Daily GK Update- 9th Jan, 2025

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. IBBI Chairperson Ravi Mittal Launches IICA PGIP Programme Website: IBBI Chairperson Shri Ravi Mittal launched the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) PGIP programme website while presiding as Chief Guest at an event on the IICA campus.He encouraged students interested in research to apply for the upcoming IBBI research programme, offering selected candidates an opportunity to work with IBBI.The newly launched website will serve as a digital platform to connect PGIP alumni with current students, promoting interaction, knowledge sharing, problem-solving, and industry exposure through alumni engagement.

 

2. Dharmendra Pradhan Releases 55 Literary Works in Classical Indian Languages: Union Minister for Education Shri Dharmendra Pradhan released 55 literary works in classical Indian languages at an event held in New Delhi.The releases include 41 books prepared by the Centres of Excellence for Classical Languages under the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL).Additionally, 13 books and a Tirukkural Sign Language series were brought out by the Central Institute of Classical Tamil (CICT), covering Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, Odia, and Tamil.

The initiative aims to promote India’s linguistic heritage, strengthen classical language research, and foster cultural pride by integrating traditional knowledge into education.

 

3. NITI Aayog Unveils Fifth Edition of Trade Watch Quarterly: NITI Aayog released the fifth edition of its flagship publication Trade Watch Quarterly, presenting a data-driven assessment of India’s trade performance in Q1 FY 2025–26 (April–June 2025), with a special focus on automotive exports.The report was unveiled in New Delhi on January 6 by Dr. Arvind Virmani, Member, NITI Aayog, and highlights structural shifts in India’s trade, including rising technology-intensive exports and resilient services-led growth.A key thematic section analyses India’s automotive exports, noting strong performance in auto components and select vehicle segments such as motorcycles and tractors, while identifying a large untapped global market worth about USD 2.2 trillion.The publication outlines policy priorities to enhance export competitiveness, including improving quality standards, adopting advanced technologies, strengthening logistics, diversifying markets, and deepening integration into global automotive value chains.

 

4. Siddaramaiah Becomes Longest-Serving Chief Minister of Karnatak: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah created history by becoming the longest-serving Chief Minister of Karnataka, surpassing the record of late Devaraj Urs, a key figure in the state’s social justice and land reform movement.On January 6, during his second term, the 77-year-old leader equalled Urs’ total tenure of 2,792 days in office, combining service across two terms.Siddaramaiah is also the only Chief Minister after Devaraj Urs to complete a full five-year term, having served 1,829 days in his first tenure (2013–2018) and 963 days in his current term since May 2023.

 

5. India’s GDP Projected to Grow 6.9% in FY 2026-27: Ind-Ra: This projected growth is lower than the estimated 7.4% GDP growth for the Financial Year 2025-26.This projected growth is lower than the estimated 7.4% GDP growth for the Financial Year 2025-26.

 

6. Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque Sworn in as 24th Chief Justice of Sikkim High Court: Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque was sworn in as the 24th Chief Justice of the High Court of Sikkim at Ashirwad Hall, Lok Bhawan, with Governor Om Prakash Mathur administering the oath of office.

He succeeds Justice Biswanath Somadder, who recently retired from the post of Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Launches e-B-4 Visa for Chinese Business Professionals to Boost Industrial and Investment Activities: India has introduced the e-Production Investment Business Visa (e-B-4 Visa) for Chinese business professionals, allowing travel to India for specified industrial and commercial activities as part of measures to stabilise and reset bilateral ties.The e-B-4 Visa, effective from January 1, can be applied for entirely online, permits a stay of up to six months, and is designed to facilitate production-linked and investment-related business operations.Permitted activities under the visa include equipment installation, quality checks, IT system ramp-up, workforce training, supply chain development, plant commissioning, and visits by senior management, with applications processed via the Bureau of Immigration portal for individuals and the NSWS portal for Indian companies.

 

2. World Hindi Day: How a People’s Language Became a Global Voice: Languages do more than facilitate conversation — they preserve memory, carry cultural struggles, and articulate a civilisation’s aspirations. Hindi, today among the world’s most widely spoken languages, is not the product of a single historical moment but the outcome of centuries of cultural exchange, resistance, and renewal. Observed every year on January 10, World Hindi Day commemorates this long journey and marks the First World Hindi Conference held in Nagpur in 1975, when Hindi was formally projected as a global language. The origins of Hindi lie in “Sanskrit”, the classical language of ancient India. Over time, Sanskrit interacted with Prakrit and Apabhramsha, gradually giving rise to regional dialects spoken by ordinary people. These vernacular forms, shaped by local cultures and daily use, eventually coalesced into what we recognise today as modern Hindi.Crucially, Hindi did not evolve as a language imposed from royal courts. Its growth was organic — rooted in everyday speech, open to external influences, and continuously adapting to social change.

 

3. Two geographies, one moral mechanism: Violence rarely arrives announcing its true name. It comes disguised as duty, wrapped in law, sanctified by faith, draped in the language of nation and necessity. Before it spills blood, it demands something subtler and more dangerous: moral consent. Only after that inner permission is secured does destruction become acceptable, even virtuous..The actor here is not a state or a mob in isolation, but something far more intimate and portable — the human ego. Long before violence hardens into policy, scripture, or slogans, it germinates in the small, sticky centre called “I”.In early January 2026, Venezuela woke to the grammar of force. Explosions around Caracas, helicopters over secured compounds, and soon after, Nicolás Maduro was no longer in his capital but in American custody, on his way to face charges in New York. Washington called it law executed with resolve. Caracas called it a violation of sovereignty. Flags argued, press releases clashed, and ordinary people swept broken glass and counted bodies. That same week in Bangladesh, a Hindu shopkeeper closed his pharmacy on New Year’s Eve and walked home. He never arrived. Stopped on the road, he was stabbed, beaten, drenched in petrol and set on fire. To survive, he jumped into a pond. He died later. Around the same time, a garment worker was beaten and burned alive over an alleged act of blasphemy that police reportedly found no evidence for. Minority groups say more than 2,400 incidents of violence against minorities have occurred since August 2024.

 

4. Why the US Exit from UN Climate Bodies Could Reshape Global Climate Action: The United States has announced its withdrawal from the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and more than 60 international treaties and organisations, including key climate bodies such as the IPCC, International Solar Alliance, and IRENA. Coming a year after President Donald Trump’s decision to pull out of the Paris Agreement, this marks a near-total disengagement of the US from the global climate governance architecture — raising questions about the future effectiveness of multilateral climate action. The US decision covers the “UN Framework Convention on Climate Change”, the foundational 1992 treaty that underpins all global climate negotiations. It also includes exit from major scientific and policy platforms such as the “Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change”, the “International Solar Alliance”, and the “International Renewable Energy Agency”.This comes on top of the US withdrawal from the “Paris Agreement”, which will formally take effect on January 20 after the mandatory one-year notice period. Over the past year, the Trump administration has also cut funding and staffing across US climate research agencies, weakening global data collection and monitoring systems.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Uttarakhand Police Tops ICJS 2.0 Rankings, SDRF Lauded for Mahakumbh Role: The Uttarakhand Police has achieved a major milestone by securing first position in the national ICJS 2.0 rankings, reinforcing its leadership in digital policing and criminal justice reforms. At the same time, the Uttarakhand State Disaster Response Force has earned national recognition for its exemplary service during Prayagraj Mahakumbh-2025. Inspector General of Police Sunil Kumar Meena said Uttarakhand topped the Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) 2.0 rankings as per the latest CCTNS/ICJS Progress Dashboard released by the National Crime Records Bureau. With a score of 93.46, Uttarakhand ranked first nationally, ahead of Haryana and Assam. The achievement reflects rapid adoption of digital platforms, strong inter-departmental coordination, and effective implementation across districts. The Ministry of Home Affairs has set a target to fully operationalise ICJS 2.0 by 2026, integrating police, courts, prosecution, prisons, forensics, and fingerprint databases into a unified digital ecosystem. IG Meena noted that Uttarakhand has completed integration of most ICJS modules ahead of schedule. The system now enables seamless digital handling of case diaries, charge sheets, electronic evidence, and judicial processes, guided by the “One Data, One Entry” principle.

 

2. Oreshnik Missile Escalates Russia-Ukraine Conflict: The Russia-Ukraine war witnessed a sharp escalation after Moscow confirmed the use of its advanced Oreshnik ballistic missile in an overnight strike on Ukraine. The attack, carried out just weeks before the conflict approaches its fourth anniversary, has raised serious concerns about European security and the evolving nature of Russia’s military posture.On January 9, Russia announced that it had deployed the Oreshnik missile as part of a large-scale overnight assault targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure and drone manufacturing facilities. Ukrainian authorities reported multiple casualties in Kyiv, with damage to critical infrastructure. The strike followed Moscow’s claim of a Ukrainian drone attack on the residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin, an allegation rejected by Kyiv and the United States.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Steve Smith Becomes Second-Highest Run-Scorer in Ashes History, Only Behind Don Bradman: Australian batter Steve Smith became the second-highest run-scorer in Ashes history on January 6, 2026, surpassing England’s Jack Hobbs during Day 2 of the fifth Test at Sydney Cricket Ground.Smith has scored 3644 runs in 41 matches and 73 innings at an average of 56.93, including 13 centuries and 15 half-centuries, placing him only behind Australian legend Don Bradman, who scored 5028 runs.Steve Smith notched his 37th Test century and 13th Ashes century, surpassing Jack Hobbs’ record of 12 Ashes hundreds; only Don Bradman’s 19 Ashes centuries remain ahead.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Ministry of I&B’s WaveX Signs MoU with FITT-IIT Delhi to Boost Innovation in Broadcasting and Entertainment: WaveX, the startup accelerator initiative of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, signed an MoU with the Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer (FITT), IIT Delhi, to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in media, entertainment, broadcasting, and communication technologies.Under the collaboration, FITT, IIT Delhi will support the implementation and expansion of the WaveX Programme by helping establish and strengthen incubation centres across the country.FITT will provide strategic and operational guidance, technical expertise, research facilities, mentorship, intellectual property (IP) support, and capacity-building for startups and incubation managers.

 

2. CSIR-NIScPR, IIT Indore and IIT Jodhpur Organise Third Technical Hindi Symposium “Abhyuday-3”: CSIR–NIScPR, IIT Indore, and IIT Jodhpur jointly organised the third Technical Hindi Symposium “Abhyuday-3” at IIT Indore, which concluded as a two-day academic event.The symposium aimed to promote the use of Technical Hindi and enhance the outreach of science and technology to wider sections of society through effective communication.The programme featured invited lectures on science, engineering, digital technologies, and innovation, along with paper presentation sessions where 25 participants presented their research in Hindi.

 

3. NASA Brings Astronauts Home Early Over Medical Concern: In an unprecedented decision, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has announced the early return of four astronauts from the International Space Station (ISS) due to a serious medical concern affecting one crew member. The move marks the first such instance in the ISS’s 25-year history of continuous human presence and underscores NASA’s priority on astronaut health and safety. The four-member Crew-11 mission was launched to the ISS in August last year aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. The astronauts were scheduled for a six-month stay in orbit. However, NASA has now decided to bring the entire crew back nearly a month earlier than planned. Officials clarified that the affected astronaut is currently stable and that the return does not constitute an emergency evacuation. Crew-11 comprises NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov. Following their return, one American astronaut and two Russian cosmonauts will remain aboard the ISS. This arrangement ensures the station retains the minimum crew required to maintain safety, conduct essential operations, and manage critical systems.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. CCI Approves Nippon Steel Corporation’s Acquisition of Krosaki Harima Corporation: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of Krosaki Harima Corporation by Nippon Steel Corporation, Japan.Under the proposed combination, Nippon Steel will acquire 53.4% additional stake in Krosaki through a tender offer and potential squeeze-out, increasing its total shareholding to 100%.Krosaki, a publicly listed Japanese company, operates in India through affiliates, manufacturing and selling refractory products serving industries like iron & steel, lime, aluminium, power, cement, and copper.Nippon Steel, also Japan-based, is engaged in India in manufacturing tubes and pipes, processing automotive cold-rolled steel sheets, crankshafts, auto-parts, and importing and selling various steel products.

 

2. SBI Promotes India-Israel Trade in Rupees as FTA Talks Gain Momentum: SBI, the only Indian bank in Israel, is promoting bilateral trade between India and Israel in Indian rupees (INR) as Free Trade Agreement (FTA) discussions gain momentum.Israeli entities can now make and receive payments in INR through SBI’s Special Rupee Vostro Account (SRVA) for exports/imports of goods and services.SBI Tel Aviv has organised meetings and webinars with the Israel-India Chamber of Commerce and engaged major Israeli defence entities to facilitate rupee trade and strengthen economic ties.The branch also supports over 40,000 Indian workers in Israel by facilitating remittances to India and opening NRI accounts, while providing trade finance, bank guarantees, and corporate banking services.

 

3. First Meeting of Payments Regulatory Board Held Under RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra: The first meeting of the Payments Regulatory Board (PRB) was held in Mumbai under the chairmanship of RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra.The PRB was constituted following amendments to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, which came into effect on 9 May last year.The meeting reviewed the functioning of the Department of Payment and Settlement Systems and discussed key issues related to domestic and global payment systems, including the draft Payments Vision 2028 and findings of the RBI’s Digital Payments Survey.

 

4. EXIM Bank Raises $1 Billion Through Dual-Tranche U.S. Dollar Bonds in First 2026 Debt Issue: The Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank) accepted bids worth $1 billion for its dual-tranche, longer-duration U.S. dollar-denominated bonds, marking India’s first such debt issue of 2026.The bank raised $500 million through 10-year bonds at a 5.00% yield, representing a spread of 85 basis points over the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield.Another $500 million was raised through 30-year bonds at a 5.75% yield, with a spread of 95 basis points over the comparable U.S. Treasury yield.

 

Daily GK Update- 8th Jan, 2026

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Karnataka Records First Sighting of Ultra-Rare ‘Sandalwood Leopard’ in Vijayanagara: Karnataka recorded its first-ever sighting of the ultra-rare “Sandalwood Leopard” in Vijayanagara district, marking only the second confirmed instance in India.The female leopard shows a pale reddish-pink coat with light-brown rosettes, unlike the usual tawny colour, and was captured on camera traps, later seen with a normally coloured cub.The discovery was documented by wildlife biologist Sanjay Gubbi and the Holematthi Nature Foundation, with researchers noting that genetic confirmation will require non-invasive DNA analysis.

 

2. ONGC Partners with NSTFDC to Boost Infrastructure and Education in Eklavya Model Residential Schools : ONGC Ltd. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NSTFDC to support infrastructure development and welfare initiatives for Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), aimed at tribal youth empowerment.The initiative focuses on career mentorship, digital education, teacher capacity building, and holistic development of tribal students enrolled in EMRS.Under the project, ONGC has sanctioned ₹28 crores for digital learning infrastructure, health and hygiene interventions (like sanitary pad vending machines and incinerators), career counseling, and entrepreneurship training across 144 EMRS in 11 states and UTs.The project is expected to benefit over 35,000 tribal students, enhancing equal access to quality education, technology, and career opportunities.

 

3. Delhi Government Signs MoU with RBI to Streamline Borrowings and Cash Management : Delhi government signs MoU with RBI, allowing it to act as banker, debt manager, and financial agent for the state.The MoU enables market borrowings through State Development Loans, automatic surplus cash investment, professional cash management, and access to low-cost liquidity.CM Rekha Gupta calls the agreement a transformational milestone and a long-overdue financial reform.

 

4. EU Leaders Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa to Be Chief Guests at India’s Republic Day 2026: European Union leaders Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa will be the chief guests at India’s Republic Day 2026 celebrations on January 26, 2026, marking a significant diplomatic moment for the event.Ursula von der Leyen serves as President of the European Commission and António Costa as President of the European Council, representing the top leadership of the EU.This invitation underscores strengthening India–EU diplomatic and economic ties, highlighting India’s strategic engagement with the European Union as a unified partner.

 

5. Reliance Signs Amitabh Bachchan as Brand Ambassador for Campa Sure Packaged Water: Reliance Consumer Products Limited (RCPL) has signed Amitabh Bachchan as the brand ambassador for its packaged drinking water brand Campa Sure.This marks the third major brand endorsement by RCPL in recent months, following Ram Charan’s association with Campa and a strategic partnership with Ajith Kumar’s motorsport team.The move comes amid heightened competition in the packaged water segment, especially after the GST on mineral water was reduced to 5% from 18%, prompting price cuts across the industry.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Israel Becomes First Country to Recognise Somaliland as an Independent State: Israel became the first country to formally recognise Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, a move likely to impact regional dynamics and challenge Somalia’s opposition to secession.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced immediate cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, health, technology and the economy, and signed a joint declaration of mutual recognition with President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi.

 

2. Bengaluru Tops 2025 Ranking as Best Indian City for Women : Bengaluru has been ranked the best city for women in India in 2025, emerging as the top performer in a nationwide study assessing urban inclusion. The ranking highlights the city’s strength in combining social infrastructure with industrial opportunities, creating a supportive ecosystem for women’s safety, employment, and long-term career growth. The study was released by Avtar, a Chennai-based workplace inclusion firm, and evaluated 125 cities across the country. Bengaluru secured the highest City Inclusion Score of 53.29, followed by Chennai at 49.86 and Pune at 46.27. Hyderabad and Mumbai completed the top five, reflecting the dominance of southern and western metropolitan regions in fostering women-friendly urban environments. The index is built on two key pillars. The Social Inclusion Score measures factors such as safety, health, education, mobility, and overall liveability. The Industrial Inclusion Score tracks access to formal employment, skilling opportunities, corporate diversity practices, and women’s participation in the workforce. Cities performing strongly across both pillars were found to offer more sustainable conditions for women’s professional advancement.

 

3. U.S. Withdraws from 66 International Organisations Under Trump Order: The United States has announced its withdrawal from 66 international organisations, marking a significant escalation in President Donald Trump’s retreat from multilateral global cooperation. The decision follows a comprehensive review of U.S. participation and funding in international bodies, particularly those linked to the United Nations system. The move was formalised through an executive order signed on January 7, 2026, suspending U.S. support for 66 organisations, agencies, and commissions. Most of the targeted bodies are affiliated with the United Nations and focus on climate action, labour standards, social development, and advisory functions. The administration has characterised many of these institutions as redundant, inefficient, or misaligned with U.S. national interests and sovereignty. A central feature of the withdrawals is the U.S. exit from climate-related frameworks, including the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the foundational treaty underpinning the Paris Agreement. The administration has also pulled out of the India–France-led International Solar Alliance. Officials argue these bodies promote policy agendas linked to diversity and “woke” initiatives, which the administration views as contrary to its priorities.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. 2nd Khelo India Beach Games Kicks Off at Ghoghla Beach, Diu with 2,100+ Athletes: The 2nd Khelo India Beach Games will be held at Ghoghla Beach, Diu, from 5 to 10 January, organised by the UT of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.Over 2,100 athletes will compete in eight beach sports, with six medal events including Beach Soccer, Beach Volleyball, Beach Kabaddi, Pencak Silat and Open Water Swimming. Mallakhamb and Tug of War are the non-medal events.

Conducted under the technical supervision of the Sports Authority of India, the event aligns with PM Narendra Modi’s vision of promoting a strong sports culture and healthy youth.

 

2. Pro Wrestling League Season 5 Auction Sees 63 Wrestlers Sold for Over ₹11 Crore: A total of 63 wrestlers were bought in the Pro Wrestling League Season 5 auction, with six franchises spending over ₹11 crore to build their squads.Yui Susaki, two-time Olympic medallist and four-time world champion, received the highest bid of ₹60 lakh from Haryana Thunders.Among men, Robert Baran was the most expensive, purchased by Maharashtra Kesari for ₹55 lakh, while Indian wrestlers Sujeet Kalkal and Antim Panghal attracted bids of ₹52 lakh each.The tournament resumes after six years, scheduled from 15 January to 1 February at the Noida Indoor Stadium, featuring nine weight categories across men’s and women’s divisions.

 

3. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Stars as India U19 Seal 3–0 Sweep: India Under-19 delivered a dominant all-round performance to crush South Africa Under-19 by 233 runs in the third and final youth ODI, completing a clean 3–0 series sweep. The match underlined India’s depth and aggressive intent, with captain Vaibhav Sooryavanshi emerging as the standout performer of the series. Leading from the front, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi produced a breathtaking innings, smashing 127 off just 74 balls. The 14-year-old from Bihar struck ten sixes and nine fours, showcasing fearless strokeplay and exceptional timing. His knock followed an earlier rapid fifty in the series, confirming his growing reputation as one of India’s most exciting youth prospects. Opening partner Aaron George complemented Sooryavanshi perfectly with a composed 118 off 106 deliveries. Together, they stitched a commanding 227-run partnership that laid the foundation for India’s imposing total of 393 for 7. The sheer scale of the total put the contest firmly beyond South Africa’s reach before the chase even began.

 

 

 

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. MeitY, IndiaAI and IIT Guwahati Host Human Capital Working Group Meeting on AI: MeitY, IndiaAI Mission, Government of Assam and IIT Guwahati are jointly hosting a two-day Human Capital Working Group Meeting at the IIT Guwahati campus.The meeting brought together policymakers, academic leaders and industry experts to discuss education reforms, workforce transition and human-centric AI adoption.Chaired by Prof. T. G. Sitharam, the meeting serves as a precursor to the India AI Impact Summit 2026, scheduled in New Delhi (15–20 February 2026).

 

2. SAMPANN Integrated Pension System Enhanced with DigiLocker Access for DoT Pensioners: SAMPANN (System for Accounting and Management of Pension) is an integrated online pension management system for Department of Telecommunications (DoT) pensioners, enabling end-to-end processing, sanctioning and direct bank transfer of pensions.The platform provides online grievance redressal, digital profile management and transaction records, improving transparency, efficiency and service delivery for telecom retirees.To promote digital governance and paperless services, key pension documents such as Pension Payment Orders, Gratuity Orders, Commutation Orders and Form 16 are now available via DigiLocker, allowing secure anytime access and long-term digital preservation.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. ICICI Bank Enters Capital Gains Account Scheme, Offering Tax-Saving Option from 2026: ICICI Bank has entered the Capital Gains Account Scheme (CGAS) after the Government of India approval, allowing resident individuals and HUFs to park uninvested long-term capital gains from January 1, 2026.The CGAS account enables taxpayers to earn interest for up to three years while preserving capital gains tax exemptions and planning reinvestment.ICICI Bank becomes one of the few authorised banks to offer CGAS, easing reinvestment timeline challenges faced by taxpayers, especially in property transactions.The move expands access to CGAS in urban and semi-urban areas, positioning the scheme as both a tax-compliance tool and short-term capital management solution.

 

2. HDFC AMC Launches ₹2,500-Crore Structured Credit Fund to Tap Private Credit Market: HDFC AMC enters the private credit market with its new Structured Credit Fund-I, targeting mid-market companies with alternative debt financing.IFC, part of the World Bank Group, will invest up to ₹220 crore as an anchor investor; the fund has already secured ₹1,290 crore in its first close, aiming for a total corpus of ₹1,500 crore with a green-shoe option of ₹1,000 crore.The fund will invest in mid-market companies across sectors, aiming for mid-teen returns over 4–6 years, enhancing access to finance, supporting job creation, and promoting market innovation.

 

3. UPI Sets Record with 21.6 Billion Transactions in December 2025: UPI recorded a record 63 billion transactions in December 2025, marking its highest monthly volume ever, with a total value of ₹27.97 lakh crore.Daily averages reached nearly 698 million transactions, up from 682 million in November, showing strong adoption in everyday payments.Year-on-year, transaction volumes grew 29% and transaction values increased 20%, with average ticket size around ₹1,293, highlighting UPI’s shift toward micro-payments.For the full year 2025, UPI processed 228.3 billion transactions worth nearly ₹300 lakh crore, capturing 84.8% of retail digital payment volumes in H1 2025.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Fatima Al Awadhi Summits Mount Vinson as Youngest Arab at 18: An 18-year-old Emirati mountaineer, Fatima Abdulrahman Al Awadhi, has reached the summit of Mount Vinson in Antarctica, becoming the youngest Arab to stand atop the continent’s highest peak. The ascent, completed on January 6, 2026, places her among a small group of climbers to conquer one of the world’s most remote and hostile summits. Mount Vinson rises to about 4,892 metres in the Ellsworth Mountains, deep within Antarctica. It is part of the Seven Summits list, which includes the highest mountain on each continent. Unlike peaks with established settlements and road access, Vinson is defined by isolation, limited rescue options, and logistics that rely heavily on specialized aviation and polar field camps. Climbers face severe cold, strong winds, and whiteout conditions that can halt movement for days. Temperatures on Vinson expeditions can plunge below minus 40 degrees Celsius, increasing the risks of frostbite, dehydration, and equipment failure. The climb typically requires high endurance, careful acclimatization, and disciplined pacing across icefields and exposed ridgelines, with teams often operating for up to three weeks in challenging conditions.

 

Daily GK Update- 7th Jan, 2026

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. New Reed Snake Species Calamaria Mizoramensis Discovered in Mizoram: Researchers have discovered a new species of reed snake in Mizoram, underscoring the state’s rich but still underexplored biodiversity. The non-venomous species has been named “Calamaria mizoramensis”, after the state where it was found. The discovery adds to India’s growing list of endemic reptiles and highlights the ecological significance of forested hill regions in the Northeast. The discovery was led by Prof. H. T. Lalremsanga of Mizoram University, along with researcher Malsawmdawngliana Fanai and collaborators from Russia, Germany, and Vietnam. The findings were formally published on January 5, 2026, in the peer-reviewed journal Zootaxa. The team confirmed that the species belongs to the genus “Calamaria”, which currently comprises 69 recognised species worldwide.

 

2. India’s First Hydrogen Train to Begin Trials on Jind–Sonipat Route: India is set to enter a new phase of green mobility with the launch of its first hydrogen-powered train, scheduled to begin trial operations on the Jind–Sonipat route in Haryana from January 26, 2026. The landmark initiative aligns with Indian Railways’ broader strategy to reduce dependence on diesel traction and cut carbon emissions from rail transport. The inaugural trial run is expected to be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The 90-kilometre Jind–Sonipat section has been selected as the pilot corridor for this eco-friendly technology. Officials say the hydrogen train will initially operate at speeds ranging from 110 to 140 kmph, completing the journey in nearly one hour, compared to the two hours taken by existing diesel services.

 

3. Explained: The AI-171 Crash, ICAO Rules, and Why Transparency Has Become the Central Question: Nearly two decades ago, in March 2006, the Chairman of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Assad Kotoite, delivered a warning that now reads like prophecy.

Aviation safety, he said, could survive only on one unbroken thread — transparency. Weakness in one state, he cautioned, inevitably becomes weakness for all.That warning has returned to haunt India after the crash of Air India flight 171 at Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025 — an accident that killed 241 of the 242 people on board and 19 more on the ground, within seconds of take-off. More than the tragedy itself, it is the handling of the investigation that is raising questions about India’s commitment to global aviation safety norms.

 

4. India in 2026: Why Criticism Must Be Anchored in Evidence, Not Despair: As India steps into 2026, public debate needs a dose of New Year discipline. Scrutiny is essential in a democracy; sharp criticism is healthy. But argument without responsibility corrodes trust. A republic of over 1.4 billion people cannot be reformed by cynicism alone. Jobs, productivity, exports and inclusion are difficult objectives even in stable economies. In a diverse, federal democracy, progress comes through the unglamorous grind of design, implementation, correction and scale.A New Year is also a moment to separate scepticism from pessimism — to ask not whether policies are perfect, but whether they are moving outcomes in the right direction.Public policy, like philosophy, requires a temperament that engages with reality rather than standing aloof from it. In “Beyond Good and Evil”, Friedrich Nietzsche argued that the philosopher must create values rather than merely criticise from the sidelines. Governing a complex democracy demands the same ethic. Critique is welcome — indeed necessary — but it must be tethered to evidence and an understanding of constraints.

 

5. Have India’s Paris Climate Promises Been Delivered? A Decade After the Pledge: More than a decade after India stood at the Paris climate summit and outlined a carefully calibrated set of climate commitments, the question today is not whether targets were announced, but whether they have meaningfully reshaped India’s environmental trajectory. From the recent Supreme Court judgment on the Aravallis to the country’s expanding renewable energy footprint, India’s climate record reveals a mix of headline achievements and structural contradictions. At the 2015 Paris summit under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, India anchored its climate stance in the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities”, arguing that its development needs could not be judged by the same yardstick as historically high emitters like the United States.

 

6. Prime Minister Narendra Modi articulated four quantified commitments: reducing emissions intensity of GDP by 33–35% from 2005 levels by 2030; raising non-fossil power capacity to 40%; achieving 175 GW of renewable energy; and creating an additional forest carbon sink of 2.5–3 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent. These promises sought to balance climate action with economic growth.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Andre De Grasse Named International Event Ambassador for Tata Mumbai Marathon 2026: Olympic sprint champion Andre De Grasse has been named International Event Ambassador for the 21st Tata Mumbai Marathon, scheduled on January 18, 2026, in Mumbai.The Tata Mumbai Marathon, a World Athletics Gold Label Race, is recognised as Asia’s largest mass participation sporting event and one of the world’s premier road races.As ambassador, De Grasse will promote the marathon globally, engage with runners and stakeholders, and support outreach initiatives to enhance the event’s international visibility and inclusivity.

 

2. Why India’s Growth Has Held Firm Despite Trump’s Tariff Shock: When US President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariff hikes on imports from even close partners during his so-called “Liberation Day” in April, the global consensus was grim. Retaliation was expected, markets tumbled, and economists warned of a synchronised slowdown marked by inflation in the US and collapsing trade elsewhere. Nine months later, the outcomes look far more complex. The US posted headline growth of 4.3%, and India clocked a robust 8.2% growth in the second quarter of the current financial year. The resilience of India’s economy, in particular, offers lessons on how large, diversified economies absorb global trade shocks. The initial escalation was dramatic. Washington imposed tariffs of up to 150% on Chinese imports. Beijing responded in kind and went further by banning exports of several medium and heavy rare-earth elements — including dysprosium, neodymium and terbium — critical for high-temperature magnets used in drones, electric vehicles, missiles and advanced manufacturing.Although countries such as China, Vietnam, Brazil, Russia and India hold large rare-earth reserves, China controls nearly 90% of global refining capacity. These elements are typically mined elsewhere but shipped to China for separation and processing, giving Beijing disproportionate leverage. The restriction quickly exposed vulnerabilities in advanced manufacturing supply chains across the US and its allies.

 

3. Indian Ambassador Explores Odisha’s Ancient Buddhist Heritage: India’s Ambassador to Bhutan undertook a cultural visit to Odisha to explore the state’s rich and ancient Buddhist heritage, highlighting the region’s historical links with the spread of Buddhism in South and Southeast Asia. The visit underlined Odisha’s role as a major centre of Buddhist learning and pilgrimage in ancient India. The ambassador visited prominent Buddhist heritage locations across Odisha, including ancient stupas, monasteries, and excavation sites. These sites reflect the flourishing of Buddhism in the region from the Mauryan period to the post-Gupta era. Archaeological remains indicate Odisha’s importance as a hub for monks, scholars, and travellers. Odisha, historically known as Kalinga, occupies a crucial place in Buddhist history. The aftermath of the Kalinga War is closely associated with the transformation of Emperor Ashoka and the subsequent spread of Buddhism. Sites such as Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri, and Udayagiri are considered among the earliest organised Buddhist complexes in the country.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. DRDO Develops Portable Desalination System for Soldiers in Remote Areas: The Defence Research and Development Organisation has developed a portable water desalination device to meet the drinking water needs of soldiers deployed in challenging and water-scarce environments. The system is designed to support small groups operating in remote, coastal, or high-altitude regions where access to potable water is severely limited. The device, named Sea Water Desalination System (SWaDeS), has been developed by the Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur in response to operational requirements projected by the tri-command services. It can be operated either manually or through an engine-driven mode, offering flexibility across different deployment scenarios.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Sjoerd Marijne Reappointed as Chief Coach of Indian Women’s Hockey Team: Dutch coach Sjoerd Marijne has been reappointed as Chief Coach of the Indian women’s hockey team, marking his third stint, after a gap of about 4.5 years.Marijne previously coached the team from 2017 to 2021, guiding India to a historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics 2021 and helping the team break into the top-10 world rankings for the first time.His return comes after the resignation of former head coach Harendra Singh in December 2025, amid poor performances, internal issues, and allegations of favouritism, including India finishing last in the FIH Pro League 2024–25.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

2. Can China’s Hurricane 3000 Neutralise Drone Swarms Within 3 km?: China has disclosed new details about the Hurricane 3000, a truck-mounted high-power microwave weapon designed to counter the growing threat of drone swarms on modern battlefields. Developed by defence major Norinco, the system is being positioned as a key element of China’s evolving counter-UAV and air-defence architecture, with a claimed effective range exceeding 3 km. The rapid proliferation of low-cost and autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles has altered contemporary warfare, challenging traditional air-defence systems. Swarm attacks, in particular, can overwhelm missile-based or gun-based defences. Against this backdrop, China has focused on directed-energy weapons as a cost-effective and scalable solution, with the Hurricane 3000 emerging as its most prominent high-power microwave platform.

 

3. NASA Peers Inside a White Dwarf System for the First Time: NASA has achieved a quiet but significant breakthrough in space science by observing the internal structure of a white dwarf system in unprecedented detail. Using the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE), scientists have, for the first time, moved beyond brightness measurements to study the geometry and physical processes inside such a system. The target was EX Hydrae, a compact stellar remnant locked in a close binary orbit. EX Hydrae lies about 200 light-years away in the constellation Hydra. It is a white dwarf, the dense remnant left behind when a Sun-like star exhausts its nuclear fuel. Roughly Earth-sized but nearly as massive as the Sun, white dwarfs represent one of the final stages of stellar evolution.

 

4. ISRO to Launch PSLV-C62 With EOS-N1 Satellite on January 12: The Indian Space Research Organisation will begin its 2026 launch calendar with the PSLV-C62 mission scheduled for January 12 from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. The launch marks the space agency’s first mission of the year and underlines its continued focus on strategic, commercial, and international payload deployment. The primary payload onboard PSLV-C62 is EOS-N1, an advanced Earth observation imaging satellite developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation. Designed for strategic purposes, the satellite is expected to enhance India’s surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. Officials said EOS-N1 will be placed into its intended orbit using the reliable Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle.

 

 

 

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. What India’s Household Consumption Survey reveals about changing lives and aspirations: India’s consumption story is often reduced to growth rates and income numbers. But the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) tells a more grounded story — of what Indian households actually spend on, how priorities shift as incomes rise, and what this reveals about economic transition on the ground. The latest HCES rounds for 2022-23 and 2023-24, released by the “Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation”, offer the first comprehensive update to consumption patterns in over a decade, making them critical for poverty estimation, social policy, and understanding India’s expanding middle-income population. The HCES is conducted roughly every five years and captures detailed spending patterns of Indian households across rural and urban areas. Its core metric is Monthly Per Capita Expenditure (MPCE), which reflects average consumption spending per person across a wide basket of goods and services — from food and fuel to housing, health, education and transport.

The 2022-23 and 2023-24 rounds are especially significant because they bridge a long data gap since 2011-12. They provide granular, updated insights into how Indian households allocate every ₹100 of their consumption expenditure, offering a window into changing living standards and aspirations.