NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Reviving Bison Population in Jharkhand: In recent years, the population of Bison, or Gaur, in Jharkhand has faced decline. The Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR) remains the last bastion for this species in the state. With numbers dwindling to 50-70 individuals, the Jharkhand Forest Department has initiated a comprehensive study to revive the Bison population, addressing issues such as poaching, habitat loss, and disease transmission from domestic cattle. The PTR was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1960 and formally established as a tiger reserve in 1973. Over the decades, it has faced challenges, including Naxal control and environmental degradation, but conservation efforts are ongoing.
2. Shift in Great Barrier Reef Ecosystem: Recent studies reveal shifts in the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) ecosystem, primarily driven by climate change and human activities. Researchers highlight alterations in fish communities and coral composition, raising concerns about the long-term implications for marine biodiversity and human livelihoods. Fish diversity in the GBR has dramatically changed since the 1990s. An international team led by Lancaster University and AIMS studied three decades of data. They observed accelerated changes in fish communities, questioning established biodiversity patterns.
3. India’s GDP Growth Projections: Recent estimates indicate a real GDP growth of 6.4% for India in the fiscal year 2024-25, falling short of earlier predictions. This slowdown has raised concerns about the government’s capital expenditure and its impact on future economic performance. The projections for the upcoming fiscal year suggest a reliance on domestic demand and increased government investment to stimulate growth. The First Advance Estimates show a real GDP growth of 6.4% and nominal GDP growth of 9.7% for 2024-25. This is below the Reserve Bank of India’s revised estimates of 6.6% and 10.5%, respectively. Growth is expected to improve slightly in the second half of the year.
4. Goby Fish Discovery in Andhra: Recently, researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) made a notable discovery at the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh. They identified two previously unrecorded species of goby fish, Hemigobius hoevenii and Mugilogobius tigrinus. This finding marks the first time M. tigrinus has been documented along India’s eastern coastline, denoting the importance of mangrove ecosystems. The ZSI researchers found that 95 out of 135 goby species recorded in India inhabit mangroves. The sanctuary is home to 53 of these species, indicating rich biodiversity. Mangroves are coastal trees that thrive in intertidal zones. Their complex root systems protect shorelines from erosion and provide habitats for various marine life.
5. Ratnagiri Buddhist Excavations: Recently, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) resumed excavations at the Ratnagiri Buddhist complex in Odisha after a 60-year hiatus. This site, for its historical and cultural connections to Buddhism, aims to uncover more relics and evidence of Odisha’s links to Southeast Asian cultures. Recent findings include a colossal Buddha head and other ancient artefacts, shedding light on the region’s rich Buddhist heritage. The last major excavations occurred between 1958 and 1961, led by Debala Mitra. They uncovered a brick stupa, monastic complexes, and numerous votive stupas. These earlier efforts laid the groundwork for understanding the site’s historical context.
6. Kuka Martyrs’ Day: On January 17, 2025, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann paid tribute to the Kuka martyrs at the Namdhari Shaheed Smarak in Malerkotla. This event marked the anniversary of the execution of 66 Namdhari Sikhs in 1872, denoting their struggle against British colonial rule. Among the martyrs was 12-year-old Bishan Singh, who refused to renounce his faith. His courageous defiance included tugging Cowan’s beard, leading to his brutal execution. Another martyr, Waryam Singh, demonstrated extraordinary bravery despite his stature.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Nigeria Joins BRICS Bloc: Recently, Nigeria was officially admitted as a partner country of the BRICS group, which includes Brazil, Russia, China, and South Africa. This move reflects Nigeria’s growing influence as Africa’s largest economy and its commitment to enhancing international collaboration. BRICS aims to provide a counterbalance to Western-led economic forums and promote South-South cooperation. The BRICS bloc seeks to challenge the dominance of the US dollar in global trade. Leaders have discussed creating alternative payment systems to reduce dependence on dollar-based transactions. Annual summits address global issues such as climate change, food security, and international terrorism. The 15th summit in 2023 focused on partnerships for sustainable development and inclusive multilateralism.
2. Nord Stream Methane Leak Study: In 2022, the Nord Stream pipelines experienced ruptures, leading to a massive release of methane into the atmosphere. This event has since raised alarms about its impact on climate change due to methane’s potency as a greenhouse gas. An international study, spearheaded by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), aimed to accurately quantify the emissions from this leak, involving numerous scientists and advanced satellite technology. Nord Stream consists of two major offshore natural gas pipelines from Russia to Germany. It includes Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2, designed to provide Western Europe with natural gas. The pipelines bypass Ukraine, starting in Russia and ending in Lubmin, Germany.
3. Carbon Dioxide Levels Surge: In early 2025, atmospheric carbon dioxide levels are projected to reach unprecedented heights, raising concerns over climate change. The Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii indicates that CO2 concentrations will peak at 429.6 ppm, the highest in over two million years. This increase is alarming as it contradicts the goals of the Paris Agreement aimed at limiting global warming. Between 2023 and 2024, CO2 levels rose by 3.58 ppm, the fastest annual increase on record. This surpassed the Met Office’s prediction of 2.84 ppm. Satellite data confirms global increases, driven by fossil fuel emissions and reduced carbon capture.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Trajan 155 mm Towed Artillery Gun System: In move towards modernising its military, Armenia has selected India’s Trajan 155 mm towed artillery gun system. This decision marks Armenia’s strategic pivot towards India for advanced defence technologies amidst evolving regional security challenges. The partnership signifies the deepening defence ties between India and Armenia, showcasing India’s growing influence in the global arms market. The Trajan gun system is manufactured in India. Key subsystems, such as the auxiliary power unit and control panel, are indigenously developed. This reflects India’s capabilities in low-cost manufacturing and advanced military technology. India’s growing defence ties with Armenia reflect its strategy to engage with nations seeking reliable military partnerships. This move reduces Armenia’s reliance on traditional suppliers and enhances India’s strategic footprint in the Caucasus region.
2. La Perouse Naval Exercise 2025: Recently, nine Indo-Pacific nations participated in the La Perouse naval exercise, hosted by France. This exercise took place in the strategic straits of Malacca, Sunda, and Lombok, crucial for maritime trade between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The Indian Navy contributed with its guided-missile destroyer INS Mumbai. The exercise aimed to enhance maritime safety and interoperability among participating navies amid rising Chinese naval activities in the region. The straits of Malacca, Sunda, and Lombok are vital chokepoints for global trade. They face risks from maritime accidents, environmental hazards, illegal immigration, and drug trafficking. The exercise aimed to address these challenges.
3. 1965 India-Pakistan War and the Strategic Importance of Haji Pir: The 1965 India-Pakistan War remains conflict in South Asian history. Recently, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh brought into light that strategic advantages gained during the war were not fully exploited in negotiations, contributing to ongoing infiltration issues. This page explores the war’s context, key events, and the strategic importance of Haji Pir. The war was rooted in territorial disputes over Kashmir. Tensions escalated when Pakistan initiated Operation Gibraltar, aiming to incite a rebellion in Kashmir. The Indian Army responded to protect its territorial integrity.
SPORTS
1. Kalaripayattu Controversy Ahead of 38th National Games: Kalaripayattu, the ancient martial art from Kerala, is at the centre of a dispute as the 38th National Games approach. The Indian Kalaripayattu Federation has raised concerns about its relegation to a demonstration event by the Indian Olympics Association (IOA). This decision has disappointed athletes and sparked discussions about the sport’s future in competitive arenas. Kalaripayattu has deep roots in Kerala’s culture, historically linked to military training and discipline. It was essential in the feudal society of Kerala, with each village having its own kalari for martial education.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. ISRO Successfully Demonstrates Vikas Engine Restart Capability: Recently, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved milestones with its Vikas liquid engine. The successful demonstration of engine restart capabilities marks a critical step towards enhancing the reusability of launch vehicles. This progress aligns with ISRO’s commitment to advancing space technology and commercial operations. The Vikas engine is a family of hypergolic liquid-fuel rocket engines developed by ISRO. It powers the liquid stages of various launch vehicles, including PSLV, GSLV, and LVM3. The engine was first developed in the 1970s and has undergone several enhancements since.
2. Digantara’s SCOT Mission Success: On January 14, 2025, Indian space startup Digantara achieved milestone with the successful launch of its Space Camera for Object Tracking (SCOT) mission. This marks an important step in enhancing space situational awareness and tracking capabilities in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The mission was launched aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-12 rocket, showcasing India’s growing presence in the global space industry. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Digantara on the success of SCOT, emphasising its contribution to India’s space industry. The mission was also praised by other political figures, denoting its significance on National Startup Day.
3. H5N1 Avian Influenza Mutations: In early 2025, a study revealed mutations in the H5N1 avian influenza strain isolated from a human in Texas. This discovery raised alarms about the potential for the virus to evolve and pose a greater threat to human health. The research brought into light the strain’s unique genetic changes compared to those found in cattle, indicating a worrying trend in the virus’s adaptability. Researchers introduced the human-derived strain into mice for analysis. The study found that this strain replicated more efficiently and caused more severe disease compared to the bovine strain. The mutations in the human strain, labelled H5N1 HPhTX, were absent in the bovine version. This suggests rapid mutation post-human infection, potentially increasing transmissibility.
4. Pixxel’s Firefly Satellite Constellation: In early 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi brought into light the achievement of Bengaluru-based startup Pixxel, which launched India’s first private Earth imaging satellite constellation, named ‘Firefly’. This milestone marks a very important moment in India’s space sector, showcasing advancements in satellite technology and imaging capabilities. Pixxel was founded in 2019 by Awais Ahmed and Kshitij Khandelwal while they were students at the Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani. The startup has raised $95 million, establishing itself as a prominent player in the private space-tech sector.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. Visakhapatnam Steel Plant Revival: The Government of India has recently approved a substantial financial package to revive the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP), public sector enterprise in Andhra Pradesh. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the steel industry and support economic growth in the region. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other officials for their support, marking this decision as a historic moment for the state. The government announced a financial package of Rs 11,440 crore for VSP. This includes an equity infusion of Rs 10,300 crore and converting Rs 1,140 crore of working capital loans into preference share capital. This support aims to stabilise RINL and boost its operational capacity.
2. Rupee’s Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER): Recently, the Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER) of the Indian rupee decreased to 107.20 from a peak of 108.14 in November. This change reflects the rupee’s ongoing volatility amidst global economic shifts, including foreign portfolio investor outflows and fluctuating US Treasury yields. The REER serves as a critical indicator of India’s trade competitiveness against other currencies. In November, the Reserve Bank of India sold a record $20.2 billion in the spot market to stabilise the rupee. Despite these interventions, the rupee continued to face downward pressure, with net short positions in the forward market increasing.
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