Current Affairs Today: 31st January 2025 | Daily GK Update
National News
1. What limit has IRDAI set on health insurance premium hikes for senior citizens?
Answer: IRDAI capped annual premium hikes at 10% for individuals aged 60 and above, effective immediately.
2. What does Article 224A of the Indian Constitution pertain to?
Answer: It allows retired judges to be appointed as ad hoc judges in High Courts with Presidential consent.
State News
3. What is the Subhadra Scheme launched in Odisha?
Answer: A women empowerment initiative offering financial aid, digital literacy, and social safety net access, supported by IIM Sambalpur.
Economy News
4. What GDP growth rate is projected in the Economic Survey 2024–25?
Answer: 6.4% for FY25, with focus on FDI, inflation control, and trade performance.
5. What new UPI rule will NPCI enforce from February 1, 2025?
Answer: UPI transaction IDs must be strictly alphanumeric — no special characters allowed.
Business News
6. What innovation has Tata Steel introduced for clean energy?
Answer: India’s first hydrogen-compliant transport pipes, supporting the National Hydrogen Mission.
Banking News
7. Which bank won big at the IBA Banking Technology Awards 2024?
Answer: Karnataka Bank, winning in six categories for tech excellence.
Appointments
8. Who is the new Director General of BCAS?
Answer: Rajesh Nirwan, IPS officer, appointed by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.
Important Days
9. What is the theme of World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day 2025?
Answer: “Unite, Act, and Eliminate NTDs” — observed on January 30th.
Science & Technology
10. What is BIMCOIN and which institute launched it?
Answer: India’s first campus blockchain currency, launched by BIMTECH.
11. Who is India’s first astronaut to pilot a private mission to the ISS?
Answer: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, selected for Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4).