NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Water Surges in Rajasthan’s Desert Town: On December 28, 2023, a surprising event unfolded in Mohangarh, Rajasthan. During a tubewell drilling operation, water unexpectedly gushed from the ground, prompting speculation about the ancient Saraswati River’s resurgence. However, experts clarified that this phenomenon was likely due to the presence of an artesian well, a natural water source under pressure. An artesian well is a type of water well where water flows to the surface naturally, without the need for pumping. This occurs when water is confined under pressure within a geological layer, often sandstone. The pressure causes the water to rise when a borehole penetrates the confining layer.
2. Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam 2024 Replaces Aircraft Act of 1934: The ‘Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam 2024’ is a transformative piece of legislation that replaces the outdated ‘Aircraft Act of 1934’. This new Act comes into effect on January 1, 2025, and aims to enhance passenger rights and attract investment in the aviation sector. Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu introduced the Act during the Winter Session of Parliament in 2024. The new regulations are designed to align with global standards and modern needs, marking shift in India’s aviation landscape. The primary goals of the ‘Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam 2024’ include improving passenger welfare, encouraging innovation, and creating a conducive environment for investment. The legislation seeks to modernise aviation operations and ensure that the rights of passengers are prioritised.
3. NIA Achieves Perfect Conviction Rate in 2024: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has reported a remarkable achievement in 2024, reaching a 100% conviction rate. This milestone reflects the agency’s commitment to enhancing national security and delivering justice. In total, the NIA convicted 68 individuals across 25 cases, showcasing its effectiveness in tackling serious criminal activities. Recently, the NIA conducted 80 cases, resulting in the arrest of 210 individuals. The agency secured convictions in various categories, including 28 cases related to Left Wing Extremism (LWE) and 18 cases concerning North East insurgency. Notably, there were seven cases linked to Jammu and Kashmir Jihad, six cases involving explosive substances, and five human trafficking cases.
4. India Mobilises Cyber Crime Volunteers Nationwide: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs, along with various State governments, has initiated a programme that enlists approximately 54,800 cyber crime volunteers to identify and report unlawful content online. This initiative stems from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C). The programme aims to enhance public participation in maintaining cybersecurity and protecting the integrity of the nation. The Cyber Volunteer Framework allows citizens to become involved in the fight against cybercrime. Volunteers can report unlawful content, promote cyber hygiene, and serve as experts to assist law enforcement. The I4C has successfully enrolled 54,833 volunteers, comprising 22,942 individuals focused on reporting unlawful content, 22,071 awareness promoters, and 9,819 experts in the field.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. India-Pakistan Nuclear Agreement Update: India and Pakistan have recently exchanged information regarding their nuclear installations. This exchange is part of an annual agreement that has been in place for over three decades. The agreement aims to prevent attacks on each country’s nuclear facilities. The exchange also included details about civilian prisoners and fishermen held in custody by both nations. Despite ongoing tensions, this process continues to be important aspect of their bilateral relationship. During the latest exchange, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed the simultaneous exchange in New Delhi and Islamabad. India provided details of 381 civilian prisoners and 81 fishermen in its custody. Pakistan reciprocated with information about 49 civilian prisoners and 217 fishermen believed to be Indian.
2. Gaza Faces Hypothermia Crisis Amid Ongoing Conflict: The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has intensified due to severe cold weather. In just one week, six infants have succumbed to hypothermia. The ongoing conflict has restricted access to essential winter aid and medical support. Over 45,500 lives have been lost, predominantly among children and women. The population of 2.3 million, many displaced, faces dire conditions with inadequate food and water supplies. Hypothermia is a medical condition where the body loses heat faster than it can produce it. The normal core temperature for humans is about 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit). This temperature must be maintained for vital organs to function properly. When the body temperature drops below 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit), hypothermia begins to set in.
3. What is “Blood Money” in Sharia Law?: Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse from Kerala, is on death row in Yemen for the 2017 killing of a Yemeni national. The Yemeni President, Rashad al-Alimi, has approved the death sentence, which is set to be executed within a month. Despite the grim circumstances, there are potential avenues for her to avoid execution. Yemen’s legal system, influenced by Islamic Sharia law, still employs capital punishment, unlike many democracies that have abolished it. However, the Quran promotes forgiveness and financial compensation, known as ‘diyya’, as alternatives to retribution.
4. Celebrating 207 Years of Valour at Koregaon Bhima: The 207th Shaurya Din, or Valour Day, is being celebrated at Koregaon Bhima. This historic event marks the British victory over the Peshwa forces in 1818. The gathering has attracted an estimated 8 to 10 lakh attendees, eager to honour the Mahar soldiers who played a very important role in this triumph. The Koregaon Bhima Vijaystambh, or Victory Pillar, stands as a testament to this battle. Shaurya Din is observed annually on January 1. It commemorates the Battle of Koregaon Bhima, which occurred in 1818. The event has evolved into a major celebration of Dalit pride and resistance. This day is marked by large gatherings, paying tribute to the sacrifices of the soldiers involved in the battle.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Defence Ministry Announces 2025 as “Year of Reforms”: India’s Ministry of Defence has declared 2025 as the “Year of Reforms.” This initiative aims to modernise the armed forces, focusing on joint operations, advanced technologies, and integrated military strategies. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh leads this transformation, which seeks to enhance India’s defence capabilities and establish the country as a global leader in defence exports. The announcement of 2025 as the Year of Reforms comes at important time. India faces evolving security challenges that require a modern and technologically advanced military. The reforms will address these challenges by improving operational readiness and encouraging collaboration among the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
2. Indian Navy to Commission New Warships and Submarine: The Indian Navy is poised to enhance its capabilities with the commissioning of three advanced platforms on January 15, 2025. These vessels represent leap in India’s naval technology and self-reliance, with all three constructed at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai. The three platforms commissioned include the Surat destroyer, the Nilgiri frigate, and the Vagsheer submarine. Each vessel showcases India’s growing capabilities in indigenous defence manufacturing. The commissioning signifies a strategic enhancement to India’s maritime strength and showcases the nation’s commitment to a self-sufficient defence ecosystem.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. ISRO to Launch US Communications Satellite Bluebird: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to make history by launching an American communications satellite. This is the first time an American company is using an Indian rocket for such a large and advanced satellite. The mission is expected to occur in February or March 2025. Historically, ISRO has focused on launching small satellites from American manufacturers. The upcoming launch will be the first instance of a massive communications satellite being deployed by a US company from Indian soil. This initiative reflects the growing partnership between India and the United States in the field of space technology.
2. Ebola Virus Study Reveals Skin Transmission Route: Ebola virus disease (EVD) remains a critical public health concern, particularly in regions of East-Central and West Africa. Recent research has revealed new vital information about how the Ebola virus (EBOV) can potentially spread through the skin, denoting the importance of understanding this transmission route. The study, published in *Science Advances*, was conducted by researchers from the University of Iowa Health Care, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, and Boston University. Their findings suggest that the skin may play role in the person-to-person transmission of the virus. EBOV transmission primarily occurs through direct contact with infected bodily fluids. These fluids include saliva, urine, faeces, and semen. The virus can also spread through contaminated clothing and bedding. Recent evidence indicates that infectious EBOV can be present on the skin’s surface, particularly in the later stages of infection.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. India Updates GDP Base Year to 2022-23: The Government of India has recently decided to update the base year for calculating Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from 2011-12 to 2022-23. This change aims to provide a more accurate representation of the current economic landscape and enhance policy formulation. The revision reflects shifts in economic activity, consumption patterns, and industry developments over the past decade. The Indian economy has transformed in recent years. New sectors have emerged, digitalisation has accelerated, and the economy has adapted to post-pandemic realities. These factors necessitate a more current base year to reflect the evolving economic structure.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Celebrating the Life of Dr. K.S. Manilal: Dr. K.S. Manilal, a revered botanist, passed away on January 1, 2025, in Thrissur, Kerala. He was 86 years old and had been unwell for some time. His remarkable contributions to botany, particularly his work on the ancient manuscript Hortus Malabaricus, have left a lasting impact on the field of plant research. Dr. Manilal’s dedication to reviving this 17th-century work made strides in understanding Kerala’s rich biodiversity. Hortus Malabaricus is a 12-volume Latin manuscript compiled by Dutch Governor Hendrik Adrian van Rheede. The work documents the medicinal plants of Kerala. Dr. Manilal dedicated over 35 years to researching, translating, and annotating this invaluable text. His English translation was published in 2003, followed by a Malayalam version in 2008.
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