January 2025 News Archive – Progressive Broadcast Circle News
January was a busy month on PBC News. From solemn tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, to a new hotel chain stepping onto the stock exchange, we covered it all. Below you’ll find a quick rundown of the biggest stories that shaped the first weeks of 2025.
Politics, National Events & Awards
The nation marked Mahatma Gandhi’s death anniversary on Jan 30 with a series of ceremonies. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his respects at Rajghat, while Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted Gandhi’s ideas on cleanliness and self‑reliance. Across the country, schools and local bodies held special programs to remind people of the struggle for independence.
In the same vein, the government announced the 2025 Padma Awards. A total of 139 individuals received honors, including 7 Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri. The list featured a mix of artists, doctors, public servants and sportspersons, with a few awards going to women and overseas Indians for the first time.
Finance, Sports, Entertainment & Natural Events
On the financial front, SEBI slapped a ₹7 lakh penalty on Motilal Oswal for breaking broker and depository rules. The regulator found lapses such as unresolved client complaints and inaccurate margin reports during an audit covering 2021‑2022. The move reinforces SEBI’s push for cleaner markets.
Meanwhile, ITC Hotels made a splash by listing on both NSE and BSE. Shares opened at ₹188 on the NSE and ₹180 on the BSE, showing strong investor appetite for the newly demerged hospitality business. Analysts predict steady growth as the brand expands its luxury footprint.
Sports fans got their fix with several marquee moments. Pakistan’s spinner Noman Ali clinched a historic Test hat‑trick against the West Indies, a first for a Pakistani spinner. In cricket, the Sri Lanka‑Australia 1st Test saw Steve Smith’s team opting to bat first, while India’s Barcelona pulled off a 7‑1 win over Valencia in La Liga, underscoring their attacking firepower.
On the entertainment side, we reviewed the thriller *Deva*. Shahid Kapoor’s rebellious cop caught our eye, but the film fell into a predictable pattern that left action lovers wanting more. If you’re planning a movie night, you might want to look for something a bit fresher.
January also brought a few tremors. A 3.5‑magnitude quake rattled Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, and a larger 4.8‑5.2 magnitude quake shook parts of Myanmar and reached Assam, India. Neither event caused major damage, but they reminded residents of the region’s seismic activity.
All in all, the month delivered a mix of tribute, triumph, and a dash of drama. Keep checking PBC News for deeper dives into each story and for what’s coming next.
The film *Deva*, directed by Rosshan Andrrews, features Shahid Kapoor in the lead role of a rebellious cop. Released in January 2025, this Hindi action thriller attempts to tackle corruption and betrayal but falls short in delivering an impactful narrative. Despite a promising start and strong lead performance, it succumbs to predictability in its plot, leaving audiences with an underwhelming climax reminiscent of the 2013 film *Mumbai Police*.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has levied a penalty of ₹7 lakh on Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd for non-adherence to stock broker and depository participant guidelines. An inspection covering April 2021 to June 2022 uncovered issues like unresolved client complaints, mishandling of securities, inaccurate margin reporting, and incorrect client activity status. The penalty underscores SEBI's commitment to maintaining market integrity.
January 30 marks the observance of Martyrs' Day in India, a solemn occasion remembering Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination in 1948. This day, also known as Shaheed Diwas, honors Gandhi and the countless other martyrs who sacrificed their lives during India's struggle for independence. Across the nation, tributes, speeches, and ceremonies are held, reminding citizens of the value of freedom and the price paid for it.
On January 30, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi on his 77th death anniversary at Rajghat, celebrating his enduring influence on India's development. Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized Gandhi's contributions to cleanliness, self-reliance, and rural empowerment. The day, recognized as Martyrs' Day, commemorates Gandhi's assassination and resonates with themes of patriotism and national sacrifice. A special exhibition marks the day, unveiling Gandhi's transformative journey.
ITC Hotels, the newly demerged entity of ITC Ltd., has entered the Indian stock markets, marking its debut on both the NSE and BSE with initial listing prices of Rs 188 and Rs 180, respectively. The demerger process, completed after necessary regulatory approvals, has set the stage for ITC Hotels to thrive independently with a projected revenue growth. Market experts see a promising outlook, suggesting investors hold on to the shares for long-term gains.
The opening Test between Sri Lanka and Australia at the Galle International Stadium began with Australia's captain, Steve Smith, choosing to bat. Josh Inglis debuted for Australia. Usman Khawaja achieved a half-century under pressure, while Marnus Labuschagne cautiously faced the Sri Lankan spin duo, Prabath Jayasuriya and Jeffrey Vandersay. The Aussies aim to build a solid innings against Sri Lanka's challenging spin attack.
On January 26, 2025, Barcelona delivered a spectacular 7-1 victory against Valencia in a La Liga encounter at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. The match was a showcase of Barcelona's attacking prowess, with goals contributed by key players like Frenkie de Jong, Ferran Torres, and Robert Lewandowski, solidifying their dominance under the leadership of Hansi Flick. The win reflects the team's capabilities as they prepare for future challenges.
The 2025 Padma Awards have been announced, recognizing 139 individuals for their outstanding contributions across various domains. These prestigious awards honor a diverse group, including 7 Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri recipients. This year's list includes women, international awardees, and posthumous recognitions, covering fields such as art, medicine, public affairs, and sports.
Noman Ali has made a groundbreaking achievement by becoming the first Pakistani spinner to claim a hat-trick in Test cricket. This significant milestone occurred during the second Test against the West Indies in Multan, marking a shift from Pakistan's traditional pace dominance in this format. Ali's mastery on the field underscores his valuable contribution to Pakistan’s cricketing legacy.
A 3.5 magnitude earthquake hit Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, causing residents to panic and flee to safety. The earthquake on January 24, 2025, recorded a depth of 5 km and resulted in no reported casualties or damage. The National Center for Seismology shared these details, while also noting a smaller 2.7 magnitude quake earlier that morning.
