Current Affairs Today: 28th January 2025 | Daily GK Update
National News
1. What new timeline has been proposed for the Iron Age in India?
Answer: A study by K. Rajan and R. Sivanantham suggests the Iron Age in Tamil Nadu began around 3345 BCE — much earlier than previous estimates.
International News
2. Where was the first International Pashmina Festival held?
Answer: Kathmandu, Nepal — showcasing Chyangra Pashmina and traditional weaving techniques.
3. Which Chinese AI app surpassed ChatGPT on the US App Store?
Answer: DeepSeek — with its R1 reasoning model, became the most-downloaded free app in the U.S.
4. Who won the Belarus presidential election for the seventh time?
Answer: Alexander Lukashenko — secured nearly 87% of the vote amid widespread criticism.
Defence News
5. What European defence programme did India join as an observer?
Answer: Eurodrone Programme — led by Airbus Defence and Space under OCCAR.
State News
6. What infrastructure upgrade was completed at Prayagraj Airport?
Answer: Major expansion for Maha Kumbh 2025 — enhancing connectivity and passenger facilities.
Economy News
7. What new tax treaty rule was introduced by the Income Tax Department?
Answer: Principal Purpose Test (PPT) — to align DTAAs with OECD’s BEPS Action Plan 6.
8. How much capital infusion was approved for IFCI in FY 2024–25?
Answer: ₹500 crore — to support restructuring and financial stability.
Banking News
9. What new body was approved by RBI for Urban Cooperative Banks?
Answer: NUCFDC — National Urban Cooperative Finance and Development Corporation.
10. Who was reappointed as MD & CEO of IDBI Bank?
Answer: Rakesh Sharma — for a three-year term starting March 19, 2025.
11. What share did UPI hold in India’s digital payments in 2024?
Answer: 83% — up from 34% in 2019, showing rapid adoption.
12. Which bank won seven awards at IBA Banking Technology Awards?
Answer: City Union Bank — for the second consecutive year.
13. What AI tool was launched by CheQ for credit card users?
Answer: Wisor — India’s first AI-powered credit card expert.
Ranks & Reports
14. What global initiative expanded to 25 member countries?
Answer: Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) — launched by the World Economic Forum.
15. Which country dominated THE World University Rankings by Subject 2025?
Answer: United States — topped nine out of eleven subjects.
Important Days
16. What anniversary was celebrated for Lala Lajpat Rai?
Answer: 160th birth anniversary — honoring the ‘Lion of Punjab’ and freedom fighter.
Awards
17. Who received the Padma Shri for agricultural innovation?
Answer: Hariman Sharma — for developing the HRMN-99 apple variety.
18. Which media organization was honored for voter awareness?
Answer: Doordarshan — for its campaign “Chunav Ka Parv Desh Ka Garv.”
19. Which Indian short film was nominated for an Oscar?
Answer: Anuja — backed by Priyanka Chopra and Guneet Monga.
Science & Technology
20. What deep-sea mission is India preparing for?
Answer: Launch of its first human-operated submersible — part of the Deep Ocean Mission.
21. What neurological disorder saw a rise in Pune?
Answer: Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) — prompting health investigations.
Sports News
22. Who won ICC Women’s Player of the Year 2024?
Answer: Melie Kerr — led New Zealand to their first T20 World Cup win.