Lead Wealth Surge

• Elon Musk remains the world’s richest person in 2025, with a net worth of $433.9 billion, primarily from Tesla and SpaceX.
• Jeff Bezos follows at #2 with $239.4 billion from Amazon.
• Mark Zuckerberg, Meta founder, moves up to the #3 spot, surpassing Larry Ellison of Oracle.
• The United States continues to lead with 813 billionaires, followed by China with 473, and India ranking third with 200 billionaires.

 

 
44. India Clinches PD Champions Trophy 2025 with Dominant Win Over England

• The Indian Physical Disability (PD) Cricket Team achieved a landmark victory by winning the PD Champions Trophy 2025, defeating England by 79 runs in the final.
• The match was held at the FTZ Cricket Grounds, Katunayake, near Colombo.
Match Summary:
• India’s Batting Performance:
• After opting to bat, India set a commanding total of 197/4 in 20 overs.

 

 
45. Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti: 23rd January

• Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Jayanti is observed on the 23rd of January 2025.
History
• In Cuttack, Orissa/Odisha, on January 23, 1897, Netaji Subhas
Chandra Bose was born. Janakinath Bose and Prabhavati Dutt were his parents.
• With the motto "Delhi Chalo," Netaji organized and oversaw a 5,000- man army known as the Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army) in Southeast Asia during World War II in 1942.