1 Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar will represent India at Donald Trump’s swearing-in ceremony
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar will represent India at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected US President Donald Trump . Mr. Trump will become the 47th President of the United States . He will be sworn in on the 20th of this month . During his visit, Dr. Jaishankar will also meet representatives of the new government and other dignitaries attending the event.
2 Gaan Ngai festival is being celebrated by the Kabui-Rongmei Naga community in Manipur to mark the end of the harvest season
Gaan Ngai festival is being celebrated in Manipur by the Kabui-Rongmei Naga community to mark the end of harvesting . Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and others attended the state-level Gaan Ngai 2025 organised on the occasion. Mr Biren appreciated the various cultural programmes and emphasised the need for unity among indigenous communities and preserving rich traditions.
3 Uttarakhand: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the first International Uttarakhandi Pravasi Sammelan in Dehradun
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the first International Uttarakhandi Pravasi Sammelan in Dehradun . The objective of this conference is to promote investment and tourism in Uttarakhand by promoting the culture of the state abroad . On this occasion, Mr. Dhami said that the ideas and messages presented in the sessions organized during the conference will reach the migrant Uttarakhandi brothers and sisters living in the country and abroad. Mr. Dhami described this conference as a unique festival of connection of culture and emotions. During the press conference, the Chief Minister said that so far 30 migrants have adopted many villages of Uttarakhand.
4 Union Minister Sonowal unveiled the National River Transport and Navigation System
Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal launched the National River Traffic and Navigation System (NRT&NS) during the second meeting of the Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) at Kaziranga in Assam on January 11, 2025. The initiative aims to enhance the safety and efficiency of inland waterway transport in India. The IWDC meeting presented a plan to invest over ₹50,000 crore to strengthen the national waterways infrastructure over the next five years. Additionally, projects worth over ₹1,400 crore were announced in 21 inland waterway states.
5 BMCRI to set up South India’s first infectious disease research laboratory
Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI) has been selected by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to set up South India’s first infectious disease research and diagnostic laboratory (IRDL) . The initiative aims to enhance infectious disease diagnostic and research capabilities in the region. The laboratory will focus on diseases caused by bacteria, fungi and parasites , ensuring faster diagnosis and better health outcomes. The project is part of a national effort to set up specialized laboratories in medical colleges across India.
6 UP government joins hands with Google Cloud for AI Agri Network
The Uttar Pradesh government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Google Cloud (India) to launch Uttar Pradesh Open Network for Agriculture (UPONA) . Powered by Gemini AI and beacon technology, this digital public infrastructure aims to revolutionise agriculture in the state. The initiative gives farmers one-stop access to advisory services, credit, mechanisation, market linkages and real-time data on weather and microclimate. It is in line with the government’s goal of doubling farmers’ income and promoting digital empowerment in agriculture.
7 India targets $100 billion food and beverage exports: Piyush Goyal
India has set a target of combined exports of $100 billion from the food and beverage (F&B), agriculture, and marine products industries in the next five years . Commerce and Industry Minister, Shri Piyush Goyal outlined this ambitious target in the keynote address during Indusfood 2025 in New Delhi . He emphasized the need for 14-15% annual growth rate to achieve this target. The Minister lauded the role of APEDA and MPEDA in the success of Indusfood 2025 and India’s achievement of $50 billion exports.
8 Banded Royal butterfly discovered in Tripura
The recent discovery of the Banded Royal butterfly (Rachana jalindra indra) in Tripura has marked a significant milestone in documenting the biodiversity of the state . This rare species was first spotted in Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary , which is famous for its rich flora and fauna. The discovery has underlined the importance of ongoing ecological research and wildlife conservation in the region. The Banded Royal butterfly, known for its unique appearance, has now been officially recorded in the peer-reviewed journal “ Munis Entomology and Zoology ”.
9 Rabbit fever cases are increasing rapidly in America
Rabbit fever cases are on the rise in the US . According to the CDC, cases of this disease have jumped by more than 50% in the last decade. Rabbit fever, also known as tularemia , is a zoonotic disease that spreads from rabbits and other animals to humans. The disease can be severe and cause symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and skin lesions. Tularemia, commonly known as rabbit fever, is a serious bacterial infection caused by the bacteria Francisella tularensis . This bacteria is mainly found in rabbits, mice, and other small mammals . Infection in humans can occur through direct contact with infected animals, their bites, consumption of infected meat, or contact with infected soil or water.
India-US to work together on 10 anti-submarine warfare sonobuoys
India and the US have entered into a landmark partnership to co-produce US sonar buoys for the Indian Navy . The collaboration is aimed at enhancing undersea domain awareness (UDA) and strengthening Indian Navy’s capabilities to respond to the growing Chinese naval presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) . The initiative will see Ultra Marine (UM), a leader in US undersea warfare technology, and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) jointly manufacture the sonar buoys. The collaboration will ensure interoperability between the US and Indian navies as well as partner countries such as Australia and Japan.
11 PhonePe, ICICI Lombard launch Maha Kumbh Mela insurance
In view of the Maha Kumbh Mela to be held from 13th January to 26th February 2025 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh , PhonePe has partnered with ICICI Lombard General Insurance . The initiative aims to provide comprehensive and affordable insurance protection to crores of devotees participating in this grand spiritual event. Insurance Plan Details Cover Options: For train or bus passengers: ₹59 per passenger. For domestic flight passengers: ₹99 per passenger. Cover Period: Valid from 13th January to 26th February 2025 .
12 Swami Vivekananda’s Birth Anniversary
Every year on 12 January, the birth anniversary of the great spiritual guru, philosopher and thinker Swami Vivekananda is celebrated as Youth Day . Swami Vivekananda, a great Indian saint, philosopher and social reformer, was born on 12 January 1863 in Kolkata. Swami Vivekananda’s teachings and thoughts are relevant even today and he is remembered as a great son of India. Swami Vivekananda spread the message of India’s spirituality during the Chicago Parliament of Religions in 1893 and expressed the inclusive ethos of the country.