Recent Indian News Highlights 2025

SEBI Launches 'I-SPOT' Portal

• SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) launched the 'I-SPOT' portal.
• The portal allows investors to report technical glitches in trading platforms or websites related to securities and commodities markets.
• SEBI is a statutory body established in 1988 to regulate the securities and commodities markets in India.
• The portal will be active from February 3rd, 2025.

Lezim Folk Dance Featured in Movie 'Chhatrapati' Creates Controversy

• Lezim, a traditional folk dance from Maharashtra, was featured in the trailer of the movie 'Chhatrapati.'
• The movie portrays Shivaji Maharaj performing the Lezim dance.
• The movie faced controversy due to this portrayal.
• The dance sequence has now been removed from the final movie release.

India Celebrates Martyrs' Day on January 30th (Mahaatma Gandhi's Death Anniversary)

• Martyrs' Day is observed on January 30th to commemorate the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
• The day also celebrates the sacrifices of all freedom fighters and soldiers who have lost their lives for the country.
• Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on January 30th, 1948, by Nathuram Godse.

Ministry of MSME Launches 'TEAM Initiative' for Small Businesses

• The Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) launched the 'TEAM Initiative.'
• The initiative aims to empower small businesses digitally, making them more competitive.
• The government will provide digital platforms, payment systems, and logistics support to help MSMEs.
• The initiative has a budget of ₹277.35 crore and aims to reach 5 lakh MSMEs over three years.

Rajesh Nirwan Appointed as New Director General of Bureau of Civil Aviation Security

• Rajesh Nirwan, a 1992 batch IPS officer from the Rajasthan Cadre, has been appointed the new Director General of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security.
• The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security ensures security at airports, aircrafts, and in the civil aviation sector as a whole.
• It is a subsidiary organization under the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

'One Nation One Time' Policy Aims to Implement Unified Time Zone Across India

• The Department of Consumer Affairs has issued a draft proposal for 'One Nation One Time.'
• The policy aims to synchronize the time across all regions of India based on the Indian Standard Time (IST).
• It aims to reduce complexities and inconveniences for sectors like aviation, banking, and defense.
• The policy would utilize the expertise of the National Physical Laboratory and ISRO.

Ministry of Labour and Employment Launches 'Occupational Shortage Index' and 'e-Shram' Platform

• The Ministry of Labour and Employment, under the leadership of Mansukh Mandaviya, launched the 'Occupational Shortage Index' and the 'e-Shram' platform.
• The Occupational Shortage Index provides information about job openings based on skill requirements and industry needs.
• The e-Shram platform enables informal sector workers to register themselves and access government welfare schemes.
• Both initiatives aim to bridge the gap between job seekers and employers and empower informal sector workers

Government Allocates ₹16,300 Crore for 'National Critical Minerals Mission'

• The government has allocated ₹16,300 crore for the 'National Critical Minerals Mission.'
• This includes ₹18,000 crore from PSUs and private sectors.
• The mission aims to make India self-reliant in critical minerals, reducing imports and boosting the domestic mining of rare earth minerals.
• These minerals are essential for various sectors including energy, defense, and electronics.

Sculptor Latika Katt Dies at 76

• Latika Katt, a renowned Indian sculptor, passed away at the age of 76.
• She was known for her sculptures that showcased natural forms as well as historical figures.
• She was the first Indian woman sculptor to receive a gold medal in sculpture from the MS University in London.

Rare Elephant Sightings at Namdapha Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh.

• A male elephant was recently spotted at Namdapha Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh.
• It is a notable event since elephants are not commonly seen in the reserve.
• The reserve, established in 1983, is known for its diverse wildlife and is home to a wide range of endangered species, including tigers.
• The reserve has a unique biodiverse ecosystem, covering an area of 1,985 square kilometers.