Current Affairs Today: 17th January 2025
📰 National News
1. Which minister launched the PRABHAAV Factbook and Bharat Startup Challenge?
Answer: Piyush Goyal, during the 9th Foundation Day of Startup India in New Delhi — focused on empowering women entrepreneurs and Tier-II/III startups.
2. Who inaugurated the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025?
Answer: Prime Minister Narendra Modi — held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, showcasing India’s largest mobility innovations.
3. What eco-friendly campaign did RSS launch at Maha Kumbh 2025?
Answer: “One Plate, One Bag” — promoting steel plates and cloth bags to reduce plastic usage.
4. Where was the world’s first Mahamrityunjaya Yantra installed?
Answer: Tapovan Ashram, Jhunsi, Prayagraj — measuring 52x52x52 feet, for spiritual and cultural significance.
🏞️ State News
5. What new museum was inaugurated in Vadnagar, Gujarat?
Answer: Archaeological Experiential Museum — launched by the Ministry of Culture and Gujarat Government, showcasing 2,500 years of heritage.
🏦 Banking & Economy
6. What is the new name of Shriram Housing Finance?
Answer: Truhome Finance — following acquisition by Warburg Pincus and Qatar Investment Authority.
7. Which bank partnered with PNB MetLife for insurance distribution?
Answer: Saraswat Bank — to offer life insurance products across 302 branches to 3 million customers.
8. Who were appointed as new MD & CEOs of major banks?
Answer: Ashok Chandra (Punjab National Bank) and Binod Kumar (Indian Bank) — appointed on 16th January 2025.
9. What GDP and CPI projections did FICCI release for FY 2024–25?
Answer: GDP: 6.4%, CPI: 4.8% — considering global uncertainties and domestic resilience.
10. What growth forecast did the World Bank give for India in FY26 and FY27?
Answer: 6.7% — positioning India as the fastest-growing major economy.
🤝 Agreements
11. What technology partnership was signed between C-DOT and IIT Bombay?
Answer: Indigenous 6G Optical Transceiver Chipset — aiming to make India a leader in 6G by 2030.
⚖️ Appointments
12. Who was sworn in as a Supreme Court judge?
Answer: Justice Krishnan Vinod Chandran — sworn in on 16th January, bringing the total to 33 judges.
13. Who became the new Secretary of Higher Education?
Answer: Vineet Joshi — took charge under the Ministry of Education.
🚀 Science & Technology
14. Where will ISRO set up its new launch pad?
Answer: Sriharikota (SDSC) — with ₹3,985 crore investment, supporting human spaceflight and Next Gen Launch Vehicles (NGLV).
🏸 Sports News
15. Which brand did PV Sindhu partner with?
Answer: PUMA India — marking its official entry into badminton, targeting 57 million fans in India.
🎵 Awards
16. Who received the RK Srikantan Trust Award?
Answer: Mridangist T.V. Gopalakrishnan — honored at the Sankranti Music Fest for contributions to Indian classical music.
Current Affairs Today: 17th January 2025
