Current affairs 08 January 2025

Income Inequality in India Surpassed 1950s Levels.

• A 2023 report by People Research on India’s Consumer Economy reveals India's Gini coefficient at 0.410, indicating higher income inequality than in 1955 (0.371), despite post-pandemic improvements.
• Rural inequality rose (0.405 in 2023 vs. 0.341 in 1955), while urban inequality slightly declined (0.382 in 2023 vs. 0.392 in 1955).
• The report highlights wealth concentration among top earners.

Pune Startup Develops AI-Powered Ayurveda Diagnostic Device.

• Pune-based Atreya Innovations has developed Nadi Tarangini, an AI-based pulse diagnostic tool for Ayurveda practitioners, analyzing 22 health parameters like Tridosha balance, stress, and digestive health.
• The device, conceptualized by Padma Bhushan Prof. J.B. Joshi and patented globally, is India's first Ayurvedic medical device approved by the CDSCO.
• It is priced at ₹55,000.

Union Minister Chirag Paswan to Inaugurate Indusfood 2025.

• Union Minister Chirag Paswan will inaugurate the 8th Edition of Indusfood 2025, Asia's premier F&B trade exhibition, on January 8, 2025.
• Hosting 2,300 exhibitors from 30+ countries and 22,500 visitors, the event includes three concurrent fairs: Indusfood F&B, Indusfood Manufacturing, and Indusfood Agritech.
• It will usher in opportunities for networking, business growth, and market insights.

PM Forum Launched India Chapter for Professional Services Marketers.

• The UK-based PM Forum, the largest global community for professional services marketers, launched its India Chapter (PMFI) with a Core Committee (CC) comprising Ankit Utreja (Chair), Anand Mohan, Maya De Souza, and Rahul Gossain.
• PM Forum India (PMFI) aims to promote international best practices to boost India's export growth engine & facilitate knowledge sharing for marketing professionals.

NTPC Renewable Energy Wins 1,000 MW Solar PV Project in UPPCL Auction.

• NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd., a subsidiary of NTPC Green Energy Ltd., secured 1,000 MW capacity in UPPCL's solar PV project auction held on January 3, 2025, with a tariff bid of ₹2.56/kWh.
• The auction aimed to develop 2,000 MW ISTS-connected solar projects through competitive bidding.
• The Letter of Award (LOA) for the project is expected soon, enhancing NTPC REL's position in renewable energy.