Daily GK Update- 20th Jan, 2025

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.

 

 

Daily GK Update- 19th Jan, 2025

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Cabinet approves the establishment of “Third Launch Pad”: The Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of a Third Launch Pad (TLP) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.The new launch pad aims to support the next generation of Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) launch vehicles and enhance the country’s capacity for human spaceflight missions.The TLP will be designed to support ISRO’s upcoming Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLV) and serve as a backup for the existing Second Launch Pad (SLP) at Sriharikota.The TLP will be adaptable to support not only the NGLV but also LVM3 vehicles, including those with semi-cryogenic stages, and future scaled-up versions of the NGLV. The project is expected to involve substantial industry participation, drawing on ISRO’s experience from the successful establishment of earlier launch pads, while maximizing the use of existing facilities.

 

2. Nripendra Mishra reappointed Chairperson of PM Museum & Library Society: The Government of India has reconstituted the Executive Council of the Prime Ministers Museum and Library Society and reappointed Nripendra Mishra as the Chairperson of the Executive Council of the Society.Former Union Minister Smriti Irani, ex-NITI Aayog Vice-chairman Rajiv Kumar, retired Army General Syed Ata Hasnain, renowned filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, and Vasudev Kamath from Sanskar Bharati are among the prominent new members added to the PMML society.The Executive Council is the highest decision-making body of the Prime Ministers Museum and Library Society.The key decision-making body, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as its president and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as vice-president, has also expanded. The executive council, which previously had 29 members, has now increased to 34 members.

 

3. Maharashtra  AI Policy Initiative: Recently, the Maharashtra government announced the formation of a 16-member committee to draft the state’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy. This initiative aims to position Maharashtra as the first state in India with a dedicated AI policy. The committee’s recommendations will align with the central government’s India AI Mission, enhancing the state’s digital economy and encouraging industrial growth. A 16-member committee has been established to create Maharashtra’s AI Policy 2025. Chaired by the director of the Directorate of Information Technology, Mumbai, the committee is tasked with submitting recommendations within a specified timeframe.

 

4. RINL Revival Package Announced: Recently, the Government of India announced revival package for Rashtriya  Ispat Nigam Ltd (RINL), a state-owned  steel manufacturer facing severe financial difficulties. The ₹11,440 crore package aims to restore the company’s operations and safeguard thousands of jobs amid political pressure and economic challenges. RINL, also known as Vizag Steel, is located in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. It has a production capacity of 7.3 million tonnes per annum. The plant operates three blast furnaces, with two currently in operation. RINL has been struggling financially, reporting a negative net worth and debt.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Amazon to acquire Bengaluru based digital lending firm Axio: E-commerce major Amazon has signed an agreement to acquire fintech lending start-up Axio, formerly Capital Float,valuing the buy-now-pay-later (NBPL) at around $190-200 million.Axio has filed an application with the regulator (RBI) for a change in control to Amazon and is awaiting approval. Post approval, Amazon’s proposed acquisition of axio would be completed.Axio has assets under management of Rs 2,200 crore and 3 per cent gross non-performing assets (GNPA). It has served more than 10 million customers. In August last year, it raised $20 million in equity funding from the Amazon Smbhav Venture Fund to expand credit products.Amazon has acquired nine companies in India since 2016.

 

2. Sri Lanka to Receive Largest FDI from China: Recently, Sri Lanka is set to receive its largest foreign direct investment from China, amounting to $3.7 billion for an oil refinery. This investment comes during President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s visit to China and is integral to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The project raises concerns regarding potential debt traps and regional geopolitical tensions, particularly with India. India has responded to China’s growing influence by proposing its own energy projects, including a $1.2 billion fuel pipeline to Trincomalee. Indian Oil Corporation is fuel supplier in Sri Lanka, holding a 20% market share.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. What is Swarm Drone Attack?: The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or drone is a remotely controlled aerial object which can be used for multiple purposes. The use of drones in the battlefield was first used by the Americans to kill top leaders of Al-Qaeda and Talibans in AfghanistanThe swarm drone as a weapon was recently used by the Iranians to successfully breach the famous Iron Dome anti-missile system of Israel.  

 

2. Indo-Myanmar Border Regulations: In recent months, the Government of India has intensified its regulations regarding the entry of foreigners into the Northeastern states bordering Myanmar. This shift follows a period of relative openness, with implications for local communities and cross-border relations. The Government of India reinstated the Protected Area Regime in Manipur, Mizoram, and Nagaland. This policy restricts foreign nationals from visiting these areas without special permits. The PAR aims to enhance security and control foreign access, countering previous efforts to promote tourism. The amendments have sparked mixed reactions. While the BJP-led government in Manipur supports tighter controls due to concerns over illegal immigration, political factions in Mizoram and Nagaland have opposed the changes. Local communities share ethnic ties across the border, complicating the issue.

3. MRSAM Contract for Indian Navy: Recently, the Indian Ministry of Defence signed contract worth Rs 2,960 crore with Bharat Dynamics Limited for the supply of Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM) to the Navy. This agreement marks India’s commitment to defence self-reliance under the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, aiming to boost domestic manufacturing and create substantial employment opportunities. The MRSAM contract is expected to generate approximately 3.5 lakh man-days of employment in the defence sector. This includes opportunities for various Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) involved in the production process.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Telecom Initiatives in India: Recently, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia launched several telecom initiatives aimed at enhancing connectivity and security across India. These initiatives include the Sanchar Saathi Mobile App, the National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0, and Intra Circle Roaming at DBN-funded 4G mobile sites. The government aims to empower citizens through improved access to telecom services while encouraging a digitally inclusive society. The Sanchar Saathi Mobile App is designed to boost telecom security. Key features include reporting suspected fraud, managing mobile connections, blocking lost devices, and verifying handset authenticity. It is available on both Android and iOS, targeting over 90 crore smartphone users in India.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. PFC signs 120 bn yen loan pact with Japan’s JBIC for RE project: State-owned PFC has inked an agreement with Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) for 120 billion Japanese yen (around Rs 6,600 crore) loan facility.Under the agreement, JBIC will provide funding of JPY 72 billion, and the balance will be funded by commercial banks.This long-term (up to 20 years) loan to PFC will be provided under JBIC’s initiative ‘Global action for Reconciling Economic growth and Environmental preservation’ (GREEN).The funds will be utilized by PFC to finance its renewable energy portfolio, advancing India’s transition to non-fossil-fuel-based energy sources.

 

2. Shriram Housing Finance is now “Truhome Finance”: Shriram Housing Finance (SHF) has rebranded itself as Truhome Finance following its acquisition by Warburg Pincus and its co-investors, including QIA (Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund), from Shriram Finance.Last month, Shriram Finance had announced completion of the sale of its entire stake (84.44 percent of the shareholding on a fully diluted basis) in its affordable housing finance subsidiary SHF to Warburg Pincus for a sale consideration of ₹3,929 crores.MD & CEO of Truhome Finance – Ravi Subramanian

 

3. Shriram Life Insurance launches Sunishchit Laabh savings plan: Shriram Life Insurance has launched Shriram Life Sunishchit Laabh, a non-participating individual savings plan that promises guaranteed returns of up to 668 per cent of the total premium paid.Designed for individuals aged 30 days to 60 years, the plan offers a minimum annual premium starting at ₹30,000, with flexible payment options of ₹15,500 half-yearly, ₹8,000 quarterly, and ₹3,000 monthly.The plan features tax-free maturity income payouts for up to 40 years, with a maximum age cap of 101 years, ensuring long-term financial security, including post retirement.It also provides death benefits up to 160 times the annualised premium, with flexible maturity income payout modes, enabling customers to adapt to changing financial needs.

 

Daily GK Update- 18th Jan, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Cabinet approves the establishment of “Third Launch Pad”: The Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of a Third Launch Pad (TLP) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.The new launch pad aims to support the next generation of Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) launch vehicles and enhance the country’s capacity for human spaceflight missions.The TLP will be designed to support ISRO’s upcoming Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLV) and serve as a backup for the existing Second Launch Pad (SLP) at Sriharikota.The TLP will be adaptable to support not only the NGLV but also LVM3 vehicles, including those with semi-cryogenic stages, and future scaled-up versions of the NGLV. The project is expected to involve substantial industry participation, drawing on ISRO’s experience from the successful establishment of earlier launch pads, while maximizing the use of existing facilities.

 

2. Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya chairs first-ever CSR round table for sports development: With the objective of strengthening the Indian sports ecosystem in order to host the 2036 Olympic Games, Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Mansukh Mandaviya urged corporates to adopt one sport during the first-ever corporate round-table conference in New Delhi.Mandaviya emphasized a vision to position India among the top five global sports performers by 2047, as the nation marks 100 years of independence.More than 40 corporate houses and organisations working in the sports ecosystem shared their knowledge and opinion in a first-ever Open House session with

 

3. Binod Kumar appointed as MD & CEO of Indian Bank: Binod Kumar has assumed office as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Indian Bank.Prior to this, he was serving as Executive Director of Punjab National Bank (PNB). At PNB, Kumar was holding the responsibility of Corporate Banking, Treasury Division, International Banking Division, Finance Division, Data Analytics & Data warehousing.

 

4. Ashok Chandra appoints as MD and CEO of Punjab National Bank: Ashok Chandra has been appointed as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Punjab National Bank (PNB).Prior to these appointments, Chandra was an executive director at Canara Bank.Chandra, who joined Canara Bank as an executive director in November 2022, oversaw variousverticals, including digital banking and information technology, strategy and planning, marketing and public relations, financial inclusion, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME), retail assets, agriculture, and priority sectors.Chandra began his banking career at the erstwhile Corporation Bank in September 1991 as a probationary officer.

 

5. Nripendra Mishra reappointed Chairperson of PM Museum & Library Society: The Government of India has reconstituted the Executive Council of the Prime Ministers Museum and Library Society and reappointed Nripendra Mishra as the Chairperson of the Executive Council of the Society.Former Union Minister Smriti Irani, ex-NITI Aayog Vice-chairman Rajiv Kumar, retired Army General Syed Ata Hasnain, renowned filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, and Vasudev Kamath fromSanskar Bharati are among the prominent new members added to the PMML society.The Executive Council is the highest decision-making body of the Prime Ministers Museum and Library Society.The key decision-making body, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as its president and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as vice-president, has also expanded. The executive council, which previously had 29 members, has now increased to 34 members.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi inaugurated Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the ‘Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025′, the largest mobility expo in the country, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.The Expo, to be held from January 17-22 across three separate venues — Bharat Mandapam and Yashobhoomi in Delhi, and India Expo Center and Mart in Greater Noida — will host over nine concurrent shows, over 20 conferences and pavilions.In addition, the Expo will also feature states sessions to showcase policies and initiatives in the mobility sector to enable collaboration between industry and regional levels.It is an industry-led and government-supported initiative and is being coordinated by Engineering Export Promotion Council (EEPC) of India with the joint support of various industry bodies and partner organisations.Lokpal of India celebrates 1st Foundation Day on 16th JanuaryThe Foundation Day of the Lokpal of India was held for the first time on 16th January at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi in the august presence of the Chief Justice of India, Shri Justice Sanjiv Khanna.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. India tests micro missile system Bhargavastra to counter Swarm drone: Indigenously developed micro missile system Bhargavastra was successfully tested at the Gopalpur Seaward firing range, Odisha.The micro missile system has been developed to counter the threat of swarm drone attacks.The Bhargavastra has been developed by Economic Explosives Ltd (EEL), a subsidiary of the Nagpur-based Solar Group. It has been designed and developed indigenously and is said to be an effective low-cost weapon system against swarm drone attacks.

 

2. What is Swarm Drone Attack?: The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or drone is a remotely controlled aerial object which can be used for multiple purposes. The use of drones in the battlefield was first used by the Americans to kill top leaders of Al-Qaeda and Talibans in Afghanistan The swarm drone as a weapon was recently used by the Iranians to successfully breach the famous Iron Dome anti-missile system of Israel.               

 

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Arjun Erigaisi stuns Magnus Carlsen, Fabiano Caruana to win online chess event: Indian grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi achieved a remarkable feat in the online chess community by defeating World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen and World No. 2 Fabiano Caruana in the Titled Tuesday weekly blitz competition conducted by Chess.com.His only loss in the tournament came against the American grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura, which came in the seventh round. Nakamura also finished the tournament with 10 points, but the Indian grandmaster had better tiebreaks. He defeated Magnus Carlsen with black pieces in round 10 and after that, he defeated Fabiano Caruana in the 11th and last round.The Titled Tuesday is an online competition for titled chess players who have legal accounts with Chess.com. The players are asked to make themselves available on Zoom calls due to fair play reasons.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Pixxel launches India’s 1st private satellite constellation with SpaceX: Google-backed Indian space start-up company Pixxel has become the first Indian private company to launch its commercial satellite constellation named Firefly on board a Space X rocket.The SpaceX rocket also carried the world’s first commercial satellite for surveillance of space objects orbiting the earth, made by an Indian space company, Digantara.The satellites were launched aboard the Transporter-12 rideshare mission of SpaceX onboard the Falcon 9 rocket from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, the United States of America.The satellites will be placed in a sun-synchronous orbit at roughly 550 km.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. India to grow by 6.4% in FY25: FICCI: FICCI forecasts India’s GDP growth at 4 per cent for the financial year 2024-25.This marks a downward revision from the 7.0 per cent projection made in September 2024 and reflects a notable slowdown from the 8.2 per cent growth recorded in 2023-24.The agricultural sector, including allied activities, is expected to grow 3.6 per cent in 2024-25, according to FICCI Survey.

 

2. PNB MetLife partners with Saraswat Co-operative Bank to offer insurance solutions: PNB MetLife India Insurance Company Ltd (PNB MetLife) has forged a strategic bancassurance partnership with Saraswat Co-operative Bank Ltd, one of the largest urban co-operative banks in India.This collaboration aims to enhance financial inclusion by offering a comprehensive suite of life insurance solutions, including savings, protection, retirement, and group plans, to Saraswat Bank’s extensive customer base of approximately 30 lakh individuals, across 302 branches nationwide.Bancassurance is an insurance distribution model where companies partner with banks to sell insurance policies or products. This arrangement benefits both the bank and insurance companies. While the bank earns a commission from the insurance company, the insurer gains from bank’s distribution network.MD & CEO of PNB MetLife – Sameer Bansal

 

3. PFC signs 120 bn yen loan pact with Japan’s JBIC for RE project: State-owned PFC has inked an agreement with Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) for 120 billion Japanese yen (around Rs 6,600 crore) loan facility.Under the agreement, JBIC will provide funding of JPY 72 billion, and the balance will be funded by commercial banks.This long-term (up to 20 years) loan to PFC will be provided under JBIC’s initiative ‘Global action for Reconciling Economic growth and Environmental preservation’ (GREEN). The funds will be utilized by PFC to finance its renewable energy portfolio, advancing India’s transition to non-fossil-fuel-based energy sources.

 

Daily GK Update- 17th Jan, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Dharmendra Pradhan launches registration portal for Kashi Tamil Sangamam: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has launched the registration portal for the third edition of Kashi Tamil Sangamam, a 10-day event to be held in Varanasi. The event will be held from 15 February to 24, 2025.The portal, kashitamil.iitm.ac.in, hosted by the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, will accept registrations until 1 February.The event, organized by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh government, will celebrate the age-old links between Tamil Nadu and Kashi. This year, the event will be dedicated to Maharishi Agasthyar.Competitions and other awareness programs in Tamil Nadu prior to KTS 3.0 will be organized in a befitting manner in major cities of India and abroad where there is considerable Tamil diaspora. KTS 2.0 was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi at Varanasi on 17th December, 2023.

 

2. 1st astronomical observatory of Eastern India inaugurated in Bengal: The first astronomical observatory of Eastern India and the sixth in the country under the Department of Science and Technology, Union Ministry of Science and Technology has been inaugurated atop the Panchet Hill in the Garpanchkot area of Purulia district in West Bengal.It is the sixth such observatory in India after Ladakh, Nainital (Uttarakhand), Mount Abu (Rajasthan), Girbani Hills in Pune, and Kavalur in Tamil Nadu.The observatory set up in Garpanchkot Hills has been named after famous scientist Satyendra Nath Bose. The observatory has been established by the Satyendra Nath Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences.The Satyendra Nath Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU)with the Sidhu Kanu Birsa University,Purulia for running the observatory and sharing resources.

 

3. JM Financial appoints Ankur Jhaveri as head of Institutional Equities: JM Financial has appointed Ankur Jhaveri as the MD & CEO of Institutional Equities at JM Financial Institutional Securities.He will be responsible for strengthening the sales, trading, research, and derivatives businesses.Ankur brings nearly two decades of experience in institutional equities and derivatives. Before joining JM Financial, he served as Managing Director at Axis Capital.He holds an MBA in Finance and Financial Management Services from the NL Dalmia Institute of Management Studies and Research and a Master’s in Finance (International Finance) from ICFAI University.

 

4. Vineet Joshi assumes charge as Secretary, Department of Higher Education: Vineet Joshi, a seasoned Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the 1992 batch from the Manipur cadre, has been appointed as the Secretary of the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education.Before this appointment, Joshi served as the Chief Secretary of Manipur, a position he assumed in May 2023 amid escalating ethnic tensions in the state.Vineet Joshi has previously held the position of Director-General of the National Testing Agency (NTA), overseeing major entrance examinations such as the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) and Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main.Additionally, he has served as the Chairman of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), where he was instrumental in introducing the Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation (CCE) system.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India & Spain sign two MoUs during Dr. Jaishankar’s visit to Spain: India and Spain have signed two MoUs to strengthen and deepen the bilateral relations between the two countries. These agreements focused on cooperation in sports and sustainable urban development.The agreement was signed during External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishanakar’s visit to Spain. This was the second visit to Spain by Dr Jaishankar. His previous visit was with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2017.During the visit of Pedro Sanchez, both countries decided to celebrate 2026 as the “Year of Culture, Tourism, and Artificial Intelligence (AI)”.

 

2. India to lead G20 insurance growth with 7.3% annual premium surge: Swiss Re: India’s insurance market is poised for rapid growth, with the country projected to lead the G20 nations in premium expansion at an average rate of 7.3 percent annually between 2025 and 2029, according to Swiss Re’s latest insurance market outlook report.Swiss Re also forecasts that India will surpass Germany and Japan to become the world’s third-largest economy by the end of this decade. This trajectory is expected to benefit from steady global economic growth, projected at 2.8 percent in 2025 and 2.7 percent in 2026.Swiss Re also expects India to be the fastest growing G20 economy over the next ten years (2025-2034) with average real GDP growth of 6.2 percent annually (10 percent in nominal terms). It also sees India GDP growing 6.9 percent in 2025, up from 6.5 percent in 2024 and higher than the annual average of 5.8 percent over previous ten years.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Indian Armed Forces conducts Exercise Devil Strike: The Indian Armed Forces has conducted a major military exercise, Exercise Devil Strike. A joint exercise involving the elite airborne soldiers from the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force.The exercise occurred at the training areas and firing ranges, validating critical drills and enhancing operational readiness in a challenging environment.The exercise comprises complex airborne operations on various aircraft including troop and equipment insertion in hostile terrain. The exercise focuses on assessment and refinement of the logistic sustenance strategies ensuring troops remain well-equipped and operational in extremely challenging conditions.

 

2. Defence Ministry signs contract with Bharat Dynamics for Navy’s medium-range surface-to-air missiles: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a 2,960 crore contract with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for the supply of Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MRSAM) for the Indian Navy.The MRSAM system will be fitted onboard multiple Indian Naval ships and is planned for integration into future naval platforms.This contract aligns with the government’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat,’ with the missiles being supplied under the ‘Buy (Indian)’ category, incorporating predominantly indigenous content.The project is expected to generate around 3.5 lakh mandays of employment in the defence sector, including contributions from various MSMEs, further bolstering India’s defence manufacturing capabilities.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Smriti Mandhana Smashes India’s Fastest Women’s ODI Century: Smriti Mandhana smashed the fastest ODI century by an Indian woman during the third ODI against Ireland at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot.The stand-in India captain reached the milestone in just 70 deliveries, surpassing regular skipper Harmanpreet Kaur’s record of 87 balls against South Africa in 2024.The 28-year-old opener’s 10th ODI century was adorned with 12 fours and seven sixes as she was eventually dismissed for an 80-ball 135.Mandhana’s triple-figure score is the joint-seventh fastest overall in the format, equalling former England cricketer Charlotte Edwards’ effort from 2012.

 

2. Arjun Erigaisi stuns Magnus Carlsen, Fabiano Caruana to win online chess event: Indian grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi achieved a remarkable feat in the online chess community by defeating World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen and World No. 2 Fabiano Caruana in the Titled Tuesday weekly blitz competition conducted by Chess.com.His only loss in the tournament came against the American grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura, which came in the seventh round. Nakamura also finished the tournament with 10 points, but the Indian grandmaster had better tiebreaks. He defeated Magnus Carlsen with black pieces in round 10 and after that, he defeated Fabiano Caruana in the 11th and last round.The Titled Tuesday is an online competition for titled chess players who have legal accounts with Chess.com. The players are asked to make themselves available on Zoom calls due to fair play reasons.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. DPIIT joins hands with ITC to bolster India’s startup ecosystem and innovation: The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has entered into a strategic partnership with ITC Limited, one of India’s leading diversified conglomerates.This collaboration charts a shared vision to accelerate startup growth and technological advancement besides creation of viable market opportunities for startups across the country.Under this partnership, ITC is looking to deploy startup solutions in key areas such as digital platforms for Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), integrating renewable energy opportunities for manufacturing locations, energy storage systems, etc.

 

2. Pixxel launches India’s 1st private satellite constellation with SpaceX: Google-backed Indian space start-up company Pixxel has become the first Indian private company to launch its commercial satellite constellation named Firefly on board a Space X rocket.The SpaceX rocket also carried the world’s first commercial satellite for surveillance of space objects orbiting the earth, made by an Indian space company, Digantara.The satellites were launched aboard the Transporter-12 rideshare mission of SpaceX onboard the Falcon 9 rocket from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, the United States of America.The satellites will be placed in a sun-synchronous orbit at roughly 550 km.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Bank of Baroda launches ‘bob Liquid FD’ for enhanced liquidity and convenience: Bank of Baroda has introduced “bob Liquid Fixed Deposits” as an alternative to the traditional fixed deposit (FD), combining the benefits of FD interest rates with the convenience of easy liquidity associated with a Savings Account.The new deposit gives depositors the flexibility of a partial withdrawal without having to close the entire FD, ensuring that depositors can address their urgent financial needs as and when required.The bob Liquid FD has features such as flexible deposit amounts starting at ₹5,000 (and in multiples of ₹1,000 thereafter, with no maximum deposit amount), tenure options ranging from 12 to 60 months and partial withdrawals accepted in multiples of ₹1,000.Further, no penalty is levied for premature withdrawals on Fixed Deposits up to ₹5 lakh that have completed a tenor of at least 12 months.

 

2. NPCI International partners with Magnati to expand UPI acceptance in UAE: NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) has partnered with UAE-based payment solution provider Magnati to advance QR-based Unified Payments Interface (UPI) merchant payments via point-of-sale (POS) terminals in the Middle East.The collaboration aims to expand QR-based merchant payment network in UAE by enabling more merchants to provide UPI as a payment method to Indian travellers, NIPL, the international arm of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).UPI is recognised as one of the world’s most successful real-time payment systems, processing over 16 billion transactions in Dec 2024.With this partnership, NIPL can provide seamless payment options to more than 12 million Indians travelling to Dubai and the UAE annually.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Singapore confers Honorary Citizen Award on Tarun Das: Singapore has conferred the Honorary Citizen Award on Tarun Das, former Director General of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), for his invaluable contributions to Singapore and Singapore-India relations.The award was presented by Singapore’s President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at a ceremony held in New Delhi.The Honorary Citizen Award is the highest recognition bestowed by the Singapore Government on non-Singaporeans for their outstanding contributions to the country’s growth and development.It is conferred on individuals who have made significant contributions in areas such as business, science and technology, information and communications, education, health, arts and culture, sports, tourism, community services, or security.

 

 

Daily GK Update- 16th Jan, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Gaan Ngai festival commemorates end of harvest season in Manipur: The Gaan Ngai festival commemorating the end of the harvest season by the Kabui/Rongmei Naga community is being celebrated in Manipur.Gaan-ngai is the festival of lights and victory, victory over evil; (Gaan means light and Ngai, festival).Another version of Gaan-ngai is the festival of winter season. Chakaan means season, Gaan also means winter and Ngai, festival. This festival is also described as a New Year festival as it marks the end of the year and beginning of the New Year.

 

2. PM Modi Launches ‘Mission Mausam’ on IMD’s 150th Foundation Day: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched “Mission Mausam”, which aims to make the country a “weather-ready” and “climate-smart” nation, in New Delhi as part of the events marking the 150th foundation day of the India Meteorological Department.The “Mission Mausam” aims to achieve its target by developing cutting-edge weather surveillance technologies and systems, implementing high-resolution atmospheric observations, next-generation radars and satellites, and high-performance computers.It will also focus on improving the understanding of weather and climate processes, provide air quality data that will help strategize weather management and intervention in the long run.The IMD was founded in 15January 1875 and is one of the oldest meteorological organizations in the world.

 

3. Odisha announces monthly pension of Rs 20,000 for people imprisoned during Emergency: The Odisha government has announced a monthly pension of Rs 20,000 and other benefits for people jailed during Emergency.Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi declared the provision of monthly pension for those arrested and imprisoned during the Emergency under Maintenance of Internal Security Act, Defence of India Rule or Defence and Internal Security of India Rules.Along with pension, the state government will bear the medical expenses of all the people jailed during the Emergency. Pension and medical facilities will be available to all people still alive as of January 1, 2025.Hundreds were imprisoned in various jails across the country for opposing the Emergency between June 25, 1975 and March 21, 1977.

 

4. Angel One Names Ambarish Kenghe as Group CEO: Angel One has appointed Ambarish Kenghe as its group chief executive officer. Kenghe will assume the role in March 2025.Kenghe has previously served as vice president and general manager, Google Pay APAC, where he was involved in expanding the platform’s reach and supporting the UPI ecosystem in India.His earlier roles include chief product officer, Myntra, a consultant at Bain & Company, and an engineer at Cisco Systems.Chairman and Managing Director of Angel One – Dinesh Thakkar.

 

5. Centre clears appointment of Justice K Vinod Chandran as Supreme Court judge: Patna High Court Chief Justice K Vinod Chandran was elevated as a judge of the Supreme Court.The Supreme Court Collegium recommended Justice Chandran’s name.Justice Chandran was appointed as a judge of the Kerala High Court on November 8, 2011. He was elevated as the chief justice Patna High Court on March 29, 2023.Once he takes oath as a judge of the top court, the working strength of the Supreme Court would rise to 33. Its sanctioned strength is 34, including the chief justice of India.The President in exercise of powers under Article 124(2) of the Constitution, made the appointment.

 

6. Manisha Pande’s book reveals middle class India as a driver of change: Journalist Manisha Pande’s launched its book Middle Class India: Driving Change in the 21st Century.It is divided into three parts.Part I looks at the middle class in pre-Independence India, focusing on the period from 1757 to 1947.Part II concerns itself with the time frame between when India freed itself from the clutches of British colonial rule in 1947 to economic liberalisation in 1991.Part III is about the post-liberalisation scenario, from 1991 until the present day.

 

7. 16 January – National Startup Day: National Startup Day is celebrated annually on 16th January to recognize and promote the entrepreneurial spirit in India.It was first announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2022 to celebrate the contribution of startups to the Indian economy.The day highlights the role of startups in driving innovation, job creation, and economic growth across various sectors.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Puma ropes in PV Sindhu as a brand ambassador: PV Sindhu, two-time Olympic medallist and one of India’s greatest sporting trailblazers, has joined forces with sports brand PUMA India in a multi-year partnership as brand ambassador.Sindhu’s achievements have played a crucial role in popularising badminton as a competitive sport in India. She is the first Indian to win five badminton world championship medals and has triumphed across the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and beyond.She has been honoured with the prestigious Khel Ratna award, Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Arjuna Award.

 

2. 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.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. PM Modi dedicates frontline naval combatants INS Surat, INS Nilgiri & INS Vaghsheer to the nation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation three frontline naval combatants – INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheer – on their commissioning at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, Maharashtra on the occasion of Indian Army Day.The Prime Minister also launched of new platforms, including the INS Nilgiri, dedicated to the maritime prowess of the Chola dynasty, and the Surat warship.INS Surat, the fourth and final ship of the P15B Guided Missile Destroyer Project, ranks among the largest and most sophisticated destroyers in the world. It has an indigenous content of 75% and is equipped with state-of-the-art weapon-sensor packages and advanced network-centric capabilities.INS Nilgiri, the first ship of the P17A Stealth Frigate Project, has been designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and incorporates advanced features for enhanced survivability, seakeeping, and stealth, reflecting the next generation of indigenous frigates.

 

2. 15 January – Indian Army Day: Indian Army Day is celebrated annually on 15th January to honor the bravery and sacrifices of Indian Army personnel. This year marks the 77th anniversary of Indian Army Day.It marks the day in 1949 when General K.M. Cariappa took over as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from General Sir Francis Roy Bucher.The day is observed with grand parades, military displays, and tributes at the National War Memorial and Amar Jawan Jyoti.Theme 2025 – Samarth Bharat, Saksham Sena’ (Capable India, Empowered Army)

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Bumrah and Sutherland named ICC Men’s Player of the month for December 2024: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the ICC Men’s and Women’s Players of the Month for December 2024 as India’s Jasprit Bumrah and Australia’s Annabel Sutherland.Top-ranked Test bowler Bumrah provided stern resistance to Australia’s resurgence in a compelling Border-Gavaskar Trophy series with destructive bowling spells, while Sutherland was in sparkling form during Australia’s ODI encounters against India and New Zealand, twice winning Player of the Series accolades for her all-round-contributions.Both players were crowned following a vote conducted among global fans registered at ICC-cricket.com and a specialist panel comprising ICC Hall of Famers, former international players, and media representatives.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Centre reconstitutes Atomic Energy Commission: The government has re-constituted the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) to include T V Somanathan and Manoj Govil, who took over as the Cabinet Secretary and Expenditure Secretary respectively.The AEC also includes Pankaj Kumar Mishra who took over as Member (Finance) last year, according to a notification issued on October 21 last year and published in the Gazette on January 9.The reconstituted AEC has Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy, as its chairman.The AEC is tasked with formulating policies for the Department of Atomic Energy.

 

2. Blue Origin launched its first orbital rocket ‘New Glenn’: Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’s company ‘Blue Origin’ has launched its first orbital rocket ‘New Glenn’ from Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.New Glenn carry a payload — Blue Ring Pathfinder, which will test key systems for the Defense Innovation Unit’s Orbital Logistics programme.New Glenn which is 98 m tall, is the largest and most powerful rocket ever built and launched. It is named after NASA astronaut John Glenn, the first American astronaut to orbit Earth, completing three orbits in 1962.In December, Blue Origin announced that New Glenn successfully completed the crucial hot-fire test. It was the first test of the integrated launch vehicle.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Suryoday SFB partners with Tata Digital to Launch FD Offerings on Tata Neu Platform: Suryoday Small Finance Bank (SSFB), a prominent digital-first small finance bank, has partnered with Tata Digital to extend its fixed deposit (FD) offerings via the Tata Neu platform.This collaboration will enable SSFB to leverage Tata Neu’s reach, providing retail customers with access to the deposit scheme.SSFB’s FD offering will be available on the Tata Neu platform, where customers can invest in fixed deposits at interest rates of up to 9.1% without the need for a savings account. Customers can start investing with as little as Rs. 1,000 and the onboarding process can be completed in a few minutes.

 

2. Equitas SFB revises SB deposit rates, introduces new slabs: Equitas Small Finance Bank has introduced two new slabs for savings bank (SB) deposit holders.Balances above ₹ 10 lakhs and up to ₹25 lakhs and from ₹25 lakhs to ₹1 crore earn interest of 7 per cent and 7.25 per cent, respectively.Balances up to ₹1 lakh will continue to earn an interest rate of 3.00%, while the extended slab for balances between ₹1 lakh and ₹10 lakhs will provide an interest rate of 5.00 per cent.And balances from ₹1 crore to ₹25 crores will earn 7.50 per cent. For balances above ₹25 crore, the existing rate of 7.80 per cent remains unchanged.