Daily GK Update- 15th Jan, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal-Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project: The Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal-Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (PKC-ERCP) is initiative aimed at enhancing irrigation in Rajasthan. This project will impact 23 districts and is crucial for providing  water for irrigation, drinking, and industrial use. However, it poses environmental challenges, particularly regarding the Ranthambhore tiger reserve. The PKC-ERCP will submerge 408.86 sq km of land, including 37 sq km of the Ranthambhore tiger reserve. This reserve is home to 57 tigers and is vital for wildlife conservation. The project aims to channel surplus water from the Chambal river basin, benefiting approximately 3.45 crore people in Rajasthan.

 

2. SECL Launches Post-Retirement Benefit (PRB) Cell: South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL) based in Chhattisgarh, has launched a dedicated Post-Retirement Benefit (PRB) Cell to enhance the welfare and convenience of its retired employees.

The PRB Cell will serve as a single-window system, consolidating various post-retirement services that multiple departments, including Personnel, Finance, and Medical previously managed.This centralization aims to eliminate delays and miscommunication, providing retirees withstreamlined access to pensions, provident funds, medical facilities, and other benefits.The initiative also complements ‘Mission Sambandh,’ an SECL program aimed at enhancing communication and coordination with stakeholders.

 

3. Gautam Adani announces ₹65,000 crore investment in energy, cement projects in Chhattisgarh: The Adani Group will invest Rs 65,000 crore in energy and cement projects in Chhattisgarh.Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani met Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and announced an investment of Rs 60,000 crore to expand the group’s power plants in Raipur, Korba and Raigarh in the state. The expansion will enhance Chhattisgarh’s power generation capacity by 6,120 MW.Adani Power is India’s top private thermal power producer. It is targeting to double its thermal power capacity to 30.67 GW by 2029-30 from 15 GW currently.

The firm said last month it was exploring options of investing Rs 20,000 crore to set up a coal-fired ultra-supercritical thermal power plant in Bihar.In Chhattisgarh, the Adani Group also committed Rs 5,000 crore for the development and expansion of its cement plants, as per the statement.C-DOT and IIT Mandi sign agreement for “Developing Semiconductor Chip of Wideband Spectrum

 

4. Sensor for Dynamic Spectrum Access”: The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), the premier Telecom R&D centre of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), GoI has signed an agreement with the Indian Institute of Technology Mandi (IIT Mandi) in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Jammu (IIT Jammu), for the development of “Wideband Spectrum-Sensor ASIC-Chip, for Enhancing the Spectrum Utilization”.The agreement is signed under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) scheme of the Department of Telecommunications, Government of India. This scheme, designed to fund Indian startups, academia, and R&D institutions, is a crucial enabler for designing, developing, and commercializing telecommunication products and solutions. The project aims to develop a reliable and implementation-friendly wideband spectrum sensing (WSS) algorithm to improve spectrum efficiency by leveraging spectrum holes to deliver broadband services in rural India.

 

5. Devajit Saikia appointed as BCCI Secretary; Prabhtej Singh Bhatia elected Treasurer: Former first-class cricketer Devajit Saikia has been appointed as the new secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), replacing Jay Shah, who assumed the role of ICC Chairman last year.Prabhtej Singh Bhatia was elected as the Treasurer of the Indian Cricket Board.Saikia, who represented Assam in the 1990-91 first-class cricket season, scored 53 runs in four matches. He also has significant experience in cricket administration, having served as the BCCI joint secretary and the secretary of the Assam Cricket Association (ACA).

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 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.

 

2. Thailand Bans Plastic Waste Imports in 2025: Thailand has recently taken step in combating the global plastic waste crisis by banning the import of plastic waste. This decision, effective from January 1, 2025, aims to address the toxic pollution that has plagued the country for years. Thailand has been a major destination for plastic waste from developed nations, including the United States and Japan. The following notes outline the context and implications of this ban. Thailand has been a leading importer of plastic waste since 2018. Over this period, the country received more than 1.1 million tonnes of plastic scraps. In 2023 alone, Japan exported approximately 50,000 tonnes of plastic waste to Thailand. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment introduced the ban to prevent the mishandling of waste, which often resulted in burning rather than recycling.

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Pune to Host Army Day Parade 2025: The Army Day Parade, event in India’s military calendar, will take place in Pune for the first time on 15 January 2025. This parade commemorates the appointment of Field Marshal K M Cariappa as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army. The event, which traditionally occurs in Delhi, has been rotating to different cities since 2023, enhancing local engagement with the Armed Forces. Pune’s selection puts stress on its historical connection to the military, being home to the Southern Command Headquarters and the National Defence Academy Indian Army Day is celebrated annually on 15 January. This date marks the founding of the Indian Army and the transfer of military leadership to Indian hands post-independence. Originally observed on 1 April 1895, the date was changed to honour the contributions and sacrifices of soldiers. The day aims to instil patriotism and respect for the armed forces among citizens.

 

2. Launch of INS Utkarsh: Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has successfully launched the second multi-purpose vessel (MPV) for the Indian Navy, named INS Utkarsh. The launch took place at the Kattupalli Shipyard near Chennai. This event marks India’s advancements in indigenous shipbuilding as part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission. The launch occurred within three months of the first MPV, INS Samarthak, demonstrating L&T’s accelerated production capabilities.

 

3. CISF Expands with New Battalions for Security: The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is undergoing expansion, as approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). This decision will create two additional battalions, each comprising 1,025 personnel. The total number of CISF battalions will increase from 13 to 15, resulting in 2,050 new job opportunities. The expansion aims to enhance national security, particularly in internal security and the management of high-security jails. The MHA’s approval for the creation of two new battalions reflects the increasing demands placed on the CISF. Each battalion will be led by senior commandant officers. This expansion is part of a broader effort to boost national security, especially following the establishment of the Mahila Battalion. The total personnel strength of CISF will approach 200,000, enhancing its capabilities.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. First edition of the Kho Kho World Cup starts in New Delhi: The first edition of the Kho Kho World Cup started at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi on 13 January 2025. The World Cup was inaugurated by Sudhanshu Mittal, President of the Kho Kho Federation of India.The Kho Kho World Cup has been organised by the Kho Kho Federation of India with support from the Indian Olympic Association in New Delhi from 13-19 January 2025.During the World Cup, each team will consist of 12 players, however during a match only 9 players from each team will actually take the field.The first edition of the Kho Kho World Cup features 20 countries’ men’s and 19 women’s teams. The men and women kho kho teams have been divided into four groups.

The 15-member Indian men’s team is led by Pratik Waikar and the women’s team is led by Priyanka Ingle.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Retinal Vascular Analysis for Assessing Stroke Risk: Recent research has brought into light the potential of retinal vascular analysis as a non-invasive method for assessing stroke risk. This study, involving over 68,000 fundus images, identified 29 indicators of retinal health. It reported nearly 750 strokes over a follow-up period of 12.5 years. Researchers found that the blood vessels in the retina can predict stroke risk as accurately as traditional risk factors, such as high cholesterol. This finding is particularly for primary healthcare and low-resource settings, where invasive lab tests may not be feasible. Retinal vascular analysis examines the blood vessels in the retina to assess overall vascular health. It employs fundus photography, a specialised imaging technique, to capture detailed images of the retina. The analysis identifies changes in the vascular network, which can indicate potential health risks, including stroke.

 

2. IMD’s Vision-2047 Document: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recently celebrated its 150th foundation day. Prime Minister Narendra Modi revealed the Vision-2047 document, outlining ambitious goals for  weather forecasting and disaster management. The IMD aims for 100% accuracy in  weather forecasts for three days and 90% for five days. The initiative seeks to enhance severe weather detection at the village level, ultimately aiming for zero fatalities from such events by 2047. The IMD has set specific targets for forecast accuracy. The goals include 100% accuracy for three days, 90% for five days, 80% for seven days, and 70% for ten days. These targets will cover all severe weather events at block and panchayat levels. The focus is on improving the reliability of weather predictions to protect communities.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. IDBI Bank unveils Chiranjeevi Super Senior Citizen FD, offers 8.5% interest: IDBI Bank has introduced a new specialised fixed deposit scheme, ‘IDBI Chiranjeevi-Super Senior Citizen FD,’ targeting customers aged 80 years and above.The premium offering provides enhanced interest rates, with an additional 65 basis points above standard fixed deposit rates and 15 basis points over existing senior citizen rates.The 555-day tenure under this scheme offers an interest rate of 8.05 per cent per annum, making it one of the most competitive options in the market for super senior citizens.The bank has also introduced appealing rates for other tenure options, including 7.90 per cent per annum for 375 days, 8.00 per cent per annum for 444 days, and 7.85 per cent per annum for 700 days.

 

2. Mutual fund investors in India can now name up to 10 nominees: Market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has announced significant changes to the nomination rules for mutual funds and demat accounts aimed at reducing unclaimed assets and ensuring better management of investments, particularly in cases of illness or the death of an investor.SEBI has revises mutual fund nomination rules, effective March 1, 2025. An investor can declare up to 10 persons as nominees in the demat account or mutual fund folio. However, the investor will need to declare the nominee. It cannot be done by the Power of Attorney (PoA) holder(s) of the investor.The nominees can either continue as joint holders with other nominees or open separate single accounts/folios for their respective portions.Under the new guidelines, investors are now required to provide comprehensive information about their nominees. 

 

Daily GK Update- 14th Jan, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Piyush Goyal launches National Turmeric Board to Support Farmers: Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal has inaugurated the National Turmeric Board at Vanijya Bhawan in New Delhi for the welfare of cultivators across 20 states.The government has appointed Palle Ganga Reddy as its first chairperson. The headquarters of the Board has been set up inRepresentatives from various ministries will be part of the National Turmeric Board in the coming days. Representatives from exporters and producers’ bodies will also be included on the Board.The Board will ensure quality and safety standards of turmeric production and exports. Last year, 2023-24, an area of 3.05 lakh hectare was under turmeric cultivation in India with a production of 10.74 lakh tonnes.

 

2. SECL Launches Post-Retirement Benefit (PRB) Cell: South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL) based in Chhattisgarh, has launched a dedicated PostRetirement Benefit (PRB) Cell to enhance the welfare and convenience of its retired employees.The PRB Cell will serve as a single-window system, consolidating various post-retirement services that multiple departments, including Personnel, Finance, and Medical previously managed.This centralization aims to eliminate delays and miscommunication, providing retirees with streamlined access to pensions, provident funds, medical facilities, and other benefits.The initiative also complements ‘Mission Sambandh,’ an SECL program aimed at enhancing communication and coordination with stakeholders.

 

3. Odisha becomes the 34th state to implement AB PM-JAY: Odisha became the 34th state to join the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) scheme, seven months after the BJP came to power in the state.The Ayushman Bharat scheme will be implemented in convergence with the existing Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY) in Odisha.The convergence scheme, for which one bilingual health card will be issued to the beneficiary, will provide cover of ₹5 lakh per family per annum with an additional ₹5 lakh for women members.A total of approximately 1.03 crore families will come under the converged scheme with 67.8 lakh families supported by the Union Government.

 

4. PM Modi inaugurates Z-Morh tunnel in Kashmir: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 6.5 km Z-Morh tunnel in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.The 6.5 km long two-lane tunnel connecting Gagangir and Sonamarg in Ganderbal district was constructed at an expenditure exceeding ₹2,700 crore. The tunnel also features a 7.5-metre-wide emergency escape passage.Located at an altitude of more than 8,650 feet above sea level, the Z-Morh tunnel will significantly improve year-round connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg, facilitating the route to Leh while bypassing the landslide-prone and avalanche-affected areas.The Z-Morh tunnel, which began construction in May 2015 and was completed in 2024, is now fully operational after its soft opening in February 2024.

 

5. Madhya Pradesh CM launches Swami Vivekananda Yuva Shakti Mission: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has launched the Swami Vivekanand Yuva Shakti Mission on the occasion of the National Youth Yadav in Bhopal.Chief Minister Mohan Yadav also inaugurated the world’s largest 3-D rangoli, depicting Swami Vivekananda at the Shaurya Smarak in Bhopal.The Swami Vivekananda Yuva Shakti Mission has been launched by the state government keeping in mind Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guiding principle of GYAN (Focusing on the Poor, Youth, Farmers, and Women) and inspired by the principles of Swami Vivekanand.The Chief Minister also launched the Swami Vivekananda Yuva Shakti Mission Portal and theme song. The Portal will give information related to the mission to the general public.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India, Saudi Arabia sign Hajj agreement 2025, quota set at 1.75 lakh pilgrims: India has signed an agreement with Saudi Arabia for Hajj 2025, finalising a quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims.Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju signed the deal in Jeddah with Saudi Minister for Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Bin Fawzan Al Rabiah.Under the agreement, the 2025 quota will be split between the Hajj Committee of India (HCoI) and private Hajj Group Organisers (HGOs) at a 70:30 ratio. Of the total, HGOs will be allocated 52,507 spots.

 

2. Germany Faces First FMD Outbreak in Decades: Germany has reported its first outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in nearly 40 years. The outbreak occurred in a herd of water buffalo near Berlin and presents challenge for local agriculture. In response, authorities have euthanised the affected animals and established a 3-kilometre exclusion zone, accompanied by a 10-kilometre monitoring area. These measures aim to prevent further spread of the disease. Despite the outbreak, no national or international measures are currently planned, as Germany and the EU are still recognised as free of the disease. FMD is a highly contagious viral disease that affects livestock, including cattle, sheep, goats, and swine. It is classified as a transboundary animal disease (TAD) and can have a devastating economic impact on agriculture. The disease is caused by an Aphthovirus from the Picornaviridae family, with seven strains identified worldwide. Symptoms of FMD include fever, blisters in the mouth and on the feet, drooling, and lameness.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. What is Nag Mark 2 Missile?: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has recently conducted successful field evaluation trials of the Nag Mark 2 missile. This third-generation fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile was tested at the Pokhran field range in Rajasthan. The trials demonstrated exceptional precision and reliability, effectively destroying all designated targets. The Defence Ministry confirmed that the trials validated the missile’s firing range capabilities.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Devajit Saikia appointed as BCCI Secretary; Prabhtej Singh Bhatia elected Treasurer: Former first-class cricketer Devajit Saikia has been appointed as the new secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), replacing Jay Shah, who assumed the role of ICC Chairman last year.Prabhtej Singh Bhatia was elected as the Treasurer of the Indian Cricket Board.Saikia, who represented Assam in the 1990-91 first-class cricket season, scored 53 runs in four matches. He also has significant experience in cricket administration, having served as the BCCI joint secretary and the secretary of the Assam Cricket Association (ACA).

 

2. First edition of the Kho Kho World Cup starts in New Delhi: The first edition of the Kho Kho World Cup started at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi on 13 January 2025. The World Cup was inaugurated by Sudhanshu Mittal, President of the Kho Kho Federation of India.The Kho Kho World Cup has been organised by the Kho Kho Federation of India with support from the Indian Olympic Association in New Delhi from 13-19 January 2025.During the World Cup, each team will consist of 12 players, however during a match only 9 players from each team will actually take the field.The first edition of the Kho Kho World Cup features 20 countries’ men’s and 19 women’s teams. The men and women kho kho teams have been divided into four groups.

The 15-member Indian men’s team is led by Pratik Waikar and the women’s team is led by Priyanka Ingle.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. C-DOT and IIT Mandi sign agreement for “Developing Semiconductor Chip of Wideband Spectrum Sensor for Dynamic Spectrum Access”: The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), the premier Telecom R&D centre of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), GoI has signed an agreement with the Indian Institute of Technology Mandi (IIT Mandi) in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Jammu (IIT Jammu), for the development of “Wideband Spectrum-Sensor ASIC-Chip, for Enhancing the Spectrum Utilization”.The agreement is signed under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) scheme of the Department of Telecommunications, Government of India.This scheme, designed to fund Indian startups, academia, and R&D institutions, is a crucial enabler for designing, developing, and commercializing telecommunication products and solutions.The project aims to develop a reliable and implementation-friendly wideband spectrum sensing (WSS) algorithm to improve spectrum efficiency by leveraging spectrum holes to deliver broadband services in rural India.

 

2. How are Genes Made?: Recent studies have advanced our understanding of gene evolution and function. In December 2024, two prominent research groups published findings that shed light on how new genes are created. One group from the University of Nevada, Reno, reported in *Molecular Biology and Evolution*, while the other from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology in Germany published in *Genome Biology and Evolution*. These studies explored gene duplication, methylation, and the role of random DNA sequences in evolution. Genes are segments of DNA that determine the characteristics of an organism. Humans possess 24 chromosomes, which include 22 numbered chromosomes and two sex chromosomes (X and Y). Each person inherits one set of chromosomes from each parent, resulting in two copies of each chromosome. Identical twins originate from a single zygote, while non-identical twins arise from separate zygotes.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Gautam Adani announces ₹65,000 crore investment in energy, cement projects in Chhattisgarh: The Adani Group will invest Rs 65,000 crore in energy and cement projects in Chhattisgarh.Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani met Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and announced an investment of Rs 60,000 crore to expand the group’s power plants in Raipur, Korba and Raigarh in the state. The expansion will enhance Chhattisgarh’s power generation capacity by 6,120 MW.Adani Power is India’s top private thermal power producer. It is targeting to double its thermal power capacity to 30.67 GW by 2029-30 from 15 GW currently.

The firm said last month it was exploring options of investing Rs 20,000 crore to set up a coal-fired ultra-supercritical thermal power plant in Bihar.In Chhattisgarh, the Adani Group also committed Rs 5,000 crore for the development and expansion of its cement plants, as per the statement. 

 

2. Bank of India seeks its first dollar loan of $400 million in over a decade: Bank of India is marketing its first dollar syndicated loan since 2012 of as much as $400 million. The Indian lender is raising the loan — split into three- and five-year tranches — via its branch located in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City, India’s newest financial hub.Bank of India joins a slew of other Indian borrowers seeking to raise foreign currency debt this year. Reliance Industries Ltd. is looking to borrow as much as $3 billion, in what could be the largest loan from the country since 2023, while Shriram Finance Ltd. is planning to syndicate part of a $1.28 billion multi-currency social financing, the biggest ever offshore deal, from an Indian shadow lender. Meanwhile, State Bank of India is marketing a ¥30 billion ($191 million) syndicated facility and is planning to raise another borrowing of as much as $1.25 billion, in what could be the country’s biggest dollar loan from the banking sector this year. All this adds to the already busy deal pipeline from Asia Pacific, setting the stage for a likely rebound in loan volumes after three years of decline.

 

3. Bank of Baroda to provide AI-driven support, forex facility, ATMs, and coin vending machines for Maha Kumbh 2025: Attracting millions of visitors to Prayagraj, the Bank of Baroda (BoB) has unveiled plans to provide advanced banking services. As the convenor of the State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC) for Uttar Pradesh, the bank aims to promote digital payments and offer AI-driven customer support for the pilgrims.BoB set up two full-fledged branches equipped with forex facilities. Additionally, it deployed onsite and mobile ATMs, along with coin vending machines, to meet the diverse banking needs of the visitors.The bank is extensively promoting its newly launched UPI payment PSP app, BoB e-Pay, offering a complete suite of payment features.The bank has also provided hundreds of merchant carts through Mela authorities and reflector jackets for volunteers and merchants.

 

4. Retail inflation eases to four-month low of 5.22% in December 2024: The Consumer Price Index (CPI)-based retail inflation cooled slightly to a 4-month low of 5.22 per cent in December, down from 5.48 per cent in November, indicating persistent high price pressures faced by consumers, according to data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). The data shows higher inflation in rural areas at 5.76 percent compared to 4.58 percent in urban regions.The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) aims to keep inflation within a range of 2–6 percent, with a medium-term target of 4 percent.Food inflation remained high in December, albeit slowing during the month, with the Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) standing at 8.39 percent, compared to 9.04 per cent in November. This was largely driven by high prices of vegetables, fruits, edible oils, eggs, and cereals.

 

 

Daily GK Update- 13th Jan, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Centre releases tax devolution of Rs 1.73 lakh crore to states: The Centre has released tax devolution of Rs 1.73 lakh crore to the state governments to accelerate capital expenditure and finance welfare activities.The Union government has released tax devolution of Rs 1,73,030 crore to state governments, as against the devolution of Rs 89,086 crore in December 2024.Currently, 41 per cent of taxes collected by the Centre is devolved in instalments among states during a fiscal year.Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Bihar have received the largest shares of funds, with allocations of ₹31,039.84 crore, ₹17,403.36 crore and ₹13,017.06 crore, respectively.

 

2. National Waterways will get Rs 50,000 crore in investment over the next 5 year: An investment of Rs 50,000 crore will be made to boost infrastructure along national waterways in the next five years. According to the statement, the investment proposals were announced in Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC) meeting at Kohora in Kaziranga.IWDC was organised by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), the nodal agency for development of waterways under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW).A major policy initiative in the form of Riverine Community Development Scheme was mooted at the IWDC meet to improve the socio-economic well-being of coastal communities by developing infrastructure.IWDC, which was set up in 2023, is an exercise to derive the maximum economic potential out of the inland water bodies. It requires exceptionally coordinated centre-state relationship, collaborations and cooperation in the spirit of cooperative federalism.

 

3. Piyush Goyal launches Bharat Cleantech Manufacturing Platform: Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal has unveiled the ‘Bharat Cleantech Manufacturing Platform’, which the Centre described as an “initiative designed to enhance India’s cleantech value chains in the solar, wind, hydrogen, and battery storage sectors”.The unveiling came as part of the Bharat Climate Forum 2025 organised in New Delhi.The launch of the Bharat Cleantech Manufacturing Platform will provide an opportunity for the Indian firms to collaborate, to co-innovate and will help provide a platform for financing, to share ideas, technologies and resources. This will help India become an attractive business case and a global leader in the sustainability and cleantech sector.

 

4. ICMR’s first infectious disease research, diagnostic lab to come up in Bengaluru: Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI) has been chosen by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to establish South India’s first Infectious Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (IRDL).This initiative aims to enhance the diagnostic and research capabilities for infectious diseases in the region. The laboratory will focus on diseases caused by bacteria, fungi, and parasites, facilitating faster diagnosis and improving healthcare outcomes. This project is part of a larger national effort to build specialized labs in medical colleges across India.

 

5. Andhra Pradesh signs MoU with Infosys for skill census pre-validation: To improve employment opportunities for the youth, the Andhra Pradesh government has signed an MoU with software major Infosys to provide technical support for the state’s touted to be the first-ever skill census programme in the country.Infosys will provide a digital platform powered by generative AI for the pre-validation of candidate’s skills as part of the skill census initiative, without any financial involvement.As part of the collaboration, Infosys will develop a digital platform for skill pre-validation of the 15-59 age group of 3.59 crore individuals in Andhra Pradesh.Under this, a comprehensive evaluation of the required skills across various industries would be carried out and current skill levels of the candidates would be assessed and recommendations for further development would be provided.

 

6. 12 January – National Youth Day: National Youth Day is celebrated annually on 12th January in India to commemorates the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, a spiritual leader and philosopher.The main objective of the celebration of this day is to inspire the youth and make them aware about their responsibilities.Theme 2025 – Youth for a Sustainable Future: Shaping the Nation with Resilience and Responsibility The celebration was started by the Indian government on 1984.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Neeraj Chopra named best Javelin Thrower of the year by US Magazine: Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Neeraj Chopra of India has been named the best javelin thrower of the 2024 by the respected American magazine Track and Fields News. Anderson Peters of Grenada was ranked second by the magazine.27-year- old Neeraj Chopra competed in six international events in 2024, won two and finished runners up in four events.Neeraj Chopra won a silver medal in the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics behind Arshad Nadeem of Pakistan who won the gold medal.Arshad Nadeem was ranked 6th by the Magazine as he competed in only two international events in 2024.

 

2. PM Modi to attend AI Summit in France: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit in France from February 10 to 11.This summit will allow for an international conversation on AI.The summit, to be hosted by France at the Grand Palais in Paris, will convene Heads of State and government, leaders of international organisations, CEOs from large and small companies, representatives from academia, NGOs, artists, and members of civil society.The event will focus on five key themes: public interest in AI, the future of work, innovation and culture, trust in AI, and global AI governance.

 

3. Nicols Maduro takes oath as Venezuela’s President: Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was sworn in for a new term, amid renewed protests and rebukes from the United States and others who believe he stole last year’s vote.Maduro’s 2018 reelection was widely rejected as a sham after authorities banned key opponents from running. And Venezuela’s Opposition faction accuse him of outright ballot fraud last year.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Bangladesh cricketer Tamim Iqbal announces retirement from International Cricket: Bangladesh Cricketer Tamim Iqbal has announced his retirement from international cricket.This is the second time he has called time on his career, having previously retired in July 2023 in an emotionally charged press conference, only to reverse the decision within 24 hours after intervention from Bangladesh’s then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina.Tamim concluded his career with 15,192 runs for Bangladesh, the second-highest in the country’s history after Mushfiqur Rahim. The 35-year-old scored 5134 runs in 70 Tests, 8357 runs in 243 ODIs, and 1758 runs in 78 T20Is.

 

2. India pacer Varun Aaron retires from all forms of cricket: Varun Aaron has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket at the age of 35.Having retired from red-ball cricket at the end of the 2023-24 Indian domestic season, Aaron officially stepped away from representative cricket after Jharkhand’s exit from the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he featured in four matches, picking up three wickets at an average of 53.3.Aaron’s journey into the limelight began at just 21 during the 2010-11 Vijay Hazare Trophy, where his raw pace turned heads, most notably with a fiery 153kph delivery against Gujarat in the final.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. India to host 28th CSPOC with focus on AI and social media: India will host the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of Parliaments of Commonwealth Countries (CSPOC) in 2026. The event will focus on the use of artificial intelligence and social media in parliamentary processes.The CSPOC platform was described as a space for enhancing cooperation and exchanging parliamentary practices among member countries.India’s history of hosting the conference in 1970-71, 1986, and 2010, and India invited presiding officers from Commonwealth nations to join the 2026 event in New Delhi.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. IBBI mandates eBKray auction platform to sell assets under liquidation: The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) has mandated that all auctions for the sale of assets under the liquidation process must be conducted exclusively on the eBKray auction platform starting April 1, 2025.This directive aims to streamline the auction process, enhance transparency, and improve recovery rates in liquidation cases.Additionally, the insolvency regulator has instructed insolvency professionals (IPs) to list all unsold assets in ongoing liquidation cases on the platform by March 31, 2025.Further, the board emphasised that all auctions for such assets would be conducted exclusively through the platform starting from April 1. The interface is running on a pilot basis.According to the IBBI, 210 assets have already been listed on the platform, with 25 auctions conducted or scheduled.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. President Confers Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award at 18th PBD 2025: President Droupadi Murmu has conferred the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award to the recipient at the 18th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha.Since 2003,9th January has been observed as Pravasi Divas in India to mark the return of Mahatma Gandhi to India on this day in 1915 from South Africa.The Ministry of External Affairs organises the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention and since 2015 it has been organised after every two years.

 

 

Daily GK Update- 12th Jan, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Retired Justice B.N. Srikrishna to chair ID verification firm Equal’s advisory board: Retired Supreme Court justice B. N. Srikrishna will chair the ID verification and data sharing platform Equal’s newly formed Advisory Board. Equal provides identity authentication services for large firms, boasting digital integrations with several ID providers.The appointment comes as the government finalises the Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025, to implement the DPDP Act, 2023.Justice Srikrishna was the chair of the first committee formed by the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to formulate a data protection law. That committee’s report, submitted in 2018, was eventually not taken up.

 

2. Piyush Goyal launches 8th edition of National Programme for Organic Production: Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal has launched of 8th edition of National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) at the Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium (NASC Complex), Pusa in New Delhi.They also unveiled TraceNet 2.0 the upgraded online traceability system for seamless operations and enhanced tools for regulatory oversight.The event was organized by the Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

 

3. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to Attend Republic Day 2025: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will attend India’s Republic Day celebrations as the Chief Guest. This visit marks diplomatic engagement between Indonesia and India. Subianto’s itinerary has changed, as he will now visit Malaysia instead of Pakistan after discussions with Indian officials. This decision reflects India’s concerns regarding the potential implications of including Pakistan in his travel plans. The list of Chief Guests at Republic Day celebrations includes various world leaders. In 2020, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro attended. In 2019, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was the guest. The years 2021 and 2022 saw no Chief Guest due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2018, leaders from all ASEAN countries participated, denoting India’s growing ties with Southeast Asia.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Lebanon’s parliament elects army commander Joseph Aoun as president: Lebanon’s parliament voted to elect the country’s army commander, Joseph Aoun, as head of state, filling a more than two-year-long presidential vacuum.The session was the legislature’s 13th attempt to elect a successor to former President Michel Aoun whose term ended in October 2022.The president’s role in Lebanon is limited under the power-sharing system in which the president is always a Maronite Christian, the prime minister a Sunni Muslim and the speaker of parliament Shiite.

 

2. World Economic Situation and Prospects Report 2025: The Indian economy is projected to grow by 6.6 per cent in 2025, according to the United Nations’ World Economic Situation and Prospects report. This growth is supported by strong private consumption and investment. The report maintains its previous growth forecast, reflecting confidence in India’s economic resilience. The public sector plays important role in funding infrastructure projects. These projects enhance physical and digital connectivity and improve social infrastructure, including sanitation and water supply.

 

3. India Joins UN Committee of Experts on  Big Data and Data  Science for Official Statistics: India’s membership in the UN Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official Statistics (UN-CEBD) marks milestone in the nation’s statistical landscape. This development reflects India’s commitment to utilising data and technology for informed decision-making. The UN-CEBD aims to explore the benefits and challenges associated with Big Data, particularly in monitoring sustainable development goals. As a committee member, India will influence global standards and practices in the realm of official statistics.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. DRDO’s New  Cold Weather Clothing System HIMKAVACH: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has made advancements in  military clothing technology. The HIMKAVACH multi-layer clothing system has successfully passed user trials, demonstrating its effectiveness in extreme cold weather conditions. This innovative clothing is specifically designed for operational use in the Himalayan region, where temperatures can drop drastically. The system is engineered to function within a temperature range of +20°C to -60°C. HIMKAVACH is a multi-layer clothing system developed by DRDO. It aims to protect military personnel in harsh cold weather environments. The design focuses on maintaining body heat while allowing for mobility and comfort. This clothing system is crucial for operations in the Himalayan region, where soldiers face extreme weather challenges.

 

2. Russia’s Floating Nuclear Power Plant Initiative: Russia has made advancements in nuclear energy with the introduction of floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs). The Akademik Lomonosov, operational since 2019 in Pevek, represents a shift in energy production. This innovation aims to meet energy demands in remote areas, including potential markets like India. The FNPPs can be relocated, making them versatile for various applications. An FNPP is a nuclear power facility located on a ship. It can connect to coastal power lines and be towed to different locations. The Akademik Lomonosov features two light-water reactors with a combined capacity of 70 MW. This technology allows for efficient energy production without the need for land-based facilities.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Olympic gold medalist Mo Farah announced as international event ambassador for Mumbai Marathon: Multiple Olympic and world champion Mo Farah has been announced as the international event ambassador for the Tata Mumbai Marathon, which will see a record-breaking 60,000 runners participating on January 19.The start line for the World Athletics Gold Label race will be the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and the presence of Mo, the greatest male track distance runner, will add to the event.Somalian-born British runner Mo won four Olympic and six World Championship gold medals and is the first man to retain both the 5,000m and 10,000m titles at both the Olympics (2012 & 2016) and World Championships (2013 & 2015) — a feat described as the ‘quadruple-double.’

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SECI Secures “Excellent” Rating in MoU Performance for FY 2023-24: Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd (SECI) has achieved “Excellent” rating for its performance under the MoU with the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) for the financial year 2023-24, earning a score of 96 out of 100.This achievement highlights SECI’s unwavering dedication to operational excellence and upholding the highest standards of corporate governance.SECI plays a pivotal role in the development and expansion of renewable energy (RE) capacity in India, with a cumulative awarded generation capacity exceeding 73 GW as of December 31, 2024. SECI is the premier Renewable Energy Implementing Agency (REIA) in the country, continuously working to meet climate goals and drive sustainable development.Recently on 30th August 2024, SECI was granted Navratna status by the Ministry of Finance.Reserve Bank Innovation Hub and IIMA Ventures Launch Swanari TechSprint 3.0 to Empower

 

2. Women-Centric Fintech Startups: The Reserve Bank Innovation Hub and IIMA Ventures have launched Swanari TechSprint 3.0, a programme aimed at fostering women-centric fintech startups in India.The programme provides a platform for fintech innovators to conceptualise, develop, and scale solutions that address the unique financial needs of women.The programme invites applications from startups developing gender-inclusive financial solutions, specifically those with a proven MVP/Product, in the pre-Seed to pre-Series A funding stage, or already generating revenue or traction.

 

Daily GK Update- 11th Jan, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Swiggy launches new app ‘Snacc’ for 15-minute food delivery: Swiggy has launched a new standalone food delivery app ‘Snacc by Swiggy’. Snacc is a 15-minute food delivery app offering quick snacks and meals, similar to Zepto’s Zepto Cafe.Snacc is currently being piloted in very select pin codes of Bengaluru.The offerings include items like tea, coffee, breakfast items, quick meals and dessert options.Most recently, Zomato launched a 15-minute food delivery option on its main app, where it is delivering quick-to-prepare and ready to eat options form restaurants within a 2-kilometre radius.This is similar to Swiggy’s Bolt that it launched in October, and said during its Q2 earnings that 5% of all its food delivery orders were already coming from Bolt.

 

2. Retired Justice B.N. Srikrishna to chair ID verification firm Equal’s advisory board: Retired Supreme Court justice B. N. Srikrishna will chair the ID verification and data sharing platform Equal’s newly formed Advisory Board. Equal provides identity authentication services for large firms, boasting digital integrations with several ID providers.The appointment comes as the government finalises the Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025, to implement the DPDP Act, 2023.Justice Srikrishna was the chair of the first committee formed by the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to formulate a data protection law. That committee’s report, submitted in 2018, was eventually not taken up.Justice Srikrishna has also served in various finance-focused roles; he has headed the Sixth Pay Commission, chaired the Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission, and also led the Expert Committee on Arbitration Law to propose reforms to the Arbitration & Conciliation Act, 1996.

 

3. Piyush Goyal launches 8th edition of National Programme for Organic Production: Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal has launched of 8th edition of National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) at the Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium (NASC Complex), Pusa in New Delhi.They also unveiled TraceNet 2.0 the upgraded online traceability system for seamless operations and enhanced tools for regulatory oversight.The event was organized by the Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Indian HC in Sri Lanka launches first Hindi Certificate Course via open: The Indian High Commission here on the occasion of Hindi Diwas on has launched Sri Lanka’s first Hindi Certificate Course through open and distance learning.The certificate course was launched at the Bharat-Sri Lanka Hindi Sammelan held in Colombo on 10th January 2025 on the occasion of the World Hindi Day.The launch of the Hindi course in Sri Lanka was a part of the effort of the Ministry of External Affairs to promote Hindi language around the world.The certificate course in Hindi is being launched by the Open University of Sri Lanka in collaboration with the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), the cultural arm of the High Commission of India in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

 

2. Lebanon’s parliament elects army commander Joseph Aoun as president: Lebanon’s parliament voted to elect the country’s army commander, Joseph Aoun, as head of state, filling a more than two-year-long presidential vacuum.The session was the legislature’s 13th attempt to elect a successor to former President Michel Aoun whose term ended in October 2022.The president’s role in Lebanon is limited under the power-sharing system in which the president is always a Maronite Christian, the prime minister a Sunni Muslim and the speaker of parliament Shiite.

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Olympic gold medalist Mo Farah announced as international event ambassador for Mumbai Marathon: Multiple Olympic and world champion Mo Farah has been announced as the international event ambassador for the Tata Mumbai Marathon, which will see a record-breaking 60,000 runners participating on January 19.The start line for the World Athletics Gold Label race will be the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and the presence of Mo, the greatest male track distance runner, will add to the event.Somalian-born British runner Mo won four Olympic and six World Championship gold medals and is the first man to retain both the 5,000m and 10,000m titles at both the Olympics (2012 & 2016) and World Championships (2013 & 2015) — a feat described as the ‘quadruple-double.’

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. UP govt. partnered with Google Cloud launch AI-powered agri network: The UP government has signed an MoU with Google Cloud (India) to launch the Gemini-powered and Beacon-enabled Uttar Pradesh Open Network for Agriculture.The initiative seeks to empower millions of farmers with one-stop access to advisory services, credit, mechanization, and market connectivity for selling their produce.Farmers will also gain real-time, accurate information on microclimates and market prices, a significant step towards achieving the state government’s vision of doubling farmers’ income. The open and decentralised network allows participation from various service providers, including input suppliers, financial institutions, and government agencies, while enabling entrepreneurs to curate and deliver tailored solutions for farmers.

 

 

 

 

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. India’s economy projected to grow 6.6% in 2025: UN: The Indian economy is projected to expand by 6.6% in 2025, primarily supported by robust private consumption and investment, according to a United Nations report.The UN World Economic Situation and Prospects 2025, released by the United Nations, said that the near-term outlook for South Asia is expected to remain robust, with growth projected at 5.7% in 2025 and 6.0 per cent in 2026, “driven by strong performance in India as well as economic recovery in a few other economies”, including Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka.The Indian economy grew by 6.8% in 2024 and is forecast to expand by 6.6% in 2025. The Indian economy is projected to return to the 6.8% growth in 2026.

 

2. RenewBuy launches Smart Term Plan for working professionals and small business owners: RenewBuy, an online insurance platform, has introduced the RenewBuy Smart Term Plan under its RB Proprietary line.The plan aims to simplify term insurance for Indian consumers by addressing common concerns like complexity, affordability, and coverage duration.The Smart Term Plan is tailored for working professionals and small business owners. It addresses pain points such as understanding ideal coverage and managing long-term premiums.In its first phase, RenewBuy has partnered with LIC, ICICI Prudential, and Digit Life to reach a broad consumer base, especially in underserved Tier 2-3 cities.The plan offers options like “10 Years Pay,” enabling policyholders to pay premiums over 10 years for coverage up to ₹1 crore until age 80 or above.

 

3. Indian Overseas Bank to sell ₹11,500-cr NPAs to ARCs: Indian Overseas Bank has decided to put non-performing assets to the tune of Rs 11500 crore on sale in a bid to improve asset quality further before the end of the fiscal.The state-owned lender has identified 46 NPA accounts for the exercise and has invited expressions of interest from asset reconstruction companies.The portfolio comprises accounts financed under a consortium arrangement, with some of these are already submitted to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) under the bankruptcy law.The sale of loans will be conducted through an e-auction under the open auction method on a portfolio basis. The e-auction will be conducted on January 30. ARCs will have to submit applications by January 18.

 

4. SECI Secures “Excellent” Rating in MoU Performance for FY 2023-24: Solar Energy Corporation of India Ltd (SECI) has achieved “Excellent” rating for its performance under the MoU with the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) for the financial year 2023-24, earning a score of 96 out of 100.This achievement highlights SECI’s unwavering dedication to operational excellence and upholding the highest standards of corporate governance.SECI plays a pivotal role in the development and expansion of renewable energy (RE) capacity in India, with a cumulative awarded generation capacity exceeding 73 GW as of December 31, 2024. SECI is the premier Renewable Energy Implementing Agency (REIA) in the country, continuously working to meet climate goals and drive sustainable development.Recently on 30th August 2024, SECI was granted Navratna status by the Ministry of Finance.