We are here for you to provide the important Recent and Latest Current Affairs 31 January 2025, which have unique updates of Latest Current Affairs 2025 events from all newspapers such as The Hindu, The Economic Times, PIB, Times of India, PTI, Indian Express, Business Standard and all Government official websites.
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NATIONAL AFFAIRS
Cabinet approvals on January 29 2025
On January 29 2025, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi has approved the following proposals:
i.Launch of the ‘National Critical Mineral Mission’ (NCMM) to build a resilient ‘Value Chain’ for critical mineral resources essential for Green Technologies with a total cost of Rs. 34,300 crore over a period of 7 years.
ii.The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the revision of the ethanol procurement price for Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) for the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2024-25, starting from 1st November 2024 to 31st October 2025.
- This revision, part of the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme of the Government of India (GoI), fixes the administered ex-mill price of ethanol from C Heavy Molasses (CHM) at Rs. 57.97 per litre (l), up from Rs. 56.58 per litre.
ASER Report 2024: Government Schools Outshine Private in Post-COVID Learning Recovery; Government Schools Enrolment Drops to 66.8%
In January 2025, the Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Pratham Education Foundation released the “Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2024”, a nationwide household survey that covers the status of children’s enrolment and learning outcomes in rural India annually. The report highlighted that enrolment in both government and private schools has returned to pre-COVID levels.
- However, the report noted government schools outshined private schools in Post-COVID learning recovery levels.
- The report showed that government schools, which saw a surge in enrolment for children aged 6-14 during the pandemic, are now returning to pre-pandemic levels, decreased from 72.9% (in 2022) to 66.8% (in 2024). This trend can be seen in every state, except: Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir (J&K).
i.The household-based Survey ASER 2025 has covered almost covered 649,491 children aged 3-16, in 17,997 villages across 605 districts of 29 States/Union Territories (UTs) of India.
ii.The drop-out rate for children aged 15-16 has declined sharply from 13.1% (in 2018) to 7.5% (in 2022) but remained the same at 7.9% (in 2024) at national level.
iii.The survey included a digital literacy section for the 1st time, to assess the digital literacy awareness among children aged 14-16.
- The report found that almost 90% of both girls and boys among the age group of 14-16 have access to smartphones at home.
About Pratham Education Foundation:
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)- Rukmini Banerji
Headquarters- Mumbai (Maharashtra), New Delhi (Delhi)
Established- 1995
>> Read Full News
Union Minister Giriraj Singh Inaugurates ‘Handloom Conclave – Manthan’ in New Delhi; Launched e-pehchaan portal
On January 29 2025, Union Minister Giriraj Singh, Ministry of Textiles (MoT), inaugurated the ‘Handloom Conclave – Manthan’ at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi, Delhi.
- The conclave aligned with Prime Minister (PM) of India, Narendra Modi’s 5F vision :“Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign”, emphasizing a holistic approach to boosting the handloom industry.
- The event also explored ways to make the sector a driving force in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Key Highlights:
i.The event featured three specialized sessions aimed at strengthening the handloom sector. The sessions focused on:
- Encouraging Start-ups in Handloom: Discussed ways to support new businesses in the industry.
- Effective Marketing for Handloom Products: Focused on expanding market reach and improving sales strategies.
- Inspiring Youth to Join Handloom Weaving: Explored methods to attract and retain young artisans in the sector.
ii.The key outcomes of the technical sessions include: integrating handloom weaving into formal education, focusing on niche products to stand out in the market, and promoting sustainable employment opportunities in the handloom sector.
iii.He emphasized the need to promote sustainable, eco-friendly handloom products, especially with the online market projected to reach USD 325 billion by 2030.
Launch of Digital Initiatives:
During the event, Union Minister Giriraj Singh launched the Handloom Weavers Electronic (e)-Pehchaan portal and an online module for Handloom Awards, marking a significant step in digitizing the sector.
- The MoT will introduce an award for corporates, producer companies, and start-ups that create sustainable job opportunities for weavers, ensuring they have work for at least 300 days a year.
- This initiative aims to provide social security and fair wages to handloom workers.
About Ministry of Textiles (MoT):
Union Minister– Giriraj Singh (Constituency -Begusarai , Bihar)
Minister of State (MoS)– Pabitra Margherita ( Rajya Sabha – Assam)
100 Odisha Villages to Receive Direct Funds for Forest Protection under CFR Plans Approved by MoTA
In January 2025, the Project Appraisal Committee (PAC) under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) has approved Community Forest Resource (CFR) plans for 100 villages in phase-I under the Forest Right (FRA) Act, 2006. This number is less than Odisha government proposal to implement it in 400 villages of the state.
- With this approval, as many as 100 villages of Odisha will receive funds directly in the bank accounts of Gram Sabhas instead of Gram Panchayats for the first time to carry out forest protection, management and convergence works in respective community lands.
Key Points:
i.The state government will receive Rs 16 crore for development and execution of CFR management plans of 100 villages.
ii.The State will prioritise these CFR plans based on Minor Forest Produce (MFP) available, preparedness of the plans, community and gram sabha participation and set up of Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
iii.Gram Sabhas of villages are entrusted with responsibility to carry out tree plantation and prepare need-based development plan.
iv.Each village will receive Rs 15 lakh per annum, which will be directly deposited into the bank account of the respective gram sabha. Also, technical agencies will receive Rs 1 lakh for developing management plans.
v.CFR management plan proposed in various districts of state: Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Keonjhar, Sambalpur, Nayagarh, Kandhamal, Koraput, Malkangiri, Dhenkanal, and Bargarh.
Note: As per MoTA, Maharashtra topped among states in recognizing Community Forest Resource Rights (CFRR), with 8,661 villages granted titles as of November 2024, followed by Chhattisgarh (with 4,328 titles), Odisha (with 3,659 titles).
BANKING & FINANCE
RBI Approved Established of NUCFDC to boost UCBs 
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the establishment of National Urban Co-operative Finance and Development Cooperation (NUCFDC) as an Umbrella Organisation (UO) to boost Urban Co-operative Bodies (UCBs) across India. It has also approved NUCFDC to function as a Non-Banking Finance Company (NBFC).
- In January 2025, Union Minister Amit Shah, the Ministry of Cooperation inaugurated the corporate office of the NUCFDC during the inaugural function of International Year of Cooperatives 2025 held in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Key Functions of NUCFDC:
RBI has mandated NUCFDC to provide two types of services: Fund-based support and Non-fund based support to UCBs which are its shareholder-members.
i.Fund-based support: NUCFDC is required to provide capital support to UCBs as per regulations and guidelines & terms and conditions.
- It is also required to offer secured credit lines on merits to UCBs to handle temporary liquidity mismatches.
- It will help in re-financing UCBs against their loans.
- It will manage deposits and borrowings from UCBs and Financial Institutions (FIs).
- Investments
ii.Non-Fund based services: NUCFDC will support the rollout of a shared Information Technology (IT) platform offering a comprehensive suite of services.
- It will provide treasury management, payment and settlement services, and other operational solutions to enhance the capabilities of UCBs.
- It will also provide training, consultancy and Human Resource (HR) support to ensure UCBs are well-equipped to adapt evolving regulatory and market demands.
Key Points:
i.In February 2024, NUCFDC obtained registration from RBI after raising paid up capital of Rs 117.95 crore.
ii.NUCFDC requires the RBI approval to act as Self-Regulatory Organisation (SRO) for UCBs, with functions prescribed by the RBI.
- However, NUCFDC will receive this approval only if it attains the paid up capital of Rs 300 crore within 1 year from the date of registration by RBI i.e. up to 7th February, 2025.
About National Urban Co-operative Finance and Development Cooperation (NUCFDC):
Chairman- Jyotindra M. Mehta
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Prabhat Chaturvedi
Headquarters- Mumbai, Maharashtra
RBI Takes Over AIHFPL Board Amid Governance and Payment Defaults
In January 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) replaced the board of directors of New Delhi (Delhi) based Aviom India Housing Finance Private Limited (AIHFPL) over governance issues and payment defaults after audits revealed fraud and governance lapses.
- This action was taken under Section 45-IE(1) of the RBI Act, 1934, following the recommendation of the National Housing Bank (NHB).
i.The RBI appointed Ram Kumar, former Chief General Manager (CGM) of Punjab National Bank (PNB), as the administrator of AIHFPL under Section 45-IE(2) of the RBI Act, 1934.
ii.RBI to initiate the resolution process of the company under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy (Insolvency and Liquidation Proceedings of Financial Service Providers and Application to Adjudicating Authority) Rules, 2019 (FSP Rules, 2019).
About Aviom India Housing Finance Private Limited (AIHFPL):
Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Kaajal Aijaz Ilmi
Headquarters – New Delhi, Delhi
Founded – 2016
BHIM Partners with Fintech Yatra to Promote Financial Inclusion, Digital Literacy
In January 2025, Bharat Interface Money (BHIM), India’s flagship digital payments application (app) powered by Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based NPCI BHIM Services Limited(NBSL), a subsidiary of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has partnered with the Fintech Yatra 2025 as a Principal Partner.
- This strategic collaboration aims to accelerate the adoption of digital payments, enhance financial inclusion, and promote digital literacy across the country.
i.The Fintech Yatra is a 10,000 kilometer (km) long epic road journey, which aimed to identify, understand, and boost players in financial services across India. It is a platform that connects startups, Financial Institutions (FIs), and investors while simultaneously promoting digital independence.
ii.As part of this collaboration, over 200 individuals from select Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) will be trained under a train-the-trainer model, empowering them to raise awareness about digital payments.
SEBI Launches ‘iSPOT Portal’ for Reporting Technical Issues
In January 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra) based Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) launched a web-based portal named the ‘Integrated SEBI Portal for Technical Glitches (iSPOT)’ for submission of preliminary and final Root Cause Analysis (RCA) reports of technical glitches by stock exchanges and other Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs).
- The portal will be operational from 3rd February, 2025. It is integrated with SEBI’s Intermediary (SI) portal, allowing MIIs to access it using their existing login credentials.
- It aimed to simplify the reporting process of technical glitches across MIIs and establish a centralized repository for all such incidents.
i.With the introduction of iSPOT, MIIs will now share preliminary and RCA reports of technical glitches with SEBI through this portal, ensuring better data quality, traceability, and improved compliance monitoring.
- Previously, MIIs, including stock exchanges, clearing corporations, and depositories, were required to report technical glitches and submit RCA reports to SEBI via a dedicated electronic mail Identification (email ID).
iii.iSPOT will send automated reminders to MIIs for RCA submissions and generate system-driven reports for regulatory monitoring.
HDFC Securities Partners with KFin Technologies to Enhance NPS Access
In January 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra) based HDFC Securities Limited, a subsidiary of HDFC Bank Limited, entered into a strategic partnership with Hyderabad (Telangana) based KFin Technologies Limited to improve accessibility and adoption of the National Pension System (NPS).
- The partnership aims to simplify NPS management by offering features like flexible transaction downloads and real-time Short Message Service (SMS) notifications.
- The collaboration brings together HDFC Securities’ network of more than 3.5 lakh subscribers and 2,700 corporate clients with KFintech’s Central Recordkeeping Agency (CRA) platform.
i.CRAs are crucial to the NPS ecosystem as they manage subscriber records, ensure transparency, and facilitate smooth account operations.
ii.CRA platform includes advanced security features such as dual-factor authentication, utilizing passwords, and one-time passwords (OTPs).
iii.Subscribers can also use dedicated portals, WhatsApp services, and a missed-call facility to easily monitor investments and make changes.
Note: In 2024, the Government of India(GoI) has increased tax benefits under corporate NPS from 10% to 14% of basic income.
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Tata Steel Limited, India’s 1st company to Develop Hydrogen Transport Pipes
On January 29 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra) based Tata Steel Limited(TSL), formerly known as Tata Iron and Steel Company Limited (TISCO), became India’s 1st Steel company to demonstrate the capability to develop steel pipes for hydrogen(H2) transportation, marking a significant step toward supporting India’s National Hydrogen Mission (NHM).
- The company successfully developed hydrogen-compliant API X65 ERW steel pipes, which are crucial for the transport of 100% pure gaseous hydrogen under high pressure (100 bar).
Note: API X65 ERW steel, is also called ISO 3183 L450 pipe, manufactured according to the American Petroleum Institute (API) 5L standard, specifically designated as “Grade X65” and produced using the Electric Resistance Welding (ERW) process.
Development and Testing Process:
i.The pipes were processed at Tata Steel’s Khopoli plant, Mumbai (Maharashtra) utilizing steel and was manufactured at Tata Steel’s Kalinganagar plant, Odisha.
ii.The technology development, including the design and manufacture of hot-rolled steel and pipe production, was carried out entirely in-house by TSL.
iii.Testing & Certification: The hydrogen qualification tests for the pipes were conducted by RINA Consulting – Centro Sviluppo Materiali (CSM) S.p.A., Italy, a leading agency for hydrogen-related testing.
iv.The API X65 ERW pipes passed all critical tests required for hydrogen transportation, confirming their suitability for high-pressure hydrogen transport.
Points to Note:
i.This development supports India’s NHM, which aims to produce 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of green hydrogen annually by 2030, with the potential to increase to 10 MMT for export.
ii.The demand for hydrogen-compliant steel pipes will begin in 2026-27, with an estimated total requirement of 350 kiloton (KT) over the next 5-7 years.
About Tata Steel Limited(TSL):
In 2024, TSL became the 1st Indian steel company to produce hot-rolled steel for the transportation of gaseous hydrogen.
Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)– Thachat Viswanath Narendran
Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra
Established– 1907
RDCL Receives RBI Approval to Transform India’s Mortgage-Backed Securitisation Market
In January 2025, Mumbai (Maharashtra) based RMBS(Residential Mortgage-Backed Securitisation) Development Company Limited (RDCL) received its Certificate of Registration (CoR) from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) marking a major milestone for India’s housing finance sector.
- The paid-up Capital of RSDL is Rs.500 crore and is expected to commence operations in March 2025.
- RDCL is designed to create new opportunities for long-term institutional investors, including Insurance Companies, Pension Funds (PFs), and Provident Funds (PFs).
About RDCL:
i.The National Housing Bank (NHB), a statutory body under the Government of India (GoI), has set up RDCL as the single largest shareholder.
ii.RDCL is supported by a diverse group of investors, including Banks, Housing Finance Companies (HFCs), Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), and Insurance Companies.
iii.RDCL aims to drive innovation in securitisation, boost investor confidence, support housing finance policies, and collaborate with key stakeholders.
Key Objectives :
i.Enhancing Housing Finance Liquidity: RDCL will invest in RMBS issuances to support liquidity in the housing finance sector.
ii.Providing Risk Management Solutions: By offering 2nd-loss credit enhancements, RDCL will help manage risks in the RMBS market.
iii.Addressing Liquidity Challenges: RDCL will offer liquidity solutions to Primary Lending Institutions (PLIs), helping them overcome short-term funding challenges.
iv.Standardizing Practices: RDCL will focus on standardizing processes and documentation to ensure transparency and foster trust among stakeholders.
Significance of RMBS Market Development:
i.The RMBS market plays a crucial role in meeting the growing demand for housing finance in India by broadening funding sources, complementing traditional funding methods, providing liquidity to PLIs, and creating opportunities for investment in the secondary market.
ii.Between March 2019 and March 2024, the outstanding individual housing loans in India grew from Rs 17.95 Lakh Crore to Rs. 33.19 Lakh Crore, achieving a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 13.1%.
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
Winners of the 76th Republic Day Parade 2025: Awards and Recognitions
Winners were announced in different categories for the participants of the 76th Republic Day Parade in 2025, with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) winning the Best Tableau award in the Ministries/Departments category. The award was given for their vibrant display celebrating the “Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh” and the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
- The awards were decided through two methods: one by a panel of judges and the other through an online public vote held on the MyGov platform.
- This year, 31 tableaux from 16 states and Union Territories (UTs) and 10 ministries and departments of the Central Government (CG) participated in R-day Parade 2025 at Karvyapath, New Delhi, Delhi.
Highlights:
i.The Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) Rifles Contingent was awarded the Best Marching Contingent among Services Category by the panel of judges.
ii.Uttar Pradesh (UP) won the first prize in the Best Tableaux category by the panel of judges for its depiction of Mahakumbh 2025 and Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas.
Guinness World Record for Largest Indian Folk Dance Performance at Republic Day 2025
The Guinness World Records recognized the cultural performance titled Jayati Jai Mamah Bharatam for setting the record for “The Largest Indian Folk Variety Dance.” The performance was curated by the Ministry of Culture, along with Sangeet Natak Akademi.
>> Read Full News
IBA Technology Awards 2024: CUB Wins 7 Awards for 2nd Consecutive Year
In January 2025, the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) presented the technology awards in seven categories to honor top technology providers in the banking industry at the 20th Annual Banking Technology Conference, Expo, & Citations, 2024 held in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
- The conference was organized by Indian Banks Association (IBA) and awards presented by RBI Deputy Governor T. Rabi Sankar.
i.The awards are presented across 7 categories of Banks in 7 citation categories. Each award was presented to various Banks under three status :Winner, Runner-Up and Special mention.
ii.City Union Bank Limited(CUB) and Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) win awards in all seven categories, while Karnataka Bank Limited(KBL) secures wins in six categories.
About Indian Banks Association (IBA):
Chairman – Matam Venkata Rao
Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra
Founded – 1946
>> Read Full News
SPORTS
Odisha Warriors win 1st ever Inaugural Women’s Hockey India League Title 2025
In January 2025, Odisha Warriors won the 1st ever ‘Inaugural Women’s Hockey India League Title 2025’ by defeating JSW ((Jindal South West) Soorma Hockey Club of Punjab and Haryana.
- The ‘Odisha Warriors’ secured 2-1 in the final tournament held at Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda AstroTurf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi, Jharkhand.
i.Rutuja Dadaso Pisal was the Star player of the show for the ‘Odisha Warriors’ as she scored both the goals for her side in the 20th and 56th minute.
ii.She gave the ‘Odisha Warriors’ the lead in the 2nd quarter but Penny Squibb (28′) equalised for JSW Soorma Hockey Club.
iii.Other Winners:
- Best Goalkeeper – Savita Punia (JSW Soorma Hockey Club)
- Player of the Tournament – Jyoti Rumavat (JSW Soorma Hockey Club)
- Top Scorers of the Tournament – Yibbi Jansen (Odisha Warriors) and Charlotte Englebert (JSW Soorma Hockey Club)
- Upcoming Player of the Tournament: Sonam (JSW Soorma Hockey Club)
Indian Athlete Jyothi Yarraji Sets National Record in 60m Hurdles
In January 2025, Jyothi Yarraji, Indian track and field athlete from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh (AP) clinched the Gold medal in the women’s 60 meter(m) hurdles held at the Elite Indoor Meeting in Nantes, France.
- Jyothi Yarraji, broke her own National Record twice in one day and clocked 8.07 seconds in the heats and 8.04 seconds in the final, setting a new National Record for India.
i.Her previous record was 8.12 seconds, set at the 2024 Asian Indoor Championships in Tehran (Iran) where she also won Gold medal in the 60m hurdle.
ii.On January 17, 2025, she was awarded the ‘Arjuna Award 2024’ for her performance in the 100 m hurdles in athletics at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi (Delhi).
Note:In the men’s 60m hurdles, Tejas Shirse secured the Bronze Medal with a time of 7.68 seconds and set a national record in Luxembourg with a time of 7.65 seconds.
IMPORTANT DAYS
World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day 2025- January 30
The World Health Organization (WHO’s) World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day(WNTDD) is observed annually on January 30 across the globe to raise awareness of the devastating impact of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) on the most vulnerable populations around the world.
- The theme of World NTDs Day 2025:“Unite. Act. Eliminate” emphasizes the collective commitment needed to end these diseases.
Background:
i.WNTDD was 1st announced by the Crown Prince Court of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the 2019 Reaching the Last Mile Forum.
- The inaugural observance was observed on January 30 2020.
ii.On May 31 2021, the 74th World Health Assembly (WHA) designated January 30th as WNTDD through decision WHA74(18), a proposal supported by the UAE, Oman, Brazil, and other member states.
Note:As of December 2024, 54 countries had successfully eliminated at least one NTD worldwide.
About World Health Organization (WHO):
Director-General (DG)-Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Headquarters- Geneva, Switzerland
Established- April 7, 1948
>> Read Full News
Shaheed Divas or Martyrs’ Day 2025 – January 30
Martyrs’ Day, also known as Sarvodaya Day or Shaheed Diwas, is annually observed across India on January 30 to honour those who sacrificed their lives for the nation.
- This day also marks the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the ‘Father of the Nation.
- 30th January 2025 marks the 77th death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
Background:-
- Martyrs’ Day was officially declared in 1949,a year after Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination on January 30, 1948, to honour his memory and the sacrifices of other freedom fighters.
- Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on 30th January 1948 by Nathuram Godse, in Birla House, New Delhi, Delhi.
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