Current Affairs Today: 29th January 2025 | Daily GK Update
International News
1. What economic agreements were signed between India and Oman?
Answer: Protocol to amend the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) and fast-track CEPA negotiations.
2. What national initiative was launched by the UAE President for 2025?
Answer: “Year of Community” — under the slogan “Hand in Hand” to promote unity and inclusion.
3. What diplomatic milestone occurred during the Indonesian President’s visit to India?
Answer: Signing of five MoUs — strengthening bilateral ties and marking his role as Chief Guest at Republic Day.
State News
4. What digital governance initiative did Tripura launch?
Answer: MoU with Digital India Bhashini Division — first northeastern state to adopt multilingual governance tools.
5. Why does Sikkim enjoy tax-free status?
Answer: Due to historical and constitutional provisions — explored in depth for its socio-economic impact.
6. What welfare schemes were launched by Telangana CM on Republic Day?
Answer: Four schemes — targeting farmers, landless laborers, and marginalized communities.
7. What major business event was inaugurated by PM Modi in Odisha?
Answer: Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025 — promoting investment and industrial growth.
Banking News
8. What interest rate was set for GOI Floating Rate Bonds 2035?
Answer: 6.66% — applicable from January 25, 2025, to January 24, 2030.
9. What partnership was renewed between SBI Payments and Pine Labs?
Answer: Strengthened collaboration — to expand digital commerce and merchant solutions.
10. Why are banks reevaluating recovery strategies under IBC?
Answer: Declining recovery rates and delays — prompting shift to alternative methods.
11. What new UPI feature was launched by Jio for small businesses?
Answer: JioSoundPay — multilingual audio confirmations for seamless transactions.
Economy News
12. What decline was recorded in India’s forex reserves?
Answer: Dropped to $625.87 billion — down from $634.59 billion as of January 10, 2025.
Important Days
13. What is observed on 29th January in India?
Answer: Indian Newspaper Day — commemorating the first Indian newspaper and promoting media literacy.
Science & Technology
14. What milestone did ISRO achieve on 29th January 2025?
Answer: 100th launch from Sriharikota — GSLV-F15 placed NVS-02 satellite into orbit.
15. What geomagnetic phenomenon is affecting Earth’s navigation systems?
Answer: Shifting Magnetic North Pole — moving toward Siberia, impacting global systems.
Awards
16. Who received the Maharaja Hari Singh Award?
Answer: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha — for reforms and planning in Jammu & Kashmir.
Sports News
17. Where were the 38th National Games inaugurated?
Answer: Dehradun, Uttarakhand — by PM Modi, themed “Green Games.”
18. Which region topped the Khelo India Winter Games 2025?
Answer: Ladakh — Indian Army retained ice hockey title.
19. Who won the inaugural Women’s Hockey India League title?
Answer: Odisha Warriors — defeated Soorma Hockey Club 2–1.
20. Which team won the ICC Women’s Championship Trophy 2025?
Answer: Australia — third consecutive title, led by captain Alyssa Healy.