On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order for the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO and suspended all foreign aid for 90 days.

• The U.S. cited mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic, lack of independence, and financial disparities as reasons for leaving the WHO.
• The U.S. contributed around $1.3 billion to the WHO from 2020 to 2023, accounting for 15% of its funding.
• The withdrawal requires a 12-month notice period and could reduce U.S. influence in global health policies.
• The 90-day suspension of foreign aid aims to reassess its alignment with U.S. foreign policy objectives.
• WHO, established in 1948, is a specialized UN agency responsible for international public health.
• Its headquarters is located in Geneva, Switzerland.

The 2025 Chilika Lake Bird Census recorded 1,127,228 birds from 196 species, including 1,087,226 migratory birds from 109 species and 40,002 resident birds from 87 species.

• There was a slight decline in the number of visiting birds compared to previous years, but the variety of species increased.
• Experts attribute the decline to factors like climate change and changing water levels.
• Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, spans 1,165 square kilometers and serves as a crucial wintering ground for migratory birds.
• Located on the eastern coast of India, it spans across the Khurda, Ganjam, and Gajapati districts in Odisha.
• The lake is a hotspot for biodiversity, home to over 200 species of birds, including migratory species.
• It is a critical wintering ground for birds migrating along the East Asia-Australasia Flyway.
• The lake was designated a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 1981.

Observed annually on 24 January to promote inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all.

• Established by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)in 2018.
• Focuses on the role of education in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education).
• Encourages transformative actions to address global education challenges like accessibility and inequality.

Celebrated annually on 24 January to raise awareness about the rights and issues of girl children in India.

• Aims to address gender-based inequalities and promote gender equality.
• Focuses on improving education, nutrition, legal rights, healthcare, and safetyfor girls.
• Highlights the importance of eliminating practices like female infanticide, child marriage, and gender discrimination.
• Initiated by the Ministry of Women and Child Developmentin 2008.

Recently, President Donald Trump initiated the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, marking a significant shift in U.S. climate policy.

• The Paris Climate Agreement, adopted in 2015, is a global treaty aimed at limiting global warming to below 2°C, with efforts to limit it to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
• The pact calls for countries to set their own climate targets, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and to update them every five years.
• Developed countries are required to provide financial support to developing nations for climate mitigation and adaptation.
• The agreement is legally binding on all participating countries, although the emission reduction targets are not legally enforced.

The Pangsau Pass International Festival (PPIF) 2025 was held from January 20 to 22 in Nampong, Arunachal Pradesh.

• It marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and was inaugurated by Chief Minister Pema Khandu.
• The festival celebrates the cultural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh, featuring tribal traditions, music, dance, crafts, and sports.
• Chief Minister Khandu announced plans to restore World War II remnants in Nampong to boost heritage tourism.
• Pangsau Pass is located on the India-Myanmar border at an altitude of 3,727 feet (1,136 meters).
• It lies on the crest of the Patkai Hills and is part of the historic Ledo Road (Stilwell Road), built during World War II.
• The pass is named after Pangsau, a village in Myanmar located 2 km east of the pass.
• Historically, Pangsau Pass served as a vital trade route, fostering cultural and economic exchanges between India and Myanmar.

The World Monuments Fund (WMF) included the Musi River Historic Buildings in Hyderabad in its 2025 World Monuments Watch list, highlighting the need for urgent preservation.

• The WMF initiative focuses on sites at risk due to climate change, conflict, and neglect, advocating for heritage conservation.
• This recognition aims to preserve the river’s ecological health and historical significance while enhancing tourism and community engagement.
• The Musi River is a key tributary of the Krishna River, originating in the Ananthagiri Hills near Vikarabad in Telangana.
• It flows eastward, passing through Hyderabad, dividing the city into the Old City and newer areas.
• The river turns south at Chittaloor and merges with the Krishna River at Vadapally near Miryalaguda in Nalgonda district.
• Historically called Muchukunda, it feeds two artificial lakes, Himayat Sagar and Osman Sagar, which once supplied drinking water to Hyderabad and Secunderabad.
• The Telangana government is working on the Musi River Rejuvenation Project to clean the river and develop it into a navigable waterway with a riverfront.

India has been recognized as the second most prepared job market globally, following the United States, according to the QS World Future Skills Index 2025.

• India ranks 25th in the QS World Future Skills Index, recognized as a “future skills contender.”
• It is the second most prepared job market globally, after the United States.
• India excels in the Future of Work category, scoring 99.1, just behind the US.
• In Academic Readiness, India ranks 26th, reflecting moderate alignment between education and industry needs.
• India ranks 37th in Skills Fit, indicating gaps between workforce skills and employer requirements.
• Economic Transformation ranking is 40th, showing challenges in innovation and workforce adaptability.
• Strengths include robust GDP growth, a youthful population, and a vibrant start-up ecosystem.
• India is highly prepared for recruiting in digital roles and integrating AI into industries.

The Andhra Pradesh State Cabinet has recently approved the construction of a flood protection wall along the Krishna River, aiming to mitigate recurring flooding issues that affect local communities.

• The wall is expected to protect areas such as Sundarayya Nagar and Mahanadu Colony from future flooding during monsoon seasons.
• The Krishna River is one of India’s major river systems, flowing approximately 1,400 km through Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
• It is the second-largest east-flowing river in Peninsular India.
• The river originates from Mahabaleshwar near Jor village in Satara district, Maharashtra.
• It is bounded by the Balaghat range (north), Eastern Ghats (south/east), and Western Ghats (west).
• Important tributaries include the Tungabhadra, Koyna, Bhima, Musi, and Malaprabha rivers.
• The Krishna River is crucial for agriculture and industry, supporting millions of people.
• Major dams built on the river are Nagarjuna Sagar, Srisailam, and Almatti dams.

“In Pursuit of Democracy: Beyond Party Lines” authored by Dr. Najma Heptulla, a prominent Indian parliamentarian.

• Heptulla served as Deputy Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha for 17 years, making significant contributions to parliamentary processes.
• The book reflects on her political career, interactions with leaders from Indira Gandhi to Narendra Modi, and her advocacy for democracy and social justice.
• It highlights her experiences as a woman in politics and offers insights into India’s democratic evolution.