Daily GK Update- 5th Jan, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Women Entrepreneurship Platform Partners with Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation to Empower Women Entrepreneurs : The Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) has conceptualized a flagship initiative called ‘Faral Sakhi’, aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs in the city of Mira Bhayandar, Maharashtra.The program will provide comprehensive training and support to help women entrepreneurs engaged in traditional snack production to scale their ventures sustainably and effectively.MBMC collaborated with the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) of NITI Aayog and formally launched ‘Faral Sakhi’ under the Award to Reward initiative of WEP.WEP, incubated in NITI Aayog in 2018 as an aggregator platform, transitioned into a public-private partnership in 2022.The ‘Faral Sakhi’ initiative aims at creating permanent employment opportunities for women by engaging them in the production and sale of traditional festive snacks (‘Faral’).

 

2. India submits its 4th Biennial Update Report to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change: India’s 4th Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was submitted on 30th December 2024. The BUR-4 updates the Third National Communication (TNC) and contains the National Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventory for the year 2020.The report also embodies information on India’s national circumstances, mitigation actions, an analysis of the constraints, gaps, related finance, technology, and capacity-building needs.

 

3. IIT Madras partners with Union govt. to enhance agricultural extension system: The Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, has collaborated with the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare on a project to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of agricultural extension system through digitalisation.Vistaar (Virtually Integrated System To Access Agricultural Resources) is a pilot project wherein the institute’s expertise will be used. The Centre for Research on Startups and Risk Financing and the startup it incubated, YNOS Venture Engine, have developed comprehensive information on the Indian startup landscape.The institute and the agriculture ministry have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enrich the Vistaar platform with information about startups in agriculture and allied sectors. This will enable farmers and stakeholders in agriculture and allied sectors to be aware of the capabilities and offerings of startups.

 

4. Amit Shah released Jammu Kashmir & Ladakh Through The Ages Book: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah has released the book ‘Jammu Kashmir & Ladakh Through the Ages: A Visual Narrative of Continuities and Linkages’ in New Delhi.The editor of the book is Professor Raghuvendra Tanwar, Chairman, Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR).

 

5. Telangana Government Engages IIT to Study Polavaram Irrigation Project: The Telangana government has initiated a collaboration with experts from the Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad (IIT-H) to assess the effects of the Polavaram irrigation project on the Godavari River. This decision follows concerns regarding the project’s impact on local ecosystems and communities. The Polavaram project aims to provide irrigation to approximately 295,000 hectares, stabilise an additional 400,000 hectares, and supply drinking water to 540 villages, benefiting around 285,000 individuals. The chief minister of Telangana, A Revanth Reddy, has expressed concerns about the potential impact of the Polavaram project on the Lord Ram temple in Bhadrachalam. In 2022, flooding caused damage in the area, denoting the risks posed by the project. The IIT-H study aims to evaluate these threats comprehensively.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. The Discovery of Pallas’s  Cat in India: The decline of feline species worldwide, especially big  cats like snow leopards, is alarming. Conservationists are increasingly concerned about their dwindling populations, primarily due to habitat loss, poaching, and climate change. Snow leopards inhabit high mountain ranges across Central and South Asia. Recently, finding occurred in Himachal Pradesh, India, where the elusive Pallas’s cat was photographed for the first time. This discovery marks the importance of conservation efforts and the need to protect lesser-known species. Pallas’s cat, scientifically known as Otocolobus manul, is a small wild feline native to the steppes of Central Asia. Named after the German naturalist Peter Simon Pallas, who described it in 1776, this cat has a unique appearance. It features a flat face, short legs, and thick fur, which help it survive in harsh, high-altitude environments.

 

2. Unrwa Faces Closure Amidst Rising Tensions: The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (Unrwa) is on the brink of closure due to new Israeli legislation. This agency provides essential services to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The impending halt of its operations poses threat to the livelihood of many families, including those like the Hashash family in Balata Camp, who rely heavily on Unrwa for healthcare, education, and food assistance. Unrwa was established in 1949 to support Palestinian refugees. It operates nearly 100 schools and numerous health facilities in the West Bank. The agency serves over 5 million registered refugees, providing vital services such as food aid, medical care, and education. In Balata Camp alone, Unrwa runs four schools and a health centre, employing around 200 people.

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Kerala Forest Act Amendment Sparks Controversy: The Kerala government has introduced a Bill to amend the Kerala Forest Act of 1961. This Bill is set to be debated in the upcoming session of the state Assembly. Farmer organisations have expressed concerns regarding the proposed amendments. They argue that the changes will negatively impact the lives of residents in approximately 430 village panchayats. The primary aim of the Kerala Forest (Amendment) Bill, 2024, is to prevent the forest from being used as a dumping ground for waste materials. The Bill seeks to criminalise the act of dumping waste in rivers within forest areas or in bodies of water that lead into these regions. Additionally, it proposes to enhance the powers of forest officers and increase fines for various offences.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. India Unveils Draft Rules for Data Protection: On January 3, 2024, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) released the draft rules for the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP). This announcement follows the Act’s passage in Parliament in August 2023. The government has opened a feedback window via the MyGov portal, allowing stakeholders to submit their comments until February 18, 2025. The anticipation surrounding these rules is high, as they are expected to clarify various facets of the law. The draft rules aim to provide clarity on several important topics. They cover the obligations of data fiduciaries, the role of consent managers, and the handling of children’s personal data. Additionally, they outline the establishment of the Data Protection Board, which will oversee compliance and address breaches.

 

2. NASA Unveils Mars Chopper  Drone Successor: NASA has recently introduced the Mars Chopper, a new  drone designed to succeed the Ingenuity helicopter. Ingenuity operated on Mars for nearly three years, far exceeding its initial mission parameters. The Mars Chopper represents advancement in aerial exploration capabilities on the Red Planet. The Mars Chopper is approximately the size of an SUV. It features six rotors, each with six blades, which are smaller than those of Ingenuity. This innovative design is expected to provide enhanced lift and stability during flight. The bulkier structure allows for a greater payload capacity, enabling it to carry up to five kilograms of scientific instruments

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Federal Bank launches digital platform FedOne for corporate banking: Federal Bank, one of India’s largest private sector banks, has launched FedOne, a new transaction banking platform powered by Nucleus Software’s FinnAxia solution.The implementation, completed after a 10-month collaboration, aims to modernize the bank’s corporate banking services.Federal Bank, one of India’s leading private sector banks, has marked a significant milestone in its digital transformation journey with the launch of FedOne™, powered by Nucleus Software’s advanced transaction banking platform, FinnAxia®.FedOne™ is set to revolutionise the corporate banking landscape, enabling Federal Bank to seize emerging business opportunities and deliver exceptional value through streamlined processes and advanced technology.

 

1. CCI Sets New Standards in M&A Regulations: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has made strides in regulatory efficiency, particularly in the realm of mergers and acquisitions (M&A). The Annual Report for FY 2023-24 revealed that the average clearance time for mergers is now just 16 days. This marks a notable improvement from previous years and reflects CCI’s dedication to maintaining a competitive market while ensuring fair practices. The Green Channel Scheme, introduced in August 2019, has revolutionised the M&A landscape. This scheme allows automatic approvals for combinations that do not present horizontal, vertical, or complementary overlaps. Since its launch, 100 combination notices have been filed under this scheme. Despite a slight decrease in usage from 27% in FY 2021-22 to 22% in FY 2023-24, it remains a preferred option for businesses seeking quick clearance.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Biden Awards Presidential Medal of Freedom 2025: On January 5, 2025, President Joe Biden honoured 19 distinguished individuals during a ceremony at the White House. This event recognised contributions across various fields, including politics, entertainment, and sports. The honourees included prominent figures such as Hillary Clinton, philanthropist George Soros, and posthumously awarded Robert F. Kennedy. Notable personalities like Lionel Messi, Jane Goodall, and Denzel Washington were also among the recipients. Messi could not attend due to prior commitments.

 

Daily GK Update- 4th Jan, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Maharashtra government launches15 day reading campaign amongst students: The Maharashtra government has launched a 15 day “reading campaign amongst students” starting 1 January 2025. The scheme was announced by the Minister for Higher and Technical Education Minister of Maharashtra government Chandrakant Patil.The state government has also set up committees at various levels that will oversee the reading campaign across the state.The state government has also announced that it will honour the winners of the various activities conducted by the state government as part of the reading campaign. The 15-day reading campaign will be under the Higher and Technical Education Department of the Maharashtra government. It will be held every year from 1-15 January.

 

2. Women Entrepreneurship Platform Partners with Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation to Empower Women Entrepreneurs: The Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) has conceptualized a flagship initiative called ‘Faral Sakhi’, aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs in the city of Mira Bhayandar, Maharashtra.The program will provide comprehensive training and support to help women entrepreneurs engaged in traditional snack production to scale their ventures sustainably and effectively.MBMC collaborated with the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) of NITI Aayog and formally launched ‘Faral Sakhi’ under the Award to Reward initiative of WEP.WEP, incubated in NITI Aayog in 2018 as an aggregator platform, transitioned into a public-private partnership in 2022.

 

3. Blinkit launches 10-minute ambulance service, starting with Gurugram: Quick-commerce company Blinkit has launched a 10-minute ambulance service in Gurugram. Blinkit plans to expand the service to other cities in India in the next two years.The ambulances would have medical equipment such as oxygen cylinders, AEDs (Automated External Defibrillator), stretchers, monitors, suction machines, emergency medicines, and injections. The ambulance will come with a paramedic, an assistant, and a trained driver.While the first five ambulances will immediately take to the roads of Gurugram, more users will be able to book a Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulance through the Blinkit app.CEO of Blinkit – Albinder Dhinds

 

4. India’s achievements in respect of the NDC targets: India has progressively continued decoupling economic growth from GHG emissions. Between 2005 and 2020,India’s emission intensity of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was reduced by 36%.By October 2024, the share of non-fossil sources in the installed electricity generation capacity was 46.52%. The total installed capacity of renewable power, including large hydropower, is 203.22 GW and the cumulative renewable power installed capacity,(excluding large hydro projects) has increased 4.5 times from 35 GW in March 2014 to 156.25 GW.India’s forest and tree cover has consistently increased and currently stands at 25.17% of the total geographical area of the country. During 2005 to 2021, additional carbon sink of 2.29 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent has been created.

 

5. IIT Madras partners with Union govt. to enhance agricultural extension system: The Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, has collaborated with the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare on a project to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of agricultural extension system through digitalisation.Vistaar (Virtually Integrated System To Access Agricultural Resources) is a pilot project wherein the institute’s expertise will be used. The Centre for Research on Startups and Risk Financing and the startup it incubated, YNOS Venture Engine, have developed comprehensive information on the Indian startup landscape.The institute and the agriculture ministry have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enrich the Vistaar platform with information about startups in agriculture and allied sectors. This will enable farmers and stakeholders in agriculture and allied sectors to be aware of the capabilities and offerings of startups.

 

6. Faiz Ahmed Kidwai appointed as Aviation Body Chief: Senior IAS officer Faiz Ahmed Kidwai has been appointed the chief of Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).The 1996-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Madhya Pradesh cadre is currently Additional Secretary in the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.Ashutosh Agnihotri, Additional Secretary in the Home Ministry, has been named Chairman & Managing Director of Food Corporation of India (FCI).Senior bureaucrat Akash Tripathi has been appointed as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Power.Kamal Kishore Soan, Additional Secretary in the Labour Ministry, will now be Additional Secretary & Mission Director, Jal Jeevan Mission under the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India submits its 4th Biennial Update Report to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change : India’s 4th Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was submitted on 30th December 2024. The BUR-4 updates the Third National Communication (TNC) and contains the National Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventory for the year 2020.The report also embodies information on India’s national circumstances, mitigation actions, an analysis of the constraints, gaps, related finance, technology, and capacity-building needs.

 

2. Pakistan begins its two-year tenure as non-permanent member of UNSC: Pakistan began its two-year tenure as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on January 1. Pakistani delegation will play an active and constructive role in addressing key challenges facing the world.Pakistan will sit in the Security Council for the 2025-26 term as a non-permanent member the eighth time that the country has had a seat on the 15-member body’s horseshoe table.Pakistan replaced Japan, which currently occupies the Asian seat in the Security Council, a primary instrument for establishing and maintaining international peace.Pakistan’s earlier terms on the council were in 2012-13, 2003-04, 1993-94, 1983-84, 1976-77, 1968-69 and 1952-53.

3. 4 January – World Braille Day: World Braille Day is observed every year on January 4.

Objective – To raise awareness about the importance of Braille as a means of communication for blind and partially sighted people.In 2018, the United Nations General Assembly decided to proclaim January 4 as World Braille Day as a tribute to Louis Braille, the visionary behind the braille system.Louis Braille, inventor of the braille code, was born on January 4, 1809, in France’s Coupvray. When he was three, Braille injured his eye with a sharp tool while he was playing in his father’s shop. Even after the best care, the infection in his eye soon spread to the other one and he was left completely blind.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. 2 January 2025 – 67th Foundation Day of DRDO: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) celebrated its 67th Foundation Day on January 2, 2025.Since its establishment in 1958, DRDO has grown from a modest setup of 10 laboratories to a robust network of 52 laboratories and 5 DRDO Young Scientist Laboratories (DYSLs), covering a vast spectrum of defence technologies.On 2025 being declared as the ‘Year of Reforms’, Raksha Mantri asserted that DRDO will play a crucial role in achieving the set objectives.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SBI introduces TAB-based digital NRI account onboarding journey: State Bank of India (SBI) has introduced a TAB-based digital onboarding process for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to simplify the opening of NRE and NRO accounts.The new initiative is now accessible at all SBI branches in India and select foreign offices. By utilising digital tools, the bank aims to enhance the efficiency and convenience of the account opening process.The digital onboarding process eliminates the need for physical paperwork, enabling quicker account openings at branches and during customer visits through digital document verification. This streamlined approach is designed to make the process more efficient and convenient for NRIs.An NRI bank account is a tailored banking solution available to Indian citizens or Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) residing overseas, offered by Indian financial institutions. 

 

2. Federal Bank launches digital platform FedOne for corporate banking: Federal Bank, one of India’s largest private sector banks, has launched FedOne, a new transaction banking platform powered by Nucleus Software’s FinnAxia solution.The implementation, completed after a 10-month collaboration, aims to modernize the bank’s corporate banking services.Federal Bank, one of India’s leading private sector banks, has marked a significant milestone in its digital transformation journey with the launch of FedOne™, powered by Nucleus Software’s advanced transaction banking platform, FinnAxia®. FedOne™ is set to revolutionise the corporate banking landscape, enabling Federal Bank to seize emerging business opportunities and deliver exceptional value through streamlined processes and advanced technology.

 

 

Daily GK Update- 3rd Jan, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Cabinet approves Rs 69,515 crore boost for PM Fasal Bima Yojana: The Union Cabinet approved the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and the Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) until 2025-26. The decision was made with a total outlay of Rs 69,515.71 crore.This extension ensures that farmers will continue to receive coverage for crop losses due to non-preventable natural calamities.In addition to the continuation of the schemes, the Cabinet also approved the creation of a Fund for Innovation and Technology (FIAT) with a corpus of Rs 824.77 crore.This fund will support technological initiatives, such as the YES-TECH (Yield Estimation System using Technology) and WINDS (Weather Information and Network Data Systems), aimed at enhancing the efficiency and transparency of claim settlements.

 

2. Groundwater recharge up by 15 billion cubic meters -Jal Shakti Ministry: The Groundwater recharge in the country has increased by 15 billion cubic meters and the groundwater extraction has declined by 3 billion cubic meters from the 2017 to 2024 period.The latest status of the groundwater recharge in the country ending 31st December 2024 was released by the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti in its Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment Report 2024.The groundwater assessment was carried out by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), under the Union Jal Shakti ministry, in collaboration with the States and Union Territories.

 

3. Cabinet approves extension of One-time Special Package on Di-Ammonium Phosphate beyond NBS subsidy: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the proposal of the Department of Fertilizers for the extension of One-time Special Package on Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) beyond the NBS subsidy @ Rs 3,500 per MT for the period from 01.01.2025 till further orders to ensure sustainable availability of DAP at affordable prices to the farmers.The tentative budgetary requirement for above would be approximately upto Rs. 3,850 cr. The subsidy on P&K fertilizers is governed by NBS Scheme w.e.f 01.04.2010. Continuing top most priority in keeping farmers’ welfare in firm focus, GoI has extended a massive relief to farmers in keeping the price of Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) fertilizer unchanged.

 

4. ITI Mutual Fund Names Jatinder Pal Singh as CEO: Jatinder Pal Singh has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of ITI Asset Management (ITI AML).Singh succeeds Hitesh Thakkar, who has served as acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ITI AML.Singh has over 25 years of experience in the mutual funds industry. He was associated with Mahindra Manulife Investment Management as a chief marketing officer from September 2015 to December 2024.

 

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 2 January – World Introvert Day: World Introvert Day is celebrated on 2 January to acknowledge and appreciate the unique qualities of introverts, emphasizing their strengths and contributions to society.The day raises awareness about the misconceptions surrounding introversion and promotes acceptance of different personality types.Theme 2025 – Some peace and calm in a noisy world.World Introvert Day was initially acknowledged in 2011, gaining momentum as a chance to showcase the strengths and contributions of the wallflowers. In contrast to extroverts, they regain energy by spending time alone and typically favour deep one-on-one conversations instead of large social events.

 

2. 3 January – International Mind-Body Wellness Day: International Mind-Body Wellness Day is celebrated every year on 3 January.This day emphasizes the importance of achieving harmony between mental, emotional, and physical well-being.This global initiative encourages individuals to focus on their mental and physical well-being by adopting strategies that promote development and wellness.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. India declares 2025 as year of defence reforms, vows ‘unprecedented’: India has declared 2025 as the ‘year of reforms’ in the defence sector and vowed “unprecedented” progress in bolstering India’s security and sovereignty in the face of 21st-century challenges.‘Year of reforms’ will be a momentous step in modernisation journey of the armed forces.The reforms aim to implement integrated theatre commands, enhancing synergy among the three services and transforming the military into a technologically advanced, combat-ready force.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. VFS Capital seeks small finance bank licence from RBI under ‘on-tap’ scheme: Microfinance company VFS Capital has applied for a small finance bank (SFB) licence under the guidelines for ‘on tap’ licensing of SFBs in the private sector.During the quarter ended December 31, 2024, the Reserve Bank of India has received one application under the guidelines for ‘on tap’ Licensing of Small Finance Banks in the Private Sector dated December 5, 2019 from VFS Capital Limited.VFS Capital, previously known as Village Financial Services Private and headquartered in West Bengal, was incorporated in 1994 as a non-deposit taking non-banking financial company-microfinance institution (NBFC-MFI). It started microfinance activity in 2006 and got registered with RBI as NBFC-MFI in September 2013. VFS provides loans to individual female members mainly from rural areas in a joint liability group (JLG) with each group consisting of five members. VFS Capital makes its entire disbursements through digital mode.

 

2. GST collection jumps 7.3% YoY to Rs 1.77 lakh crore in December: India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection grew 7.3% year-on-year (YoY) to Rs 1.77 lakh crore in December 2024. However, the figure marked a 3% decline compared to the Rs 1.82 lakh crore collected in November. The latest numbers indicate a steady growth in GST revenues but reflect a slowdown in consumption and a rise in refunds issued during the month.

 

3. Interest rates remain unchanged on National Small Saving Schemes: The Centre decided to maintain a status quo on the returns payable on small savings schemes for the January to March 2025 quarter, making it the fourth successive quarter that these rates have remained unchanged.

The interest rates on small savings schemes such as the Public Provident Fund (PPF) and National Savings Certificate (NSC) are reset each quarter as per a formula linked to the yields on government securities of similar maturities. The Union Ministry of Finance has reviewed the interest rates on the small saving schemes every quarter since 2016.

 

4. CBIC clarifies rules, says no GST to apply on pre-paid gift vouchers, cards : The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) provided insights into the goods and services tax (GST) treatment of transactions involving vouchers. According to the CBIC, vouchers can be categorised into two types.The first category includes prepaid instruments, such as gift cards and digital wallets, which are recognised by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). These vouchers are treated as ‘money’ under the GST framework, meaning transactions involving them will not be classified as either the supply of goods or services.The second category comprises non-prepaid vouchers, which do not qualify as prepaid instruments. These vouchers serve as claims to receive specific goods or services and fall under the definition of ‘actionable claims’. Similar to their prepaid counterparts, these transactions also do not count as the supply of goods or services for GST purposes.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports Announces National Sports Awards 2024: The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has announced the names of the winners of the 2024 National Sports Award winner.The award winners will be felicitated by the President Droupadi Murmu in a function at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on 17th January 2025.The National Sports award consists of Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Award, Dronacharya Award, Major Dhyan Chand Award, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy and the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar. Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna is the highest sports award in the country. It was earlier known as Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award and was renamed in 2021 as Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award.

 

 

 

 

Daily GK Update- 2nd Jan, 2025

 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.

 

Daily GK Update- 1st Jan, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India’s first glass bridge over sea inaugurated in Kanyakumari: In Tamil Nadu, the iconic tourist destination Kanyakumari had added another jewel to its crown. India’s first glass bridge over sea was inaugurated.Tamil Nadu Chief minister MK Stalin unveiled the classic glass bridge that connects the 133 ft tall Saint Tiruvalluvar statue and the Vivekananda rock Memorial.The bridge would allow the tourists to enjoy a breezy walk between the landmarks while seeing through the wavy sea underneath. Constructed at 37 crores, the 77 metres bridge was inaugurated as part of silver jubilee celebration of the Tiruvalluvar statue, now renamed as statue of Wisdom by the state government.

 

2. Ministry of Consumer Affairs & Gupshup introduce virtual assistant: The Ministry of Consumer Affairs has partnered with messaging platform Gupshup to introduce a web-based AI virtual assistant, Jagriti, to simplify the process of filing consumer complaints.The announcement brings grievance redressal to consumers’ fingertips and marks a significant leap forward in empowering consumers across India. Once consumers authenticate with their mobile number, the virtual assistant’s interactive flow helps them file a complaint in less than a minute.The adoption of Generative AI for the consumer complaint filing process is part of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs’ initiative of NCH 2.0. Besides easier complaint filing, consumers can also track the status of their complaints by sharing their complaint number with the AI assistant.

 

3. RBI approves re-appointment of Anup Kumar Sinha as non-executive chairman of Bandhan Bank: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the reappointment of Anup Kumar Sinha as the Non-Executive Chairman of Bandhan Bank.Anup Kumar Sinha is the former Director of Heritage Business School (‘HBS’). He has also served on the Board of NABARD.Sinha has taught at Presidency College and the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (‘IIMC’). He served IIMC as a Professor of Economics for 25 years. He served three terms on the Board of Governors at IIMC and also as the Dean during 2003-06.

 

4. Bhuvnesh Kumar takes charge as CEO of UIDAI: IAS officer Bhuvnesh Kumar took charge as the CEO of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).Kumar, a 1995 batch officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, is additional secretary at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY), a post he will continue to hold after this appointment.Kumar succeeds Amit Agrawal, a 1993 batch IAS officer of the Chhattisgarh cadre, who was also MEITY additional secretary prior to his June 2023 appointment.Mr Agrawal was appointed Secretary of the Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers in a bureaucratic reshuffle.

 

5. Manish Singhal appointed Secretary General of ASSOCHAM: Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), an apex business chamber, has a new Secretary General in Manish Singhal.Singhal succeeds Deepak Sood, who recently after a five-year stint stepped down to pursue other interests.Singhal, an industry leader with over 35 years of experience in Chamber and Corporate India, had earlier worked as Deputy Secretary General of The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).He had also worked with various Indian transnational companies, including Tata Motors, Eicher (Volvo), Tata Auto Comp Systems, Moser Baer India and BEML to name a few.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 1 January – Global Family Day: Global Family Day is observed annually on 1 January to promote peace, unity, and a sense of shared humanity across the globe.Theme 2025 – Let’s Start The Year With Love, Unity, Appreciation The day emerged from the United Nations Millennium celebration in 2000, emphasizing the need for global unity and fostering a sense of family among people worldwide.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Air Marshal Mishra takes charge as Chief of IAF’s Western Command: Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra took charge as the chief of Indian Air Force’s Western Air Command that looks after the security of the air space in the sensitive Ladakh sector as well as some other parts of north India.

Air Marshal Mishra, a fighter combat leader and an experimental test pilot, has more than 3000 hours of flying experience, according to the IAF.He succeeds Air Marshal Pankaj Mohan Sinha, who superannuated after putting in more than 39 years of distinguished service.Air Marshal Mishra was commissioned into the Indian Air Force (IAF) as a fighter pilot on December 6, 1986

 

2. 18th India -Nepal Military exercise Surya Kiran to commence in Nepal: The 334-strong Indian Army contingent has departed to Nepal to participate in the 18th edition of the bilateral military exercise Surya Kiran.The exercise will be hosted by the Nepali Army in Saljhandi, Nepal from 31st December 2024 to 13th January 2025.The annual bilateral military exercise Surya Kiran is alternatively hosted by the Indian Army and the Nepali Army. The 17th edition of the Surya Kiran was held in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand from 24th November to 07th December 2023.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Bengal beat Kerala 1-0 to win Santosh Trophy for an unprecedented 33rd time: The most successful team in the history of the Santosh Trophy, West Bengal added one more to its collection by defeating Kerala in the final of the 78th edition of the Santosh Trophy. It was the 33rd Santosh Trophy for the Bengal team.The final of the 78th edition of the Santosh Trophy 2024-25 was played at the GMC Balayogi Stadium in Hyderabad, Telangana.Santosh Trophy is a premier domestic state-level football tournament for men in India organised by the All India Football Federation.The final at Hyderabad was the 47th final appearance for West Bengal in the Santosh Trophy while Kerala was appearing for the 16th time.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. ISRO successfully launches SpaDeX mission from Sriharikota: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission.ISRO’s PSLV-C60 rocket carrying two spacecraft that would aid in demonstration of space docking lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.PSLV-C60 successfully deployed two satellites SDX01 (the Chaser) and SDX02 (the Target) in low earth orbit shortly after its launch.The two spacecraft will now be directed towards achieving space docking in the next 10 days. SpaDeX aims to demonstrate advanced in-space docking technology, a crucial capability for future missions, including lunar expeditions and the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS).The SpaDeX mission represents a critical step in advancing India’s capabilities in orbital docking. Successful completion of this mission will enhance ISRO’s ability to conduct complex operations in space and lay the groundwork for future interplanetary missions.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Economy exhibiting resilience, GDP to grow at 6.6 pc in FY25: RBI report: The Indian economy is exhibiting resilience and stability, and the gross domestic product (GDP) is projected to grow at 6.6 percent in 2024-25, aided by a revival in rural consumption, a pickup in government consumption and investment, and strong services exports, according to RBI.The Reserve Bank has released the December 2024 issue of the Financial Stability Report (FSR), which reflects the collective assessment of the Sub-Committee of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) on the resilience of the Indian financial system and risks to financial stability.The soundness of scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) has been bolstered by strong profitability, declining non-performing assets and adequate capital and liquidity buffers. Return on assets (RoA) and return on equity (RoE) are at decadal highs, while the gross non-performing asset (GNPA) ratio has fallen to a multi-year low.

 

2. RBI proposes lookup facility for NEFT, RTGS; banks to comply by April 1.: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) proposed the introduction of a lookup facility for beneficiary accounts in the Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) and National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) systems to prevent fraud.This facility will allow users to view and verify the name of the beneficiary before initiating a transaction, similar to the existing feature on India’s real-time payment systems, Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and Immediate Payments Service (IMPS).Currently, remitters cannot see the beneficiary’s name before conducting a transaction on NEFT and RTGS. The RBI has directed member banks of these systems to implement the facility by April 1, 2025. The feature will be provided to customers free of charge.The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has been tasked with developing the facility and onboarding all banks to enable the feature.

 

3. Income Tax extends Vivad Se Vishwas deadline to January 31: The Income Tax Department has extended the deadline for the Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme 2024, giving taxpayers a fresh opportunity to settle disputes at lower tax rates.The new deadline, January 31, 2025, provides much-needed relief for those still evaluating the scheme. Initially set for December 31, 2024, the extension avoids a 10% additional tax, ensuring a smoother resolution process.The Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme, announced in Budget 2024, allows taxpayers to settle pending disputes by paying a lower amount of disputed tax along with specified percentages. Applications filed by January 31, 2025, will follow reduced rates under column (3) of the scheme’s table. However, applications submitted from February 1, 2025, will incur a 10% higher tax rate.

 

4. NPCI extends market cap deadline for UPI apps by two years to end of 2026: The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has extended the deadline for implementing transaction volume cap on Unified Payments Interface (UPI) apps by two years till December 31, 2026. This is the second time that the NPCI has extended this deadline.The latest development is expected to provide a much-needed relief to market leaders PhonePe and Google Pay, which process the lion’s share of UPI transactions in the country. The two processed about 47.8 per cent and 37.02 per cent of UPI transaction volumes, respectively, in November, according to data published by NPCI.The apex payments body, “considering various factors”, extended the timeline for compliance of existing third-party application providers (TPAPs) by another two years. This comes at a time when the real-time payments system has seen euphoric growth in terms of transaction volumes.

 

5. NaBFID invests Rs 745 crore in long-term bonds issued by NDR InvIT: The National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) has invested Rs 745 crore in long-term bonds issued by NDR InvIT.NDR InvIT is an Infrastructure Investment Trust managed by NDR InvIT Managers and sponsored by NDR Warehousing Private Limited.These 15-year bonds, rated AAA/Stable by India Ratings (FITCH) and CARE, underscore NDR InvIT’s key role in advancing India’s warehousing and industrial parks sector.