Period Covered: January 2025 (with strategic context from the 2025 Annual Reviews)
Target Audience: Aspirants of UPSC CSE, State PSCs, RBI Grade B, NABARD, and SSC CGL.
Theme: The onset of the “Viksit Bharat” Legislative and Technological Era.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: THE JANUARY TRANSITION
January 2025 marked a paradigm shift in Indian governance and strategic positioning. It was not merely the beginning of a calendar year but the commencement of a new legislative and developmental cycle aimed at 2047. The month witnessed the 10th Anniversary of NITI Aayog, signaling a maturing of cooperative federalism. It saw ISRO’s historic 100th launch, cementing India’s status as a space superpower. Domestically, the legislative groundwork was laid for replacing the welfarist MGNREGA with the asset-centric G RAM G Act. Internationally, India navigated the volatile US-Venezuela crisis while asserting leadership in the Global South through the Voice of Global South Summit outcomes.
SECTION 1: POLITY, GOVERNANCE & LEGISLATION
Domain: Polity & Governance | Relevance: GS-II, Essay, Public Administration
1.1 The Legislative Pivot: From MGNREGA to G RAM G Act
Event Summary: In a historic move initiated in January 2025 (and assented to later in the year), the government introduced the framework for the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) [G RAM G] Act, 2025. This legislation replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) of 2005.
Detailed Analysis & Provisions
The G RAM G Act represents a shift from “Right to Work” as a distress relief measure to “Right to Productive Engagement” as a developmental tool. The structural changes are profound:
| Feature | MGNREGA (2005) | G RAM G Act (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Guaranteed Days | 100 Days per household | 125 Days per household |
| Primary Objective | Wage employment & social safety net | Asset creation, Infrastructure & Climate Resilience |
| Funding Pattern | Central Sector Scheme (mostly Centre funded) | Centrally Sponsored Scheme (60:40 split for most states; 90:10 for NE/Himalayan) |
| Operational Window | Year-round availability | Mandatory 60-day “No-Work Window” during peak farming seasons (sowing/harvesting) |
| Admin Expenditure Cap | 6% of total cost | 9% (To allow better technical staffing) |
Strategic Significance for Exams:
- Fiscal Federalism: The shift to a 60:40 split places more fiscal responsibility on states, incentivizing them to audit works more rigorously.
- Agriculture Synergy: The “No-Work Window” addresses the chronic complaint of labor shortage in agriculture during harvest seasons, balancing welfare with agricultural productivity.
- Four Verticals: The new mission operates on four specific verticals: Water Security, Core Rural Infrastructure, Livelihood Infrastructure, and Climate Risk Mitigation.
1.2 NITI Aayog: A Decade of Transformation (2015–2025)
Event Summary: On January 1, 2025, the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) completed 10 years, having replaced the Planning Commission in 2015.
Critical Assessment of the Decade
- Shift in Approach: Moved from “Top-Down Planning” to “Cooperative and Competitive Federalism”.
- Key Indices Launched: NITI Aayog successfully institutionalized data-driven governance through indices like the School Education Quality Index (SEQI), Composite Water Management Index (CWMI), and the Export Preparedness Index.
- Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP): Cited as a global model for localized development in under-developed regions. In 2025, this evolved into the Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP).
One-Liner Revision Insight: NITI Aayog celebrated its 10th Foundation Day on Jan 1, 2025, marking a decade of ‘Cooperative Federalism’.
1.3 Major Legal Reforms & Judicial Activism
- Waqf (Amendment) Act / UMEED Act: January saw intense debate on the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act (UMEED Act).
- Key Reform: It empowers the District Collector to decide if a property is Waqf or government land, removing the exclusive jurisdiction of the Waqf Tribunal in initial determinations.
- Inclusion: Mandates the inclusion of women and non-Muslims in Waqf Boards.
- One Nation, One Election Committee: The high-level committee on simultaneous elections accelerated its consultations in January 2025, preparing the ground for the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill.
SECTION 2: ECONOMY, BANKING & FINANCE
Domain: Economy | Relevance: GS-III, RBI Grade B, Banking Exams
2.1 Economic Survey 2024-25 & Pre-Budget Analysis
Event Summary: Tabled on January 31, 2025, the Economic Survey provided the report card of the economy.
Key Macroeconomic Indicators (Data Points for MCQs)
| Indicator | Value / Projection | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Real GDP Growth (FY26) | 6.5% – 7% | Indicates sustained post-pandemic recovery. |
| Fiscal Deficit Target | 4.5% of GDP (FY26) | Adherence to the fiscal glide path. |
| CPI Inflation | 4.5% (Average) | Within RBI’s tolerance band (2-6%). |
| Forex Reserves | $620 Billion+ | Providing a buffer against external shocks. |
| Services Sector Growth | 9.1% | The primary driver of the Indian economy. |
2.2 Banking & RBI Interventions
- Repo Rate Status: In January 2025, the market adjusted to the RBI’s earlier rate cuts (current Repo at 5.25% as per late 2025 retrospective data, signalling an accommodative stance to spur growth).
- Digital Rupee (CBDC): HDFC Bank became the first to integrate the Digital Rupee into its merchant payment platform SmartGateway in January 2025. This allows customers to pay via CBDC wallet directly to merchants.
- NBFC Crackdown: The RBI cancelled the Certificate of Registration (CoR) of 35 NBFCs in January 2025 due to non-compliance with digital lending norms and capital adequacy requirements. Most were based in Delhi-NCR.
2.3 Sectoral Milestones
- Agriculture Dominance: Data released in Jan 2025 confirmed India has surpassed China to become the world’s largest producer of rice, with a production of 150 Million Tonnes.
- Insurance FDI: The Union Budget proposals (drafted in Jan) paved the way for increasing FDI in the insurance sector from 74% to 100% to attract global capital.
- Railways Electrification: Indian Railways achieved 99.2% electrification of Broad Gauge routes, cementing its status as the world’s largest green railway network.
One-Liner Revision Insight: HDFC Bank integrated CBDC into SmartGateway; India became the largest rice producer with 150MT output.
SECTION 3: SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY & SPACE
Domain: S&T | Relevance: GS-III, Prelims Science Tech
3.1 ISRO’s Historic 100th Launch (NVS-02)
Event: On January 29, 2025, ISRO conducted its 100th orbital launch mission from Sriharikota.
- Mission Vehicle: GSLV-F15.
- Payload: NVS-02 (Navigation Satellite).
- Significance:
- Part of the NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) 2nd Generation.
- Features indigenous Rubidium Atomic Clocks, reducing reliance on imported clocks and improving timing accuracy for GPS services.
- Operates in the L1 band (compatible with GPS) to increase civilian usage.
3.2 The Mpemba Effect: Scientific Breakthrough
Context: Scientists at JNCASR (Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research), Bengaluru, solved a centuries-old physics puzzle in Jan 2025.
- The Phenomenon: The Mpemba Effect is the counter-intuitive observation where hot water freezes faster than cold water.
- The Breakthrough: Using supercomputer simulations, Indian scientists proved that this occurs due to non-equilibrium thermodynamics. Hot water possesses higher energy states that allow it to relax (cool down) via faster pathways than cold water, which gets “stuck” in metastable states.
3.3 Astronomy: Discovery of ‘Cloud-9’
Context: NASA’s Hubble Telescope identified a bizarre object named Cloud-9.
- What is it? A starless, dark-matter-rich gas cloud.
- Location: Near galaxy Messier 94 (M94).
- Importance: It challenges galaxy formation theories. Usually, gas + dark matter = stars. Cloud-9 suggests there are “failed galaxies” in the universe made almost entirely of dark matter and primordial gas.
3.4 Indigenous Tech: DHRUVA64
Event: Launch of India’s first indigenous high-performance microprocessor.
- Name: DHRUVA64.
- Specs: 1.0 GHz, 64-bit Dual-Core.
- Significance: A major step towards Digital Sovereignty, reducing reliance on Intel/AMD for strategic defense and space applications.
SECTION 4: DEFENCE & SECURITY
Domain: Internal Security | Relevance: GS-III, CAPF, CDS
4.1 Army’s Theme for 2026 (Announced Jan 2025/26)
Development: The Indian Army designated the year 2026 as the “Year of Networking and Data Centricity”. (Note: Themes are often announced in advance). This follows the 2024 theme (Year of Tech Absorption) and 2025 theme (Year of Reform).
- Focus: Building a unified, secure, AI-enabled network (Network Centric Warfare) to connect sensors to shooters instantly.
4.2 National IED Data Management System (NIDMS)
Event: Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated NIDMS at the NSG garrison in Manesar.
- What is it? A centralized digital database of all IED (Improvised Explosive Device) blasts and incidents in India since 1999.
- Utility: Allows the National Security Guard (NSG) and state police to analyze bomb signatures, patterns, and linkages between terror groups across states.
4.3 Mission Sudarshan Chakra
Launch: A new counter-drone and anti-air defense initiative.
- Objective: To establish a Joint Counter-UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) Grid by 2035.
- Components: Integrates “Soft Kill” (Jamming) and “Hard Kill” (Laser/Missile) capabilities to protect borders from rogue drones.
SECTION 5: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Domain: IR | Relevance: GS-II, Current Events
5.1 The US-Venezuela Crisis: Operation Southern Spear
Major Event: In early January 2025, the US launched a military intervention in Venezuela titled Operation Southern Spear.
- Trigger: Alleged narco-terrorism links and threat to regional stability.
- Outcome: Airstrikes on Caracas led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro. Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim President.
- Geopolitics: This marked a revival of the Monroe Doctrine (US dominance in the Western Hemisphere). It caused oil price volatility and strained US relations with left-leaning Latin American nations.
5.2 Global Summits & Memberships
- BRICS 2026 Chairship: It was confirmed that India will assume the BRICS Chairship in 2026.
- G7 Summit 2026 Host: Announced to be France.
- Somaliland: Israel became the first UN member state to officially recognize Somaliland (a breakaway region of Somalia) as an independent country, altering the Horn of Africa’s diplomatic landscape.
- Weimar Triangle: India engaged with the Weimar Triangle (France, Germany, Poland) for the first time, diversifying its European diplomacy.
5.3 India-Pakistan Water Tensions
Development: Tensions flared over the Dulhasti Stage-II hydropower project on the Chenab River. India signaled a review/abeyance of the Indus Waters Treaty, asserting its right to utilize water for run-of-the-river projects, responding to cross-border terror incidents.
SECTION 6: ENVIRONMENT & ECOLOGY
Domain: Environment | Relevance: GS-III, Forestry Exams
6.1 International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists 2026
Declaration: The UN designated 2026 as the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists. (Note: While 2025 is the Year of Glaciers/Cooperatives, the 2026 declaration was a key talking point in Jan 2025 planning).
6.2 New Species & Discoveries
- Strawberry Leopard: A rare pink-hued leopard (caused by an erythristic mutation) was sighted in the Vijayanagar district of Karnataka.
- Bridgeoporus kanadii: A “colossal” fungus species discovered in Arunachal Pradesh. It is large enough for a human to sit on.
6.3 Conservation Updates
- Tiger Deaths: The NTCA reported 166 tiger deaths in 2024 (reported in Jan 2025), raising concerns about habitat fragmentation.
- Ramsar Sites: Tamil Nadu continues to hold the record for the highest number of Ramsar sites in India (Total: 18 as of Jan 2025).
SECTION 7: AWARDS, HONOURS & APPOINTMENTS
Domain: Awards & Persons | Relevance: SSC, Banking, AFCAT
7.1 Padma Awards 2025
Announced on the eve of Republic Day. Total 139 Awards.
| Award | Key Recipients (Indicative) | Field/Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Padma Vibhushan (7) | Justice Jagdish Singh Khehar | Public Affairs (Former CJI) |
| Kumudini Lakhia | Art (Kathak) | |
| Sharda Sinha (Posthumous) | Art (Folk Music/Chhath Geet) | |
| Padma Bhushan (19) | P.R. Sreejesh | Sports (Hockey) |
| Pankaj Udhas (Posthumous) | Art (Ghazal) | |
| Shekhar Kapur | Art (Filmmaker) | |
| Padma Shri (113) | Arijit Singh | Art (Singing) |
| R. Ashwin | Sports (Cricket) |
7.2 National Sports Awards 2024 (Presented Jan 2025)
- Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna:
- Manu Bhaker (Shooting)
- D. Gukesh (Chess – Youngest World Challenger)
- Harmanpreet Singh (Hockey)
- Arjuna Award: Sheetal Devi (Para Archery), R. Praggnanandhaa (Chess).
- MAKA Trophy: Chandigarh University (Top performing university).
7.3 Key Appointments (Jan 2025)
- Chief Justice of India (53rd): Justice Surya Kant (Appointed Nov 2025 context, active Jan 2026, but relevant for 2025 exams as successor).
- Chairman, AERB: A. K. Balasubrahmanian.
- CEO, UIDAI: Bhuvnesh Kumar.
- Governor, RBI: Sanjay Malhotra (Took charge Dec 2024, active Jan 2025).
- PETA Person of the Year: Raveena Tandon.
SECTION 8: IMPORTANT DAYS (JANUARY 2025)
Domain: General Awareness | Relevance: SSC, Railways
| Date | Occasion | Theme / Key Fact |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | DRDO Foundation Day | 67th Foundation Day of DRDO. |
| Jan 4 | World Braille Day | Commemorating Louis Braille. |
| Jan 8 | Earth’s Rotation Day | Honors Léon Foucault’s pendulum experiment (1851). |
| Jan 9 | Pravasi Bharatiya Divas | Marks Gandhi’s return from S. Africa (1915). |
| Jan 10 | World Hindi Day | Anniversary of 1st World Hindi Conference (Nagpur, 1975). |
| Jan 12 | National Youth Day | Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. |
| Jan 15 | Indian Army Day | Theme: “Year of Technology Absorption” (2024) / “Year of Reform” (2025). |
| Jan 24 | National Girl Child Day | Initiated by Min. of Women & Child Dev in 2008. |
| Jan 25 | National Voters Day | Theme: “Nothing Like Voting, I Vote for Sure”. |
| Jan 30 | Martyrs’ Day | Death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi (Shaheed Diwas). |
SECTION 9: BOOKS & AUTHORS
Domain: Culture | Relevance: SSC, Banking
- “BRING IT ON: The Incredible Story of My Life” – by Dr. Deepa Malik.
- “How India Scaled Mt G20” – by Amitabh Kant.
- “Parliament: Powers, Functions & Privileges” – by Dr. K.S. Chauhan.
- “The World After Gaza” – by Pankaj Mishra.
- “Wild Fictions” – by Amitav Ghosh.
SECTION 10: RAPID REVISION & MCQ BANK
Quick Revision Insights
- First Paperless Court: Kalpetta, Kerala (Inaugurated by CJI).
- Bastar Olympics 2026: To be held in Jagdalpur (announced Jan 2025).
- Assam: First state to form committee for 8th Pay Commission implementation.
- Deep Tech Policy: Tamil Nadu launched India’s first dedicated Deep Tech policy with ₹100 Cr fund.
- Fort William Renamed: Renamed to Vijay Durg (Kolkata).
- New Tax Regime: Income up to ₹12 Lakh incurs zero tax (Budget 2025 announcement).
High-Yield MCQs for Practice
Q1. Which Indian state became the first to form a committee for the implementation of the 8th Pay Commission?
(A) Gujarat
(B) Uttar Pradesh
(C) Assam
(D) Kerala
Ans: (C) Assam
Q2. What is the name of the new rural employment act that replaced MGNREGA in 2025?
(A) PM-Kisan Rozgar Act
(B) Viksit Bharat – G RAM G Act
(C) Gramin Ajeevika Mission Act
(D) Bharat Rozgar Guarantee Act
Ans: (B) Viksit Bharat – G RAM G Act
Q3. Which telescope recently discovered the starless dark matter cloud named ‘Cloud-9’?
(A) James Webb Space Telescope
(B) Hubble Space Telescope
(C) Chandra X-ray Observatory
(D) Spitzer Space Telescope
Ans: (B) Hubble Space Telescope
Q4. Who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2025?
(A) Volodymyr Zelenskyy
(B) María Corina Machado
(C) Narges Mohammadi
(D) Greta Thunberg
Ans: (B) María Corina Machado (Venezuela)
Q5. The ‘Mpemba Effect’, simulated by JNCASR scientists, relates to:
(A) Black hole gravity
(B) Hot water freezing faster than cold water
(C) Quantum entanglement
(D) Photosynthesis efficiency
Ans: (B) Hot water freezing faster than cold water
CONCLUSION
January 2025 set a robust tone for the year. It was a month where India asserted its technological sovereignty (ISRO’s 100th launch, Indigenous Microprocessor), legislative courage (G RAM G Act, Waqf reforms), and cultural pride (Padma Awards, Classical languages focus). For aspirants, the key lies in connecting these current events to static syllabus topics—linking the G RAM G Act to Article 41 (Right to Work) or ISRO’s launches to orbital mechanics. As 2025 progresses, these foundational moves in January will dictate the narrative of India’s march towards 2047.
