NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal-Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project: The Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal-Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (PKC-ERCP) is initiative aimed at enhancing irrigation in Rajasthan. This project will impact 23 districts and is crucial for providing water for irrigation, drinking, and industrial use. However, it poses environmental challenges, particularly regarding the Ranthambhore tiger reserve. The PKC-ERCP will submerge 408.86 sq km of land, including 37 sq km of the Ranthambhore tiger reserve. This reserve is home to 57 tigers and is vital for wildlife conservation. The project aims to channel surplus water from the Chambal river basin, benefiting approximately 3.45 crore people in Rajasthan.
2. SECL Launches Post-Retirement Benefit (PRB) Cell: South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL) based in Chhattisgarh, has launched a dedicated Post-Retirement Benefit (PRB) Cell to enhance the welfare and convenience of its retired employees.
The PRB Cell will serve as a single-window system, consolidating various post-retirement services that multiple departments, including Personnel, Finance, and Medical previously managed.This centralization aims to eliminate delays and miscommunication, providing retirees withstreamlined access to pensions, provident funds, medical facilities, and other benefits.The initiative also complements ‘Mission Sambandh,’ an SECL program aimed at enhancing communication and coordination with stakeholders.
3. Gautam Adani announces ₹65,000 crore investment in energy, cement projects in Chhattisgarh: The Adani Group will invest Rs 65,000 crore in energy and cement projects in Chhattisgarh.Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani met Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and announced an investment of Rs 60,000 crore to expand the group’s power plants in Raipur, Korba and Raigarh in the state. The expansion will enhance Chhattisgarh’s power generation capacity by 6,120 MW.Adani Power is India’s top private thermal power producer. It is targeting to double its thermal power capacity to 30.67 GW by 2029-30 from 15 GW currently.
The firm said last month it was exploring options of investing Rs 20,000 crore to set up a coal-fired ultra-supercritical thermal power plant in Bihar.In Chhattisgarh, the Adani Group also committed Rs 5,000 crore for the development and expansion of its cement plants, as per the statement.C-DOT and IIT Mandi sign agreement for “Developing Semiconductor Chip of Wideband Spectrum
4. Sensor for Dynamic Spectrum Access”: The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), the premier Telecom R&D centre of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), GoI has signed an agreement with the Indian Institute of Technology Mandi (IIT Mandi) in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Jammu (IIT Jammu), for the development of “Wideband Spectrum-Sensor ASIC-Chip, for Enhancing the Spectrum Utilization”.The agreement is signed under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) scheme of the Department of Telecommunications, Government of India. This scheme, designed to fund Indian startups, academia, and R&D institutions, is a crucial enabler for designing, developing, and commercializing telecommunication products and solutions. The project aims to develop a reliable and implementation-friendly wideband spectrum sensing (WSS) algorithm to improve spectrum efficiency by leveraging spectrum holes to deliver broadband services in rural India.
5. Devajit Saikia appointed as BCCI Secretary; Prabhtej Singh Bhatia elected Treasurer: Former first-class cricketer Devajit Saikia has been appointed as the new secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), replacing Jay Shah, who assumed the role of ICC Chairman last year.Prabhtej Singh Bhatia was elected as the Treasurer of the Indian Cricket Board.Saikia, who represented Assam in the 1990-91 first-class cricket season, scored 53 runs in four matches. He also has significant experience in cricket administration, having served as the BCCI joint secretary and the secretary of the Assam Cricket Association (ACA).
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Clouded Leopard Conservation Efforts in Asia: The clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) is an elusive predator found in Asia’s ancient forests. Its striking coat patterns have made it a subject of fascination. However, its population is declining rapidly due to habitat destruction, hunting, and climate change. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the species as ‘vulnerable’. Recent studies highlight the urgent need for conservation efforts to address these threats and ensure the species’ survival. The clouded leopard’s range includes the Himalayas in Nepal, Bhutan, and India, extending to South China and Peninsular Malaysia. Populations in Taiwan are extinct, while those in Vietnam and China are critically low. The IUCN classifies the species’ range into four statuses – extant, possibly extant, possibly extinct, and extinct. The extant range currently includes Bhutan, northeast India, Myanmar, and parts of Southeast Asia.
2. Thailand Bans Plastic Waste Imports in 2025: Thailand has recently taken step in combating the global plastic waste crisis by banning the import of plastic waste. This decision, effective from January 1, 2025, aims to address the toxic pollution that has plagued the country for years. Thailand has been a major destination for plastic waste from developed nations, including the United States and Japan. The following notes outline the context and implications of this ban. Thailand has been a leading importer of plastic waste since 2018. Over this period, the country received more than 1.1 million tonnes of plastic scraps. In 2023 alone, Japan exported approximately 50,000 tonnes of plastic waste to Thailand. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment introduced the ban to prevent the mishandling of waste, which often resulted in burning rather than recycling.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Pune to Host Army Day Parade 2025: The Army Day Parade, event in India’s military calendar, will take place in Pune for the first time on 15 January 2025. This parade commemorates the appointment of Field Marshal K M Cariappa as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army. The event, which traditionally occurs in Delhi, has been rotating to different cities since 2023, enhancing local engagement with the Armed Forces. Pune’s selection puts stress on its historical connection to the military, being home to the Southern Command Headquarters and the National Defence Academy Indian Army Day is celebrated annually on 15 January. This date marks the founding of the Indian Army and the transfer of military leadership to Indian hands post-independence. Originally observed on 1 April 1895, the date was changed to honour the contributions and sacrifices of soldiers. The day aims to instil patriotism and respect for the armed forces among citizens.
2. Launch of INS Utkarsh: Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has successfully launched the second multi-purpose vessel (MPV) for the Indian Navy, named INS Utkarsh. The launch took place at the Kattupalli Shipyard near Chennai. This event marks India’s advancements in indigenous shipbuilding as part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission. The launch occurred within three months of the first MPV, INS Samarthak, demonstrating L&T’s accelerated production capabilities.
3. CISF Expands with New Battalions for Security: The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is undergoing expansion, as approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). This decision will create two additional battalions, each comprising 1,025 personnel. The total number of CISF battalions will increase from 13 to 15, resulting in 2,050 new job opportunities. The expansion aims to enhance national security, particularly in internal security and the management of high-security jails. The MHA’s approval for the creation of two new battalions reflects the increasing demands placed on the CISF. Each battalion will be led by senior commandant officers. This expansion is part of a broader effort to boost national security, especially following the establishment of the Mahila Battalion. The total personnel strength of CISF will approach 200,000, enhancing its capabilities.
SPORTS
1. First edition of the Kho Kho World Cup starts in New Delhi: The first edition of the Kho Kho World Cup started at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi on 13 January 2025. The World Cup was inaugurated by Sudhanshu Mittal, President of the Kho Kho Federation of India.The Kho Kho World Cup has been organised by the Kho Kho Federation of India with support from the Indian Olympic Association in New Delhi from 13-19 January 2025.During the World Cup, each team will consist of 12 players, however during a match only 9 players from each team will actually take the field.The first edition of the Kho Kho World Cup features 20 countries’ men’s and 19 women’s teams. The men and women kho kho teams have been divided into four groups.
The 15-member Indian men’s team is led by Pratik Waikar and the women’s team is led by Priyanka Ingle.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Retinal Vascular Analysis for Assessing Stroke Risk: Recent research has brought into light the potential of retinal vascular analysis as a non-invasive method for assessing stroke risk. This study, involving over 68,000 fundus images, identified 29 indicators of retinal health. It reported nearly 750 strokes over a follow-up period of 12.5 years. Researchers found that the blood vessels in the retina can predict stroke risk as accurately as traditional risk factors, such as high cholesterol. This finding is particularly for primary healthcare and low-resource settings, where invasive lab tests may not be feasible. Retinal vascular analysis examines the blood vessels in the retina to assess overall vascular health. It employs fundus photography, a specialised imaging technique, to capture detailed images of the retina. The analysis identifies changes in the vascular network, which can indicate potential health risks, including stroke.
2. IMD’s Vision-2047 Document: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recently celebrated its 150th foundation day. Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed the Vision-2047 document, outlining ambitious goals for weather forecasting and disaster management. The IMD aims for 100% accuracy in weather forecasts for three days and 90% for five days. The initiative seeks to enhance severe weather detection at the village level, ultimately aiming for zero fatalities from such events by 2047. The IMD has set specific targets for forecast accuracy. The goals include 100% accuracy for three days, 90% for five days, 80% for seven days, and 70% for ten days. These targets will cover all severe weather events at block and panchayat levels. The focus is on improving the reliability of weather predictions to protect communities.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. IDBI Bank unveils Chiranjeevi Super Senior Citizen FD, offers 8.5% interest: IDBI Bank has introduced a new specialised fixed deposit scheme, ‘IDBI Chiranjeevi-Super Senior Citizen FD,’ targeting customers aged 80 years and above.The premium offering provides enhanced interest rates, with an additional 65 basis points above standard fixed deposit rates and 15 basis points over existing senior citizen rates.The 555-day tenure under this scheme offers an interest rate of 8.05 per cent per annum, making it one of the most competitive options in the market for super senior citizens.The bank has also introduced appealing rates for other tenure options, including 7.90 per cent per annum for 375 days, 8.00 per cent per annum for 444 days, and 7.85 per cent per annum for 700 days.
2. Mutual fund investors in India can now name up to 10 nominees: Market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has announced significant changes to the nomination rules for mutual funds and demat accounts aimed at reducing unclaimed assets and ensuring better management of investments, particularly in cases of illness or the death of an investor.SEBI has revises mutual fund nomination rules, effective March 1, 2025. An investor can declare up to 10 persons as nominees in the demat account or mutual fund folio. However, the investor will need to declare the nominee. It cannot be done by the Power of Attorney (PoA) holder(s) of the investor.The nominees can either continue as joint holders with other nominees or open separate single accounts/folios for their respective portions.Under the new guidelines, investors are now required to provide comprehensive information about their nominees.
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