1 Ministry of Tribal Affairs won the Best Tableau Award in Republic Day Parade 2025
Ministry of Tribal Affairs has been awarded the Best Tableau Award from Central Ministries/Departments in the 76th Republic Day Parade 2025 for its inspirational and culturally rich tableau based on “ Tribal Pride Year ” commemorating the 150th birth anniversary year of Bhagwan Birsa Munda . The tableau beautifully depicted the tribal ethos with a majestic Sal tree symbolizing strength, stability and deep connection between tribal communities and nature. The results of the Best Tableau and Marching Contingent of the 76th Republic Day Parade have been declared. Uttar Pradesh bagged the first prize for its tableau “ Mahakumbh 2025 – Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas ”. The tableau depicts the grand tradition and development of the Maha Kumbh Mela. Among the marching contingents , Jammu & Kashmir Rifles was declared the Best Marching Contingent in the Armed Forces while Delhi Police Marching Contingent secured the first position in the CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces) and other supporting forces category. Among the tableaus of states and union territories, Tripura got the second place for its tableau based on the theme “Kharchi Puja: Worship of 14 Gods”, while Andhra Pradesh’s tableau based on the theme “Etikoppaka Bommalu: Eco-friendly wooden toys” got the third place. The best tableau award according to public choice was given to Gujarat ‘s theme “ Swarnim Bharat: Heritage and Development ”, while Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand got the second and third place respectively. The Ministry of Women and Child Development got the best tableau award among the central ministries for its tableau based on the theme “Multidimensional journey of women and children”.
2 Beating the Retreat ceremony took place at Vijay Chowk in Delhi
Beating the Retreat Ceremony was held on 29 January at Vijay Chowk in Delhi . President Draupadi Murmu attended the ceremony as the chief guest. During this, patriotic tunes were presented by the bands of the three armies and CAPF. In this, the bands of Army, Navy, Air Force and CAPF performed wonderful tunes. Flags are lowered at the end of the ceremony. Beating the Retreat Ceremony officially marks the end of Republic Day Ceremony in India. This tradition was started by King James II of England in the 17th century, which is being followed till date. In this program, the bands of Army, Air Force and Navy march with traditional tunes.
3 Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana: So far more than 8.5 crore people have got free treatment
Under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), more than 8.5 crore people have received free treatment worth ₹ 1.2 lakh crore so far. Launched in 2018, it has become the world’s largest health insurance scheme. Under this, poor and lower-middle class families get free treatment up to ₹ 5 lakh every year . This scheme provides financial assistance to needy families in both urban and rural areas so that they do not sink into debt due to expensive treatment. As of January 29, the highest number of people have availed this scheme in Tamil Nadu where 90.49 lakh people have received free treatment. It is followed by Karnataka (66.04 lakh), Rajasthan (57.41 lakh), Kerala (54.64 lakh), Andhra Pradesh (49.67 lakh) and Gujarat (45.46 lakh) . In Lakshadweep, only 780 people have availed the benefit of this scheme. The most special thing about PM-JAY is that there is no limit on the number or age of family members. To provide better health facilities to senior citizens, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Yojana on October 29. Under this new scheme, the elderly will get free treatment of up to ₹ 5 lakh every year.
4 Cabinet approves revised ethanol procurement prices for Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday approved revision of ethanol procurement prices for public sector oil marketing companies (OMCs) for Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2024-25, extending from November 1, 2024 to October 31, 2025 under the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme of Government of India . The ex-mill price of ethanol for EBP programme derived from Sea-Heavy Molasses (CHM) has been fixed at Rs 56.58 per litre to Rs 57.97 per litre. This approval will not only facilitate the government to continue its policy of providing price stability and remunerative prices to ethanol suppliers, but will also help in reducing dependence on crude oil imports, saving foreign exchange and benefiting the environment.
5 Israel announces complete severance of ties with UN Palestinian relief agency
Israel has announced a complete break with the United Nations Palestinian Relief Agency . Israel has banned the organization’s activities in its territory. The United Nations Relief Agency plays an important role in providing health care and education in the Palestinian territories. The organization claims that it has supplied 60 percent of the total food items for the Gaza Strip since the current war began. Israel has been accusing the agency of violating security arrangements. It says that this agency also played a role in the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October 2023. More than a thousand Israelis were killed in this attack and 250 were taken hostage.
6 Jasprit Bumrah will be awarded the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy
India’s fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah will be awarded the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy . Bumrah has been selected as the ICC’s Best Men’s Cricketer of the Year 2024 for his outstanding performance in all formats of cricket. Bumrah is the first fast bowler from India to receive this award . Earlier, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Ravichandran Ashwin and Virat Kohli have received this award. Bumrah played an important role for India in winning the T20 World Cup held in USA and West Indies in 2024. Bumrah took the highest 15 wickets in the tournament. In Test cricket, Bumrah performed brilliantly throughout the year. He took the highest 71 wickets in 13 matches.
7 Geoff Allardyce resigns as chief executive, ICC confirms
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that Geoff Allardice has resigned as its chief executive . Allardice’s decision comes amid concerns over Pakistan’s readiness to host the Champions Trophy, which begins next month. In his farewell message, Mr Allardice said he was extremely proud of his work to expand cricket’s global reach and create a commercial platform for ICC members.