Daily Current Affairs – 25-01-2026
National News
₹1 Lakh Crore High-Speed Rail Project Under Consideration in Kerala
The Union government is actively considering the development of a high-speed rail corridor linking Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur in Kerala, with an estimated cost of ₹1 lakh crore. E. Sreedharan, the technocrat and former chairman of Konkan Railway, stated that the project, expected to be completed within five years, would significantly reduce travel time. He mentioned that the Centre is expected to announce the project in the next two weeks, with him leading the execution. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) will be the implementing agency. The proposed high-speed rail line will be an alternative to the SilverLine project promoted by the Left Democratic Front (LDF). The trains on this corridor are expected to operate at speeds of up to 200 km/h, with travel times from Thiruvananthapuram to Kochi being about 1 hour 20 minutes, Kozhikode in 2.5 hours, and Kannur in 3 hours 15 minutes. The line will have 22 stations and require only a third of the land needed for the SilverLine project. Approximately 70% of the corridor will be elevated, with 20% underground. It will also connect the airports of Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Karipur, and Kannur.
Adani Group to Invest an Additional ₹16,000 Crore in Vizhinjam
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone has been operating the port in the Vizhinjam area of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, since last year. For the second phase of development, the Adani Group has invested ₹16,000 crore in the project. To facilitate the loading and unloading of cargo from ships, 21 automated cranes and 45 rail-mounted automated cranes will be operational at the port. The port's current handling capacity will increase to 4.1 million units. All the electric automated equipment at the port has been modernized. Additionally, to enhance the port's capacity, new structures will be constructed with a length of 920 meters and a depth of 21 meters.
’One District, One Food’ Scheme Launched by Amit Shah in UP
On Uttar Pradesh Day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the 'One District, One Food' scheme in Uttar Pradesh at an event held at the National Udyog Sthal in Lucknow. This scheme is based on the state's earlier 'One District, One Product' initiative. The primary objective of the new scheme is to provide a unique identity to the traditional food and beverage items of each district in Uttar Pradesh. Officials have stated that the 'One District, One Product' scheme is internationally recognized, and they expect the 'One District, One Food' scheme to also reach global markets.
Indian Bank Reports a Net Profit of ₹3,061 Crore in Q3
Dinesh Kumar, the Managing Director and CEO of Indian Bank, announced the financial results for the third quarter ending on December 31, 2025. The bank reported a net profit of ₹3,061 crore, marking a growth of 7.33% compared to December 2024. The operating profit stood at ₹5,024 crore, reflecting a growth of 5.79%. The net interest income increased by 7.50%, reaching ₹6,896 crore, while the fee-based income grew by 7.20%, amounting to ₹998 crore. The cost of deposits decreased by 25 basis points to 4.93%. The return on equity was 19.11%, return on assets stood at 1.30%, return on credit was 8.31%, and the return on investment was 6.95%. The cost-to-income ratio was 46.90%. Total loans grew by 14.24%, reaching ₹6,38,848 crore. Loans to the retail, agriculture, and MSME sectors increased to ₹3,90,459 crore, showing a growth of 16.65%. Compared to the previous year, home loans (including advances) grew by 14.20%. The bank has 5,965 domestic branches, including 3 digital banking units, and operates 3 overseas branches. Transactions through digital services amounted to ₹1,98,350 crore, and the number of digital payments also increased. The bank has won several awards for its services.
International News
TikTok Becomes an American Company
TikTok signed an agreement to continue its operations in the United States in collaboration with American companies. As per the deal, Oracle, Silver Lake, and EMGX from the United Arab Emirates will invest in and help establish a new company called TikTok US. The new company will be led by a seven-member team, with the majority of the directors being American. Adam Presser, who was the head of the Security and Operations Division at TikTok, has been appointed as the CEO of this new company. This shift ensures that the data of approximately 20 million American users will now be fully controlled by American companies. President Donald Trump welcomed the agreement, stating that TikTok would remain operational without being banned. He also expressed that this deal would address data security concerns, eliminating any doubts regarding the protection of American citizens' data.
America Freezes in Snowstorm! 14 Crore People Affected; 8,000 Flights Canceled
A severe snowstorm and frost hit large parts of the United States, paralyzing normal life and severely affecting transportation services.
Approximately 140 million people across states from Texas to North Carolina are living under snowstorm warnings.
Experts have warned that the damage caused by this snowstorm could be comparable to a hurricane.
Due to the severe cold, many schools and universities have been closed, and unnecessary travel has been canceled.
Over 8,000 flights, scheduled for the weekend, have been canceled, leaving thousands of passengers stranded at airports.
A state of emergency has been declared in several states. With roads becoming dangerously icy, state governors have urged residents to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.
Power outages have also affected many areas, and electricity workers have been placed on standby.
President Donald Trump has coordinated with affected states to conduct rescue operations.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has dispatched 7 million food packets, 600,000 blankets, and 300 generators to the affected regions.
Temporary Ban for Minors on Interacting with Meta AI Characters
Meta has temporarily banned minors from using the conversational artificial intelligence (AI) characters available on platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp. According to the company, the use of various AI characters created on these platforms by minors will be stopped in the coming weeks. This ban will remain in place until additional safety features are integrated into the technology. Minors will still be able to use Meta’s general 'AI Assistant' service but will not be allowed to interact with the special AI characters capable of conversing like humans. This restriction will apply not only to users who have registered their age as under 18 on Meta platforms but also to those suspected of being minors based on technological verification.
Data from 14.9 Crore Online Accounts Leaked
A research report revealed that data from 14.9 crore accounts of various internet companies has been leaked into the public domain. According to the report released by a German cybersecurity researcher, data from 4.80 crore Gmail accounts, 40 lakh Yahoo accounts, 1.70 crore Facebook accounts, 65 lakh Instagram accounts, and 34 lakh Netflix accounts were included in the leak. The leaked data comprises user names, passwords, emails, financial service accounts, business accounts, and bank and credit card details.
This data leak poses a significant cybersecurity risk for individuals who may not be aware that their personal information has been compromised.
Criminals could exploit this data for fraud, leading to an increase in identity theft, financial crimes, and other offenses.
The leaked data is now publicly accessible, and even government websites have been affected, with government credentials from various countries also being exposed.
This breach poses a threat to national and public security. The consequences of this leak will depend on the permissions granted by the users of the affected accounts, and even small-scale data leaks could have severe impacts.
Reports and Indices
Abandonment of Indian Seafarers on the Rise for Second Consecutive Year
The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), based in the UK, reported that for the second consecutive year, Indian seafarers are being abandoned in large numbers globally. In 2025, a total of 6,223 seafarers were abandoned on 410 ships operating in various parts of the world without basic amenities and salary. Among them, 1,125 seafarers were from India. The ITF further noted that incidents of abandonment of seafarers and ships are increasing in the Middle East and European regions, with 61 ships abandoned in Turkey and **54 in the United Arab Emirates. In 2025, the total outstanding wages owed by companies to the abandoned seafarers amounted to ₹238 crore. The ITF recovered ₹151 crore from the companies and provided it to the seafarers.
Tamil Nadu News
One Lakh New Houses for the Poor
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly that one lakh new houses will be built for the poor at a cost of ₹3,500 crore under the 'Kalaignarin Kanavu Illam' (Kalaignar's Dream House) scheme.
In addition, 1.80 lakh people will be provided with a monthly pension under the social security scheme. The announcement was made on January 24, 2026, during the debate on the motion of thanks to the Governor's address.
Under the Kalaignarin Kanavu Illam scheme, while 2 lakh houses are already under construction, an additional 1 lakh houses will be built.
Under the Chief Minister's Village Roads Improvement Scheme, 20,484 km of rural roads have been improved at a cost of ₹8,911 crore, and 2,200 km of additional rural roads will be improved at ₹1,088 crore.
Over 33 lakh senior citizens, persons with disabilities, widows, transgenders, and farmers are already receiving a monthly pension under the social security scheme.
Under the 'Ungaludan Stalin' (Stalin with You) scheme, an additional 1.80 lakh people will be provided with a monthly pension, and the event will be held across Tamil Nadu on February 4th. Noon meal organizers, Anganwadi workers, and village panchayat secretaries will see their time-scale pension increased from ₹2,000 to ₹3,400, and the lump sum upon retirement will rise from ₹1 lakh to ₹2 lakh. Special pensions for integrated Anganwadi workers and forest guards will be increased from ₹2,000 to ₹3,200, with the lump sum upon retirement rising from ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh.
Special pensions for Anganwadi assistants, cooks, cook's assistants, and maternity welfare workers will be increased from ₹1,100 to ₹1,200, with retirement amounts increased from ₹20,000 to ₹50,000. Part-time teachers in government schools will be appointed to permanent positions, with special marks awarded based on years of service.
Family pensions of ₹1,000 will be provided to the families of those receiving special pensions, and funeral expenses will be increased from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000. Over 1.50 lakh pensioners and their families will benefit from these announcements.
Cooperative Societies Bill Returned by Governor Passed Again
A total of 10 bills, including the Tamil Nadu Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill, which was returned by the Governor for reconsideration, were unanimously passed in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. Minister Periyakaruppan had initially introduced the bill on December 10, 2024. The bill was passed in the Assembly and sent for Governor R.N. Ravi's assent. However, the Governor returned it on June 16, 2025. Following this, Minister Periyakaruppan reintroduced the bill in the Assembly, and it was again passed unanimously. The bills, including the Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill, were immediately sent for the Governor's approval after the passage.
Parents Included in Fee Fixation Committee for Private Schools
A bill to include three members, including a parent, in the fee fixation committee for private schools was passed in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh introduced an amendment bill in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly regarding the regulation of fee collection in private schools.
To provide representation for parents in the private school fee fixation committee, it has been decided to include one parent and two other members from the Parent-Teacher Association.
Similarly, it has been proposed to include a Director from the Directorate of Private Schools and a government official of the Deputy Secretary level as members.
Apart from this, the time limit for private schools to appeal against the fee fixation has been extended from 15 days to 30 days.
After the fee is fixed by this committee, schools must submit an application for revision once every three years before the due date.
A debate on this followed. T. Velmurugan (TVK), Nagai Mali (Marxist), Shah Nawaz (VCK), and G.K. Mani (PMK) welcomed the bill and suggested some amendments. In response, Minister Anbil Mahesh said, "CBSE and ICSE schools are under the control of the central government.
We are forwarding the complaints received regarding them to the concerned regional offices. We are ready to take action if parents file complaints against private schools.
The members' suggestions will be reviewed and action will be taken to include new innovations." Following this, the bill was passed.
Pension Hike for Noon Meal Scheme Workers and Job Regularization for Part-time Teachers Through Special Marks
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin yesterday announced several important schemes in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, including a pension hike for noon meal and anganwadi workers, and the provision of special marks for part-time teachers in teacher recruitment.
Under the "Kalaignarin Kanavu Illam" scheme, while 2 lakh houses are already under construction, an additional one lakh houses will be built at a cost of Rs. 3,500 crore.
To improve rural roads, which are the lifeline of the rural economy, 20,484 km of rural roads have been upgraded at a cost of Rs. 8,911 crore under the 'Chief Minister's Village Roads Improvement Scheme'.
Additionally, about 2,200 km of rural roads will be upgraded at a cost of Rs. 1,000 crore.
Under the 'Kalaignar's Medical Insurance Scheme', over 33.60 lakh senior citizens, persons with disabilities, widows, transgenders, farmers, workers in the unorganized sector, auto drivers, sanitation workers, and unmarried women above 50 years of age, are receiving a monthly pension.
Based on the petitions received under the 'Ungaludan Stalin' scheme, an additional 1.80 lakh people will be provided with a monthly pension. In a first-of-its-kind initiative in India, former Chief Minister Karunanidhi provided time-scale pay to noon meal workers in 2008.
The pension for such distinguished noon meal center organizers, anganwadi workers, cooks, cook's assistants, anganwadi assistants, and maternity welfare assistants will be increased from the current Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 3,400.
The lump-sum amount provided to them upon retirement will be increased from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 2 lakhs.
The special pension for anganwadi workers and assistants with disabilities will be increased from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 3,200, and the lump-sum amount provided to them upon retirement will be increased from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 2 lakhs.
The special pension for anganwadi workers, anganwadi assistants, village panchayat secretaries, village panchayat overhead tank operators, sanitation workers, noon meal organizers, cooks, cook's assistants, and maternity welfare assistants receiving special pension will be increased from the current Rs. 1,100 to Rs. 1,200.
Furthermore, for the dependents of anganwadi and noon meal organizers, cooks, anganwadi and noon meal assistants, and village panchayat staff, the educational qualification for compassionate appointment, which is currently a 10th-grade pass, will be relaxed to an 8th-grade pass on a conditional basis.
The gratuity amount for noon meal organizers and assistants receiving special pension will be increased from Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 1 lakh, and the gratuity for anganwadi workers and assistants receiving special pension will be increased from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 50,000.
These announcements will benefit over one lakh pensioners who are currently on special time-scale pay and are retiring due to age, as well as their families. Part-time teachers working in government schools have been protesting for their demands.
Their demands, such as a salary hike with paid leave during vacations and relaxation in the Teacher Eligibility Test and age limit, are being carefully considered by the government.
Regarding their main demand for permanent appointment, there are vacancies for temporary and graduate teachers in government schools.
To benefit the part-time teachers in filling these vacancies, they will be given special priority.
Orders for this will be issued soon, announced Chief Minister Stalin.
Sports News
Bangladesh Team Removed from T20 World Cup, Scotland Included
The ICC T20 World Cup is scheduled to begin on February 7th, 2026, in India and Sri Lanka. The tournament will feature 20 teams, with Bangladesh placed in Group 'A'. However, following a dispute after Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was released by the Kolkata Knight Riders from the IPL, the Bangladesh Cricket Board protested and announced that they would not travel to India for the T20 World Cup. The board cited security concerns for their players and demanded a tax exemption. Despite these requests, the ICC did not take any action, stating that there was no evidence to support the allegations against India. Consequently, the ICC launched an investigation into the Bangladesh Cricket Board for corruption charges. After Bangladesh failed to respond within 24 hours, the ICC replaced them with Scotland in Group 'A'. Scotland will play its first match against West Indies on February 7th, followed by matches against India on February 9th, England on February 14th, and New Zealand on February 17th.
Djokovic’s 400th Victory
In the Australian Open men's singles, Novak Djokovic of Serbia, the 4th seed and 10-time champion, defeated Botic van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands in straight sets 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7-4) to advance to the 4th round. This win marked Djokovic's 400th victory in Grand Slam tournaments, making him the first player to achieve this milestone. Additionally, in the Australian Open, Djokovic has recorded 102 wins and 10 losses to date. With this, he equaled the record of the Swiss legend Roger Federer in the Australian Open.
States’ News
Odisha’s Nabarangpur Declared a Naxal-Free District
In a significant development, Nabarangpur district in Odisha has been declared a Naxal-free district after nine Naxals, including seven women, who were active in the district and Chhattisgarh's Kumtari district, surrendered in Chhattisgarh. The police officials stated that Nabarangpur witnessed its last major incident on September 24, 2011, when Biju Janata Dal MLA Jagabandhu Majhi and security officer P.K. Patro were killed. Since then, the district has not faced any significant Naxal activity. The police further revealed that out of the 30 districts in Odisha, Naxal activity continues only in parts of seven districts: Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Bolangir, Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, and Boudh.