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Contents Important Days & themes

Important Days & themes .................................................................................................................................... 3 DATE DAY THEME/ REMARK
Appointments .................................................................................................................................................... 11 1st January DRDO Foundation Day DRDO is the R&D wing of Ministry of Defence, Govt of
India
Awards .............................................................................................................................................................. 19
DRDO was formed in 1958 from the amalgamation of the
Books ................................................................................................................................................................ 33 then already functioning Technical Development
Obituaries.......................................................................................................................................................... 34 Establishment (TDEs) of the Indian Army and the
State.................................................................................................................................................................. 37 Directorate of Technical Development & Production
(DTDP) with the Defence Science Organisation (DSO).
J&K .............................................................................................................................................................................. 37
Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat
DELHI ........................................................................................................................................................................... 37 India declared 2025 as the ‘year of defence reforms’ with
HIMANCHAL PRADESH ................................................................................................................................................ 38 an aim to transform the military into a technologically-
UTTRAKHAND .............................................................................................................................................................. 38 advanced force
1st January Global Family Day Highlighting the vital link between world peace and strong
PUNJAB........................................................................................................................................................................ 39
familial bonds, the day encourages action-oriented efforts
HARYANA .................................................................................................................................................................... 40 to resolve conflicts
UTTAR PRADESH ......................................................................................................................................................... 40 3rd January International Mind Body
MADHYA PRADESH ..................................................................................................................................................... 45 Wellness Day
4th January World Braille Day ▪ celebrated since 2019, is observed to raise
CHATTISGARH ............................................................................................................................................................. 45
awareness of the importance of Braille as a means
WEST BENGAL ............................................................................................................................................................. 46 of communication
ODISHA ........................................................................................................................................................................ 46 What is Braille?
ASSAM ......................................................................................................................................................................... 47 ▪ Braille is a tactile representation of alphabetic and
numerical symbols using six dots to represent each
SIKKIM ......................................................................................................................................................................... 48
letter and number, and even musical, mathematical
ARUNANCHAL PRADESH ............................................................................................................................................. 49 and scientific symbols.
Manipur....................................................................................................................................................................... 50 ▪ Braille (named after its inventor in 19th century
MIZORAM .................................................................................................................................................................... 50 France, Louis Braille) is used by blind and partially
sighted people to read the same books and
TRIPURA ...................................................................................................................................................................... 51
periodicals as those printed in a visual font.
RAJASTHAN ................................................................................................................................................................. 52 5th January National Birds Day ▪ National Bird Day, has American origins, to raise
GUJRAT ........................................................................................................................................................................ 52 awareness about the value of birds in the
MAHARASHTRA ........................................................................................................................................................... 53 ecosystem.
▪ first celebration in 2002.
KARNATAKA ................................................................................................................................................................ 54
6th January World Day of War Orphans ▪ to raise awareness about the struggles faced by
Telangana .................................................................................................................................................................... 55 children orphaned due to wars and conflicts.
ANDHRA PRADESH ...................................................................................................................................................... 57 ▪ World Orphans Day is declared by the Worldwide
TAMIL NADU ............................................................................................................................................................... 57 Organization for Charity (WOC) Previously known
as the World Orphan Centre (WOC).
KERALA ........................................................................................................................................................................ 58
8th January Earth's Rotations Day ▪ January 8 is recognized as Earth Rotation Day every
Defence ............................................................................................................................................................. 59 year.
Sci & tech .......................................................................................................................................................... 65 ▪ marks the anniversary of French physicist Leon
Environment ...................................................................................................................................................... 73 Foucault's 1851 proof that the Earth revolves on
its axis.
Index/ report ..................................................................................................................................................... 80
National News ................................................................................................................................................... 91
9 January - Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
Finance ............................................................................................................................................................ 113 ▪ celebrated once in two years on 9th January
International News .......................................................................................................................................... 114 ▪ The day was chosen to mark the return of Mahatma Gandhi to India on 9 January 1915 to India
Sports .............................................................................................................................................................. 127 ▪ The first Pravasi Bhartiya Divas/Convention was organised in 2003 in New Delhi from 9-11 January 2003.
flagship event of the Ministry of External Affairs
Economic Survey .............................................................................................................................................. 137
▪ It was organised annually but since 2015, it has been organised once every two years

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▪ The 18th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention is scheduled to be held from 8–10 15 January 2024 – 77 Indian Army Day
th

January 2025 at Bhubaneswar, Odisha. ▪ to remember the occasion when

▪ Theme - "Diaspora's Contribution to a Viksit Bharat". General (later Field Marshal) KM
▪ The Pravasi Bhartiya Divas is celebrated on the recommendation of Dr. L.M. Singhvi’s ‘High-Level Cariappa took over the command of
Committee on the Indian Diaspora’. the Indian Army from General Sir
▪ Prime Minister will remotely flag-off the inaugural journey of the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a special Francis Butcher, the last British
Tourist Train for the Indian diaspora, Commander-in-Chief in 1949 and
▪ which will depart from the Nizamuddin Railway Station in Delhi and would travel to multiple destinations of became the first Indian Commander-
touristic and religious importance in India for a period of three weeks. in-Chief of Independent India.
▪ The Pravasi Bharatiya Express will be conducted under the Pravasi Teertha Darshan Yojana of the Ministry ▪ Pune is set to host the 77th Indian
of External Affairs. Army Day Parade for the first time
▪ The Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will be organised by the Ministry of External Affairs in partnership with on 15 January 2025.
the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Odisha government. ▪ Traditionally held in Delhi, the parade
began rotating to different cities in
Chief Guest of the 18th Pravasi/Youth Bharatiya Divas Convention 2023, starting with Bengaluru,
▪ The Chief Guest of the 18th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas Convention will be Christine Carla Kangaloo, President of followed by Lucknow in 2024.
Trinidad & Tobago. ▪ General KM Cariappa was one of
▪ The Chief Guest of the Youth Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will be Dr. Dev Pragad, CEO of the American magazine only two Indian Army leaders to be
Newsweek. appointed to the position of field
marshal.
Date Day Remark ▪ Sam Manekshaw was the first field
10th January World Hindi Day ▪ Also known as Vishwa Hindi Diwas marshal of the Indian Army, and was
▪ On 10th January, 1975, Indira Gandhi inaugurated the first promoted on 1 January 1973. The
World Hindi Conference in Nagpur. second was Kodandera M. Cariappa,
▪ Celebrated since January 10, 2006 by the Indian Ministry of who was promoted to the rank on 15
External Affairs January 1986.
▪ first time Hindi was spoken in the United Nations General ▪ The Indian Army is driven by the motto of Service before self
Assembly (UNGA) in 1949. ▪ The Defence Ministry has declared 2025 as the “Year of Reforms,”
▪ Hindi Diwas is celebrated on September 14 annually. ▪ The Army is divided into six operational commands (field armies) and one training command, each under
11th January National Human In 2007, National Human Trafficking Awareness Day was announced the command of a Lieutenant General, who has an equal status to the Vice-Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS),
Trafficking by the US Senate to be celebrated on January 11. working under the control of Army HQ in New Delhi.
Awareness Day World Day Against Trafficking in Persons - 30 July ▪ General Upendra Dwivedi is the current General of the Indian Army or Chief of the Army Staff
Theme - Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking ▪ The current VCOAS is Lieutenant General N. S. Raja Subramani

12 January - National Youth Day 16 January - National Startup Day

▪ Rashtriya Yuva Divas also known as Vivekanand Jayanti ▪ Declared by PM Modi in 2022
▪ Every year since 1985, the Government of India observes January 12 as National Youth Day and the week ▪ to mark the Startup India initiative launched by the government on January 16, 2016.
commencing from that day, as National Youth Week. ▪ With 1.59 lakh startups, India is now world’s 3rd largest startup ecosystem (after US & China)
▪ to commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda ▪ Startup Policy Forum (SPF), with the support of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal
▪ The youth, defined as those within the age group of 15-29 years, make up nearly 40% of India’s total Trade (DPIIT) and Startup India, are launching flagship initiatives- Startup Baithak and Startup Baatcheet,
population. to commemorate National Startup Day 2025.
▪ This year, the annual National Youth Festival (NYF) on January 10-12 at Bharat Mandapam, will undergo a ▪ The event scheduled for January 15-16, 2025, aims to foster collaboration among stakeholders and shape
transformative reimagining as the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue. the future trajectory of India’s innovation landscape.
▪ Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment formally ▪ The Startup Baithak is a series of 12 exclusive, closed-door roundtables held over two days in Bharat
inaugurated the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue on 11 January 2025. Mandapam - and will witness participation from startups including Swiggy, Zerodha, Razorpay, CRED, Pine
▪ Swami Vivekananda (12 January 1863 – 4 July 1902), born Narendranath Datta was an Indian Hindu monk, Labs, Groww, OYO, Practo, Dream11, MPL, CarDekho, Acko, Ixigo, MobiKwik, One Card, ProgCap, Digantara,
philosopher, author, religious teacher, and the chief disciple of the Indian mystic Ramakrishna. He was a key BharatPe, Physics Wallah and Jupiter, amongst others.
figure in the introduction of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world ▪ On the sidelines of Baithak, SPF will also host Startup Baatcheet–an informal networking evening on
January 15, 2025.

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19th January National Disaster ▪ National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is the world’s ▪ The resolution for the same was passed in the UN General
Response Force largest rapid reaction force dedicated to disaster response. Assembly on December 3, 2018.
Raising Day ▪ NDRF was formed on January 19, 2006 under the Disaster ▪ The first International Day of Education was observed on January 24,
Management Act, 2005 with the purpose of a specialised 2019.
response to natural and man-made disasters ▪ Meanwhile, India celebrates its National Education Day celebrated on
▪ The Act designates the Ministry of Home Affairs as the nodal November 11 to mark the birth anniversary of India’s first Education
ministry for steering the overall national disaster Minister Maulana Abul Kalam Azad.
management. 24th January National Girl ▪ National Girl Child Day is observed on 24 January every year, with an
19th January Kokborok Day ▪ On January 19th, the Indian State of Tripura observes Child Day aim to spread awareness about the challenges faced by girls in Indian
Kokborok Day, also known as Tripuri Language Day, to Society.
foster the Kokborok language. ▪ National Girl Child Day was implemented for the first time by the
▪ The day honours the year 1979 when Kokborok became Ministry of Women and Child Development in 2008
officially recognized for the first time. ▪ THEME: “Empowering Girls for a Bright Future.
▪ In 1900, Thakur Radhamohan Debbarma spelt ‘Kokborok’ in ▪ launch of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao by the Prime Minister on 22
a published grammar of the language. January 2015. Objective: Address the declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR)
20th January Penguin Awareness ▪ Every year on January 20, Penguin Awareness Day is and promote women’s empowerment.
Day observed
▪ Five species of penguin are found in Antarctica and it’s no 25TH January National Voters’ Day
surprise that this massive frozen landmass has earned the ▪ The 15th National Voters’ Day (NVD) will be celebrated across the country on 25th January.
nickname of ‘the Land of the Penguin’ ▪ The Election Commission also celebrates 75 years of its dedicated service to the nation.
▪ Emperor Penguin is the largest of all the different kinds of ▪ This Year’s Theme “Nothing Like Voting, I Vote for Sure”
penguin species. ▪ The first copy of the ECI Coffee Table Book titled “India Votes 2024: A saga of democracy” will be presented
to the Hon’ble President by Chief Election Commissioner Shri Rajiv Kumar.
23rd January Parakram Diwas 2025 ▪ A short clip of the upcoming docu-drama series “India Decides” produced by Warner Bros Discovery will
▪ To honour Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on his 128th birth anniversary on Jan 23 also be released
▪ a grand celebration is set to unfold from 23rd January to 25th January, 2025 at Barabati fort in the historic ▪ An ECI publication “Belief in the Ballot: Human stories shaping India’s 2024 elections” will also be
city of Cuttack, the birthplace of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. presented to the Hon’ble President by the Commission.
About Subhas Chandra Bose ▪ Since 2011, National Voters’ Day has been observed annually on January 25 to commemorate the
• He was born on January 23, 1897, in Cuttack, Orissa. foundation day of the Election Commission of India, established on January 25, 1950,
• In 1923, Bose was elected the President of the All India Youth Congress and also the Secretary of Bengal ▪ The Election Commission of India is a permanent and independent constitutional authority, established
State Congress. under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution.
• Bose then joined the Indian National Congress and actively participated in the Indian independence ▪ Primary role: ECI is responsible for conducting elections to the Parliament, state legislatures, and the offices
movement. of the President and Vice President of India.
• Bose took over as the elected President of Indian National Congress in 1938 (Haripur) and stood for ▪ It does not oversee elections for urban local bodies like municipalities and panchayats, which the State
unqualified Swaraj (self-governance) and the use of force against the British which then combated against Election Commissions manage.
Mahatma Gandhi and his views.
• Bose was re-elected in 1939 (Tripuri) but soon resigned from the presidency and formed the All India Constitutional provisions:
Forward Bloc, aimed at unifying all the anti-British forces in India. • Article 324 empowers the ECI to supervise, direct, and control the preparation of electoral rolls and the
• In 1921, Bose took over the editorship of the newspaper 'Forward', founded by Chittaranjan Das's Swaraj conduct of all elections to Parliament and state legislatures.
Party. • Article 325 ensures no one is excluded from the electoral rolls based on religion, race, caste, or sex.
• He reached Japanese-controlled Singapore from Germany in July 1943, issued from there his famous call, • Article 326 establishes adult suffrage (voting rights for all citizens aged 18 and above) as the basis for
‘Delhi Chalo’, and announced the formation of the Azad Hind Government and the Indian National Army on elections.
21st October 1943. • Article 327 allows Parliament to make laws regarding elections to Parliament and state legislatures.
• The INA was first formed under Mohan Singh and Japanese Major Iwaichi Fujiwara and comprised Indian • Article 328 empowers state legislatures to make provisions related to elections within the state.
prisoners of war of the British-Indian Army captured by Japan in the Malayan (present-day Malaysia) • Article 329 prohibits judicial interference in electoral matters.
campaign and at Singapore.
25th January National Tourism Day
24th January International ▪ The International Day of Education is celebrated on January 24 ▪ National Tourism Day, observed on 25th January every year, aims to spread awareness about the
Day of annually. importance of the tourism sector in contributing to the growth of the country in terms of finance as well as
Education ▪ The theme “AI and education: Preserving human agency in a world of culture and diversity.
automation”. ▪ The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) also celebrates World Tourism Day on September
▪ Since 2018, the day has been authored by 59 member states. 27 each year, aligning with global tourism trends.

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▪ National Tourism Day origin can be traced back to the 1948 post-independence India era. The Ministry of 29 th
January Indian Newspaper Day ▪ commemorate the birth of the country's first-ever printed
Tourism took the initiative of promoting the tourism sector in order to improve economic growth and newspaper.
cultural diplomacy. ▪ On January 29, 1780, Ireland-born James Augustus Hicky
published the first edition of ‘Hicky’s Bengal Gazette’, India's
Tourism statistics of India as last updated on August 2024 first newspaper.
• Foreign Tourist Arrivals: 6.36 Lakh ▪ The paper survived for just two years in India before being
• Foreign Exchange Earnings: 20,006 Crore seized by the British administration in 1782
• Indian Nationals’ Departures: 27.01 Lakh 30th January Martyrs Day or Shaheed ▪ On this day in 1948 Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated in the
Diwas Birla House in New Delhi by Nathuram Godse.
Top 5 States for Tourism in India ▪ India observes Martyrs' Day by paying tribute to Mahatma
S.No State Key Highlights Gandhi's Samadhi at Raj Ghat in Delhi
1 Tamil Nadu Among the top states with significant tourist footfall. • Martyr’s Day also observed on March 23rd to remember the
2 Uttar Pradesh Renowned for cultural and heritage tourism. sacrifice of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev Thapar, and Shivaram
3 Andhra Pradesh Popular for its religious and coastal attractions. Rajguru.
4 Karnataka Known for historical, wildlife, and natural sites.
5 Maharashtra A combination of urban tourism and cultural heritage. ▪ Some of his literary works are as follows:
▪ Hind Swaraj, published in Gujarati in 1909.
Date Day Remark ▪ He edited several newspapers which included
26th January Republic Day The theme of the 2025 Republic Day tableaux was Swarnim Bharat: ▪ Harijan in Gujarati, in Hindi and the English language;
Virasat aur Vikas. ▪ Indian Opinion, Young India, in English,
26th January International Customs dedicated to the united efforts of Customs to support people and ▪ Navajivan, a Gujarati monthly.
Day 2025 businesses ▪ Gandhi also wrote his autobiography, The Story of My Experiments with Truth.
Theme: Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security, ▪ His other autobiographies included: Satyagraha in South Africa, Hind Swaraj or Indian Home Rule.
and Prosperity
Instituted by the World Customs Organization (WCO) Date Day Remark
The WCO, originally known as the Customs Cooperation Council 30 January World Neglected Tropical ▪ THEME : Unite. Act. Eliminate.
(CCC), was established in 1952. Diseases Day 2025 ▪ NTDs are a diverse group of 20 conditions/diseases that are
The inaugural session of the CCC was held on January 26, 1953, in mainly prevalent in tropical areas, where they thrive among
Brussels, Belgium. people living in impoverished communities.
26th January International Day of ▪ declared in 2023 by the UN General Assembly ▪ These include Guinea worm, Chikungunya, Dengue, Kala
Clean Energy 2025 ▪ 26 January is also the founding date of the International Azar (Visceral Leishmaniasis), and Elephantiasis (Lymphatic
Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), a global Filariasis), among others, and India is home to about 12
intergovernmental agency established in 2009 to support NTDs.
countries in their energy transitions 30th World Leprosy Day in India ▪ World Leprosy Day is observed on the last Sunday of
27 January National Geographic ▪ To honor the foundation of the National Geographic Society January January, every year. In 2025, the World Leprosy Day is on 26
Day on January 27, 1888, in Washington, D.C., USA, January.
▪ It is one of the most renowned organizations in the fields of ▪ In India, it is observed on 30 January every year, coinciding
science, exploration, and environmental conservation. with the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
27 January International Day of ▪ also known as International Holocaust Remembrance Day. ▪ Leprosy is a neglected tropical disease (NTD)
Commemoration in ▪ designated by the United Nations to mark the anniversary of ▪ The theme for World Leprosy Day 2025 is "Unite. Act.
Memory of the Victims the January 27, 1945, liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Eliminate."
of the Holocaust largest Nazi concentration and death camp 31st International Zebra Day Now listed as “Near Threatened” on the International Union for
th
28 January International Data ▪ In 2006 Council of Europe initiated International Data Privacy January Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Endangered Species.
Privacy Day Day, also known as Data Protection Day
▪ This date marks the anniversary of the opening for signature Important festivals
of the Council of Europe's "Convention 108," the first legally 13 January Lohri Festival
binding international instrument on data protection in 1981 ▪ Lohri is a popular Indian Punjabi folk festival primarily celebrated in the
▪ This day is now celebrated worldwide, under the name country’s northern regions.
International Data Protection Day” or "Privacy Day ▪ Lohri is a festival that signifies the end of winter and the start of spring.
▪ January 27 – 31, 2025: Data Privacy Week The January sugarcane harvest is celebrated in the Lohri festival
▪ Theme - Take control of your data ▪ it is celebrated one night before Makar Sankranti festival

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▪ Dulla Bhatti: The festival is associated with the legend of Dulla Bhatti, a local hero who rescued Punjabi girls ▪ This year, Pongal will start on January 14, 2025 and continue for four days, concluding on January 17, 2025
from the Mughals. Folk songs about Dulla Bhatti are a part of the Lohri festival. (Friday).
▪ It is commemorated by the lighting of a holy bonfire, which is considered as a symbol of fertility, ▪ Tamilians celebrate the occasion by making traditional designs known as kolams in their homes
auspiciousness, and good fortune, especially for new brides and newborn children. ▪ Additionally, the traditional Pongal dish is made from newly harvested rice and is further offered to the Sun
God.
The four days of Pongal
• Bhogi Pongal: The first day of Pongal, when people burn old items and celebrate new possessions.
• Surya Pongal or Thai Pongal: The second day of Pongal, when people worship the Sun God.
• Mattu Pongal: The third day of Pongal, when people worship cattle.
• Kaanum Pongal: The fourth day of Pongal, when people perform songs and dances, and exchange gifts

Bihu:
• People celebrate Magh Bihu/Bhogali Bihu (celebration of the harvest season).
• Bihu is the main festival of Assam. It is celebrated three times a year:
• Rongali or Bohag Bihu is observed in April (Assamese New Year and the onset of spring.).
• Kongali or Kati Bihu observed in October
• Bhogali or Magh Bihu observed in January (festival of food).

• Festive food - pitha (rice cake) and larus (traditional food made of rice, coconut) are prepared.
• The Dimasa Kacharis tribe is known to be the festival's first-known ancestors.
• Rituals
• Magh Bihu is celebrated over two days.
• The first day is known as Uruka or Bihu eve.
Sankranti, Bihu & Pongal • On this day, Meiji (bonfire) is burnt with people singing Bihu songs, beating Dhol, and celebrating
Makar Sankranti 2025 - January 14 with their loved ones.
▪ As the sun moves north, bringing longer days and warmer nights, India prepares to celebrate Makar • The main Magh Bihu is observed the next day.
Sankranti
▪ a significant shift in the astrological and agricultural cycles and is observed throughout India to worship Lord Thiruvalluvar Day
Surya, the Sun God when the sun enters Makara (Capricorn) from the Dhanu Rashi (Sagittarius). ▪ usually observed either on January 15 or 16 in Tamil Nadu and is a part
▪ According to Hindu mythology, Sankranti was a divinity who slew the demon Sankarasur on the day after of Pongal celebrations.
Makar Sankranti, also known as Karidin or Kinkrant. Similarly, Devi murdered the evil Kinkarasur. ▪ Thiruvalluvar was a poet and philosopher, is regarded as a cultural icon
by Tamils.
Different Names of Sankranti Festival in Different States ▪ He is fondly referred to as Valluvar by Tamils.
 In UP and Gujarat, the festival is known as Uttarayan or ▪ Thiruvalluvar’s primary work Thirukkural contains 1330 couplets (kurals)
Kicheri. a collection of couplets on ethics, politics, economy and love.
 In Odisha, it is called Makara Chaula ▪ The text is divided into three parts with teachings on dharma, artha, and
 In Bihar - Til Sakraat or Dahi Chura. kama (virtue, wealth and love).
 Kerala – Makara vilakku.
 Karnataka - Suggi. Appointments
 Tamil Nadu - as Pongal V Narayanan appointed as new ISRO chief
 In Maharashtra and Goa - Haldi Kumkum or Maghi ▪ V. Narayanan is set to succeed S. Somanath as the next chairman of
Sankrant. ISRO, and also as the secretary of the Department of Space.
 In Himachal Pradesh - Magha Saaji. ▪ Dr V Narayanan is currently the director of Liquid Propulsion
 In Assam - Magh Bihu or Bhogali Bihu. Systems Centre (LPSC), Thiruvananthapuram; he will take over as
 In West Bengal - Poush Sankranti. ISRO chief on January 14.
▪ Joined the space agency in 1984
Pongal 2025 : Pongal, one of the most significant Hindu festivals ▪ Dr Narayanan has worked towards developing key technologies used
of South India, especially in Tamil Nadu. in the launch vehicles of today, including the workhorse PSLV and the country’s heaviest LVM3.
▪ The word Pongal means ‘overflow’ or ‘boiling over’. ▪ A modified LVM3 rocket will be used in the upcoming Gaganyaan mission to carry the astronauts to space.
▪ Also known as Thai Pongal, the four-day occasion is observed in the month of Thai, when crops such as rice ▪ An alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology-Kharagpur.
are harvested and people show their gratitude to the almighty and the generosity of the land. ▪ Dr. Narayanan has been heading the ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) since January 2018.
▪ He was the Project Director for the C25 Cryogenic Project of the GSLV Mk Ill vehicle.

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▪ As project director, Dr Narayanan and his team conceived, designed, and developed the cryogenic Air Commodore Debakinandan Sahu Takes Over As Air Officer Commanding, Base
propulsion systems still used in LVM3. With this, India became the sixth country in the world to have the Repair Depot Tughlakabad
technology. ▪ He took over the command from Air Commodore Rishi Seth.
▪ Chairman of the National Expert Committee constituted to study the reasons for the hard landing of
Chandrayaan-2.
▪ He has also finalised the Propulsion Road Map of ISRO for the next 20 years (2017-2037) Faiz Ahmed Kidwai Appointed as DGCA Director General; Ashutosh Agnihotri is new
FCI chairman
ISRO STATIC ▪ Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
▪ Establishment of ISRO: ISRO was established on August 15, 1969, with headquarters in Bengaluru, to ▪ Currently posted as additional secretary, Department of Agriculture and
replace INCOSPAR with a broader mandate to harness space technology. Farmers Welfare
▪ Establishment of INCOSPAR: Recognising the need for space research, it was established in 1962 under the ▪ Ashutosh Agnihotri has been appointed as the chairman and managing
Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) at the suggestion of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai. director of the Food Corporation of India.
▪ Vikram Sarabhai served as the Chairman of the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) ▪ Agnihotri is currently posted as additional secretary, Department of Home
from 1962 to 1969 and later served as the first chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Ministry of Home Affairs.
from 1969 to 1971. ▪ Kamal Kishore Soan has been appointed as the Additional Secretary and
Mission Director of the Jal Jeevan Mission, Department of Drinking Water &
Key Centres of ISRO Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti.
ISRO Centres Specification
Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Building of Launch Vehicles Finance Secretary Shri Tuhin Kanta Pandey appointed Secretary, Department of
Thiruvananthapuram Revenue, Ministry of Finance
U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), Bengaluru Designing and Development of Satellites ▪ Tuhin Kanta Pandey has been appointed as Secretary, Department of Revenue,
Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota Integration and launching of satellites Ministry of Finance.
Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), Valiamala and Development of liquid stages including cryogenic stage ▪ He will continue to hold the designation of Finance Secretary.
Bengaluru
Space Applications Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad Sensors for Communication and Remote Sensing Justice Upadhyay new chief justice of Delhi High Court
satellites ▪ Was serving as Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, Justice Devendra
National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Hyderabad Remote Sensing satellite data reception processing and Kumar Upadhyay appointed as the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court.
dissemination ▪ Justice Vibhu Bakhru is currently serving as acting Chief Justice of the
Delhi High Court after Justice Manmohan was elevated to the Supreme
New Project director for LVM3 vehicle at VSSC Court.
▪ Victor Joseph T. appointed as the new project director of the GSLV-MKIII (Geosynchronous Satellite ▪ Justice Alok Aradhe, Chief Justice of Telangana High Court was posted as
Launch Vehicle Mk III) Project at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram. the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court.
▪ The GSLV Mk-III vehicle is now known as the LVM3. ▪ Justice Sujoy Paul appointed as new Chief Justice of Telangana High Court
▪ He replaces Beena A.P.
Keshavamurthy elected president of Urological Society of India
Basic details of LVM3
Category - Medium to heavy-lift launch vehicle
Payload Capacity - GTO (Geosynchronous Transfer Orbits): 4,000 kg
- LEO (Low Earth Orbits): 8,000 kg

Nripendra Mishra reappointed Chairperson of PM Museum & Library Society

Important LVM3 Missions
▪ The Prime Ministers’ Museum & Library (PMML) society and executive
LVM3 M1 / Chandrayaan-2 - Launch Date: July 22, 2019
council have been reconstituted with former Principal Secretary to Prime
Mission - Payload: Chandrayaan-2
Minister, Nripendra Mishra, getting another five year term as the
- Remarks: India’s second lunar mission, including an orbiter, lander, and rover.
organisation’s chairperson.
LVM3 M2 / OneWeb India-1 - Launch Date: October 23, 2022
▪ Its term expired on January 13, 2025, the Ministry of Culture, in an order issued on the same day, notified
Mission - Payload: OneWeb Gen-1 satellites
the reconstitution of the body for a five-year term.
- Remarks: India’s first commercial launch of the LVM3.
▪ there have been several new entrants at the premier institution’s society — including former Union Minister
LVM3 M4 / Chandrayaan-3 - Launch Date: July 14, 2023
Smriti Irani, former NITI Aayog Vice-chairman Rajiv Kumar, retired Army General Syed Ata Hasnain,
Moon Mission - Payload: Chandrayaan-3
filmmaker Shekhar Kapur and Sanskar Bharati’s Vasudev Kamath.
- Remarks: India’s third lunar mission, aimed at exploring the Moon’s surface
▪ The key decision-making body of PMML — helmed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as its president, and
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as vice-president — has also been expanded to now have 34 members,
instead of 29 earlier.

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▪ the term of the members nominated to the society and the executive council of PMML shall be for a period ▪ Mr. Singh is a 1991 batch Indian Police Service officer of the Assam-
of five years or until further orders, whichever is earlier Meghalaya cadre.
▪ The Prime Minister's Museum and Library Society was established by the Government of India on 1 April ▪ ill serve as the CRPF chief until further orders or until his
1966 to manage the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, now known as the Prime Minister's Museum and superannuation on January 31, 2027.
Library. ▪ The new CRPF DG has previously served in the special protection
▪ It is located in the historic Teen Murti complex, New Delhi. group (SPG) and the national investigation
▪ It was formerly the residence of the Commander in Chief of India. agency (NIA)
▪ In August 1948 it became the official residence of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India ▪ Last month, the ministry of home affairs
and remained so until his death. (MHA) issued an order assigning the
▪ The Prime Minister's Museum dedicated to the 15 Prime Ministers of India was opened to the public on 21 additional charge of CRPF DG to Vitul Kumar
April 2022 . following the retirement of incumbent
▪ This is the first formal notification for the new society after the name of Anish Dayal Singh on December 31.
the Nehru Memorial Museum & Library (NMML) was changed to PMML ▪ The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is
in 2023. the premier central police force of the Union
of India for internal security.
Nidhi Khare Gets Additional Charge as MNRE Secretary ▪ It functions under the authority of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) of the Government of India.
▪ Nidhi Khare, secretary of Department of Consumers Affairs, a 1992- ▪ Originally constituted as the Crown Representative Police in 1939, it is one of the oldest Central para
batch IAS officer, has been given the additional charge of secretary of military forces (now termed as Central Armed Police Force).
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). ▪ It became the Central Reserve Police Force on enactment of the CRPF Act on 28th December 1949.
▪ Prashant Kumar Singh, secretary MNRE, was repatriated to Manipur to
serve as the chief secretary. Justice Arun Mishra: New Ombudsman of BCCI
▪ Singh had taken charge as secretary MNRE in October ▪ Justice Arun Mishra, a former Supreme Court judge, has been
appointed as the Ombudsman and Ethics Officer of the Board of
Vineet Joshi Takes Charge as Secretary of Higher Education Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
▪ Shri Vineet Joshi assumed charge as Secretary, Department of Higher ▪ He served in the apex court from July 7, 2014, to September 2, 2020
Education in Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi. before being appointed as the chairperson of the National Human
▪ Before this appointment, he served as the Chief Secretary of Manipur. Rights Commission (NHRC) on June 2, 2021, a position he held until
▪ He has held several prominent positions in the education sector, including June 1, 2024.
Director-General of the National Testing Agency (NTA), Chairman of the ▪ appointed as the Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court on November
Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), and Additional Secretary in 26, 2010.
the Ministry of Education. He was later appointed as the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High
Court on December 14, 2012.
IPS officer Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal of T.N. cadre posted to Border Security Force
▪ Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal, 1994-Batch IPS officer belonging to the Tamil Nadu cadre ICSI elects Dhananjay Shukla as president
will be posted as Additional Director-General of Police, BSF, for a period of four ▪ The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) on Sunday
years. appointed Dhananjay Shukla as the president and Pawan G
▪ Mr. Aggarwal served in the Central Bureau of Investigation as its Joint Director in Chandak as the vice president for this year.
Chandigarh. ▪ Dhananjay has also served as the vice president of the ICSI for
▪ He is the recipient of the President Police Medal for Distinguished Service and the year 2024
Police Medal for Meritorious Service.
▪ It is one of the seven Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) Sanjiv Ranjan Appointed as Secretary General of Indian Ocean Rim Association
of India and was raised in December 1965. ▪ The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is an inter-governmental
▪ It was raised in the wake of the 1965 War to ensure the organisation formed in 1997 to foster regional economic cooperation.
security of the borders of India. ▪ The IORA Secretariat is based in Mauritius and is headed by a fixed-term
▪ It is the only CAPF which has its own Water Wing, Air Secretary-General.
Wing and other ancillary units. ▪ IORA has 23 member states – India, Australia, Bangladesh, Comoros,
▪ The Force Headquarters is in New Delhi. France, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, the Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman,
▪ It works under the administrative control of Ministry of Seychelles, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates and
Home Affairs. Yemen.
▪ It comprises 12 dialogue partners – China, Egypt, the European Union, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, Saudi
Gyanendra Pratap Singh Appointed as CRPF Director General Arabia, Turkiye, South Korea, the UK and the US. IORA became an observer to the UN General Assembly and
▪ Assam police chief Gyanendra Pratap Singh has been appointed Director General of the Central Reserve the African Union in 2015.
Police Force (CRPF).

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Bhuvnesh Kumar takes charge as UIDAI CEO Indian Bank

▪ IAS officer Bhuvnesh Kumar took charge as the CEO of ▪ The Bank was incorporated on March 5, 1907 with an Authorized Capital of Rs 20 lakhs and commenced its
the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), business on August 15, 1907.
which administers Aadhaar, on January 1, 2025. ▪ In the year 1907, the Indian Bank Ltd. had the tree ‘Banyan’ as a part of its emblem denoting an all-around
▪ Mr. Kumar is additional secretary at the Ministry of progress, growth (far and wide) and an ever-increasing prosperity.
Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY), a post ▪ On 1 April 2020 Indian bank and Allahabad bank merged. The
he will continue to hold after this appointment.
▪ Mr. Kumar succeeds Amit Agrawal, who was also About Bank of Baroda Bank
MEITY additional secretary prior to his June 2023 ▪ The bank was founded by the Maharaja of Baroda, Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III on 20 July 1908.
appointment. ▪ The bank, along with 13 other major commercial banks of India, was nationalised on 19 July 1969, by the
Government of India and has been designated as a profit-making
Manish Singhal Appointed Secretary General of ASSOCHAM public sector undertaking (PSU).
▪ Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India
(ASSOCHAM) - an apex business chamber LinkedIn appoints Deepak Agarwal as chief AI officer
▪ had earlier worked as Deputy Secretary General of The Federation ▪ LinkedIn has appointed Deepak Agarwal as their new chief AI
of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). officer.
▪ He had also worked with various Indian transnational companies, ▪ previously served as the chief AI officer and VP of consumer and
including Tata Motors, Eicher (Volvo), Tata Auto Comp Systems, trust engineering at lifestyle social media platform Pinterest,
Moser Baer India and BEML to name a few. confirmed the news on LinkedIn.
▪ Singhal succeeds Deepak Sood, who recently after a five-year stint
stepped down to pursue other interests. Angel One has announced the appointment of Ambarish Kenghe as its
group chief executive officer. Kenghe will assume the role in March 2025
Bharati Kulkarni is the new chief of ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition
▪ Physician-scientist Bharati Kulkarni took over as the new director of
ICMR-National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) on January 1, 2025.

IDBI Bank’s board approves re-appointment of Rakesh Sharma as MD & CEO

▪ for three years with effect from March 19, 2025.
▪ Industrial Development Bank of India (IDBI)

Jitender Pal Singh Appointed as India’s New Ambassador to Israel

▪ Singh is currently serving as Joint Secretary, in charge of Pakistan,
Afghanistan and Iran.

▪ Capital: Jerusalem Alok Kumar Agarwal Appointed CEO of Zurich Kotak General
▪ Currency: New shekel Insurance
▪ Zurich Kotak General Insurance has confirmed the
appointment of Alok Kumar Agarwal as Managing Director
and Chief Executive Officer of the company.
▪ Following the board’s approval, Agarwal assumed charge
on 1 January 2025, succeeding Suresh Agarwal.

Vedanta Resources Names Deshnee Naidoo as First CEO

Punjab National Bank and Indian Bank Appoint New MDs and CEOs ▪ Vedanta Resources Ltd (VRL), the parent firm of Mumbai-based mining
▪ Punjab National Bank announced that the government has approved the appointment of Canara conglomerate Vedanta Ltd, announced the appointment of Deshnee
Bank Executive Director Ashok Chandra as the managing director and CEO of PNB, for a period of three Naidoo as its first Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
years. ▪ Vedanta Resources Limited is a diversified mining company
▪ Binod Kumar ceased to be the executive director of PNB upon his appointment as managing director & chief headquartered in London, United Kingdom.
executive officer (MD & CEO) of Indian Bank. ▪ Vedanta Resources Ltd is demerging its businesses to unlock significant
value for stakeholders.

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Maruti Suzuki Re-Appoints Hisashi Takeuchi as MD and CEO Awards

▪ Maruti Suzuki India Ltd board has approved the reappointment of Hisashi Padma Awards for year 2025 announced
Takeuchi as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer for a further period of ▪ President has approved conferment of 139 Padma Awards including
three years with effect from April 1, 2025. 1 duo case (in a duo case, the Award is counted as one)
▪ The list comprises 7 Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan and 113
Padma Shri Awards.
▪ 23 of the awardees are women
▪ 10 persons from the category of Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI
▪ 13 Posthumous awardees.

P. Suriaraj takes charge as executive director of Dhanlaxmi Bank About Padma Awards
▪ P. Suriaraj has taken charge as executive director of the Dhanlaxmi Bank. ▪ Padma Awards - one of the highest civilian Awards of the country, are conferred in three categories, namely,
▪ He was appointed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as executive director of the Bank Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri
for a period of three years. ▪ The awards are announced on the eve of Republic Day every year.
▪ Dhanlaxmi Bank Ltd. was incorporated in 1927 at Thrissur, Kerala ▪ These Awards are conferred by the President of India at ceremonial functions which are held at Rashtrapati
Bhawan usually around March/ April every year.
▪ Padma Awards were instituted in the year 1954
▪ Interruption(s) during the years 1978 and 1979 and 1993 to 1997.

Neeraj Parakh Appointed as CEO and Executive Director of Reliance Power Padma Vibhushan (7):
▪ Reliance Power appoints Neeraj Parakh as CEO and Executive Director for a ▪ Former Chief Justice of India Justice (retired) Jagdish Singh Khehar,
three-year term, effective January 20, 2025. who gave a dissenting opinion among the Supreme Court Bench that
outlawed triple talaq in 2017
▪ Gastroenterologist D. Nageshwara Reddy
▪ Kathak dancer Kumudini Rajnikant Lakhia
▪ violinist Lakshminarayana Subramaniam
▪ Iconic writer M.T. Vasudevan Nair
Ayushmann Khurrana to be ambassador for FICCI Frames ▪ Japan’s Suzuki Motor leader Osamu Suzuki
▪ FICCI Frames, a media and entertainment convention, has announced Ayushmann ▪ Bhojpuri and Maithili singer Sharda Sinha
Khurrana as the ambassador for its 25th anniversary celebration.
▪ Industry body Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has Padma Vibhushan (7)
selected RISE: Redefining Innovation, Sustainability, and Excellence as the theme for
S.No Name Field State/Country
the convention this year.
1. Shri Duvvur Nageshwar Reddy Medicine Telangana
2. Justice (Retd.) Shri Jagdish Singh Khehar Public Affairs Chandigarh
3. Smt. Kumudini Rajnikant Lakhia Art Gujarat
Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI)
4. Shri Lakshminarayana Subramaniam Art Karnataka
▪ FICCI is a non-government, not-for-profit organisation established
5. Shri M. T. Vasudevan Nair (Posthumous) Literature and Education Kerala
in 1927.
6. Shri Osamu Suzuki (Posthumous) Trade and Industry Japan
▪ It is the largest and oldest apex business organisation in India
7. Smt. Sharda Sinha (Posthumous) Art Bihar

PV Sindhu Partners with PUMA India Prominent Padma Bhushan :

▪ PV Sindhu, the two-time Olympic medallist and badminton icon, has ▪ Economist Bibek Debroy (posthumously)
teamed up with PUMA India in a multi-year partnership, marking the ▪ ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas (posthumously)
brand’s official entry into the badminton scene. ▪ former Maharashtra Chief Minister Manohar Joshi (posthumously)
▪ brand’s global roster of elite athletes, including cricketers Harmanpreet ▪ former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi (posthumously)
Kaur and Mohammed Shami, Olympians Sarabjot Singh and MC Mary ▪ Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur
Kom, as well as international stars like Usain Bolt and Neymar Jr ▪ double Olympic bronze medal-winning hockey player P.R. Sreejesh
▪ actor Anant Nag
▪ Tamil star Ajith Kumar
▪ Assam’s folk culture exponent Jatin Goswami

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Padma Bhushan (19) 16. Shri Bharat Gupt Art NCT Delhi
SN Name Field State/Country 17. Shri Bheru Singh Chouhan Art Madhya Pradesh
1. Shri A Surya Prakash Literature and Education-Journalism Karnataka 18. Shri Bhim Singh Bhavesh Social Work Bihar
2. Shri Anant Nag Art Karnataka 19. Smt. Bhimavva Doddabalappa Art Karnataka
3. Shri Bibek Debroy (Posthumous) Literature and Education NCT Delhi Shillekyathara
4. Shri Jatin Goswami Art Assam 20. Shri Budhendra Kumar Jain Medicine Madhya Pradesh
5. Shri Jose Chacko Periappuram Medicine Kerala 21. Shri C S Vaidyanathan Public Affairs NCT Delhi
6. Shri Kailash Nath Dikshit Others-Archaeology NCT Delhi 22. Shri Chaitram Deochand Pawar Social Work Maharashtra
7. Shri Manohar Joshi (Posthumous) Public Affairs Maharashtra 23. Shri Chandrakant Sheth Literature and Education Gujarat
8. Shri Nalli Kuppuswami Chetti Trade and Industry Tamil Nadu (Posthumous)
9. Shri Nandamuri Balakrishna Art Andhra Pradesh 24. Shri Chandrakant Sompura Others-Architecture Gujarat
10. Shri P R Sreejesh Sports Kerala 25. Shri Chetan E Chitnis Science and Engineering France
11. Shri Pankaj Patel Trade and Industry Gujarat 26. Shri David R Syiemlieh Literature and Education Meghalaya
12. Shri Pankaj Udhas (Posthumous) Art Maharashtra 27. Shri Durga Charan Ranbir Art Odisha
13. Shri Rambahadur Rai Literature and Education-Journalism Uttar Pradesh 28. Shri Farooq Ahmad Mir Art Jammu And Kashmir
14. Sadhvi Ritambhara Social Work Uttar Pradesh 29. Shri Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid Literature and Education Uttar Pradesh
15. Shri S Ajith Kumar Art Tamil Nadu 30. Smt. Gita Upadhyay Literature and Education Assam
16. Shri Shekhar Kapur Art Maharashtra 31. Shri Gokul Chandra Das Art West Bengal
17. Ms. Shobana Chandrakumar Art Tamil Nadu 32. Shri Guruvayur Dorai Art Tamil Nadu
18. Shri Sushil Kumar Modi (Posthumous) Public Affairs Bihar 33. Shri Harchandan Singh Bhatty Art Madhya Pradesh
19. Shri Vinod Dham Science and Engineering United States of 34. Shri Hariman Sharma Others-Agriculture Himachal Pradesh
America 35. Shri Harjinder Singh Srinagar Wale Art Punjab
36. Shri Harvinder Singh Sports Haryana
Prominent Padma Shri : 37. Shri Hassan Raghu Art Karnataka
▪ recently-retired cricket star Ravichandran Ashwin 38. Shri Hemant Kumar Medicine Bihar
▪ Legendary Indian footballer I. M. Vijayan 39. Shri Hriday Narayan Dixit Literature and Education Uttar Pradesh
▪ India's first Paralympic gold medal-winning archer Harvinder Singh 40. Shri Hugh and Colleen Literature and Education- Uttarakhand
▪ Para athletics coach Satyapal Singh Gantzer(Posthumous)(Duo)* Journalism
▪ singer Arijit Singh, 41. Shri Inivalappil Mani Vijayan Sports Kerala
▪ veteran actor Ashok Laxman Saraf, 42. Shri Jagadish Joshila Literature and Education Madhya Pradesh
▪ singer Jaspinder Narula, 43. Smt. Jaspinder Narula Art Maharashtra
▪ Grammy-winning musician Ricky Kej 44. Shri Jonas Masetti Others-Spiritualism Brazil
▪ Ram Mandir architect Chandrakant Sompura 45. Shri Joynacharan Bathari Art Assam
46. Smt. Jumde Yomgam Gamlin Social Work Arunachal Pradesh
Padma Shri (113) 47. Shri K. Damodaran Others-Culinary Tamil Nadu
SN Name Field State/Country 48. Shri K L Krishna Literature and Education Andhra Pradesh
1. Shri Adwaita Charan Gadanayak Art Odisha 49. Smt. K Omanakutty Amma Art Kerala
2. Shri Achyut Ramchandra Palav Art Maharashtra 50. Shri Kishore Kunal (Posthumous) Civil Service Bihar
3. Shri Ajay V Bhatt Science and Engineering United States of America 51. Shri L Hangthing Others-Agriculture Nagaland
4. Shri Anil Kumar Boro Literature and Education Assam 52. Shri Lakshmipathy Ramasubbaiyer Literature and Education- Tamil Nadu
5. Shri Arijit Singh Art West Bengal Journalism
6. Smt. Arundhati Bhattacharya Trade and Industry Maharashtra 53. Shri Lalit Kumar Mangotra Literature and Education Jammu And Kashmir
7. Shri Arunoday Saha Literature and Education Tripura 54. Shri Lama Lobzang (Posthumous) Others-Spiritualism Ladakh
8. Shri Arvind Sharma Literature and Education Canada 55. Smt. Libia Lobo Sardesai Social Work Goa
9. Shri Ashok Kumar Mahapatra Medicine Odisha 56. Shri M D Srinivas Science and Engineering Tamil Nadu
10. Shri Ashok Laxman Saraf Art Maharashtra 57. Shri Madugula Nagaphani Sarma Art Andhra Pradesh
11. Shri Ashutosh Sharma Science and Engineering Uttar Pradesh 58. Shri Mahabir Nayak Art Jharkhand
12. Smt. Ashwini Bhide Deshpande Art Maharashtra 59. Smt. Mamata Shankar Art West Bengal
13. Shri Baijnath Maharaj Others-Spiritualism Rajasthan 60. Shri Manda Krishna Madiga Public Affairs Telangana
14. Shri Barry Godfray John Art NCT Delhi 61. Shri Maruti Bhujangrao Chitampalli Literature and Education Maharashtra
15. Smt. Begam Batool Art Rajasthan 62. Shri Miriyala Apparao (Posthumous) Art Andhra Pradesh

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63. Shri Nagendra Nath Roy Literature and Education West Bengal 108. Shri Velu Aasaan Art Tamil Nadu
64. Shri Narayan (Bhulai Bhai) Public Affairs Uttar Pradesh 109. Shri Venkappa Ambaji Sugatekar Art Karnataka
(Posthumous) 110. Shri Vijay Nityanand Surishwar Ji Others-Spiritualism Bihar
65. Shri Naren Gurung Art Sikkim Maharaj
66. Smt. Neerja Bhatla Medicine NCT Delhi 111. Smt. Vijayalakshmi Deshamane Medicine Karnataka
67. Smt. Nirmala Devi Art Bihar 112. Shri Vilas Dangre Medicine Maharashtra
68. Shri Nitin Nohria Literature and Education United States of America 113. Shri Vinayak Lohani Social Work West Bengal
69. Shri Onkar Singh Pahwa Trade and Industry Punjab
70. Shri P Datchanamoorthy Art Puducherry President Murmu to confer National Sports Awards 2024
71. Shri Pandi Ram Mandavi Art Chhattisgarh The Khel Ratna is India’s highest sporting honour in the National Sports
72. Shri Parmar Lavjibhai Nagjibhai Art Gujarat Awards given annually by India's Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
73. Shri Pawan Goenka Trade and Industry West Bengal Khel Ratna ceremony to be held on January 17 at the Rashtrapati Bhavan
74. Shri Prashanth Prakash Trade and Industry Karnataka S. No. Name of the Sportsperson Discipline
75. Smt. Pratibha Satpathy Literature and Education Odisha 1. Shri Gukesh D Chess
76. Shri Purisai Kannappa Sambandan Art Tamil Nadu 2. Shri Harmanpreet Singh Hockey
77. Shri R Ashwin Sports Tamil Nadu 3. Shri Praveen Kumar Para-Athletics
78. Shri R G Chandramogan Trade and Industry Tamil Nadu 4. Ms. Manu Bhaker Shooting
79. Smt. Radha Bahin Bhatt Social Work Uttarakhand
80. Shri Radhakrishnan Devasenapathy Art Tamil Nadu ▪ Olympic medallists Manu Bhaker, Harmanpreet Singh, chess world champion Gukesh D and para-
81. Shri Ramdarash Mishra Literature and Education NCT Delhi athlete Praveen Kumar have been named recipients of the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna
82. Shri Ranendra Bhanu Majumdar Art Maharashtra ▪ Harmanpreet Singh (Hockey Team Captain) led the Indian hockey team to its second consecutive bronze
83. Shri Ratan Kumar Parimoo Art Gujarat medal at the Olympics at Paris 2024.
84. Shri Reba Kanta Mahanta Art Assam ▪ Manu Bhaker became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in shooting (bronze at Paris 2024
85. Shri Renthlei Lalrawna Literature and Education Mizoram Olympics in the women’s 10m air pistol event).
86. Shri Ricky Gyan Kej Art Karnataka ▪ She is also the first athlete from independent India to win two medals at a single Olympic Games
(bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event with Sarabjot Singh)
87. Shri Sajjan Bhajanka Trade and Industry West Bengal
▪ Gukesh, 18, was crowned the 2024 world chess champion in Singapore, becoming the youngest world
88. Smt. Sally Holkar Trade and Industry Madhya Pradesh
chess champion and only the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to win the title.
89. Shri Sant Ram Deswal Literature and Education Haryana
▪ Para-athlete Praveen Kumar secured gold in the men's high jump T64 at the Paris Paralympics 2024 with a
90. Shri Satyapal Singh Sports Uttar Pradesh
record jump of 2.08 meters, setting a new Asian record.
91. Shri Seeni Viswanathan Literature and Education Tamil Nadu
92. Shri Sethuraman Panchanathan Science and Engineering United States of America
Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award:
93. Smt. Sheikha Shaikha Ali Al-Jaber Al- Medicine Kuwait ▪ The Khel Ratna Award was instituted in 1991–1992.
Sabah ▪ given for outstanding performances in sports spanning over a period of 4 years
94. Shri Sheen Kaaf Nizam (Shiv Kishan Literature and Education Rajasthan ▪ It was formerly known as Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna.
Bissa) ▪ In 2021 it got renamed after Major Dhyan Chand
95. Shri Shyam Bihari Agrawal Art Uttar Pradesh ▪ It carries a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh, a medal and a certificate of honour.
96. Smt. Soniya Nityanand Medicine Uttar Pradesh ▪ first recipient in 1991-92 : Viswanathan Anand (Chess)
▪ First woman winner - Karnam Malleswari (Olympic bronze winning weightlifter) in 1994-95
97. Shri Stephen Knapp Literature and Education United States of America
98. Shri Subhash Khetulal Sharma Others-Agriculture Maharashtra 32 Arjuna Awards
99. Shri Suresh Harilal Soni Social Work Gujarat
100. Shri Surinder Kumar Vasal Science and Engineering Delhi
101. Shri Swami Pradiptananda (Kartik Others-Spiritualism West Bengal
Maharaj)
102. Shri Syed Ainul Hasan Literature and Education Uttar Pradesh
103. Shri Tejendra Narayan Majumdar Art West Bengal
104. Smt. Thiyam Suryamukhi Devi Art Manipur
105. Shri Tushar Durgeshbhai Shukla Literature and Education Gujarat
106. Shri Vadiraj Raghawendracharya Literature and Education Andhra Pradesh
Panchamukhi
107. Shri Vasudeo Kamath Art Maharashtra

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Arjuna Award (India’s 2 highest sporting honour):

nd
3. Shri Sandeep Sangwan Hockey
▪ It was established in 1961 to recognize outstanding achievements in national sporting events.
▪ It is given for good performance over a period of the last four years and showing qualities of leadership, Lifetime Category:
sportsmanship and a sense of discipline. S. No. Name of the Coach Discipline
▪ This award carries a cash prize of Rs 15 lakh, a bronze statue of Arjun and a certificate of appreciation. 1. Shri S Muralidharan Badminton
2. Shri Armando Agnelo Colaco Football
S.No Name Sport Discipline
1 Jyothi Yarraji Athletics Dronacharya Award:
2 Annu Rani Athletics • It was established in 1985 by the Government of India to recognize excellence in sports related training.
3 Nitu Ghangas Boxing • It is given to coaches for doing excellent and commendable work and enabling players to excel in
4 Saweety Boora Boxing international events.
5 Vantika Agarwal Chess • It carries a cash prize of Rs 15 lakh, a bronze statue of Dronacharya and a certificate of appreciation.
6 Salima Tete Hockey
7 Abhishek Hockey Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar
8 Sanjay Hockey ▪ Physical Education Foundation of India
9 Harmanpreet Singh Hockey
10 Sukhjeet Singh Hockey Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy 2024:
11 Rakesh Kumar Para-Archery S. No. Name of University
12 Preeti Pal Para-Athletics 1 Chandigarh University Overall winner University
13 Jeevanji Deepthi Para-Athletics 2 Lovely Professional University, (PB) 1st runner up University
14 Ajeet Singh Para-Athletics 3 Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar 2nd runner up University
15 Sachin Sarjerao Khilari Para-Athletics
16 Dharambir Para-Athletics Best Tableau Awards in Republic Day Parade 2025
S.No Name Sport Discipline ▪ The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has been awarded the Best Tableau from
17 Pranav Soorma Para-Athletics Central Ministries/Departments based on the theme "Janjatiya Gaurav
18 H Hokato Sema Para-Athletics Varsh", commemorating the 150th birth anniversary year of Bhagwan
19 Simran Para-Athletics Birsa Munda.
▪ The central theme, “Jal, Jungle, Jameen”
20 Navdeep Singh Para-Athletics
▪ Top 3 tableaux from states and union territories:
21 Nitesh Kumar Para-Badminton
▪ 1st - Uttar Pradesh's tableau, theme - Mahakumbh 2025 -
22 Thulasimathi Murugesan Para-Badminton
Swarnim Bharat Virasat aur Vikas
23 Nithya Sre Sumathy Sivan Para-Badminton
▪ 2nd - Tripura's tableau, theme - Eternal Reverence: The worship of
24 Manisha Ramadass Para-Badminton
14 Deities in Tripura - Kharchi Puja
25 Kapil Parmar Para-Judo
▪ 3rd - tableau from Andhra Pradesh, theme - Etikoppaka
26 Mona Agarwal Para-Shooting
Bommalu- Eco-Friendly Wooden Toys
27 Rubina Francis Para-Shooting ▪ Best marching contingent best among the three services - Jammu and
28 Swapnil Kusale Shooting Kashmir Rifles
29 Sarabjot Singh Shooting ▪ The best marching contingent among the Central Armed Police Forces
30 Abhay Singh Squash (CAPFs) and other auxiliary forces was
31 Sajan Prakash Swimming the Delhi Police team.
32 Aman Sehrawat Wrestling
ONLINE polling – Popular Choice awards
Arjuna Award (Lifetime) Achievement Awardees ▪ In addition, an online poll was
S. No. Name of the Sportsperson Discipline conducted on the MyGov portal from
1. Shri Sucha Singh Athletics January 26 to 28 for citizens to vote for
2. Shri Murlikant Rajaram Petkar Para-Swimming their favourite tableau and marching contingents in the 'Popular Choice' category:
▪ Top 3 state tableau:
Dronacharya Award for Outstanding Coaches in Sports and Games 2024 ▪ Gujarat (Swarnim Bharat: Virasat Aur Vikas)
Regular Category: ▪ Uttar Pradesh (Mahakumbh 2025)
S. No. Name of the Coach Discipline ▪ Uttarakhand (Cultural Heritage and Adventure Sports)
1. Shri Subhash Rana Para-Shooting ▪ The 'Popular Choice' award for the best marching contingent went to the Signals contingent.
2. Ms. Deepali Deshpande Shooting

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▪ CRPF marching contingent emerged as the best among the CAPFs and other auxiliary forces in the popular ▪ Best director - WINNER: Brady Corbet, The Brutalist
choice. ▪ Best actress – drama - WINNER: Fernanda Torres, I'm Still Here
▪ among the central ministries and departments - Ministry of Women and Child Development. ▪ Best actor – drama- WINNER: Adrien Brody, The Brutalist
▪ Best supporting actress- WINNER: Zoe Saldaña, Emilia Pérez
Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2025 ▪ Best supporting actor - WINNER: Kieran Culkin, A Real Pain
▪ President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Pravasi Bharatiya ▪ Best TV series – drama - WINNER: Shōgun
Samman Award to the 27 recipient at the 18th edition of the ▪ The Golden Globe Awards are presented for excellence in both international film and television. It is an
Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) annual award ceremony held since 1944
Convention in Bhubaneshwar Odisha on 10 January 2025. ▪ The Foreign Language category, introduced in 1959. V. Shantaram's
▪ The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention was held in 1957 Hindi film Do Aankhen Barah Haath first winner of Samuel
Bhubaneswar on 8-10th January 2025. Goldwyn International Award from India (1959)
▪ Since 2003, 9th January has been observed as Pravasi Divas in India to mark the return of Mahatma Gandhi ▪ In 2023 Rajamouli's RRR song “Naatu Naatu,” composed by M. M.
to India on this day in 1915 from South Africa. Keeravani and written by Chandrabose, won the Golden Globe for Best
▪ The Ministry of External Affairs organises the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention and since 2015 it has been Original Song
organised after every two years.
▪ Theme - "Diaspora's Contribution to a Viksit Bharat". JIFF 2025 to Honour Yash Chopra and Shyam Benegal
Celebrated filmmakers Yash Chopra and Shyam Benegal will be honoured at the
Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards upcoming edition of the Jaipur International Film Festival (JIFF) 2025, set to be held in
▪ The government of India instituted the Pravasi Bharatiya the Rajasthan capital between January 17 and 21.
Samman to honour Non-Resident Indians(NRI), Persons of India While Yash Chopra will be bestowed the Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award, a
Origin(PIO), and institutions /organisations established by them tribute will be paid to Benegal, who died late last year.
for their exemplary achievements in India or abroad.
▪ The winner of the award is selected by a Jury-cum-Awards Sister Inah Canabarro Becomes World’s Oldest Person.
committee. ▪ Sister Inah Canabarro believed to have become the world's oldest living
▪ The committee is headed by the Vice-President of India and the Minister for External Affairs is the vice- person at nearly 117 following the recent death of a woman from Japan
chairman of the committee. - Tomiko Itooka.
▪ The award is conferred by the President of India on the last day of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention. ▪ Ms. Canabarro was born on June 8, 1908

Joe Biden honours Hillary Clinton, George Soros with Presidential Medal of Freedom Tarun Das Honored with Singapore ‘Honorary Citizen Award’
▪ US President Joe Biden recognised the contributions of 19 public figures in politics, ▪ President of Singapore Tharman Shanmugaratnam bestowed the
entertainment, sports and more through a ceremony at the White House for highest honour of the city-state on Tarun Das, the former director
awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom. general of the Confederation of the Indian Industry (CII).
▪ The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the United States’ highest civilian honour, ▪ The Honourary Citizen award, instituted in 2003, is given for
often given in recognition of a body of work over a person’s lifetime. “outstanding contribution by a non-Singaporean to the country’s
▪ The winners included former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former basketball growth and development
player Earvin “Magic” Johnson and actor Michael J. Fox. , footballer Lionel Messi, ▪ Mr. Das is the second Indian to receive the honour with
primatologist Jane Goodall, Hungarian-American investor & philanthropist George the late Ratan Tata being the only other Indian recipient
Soros of the award before this.
▪ The medal itself has a white star over a red pentagon, surrounded by five gold eagles. At its centre is a blue ▪ Capital: Singapore (city-state)
circle with 13 gold stars. ▪ Currency: Singapore dollar
▪ Singapore is India's largest trade partner in ASEAN; it's India's 6th largest
‘All We Imagine as Light’, Payal Kapadia miss out at Golden Globes 2025 trade partner (2023-24).
▪ The Golden Globes 2025 held at Beverly Hills, California ▪ India signed Direct Tax Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) with Singapore in
▪ Hosted by noted comedian Nikki Glaser, 82nd Golden Globes mark 2016 to check tax evasion.
the first time a woman is solo-hosting the show. ▪ Bilateral exercises by the three services: Exercise Agni
▪ Payal Kapadia lost the Best Director award to Brady Corbet for The Warrior (Army), Exercise SIMBEX (Navy) and Air Force Exercise Joint Military Training (JMT).
Brutalist. ▪ India was one of the first countries to recognize Singapore in 1965.
▪ Emilia Perez wins Best Motion Picture – Non-English Language. India's All We Imagine As Light was also
nominated in the same category. Infosys Prize 2024 honours six researchers under 40
▪ Best film – drama - WINNER: The Brutalist ▪ The Infosys Science Foundation (ISF) celebrated outstanding achievements in research and innovation by
▪ Best film - musical or comedy - WINNER: Emilia Pérez awarding the Infosys Prize 2024 to six scholars during a felicitation ceremony.
▪ Best non-English language film- WINNER: Emilia Pérez ▪ The Infosys Science Foundation (ISF) established the award in 2009. The award includes a gold medal, a
▪ Best animated film - WINNER: Flow citation, and a cash prize of $100,000.

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 The 2024 Infosys Prize winners across six disciplines are: ▪ Honorary Lifetime Achievement Awards will be given to anti-nuclear activist Joanna Macy and the late Klee
▪ Arun Chandrasekhar: Economics Benally - worked to address the environmental and health effects of uranium mining on Native American
▪ Shyam Gollakota: Engineering and Computer Science communities.
▪ Mahmood Kooria: Humanities and Social Sciences ▪ The awards ceremony will take place on March 4 at The Great Hall at Cooper
▪ Siddhesh Kamat: Life Sciences Union in New York City.
▪ Neena Gupta: Mathematical Sciences
▪ Vedika Khemani: Physical Sciences Odakkuzhal Award for K. Aravindakshan’s novel
▪ Gopa, a novel authored by K. Aravindakshan, has won the Odakkuzhal Award
Kiren Rijiju Confers 34th National Youth Parliament Awards for 2024, instituted by Guruvayoorappan Trust.
▪ The Prize Distribution Function of the 34th National Youth Parliament ▪ The award, which carries a cash prize of ₹30,000 and a citation, will be
Competition, 2023-24 for Kendriya Vidyalayas was held here at GMC presented on February 2, 2025 at a function to be held at the Mahakavi G.
Balayogi Auditorium, Parliament Library Building, Parliament House Auditorium.
Complex, New Delhi. ▪ Samastha Kerala Sahitya Parishad president and writer C. Radhakrishnan will
▪ The students of PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya , IIT, Kharagpur, (Kolkata present the award.
Region, East Zone) which stood first
▪ Kiren Rijiju - Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs WBFJA Awards: Aparna Sen Honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award
▪ PM SHRI, or Prime Minister's Schools for Rising India, is a centrally ▪ Eminent director Aparna Sen was honoured with the ‘Satyajit Ray
sponsored scheme by the Government of India. Lifetime Achievement Award’ at the annual award ceremony of West
▪ This initiative is intended to develop more than 14500 PM SHRI Schools managed by Central Bengal Film Journalists Association (WBFJA) for her contributions to
Government/State/UT Government/local bodies including KVS and NVS Indian cinema.
▪ ‘Manik Babur Megh’ win Best Bengali Film, with Chandan Sen receiving
Mridangist TV Gopalakrishnan honoured with RK Srikantan Trust Award Best Actor (Male) for his role in the film.
▪ His book, Your Voice encompassing both ancient Vedic literature and modern ▪ Srijit Mukherji and Debaloy Bhattacharya jointly won Best Director for ‘Badami Haynar Kabale’
scientific studies of the singing voice ▪ ‘Padatik,’ while Mukherji’s ‘Oti Uttam’ earned Special Recognition for Technical Innovation
▪ Gopalakrishnan, a Padma Bhushan recipient ▪ Actor Rituparna Sengupta was named Best Actor (Female) for ‘Ajogya’
▪ Abhinandan Banerjee won Most Promising Director for ‘Manik Babur Megh’
Prize Distribution for 25th National Youth Parliament Competition of Jawahar ▪ ‘Khadaan’ received the Most Popular Film award, and its star Dev was named Most Popular Actor
Navodaya Vidyalayas ▪ Anjan Dutt was given the ‘Best Screenplay’ crown for ‘Chalchitra Ekhon’
▪ Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Chandrapur, Maharashtra (Pune Region), won first place in the 25th
National Youth Parliament Competition, 2023-24 for Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas Raman Research Institute faculty honored with the Gates-Cambridge Impact
Prize 2025
Andhra Pradesh official bags Prime Minister’s award for excellence ▪ Professor Urbasi Sinha, faculty in the Light and Matter Physics theme at
▪ Nishant Kumar, Director of Excise and Prohibition, Manglagiri, and former District the Raman Research Institute (RRI), was honored with the Gates-
Collector of Parvathipuram, has been awarded the prestigious Prime Minister’s Cambridge Impact Prize 2025 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation at
Award for Excellence in Public Administration for 2023. Cambridge, UK.
▪ This accolade recognises his exemplary leadership in implementing the PRISM 10 ▪ Prof. Sinha is among the eight winners of Gates-Cambridge's Impact
(Project to Reduce Infant Mortality Rate Below 10) initiative during his tenure Prize to celebrate its 25th anniversary
from 2022 to 2024 in Parvathipuram. ▪ She was awarded the prestigious Rashtriya Vigyan Yuva Puraskar by the
▪ The award, recognised under the ‘Innovation District’ category Government of India. She is also a recipient of the Canada Excellence
Research Chair (CERC) in Photonic Quantum Science and Technologies,
Activist who opposed Kudankulam nuclear plant among 2025 Nuclear-Free Future Awards laureates University of Calgary, Canada.
▪ The 2025 Nuclear-Free Future Awards will honour S.P. Udayakumar, a key figure in resistance to the ▪ She has played a leading role in the creation of the Open Quantum
Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Tirunelveli district. Institute (OQI), first of its kind multi-stakeholder institution, launched at
▪ Founded in 1998 by Claus Biegert, CERN in March 2024.
▪ The Nuclear-Free Future Awards celebrate those working to rid the world of
nuclear weapons, power, and uranium mining. Para-athlete Jeevanji Deepthi to receive Governor’s Award for Excellence
▪ Laureates chosen by an international jury of peers. Mr. Udayakumar, who will ▪ Para-athlete and Arjuna awardee Jeevanji Deepthi, environmental
receive the Resistance Award, spearheaded the 2011 grassroots movement that activist Dusharla Sathyanarayana, Arikapudi Raghu in the field of
opposed the construction of the plant in Tamil Nadu, India. Divyanjan welfare, and P.B.Krishna Bharathi and M. Pandu Ranga Rao,
▪ Márcia Gomes de Oliveira and Norbert Suchanek from Brazil - receive the Education jointly in the field of culture, will receive the Governor’s Award for
Award for founding the International Uranium Film Festival. Excellence this year.
▪ Edwick Madzimure of Zimbabwe, - The Solution Award

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▪ Governor of Telangana Doordarshan Wins ECI Media Award for Voter Awareness
▪ The awards will be presented by Governor Jishnu Dev Varma during the ▪ Doordarshan has been honoured with the award in the Electronic
76th Republic Day Media category for its comprehensive campaign on Voter Awareness
▪ The Governor’s Award for Excellence, an initiative to recognise and Education.
outstanding contributions in the fields of environment protection, ▪ Doordarshan has been recognised for its coverage, including the
Divyangjan (persons with disability) welfare, sports and games, and “Chunav Ka Parv Desh Ka Garv” series during the Lok Sabha Elections
culture, are instituted for the first time by Raj Bhavan. 2024.
▪ The awards under the same categories for organisations are: Dhruvansh ▪ Doordarshan Director-General Kanchan Prasad received the honour from President Droupadi Murmu
NGO for environment protection, L.V. Prasad Eye Institute (Divyangjan ▪ Doordarshan is one of two divisions of Prasar Bharati (other being akshvani).
welfare), Aditya Mehta Foundation (sports and games), and Samskruti ▪ Prasar Bharati is a statutory autonomous body (under the Prasar Bharati Act, 1997). It is the Public Service
Foundation (culture). Broadcaster of the country.
▪ Five of the total eight awards went to Hyderabad-based individuals and ▪ The signature Doordarshan tune was composed by sitar virtuoso Pandit Ravi Shankar and the master
organisations. shehnai player Ustad Ali Ahmed Hussain Khan and was aired for the first time on 1st April 1976.
▪ Doordarshan was first aired on September 15, 1959.
INCOIS Honored with Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan ▪ The first broadcast was inaugurated by the then President of India, Shri Rajendra Prasad.
Puraskar-2025
▪ The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services The President has also approved awards for personnel involved in various operations:
(INCOIS) has been selected for the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda ▪ Operation Rakshak ▪ Operation Mulkhyama;
Prabandhan Puraskar-2025, in the Institutional Category, for its ▪ Operation Snow Leopard; ▪ Operation Reconnaissance;
excellent work in Disaster Management. ▪ Operation Hifazat; ▪ Operation Zokhawthar;
▪ The Government of India, under the leadership of Prime Minister ▪ Operation Sahayta; ▪ Operation Falcon;
Shri Narendra Modi, has instituted an annual award known as Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan ▪ Operation Rhino; ▪ Operation CAS Evacuation;
Puraskar ▪ Operation Meghdoot; ▪ Operation Sankalp
▪ to recognize and honour the invaluable contribution and selfless service rendered by individuals and ▪ Operation Gurihajan;
organizations in India in the field of disaster management.
▪ The award is announced every year on 23rd January, the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. The President also approved the President’s Tatrakshak Medal and Tatrakshak Medal to 8 Coast Guard personnel.
▪ The award carries a cash prize of Rs. 51 lakh and a certificate in case of an institution and Rs. 5 lakh and a
certificate in case of an individual. President approves conferment of Jeevan Raksha Padak Series of Awards-2024 on 49 persons
▪ Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) was established in 1999, Hyderabad, ▪ 49 Padaks include:
Telangana. ▪ Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak to 17,
▪ The INCOIS is integral to India’s disaster management strategy, specializing in early alerts for ocean-related ▪ Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak to 09 and
hazards. ▪ Jeevan Raksha Padak to 23 persons.
▪ It established the Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC) which provides tsunami alerts within 10 ▪ Jeevan Raksha Padak Series of Awards are given to a person for meritorious act of human nature in saving
minutes, serving India and 28 Indian Ocean countries. It has been recognized by UNESCO as a top Tsunami the life of a person.
Service Provider.
▪ INCOIS has developed the Search and Rescue Aided Tool (SARAT) to assist the Indian Coast Guard, Navy and Super 100 winners of Veer Gatha 4.0 felicitated
Coastal Security Police, in locating individuals or objects lost at sea. ▪ The fourth edition of veer gatha (tales of valour) competition, which
▪ INCOIS has also established the SynOPS visualization platform which integrates real-time data to strengthen aims to educate school students about the bravery and sacrifices of the
response coordination during extreme events. country’s gallantry award winners
▪ The INCOIS received the Geospatial World Excellence in Maritime Services Award in 2024 and the Disaster ▪ The 100 winners from them, which includes 66 girls, were felicitated by
Risk Reduction Excellence Award in 2021. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of Education Dharmendra
Pradhan
Sri Ramakrishna Math wins Spirit of Mylapore Award 2025 ▪ Each winner was presented with a cash prize of ₹10,000, a medal, and a
▪ Sri Ramakrishna Math, Chennai, has been honoured with the Spirit of Mylapore Award 2025 by Sundaram certificate. prizes to the winners of the national school band competition.
Finance Ltd.
▪ The award recognises the Math’s contributions to the cultural, educational, and healthcare landscape of NCC Directorate Karnataka and Goa bags Prime Minister Banner and Trophy at
Mylapore for over 125 years. Republic Day Camp 2025
▪ Founded in 1897, Ramakrishna Math is a spiritual and community hub in Mylapore, known for its wide- ▪ The NCC Directorate Karnataka and Goa contingent has won the Prime
ranging impact on education, healthcare, and social service. Minister Banner and Trophy during the recently concluded Republic Day
▪ This award, established in 2009, honours institutions and individuals who have made significant Camp 2025 (RDC-2025) in New Delhi.
contributions to Mylapore’s heritage. Past recipients include Rayar’s Mess, The Sanskrit College, and Vijaya ▪ The Prime Minister’s Banner and Trophy is awarded for consistently
Stores. performing well in a plethora of NCC activities over the year

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T.M. Krishna conferred Sangita Kalanidhi title Books

▪ Renowned Carnatic musician T.M. Krishna was conferred the
title of Sangita Kalanidhi 2024 at the 98th conference and A new biography, Soumitra Chatterjee and His World (Vintage)
concerts — Sadas, the traditional oriental convocation — of ▪ By journalist Sanghamitra Chakraborty, aims to fill the gap, and presents Chatterjee in
The Music Academy in Chennai. all his myriad selves.
▪ The title of Sangita Kalanidhi conferred by the Music Academy ▪ Soumitra Chatterjee - versatile actor, poet, artist, theatreperson
Madras is the highest accolade in the field of Carnatic music.
The Sangita Kalanidhi title was instituted in 1942.
How India scaled Mt G20: The inside story of the
Sai Paranjpye to Receive Padmapani Lifetime Achievement Award G20 Presidency - Book by Amitabh Kant
▪ Veteran director-writer Sai Paranjpye will receive the Padmapani Lifetime ▪ Author: Amitabh Kant
Achievement Award at the Ajanta-Ellora International Film Festival (AIFF) ▪ Amitabh Kant is India’s G20 Sherpa.
2025. ▪ He has served as the CEO of National Institution for Transforming
▪ The 10th edition of the film gala is scheduled to be held in Chhatrapati India (NITI) Aayog
Sambhajinagar from January 15 to January 19.
▪ The four-time National Award winner will receive a Padmapani memento, India’s G2O Presidency 2023
a letter of honour and a monetary reward of Rs 2 lakh. ▪ India hosted the G20 Leaders' Summit 2023 for the first time in
▪ Paranjpye, who twice served as the Chairperson of Children's Film Society of India (CFSI), was awarded the history - in September 2023
Padma Bhushan in 2006. ▪ Theme of India’s G20 presidency: “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or
“One Earth - One Family - One Future”.
Odia Poet Prativa Satpathy to Receive Gangadhar National Award
▪ Noted Odia poet Prativa Satpathy will be conferred the Gangadhar How India scaled Mt G20: The inside story of the
National Award for Poetry 2023 by the Sambalpur University on its 58th G20 Presidency - Book by Amitabh Kant
foundation day on January 5. ▪ Author: Amitabh Kant
▪ Satpathy, a recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award, came into ▪ Amitabh Kant is India’s G20 Sherpa.
prominence in the 1960s with ‘Sesha Janha’. ▪ He has served as the CEO of National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog
▪ The award carries a citation, shawl and cash prize of Rs 1,00,000.
India’s G2O Presidency 2023
Änuja” nominated for Best Short film category of Oscars 2025 ▪ India hosted the G20 Leaders' Summit 2023 for the first time in history - in September
▪ Anuja, a short film about two sisters struggling to find joy and 2023
opportunity in a world intent on their exploitation and ▪ Theme of India’s G20 presidency: “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “One Earth - One
exclusion, has secured a nomination for Best Live Action Short Family - One Future”.
at the 97th Academy Awards.
▪ Written and directed by Adam J Graves, Anuja showcases the Indian Genius: The Meteoric Rise of
struggles of young girls in pursuit of education. Indians in America
▪ The film produced in collaboration with Mira Nair’s Salaam ▪ Author - Meenakshi Ahamed
Baalak Trust
▪ Priyanka Chopra Jonas has come on board as one of its Karma's Child : The story of Indian Cinema’s ultimate showman
executive producers. ▪ Book by Subhash Ghai and Suveen Sinha
▪ This marks Guneet Monga’s third Oscar nomination, following
the success of The Elephant Whisperers and Period: End of
Sentence, both of which won Academy Awards. ‘Bhagmati: Why Hyderabad’s Lost Queen Is the Soul of the City’ book by Moupia Basu
▪ The 97th Oscars, hosted by Conan O’Brien, will take place at the Dolby Theatre on March 2. ▪ Legend has it that the Purana Pul (or the old bridge) in Hyderabad’s Old City was built in
1578 by Ibrahim Qutb Shah after his son Muhammad Quli Qutb
Shah crossed river Musi, in turbulent conditions, to meet his lady
love Bhagmati.
▪ Basu presents both documented history and oral folklore about the
construction of the 600-feet long Purana Pul that stands 54-feet
above the Musi river bed, the founding of Bhagnagar in Bhagmati’s
honour

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Pankaj Mishra’s latest book, ‘The World After Gaza’, ▪ His name engraved on one of the stones at Greece’s Kos Island — the birthplace of Hippocrates who is
▪ Published by Juggernaut Books. considered to be the father of modern medicine
▪ Examines how Israel and its supporters instrumentalised the ▪ Awarded the Padma Shree in 1991.
memory of the Holocaust to justify its actions and silence
criticism. Wing Commander (Retd) Dr. K. Ramchand Passes Away
▪ Founder and Director of Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS), DRDO, Bengaluru
Manisha Pande’s book reveals middle class India as a driver of change ▪ Principal author of the book “The Incredible Journey of the Indian AWACS”
▪ Book name : Middle Class India: Driving Change in the 21st ▪ Ramchand lead the team at DRDO for the indigenous design and development of the
Century AEW&C aircraft.
▪ Author: Manisha Pande ▪ Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft are radar systems that detect
▪ Publisher: Aleph Book Company and track threats, and direct friendly forces. They can detect aircraft, ships, missiles, and
vehicles.
The Tamils: A portrait of a community ▪ The aircraft was inducted into the IAF in 2017 and was flown during the air strike on Balakot in 2019,
▪ The book authored by Nirmala Lakshman, Chairperson, The Hindu Group. providing critical air cover to Mirage 2000 fighter jets.
▪ the first copy received by V Vedachalam, an epigraphist, archaeologist and ▪ A recipient of the “Distinguished Alumni Award” of IISc
historian.
▪ The book traces the remarkable journey of the people of this land, starting from Renowned Sculptor Latika Katt Passes Away at 76
the Stone Age (1.7 million years ago) all the way to the epic Sangam era (300 ▪ India’s most prolific sculptors who worked in multiple media for over
BCE to 300 CE), whose literature highlights the influential role of dynasties like five decades, using everything from terracotta and papier-mâché to
the Pallavas, Pandyas, Cholas and Cheras, and the thriving Jain community of stone and bronze.
that time. ▪ She made the 20-ft bronze sculpture of Jawaharlal Nehru at the
▪ The book also examines the evolution and spread of Tamil culture through Jawahar Bhawan in Delhi
the Bhakti movement, and the arrival of Christianity and Islam.
Demise of army veteran, Hav Baldev Singh (Retd)
HM Amit Shah presided over book release event for ‘Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh: ▪ Veteran soldier Havildar Baldev Singh (retd), who fought four wars against
Through the Ages’ Pakistan, passed away in his hometown Naushera in J&K’s Rajouri district
▪ Union Minister for Home Affairs and Cooperation, Amit Shah, presided over ▪ His service spanned multiple wars, including the 1961, 1962, 1965 and 1971 India-
a book release function on 2nd January 2025 in New Delhi as the Chief Pakistan wars
Guest.
▪ Union Minister for Education, Dharmendra Pradhan was the Guest of Honour. Pritish Nandy passes away at 73
▪ The book, titled ‘Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh: Through the Ages’ seeks to present the  Indian poet, journalist, film producer and former parliamentarian Pritish
story of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh. Nandy has passed away
▪ Published in Hindi and English, this book is the result of collaborative efforts of the  Nandy was conferred the Padma Shri in 1977 for his contributions to
National Book Trust, India, and the Indian Council of Historical Research. Indian literature. He was conferred the Karamveer Puraskar in 2008.
 He served as the editor of The Times Of India till 1991.
On that note: Carnatic vocalist Sanjay Subrahmanyan’s autobiography  In 1996, Pritish opened India's first cyber cafe.
▪ On that note, an autobiographical portrait of Sanjay Subrahmanyan.  He represented Maharastra, being elected to the Rajya Sabha on a Shiv Sena ticket.

Obituaries World’s Oldest Person, Tomiko Itooka, Dies at 116 Years

Singer P. Jayachandran passes away ▪ Tomiko Itooka, a Japanese woman recognised by Guinness
▪ sung over 16,000 songs in Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, and Hindi. World Records as the world’s oldest person, has passed away.
▪ His contributions were recognised with numerous prestigious awards, She was 116 years old.
including the J.C. Daniel Award and the Kalaimamani Award
▪ He won the national award, five Kerala State awards, and four Tamil Nadu Renowned Kannada writer Norbert D’Souza passes away
State awards. ▪ popularly known as Dr Na D'Souza

Famous cardiologist Dr Cherian passes away Costas Simitis, former Greek Prime Minister and socialist leader, dies
▪ India’s preeminent cardiac surgeon K.M. Cherian- performed ▪ The architect of the country’s joining the common European
India’s first coronary bypass surgery in 1975 currency, the euro.
▪ his autobiography - Just an Instrument launched virtually at the
Kerala Literary Fest.
▪ founder of Frontier Lifeline hospital in Chennai

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Senior scientist Rajagopala Chidambaram passes away State

▪ A former chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and involved with
both of India’s nuclear tests, in 1974 and in 1998 J&K
▪ In 1974, he was part of an operation, code named ‘Smiling Buddha’, which PM Modi inaugurates Sonamarg Tunnel in J&K
carried out amidst great secrecy a “peaceful nuclear test” at Pokhran, ▪ Prime Minister Narendra Modi, inaugurated the strategic Z-Morh
Rajasthan tunnel in Sonamarg area in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and
▪ On May 11, 1998, as the Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, he led Kashmir.
a similar operation, again at Pokhran, called Operation Shakti. ▪ CM Omar Abdullah and LG Manoj Sinha, Union Minister Nitin
▪ He was also the longest serving Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA) to the Gadkari are also present.
Indian government from 2002-2018. ▪ The tunnel has been renamed Sonamarg tunnel, after the famous
▪ recipient of the Padma Shri (1975) and Padma Vibushan (1999), tourist resort that will have round-the-year connectivity .
▪ contributed significantly to condensed matter physics, nuclear energy, and strategic technologies ▪ Overseen by the National Highways and Infrastructure
Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL),
’Mr. Baseball’ Bob Uecker, Brewers announcer, dies at 90 ▪ Initially started by the Border Roads Organisation
▪ Bob Uecker, who parlayed a forgettable playing career into a punch line (BRO) in 2012, NHIDCL taking over and retendering
for movie and TV appearances as “Mr. Baseball” and a Hall of Fame the contract in 2019.
broadcasting tenure, has died. He was 90. ▪ The name “Z-Morh” derives from the Z-shaped
▪ He won a World Series ring with St. Louis in 1964 and also played for roadway that existed before the tunnel’s
Atlanta and Philadelphia. construction, which was situated at an elevation of
▪ Uecker was honored by the Hall of Fame with the Ford C. Frick award in 2003 over 8,500 feet and was susceptible to snow
avalanches during winter,
'Twin Peaks' creator and filmmaker David Lynch dies at 78 ▪ Concurrently, the construction of the Zoji-la Tunnel—linking Sonamarg in Kashmir to Dras in Ladakh—is in
▪ David Lynch, the American filmmaker, writer and artist who scored best progress, with completion slated for December 2026.
director Oscar nominations for "Blue Velvet," "The Elephant Man" and
"Mulholland Drive" and co-created the groundbreaking TV series "Twin Location and significance:
Peaks," has died at age 78 ▪ The Z-Morh Tunnel is Positioned at an altitude exceeding 8,650 feet, the tunnel will enhance connectivity
▪ He received an honorary Academy Award in 2019 for his lifetime between Srinagar and Sonamarg while providing safe access to the strategically important Ladakh region.
achievements ▪ The Sonamarg Tunnel project, spanning approximately 12 km, boasts a construction cost exceeding Rs
Demise of Padma Awardee Dr KS Manilal 2,700 crore, which includes the main tunnel of 6.4 km
▪ Dr. K.S. Manilal, the esteemed botanist who brought the ancient botanical treasure
Hortus Malabaricus to the modern world DELHI
▪ dedicated around 35 years of his life to researching, translating, and annotating What is ‘Pujari Granthi Samman’ Scheme?
Hortus Malabaricus, a 17th-century Latin manuscript compiled by Dutch Governor ▪ The Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana, a scheme promising a monthly honorarium of Rs 18,000 for all temple
Hendrik Adrian van Rheede. priests and gurdwara granthis in Delhi if AAP returns to power in the upcoming Assembly elections.
▪ His translations of the monumental work were published in English in 2003 and in Malayalam in 2008. ▪ The scheme has not been passed by the Delhi Cabinet.
▪ His studies led to the discovery of 19 new plant species, with four species being named in his honour.
▪ He was the founding president of the Indian Association for Angiosperm Taxonomy (IAAT) in 1989 Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the Grameen Bharat Mahotsav
▪ He also served as president of the Botanical Society of India in 1999 and treasurer from 1984 to 1986. 2025
▪ He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2020 for his exceptional contributions to botany. ▪ at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
▪ His international accolades include the Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau award from the Netherlands, ▪ The week-long event, running from January 4 to 9,
presented by Queen Beatrix in 2012, making him the first Asian to receive this honour. ▪ Themed “Building a Resilient Rural India for a Viksit Bharat 2047”
▪ motto “ग ांव बढ़े , तो द़े श बढ़े ”
French Sanskrit Scholar and Padma Shri awardee, Dr. Pierre-Sylvain Filliozat
▪ aims to enhance rural infrastructure, create self-reliant economies,
passed away
and foster innovation within rural communities. Its objectives
▪ A noted Art Historian and Epigraphist and a recipient of the Kannada
include promoting economic stability and financial security among
Rajyotsava Award
rural populations, with a special focus on North-East India
▪ Padma Shri in 2024
▪ Certificate of Honour for Sanskrit received from the President of India in 2014
PM Modi inaugurates Namo Bharat corridor in Delhi
▪ Delhi gets its first Namo Bharat connectivity.
Agnes Keleti, legendary gymnast
▪ Prime Minister inaugurated the 13 km stretch of Delhi-Ghaziabad-
& world's oldest Olympic champion, dies at 103
Meerut Namo Bharat corridor between Sahibabad and New Ashok
▪ The Hungarian 10-time Olympic medallist and Holocaust survivor
Nagar, worth around Rs 4,600 crore.

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▪ Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of 26.5 km Rithala - Kundli section of Delhi Metro Phase-IV ▪ After legislative approval and President’s assent, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami declared 27th
▪ This corridor will connect Rithala in Delhi to Nathupur (Kundli) in Haryana, significantly enhancing January, 2025 as the official implementation date.
connectivity in the North-Western parts of Delhi and Haryana.
▪ Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for the new state-of-the-art building for the Central Ayurveda Key highlights of Uttarakhand’s UCC
Research Institute (CARI) at Rohini, New Delhi • Banned Practices: Prohibits halala, iddat, and talaq from Muslim Personal Law.
• Equal Rights for Women: Ensures equal property and inheritance rights.
HIMANCHAL PRADESH • Mandatory Online Registrations: Marriage, divorce, and live-in relationships must be registered on the
government portal ucc.uk.gov.in.
25th January - Himachal Pradesh Statehood Day
▪ Marriage Laws
▪ Himachal Pradesh was officially declared a state on 25th January 1971,
• Legal marriage age: 21 years for men and 18 years for women.
becoming the 18th state of India.
• Mandatory marriage registration.
• Prohibits polygamy, child marriage, and triple talaq.
Ramsar Sites in Himachal Pradesh:
▪ Inheritance and Property Rights
▪ Chandertal Wetland (Lahual Spiti)
• Equal inheritance rights for sons and daughters.
▪ Pong Dam Lake (Kangra)
• Recognizes children of live-in couples as "legitimate," granting them equal inheritance rights.
▪ Renuka Wetland (Sismaur)
▪ Live-in relationships
• to be registered within one month
National Park of Himachal Pradesh If only one partner applies to end the relationship, the registrar will accept it only on the basis of
Great Himalayan National Park confirmation from the other
• If the woman becomes pregnant during the live-in, then it is mandatory to inform the government
Pin Valley National Park within 30 days of the birth of the child.
• The UCC also mandates that a landlord cannot deny house to any couple whose live-in registration
Inderkilla National Park
is done.
Khirganga National Park
Uttarakhand's Soapstone Mining Crisis Escalates
Col. Sherjung Simbalbara National Park The Uttarakhand High Court has criticized authorities for unregulated
soapstone mining in Bageshwar district, which currently has over 160 mines.
CM – Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Governor – Shiv Pratap Shukla About
• Soapstone, also known as steatite, is a soft metamorphic
Himachal cabinet gives nod to rename Himachal Pradesh Institute of Public rock composed primarily of talc with varying amounts of
Administration after Dr. Manmohan Singh chlorite, dolomite, and magnesite.
▪ Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu gave approval to rename Himachal Pradesh Institute of Public • Its smooth, soapy texture and heat-resistant properties make it a versatile material.
Administration (HIPA) as Dr. Manmohan Singh Himachal Pradesh Institute of Public Administration. Uses
• Industrial Uses: Soapstone is widely used in industries for making sculptures, countertops, sinks,
UTTRAKHAND and tiles due to its durability and aesthetic appeal.
• Heat Resistance: It is used in stoves, fireplaces, and laboratory countertops because of its excellent
Uttarakhand Rolls Out Uniform Civil Code
heat resistance.
▪ The Uttarakhand State Government rolled out the Uniform Civil Code
• Cosmetics and Paper: Ground soapstone serves as a filler in paper, cosmetics, and paints.
in the state, almost a year after the Uttarakhand Assembly passed
• Traditional Uses: In India, soapstone is used for making utensils, handicrafts, and idols.
the Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, 2024.
Availability in India
▪ UCC is for all residents of the State, except the Scheduled Tribes and
• Rajasthan: The largest producer, particularly in the Udaipur, Dungarpur, and Bhilwara regions.
natives who have migrated out of the State
• Uttarakhand: Notable deposits in Bageshwar, Pithoragarh, and Almora districts.
▪ Online registration of marriages, divorce and live-in relationships mandatory; govt launches new portal;
• Tamil Nadu and Karnataka: Smaller reserves also exist.
people can also upload their will
Mining
▪ also launched the rules manual for the UCC and a portal for applications under the new rules in Dehradun.
• Soapstone mining involves extracting talc-rich rock from open-pit or underground mines.
▪ Became the second state in the country, and the first to do so in independent India, to implement a
Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
▪ Goa continued with its Portuguese Civil Code of 1867 when it became part of India in 1961. Then it was a PUNJAB
Union Territory. Punjab to construct heritage street at Shaheed Bhagat Singh’s native village
▪ Article 44 of the Indian Constitution - state shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code ▪ Khatkar Kalan, a village just outside Banga town in Shaheed Bhagat
throughout the territory of India. Singh Nagar district of Punjab, which is famous for the memorial of
▪ For Uttarakhand UCC, Retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai was appointed as the Bhagat Singh, is being developed as an iconic tourist destination of
chairperson of expert committee to draft the UCC – submitted on February 2, 2024 global standards.

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▪ This development is being done as part of the Special Assistance to States / Union Territories for Capital Kumbha Mela (static)
Investment (SASCI) scheme, under which the Government of India has approved 40 projects across 23 Kumbh Mela is celebrated 4 times over 12 years, on these four banks:
states to develop them as iconic tourist centres of global standards. 1. The Shipra at Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh
▪ The street will connect museum of Bhagat Singh to his ancestral home. 2. The Ganges at Haridwar in Uttarakhand
3. The Godavari at Nashik in Maharashtra
HARYANA 4. At the confluence of the Ganges, the Yamuna, and the mythical Sarasvati
at Prayagraj (Formerly Allahabad) in Uttar Pradesh.
International Saraswati Mahotsav begins at Pehowa in Kurukshetra, Haryana
▪ Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini inaugurated the seven-
Frequency of Kumbh Mela
day’ International Saraswati Mahotsav’ 2025 at Pehowa Saraswati
1. Kumbh Mela, which is held every third year in each of the four places
Tirth in the Kurukshetra district of Haryana on 29 January 2025.
mentioned above.
▪ The Mahotsav will continue till 4th February 2025, during which
2. Ardh Kumbh Mela takes place every 6th year in rotation between
various seminars, cultural events, and Saras mela will be held.
Haridwar and Prayagraj.
▪ Adi Badri, also known as Sri Sarasvati Udgam Tirath
3. Purna Kumbh Mela happens every 12th year at four Kumbh Mela sites.
4. Maha Kumbh Mela occurs every 144 years after completing the 12 Purna Mela.
Blinkit Launches 10-Minute Ambulance Service in Gurgaon
 It has been inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (2017).
▪ Zomato-owned quick commerce platform Blinkit has announced a 10
minute ambulance delivery service, as the firm looks to expand beyond
Maha Kumbh Mela begins in Prayagraj with Amrit Snan
grocery and print out deliveries.
▪ 45-day Maha Kumbh from 13th January to 26th February 2025,
▪ biggest gathering of human beings in the world, starting
UTTAR PRADESH ▪ with the ‘Shahi Snan’ on Paush Purnima at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and mystical
Uttar Pradesh foundation day Saraswati rivers.
▪ On 24 January 1950, the United Provinces was renamed as Uttar Pradesh ▪ Shahi Snan (Royal Bath): Procession of saints and Akharas (spiritual orders) performing ceremonial baths.
▪ The theme for this year’s foundation day is ‘Development and Heritage: Uttar Pradesh on the Path to Also known as 'Rajyogi Snan,' it signifies the start of the Maha Kumbh Mela.
Progress’ (Vikas aur Virasat: Pragati Path Par Uttar Pradesh) ▪ The word ‘Kumbh’ comes from the root ‘kumbhak’ (the sacred pitcher of elixir of immortality).
▪ The initiative to celebrate 'Uttar Pradesh Day' was taken by the then This gathering takes place at 4 different places, namely:
Governor Ram Naik and this event has been celebrated for three days • In Haridwar, on the banks of the Ganges.
every year since 2018. • In Ujjain, on the banks of Shipra.
▪ State Animal Of Uttar Pradesh – Barasingha • In Nashik, on the banks of Godavari (Dakshin Ganga).
▪ State Bird Of Uttar Pradesh – Sarus Crane • In Prayagraj, at the confluence of the Ganges, the Yamuna, and the mythical invisible Saraswati.
▪ State Fish Of Uttar Pradesh – Chital
▪ State Tree Of Uttar Pradesh – Ashoka Different Types of Kumbh:
▪ Chief Minister : Yogi Adityanath • The Kumbh Mela is celebrated 4 times over a course of 12 years.
▪ Governor : Anandiben Patel • At Haridwar and Prayagraj, Ardh-Kumbh Mela is held every 6th year.
▪ The state government will confer the ‘Uttar Pradesh Gaurav Samman’ award on six individuals from the • The Maha Kumbh Mela is celebrated at Prayag after 144 years (after 12 ‘Purna Kumbh Melas’).
fields of music, agriculture and education during the state foundation day • Maagh Kumbh is celebrated every year in the month of Maagh (Jan-Feb) in Prayagraj.
The awardees include : • Background: The Maha Kumbh Mela, transcribed by Adi Shankaracharya, originates from the Puranas,
1. Krishnakant Shukla from Varanasi (physics, musician, poet); describing gods and demons battling for the sacred pitcher of Amrit, with Lord Vishnu (as Mohini) securing it
2. Himanshu Gupta from Vrindavan, Mathura (entrepreneur-environmentalist); from demons.
3. Manish Verma from Kanpur (agriculture-Dalit entrepreneur); • Ancient Origins: Duringthe Maurya and Gupta periods (4th century BCE to 6th century CE), the Kumbh Mela
4. Krishna Yadav from Bulandshahr (woman entrepreneur); began as smaller gatherings of pilgrims from across the Indian subcontinent.
5. Colonel Subhash Deshwal from Bulandshahr (agriculture-entrepreneur); • Harshavardhana king of the Pushyabhuti dynasty started the organisation of the Kumbh fair at
6. Dr Jai Singh from Bahraich (banana production). Prayagraj.
▪ Each recipient will be given a cash award of Rs 11 lakh, a certificate of appreciation, and a shawl. • Akbar promoted religious tolerance and granted Naga Sadhus the honour of leading the royal
entry to the Mela in 1565.
UP to promote Maha Kumbh 2025 at International Tourism Fair in Spain • In the 19th century, James Prinsep chronicled its ritualistic practices and socio-religious dynamics.
▪ In a major initiative to position Uttar Pradesh as a leading global • recognized by UNESCO in 2017 as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity for its enduring
tourism destination, the Yogi government is set to showcase the ancient traditions.
state’s tourism offerings at the international tourism trade fairs to be
held at Madrid in Spain and at Berlin in Germany. Akharas can be categorised based on their favoured deity.
▪ During these global events, Mahakumbh-2025, set to be held in • Shaiva Akharas: Worship Lord Shiva in various forms.
Prayagraj between January 13 and February 26 • Vaishnava Akharas: Worship Lord Vishnu in various forms.
• Udaseen Akharas: Founded by Chandra Dev (son of Guru Nanak, the first Sikh Guru).

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• Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat ▪ A total of 151 'acharyas' are chanting 'Mahamrityunjaya Mantra' sitting under this Yantra since Makar
inaugurated Kalagram this at Mahakumbh Nagar in Prayagraj - which Sankranti on January 14.
will showcase the rich and vibrant culture of the country. ▪ These saints are consecrating 11,11,111 Rudrakshas.
▪ These Rudrakshas will be sent by post to the devotees, who visit Maha Kumbh, free of cost.
Indian railways organises ‘Paint My City’ campaign in Prayagraj ▪ Mahamrityunjaya Mantra consists of 52 letters, which are actually the 52 energy centres in the country.
▪ Prayagraj’s railway stations have been transformed into centres
highlighting Indian art and heritage. ISKCON and Adani Group Collaborate to Serve Meals at Maha Kumbh Mela
▪ The walls now feature artworks that depict themes such as the ▪ Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani joined hands with the
Ramayana, Krishna Leela, Lord Buddha, Shiva Bhakti, Ganga Aarti, and International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) to serve
women empowerment. meals to devotees at the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.
▪ The collaboration is part of the Mahaprasad Seva initiative, which will
Bhashini Platform Enhances Multilingual Accessibility for Devotees at Mahakumbh in Prayagraj run throughout the Mela, till February 26, 2025.
▪ The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has integrated its Bhashini language ▪ In addition to the Mahaprasad Seva, the initiative will also distribute
translation platform to provide multilingual support at the Maha Kumbh 2025, held from January 13 to five lakh copies of the Geeta Saar to devotees, further enhancing the spiritual experience of the attendees.
February 26.
▪ This initiative aims to ensure seamless communication and greater accessibility for millions of pilgrims Ram Katha museum in Ayodhya
attending the world’s largest spiritual event. ▪ The Ayodhya Ram Mandir was inaugurated on January 22, 2024 and the trust is celebrating the first
▪ Bhashini’s ‘Digital Lost & Found Solution’ is a key feature, enabling visitors to register lost or found items anniversary of the pran pratishtha ceremony on January 11, as per the Hindu calendar.
using voice inputs in their native languages, with real-time text and voice translations simplifying ▪ Ram Katha Museum is under plans, which will be housed at the erstwhile sangrahalaya (archives) building,
interactions. 4 kilometres from the temple site.
▪ A multilingual chatbot further assists pilgrims with queries and navigation through kiosks, while instructions ▪ The museum, which will also showcase the findings from archaeological excavations to offer “concrete
and guidelines are translated into local languages, ensuring a user-friendly experience. evidence of the temple’s ancient roots”.
▪ The platform also enhances communication between pilgrims and police officers, breaking down language ▪ It will span over 40,000 square feet and become the second-largest attraction in Ayodhya once completed.
barriers for a smoother experience. ▪ While the state government owns the building, the temple trust will fund the project, which is estimated to
▪ In collaboration with the UP Police, Bhashini’s CONVERSE feature supports communication with the 112 be completed in the next two years.
emergency helpline, with officers trained to assist devotees in overcoming language challenges. ▪ Spanning three floors – lower ground, ground, and first – the museum will be organised into 26 sections,
each offering a unique perspective on the life and legacy of Lord Ram.
Netra Kumbh: Special attention given to healthcare at Mahakumbh to combat vision
impairment Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to Inaugurate All India Radio’s Special
▪ Netra Kumbh (Eye Camp): is an eye care program that takes place during the 'Kumbhvani' Channel and 'Kumbh Mangal' dhwani at Prayagraj
Maha Kumbh Mela. It aims to provide free eye care services to millions of ▪ Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, will inaugurate All India
people, including pilgrims and local residents Radio’s special Kumbhvani Channel (FM 103.5 MHz), dedicated to
▪ Over 500 doctors from more than 150 hospitals aim to treat five lakh (500,000) Mahakumbh 2025
eye patients. ▪ The live updates broadcast by KumbhVani will be especially beneficial for
▪ The camp plans to distribute three lakh (300,000) free spectacles and those who are unable to attend the Kumbh in Prayagraj.
perform 50,000 cataract surgeries. ▪ The Chief Minister will also launch the Kumbh Mangal Dhwani.
▪ Dant Kumbh (Dental Camp): For the first time, a 'Dant Kumbh' will be organized by the Vishwa Hindu
Parishad (VHP). Uttar Pradesh to Privatise Two Power Distribution Companies
▪ Gyan Kumbh (Knowledge Confluence): The Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas is organizing the 'Gyan ▪ The Uttar Pradesh government has initiated steps toward privatizing or forming Public-Private Partnerships
Mahakumbh' in bringing together over a thousand prominent educators, university vice-chancellors, (PPP) for two of its loss-making electricity distribution companies (discoms):
education ministers, and secretaries from both central and state governments. ▪ Dakshinanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd (DVVNL) and Purvanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd (PVVNL).
▪ Green Kumbh Initiative: Shiksha Sanskriti Utthan Nyas and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's
(RSS) environmental activities have launched the 'Ek Thaila, Ek Thali' (One Bag, One Plate) initiative. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launches Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0, KTS
▪ Vidya Kumbh: Children from laborer families - Free books, pens, and other educational materials will be Portal
distributed ▪ Union Minister for Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, launched the
registration portal for the 3rd edition of Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS).
Maha Kumbh 2025: World’s First Mahamrityunjaya Yantra Installed in Prayagraj ▪ KTS 3.0 will be held from 15th – 24th February 2025 in Varanasi, Uttar
▪ The world's first 52-foot-long, 52-foot-wide and 52-foot-tall Pradesh (10-day-long event )
'Mahamrityunjaya Yantra' has been installed at Tapovan Ashram in Jhunsi ▪ Kashi Tamil Sangamam is an annual programme started in 2022 by the
Havelis in Prayagraj, the land of Maha Kumbh Govt. of India, to celebrate, reaffirm and and rediscover the age-old links
▪ Mahamrityunjaya (victory to death) Yantra makes one healthy and between Tamil Nadu and Kashi – two of the country's most important and
courageous by freeing him from the fear of death, disease and danger. ancient seats of learning.
▪ The Mahamrityunjaya Yantra was created in 52 days at a cost of Rs 4 crore.

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This year, the government has decided to bring around 1000 delegates from Tamil Nadu under five • Wetlands chosen as Ramsar sites meet criteria based on their ecological, biodiversity, or cultural
categories/groups: significance.
▪ (i) Students, Teachers, and Writers Who Declares Wetlands?
▪ (ii) Farmers and Artisans (Vishwakarma Categories) • State Governments notify wetlands under their jurisdiction for conservation measures.
▪ (iii) Professionals and Small Entrepreneurs
▪ (iv) Women (SHG, Mudra Loan beneficiaries) Uttar Pradesh’s Unveils Aerospace and Defence Policy 2024
▪ (v) Start-up, Innovation, Edu-Tech, Research ▪ The Uttar Pradesh government approved a new Aerospace and
▪ Kashi Tamil Sangamam is being organized by the Ministry of Education, Govt. of India in collaboration with Defence Unit policy to attract Rs 50,000 crore of investments and
other ministries including Culture, Textiles, Railways, Tourism, Food Processing, I&B etc. and the Govt. of generate jobs for 1 lakh people.
UP. ▪ The state cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath
in Prayagraj also approved an FDI policy among 10 key proposals
Google Cloud & UP Partner to Launch Open Network for Agriculture Signed between aimed at accelerating the state's development
Uttar Pradesh and Google Cloud (India) ▪ Under this policy, the state government will offer up to 80 per cent
▪ The UP government has signed an MoU with Google Cloud (India) to launch the subsidy on land to the foreign firms investing in the state.
Gemini-powered and Beacon-enabled Uttar Pradesh Open Network for ▪ The Ministry of Defence has set an ambitious target to double the country's A&D production to USD 25
Agriculture. billion and exports to USD 5 billion by 2025-26.
▪ one-stop access to advisory services, credit, mechanization, and market ▪ By 2047, the A&D manufacturing sector is expected to contribute 25 per cent to the nation's GDP.
connectivity for selling their produce. ▪ The Cabinet also approved the subsidy payment to UPSIDA (UP State Industrial Development Authority) for
▪ Farmers will also gain real-time, accurate information on microclimates and the land allotted to M/s Ashok Leyland Ltd.
market prices ▪ As part of this initiative, Rs 250 crore has been approved as a capital subsidy for Triveni Engineering and
Industries Ltd in Moradabad, and Rs 10,749 crore as SGST reimbursement for Gallant Ispat Ltd. in Mirzapur.
What is Sanskriti Utsava?
▪ The Uttar Pradesh government will organize “Sanskriti Utsava” to MADHYA PRADESH
commemorate the state’s foundation day “Uttar Pradesh Diwas” between
PARTH Yojana: Preparing Youth for Recruitment in Security Services
January 2 to January 26, 2025.
▪ Madhya Pradesh has launched an innovative scheme called PARTH
▪ The Sanskriti Utsava will commemorate ‘Uttar Pradesh Diwas.’
Yojana (Police Army Recruitment Training & Hunar) to prepare its
▪ The event’s theme is ‘Uttar Pradesh Parv – Hamari Sanskriti-Hamari Pehchaan.’
youth both physically and mentally for careers in the Indian Army,
police, paramilitary forces, and other such services.
About Uttar Pradesh Statehood Day
▪ Under this scheme, candidates will receive comprehensive pre-
• On 24th January 1950, the United Provinces was officially renamed Uttar
recruitment training, which includes physical fitness preparation, written examination coaching (focusing on
Pradesh.
subjects like general knowledge, mathematics, and English), and personality development guidance.
• The initiative to celebrate UP Day was introduced by Governor Ram Naik.
▪ Training centers will be established at divisional levels, and the entire program will be overseen by district
• Since 2018, UP Day has been celebrated as a three-day event, highlighting the
sports and youth welfare officers.
state’s history, culture, and achievements.
▪ Support will also come from rural youth coordinators and departmental employees.
▪ A key component of the PARTH Yojana is the development of the MPYP (Madhya Pradesh Youth Platform)
Dhanauri Wetland Notification
Portal, which aims to bring all young individuals in the state onto a unified digital platform.
▪ Context: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Uttar
▪ This portal is designed to connect youth with opportunities in skill development, career guidance, and
Pradesh government to provide a detailed status report within four
employment.
weeks regarding the notification of the Dhanauri Wetland, near the
Jewar airport, as a wetland.
World’s largest 3D rangoli created in Bhopal for Swami Vivekananda’s Birth
▪ Location: Situated in Dhanauri village near Dankaur in Gautam
anniversary
Buddha Nagar district, Uttar Pradesh.
▪ In Madhya Pradesh, a unique rangoli has been made at Shaurya Smarak in
▪ River Association: Though primarily a standalone wetland, it forms
Bhopal on Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary and National Youth Day,
part of the Yamuna River basin ecosystem.
enters Golden Book of World Records as the world’s largest 3D rangoli.
▪ Features and Uniqueness:
▪ This rangoli depicting a picture of Swami Vivekananda has been made in 18
▪ Home to 217 bird species, including 150 Sarus Cranes, the state bird of Uttar Pradesh.
thousand square feet area.
▪ Recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International.
▪ Indore artist Shikha Sharma Joshi and her team took 48 hours to make this 3D rangoli.
▪ During peak migratory seasons (November-March), it hosts up to 50,000 waterfowl.
▪ Documented by the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) for its ecological significance.
CHATTISGARH
What is a Ramsar Site? Chhattisgarh first state to link forest ecosystem with Green GDP
• A Ramsar Site is a wetland designated for international importance under the Ramsar Convention of ▪ The moves aimed to highlight the direct link between significant environmental contributions of forests
1971, a global treaty for wetland conservation and sustainable use. like clean air, water conservation, biodiversity and the state’s economic progress.

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What is Green GDP? Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of
▪ Green GDP is an economic indicator that aims to measure the true economic performance of a country while Odisha.
considering the environmental impact of economic activity. ▪ The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY)
▪ It's calculated by subtracting the costs of resource depletion and environmental degradation from a will be implemented in convergence with the existing Gopabandhu Jan
country's traditional GDP. Arogya Yojana (GJAY) in Odisha.
▪ It is also known as environmentally adjusted domestic product. ▪ It will provide a cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per annum with additional
Rs 5 lakh for women members.
WEST BENGAL ▪ AB PM-JAY is not only the world's largest health coverage scheme fully
financed by the government but also the fastest to be implemented
Gangasagar Mela
since conception.
▪ Gangasagar is the confluence of the Hooghly River and the Bay of
▪ The scheme is fully digitized and covers approximately 45% of India's
Bengal in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district.
population
▪ the fair is held every year on Makar Sankranti. People gather to take
▪ Launched on 23rd September, 2018 in Ranchi, Jharkhand, it offers a
a sacred dip in the confluence of River Ganga and the Bay of Bengal
sum insured of Rs.5 lakh per family for secondary care and tertiary care.
and visit the Kapilmuni's ashram located on the Gangasagar.
▪ Health Benefit Packages covers surgery, medical and day care treatments, cost of medicines and
▪ Popularly regarded as the second largest Pilgrimage gathering, after Kumbha
diagnostics.
▪ Chief Minister announced to construct a 5-km-long Gangasagar Setu across the
▪ It is an entitlement-based scheme targeting families identified through the latest Socio-Economic Caste
Muriganga river to connect the mainland to Sagar Island
Census (SECC) 2011 data.
▪ The National Health Authority (NHA) allows States/UTs to use non-SECC beneficiary family databases for
Kolkata’s ‘boi mela’: India’s oldest book fair inspired by the Frankfurt tradition
tagging against leftover SECC families.
▪ The boi mela, or book fair, holds a uniquely special place in the hearts of Bengalis.
Funding:
▪ India’s first-ever book fair was held in 1918 at College Street in Calcutta,. This
▪ The funding for the scheme is shared – 60:40 for all states and UTs with their own legislature, 90:10 in
historic event was organized by the National Council of Education (NCE) as part of
Northeast states and Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal and Uttarakhand and 100% Central funding for UTs
its mission to promote the Swadeshi Movemen
without legislature.
▪ Organised by the National Council of Education (NCE),
Nodal Agency: National Health Authority (NHA)
▪ The State Health Agency (SHA) is the apex body of the State Government responsible for the implementation
ODISHA of AB PM-JAY in the State.
Shahid Madho Singh Haath Kharcha Scheme Launched in Odisha
▪ Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the 11-day
famous Adi Mela, and launched the Shahid Madho Singh Haath
ASSAM
Assam govt launches initiative to evaluate performance of government schools’
Kharcha Scheme.
students
▪ The scheme provides a one-time incentive of ₹5,000 for ST students
▪ The Assam government launched the first phase of its flagship education
enrolling in Class IX and Class XI.
evaluation programme, Gunotsav 2025
▪ It is designed to encourage higher enrolment and completion rates for secondary and higher secondary
▪ the exercise is aimed at evaluating the performance of nearly 14.11 lakh
education.
students of the state.
▪ The financial support is exclusively available for ST students attending government or government-aided
▪ The theme of ‘Gunotsav 2025’ is “Ensuring Quality Education”.
schools, and with an annual family income not exceeding ₹2,50,000.
▪ It will be conducted in three phases, with the first phase covering 11
▪ Madho Singh was a prominent figure in India’s independence movement. He was born around 1786 in
districts from January 6 to 9, the second phase in 14 districts from January 17 to 22, and the third phase in
Ghess, Bargarh district.
10 districts from February 5 to 8.
▪ During the First War of Indian Independence in 1857, Madho Singh emerged as a key leader of tribal
resistance in Odisha
Controversial Drilling Approved in Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary
▪ The Centre's wildlife panel has approved a proposal to carry out oil and gas exploration in the eco-
Odisha Declares Unseasonal Rain a Natural Calamity
sensitive zone of the Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam's Jorhat district.
▪ Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi declared the unseasonal rain in
▪ The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL), chaired by Union Environment Minister
December last year a natural calamity.
Bhupender Yadav, approved the proposal by Vedanta Group's Cairn Oil and Gas
▪ farmers who have lost 33 per cent or more crops due to the unseasonal rain,
▪ exploration at the site would only be for identifying hydrocarbon reserves. Any extraction, if reserves were
would be provided assistance as per the provisions in the relief code from the
discovered, would be carried out from outside the ESZ.
state disaster response fund (SDRF).
▪ The Hoolock gibbon, India’s only ape species, is found in the Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary
▪ It also contains Northeastern India’s only nocturnal primate–the Bengal slow loris.
Odisha becomes the 34th state to implement Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana scheme
▪ River: The Bhogdoi River creates a waterlogged region dominated by semi-hydrophytic plants along the
▪ Odisha became the 34th state to implement the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB
border of the sanctuary.
PM-JAY) after the National Health Authority (NHA) of the Union Ministry of Health entered into a

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Dibrugarh as Assam’s second capital ARUNANCHAL PRADESH

▪ On Republic Day this year, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Arunachal Pradesh’s Religious Conversion Act Revival
Sarma announced that Eastern Assam’s Dibrugarh will be ▪ The Arunachal Pradesh government is taking steps to
developed as “the second capital” of Assam. implement the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act,
▪ He also announced an urbanisation push in Dibrugarh, including 1978, by framing rules for its enforcement, nearly 46 years after
the construction of an expressway to shorten travel time its enactment.
between the town and Guwahati. ▪ Since it was enacted in 1978, successive governments have not
▪ The construction work for a permanent Assembly building in framed the rules for its implementation, because of which it has laid dormant for nearly five decades
Dibrugarh will start on January 25, 2026 ▪ The move aims to address concerns related to forceful conversions in the state.
▪ a session of the Assembly in Dibrugarh every year from 2027 ▪ The Christian population in Arunachal Pradesh increased from 0.79% in 1971 to 30.26% in 2011, making
▪ Five of the six communities seeking Scheduled Tribe status, including the Adivasis and Ahoms, dominate the Christianity the largest religion in the state.
eastern part of the State The Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978 was introduced to prohibit forceful religious conversions.
▪ The Act was introduced (in 1978) during a period of rapid social and cultural changes in Arunachal Pradesh,
Why Dibrugarh? aiming to safeguard the traditional religious practices of indigenous communities from external influence
▪ One of the popular regional distinctions drawn in Assam is or coercion
between Upper Assam ‘Ujoni’ (the eastern part of the state in the Key Highlights :
upper reaches of the Brahmaputra) and Lower Assam ‘Namoni’ • Definition of Indigenous Faiths: The Act explicitly recognizes indigenous faiths as religions, beliefs,
(further downstream of the Brahmaputra, which extends towards customs, and observances practiced by the native communities of Arunachal Pradesh. These include:
the state’s border with Bangladesh). • Buddhism: As practiced among the tribal groups such as Monpas, Membas, Sherdukpens, Khambas,
▪ Upper Assam and is identified as the heartland of “indigenous Khamptis, and Singphos.
Assamese” culture and identity. It was both the seat of the Ahom ▪ Nature Worship: Particularly the worship of Donyi-Polo (means “Sun and Moon” ) practiced by
kingdom and the tea industry - home to different ethnic several communities in the state.
Assamese groups • Donyi-Polo is an indigenous religion of the Tani and other Sino-Tibetan peoples of Arunachal
▪ The state’s power centre Guwahati, is located in Lower Assam, the region from where Himanta Biswa Pradesh and Assam in Northeast India.
Sarma hails. ▪ Vaishnavism: As practiced by the Noctes and Akas.
• Punishment for Violation: The Act prescribes a punishment of up to 2 years of imprisonment and a fine of
SIKKIM up to Rs. 10,000 for individuals found guilty of forcibly converting others or attempting to do so.
Centre launches country’s first organic fish cluster in Sikkim • Mandatory Reporting: The Act mandates that any act of religious conversion be reported to the Deputy
▪ The Union Minister, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Shri Rajiv Commissioner (DC) of the respective district.
Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh inaugurated and laid the foundation for 50 key projects worth Rs. 50 crores
under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) in Guwahati, Assam. State-Level Anti-Conversion Laws
▪ The projects, announced during the North Eastern Region State Meet-2025, covers all North Eastern Region • Odisha (1967): It became the first state to pass a law restricting religious conversions, prohibiting
(NER) states, except Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram. conversions through force or fraudulent means.
▪ Launched the Organic Fisheries Cluster in Soreng District of Sikkim, being First of Its Kind in India, for • Madhya Pradesh (1968): Introduced the Madhya Pradesh Dharma Swatantraya Adhiniyam, mandating that
development of organic fisheries and aquaculture in Sikkim any conversion activities be reported to the District Magistrate, with penalties for non-compliance.
▪ National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development (NABARD) is a key • Other States: Several other states, including Gujarat (2003), Chhattisgarh (2000 and 2006), Rajasthan (2006
stakeholder in developing the fisheries and aquaculture organic cluster and 2008), Himachal Pradesh (2006 and 2019), Tamil Nadu (2002-2004), Jharkhand (2017), Uttarakhand
in Sikkim. (2018), Uttar Pradesh (2021), and Haryana (2022), have enacted similar laws prohibiting various forms of
▪ NABARD is a development bank focussing primarily on the rural sector religious conversions.
of the country. It is the apex banking institution to provide finance for
Agriculture and rural development. Constitutional Provisions Related to Religious Belief
▪ Its headquarter is located in Mumbai • Article 25: ensures the freedom of conscience and the right to profess, practice, and propagate
▪ It is responsible for the development of the small industries, cottage religion, subject to public order, morality, and health.
industries, and any other such village or rural projects. • It permits the state to regulate secular activities related to religious practice
▪ It is a statutory body established in 1982 under Parliamentary act-National • Article 26: grants every religious denomination the right to manage its religious affairs, subject to
Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Act, 1981. considerations of public order, morality, and health.
• Articles 27-30: Safeguard the freedom to contribute financially to religious practices, manage religious
Soreng District in Sikkim becomes India’s 1st organic fisheries cluster affairs, and establish and administer educational institutions for religious purposes.
▪ Union Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh launched
the country’s first organic fisheries cluster in Sikkim. Arunachal Pradesh Deputy CM Chowna Mein Inaugurates Parshuram Kund Mela 2025
▪ The project aims to sell antibiotic, chemical, and pesticide free organic fish ▪ a prominent spiritual event on Makar Sankranti. often referred to as the "Kumbh of the Northeast” - banks
in eco-conscious markets across the globe. of the Lohit River.

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▪ development work being carried out under the Pilgrimage ▪ Generation X - Born between 1965 and 1980, they grew up during a time of economic uncertainty and
Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive cultural upheaval
(PRASAD) scheme. ▪ Baby Boomers - Born between 1946 and 1964, this generation experienced the civil rights movement, the
Vietnam War, and the moon landing
Pangsau Pass Festival 2025
The Pangsau Pass International Festival (PPIF) 2025, held in Arunachal TRIPURA
Pradesh.
21 January - Tripura, Manipur, and Meghalaya Foundation Day
• Location and Altitude:
• Pangsau Pass (Pan Saung Pass) is located on the India- Manipur Statehood
1972
Myanmar border at an altitude of 3,727 feet (1,136 Year
meters). Tripura, Statehood
1972
• It lies on the crest of the Patkai Hills and is part of Year
the famous Ledo Road (Stilwell Road).
Meghalaya
• It is named after the Myanmar village Pangsau, located 1972
Statehood Year
2 km east of the pass.
• The pass serves as one of the easiest routes into Myanmar from Constitutional States were formed under the 27th
the Assam plains. Amendment Constitutional Amendment Act.
• India’s easternmost point, Chaukan Pass, lies northeast of Pangsau Pass in Arunachal Pradesh’s Changlang
district. Key Legislation North Eastern Areas Reorganisation Act, 1971.
• 13th Century: Used by the Ahoms, a Shan tribe, to enter Assam. Pre-Statehood
• Union Territory (merged with India in 1949).
Status of Manipur
World War II:
• The Stilwell Road (Ledo Road) was constructed to connect British India to Nationalist China to Pre-Statehood
Union Territory (merged with India in 1949).
support their fight against Japanese forces. Status of Tripura,
• Pangsau Pass, nicknamed “Hell Pass”, was the first major obstacle on the route due to steep In 1947 the rulers of the Garo and Khasi region
gradients and muddy terrain. Pre-Statehood acceded to the newly independent
• The Stilwell Road connected Ledo (Assam) to Pangsau Pass, covering a distance of 61 km (38 mi). Status of Meghalaya country of India. Autonomous State within Assam
• Pangsau Pass Winter Festival: (granted autonomy in 1969).
• Held annually since 2007 in Nampong, Arunachal Pradesh, during the 3rd week of January.
• Promotes cultural exchange between Northeast India and Myanmar. About Manipur
• Features folk dances (Bihu, Bamboo dance, Tangsa Rongrand War dance), arts, crafts, ethnic foods, ▪ Capital Imphal
and traditional sports, showcasing the culture of the Tangsa Naga tribe and other local communities. ▪ State Bird: Nongyeen
▪ State Animal: Sangai
Manipur ▪ State Game : Manipuri Polo
Gaan Ngai festival commemorates end of harvest season in Manipur ▪ State Flower : Shirui Lily
▪ The Gaan Ngai festival commemorating the end of the harvest season ▪ CM: Nongthombam Biren Singh
by the Kabui/Rongmei Naga community celebrated in Manipur ▪ Governor: Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla

About Meghalaya
MIZORAM
▪ State Animal – Clouded Leopard
India Welcomes Its First Generation Beta Baby
▪ State Bird of Meghalaya – Common Hill Myna
▪ The baby, named Frankie Remruatdika Zadeng, is recognized as India’s first
▪ State Tree of Meghalaya – Gmelina arborea
child from the so-called Generation Beta, born in Aizawl, Mizoram
▪ State Flower of Meghalaya – Lady’s slipper orchid
▪ Generation Beta, a term denoting children born between 2025 and 2039
▪ Chief minister : Conrad Sangma
▪ They will grow up in a world with advanced artificial intelligence (AI)
▪ Governor : C. H. Vijayashankar
▪ The term “Generation Beta” was coined by Australian futurist Mark
McCrindle to describe the demographic cohort succeeding Generation
Kokborok Language Protests
Alpha (2010-2024).
NEWS: Members of the Twipra Students’ Federation (TSF) were detained
▪ Generation Z - Born between 1995 and 2009, they are also known as the
for protesting at the Tripura Assembly entrance, demanding the inclusion
iGeneration because they grew up with the iPhone
of the Roman script for Kokborok ( a Sino-Tibetan language) in textbooks
▪ Millennials- Also known as Generation Y, they were born between 1980 and
and official work.
1994. They were the first generation to come of age in the new millennium

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▪ Kokborok, is the mother tongue of the Borok people (Tripuris) and tribal communities in Tripura, ▪ the new Vav-Tharad district will comprise eight talukas and four municipalities, the new Banaskantha
including Debbarma, Reang, Jamatia, and others. district will have six talukas and two municipalities.
▪ "Kok-Borok" combines Kok (language) and Borok (man), meaning "the language of man" or "the language of
the Borok people." Archaeological Experiential Museum Launched in Vadnagar
▪ Script and Writing: Kokborok originally used the Koloma script but now lacks a native script and is written ▪ The Union Ministry of Culture and State Government of
in Bengali script. Gujarat, inaugurated a state-of-the-art museum and
▪ Historical Roots: Existed since at least the 1st century AD. Rajratnakar, a chronicle of Tripuri kings, was archaeological interpretation centre in Vadnagar.
initially written in Kokborok and Koloma script by Durlobendra Chontai. ▪ The town's architectural legacy, including the Kirti Toran,
▪ Recognition: Kokborok was recognised as the official language of Tripura in 1979 (spoken by 23.97% of Hatkeshwar Mahadev Temple, and Sharmistha Lake, and the
Tripura’s population (2011 Census)), second only to Bengali. presence of various religious traditions.
▪ Use of Roman Script: Kokborok, favored by tribal groups, has been written in Roman script for
decades. Two commissions, led by Shyama Charan Tripura and Pabitra Sarkar, supported Roman, while the The museum complex will feature three main structures:
government preferred Bengali. ▪ The Main Museum Building: Housing a comprehensive collection of artifacts
▪ Tribal organizations oppose Bengali or Devanagari scripts, fearing cultural imposition and identity and interactive exhibits.
disruption. ▪ A 50-meter Connecting Bridge: Linking the museum building to the
excavation site.
RAJASTHAN ▪ A Permanent Structure over the Excavation Site: Providing visitors with a
safe and informative view of the archaeological remains.
Annual Urs of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chishti in Ajmer
▪ Recently, the Prime Minister presented a 'chadar' to Minorities
Gujarat International Kite Festival 2025 organised by Gujarat Tourism Department from January 11 to 14.
Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju to offer at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah of
Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti on the occasion of ‘Urs’.
Sambhar Festival 2025
▪ The Urs festival is an annual festival held at Ajmer in Rajasthan
▪ The Sambhar Festival, a vibrant celebration of culture, adventure,
which commemorates the death anniversary of Sufi saint
and heritage at the famous Sambhar Lake in Rajasthan.
Moinuddin Chishti.
▪ This 5-day festival (January 24 to January 28, 2025), organized by
▪ Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti: Moinuddin Hasan Chishti was born in Sijistan (modern-day Sistan) in Iran in
the Rajasthan Tourism Department and District Administration
1141-42 CE.
▪ After Muhammad Ghori had already defeated Prithviraj Chauhan in the Second Battle of Tarain (1192) and
About Sambhar Lake:
established his rule in Delhi, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti started living and preaching in Ajmer.
▪ It is the largest inland saltwater lake in India.
▪ His shrine in Ajmer has been visited by rulers like Muhammad bin Tughlaq, Sher Shah Suri, Akbar,
▪ It is located in the districts of Nagaur and Jaipur in Rajasthan.
Jahangir, Shah Jahan, Dara Shukoh and Aurangzeb.
▪ surrounded on all sides by the Aravalli hills.
▪ Chishtiya Order was founded in India by Khwaja Moin-Uddin Chishti, that emphasised the doctrine of the
▪ It was designated as a Ramsar site in the year 1990.
unity of being with God
▪ Several migrating birds visit the waterbody during the winter.
▪ They rejected all material goods as distractions
▪ The wetland is one the most important wintering area for flamingoes in India
▪ He was a major figure in spreading the mystical form of Islam (sufism) in the Indian subcontinent.
outside the Rann of Kachchh.
▪ He brought together people from different castes, communities, and races. His followers emulated his
dictum of “Sulh-i-Kul” (Peace with all)
▪ The Chishty teachings were carried forward and popularized by disciples of Khwaja Moin-Uddin Chishti like MAHARASHTRA
Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki, Fareeduddin Ganj-e-Shakar, Nizam uddin Auliya and Naseeruddin Maharashtra FDA Allows Homeopathic Practitioners to Prescribe Allopathic Medicine
Charagh. ▪ The Maharashtra Food & Drugs Administration has, in a recent directive, allowed
homeopathic practitioners, who have completed a certificate course in modern
GUJRAT pharmacology, to prescribe allopathic medications.
▪ In June 2014, the Maharashtra government had changed the definition of
Gujarat govt approves creation of new district named Vav-Tharad
‘registered medical practitioner’,
▪ The Gujarat government approved the bifurcation of Banaskantha district
▪ by amending the Maharashtra Medical Council Act, 1965, to include
to create a new district.
homeopathic practitioners who had completed a certificate course in
▪ The new Vav-Tharad district will have its headquarters in Tharad town.
modern pharmacology that was recognised by the State government.
▪ With the formation of this new district, the number of districts in Gujarat
will reach 34.
10th Ajanta-Ellora International Film Festival begins in Maharashtra
▪ Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
▪ January 15-19 at Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Maharashtra
▪ At 14, Banaskantha district includes the highest number of talukas in Gujarat and is the second largest
▪ Filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker has appointed as the honorary chairman
district area-wise.
for the 10th Ajanta-Ellora International Film Festival (AIFF).
▪ The Vav-Tharad district will be created from 8 out of these 14 talukas

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▪ Following the inauguration, the opening film, “Little Jaffna”, a highly Signs and symptoms
acclaimed French and Tamil language film, will be screened • Symptoms can resemble those caused by a common cold. They include a cough, runny or blocked nose,
▪ Sai Paranjpye to receive the Padmapani Lifetime Achievement Award sore, throat, fever and wheezing.
▪ Padma Bhushan award in 2006 • The estimated incubation period is three to six days.
▪ The prestigious award carries a cash prize of INR 2,00,000/-, Golden • In most people, the illness goes away on its own within a few days, with rest and supportive care at home.
Padmapani Trophy, Shawl • In a few people however, complications such as bronchitis or pneumonia may arise, requiring medical care.
for his/her outstanding contribution to cinema
Transmission
Pollution in the Pavana river • It spreads through contact with an infected person or touching objects that have the virus on them.
The National Green Tribunal recently directed the state-appointed rejuvenation • Treatment: There is no vaccine and there is no specific antiviral to treat HMPV. Most people require over-
committee to convene a meeting of stakeholders to set a new timeline for the-counter medications to relieve fever and pain, possibly with a decongestant. Antibiotics will not work for
implementing the action plan that would tackle pollution in the Pavana river. HMPV.
About Pavana River:
• It is situated in the west of Maharashtra state, in the Pune District. BMCRI to Set Up South India’s First Infectious Disease Research Lab
• The river is a notable river crossing Pune city and divides Pune City and the ▪ Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI) will
Pimpri-Chinchwad area. host the Indian Council of Medical Research’s (ICMR) first
• Origin: It originates from the Western Ghats, about 6 km south of Infectious Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (IRDL) in
Lonavala. south India.
• confluence with the Mula River near Pune city. ▪ This will be a part of seven proposed IRDLs being set up across
• Mula River, which later merges with the Mutha the country.
River, forming the Mula-Mutha River, ultimately drains into the Bhima River (largest tributary of
the Krishna River). Ancient Umamaheshwara metal sculpture found at Taggunje in Udupi district of
• A dam is built on this river at Pavana Nagar, called the "Pavana Nagar Dam". Karnataka
• It provides drinking water to Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. ▪ A Umamaheshwara metal sculpture, which was probably made in the 17th
century in the 12th century style, has been found at Taggunje in Ajri village of
KARNATAKA Kundapura taluk in Udupi district of Karnataka.
▪ Made of five metals, it is a rare combination of Shaiva-Shaktha and Naga cult,
Karnataka Forest Department launches ‘Garudakshi’ online FIR system to curb wildlife crimes
▪ two lines written on the surface of the platform.
▪ The Karnataka Forest Department has launched the ‘Garudakshi’ online FIR system to curb forest
▪ The first line reads Murthy Saakshi, which means ‘on the witness of this idol’.
encroachments, illegal tree-felling, poaching, and unauthorised entry into forest areas.
▪ The second line says ‘G 3 ke ra Shu 14’, which means gold of 3 gadhyanas was
▪ developed in collaboration with the Wildlife Trust of India
used in preparing this idol, and it contains 14% gold
▪ Previously, FIRs were manually recorded on paper using carbon copies
▪ The writing is in Kannada with script of the 17th century.
▪ The system will be implemented on a pilot basis in the Bengaluru Urban, Bhadravathi, Sirsi and Male
▪ The Umamaheshwara cult was founded by Soma Sharma of Gujarat in the 10th-
Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary divisions.
11th century.
▪ Within no time, it became popular in the Indian sub-continent.
First case of HMPV detected in Bengaluru
▪ It was influenced by Vajrayana Buddhism, and love is its central theme.
▪ An 8-month-old baby in Bengaluru has been detected with Human
Metapneumovirus (HMPV), first case in India
▪ Delhi Govt has issued advisory for Human MetaPneumoVirus (HMPV) Telangana
and other respiratory viruses. SS Rajamouli unveils India’s first Dolby certified post-production facility at Nagarjuna’s Annapurna Studios
▪ As part of the recommendations, hospitals have been instructed to ▪ Hyderabad, Telangana
promptly report Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute ▪ Launched in collaboration with Dolby, the facility aims to redefine the audio-visual standards of Indian
Respiratory Infection (SARI) cases through the IHIP Portal. filmmaking, with an intention to ensure cinematic experiences that meet global benchmarks.
▪ The recommendations come in the wake of reports of increased respiratory illnesses in China. ▪ Rajamouli’s Academy-award-winning RRR—special footage of which was also played at the grand event—
was the first-ever Indian film to release in Dolby Cinema
About Human Metapneumovirus:
• It is a respiratory virus that causes mild infections similar to that caused by a common cold. Nagoba Jatara
• It was first identified by scientists in 2001 which belongs to the Pneumoviridae family, of which respiratory ▪ Nagoba Jatara is a tribal festival held in Keslapur village,
syncytial virus (RSV), measles and mumps are also members. Adilabad district, Telangana.
• It is generally seen in winter and early spring. ▪ This year from January 28 to February 4
• Children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to the infection and ▪ Nagoba, the serpent deity.
to developing complications from it.

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▪ Tribal people from Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Karnataka, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh belonging ▪ In Telangana, people celebrated Kanuma, the cattle festival with traditional fervour and joy on the third day
to the Mesaram clan of Gond tribe offer prayers at the festival. of the Sankranti festival. It is also celebrated in Andhra Pradesh.
▪ The Gusadi Dance performance by dancers from the Gond tribe is a major special attraction of the event. ▪ Rural people worship cattle and agricultural tools on this occasion
▪ It is the second biggest tribal festival in India, after the Medharam ▪ A significant highlight of this festival is the bullfight and betting on the cattle, known as Pasuvula Panduga.
Jathara (Sammakka Saralamma Jatara), held in Telangana itself. ▪ A similar bullfight festival, Jalikattu, is celebrated in Tamil Nadu.

VisionNxt: India’s 1st AI, EI fashion forecasting platform launched at NIFT’s ANDHRA PRADESH
40th Foundation Day in Hyderabad
PM Modi inaugurated, lay foundation stone of projects worth over ₹2
▪ The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) celebrated its 40th
lakh cr in Andhra Pradesh
Foundation Day, with an event showcasing VisionNxt, a fashion
▪ He will lay the foundation stone for NTPC Green Energy Limited’s
forecasting platform driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Emotional
Green Hydrogen Hub Project at Pudimadaka near Visakhapatnam.
Intelligence (EI).
▪ This will be the first Green Hydrogen Hub under the National
▪ Developed under the Ministry of Textiles, VisionNxt offers research
Green Hydrogen Mission.
and trend insights tailored to the diverse needs of India’s fashion and
▪ foundation stone laying of South Coast Railway Headquarters at
retail sectors.
Visakhapatnam

Tamirabharani – Karumeniyar – Nambiyar River Linking Scheme

Flamingo Festival 2025 Concludes in Andhra Pradesh
▪ Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will inaugurate the much-awaited
▪ The Flamingo Festival 2025 in Andhra Pradesh, celebrating the
Tamirabharani – Karumeniyar – Nambiyar River linking scheme, which
arrival of migratory birds, particularly flamingos, to Pulicat Lake and
has been implemented at a cost of ₹900 crore benefiting over 15,000
Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary.
acres of lands in rain-shadow regions in Nanguneri, Thisaiyanvilai and
▪ An annual event celebrating the arrival of migratory birds, focusing on
Sattankulam areas in Tamil Nadu.
flamingos, to Pulicat Lake and Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary.
▪ The river linking project connects Tamirabharani, Karumeniyar, and
▪ Locations: Spread across five key sites Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary,
Nambiyar rivers.
Atakanithippa, BV Palem (Pulicat Lake), Government Junior College in
▪ It involves constructing a 73-km-long flood carrier channel.
Sullurpet, and Sri City.
▪ The goal is to redirect surplus water from the Tamirabharani to arid
regions in Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi districts.
▪ A new barrage will be constructed 6.4 km downstream to facilitate TAMIL NADU
further water diversion. This will enhance the canal system, making it more Tamil Nadu CM announced $1 million prize for deciphering Indus Valley Script
efficient for irrigation purposes. ▪ Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Sunday announced a $1 million
▪ The Thamiraparani is the only perennial (continuous flow of water) river in prize for experts or organisations that succeed in deciphering the scripts
Tamil Nadu. of the Indus Valley Civilisation for everyone to understand.
▪ This is the shortest river in the state, the Thamirabarani starts in Pothigai hills ▪ The Chief Minister also announced a ₹2-crore grant for setting up a chair in the name of noted archaeologist
of the Western Ghats in the Ambasamudram taluk, and epigraphist Iravatham Mahadevan to continue the research on the Indus Valley Civilisation at the
▪ flows through Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi districts and empties at Korkai into Chennai-based Roja Muthiah Library.
the Gulf of Mannar (Bay of Bengal). ▪ Indus Valley civilization is the earliest known urban culture of
the northwestern regions of the Indian subcontinent. It is one of the
Telangana farmers to receive ₹12,000 per acre annually of agricultural land world’s three earliest civilizations alongwith Mesopotamia and ancient
under Rythu Bharosa scheme Egypt.
▪ Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy ▪ Harappa was the first excavated site therefore, it is also called Harappan
▪ Farmers in Telangana will receive ₹12,000 per acre annually under the culture.
Rythu Bharosa scheme, an increase from the current ₹10,000 ▪ It was in 1924 that John Marshall discovered the existence of an ancient
▪ Further, families of landless farm labourers will receive a similar amount annually under the newly civilization in the Indus Valley.
introduced Indiramma Atmeeya Bharosa scheme
▪ Schemes will start on 26th January, 2025 Thatchankurichi Hosts First Jallikattu of 2025
▪ The Rythu Bharosa scheme is not applicable to non-agricultural lands (mining, hills, real estate ventures, The rural town of Thatchankurichi in Pudukottai district played host to Tamil
roads, lands used for residential, industrial, and commercial Nadu’s first jallikattu event of 2025, marking the beginning of the bull-taming
purposes, lands converted as Nala and the lands acquired by the festival season in the State
government for various projects). • Jallikattu, also known as eruthazhuvuthal, is a bull-taming sport traditionally played in Tamil Nadu as part
of the Pongal harvest festival.
Telangana celebrates Kanuma with cattle worship, processions, rural • A tradition over 2,000 years old, Jallikattu is a competitive sport as well as an event to honour bull owners
sports

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th
Russia ships 6 nuclear reactor for Kudankulam plant at Tamil Nadu • They speak a dialect similar to Tamil but without a
▪ The Russian government-owned company Rosatom has shipped script.
the 6th and final unit of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant • It is believed that they were originally from Tamil
being set up in Kudankulam, Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu Nadu and later migrated to Idukki during the period of
▪ The project is being constructed in three phases. Poonjar Rajavamsham (kings).
▪ In each phase two reactors of 1000 MW each will be • Nearly 97 percent of the Mannan community's
constructed. population reside in Idukki District.
▪ The first two reactors of phase one have become operational and the electricity generated is shared • They follow a matrilineal system of descent, and their ruler, the
between Tamil Nadu and its neighbouring states according to the central government’s power distribution Raja Mannan, is elected by community headmen from among
framework. those eligible by heredity.
• Their primary occupation is agriculture, including coconut harvesting, cultivation of herbs, etc.
About the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant • They practice Hinduism
▪ In 1988 an agreement was signed between the government of India and the Soviet Union to construct a • Their main celebrations include the Kalavoot, Meenoot and Mutthiamman Festival.
6000 MW nuclear power plant in Kudankulam, Tamil • Mannankoothu is a unique ritual art form performed by the Mannans. The art form is staged mainly during
Nadu. worship, harvest times and weddings.
▪ The nuclear plant will be the largest nuclear power plant
at a single location in the country. Defence
▪ The power plant consists of 6 units of 1000 MW capacity French Aircraft Carrier Charles De Gaulle Arrives in Goa for Naval Exercise
each. Varuna
▪ All six units will be constructed, maintained, and • The 2025 Varuna naval exercise will take place in January,
operated by the government of India-owned Nuclear • with the French Carrier Strike Group (CSG) visiting Goa and Kochi
Power Corporation of India (NPCIL). starting on January 4.
▪ The Russians are supplying the nuclear • The exercise will be conducted in the Arabian Sea off India's
reactors and enriched uranium to be used as the fuel for western coast.
the reactors. • Participants:
▪ The government has set a target to increase the power • French Navy: Carrier Strike Group (CSG) led by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier FNS Charles de
capacity to 22480 MW by 2031-32. Gaulle, with frigates, supply ships, and an air fleet.
▪ According to the Nuclear Power Corporation of India • Indian Navy: Frontline warships, submarines, maritime patrol aircraft, and helicopters.
(NPCIL) in 2024 there were 24 operational nuclear
reactors in 7 Nuclear power plants in the country with an About Exercise Varuna (Static)
installed capacity of 8080 MW. • It is the bilateral Naval Exercise between India and France.
▪ Asia’s first research nuclear reactor ‘Apsara’ became • This annual naval exercise between the two navies began in 1993. It was named as ‘Varuna’ in 2001.
operational at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre’s Trombay campus in Mumbai and it was closed in • 2024 edition - in the Mediterranean Sea.
2009. • Other Indo-French Joint Exercises:
▪ The first nuclear power plant to become operational in India was established at Tarapur, Maharashtra in • Garuda (Air exercise)
1969. • Shakti (Army exercise)

KERALA INS Mumbai Participates in Multinational Exercise La Perouse

Raman Rajamannan, king of Mannan tribe, to attend Republic Day ▪ INS Mumbai, the indigenously designed and built guided missile
parade destroyer, is participating in the fifth edition of the multinational
▪ Raman Rajamannan, the king of the Mannan community and the exercise “La Perouse”.
only tribal king in Kerala, will participate in the Republic Day ▪ The exercise started on January 16 and will end on January 24.
parade in Delhi. ▪ This iteration of the exercise involves the participation of personnel,
▪ as guests of the Scheduled Tribes (SC) Development department. surface, and sub-surface assets from nine Indo-Pacific nations,
▪ The Mannan community is mainly settled in the buffer zone area of the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary at including the Royal Australian Navy, the French Navy, the Royal Navy,
Kozhimala, Kerala , the hub of the tribe with 48 settlements ruled by a king, the only such community in the United States Navy, the Indonesian Navy, the Royal Malaysian
southern India. Navy, the Republic of Singapore Navy, and the Royal Canadian Navy.
▪ The King is an integral part of the traditional functions and festivities of the community ▪ The exercise is divided into two phases.
About Mannan Community: ▪ The first phase, from January 16 to January 20, focuses on the
• The Mannan is a scheduled tribe (ST) of Kerala. Malacca and Sunda Straits, which are crucial sea lanes connecting the
• It is the only Adhivasi tribal dynasty with a kingship currently existing in South India. Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.
• The life of the Mannan Community is closely related to Tamil culture. ▪ The second phase, from January 21 to January 24, involves securing the Lombok Strait.

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▪ The exercise will witness complex and advanced multi-domain activities, including surface warfare, anti-air ▪ Nag Missiles have minimum range of 500 metres and maximum range of 7-10 km.
warfare, air-defence, cross-deck landings, tactical manoeuvres, and ▪ Field evaluation trials of Nag-Mk 2 were successfully conducted recently at Pokhran Field Range
constabulary missions such as visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) ▪ Nag Missile Carrier version-2 was also field evaluated.
operations.
Indian Navy takes delivery of 6th & final state-of-the-art Scorpene-class submarine
Indian Armed Forces conduct Exercise Devil Strike from January 16-19 ▪ Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd delivered the sixth Scorpene
▪ The Indian Armed Forces are set to conduct Exercise Devil submarine 'VAGHSHEER' of Project P-75 to the Indian Navy,
Strike from January 16 to 19 , a joint exercise involving the subsequently to be commissioned as INS Vaghsheer.
elite airborne soldiers from the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force ▪ Sanjeev Singhal, Chairman & Managing Director at Mazagon Dock
▪ Focus on combat readiness and high-altitude warfare. ▪ The delivery of six submarines namely, Kalvari, Khanderi, Karanj,
▪ Objective: Enhance synchronization, operational capabilities, and Vela, Vagir and now Vaghsheer, reaffirmed India's membership in
response tactics the exclusive group of submarine building nations.
▪ Vaghsheer can undertake multifarious types of missions i.e. Anti-Surface warfare, Anti-Submarine Warfare,
Defence Minister flags off Battlefield Surveillance System SANJAY Intelligence Gathering, Area Surveillance etc.
▪ Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh flagged-off ‘SANJAY - The Battlefield
Surveillance System (BSS)’ from South Block, New Delhi Indian Navy completes hydrographic survey of 25,000 sq. nautical miles of
▪ SANJAY has been indigenously & jointly developed by the Indian Army and Mauritius
Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) ▪ The Indian Navy’s INS Sarvekshak completed the final phase of the
▪ Follow up to the Indian Army’s ‘Year of Technology Absorption’ (2024). hydrographic survey of Mauritius covering an extensive area of
▪ n automated system which integrates the inputs from all ground and aerial over 25,000 square nautical miles.
battlefield sensors, processing them to confirm their veracity, preventing
duplication and fusing them to produce a Common Surveillance Picture of About INS Sarvekshak:
the battlefield over secured Army Data Network & Satellite Communication ▪ It is an Indian Navy hydrographic survey ship.
Network. ▪ It is based at Southern Naval Command at Kochi.
▪ This system has been developed under the Buy (Indian) category at a cost of Rs 2,402 crore. ▪ It is fitted with state-of-the-art survey equipment like Deep Sea Multi-Beam Echo Sounder, Side Scan Sonars
▪ These systems will be inducted to all operational Brigades, Divisions & Corps of the Indian Army in three and a fully automated digital surveying and processing system.
phases w.e.f. March to October of 2025, which has been declared as ‘Year of Reforms’ in the Ministry of ▪ In addition, the ship carries an integral Chetak helicopter, which would be extensively deployed during the
Defence (MoD). survey.
▪ The ship is the second ship of the Darshak class of ships and has a complement of 15 officers and 175 sailors.
Goa Shipyard Launches New Fast Patrol Vessels ▪ In the past, INS Sarvekshak has also undertaken foreign cooperation surveys in Sri Lanka, Mauritius,
▪ Two Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) - Amulya and Akshay - indigenously designed and constructed by the Goa Seychelles, Tanzania, and Kenya.
Shipyard Limited (GSL) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) were launched
▪ The two FPVs are the third and fourth vessels of the fleet of eight FPVs being constructed by GSL for ICG Centre approves creation of 2 new CISF reserve Battalions
▪ The first two FPVs of the same series - Adamya and Akshar – were launched in October 2024. The contract ▪ Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) provides security to critical
was concluded in March 2022 for Rs 473 crore. With over 60% indigenous content infrastructure such as airports, metro networks, and power plants.
▪ Each battalion will consist of 1,025 personnel.
India Unveils ‘Utkash’ as Second Multi-Purpose Vessel ▪ With this addition, the total number of CISF battalions will
▪ Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has launched the second multi-purpose vessel increase from 13 to 15.
for the Indian Navy from its Kattupalli Shipyard near Chennai. ▪ In November last year, the government had sanctioned the first-
▪ The launch of the vessel, christened INS Utkarsh, comes within three ever all-women CISF reserve battalion comprising more than
months of the launch of the first MPV INS Samarthak. 1,000 personnel.
▪ The multi-purpose vessels (MPVs) are highly specialised and play
multiple roles, including serving as trial platforms, for the development About Central Industrial Security Force (CISF):
of next generation weapons and sensors. • It is a Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) in India.
▪ L&T is also constructing three Cadet Training Ships and six other defence vessels for the Indian Navy on • It was set up under an Act of the Parliament of India on 10 March
public-private-partnership model. 1969 with a strength of 2,800.
• CISF was subsequently made an armed force of the
Indigenous Anti-Tank Guided Missile ‘Nag Mk 2’ ready for induction: DRDO • It is directly under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, and its headquarters are at New Delhi.
▪ The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) announced that • Rajwinder Singh Bhatti is the Director General of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) until
the indigenously-developed third-generation fire-and-forget Anti-Tank September 30, 2025.
Guided Missile (ATGM) ‘Nag Mk 2’ and the entire system was ready for
induction into the Army CRPF VIP Security Group Established

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▪ A special unit of the CRPF that was withdrawn from the security of launched by the Indian Army to capture the Siachen Glacier in April 1984. The operation was aimed at pre-empting
Parliament last year has been finally disbanded and merged with the Pakistan’s attempts to occupy the glacier.
VIP security wing of the force that has been recently provided a new 4. Operation Blue Star (1984)
battalion comprising over 1,000 personnel, a significant and controversial military operation carried out in June 1984 to remove militants from the Golden
▪ The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued an order "changing the Temple in Amritsar, Punjab. The operation, ordered by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, aimed to eliminate Jarnail
nomenclature" of about 1,400 personnel strength Parliament Duty Singh Bhindranwale and his followers, who were using the temple as a base for their separatist activities.
Group (PDG) to VIP Security Group (VSG) under the CRPF. 5. Operation Pawan (1987-1990)
▪ This came after the ministry early this month ordered transferring of Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) mission in Sri Lanka from 1987 to 1990 - launched to
the forces' battalion number 190, located in Jharkhand's Chatra disarm the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) as part of the Indo-Sri Lankan
district, to the VIP security unit of the force. Accord.
▪ The Central Reserve Police Group (CRPF) VIP security wing is 6. Operation Cactus (1988)
presently providing protection to more than 200 people, including a swift military intervention by the Indian Armed Forces to thwart a coup attempt in
Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the Gandhi family of the Congress comprising Sonia Gandhi, Rahul the Maldives in November 1988. When the Maldives government sought India’s
Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra among others. assistance, the Indian Air Force airlifted paratroopers to the capital, Malé, within
▪ The PDG was withdrawn from the Parliament House in May last year after the job was handed over to the hours.
CISF. 7. Operation Vijay (1999)
▪ It was informally linked with the VIP security wing since its removal from Parliament, but its manpower will The second Operation Vijay refers to the Kargil War of 1999, one of the most significant conflicts between India and
be utilised for the protection of high-risk dignitaries after the formal order received on Pakistan. The Indian Army, supported by the Air Force, launched a massive offensive to reclaim the captured
territories.
Trajan 155 mm Towed Artillery Gun System 8. Operation Parakram (2001-2002)
▪ The Trajan 155 mm towed artillery gun system, developed In response to the December 2001 terrorist attack on the Indian Parliament, India launched Operation Parakram, a
jointly by India and France, has bagged an export order from massive military mobilization along the India-Pakistan border.
Armenia. 9. Operation Rahat (2013)
▪ It is a 155 mm towed artillery gun system. one of the largest and most complex humanitarian rescue operations conducted by the Indian Armed Forces. It was
▪ It is jointly developed by India and France. launched in June 2013 in response to the devastating floods in Uttarakhand. The Indian Air Force played a crucial
▪ The gun is jointly developed by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and 10. Surgical Strikes (2016)
KNDS France and has undergone rigorous testing by the Indian Army, meeting all qualitative requirements. In September 2016, the Indian Army conducted surgical strikes against terrorist launch pads across the Line of
▪ The 52-calibre towed gun system is manufactured in India Control (LoC) in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The strikes were in retaliation for a terrorist attack on an Indian Army
base in Uri.
What is artillery gun?
▪ Artillery refers to large-caliber guns — guns with big barrels — which can be moved from one place to DRDO's multi-layer clothing system 'HIMKAVACH' clears user trials
another for land battles. The artillery is also the name for the army unit that uses these big guns. ▪ The Defence Research and Development Organisation
(DRDO) has introduced the HIMKAVACH multi- layer
T-55 tank used in 1971 Indo-Pak war installed at Red Fields in Coimbatore as a war trophy clothing system, specially designed to provide optimal
▪ USSR, T-55 is a medium tank that was used as a combat track vehicle. protection in extreme cold weather conditions for
▪ The tank was part of the weaponry of the 73 Armoured temperature range of +20°C to -60°C.
Regiment that was raised on December 3, 1971, during the ▪ The innovative clothing system has passed all user trials
Indo-Pak war. under actual operational conditions, proving its effectiveness for military operations in cold weather,
▪ The tank had its footprints in Operation Trident (1971), particularly in the Himalayan region.
Operation Rakshak (1990-91), Operation Vijay (1999), and
Operation Parakram (2001-02) Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan
▪ The last round from the tank was fired on 24 February 2009 ▪ Recently, the “Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan” app was launched by Defence Minister coinciding with Army Day
celebrations.
Top 10 Most Iconic Indian Military Operations (Static) ▪ It is developed by the Ministry of Defence in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism.
1. Operation Vijay (1961) ▪ This app opens the doors to India’s most iconic battlefields, offering citizens a chance to explore the
conducted in December 1961, marked the liberation of Goa, Daman, and Diu from Portuguese control. The country’s wartime history like never before.
operation involved Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. • The move is aimed at promoting connectivity, tourism, and
2. Operation Trident (1971) socio-economic development in border regions.
a naval operation launched on the night of December 4, 1971, during the Indo-Pakistani War. The Indian Navy's
Western Fleet executed a surprise attack on the Pakistani port city of Karachi, resulting in the sinking of several India Joins Eurodrone Programme as Observer
Pakistani vessels and the destruction of Karachi's harbor installations. ▪ India has, as an observer state, officially joined the Medium
3. Operation Meghdoot (1984) Altitude Long Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft System
(MALE RPAS) or Eurodrone programme

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▪ Eurodrone is a 4-nation development programme of Germany, France, Italy and Spain, led by the Sci & tech
Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR). ISRO successfully germinates cowpea seeds under microgravity
▪ Germany takes the role of Lead Nation for the programme. conditions
▪ Airbus Defence and Space (GER) is the Industrial Prime ▪ Microgravity 'Farming': ISRO Sprouts Cowpea Seeds In Space In
▪ The Eurodrone is a remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) designed for POEM-4 Experiment
long-endurance missions such as intelligence, surveillance, target ▪ ISRO's Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC’s) CROPS (Compact
acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR), maritime surveillance, anti- Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies) experiment onboard
submarine warfare, and airborne early warning. PSLV-C60 POEM-4 successfully sprouted cowpea seeds under
▪ maximum mission payload of 2.3 tonnes and an endurance period of up to microgravity conditions in 4 days.
40 hours ▪ Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is an annual plant within the pea family
▪ Conceived as a “European Programme for European Sovereignty,” the (Fabaceae). It is also known as a black-eyed pea, southern pea, etc.
initiative was founded in 2022 and passed its preliminary design review ▪ It originated and was domesticated in Southern Africa and was later moved
(PDR) in 2024. to East and West Africa and Asia.
▪ The drones are expected to enter service by 2030. ▪ In total 24 payloads including CROPS were launched in the PS4-Orbital
▪ OCCAR-executive administration director Joachim Sucker has handed over the letter of approval (LoA) to Experiment Module (POEM-4) mission - onboard the PSLV-C60 SpaDeX
Ajit Gupte, India’s ambassador to Germany. mission to support a wide array of scientific and technological endeavours.
▪ India follows Japan, which became the first official OCCAR observer state in the programme in November ▪ The PSLV Orbital Experiment Module (POEM) is a practical solution
2023. deployed by ISRO that allows Indian start-ups, academic institutions, and
▪ As a Eurodrone observer state, India will gain access to technical information about the advanced drone research organizations to test their space technologies without the need to launch entire satellites.
system, while also fostering closer defense ties with European nations, and potentially paving the way for ▪ The world's largest production and consumption of cowpea is in West Africa, which accounts for more than
future technology transfers and joint ventures in the aerospace sector 87% of world production and use.
▪ However, as an observer, India won't be involved in the design or development decisions of the Eurodrone ▪ Nigeria, the largest producer and consumer, accounts for 46% of production worldwide.
program itsel ▪ In the Indian context, it is a minor pulse cultivated mainly in arid and semi-arid tracts of Punjab, Haryana,
Delhi, and West UP, along with considerable areas in Rajasthan, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamilnadu, Maharashtra,
PM Modi addressed annual NCC PM Rally at Cariappa Parade Ground and Gujarat.
▪ on 27th January 2025
▪ Theme for NCC PM Rally: ‘Yuva Shakti, Viksit Bharat’ India has successfully tested the Bhargavastra, its first indigenous micro-missile system designed to counter
▪ A total of 2361 NCC cadets participated in the Republic Day Camp this year swarm drones
which included 917 girl cadets, which was the highest ever participation by • It was developed by the Economic Explosives Ltd.
girls cadets. • It can quickly deploy on a mobile platform and hit targets over 2.5 km.
▪ Participation by 144 young cadets from 18 friendly foreign countries • It is capable of detecting even small incoming flying machines at
over 6 km and can take them down using micro munitions that can
Indian Army to host ‘Know Your Army’ mela from January 3 to 5 be guided towards the threat.
▪ The Indian Army is set to host the ‘Know Your Army’ Mela 2025 at Golconda Fort from January 3 to 5. • The system can simultaneously fire more than 64 micro missiles.
▪ This initiative aims to bridge the gap between civilians and the armed forces by providing an experience • designed to operate in all terrains
into the Indian Army’s technological capabilities and operational readiness. • Designed to meet the requirements of the Army Air Defence
• What are Swarm Drones?
Indian Army Inaugurates Bailey Bridges Over Shyok River • SWARM stands for “Smart War-Fighting Array of Reconfigured Modules.”
▪ The Indian Army inaugurated two newly constructed bailey bridges over the Shyok River, enhancing • Drone swarm technologies coordinate at least three and up to thousands of drones to perform missions
connectivity between the Shyok and Nubra valleys in the Union Territory of Ladakh. cooperatively with limited need for human attention and control.
▪ The bridges, located near Shatse Taknak in the Diskit sub-division of Leh.
▪ Constructed by the Fire and Fury Corps Engineers, the two bridges — 50 feet wide and 100 feet in length — Purulia Observatory: 1st astronomical observatory of Eastern India
reduce travel distance by approximately 40 km and cut travel time by around two hours for the farthest inaugurated in Bengal
villages in Nubra and Shyok valleys ▪ Named Satyendra Nath Bose Astronomical Observatory
▪ named after famous scientist Satyendra Nath Bose.
▪ established by the Satyendra Nath Bose National Centre for Basic
Sciences.
▪ MoU with the Sidhu Kanu Birsa University, Purulia for running the observatory and sharing resources.
▪ The first astronomical observatory of Eastern India and the sixth in the country under the Department of
Science and Technology, Union Ministry of Science and Technology
▪ It is the sixth such observatory in India after Ladakh, Nainital (Uttarakhand), Mount Abu (Rajasthan),
Girbani Hills in Pune, and Kavalur in Tamil Nadu.

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▪ About Purulia Observatory: Blue Origin launched its first orbital rocket ‘New Glenn’
▪ Location: It is located on the Panchet Hill in the Garpanchkot area of Purulia district in West Bengal. ▪ Jeff Bezos-led Blue Origin successfully launched its New Glenn reusable
▪ It is equipped with a 14-inch diameter telescope for scientific observations. rocket on its maiden voyage.
▪ The observatory is at a height of 600 meters above ground level and at a longitude of approximately 86° E. ▪ The launch, marked the rocket’s first orbital achievement, carrying an
▪ It will be a major observatory not only in eastern India, but also in the world. experimental platform to support satellite deployment.
▪ Along the 86 degrees East longitude stretching from the Arctic Ocean in the north to Antarctica in the south, ▪ The launch vehicle, named after John Glenn, the first American to orbit
there are very few observatories. Earth, successfully reached orbit after its second-stage engine cutoff.
▪ It will help in scientific observations of astronomical objects, training students in handling telescopes and ▪ New Glenn’s second stage and payload are now in orbit.
recording data.
DRDL’s Groundbreaking Active Cooled Scramjet Engine Test
SpaDeX mission: India becomes 4th nation to achieve successful space ▪ The Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) in Hyderabad,
docking of 2 satellites part of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has
▪ The Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission’s docking taken stride in the development of hypersonic technology.
operation was successfully completed on 16th January, 2025 ▪ Recently, it successfully conducted a groundbreaking ground test of an Active Cooled Scramjet Combustor
▪ India becomes the fourth country after US, China & Russia for 120 seconds—marking India’s first achievement of this kind.
▪ Docking is a process of joining of two separate free-flying space ▪ Hypersonic missiles, which travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5 (more than 5,400 km/h), represent advanced
vehicles. weaponry capable of bypassing existing air defense systems to deliver high-speed, impactful strikes.
▪ ISRO started the mission on 30th December 2024, with the ▪ Leading nations like the USA, Russia, India, and China are actively pursuing hypersonic technology, with
successful launch of the SpaDeX spacecrfts using Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)-C60, from the Satish scramjets—air-breathing engines that operate at supersonic speeds—playing a critical role.
Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. ▪ These engines function without moving parts, enabling sustained combustion even at hypersonic speeds.
▪ The SpaDeX mission involves two small satellites, SDX01, which is the Chaser and SDX02, the Target, each ▪ This success follows extensive ground testing and simulations using advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics
weighing approximately 220 kilograms. (CFD) tools to optimize engine performance.
▪ Both satellites, the Target and Chaser were in the same orbit separated by 20km which is known as "Far ▪ DRDL, in collaboration with industry partners, also developed an indigenous endothermic scramjet fuel.
Rendezvous”, and then came closer to dock ▪ This fuel not only improves cooling but also facilitates easier ignition—an essential feature for hypersonic
▪ Post-docking, the two satellites will operate as a single spacecraft. vehicles.

Cabinet approves the establishment of “Third Launch Pad” ISRO dispatches crew module for first uncrewed mission of Gaganyaan
▪ The Third Launch Pad project envisages the establishment of the launch ▪ Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre of ISRO has dispatched the Crew
infrastructure at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh for the Next Generation Module for the first uncrewed mission of Gaganyaan (G1) after
Launch Vehicles of ISRO and also to support as standby launch pad for the successfully completing the integration of the liquid propulsion
Second Launch Pad at Sriharikota. system,
▪ It is targeted to be established within 4 years. ▪ Gaganyaan will be ISRO’s first attempt to acquire human spaceflight
▪ The total fund requirement is Rs. 3984.86 Crore and includes the capabilities. Before sending the crew, the ISRO is planning to send
establishment of the Launch Pad and the associated facilities. uncrewed mission to the space under its Gaganyaan project.
▪ At present, the spaceport in Sriharikota has two launch pads. The first ▪ the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) of ISRO dispatched the Crew Module for the first uncrewed
launch pad was set up 30 years ago and is designed to support the launch of mission of Gaganyaan (G1), after successfully completing the integration of the liquid propulsion system,
smaller vehicles such as PSLV and SSLV. ▪ The Crew Module Uprighting System (CMUS) designed by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) was also
▪ The second launch pad was set up 20 years ago, primarily for the launch of heavier vehicles such as GSLV integrated to the module at LPSC.
and LVM3, but can also be used as a standby for the workhorse PSLV. ▪ the Crew Module Propulsion System (CMPS) is a bi-propellant based Reaction Control System (RCS) and is
▪ The expanded vision of Indian Space Programme during the Amrit Kaal including the Bharatiya Antariksh meant for precise three axis control namely Pitch, Yaw and Roll, of crew module.
Station (BAS) by 2035 & an Indian Crewed Lunar Landing by 2040 requires a new generation of heavier ▪ This system employs 12 100N thrusters, pressurisation system with high pressure gas bottles and the
launch vehicles with new propulsion systems, which cannot be met by the existing launch pads. propellant feed system along with the associated fluid control components,
▪ A 100 N thrusters are rocket motors, which are used in spacecraft for propulsion.
Google-backed Pixxel successfully launches India’s first private satellite
constellation ISRO successfully launches NVS-02 satellite from Sriharikota
▪ India's space tech startup Pixxel launched three of its six ▪ The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched its historic 100th
hyperspectral imaging satellites aboard a SpaceX rocket from launch from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
California. ▪ The GSLV-F15 with the NVS-02 satellite lifted off from the spaceport’s second
▪ The launch marks a milestone for the country's growing private launch pad.
space sector and for Google-backed Pixxel, a five-year-old startup. ▪ Over these 100 launches ISRO has lifted 548 satellites to orbit
▪ The satellites aim to use hyperspectral imaging, a technology that captures highly detailed data across ▪ Dr. V Narayanan - Chairman, ISRO
hundreds of light bands to serve industries such as agriculture, mining, environmental monitoring and ▪ The NVS-02 is the second satellite in the NVS series, and part of India’s
defence. Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC).

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▪ NavIC is India’s satellite-based independent regional navigation system - designed to provide accurate ▪ What it is: The Deep Ocean Mission is an ambitious program initiated by the Ministry of Earth Sciences
Position, Velocity, and Timing (PVT) service to users in India (MoES) to explore the deep sea, develop cutting-edge marine
▪ The region extending about 1,500 km beyond the Indian landmass technologies, and harness ocean resources for economic and
▪ It also aims to help with disaster management, Tracks fleets, and Improves weather prediction environmental benefits.
▪ NavIC provides two types of services: Standard Positioning Service (SPS) and Restricted Service (RS). ▪ Launched in: DOM was launched in 2021 as one of nine key missions
▪ NVS-01, the first of the second-generation satellites, was launched on board GSLV-F12 on May 29, 2023. For under the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory
the first time, an indigenous atomic clock was flown in NVS-01. Council (PMSTIAC) framework.
Aims:
India to replace Maitri with Maitri-2 research station in Antarctica by 2029 ▪ To develop advanced deep-sea exploration technologies.
▪ As India’s research station Maitri in Antarctica is ageing, India is set ▪ To identify and harness critical underwater resources like polymetallic
to establish a new research station Matri-2. nodules, sulphides, and rare metals.
▪ The new station, which will be built near the existing Maitri station ▪ To study marine biodiversity and ecosystems for conservation and
in East Antarctica, will have a capacity of around 90 scientists. sustainable fisheries.
▪ To contribute to India’s blue economy through innovation and knowledge-building.
India’s Antarctic Programme Key features:
• It is a scientific research and exploration program under the ▪ Samudrayaan and Matsya6000: India’s first crewed submersible, Matsya6000, aims to reach 6,000 meters
National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCPOR). It below the ocean surface, targeting polymetallic nodules and rare resources.
started in 1981 when the first Indian expedition to ▪ Technological Advancements: Includes development of underwater mining systems like Varaha, which has
Antarctica was made. successfully operated at depths of 5,270 meters.
• Dakshin Gangotri (1983), Maitri (1989), and Bharati (2012) ▪ Ocean Climate Change Services: Developing advisory systems for ocean climate monitoring.
• However, Dakshin Gangotri was submerged in ice in 1988-89 ▪ Marine Biodiversity Conservation: Exploring and conserving unique underwater ecosystems.
and was subsequently decommissioned. ▪ Renewable Energy and Freshwater Harvesting: Leveraging Ocean resources for energy and water needs.
▪ Marine Biology Station: Establishing a state-of-the-art marine research station
2nd ‘living drug’ against blood cancer gets regulatory nod. for advanced studies.
▪ The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has
approved Chimeric Antigen Receptor or CAR T-cell, named Qartemi Cipla Launches CipAir App for Asthma Screening in India
by Immuneel Therapeutics, for adult B-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma ▪ Cipla announced the launch of CipAir, a mobile application designed to
(B-NHL), a common and aggressive type of blood cancer. facilitate the first line of screening for asthma in India.
▪ The product has been licensed from Hospital Clínic de Barcelona ▪ This app aims to empower users by helping them understand their likelihood
(HCB) of having asthma, therefore enabling timely intervention and management
▪ A “living drug” is a therapy which involves removing and modifying
a patient’s cells, then infusing them back into the patient. They are Indian Biological Data Centre Portals launched for Indian genome data
also known as cellular therapies. ▪ The Indian Genomic Data Set unveiled and Union Minister Dr. Jitendra
▪ The company is a cell-and-gene therapy start-up backed by Biocon founder Kiran Mazumdar Shaw and US- Singh launched the ‘Framework for Exchange of Data Protocols (FeED)’
based oncologist and author Dr Siddhartha Mukherjee. and the Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC) Portals, making 10,000
whole genome samples accessible to researchers across India and the
CSIR's Indigenously developed "Paracetamol" announced by Science & Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh globe.
▪ Karnataka-based Satya Deeptha Pharmaceuticals Ltd will utilize this breakthrough to produce affordable ▪ made available for research purposes not only within India but globally.
paracetamol domestically. ▪ India is no longer dependent on foreign genomic data
▪ Currently, India imports the key raw materials for paracetamol from various countries. ▪ The 'GenomeIndia' project, spearheaded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), which aims to create a
▪ India’s 1st Indigenously developed Antibiotic - Nafithromycin robust and comprehensive database of India’s genetic diversity
▪ The launch of the ‘Framework for Exchange of Data (FeED)’ Protocols under the Biotech-PRIDE Guidelines
CPCRI launches organic manure ‘Kalpa Bhooma’ for the needs of urban dwellers ensures that the high-quality, nation-specific data will be shared in a transparent, fair, and responsible
▪ The Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI), under the Indian manner.
Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) at Kasaragod, Kerala has launched ▪ India now ranks 12th globally in biotech and 3rd in the Asia-Pacific region.
‘Kalpa Bhooma’, an organic manure, for growing vegetables, fruits and ▪ Genome India project: 10,000 human genome dataset - the sequences of healthy individuals — from 99
flowers keeping mainly the needs of urban dwellers in mind. ethnic populations of the country — has helped create a baseline map of India’s genetic diversity.
▪ It is led by the Centre for Brain Research at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, and involves
India to deploy 1st human-operated underwater submersible collaboration with 20 institutions.
▪ Context: India is gearing up to deploy its first human-operated underwater
submersible as part of the Deep Ocean Mission, according to Union Minister What is Garmin inReach?
of State for Science and Technology. ▪ Garmin inReach is a Swiss-based popular GPS and satellite messaging device often used by backpackers
and climbers.

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▪ Scottish hiker Heather was detained at the Delhi airport for carrying ▪ The centre’s goal is to produce bioplastics that are not only biodegradable but also microplastic-free,
Garmin inReach ensuring that these materials break down completely without leaving harmful particles behind in the
▪ India is among 14 countries which prohibits the satellite message environment.
device. ▪ PLA (polylactic acid), one of the most well-known bioplastics, is currently expensive to produce, limiting its
▪ The other nations where the device is banned are Afghanistan, widespread use.
Ukrainian Crimea, Cuba, Georgia, Iran, North Korea, Myanmar, Sudan, ▪ Alternatives such as PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoates) are also not commercially viable due to their high
Syria, Thailand, Vietnam, China, and Russia. production costs.
▪ The IIT-M team, however, is optimistic that continued research and development could help lower these
Why is it banned in India? costs, making bioplastics more accessible for commercial use.
▪ The prohibition on satellite communication came with the Indian Telegraph Act of 1885 and the Wireless
Telegraphy Act of 1933. First Made-in-India Surgical Robot ‘SSI Mantra’ Installed at Maharashtra’s
▪ These older regulations were reinforced during the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, in which a terrorist group Noble Hospitals
employed satellite communicators to plan bombings and shootings that claimed the lives of around 200 ▪ In a momentous stride forward, city based Noble Hospitals and
people Research Centre installed Maharashtra's first made in India Robotic
System, an advanced innovation designed to improve surgical precision
DeepSeek’s new AI chatbot and efficiency for enhanced patient outcomes.
NEWS: Chinese tech startup DeepSeek ’s new artificial intelligence chatbot ▪ The SSI Mantra 3 Robotic System features five lean robotic arms, an
has sparked discussions about the competition between China and the U.S. immersive 3D HD headset for better optics for surgeons, and a vision
in AI development, with many users moving to test this rival of OpenAI’s cart that offers 3D 4K imaging for the entire surgical team, ensuring
ChatGPT. enhanced precision and control.
What is Generative AI? ▪ The Robotic System will be used in many life-saving procedures,
▪ Generative AI (GenAI) is a type of AI that can create a wide variety including general surgeries, cardio-thoracic, urology, gynaecology, and many complex surgical procedures.
of data, such as images, videos, audio, text, and 3D models.
▪ It does this by learning patterns from existing data, then using this knowledge to generate new and unique New system developed for wearable devices that can detect stress
outputs. ▪ Scientists from Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific
Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru, developed a material that can sense
What is a Chatbot? strain and adjust its response over time.
• Chatbots are computer programs designed to simulate conversation with human users, usually ▪ Using silver wire network on a stretchable material, scientists have
through text-based interfaces like messaging apps or websites. developed a device that senses strain, mimics pain perception and
• They use natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning algorithms to understand and respond to adapts its electrical response accordingly.
user input in a way that mimics human conversation. ▪ could lead to more advanced health monitoring systems that "feel"
• They are used in a variety of industries, including retail, healthcare, finance, and entertainment, to stress like the human body and adapt in real-time, giving feedback to
improve customer service and automate repetitive tasks. doctors or users. Such technology could also improve robotic systems

What is Dozer Push Mining Method? C-DOT and IIT Bombay sign agreement for “Optical Transceiver Chipset for High-Bandwidth 6G Wireless Links”
▪ CSIR-Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CSIR-CIMFR) has successfully conducted the first trial
▪ The premier Telecom R&D centre of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India,
blast for the Dozer Push Mining Method, integrating advanced digital technologies, for the first time in India.
has signed an agreement with the Indian Institute of
▪ The trial was conducted at the PEKB (Parsa East and Kanta Basan) Coal Mine operated by M/s Adani
Technology, Bombay (IIT Bombay) for the development of
Enterprises Limited in the Udaipur block of Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh
" Optical Transceiver Chipset for High-Bandwidth 6G
▪ The primary objective of the project was to develop a method that not only optimizes the mining process
Wireless Links”.
but also ensures that vibration and flyrock are controlled within safe limits.
▪ Moreover, the unmanned operation of the Dozer Push Mining method greatly enhances worker safety, ▪ Signed under the Telecom Technology Development Fund
minimizing the risks associated with manual labor and traditional mining techniques. (TTDF) 6G Call for proposal from the Department of
▪ It improves efficiency by enabling quicker coal recovery. It reduces delays caused by adverse weather Telecommunications,
conditions, particularly during the monsoon. The method is also cost-effective, with an estimated 7-10%
reduction in operational costs compared to conventional methods. ICAR Renames Central Tobacco Research Institute
▪ The Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) has
IIT-M establishes centre to develop zero-waste bioplastics renamed the Central Tobacco Research Institute (CTRI-
▪ The new Centre of Biodegradable Packaging at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-M) is working Rajahmundry) after the National Institute for Research on
towards — creating packaging that is as sustainable as a fruit. Commercial Agriculture (NIRCA) .
▪ Traditionally, bioplastics were derived from food sources such as starches from corn or potatoes, this
approach raised concern about food security.

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▪ ICAR has set a new mandate to focus on research of four more commercial crops, namely turmeric, chilli, Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)
castor and ‘ashwagandha’ (Indian ginseng), in addition to tobacco. NEWS: A Pune-based patient has died after contracting Guillain-Barré
▪ Headquartered in Rajamahendravaram, CTRI was established in 1947. Syndrome (GBS), making it the first suspected death in Maharashtra due
▪ Now, the premier research institute has six research stations located in Guntur, Kandukur, Jeelugumilli and to the disease.
Vedasandur in Tamil Naidu, Hunsur in Karnataka and Dinhata in West Bengal.
▪ It has two ‘Krishi Vignan Kendras’ located at Kalavacharla and Kandukur in Andhra Pradesh. What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome?
▪ NIRCA is now tasked with four key areas; research and development, sustainability and climate resilience, ▪ Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune neurological
capacity building and training, market linkage and commercialisation of the four crops. disorder in which a person’s immune system attacks their
peripheral nerves (the part of the
Genome editing laboratory launched at NIRCA in Rajamahendravaram nervous system outside the brain
▪ Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR-Crop Sciences) Deputy and spinal cord), leading to muscle
Director General T.R. Sharma that gene mapping of various plant weakness that can progress to
species is crucial to tackling climate change in the future. paralysis.
▪ The Genome Editing Laboratory at the Crop Improvement Division of ▪ It can develop over a few days or
the National Institute for Research on Commercial Agriculture several weeks. People of any age can
(NIRCA), formerly known as the Central Tobacco Research Institute be affected, but it is more common
(CTRI), at Rajahmundry. in adults and males.
▪ NIRCA scientists should focus on gene mapping of the turmeric, chilli, castor and ashwagandha varieties ▪ The condition is rare, with an
which were recently added to the institute’s research mandate estimated incidence of 1/2 per
100,000 population.
Tularemia – Rising Cases of Rabbit Fever ▪ According to the World Health
What is rabbit fever? Organization (WHO), infection with
▪ Rabbit fever (Tularemia) is caused by bacterium Francisella tularensis. the bacteria Campylobacter jejuni, which causes gastroenteritis (including symptoms of nausea, vomiting
▪ Tularemia can be spread to human beings by infected animals like rabbits, and diarrhoea), is one of the most common risk factors
rodents, hares and prairie dogs, as well as through tick or deer fly bites. ▪ Can also develop GBS after having the flu or other viral infections including cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr
virus, and the Zika virus.
The infection can also spread by drinking contaminated water and
inhaling contaminated aerosols or agricultural and landscaping dust, and Signs and symptoms
laboratory exposure. ▪ The first signs of GBS are usually tingling and weakness that start in the feet and legs before spreading to
▪ Symptoms vary depending on how the infection occurs the upper body, arms and face.
▪ The ability to speak and swallow can become affected in severe cases.
The 'zombie deer' disease ▪ GBS can lead to life-threatening complications when it affects the autonomic nervous system which controls
Scientists express concern over the possibility of the deadly and incurable your blood pressure and heart rate.
'zombie deer' disease affecting humans. ▪ TREATMENT: There is no known cure for GBS. However, there are some treatments that aid in recovery.
▪ Most people can make a nearly full recovery. A few may be left with remaining muscle weakeness.
About Zombie Deer Disease: ▪ The treatments primarily include plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobin therapy.
• Known scientifically as Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), it is a
progressive and fatal neurological disease which primarily affects Environment
deer, elk, moose, and reindeer.
Kerala’s Kappad & Chal beaches get global Blue Flag certification
What causes CWD? • Kerala’s famed Kappad beach in Kozhikode and Chal beach in
• CWD is caused by infectious proteins called prions. Kannur have been bestowed with the coveted Blue Flag
• Prions are proteins that cause other proteins in the brain to fold abnormally - they create spongy certification by Denmark-based Foundation for Environmental
holes in the tissue - leading to brain damage and neurological diseases Education (FEE)
Transmission: • The Kappad Beach in Kozhikode, the first beach in the state to
• CWD prions are highly contagious and spread through body fluids such as saliva, feces, blood, or receive the Blue Flag certification, has renewed its Blue Flag
urine, either by direct contact or environmental contamination. status
Symptoms: • Blue Flag beaches are considered the cleanest beaches of the
• progressive weight loss. world. It is an eco-tourism model endeavouring to provide the
• Numerous behavioral changes, including decreased social interaction, loss of awareness, and loss of fear of tourists/beachgoers clean and hygienic bathing water, facilities, a
humans. safe and healthy environment and sustainable development of
• Diseased animals also may exhibit increased drinking, urination, and excessive salivation. the area.
• Treatment: It is always fatal in infected animals. There is no vaccine or treatment.

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• Blue Flag certification is an internationally recognised eco-label that is accorded based on 33 criterias. These as a critical conservation priority due to its high concentration of endemic and threatened freshwater fish
criterias are divided into 4 major heads namely, species
• Environmental education and information
• Bathing water quality Piyush Goyal Launches Bharat Cleantech Manufacturing Platform at Bharat Climate
• Environmental management Forum 2025
• Conservation and safety services in the beaches • Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Piyush Goyal unveiled the Bharat
• The other Indian beaches in the blue list are Shivrajpur-Gujarat, Ghoghla-Diu, Kasarkod and Padubidri- Cleantech Manufacturing Platform at the Bharat Climate Forum 2025 in New
Karnataka, Kappad-Kerala, Rushikonda- Andhra Pradesh, Golden-Odisha, Radhanagar- Andaman and Delhi.
Nicobar, Kovalam in Tamil Nadu, Eden in Puducherry beaches, Minicoy Thundi beach and Kadmat beach in • The platform will look to unify stakeholders from policy, industry, finance,
Lakshadweep and research to spur cleantech manufacturing in the country across sectors
such as solar, wind, hydrogen, and battery storage.
Indore and Udaipur join list of Wetland Accredited Cities
• Rajasthan's Udaipur and Madhya Pradesh's Indore Government of India has designated areas around Shikari Devi Wildlife
have become India's first two cities to receive Sanctuary as eco-sensitive zones (ESZs)
international accreditation as 'Wetland Cities' under • to reduce the impact of urbanisation and developmental activities on
Ramsar Convention. the surrounding protected
• accredited 31 new cities, including two from India,
making the global list of such cities to reach 74. Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary:
• Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) • located in the district of Mandi in Himachal Pradesh.
• The WCA is a voluntary accreditation system • This high-altitude sanctuary is named after the goddess Shikari Devi
established by the Ramsar Convention during • An area of 7,200 ha surrounding the temple was declared a
the Conference of the Contracting Parties (COP) sanctuary in 1962.
12, 2015 to recognize cities that have taken exceptional
steps to safeguard their urban wetlands. Tropical Cyclone Sean
• The WCA is valid for 6 years. • NASA Earth Observatory features Tropical Cyclone Sean,
• The scheme aims to promote the conservation and wise use of urban and peri-urban wetlands, as well as which brought record-breaking rainfall to the Pilbara
sustainable socio-economic benefits for local populations. region of Western Australia.
• Udaipur city is surrounded by five major wetlands: Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Rang Sagar, Swaroop Sagar, and • A tropical low formed over the Indian Ocean off Western
Doodh Talai. Australia.
• Indore: Sirpur Lake, a Ramsar site • The storm had strengthened into Tropical Cyclone Sean –
• The ongoing Amrit Dharohar initiative by the MoEF&CC aligns with WCA goals, promoting the conservation the second tropical cyclone of Australia’s 2024–2025
values of Ramsar Sites. season
• The nominated cities included: Indore (Madhya Pradesh), Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), • The region includes the waters surrounding northern Australia, encompassing the Indian Ocean, Coral Sea,
and Udaipur (Rajasthan). and the Timor Sea.
• The northern regions of Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and Queensland are most affected
About Wetlands & Ramsar Convention:
• Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil or is present at or near the surface, creating unique Characteristics of a Tropical Cyclone
ecosystems. • Tropical Cyclone is a weather phenomenon.
• The Ramsar Convention, formally known as the Convention on Wetlands, is an international treaty • A tropical cyclone is formed only over warm ocean waters near the equator.
established in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar. • The centre of a cyclone is very calm and clear with very low air pressure.
• India joined it in 1982, initially designating the Chilika Lake in Orissa and Keoladeo National Park in • The average speed is 120 kmph.
Rajasthan. • They have closed isobars which leads to greater velocity.
• Isobars are imaginary lines on a weather map that connect locations with equal atmospheric pressure.
First-ever multi-taxon global freshwater fauna assessment identifies Western Ghats as a hotspot of threatened • They develop over oceans and sea only.
species • They move from east to west under the influence of trade winds.
• The first-ever multi-taxon global freshwater fauna assessment for The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species • They are seasonal in nature.
has identified Western Ghats as a key location with greatest abundance of threatened freshwater species.
• The study led by IUCN and published in the multidisciplinary science journal, Nature, How are Cyclones Classified?
• the study pinpoints Lake Victoria (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda), Lake Titicaca (Bolivia and Peru), Sri Lanka’s Wet • Cyclones are classified on the basis of wind speed by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD):
Zone, and the Western Ghats (India) as hotspots of threatened freshwater species richness. • Depression: Wind speeds of between 31–49 km/h
• Presence of iconic Humpbacked mahseer, a critically endangered megafish • Deep Depression: Between 50-61 km/h
• Among Indian States, Kerala has the highest number of threatened freshwater fishes, with 74 of its 188 fish • Cyclonic Storm: Between 62–88 km/h
species for which Red List assessments are available categorized as threatened while Periyar River stands out • Severe Cyclonic Storm: Between 89-117 Km/h

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• Very Severe Cyclonic Storm: Between 118-166 Km/h Nepal PM officially announces Sagarmatha Sambad on the occasion of the International Year of Glaciers’
• Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm: Between 166-221 Km/h Preservation
• Super Cyclonic Storm: Above 222 Km/h • Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli announced the Sagarmatha Sambaad (Dialogue) scheduled to take place in
Kathmandu on May 16-18.
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan Launches ‘Kavacham’ Disaster Risk Warning System • The Prime Minister declared the Dialogue amidst a programme organised by the Ministry of Forests and
• The Kerala Warnings, Crisis and Hazard Management system (KaWaCHaM), Environment and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers,
the disaster risk warning system launched by Chief Minister Pinarayi Singha Durbar held on the occasion of the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation (IYGP), 2025.
Vijayan. • The Sagarmatha Sambaad has been scheduled to be organised biannually.
• developed by the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA)
with the support of the National Disaster Management Authority and the SIAM’s 3rd International Conference on Sustainable Circularity
World Bank. • Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate
• The entire system includes a network of 126 siren-strobe light units, 93 Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, delivered the keynote
emergency operation centres connected via VPN, decision support address at the Special Ministerial Session of the 3rd
software, and a large data centre. International Conference on Sustainable Circularity,
• The system will provide timely alerts rated to extreme weather events, such organized by the Society of Indian Automobile
as heavy rain, strong winds, and sea surge to the public through the network of the “KaWaCHaM” warning Manufacturers (SIAM), in New Delhi
sirens, developed as part of the National Cyclone Mitigation Plan. • Themed ‘Nature Positive Recycling’, the conference
• location-based SMS, and other communication channels for disseminating severe weather or disaster brought together key stakeholders from the automotive
warnings received from central agencies to the public. industry to discuss sustainable development and
• a network of sirens and strobe lights has been set up for broadcasting severe disaster warnings from State circularity.
and district Emergency Operations Centres to the public in the form of messages and sirens. • Shri Yadav also unveiled the SIAM Strategy Paper, titled
‘Towards Circular Future in the Automobile Industry:
Scientists discover fast-growing glacier in Uttarakhand’s Niti Valley Integrating EPR Regime in Waste Stream Regulation”.
• A group of scientists recently discovered a new glacier in Uttarakhand that was found to be rapidly
expanding in size The Minister detailed key government policies supporting
• The glacier is located in the Niti Valley, a remote area in the northernmost region of the hilly state, close to sustainability in the automotive sector:
the India-Tibet border. • Vehicle Scrappage Policy (2021): Mandates fitness tests for passenger vehicles older than 20 years and
• Stretching about 10 km in length, the new glacier that is yet to be named lies adjacent to the Randolph and commercial vehicles older than 15 years, replacing polluting vehicles with BS-VI-compliant models.
Rekana glaciers and spans approximately 48 sq km. • This is projected to reduce up to 17% NOx and 11% PM2.5 emissions from freight trucks.
• Their study, Manifestations of a Glacier Surge in Central Himalaya Using Multi-Temporal Satellite Data, was • End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) Rules, 2025: To be effective from April 1, 2025, these rules ensure
done using satellite data. Their findings show the glacier is currently ‘surging’. environmentally sound scrapping of vehicles, with manufacturers fulfilling Extended Producer Responsibility
(EPR) by ensuring ELVs are properly scrapped in registered facilities.
Nepal’s Yala Glacier Rapidly Shrinking, Predicted To Disappear By 2040s • The scrapping of vehicles is also incentivized.
• Nepal’s Yala Glacier is shrinking so rapidly that, by the 2040s, Promotion of Electric Vehicles (EVs): Initiatives like the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles
it is predicted to disappear entirely. (FAME) and the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes are driving EV adoption on a huge scale.
• Launched in 2024 by organizations including the World EV sales are expected to reach 35% of total vehicle sales by 2030, avoiding 5 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions
Meteorological Organization (WMO), UNESCO, Rice annually.
University, and the University of Iceland, it is the only
Himalayan glacier on the Global Glacier Casualty List. Epicoccum Indicum
• Since monitoring started, the glacier’s extent and volume • Recently, researchers from Banaras Hindu University identified a
have significantly decreased. new species of phytopathogenic fungi named ‘Epicoccum indicum’
• Its height dropped from 5,170 m to 5,750 m in 2011 and has • This discovery is linked to an emerging leaf spot disease affecting
retreated by 680 m between 1974 and 2021. as vetiver or khus.
• The Global Glacier Casualty List identifies 15 glaciers as critically endangered, including Nepal’s Yala Glacier. • The species name refers to India, where it was discovered.
• China’s Dagu Glacier is also critically endangered and projected to disappear by 2030. • Phytopathogenic fungi are fungi that cause diseases in plants,
• In an effort to draw attention to the significance of glaciers and their function in hydrology, meteorology, leading to significant economic losses in agriculture and horticulture.
and climate systems, the United Nations has declared 2025 the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation. • 70–80% of plant diseases are caused by phytopathogenic fungi.

India’s Initiatives: Banded Royal Butterfly Discovered in Tripura

• National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem, • Tripura recorded a milestone in biodiversity documentation with the
• Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS): Monitors glacier-related events and issues first-ever recording of the Banded Royal butterfly (Rachana jalindra
GLOF alerts. indra), a rare species, in the state in the Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Missions to Arctic & Antarctic e.g., IndARC (2014).

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• It is a species of lycaenid or blue butterfly found in parts of South and 2. the Chinese Pangolin, found across a larger area in south Asia.
Southeast Asia. • Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam have both species in their States.
• Scientific Name: Rachana jalindra indra • World Pangolin Day is observed every year on February 18.
• Habitat: Found in forests, particularly near the Western Ghats, Northeast India, • Conservation Status: The conservation status of these species ranges from Endangered (Indian Pangolin) to
Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, and Malaysia. Critically Endangered (Chinese Pangolin).
• three subspecies of Rachana jalindra found in India, including macantia, • Trade of pangolins is banned under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered
distributed from southwest India to Goa; R. j. tarpina, distributed in the Species (CITES) and they are listed in Appendix I of the IUCN Red List, indicating they are threatened with
Andamans; and R. j. indra, distributed from Orissa to lower West Bengal and extinction.
Bangladesh. • Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, prohibiting exploitation.
• Schedule II of the Indian Wildlife (Protected) Act, 1972.
Goby Fish Discovery in Andhra
Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary (SWL): • Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)
• situated Tripura, 25 kilometers from the capital, Agartala. discovered two species Hemigobius hoevenii and Mugilogobius
• Clouded Leopard National Park, established in 2007, is a part of SWL. tigrinus in the Coringa wildlife sanctuary.
• These species are goby fish that had not been recorded in
Black-collared yellow catfish Andhra Pradesh previously.
Researchers at the Centre for Peninsular Aquatic Genetic Resources, Kochi, of • This discovery is significant as M. tigrinus has been found
the National Bureau for Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR) claimed to have along the eastern coastline of India for the first time.
developed a captive breeding protocol for black-collared yellow catfish. • Habitat: Most gobies found in estuarine areas, especially around mangroves.
• It is endemic to the Chalakudy river in Kerala.
• It is characterized by its greenish-brown mottled coloration, shorter barbels, and distinct genetic traits, Reviving Bison Population in Jharkhand
the species coexists with the endangered Horabagrus Nigricollaris. • The Jharkhand Forest department has initiated a study to revive the
• It has been classified as endangered in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. dwindling population of Bison, popularly known as Gaur, at Palamu Tiger
• The captive breeding programme of the fish began in 2020. Reserve (PTR).
• Significance of captive breeding: The development of the breeding technique will help in the conservation • The bovine, a food source for big cats, has already gone extinct from
of the species. The development of the protocol would ensure the preservation of biodiversity in the across Jharkhand, excluding the PTR where merely 50-70 bison are
Western Ghats. surviving

Key facts about the National Bureau for Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR) About Indian Gaur:
• It was established in December 1983 in Allahabad under the aegis of Indian Council of Agricultural Research • The Indian Bison of Gaur is the largest and tallest in the family of wild cattle.
• It aims to undertake research related to the conservation of fish germplasm resources of the country. • Scientific Name: Bos gaurus
• The Institute's vision is assessment and conservation of fish genetic resources for intellectual property • Distribution: Gaurs are indigenous to the South and Southeast parts of Asia.
protection, sustainable utilization and posterity. • Gaurs are primarily the denizens of evergreen and semi-evergreen forests along with moist deciduous
forests with open grasslands.
Gaddi dog of the Himalayas recognised by ICAR-NBAGR Karnal
• The Gaddi dog, a loyal and resilient shepherd dog from the Himalayas, Conservation Status:
has been officially recognized as an indigenous breed by the National • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) under the Indian Council • Wild Life Protection Act, 1972:
of Agricultural Research. Schedule I
• Named after the Gaddi tribe, known for herding sheep and goats in the • It is listed in CITES Appendix I.
high Himalayas, these dogs play a vital role in protecting livestock,
herding and fostering a deep bond with shepherds Palamu Tiger Reserve:
• This recognition paves the way for their conservation and promotion on a national scale. • It is located in the Chhota Nagpur
plateau region of Jharkhand.
Discovery of New Indo-Burmese Pangolin Species • The reserve forms a part of the
• Scientists of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have identified a new species of Betla National Park.
Indo-Burmese pangolin (Manis indoburmanica) that diverged from the Chinese • Palamu Tiger Reserve was
pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) approximately 3.4 million years ago. established in 1974 under Project
• Its current distribution spans parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and possibly Tiger.
extends to Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar,”
Four New Tarantula Species Discovered in Western Ghats
Pangolins are among the most trafficked wild mammals globally. India is home to two species — Recent research has revealed four new tarantula species, including a new genus, from India’s Western Ghats.
1. the Indian Pangolin, found across the subcontinent; Habitat and Behaviors

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• Tarantulas live in tree hollows, along streams, forest paths, and shola forest patches surrounded by tea Coastal Group
plantations. • Achievers: Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu
• Females exhibit unique behaviors like carrying egg sacs under their mouthparts and creating hammock-like • Fast Movers: Andhra Pradesh, Goa
web structures to protect their eggs. • Aspirers: Kerala, West Bengal
Landlocked Group
Examples of newly discovered species: • Achievers: Haryana, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand
• Haploclastus bratocolonus (“tree dweller”): Found in hollow trees along rivers. • Fast Movers: Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan
• Haploclastus montanus: Lives at elevations above 2,000 meters, making it one of the • Aspirers: Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand
highest-living tarantulas in the region. North-Eastern Group
• Achievers: Assam, Arunachal Pradesh
23 species of blood-sucking flies recorded in Andaman & Nicobar Islands • Fast Movers: Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura
• Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have identified 23 species • Aspirers: Manipur
of blood-sucking flies, 13 of them recorded for the first time in the country, in the Union Territories
Andaman and Nicobar Islands. • Achievers: Chandigarh, Delhi
• These tiny insects, also called midges, are similar in appearance to flies but are • Fast Movers: Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep, Puducherry
more closely related to mosquitoes in their feeding habits. • Aspirers: Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Ladakh
• they are locally called bhusi files.
• These flies feed on the blood of livestock such as sheep, goats, and cattle, as well as wild animals like deer. Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) Report 2023-24
• Of particular concern are five species known to transmit the bluetongue disease virus, a condition that can • (UDISE+) report released by the Ministry of Education (MoE).
be fatal to livestock. • The total enrolment of students has dropped by over a crore
• Bluetongue disease manifests through symptoms including blue discolouration of the tongue, fever, facial in 2023-24 as compared to the previous years
swelling, and excessive salivation.
• It can potentially lead to death in affected animals and poses a significant threat to livestock farming and the Highlights of UDISE+ Report 2023-24:
agricultural economy. • 24.8 crore students enrolled in 2023-2024, while this figure
stood at 25.18 crore in 2022-2023.
Index/ report • The figures for the previous four show that the average total
Indian Cities’ Air Quality Progress Report 2025 enrolment stood around 26.36 crore.
• The study, based on data from Respirer’s • Boys account for 51.9% of enrolments and girls 48.1%.
AtlasAQ platform, • While over 90% of schools have basic amenities like electricity and gender-specific toilets, advanced
• In the years from 2019 to 2024, Indian cities facilities such as functional desktops, internet access, and ramps with handrails remain limited.
made strides in reducing PM2.5 pollution levels. • Only 57.2% of schools have functional computers, 53.9% have internet, and 52.3% are equipped with
• The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) cities ramps, underscoring significant gaps in accessibility and tech readiness.
achieved a notable 24% reduction. • Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of schools with single teachers
• Varanasi emerged as the frontrunner with a • West Bengal has the largest number of schools with zero enrolment (3,254), followed by Rajasthan (2,167),
remarkable 76% decrease. followed by and Telangana (2,097)
Moradabad (58 per cent) and Kanpur (51.2 per • UDISE+ is one of the largest Management Information Systems initiated by the Department of School
cent). Education and Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education
• Despite these advancements, cities like Delhi, • for record of data related to schools, teachers, enrolment, infrastructure, etc.
Gurugram, and Faridabad continue to grapple
with severe air pollution challenges. Odisha Lake Bird Census 2025
• More than 16.56 lakh birds of over 200 species were sighted
Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) 2024 during a mid-winter census carried out in three major wetlands –
• Union Minister of Commerce & Industry released the “Logistics Ease Chilika Lake, Bhitarkanika National Park and Hirakud Reservoir –
Across Different States (LEADS) 2024” report in New Delhi. across Odisha,
• It is the 6th edition of the LEADS report. • The bird census in three major water bodies
• It was conceived on the lines of the Logistics Performance Index of • According to the census report, altogether 11,27, 228 birds were
World Bank in 2018 by the Department for Promotion of Industry and counted in the Chilika Lake.
Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry. • Of the total count, 10,87,226 were migratory birds of 109 species
• It evaluates logistics performance across four key pillars: Logistics Infrastructure, Logistics Services, while the number of resident ones was 40,002 of 87 species.
Operating and Regulatory Environment, and the newly introduced Sustainable Logistics. • The bird count in 2024 was 11,37,759 of 187 species,
• It highlights initiatives undertaken by various States and UTs across the identified pillars • This year, there is a decrease of 10,531 birds in total, and there is a decline of 4,054 birds in Nalabana
• Key highlights of LEADS 2024 • adding that the highest of 2,01,926 Gadwall species visited the Chilika Lake, followed by Northern Pintail
(1,93,394) and Eurasia wigeon (1,54,937).

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• The number of species this year was 196, and the same was 187 species in 2024. Digital literacy
• The number of visiting avian winter species has risen to 1,51,614 this year while 1,51,421 birds were counted • Among older teenagers aged 14 years to 16 years, 89% have access to smartphones at home. Of this
last year in the national park category, 31.4% possess their own phones.
• Of the 82% of children (used a smartphone), 57% used it for education-related matters and 76% said they
Gujarat Launches ‘Atlas to Protect Indian Wolf Habitats’ browse social media on the phone.
• According to the Wolf Census conducted in 2023, the total population of the animal in 13 districts of Gujarat • Boys were more aware of safety features on their phones than girls.
— spanning 2217 square km area in the state — stands at 222
• At 80 wolves, Bhavnagar tops among the 13 districts, according to the government statement. NITI Aayog Releases Inaugural Fiscal Health Index (FHI) 2025
• The census was conducted in 2023 based on an initiative of the Gujarat Forest Department in collaboration • The report compiled by the NITI Aayog
with Gujarat Ecological Education and Research Foundation (GEER Foundation). • released in New Delhi by the Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission, Dr.
• The 13 districts where wolf habitat was found include Bhavnagar (80), Narmada (39), Banaskantha (36), Arvind Panagariya in the presence of Suman Bery, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog,
Surendranagar (18), Jamnagar (12), Morbi (12), Kutch (9), Porbandar (6), Mehsana (3), Navsari (3), Patan (2), BVR Subrahmanyam, CEO of the NITI Aayog.
Aravalli (1), and Surat (1). • The NITI Aayog report assesses the fiscal health of 18 major states of India as
• A wolf’s average length is three to five feet and weight is between 30 to 80 kg. per the 2022-23 fiscal year, identifies areas for improvement, and promotes
• A pack consists of 6 to 15 wolves led by an alpha male and an alpha female. best practices across these states.
• The Gujarat Forest Department has also launched a project under which wolves, bred in captivity, are being • Odisha has topped the inaugural edition of the NITI Aayog's Fiscal Health
‘soft released’ in the wild to restore the ecological balance in the grasslands and parts of revenue areas Index (FHI) 2025.
where the population of wild boars, blue bulls, and other such herbivores has been growing. The Fiscal Health index includes five major sub-indices -
• Quality of Expenditure,
The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2024 • Revenue Mobilisation,
• ASER is an annual citizen-led survey that provides reliable estimates • Fiscal Prudence,
of children’s schooling and learning levels. • Debt Index, and
• The ‘basic’ ASER survey generates district, state and national level • Debt Sustainability
estimates of the enrollment status of 3 to 16-year-old children and • The Fiscal Health Index segregated the 18 states into four groups of
the basic reading and arithmetic skills of 5 to 16-year-old children. Achiever, Frontrunner, Performer, and Aspirational on the basis of their
• Additionally, in ASER 2024, older children aged 14 to 16 were performance in 2022-23.
asked questions about their digital access and usage and • Achiever States (1-5 rank)- Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Jharkhand and Gujarat
were administered a set of smartphone-based tasks to gauge • Frontrunner (6-10 rank)-Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka.
their digital abilities. • Performer (11-14 rank)- Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Bihar, Haryana
• ASER 2024 reached almost 6.5 lakh children in 605 villages • Aspirational (15-18 rank)- Kerala, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and Punjab.
rural districts in India.
• Facilitated by the NGO Pratham, a local organisation or Top 5 in Fiscal Health Index 2025
institution conducted the survey in each surveyed district. Rank States FHI Quality of Revenue Fiscal Debt Debt
• Key findings of the ASER 2024 survey are presented (2022-23) Score Expenditure Mobilisation Prudence Index Sustainability
separately below for three groups of children: Pre-primary 1 Odisha 67.8 52 69.9 54 99 64
(age group 3-5), elementary (age group 6-14), and older 2 Chhattisgarh 55.2 55.1 56.5 56 79.6 29
children (age group 15-16). 3 Goa 53.6 45.5 87.1 59.4 51 25.2
• The survey found a slight improvement in comparison to pre-COVID 2018 levels. 4 Jharkhand 51.6 47.3 45.7 62.4 66.9 35.7
• However, the majority of children in Classes 3 and 5 are still unable to read a Class 2 level text in their local 5 Gujarat 50.5 40 48.7 52.7 69 42
language or do simple maths problems.
• In 2018, ASER reported that 20.9% of Class 3 students enrolled in government schools were able to read a Bottom 5 in Fiscal Health Index 2025
text at a Class 2 level; this figure dropped to 16.3% in 2022, but recovered to 23.4% in 2024. Rank States FHI Score Quality of Revenue Fiscal Debt Debt
• In 2018, 44.2% of Class 5 students were able to read it, which declined to 38.5% in 2022, and has plateaued (2022-23) Expenditure Mobilisation Prudence Index Sustainability
again at 44.8% in 2024. 14 Haryana 27.4 24.8 47.8 26.1 24.1 14.3
• The survey showed that 67.5% Class 8 students were able to read the Class 2 text. 15 Kerala 25.4 4.2 54.2 34 23.1 11.3
• two out of three Class 3 students were still unable to solve the subtraction problems correctly.
16 West Bengal 21.8 32.3 12.4 25.4 18.3 20.6
• Among Class 5 students, the proportion of those who could solve the division problems has improved from
17 Andhra Pradesh 20.9 31.4 22.1 13.3 37.8 0
27.9% in 2018 to 30.7% in 2024, which still leaves almost 70% of them lagging behind.
18 Punjab 10.7 4.7 28.1 5.6 0 15.2
• Among Class 8 students, improvement in basic arithemtic rose marginally from 44.1% in 2018 to 45.8% in
2024.
About the NITI Aayog
• The assessment method has remained the same since 2007
• The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog was set up by the government of India through
• The most improved States were Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Sikkim, and Mizoram
an executive order.
which saw at least 10 percentage point hikes in the number of children able to read the Class 2 text.

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• It came into existence on 1 January 2015, replacing the Planning Commission. India’s Metro Rail Network Surpasses 1,000 km, Becoming World’s Third Largest
• The Prime Minister is the chairman of the NITI Aayog. • Spanning over 1,000 km across 11 states and 23 cities, India now has the third-largest metro network in the
• Vice Chairman- Suman Bery world, surpassed Japan.
• Chief Executive Officer- BVR Subrahmanyam • The initiative for a metro system started in 1969 with the Metropolitan Transport Project
• The London Underground rail system popularly known as “Tube”, was the first modern metro rail network
Country's first-ever 'Coastline-Waders Bird Census' to be conducted in Jamnagar in the world. It started its operation in 1863.
from January 3 to 5
• In a first, the Gujarat government and Bird Conservation Society of Metro Rail Network in India
Gujarat (BCSG) will conduct the census of coastal and wader birds at the • The first metro rail network to become operational in India was
Marine National Park and Marine Sanctuary in Jamnagar in Kolkata (earlier Calcutta) in 1984. It was a 3.4 km route that
• Marine National Park and Sanctuary Area is the Home to Around 300 connected Esplanade and Bhowanipur, in the city and it was built with
Species of Resident and Migratory Birds the assistance of the Soviet Union.
• The Marine National Park and Marine Sanctuary in Gujarat is India’s first • The first modern metro system was inaugurated in Delhi in 2002 and it
marine national park. Spread across three districts of the state – is being operated by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). DMRC
Devbhoomi Dwarka, Jamnagar and Morbi opened its first metro corridor between Shahdara and Tis Hazari in Delhi.
• Now DMRC operates India’s largest metro network with an operational network of 395 km.
IIT Kanpur sets record with 152 IPR filings in 2024 • India’s first underwater metro became operational in Kolkata in March 2024 which runs under the Hooghly
• The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) has filed 152 river. The underwater tunnel is 520 meters long which the train crosses in 45 seconds.
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in 2024.
• This milestone of the highest number of IPRs filed in a single Dubai ranks among world’s top 10 cities in Global Power City Index (GPCI) for 2nd
year sees the institute sustain the increasing momentum for the consecutive year
fourth consecutive year, with a total of 1200 IPRs filed to date • Dubai has secured the top spot in West Asia in the Global Power City Index
• The 152 IPR filings include 124 patents, 10 design registrations, 2024 and eighth position globally, marking its second consecutive year in the
two copyrights, and six trademark applications. top 10 rankings.
• IIT Kanpur also received the STEM Impact Awards 2024 for its impactful technology transfer activities. • The annual study, conducted & released by Japan’s Mori Memorial
Foundation’s Institute for Urban Strategies
Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu richest Chief Minister, West Bengal CM • The Global Power City Index evaluates cities worldwide based on their ability
Mamata Banerjee poorest to attract people, capital, and enterprises, measuring six key areas:
• Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is the richest Chief Economy, Research and Development, Cultural Interaction, Livability, Environment, and Accessibility.
Minister in India with assets worth over ₹931 crore, while West Bengal's • London, New York, Tokyo – Top 3 cities
Mamata Banerjee is the poorest with just ₹15 lakh, according to an
Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) report. India Becomes Second Most Targeted Nation For Cyberattacks In 2024.
• While India's per capita net national income or NNI was approximately • India ranks second globally after the US in terms of cyberattacks in 2024,
₹1,85,854 for 2023-2024, the average self-income of a Chief Minister is according to CloudSEK, a cyber intelligence platform.
₹13,64,310, around 7.3 times the average per capita income of India. • The most affected sectors globally include: Manufacturing, Real Estate,
• Arunachal Pradesh's Pema Khandu is the second richest Chief Minister Healthcare, Technology, Finance
• Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is the second poorest in the list
QS World Future Skills Index 2025, India ranks 25th
India Ranked 123rd out of 143 Countries in Readiness for a Rapidly Aging Society • The Index by higher education UK-based firm QS evaluates how countries
• The study 'Nature Aging’was conducted by researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) are equipping themselves to meet evolving global job market demand
and Columbia University, • India ranks 25th overall in the index
• Developed a new measure-the Global Aging to assess the preparedness of 143 countries, covering 95.4% of • The country excels in the future of work indicator, securing the second-
the world's population, to tackle the challenges of population aging. highest global score (99.1).
• The study examined five key domains: well-being, productivity and engagement, equity, cohesion, and • The United States, known for its Silicon Valley and universities that have
security. updated curricula, comes first with a 100 score. Followed by the UK,
• Switzerland has secured 1st position, followed by Norway and Denmark ranked at 2nd and 3rd position, Germany and Australia in that order.
respectively • The QS World Future Skills Index classifies
• Singapore ranked 10th -first among Asian, Japan (15), China (46). economies into four categories based on their
• India is at present the youngest nation in the world, with over 50% of its population below the age of 25 overall performance – future skills aspiring,
and over 65% below the age of 35. rank – 123 practitioner, contender, and pioneer.
• But the picture will change in the next few decades when the youngsters age • India is positioned in the contender category.

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• The new index is based on four key indicators – skills fit, academic readiness, future of work, economic • Young (between 15-24 years): 9.3% (15.5 million);
transformation • Between 55-64 years: 12.5%;
• India was ranked second in terms of preparedness for jobs of the future including artificial intelligence (AI) • Above 65 years: 3.4%
and green skills, only behind the United States Men constituted 4.7% of the total male employment.
Women accounted for 4.4% of the total female employment.
World Economic Situation and Prospects Report 2025 • However, the number of women International migrants has steadily risen since 2015.
• The UN World Economic Situation and Prospects 2025, released in United Nations , • Addressing labor market shortages in host nations and contributing remittances to their home countries.
said that the near-term outlook for South Asia is expected to remain robust, with • In 2024, India received an estimated $129.1 billion worth of remittances (14.3% of the world), the
growth projected at 5.7% in 2025 and 6.0 per cent in 2026, “driven by strong highest ever for a country in any year. These funds support families, boost local economies, and
performance in India as well as economic recovery in a few other economies”, contribute to national development.
including Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka. About International Labour Organization (ILO)
• The Indian economy grew by 6.8% in 2024 and is forecast to expand by 6.6% in 2025 – It is an United Nations Agency established in 1919 as part of the Treaty of Versailles that ended World War I, and
and 6.8% growth in 2026. it became the first specialized agency of the UN in 1946.
• The economy of India, the largest in the (South Asia) region, is forecast to expand by
6.6 per cent in 2025, primarily supported by robust private consumption and investment. It is the only tripartite U.N. agency that brings together governments, employers and workers.
• Additionally, capital expenditure on infrastructure development is expected to have strong multiplier – It has 187 Member states.
effects on growth in the coming years. – It sets labour standards, develops policies and devises programmes promoting decent work for all women and
• Meanwhile, favourable monsoon rains in 2024 have improved the summer-sowing areas for all major crops, men.
boosting agricultural output expectations for 2025. – It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
• Investment growth has remained particularly strong in East Asia and South Asia, partly driven by domestic Major Reports
and foreign investments in new supply chains, particularly in India, Indonesia, and Vietnam. – World Employment and Social Outlook (WESO);
– Global Wage Report;World Social Protection Report;
4th Edition of “International Migrant Workers” Report – World Employment and Social Outlook for Youth;
• The International Labour Organization (ILO) recently published the fourth edition of – World of Work Report
its Global Estimates on International Migrant Workers, highlighting the significant
contributions and challenges faced by international migrants in the global labor World Economic Forum Releases Global Risks Report
market. • The 20th edition of the Global Risks Report 2025 reveals an increasingly
Key Findings of Global Estimates on International Migrant Workers (ILO) fractured global landscape, where escalating geopolitical, environmental,
• Contributions to Global Economy: In 2022, International migrants made up 4.7% societal and technological challenges threaten stability and progress.
(167.7 million) of the global labor force, which includes both employed and • This edition presents the findings of the Global Risks Perception Survey 2024-
unemployed individuals. 2025 (GRPS), which captures insights from over 900 experts worldwide.
• It marks an increase of over 30 million compared to 2013. • The report analyses global risks through three timeframes to support decision- makers in balancing current
crises and longer-term priorities.
Regional Distribution:
• High-income Countries absorbed the largest number Published by: World Economic Forum.
of International migrants, accounting for 68.4% (114 million Key Features:
people), primarily in key sectors such as services, especially in • Escalating Cyber Threats: Highlights the sophistication of
the provision of care. cybercrime amid geopolitical tensions and emerging
• Upper-middle-income countries accounted for 17.4% (29.2 technologies.
million) of International migrants. • Widening Cyber Resilience Gap: Smaller organizations face
• The share of International migrants in the labor force in Northern, seven times higher struggles compared to 2022, while
Southern, and Western Europe was 23.3%, while in Northern larger organizations show improvement.
America, it was 22.6%. • Regional Disparities: 42% in Latin America and 36%
Employment Sectors: in Africa lack confidence in cybersecurity
• Services Sector: 68.4% (higher than non-migrants); preparedness, compared to 15% in Europe and North
• Women (80.7%) and Male (60.8%); America.
• Care Economy: Migrant women (28.8%) and Migrant men • Public vs. Private Sector: 38% of public-sector
(12.4%); entities report inadequate resilience versus 10% of
• Industry Sector: 24.3% private organizations.
• Agriculture: 7.4% • Workforce Gap: Nearly 49% of public-sector
• Non-migrants share in agriculture: 24.3%. organizations lack sufficient cybersecurity talent.
Age Distribution:
• Prime-age adult (between 25 and 54 years): 74.9% (125.6 million);

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UNICEF Report on Children’s Crises in 2025 • The watchlist of the World Monuments Fund (WMF) usually includes vulnerable cultural sites on Earth.
• The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) report "Prospects for Children in • This year’s selection – the first since 2022 – includes Qhapaq Ñan, a pre-Hispanic Andean road system.
2025: Building Resilient Systems for Children’s Futures" warns of escalating • Antakya in Turkey and the Noto peninsula in Japan, which were damaged by earthquakes, also made the list.
global crises and their potential impacting children. • The moon was included among the 25 sites because of “mounting risks amidst
• It highlights the urgent need to strengthen national systems to protect accelerating lunar activities”
children and provide essential support.
Key points Forbes Billionaires List 2025- World’s Richest People
• Impact of Conflict on Children: In 2023, over 473 million children, or more than one in six globally, lived in • World’s Billionaires List for 2025, the United States leads with a record 813
conflict zones. The proportion of children affected by conflict has nearly doubled from 10% in the 1990s to billionaires, followed by China with 473 and India, remarkably claiming the third
19%. spot with 200 billionaires.
• Children face risks such as displacement, starvation, disease, and psychological trauma. • Elon Musk has begun 2025 at the pinnacle of wealth, ranking as the world’s
• Debt Crisis and its Impact on Children: Nearly 400 million children live in countries burdened by richest person, with a net worth of $433.9 billion
debt, limiting investments in education, healthcare, and social services.
• The World Bank estimates that a 5% rise in external debt for low- and middle-income Rank Name Net Worth (USD) Source of Wealth Country
countries could cut education spending by USD 12.8 billion. 1 Elon Musk $433.9 B Tesla, SpaceX United States
• Climate Change Impact: Only 2.4% of global climate finance is allocated to child-responsive initiatives, 2 Jeff Bezos $239.4 B Amazon United States
weakening social services crucial for children. 3 Mark Zuckerberg $211.8 B Facebook United States
• Digital Inequality: Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is transforming how governments deliver essential 4 Larry Ellison $204.6 B Oracle United States
services like education, healthcare, and social protection to children. 5 Bernard Arnault & Family $181.3 B LVMH France
• However, a significant digital divide exists, with youth (15-24 years) in high-income countries 6 Larry Page $161.4 B Google United States
enjoying internet access, while only 53% of youth in Africa have internet access, especially in low-
income countries.
• Adolescent girls and children with disabilities are particularly impacted, with 9 out of 10 adolescent
girls in low-income countries being offline.

The Key Facts About UNICEF

• Established: UNICEF established in 1946, to help children affected by World War II.
• It currently operates in over 190 countries and territories, including India.
• Global Headquarters: New York City, USA.
• Awards: Princess of Asturias Award (2006), Indira Gandhi Prize (1989), and Nobel Peace Prize (1965).
• Key Reports: The State of the World’s Children, Humanitarian Action for Children.
• UNICEF and India: UNICEF began its work in India in 1949.

World Employment and Social Outlook Report 2025

Microsoft’s Satya Nadella tops HSBC Hurun Global Indians List 2024
• The global economy is slowing down, making it harder for labour markets to recover
• Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella has claimed the top spot in the inaugural HSBC Hurun Global
fully since the outbreak of the COVID 19 pandemic, according to the International
Indians List 2024, which ranks 226 leaders of Indian origin heading the world’s most valuable companies.
Labour Organization’s (ILO) report, World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2025
• Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai and YouTube CEO Neal Mohan secured the second and third spots,
• India’s growth underpins GDP growth performance in Southern Asia, a sub-region whose
respectively.
GDP is expected to have grown by 6.2% in 2024 and to grow by 5.8% in 2025.
• The list features 12 women, leading with Reshma Kewalramani of Vertex Pharmaceuticals, followed by
• India has one of the fastest growth rates in the world, 6.9% in 2024 and forecast to be
Jayshree Ullal of Arista Networks, and Leena Nair, Global CEO of fashion brand —Chanel
6.4% in 2025
• 79 per cent of the list's entrants residing in the US, followed by the UK at 5 per cent and UAE at 4 per cent.
• global employment grew in line with the labour force, keeping the unemployment rate steady at 5%.
• San Francisco emerged as the city with the most entries, home to 37 leaders
• “However, youth unemployment showed little improvement, remaining high at 12.6%.
• Informal work and working poverty returned to pre-pandemic levels, and low-
India's ranking drops to 85th in Henley Passport Index, Singapore tops global list
income countries faced the most difficulties in creating decent jobs
• India's ranking has dropped by five points to 85 this year in Henley Passport Index released by citizenship
• Economic growth stood at 3.2% in 2024, down from 3.3 and 3.6% in 2023 and
advisory firm Henley & Partners
2022, respectively. A similar level of growth is expected in 2025
• Singapore has reclaimed its place at the top of the quarterly ranking of the world’s most powerful
• The global jobs gap – the estimated number of people who want to work but do
passports (195 out of 227 destinations) worldwide
not have a job – reached 402 million in 2024
• Japan is second in the ranking. Henley Passport Index is the only one of its kind based on exclusive data
from the International Air Transport Authority [IATA].
Moon added to list of threatened cultural sites for first time
• The index includes 199 different passports and 227 different travel destinations
• The moon has been placed on a list of threatened heritage sites, owing to fears
of potential looting and destruction caused by planned commercial trips.

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• As per the index for 2025, India stands at 85th while the ranking of National News
Pakistan and Bangladesh stood at 103rd (101st in 2024) and 100th (97th 76th Republic Day
in 2024), respectively. ▪ This year marks 75 years since our Constitution came into effect on
• India's ranking in the Henley Passport Index for 2024 was 80th globally. January 26, 1950 (adopted on November 26, 1949).
The most powerful passports for 2025 ▪ The Indian National Congress, on 19 December 1929, passed the
1. Singapore (195 destinations) historic ‘Purna Swaraj’ – (total independence) resolution – at its
2. Japan (193) Lahore session.
3. France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Finland, South Korea (192) ▪ A public declaration was made on 26 January 1930 – a day which
the Congress Party urged Indians to celebrate as ‘Independence
WEF’s “Blueprint to Close the Women’s Health Gap” Report Day’.
• Report prepared by World Economic Forum (WEF) and McKinsey Health ▪ First Republic Day Celebration: Parade took place at Irwin Stadium (now Major Dhyan Chand National
Institute underscores economic and societal potential of closing women’s Stadium) in New Delhi.
health gap. ▪ President of India unfurls the National Flag at Republic Day Parade.
Key Findings of Report
• Women live 25% more of their lives in poor health when compared to men Difference Between Flag Unfurling and Flag Hoisting
• 9 selected conditions drive 1/3rd of women’s health gap. ▪ Hoisting refers to raising the flag from a lower position to the top
• It includes conditions that affects lifespan (e.g. Cervical & Breast cancer, of a pole. This act symbolises freedom and self-governance, and it is
Maternal hypertensive disorders, Post-partum haemorrhage etc.) and primarily associated with Independence Day, observed on August
conditions that affect health span (e.g. Menopause & perimenopause, 15. On this day, the Prime Minister hoists the flag at the Red Fort in
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), Migraine etc.) Delhi.
▪ Unfurling, on the other hand, involves unveiling a flag that is
Potential: already secured at the top of the pole. The President of India performs this act during Republic Day
• Closing the health gap could generate $1 trillion in annual global GDP by 2040 celebrations, symbolising a commitment to the principles enshrined in the Constitution.
• and reclaim 75 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) annually. ▪ Union Ministry of Defence organises and manages the Republic Day celebration.
▪ Since 2022, the Republic Day celebration starts on 23rd January and continues till 30th January.
▪ 23rd January is observed in the country as the Parakram Diwas (birth anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra
Bose)
▪ The Beating Retreat ceremony is held on 29th January at the Vijay Chowk in New Delhi – it features a
musical performance by the bands of the Indian Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Force (CAPF), and the
Delhi Police.
▪ The Beating Retreat ceremony marks the end of the Republic Day parade and it is presided over by
the President of India.
▪ During the Beating Retreat ceremony, the Armed Forces ask the permission of the President to go back to
their barracks.
▪ The President is the Commander in Chief of the Indian Armed Forces.
▪ Martyr’s Day, observed on 30th January to mark the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, will officially
mark the end of the Republic Day festivities.
India Slips to Third Place in Edelman Trust Barometer 2025
Rankings Highlights of the 2025 Republic Day Parade
• The Edelman Trust Barometer 2025, an annual survey by the global communications firm Edelman, revealed ▪ Chief Guest - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto (Chief Guest during the 1st
key insights into public trust levels in government, businesses, media, and NGOs. Republic Day in 1950 was President Sukarno of Indonesia)
• The 25TH annual Edelman Trust Barometer, released before the start of the World Economic Forum Annual ▪ 2025 Republic Day parade featured a 352-member marching and band
Meeting, contingent from Indonesia.
• India slipped to 3rd position in the Edelman Trust Barometer 2025, ▪ No Foreign Chief Guests attended Republic Day in 1952 and 1953
Category Details ▪ President Droupadi Murmu arrives in buggy
Top 3 Global Rankings 1. China 2. Indonesia 3. India ▪ Between 1984 and 2024, the President’s black limousines were used for
Trust in Indian Companies India ranks 13th globally for trust in companies headquartered in the movement. But in 2024, Murmu and French President Emmanuel
India. Canada ranks 1st. Macron arrived in a black traditional buggy.
Trust by Income Groups in High-Income Group: Ranked 4th globally with 80% trust. Low-Income Group: ▪ The Commander of the 2025 Republic Day Parade was Lieutenant General Bhavnish Kumar, the General
India Ranked 3rd globally with 65% trust. Trust Gap: 15%. Officer Commanding of the Delhi Area.
Trust Levels: Developing vs. Developing Nations: China: 77% Indonesia: 76% India: 75% UAE: 72% Developed • The first foreign military contingent to participate in the Republic Day parade was the French Army band
Developed Nations Nations: Japan: 37% (lowest) Germany: 41% UK: 43% US: 47% France: 48% which participated in the 67th Republic Day parade in 2016.

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• Assistant Commandant Aishwarya Joy M. led the 148-member all-women marching contingent of the Bharatam’ by minofculturegoi & Sangeet Natak Akademi Guinness World Record for ‘The Largest Indian
Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Folk Variety Dance’
• Deputy Commandant Manohar Singh Kheechee led the Camel contingent of the Border Security Force ▪ The musical composition 'Jayati Jai Mamah Bharatam', written by Subhas Sehgal, composed by Shankar
(BSF). Mahadevan, with voice-over by Harish Bhimani

Tableaux and its Theme Artists from different states performed different dances –
• Theme of the Republic Day tableaux is chosen by the Union Ministry of ▪ Snow Lion and Monpa Mask Dances from Arunachal Pradesh
Defence. ▪ Bihu from Assam
• The theme of the 2025 Republic Day tableaux was Swarnim Bharat: Virasat ▪ Kalbelia from Rajasthan
aur Vikas. ▪ Padayani from Kerala
• 16 States/Union Territories and 15 Ministries/departments of central ▪ Chhau from Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha.
governments displayed their tableaux. ▪ Badhai folk dance of the Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh
• For the first time, a Tri-services tableau was displayed ▪ Mentok Flower Dance – Ladakh
with the theme ‘Shashakt aur Surakshit Bharat’ (strong ▪ Sinhtoo dance - Hatti community from the Giri region of Sirmaur district, Himachal Pradesh
and secure India). It showed a Joint Operations Room ▪ The term “Sinhtoo” translates to “lion cub” in the Pahari dialect, which explains the prominence of
facilitating networking and communication among the lion masks in the performance.
Army, the Navy and the Air Force.
• Pralay missile: The indigenous short-range quasi- Tricolour unfurled for first time in 35 years at Tral in J&K
ballistic missile Pralay also made its debut at the ▪ For the first time in 35 years, the national tricolour was unfurled at Tral in Pulwama district of Jammu and
Republic Day parade. Kashmir on Sunday (January 26, 2025) as patriotic songs marked the celebration of 76th Republic Day.
• The missile, meant for the Army and the Air Force
• The missile with the capability of carrying a nuclear What is the ‘Beating Retreat’ Ceremony 2025
warhead was developed by DRDO ▪ Beating Retreat — a centuries-old military tradition — dates back
• It is a short-range surface-to-surface missile with a from the days when troops disengaged from battle at sunset.
payload capacity of 500-1,000 kg. It has a range of 150 ▪ Beating Retreat is a ceremony that marks the end of Republic Day
to 500 kms. festivities in India. It is held on the evening of January 29, three
• SANJAY: The Army’s automated battle surveillance days after Republic Day, at the Vijay Chowk, New Delhi.
system integrates inputs from all ground and aerial ▪ The ceremony features a musical performance by the bands of the
battlefield sensors Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Delhi Police, and the Central Armed
• First woman officer to present a salute to President Police Force (CAPF).
Captain Dimple Singh Bhati set a world record by ▪ The ceremony is presided over by the President of India, who is the supreme commander of the Armed
becoming the first woman Army officer to present a Forces.
salute to President Droupadi Murmu on a 12-foot ▪ The beating retreat ceremony in India was first held in 1950s, during the state visit of Queen Elizabeth and
ladder mounted on a moving motorcycle. Prince Philip.
• The Army's Motorcycle Rider Display Team, known as ▪ Since then, the ceremony has become an annual event to pay tribute to the valour and sacrifice of the Indian
the "Daredevils," set a world record by forming the Armed Forces
tallest human pyramid, standing 20.4 feet tall, on ▪ The principal conductor in 2025 was Commander Manoj Sebastian.
moving motorcycles.
• The Union Ministry of Tourism organises the ‘Bharat I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launches special songs by Akashvani,
Parv’ festival from 26-31st January 2025 to coincide Doordarshan for Mahakumbh
with the Republic Day ▪ The theme song "Mahakumbh Hai” produced by Doordarshan
celebrations at the Red Fort in for Mahakumbh 2025
New Delhi. ▪ Sung by the illustrious Padma Shri Kailash Kher
• During the Bharat Parv the ▪ The lyrics by renowned writer Aalok Shrivastav
various Tableaux displayed at ▪ Vaishnaw also launched a special composition by Akashvani ‘Jai
the Kartavya Path will be Mahakumbh'
displayed along with cultural ▪ Sung by Ratan Prasanna
performances, Military Bands ▪ lyrics penned by Abhinay Shrivastava
(Static), etc.
• 5,000 artists from different e-Shram Portal Expands to 22 Scheduled Languages
parts of the country ▪ Union Minister of Labour & Employment Mansukh Mandaviya launched multilingual functionality on the e-
performed over 50 dances Shram portal to provide seamless access to various government schemes for unorganised workers.
titled ‘Jayati Jaya Mamaḧ ▪ The previous version was available only in English, Hindi, Kannada and Marathi.

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About e-Shram Portal: ▪ there is a lack of skilled drivers in the country and the
• It is a flagship initiative by the Government of India to support and government is committed to setting up more driving training
empower the unorganized workforce. centres in the country.
• It was launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment on
26th August 2021. HM Amit Shah launches BHARATPOL
▪ Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit
Objectives Shah launched BHARATPOL portal developed by central
• Establish a centralized database of unorganized Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in New Delhi on 07th January,
workers for effective policy implementation. 2025 in Bharat Mandapam in Delhi.
• Enhance access to social security schemes and benefits for ▪ BHARATPOL portal will significantly facilitate real-time
workers in sectors such as agriculture, construction, information sharing for faster access to international police
domestic work, and street vending. assistance, including the issuance of Red Notices and other
• Promote financial inclusion through direct benefit transfers colour-coded INTERPOL notices.
and digital payments.
Union Ministry of Railways will set up its 69th railway division at
Pranab Former President Pranab Mukherjee to get memorial at Delhi’s Jammu under the Northern Railway Zone.
Rajghat complex ▪ Currently, the Indian Railways has 68 divisions and when the
▪ Pranab Mukherjee served as President of India from 2012 to 2017 notification is issued by the Indian Railways, Jammu will be the
▪ In 2019 he was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian 69th division of the Indian Railways.
honour. ▪ India has the fourth largest rail network in the world after the
▪ He passed away on 31st August 2020 at the age of 84. United States of America, China, and Russia.
▪ Mukherjee was the author of several books, including Beyond ▪ However, the Indian railways is the world's largest railway
Survival: Emerging Dimensions of Indian Economy (1984) and system under single management and the largest employer
Challenges Before the Nation (1993). with around 1.25 million employees.

I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launches Union Government’s official Currently, there are 17 Railway Zones and 68 Divisions in the country, and their list is given below.
calendar S.NO. RAILWAY ZONES Headquarter DIVISIONS
▪ Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and MoS for Ministry of
Information and Broadcasting L Murugan launched the official 1. Central Railway Mumbai Mumbai (CST), Bhusawal, Nagpur, Solapur, Pune.
calendar of the Government of India at the Rail Bhawan. 2. Eastern Railway Kolkata Asansol, Howrah, Malda, Sealdah.
▪ “Janbhagidari se Jankalyan” (public welfare through public 3. East Central Railway Hajipur Danapur,Dhanbad,Mughalsarai, Samastipur,Sonpur.
participation) is theme of GoI’s New Year calender 4. East Coast Railway Bhubaneswar Khurda Road, Sambalpur, Waltair.
▪ The calendar begins with Moto ฀฀฀฀฀฀฀฀ ฀฀฀฀฀฀ ฀฀฀฀฀฀ i.e welfare of all. The mantra अन्न क 5. Northern Railway New Delhi Ambala, Delhi, Lucknow, Moradabad, Ferozpur.
वधनन हो 6. North Central Railway Allahabad Prayagraj, Agra, Jhansi.
7. North Eastern Railway Gorakhpur Lucknow, Izzatnagar, Varanasi.
▪ Published in 13 Indian languages. Designed and produced by the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC)
8. Northeast Frontier Railway Guwahati Katihar, Alipurduar, Rangiya, Lumding, Tinsukia.
9. North Western Railway Jaipur Ajmer, Bikaner, Jaipur, Jodhpur.
Nitin Gadkari announces nationwide cashless treatment scheme for
road accident victims 10. Southern Railway Chennai Chennai, Madurai, Palghat, Trichy, Trivandrum, Salem.
▪ Following the pilot programme initiated by the Ministry of Road 11. South Central Railway Secunderabad Guntakal, Guntur, Hyderabad,
Transport and Highways in Chandigarh on March 14, 2024, the Nanded,Secunderabad,Vijayawada.
scheme will now be applicable to road accident victims 12. South Eastern Railway Kolkata Adra,Chakradharpur, Kharagpur, Ranchi.
nationwide by March. 13. South East Central Railway Bilaspur Bilaspur, Nagpur, Raipur
▪ to provide cashless treatment for road accident victims 14. South Western Railway Hubli Bangalore, Hubli, Mysore
nationwide, under which they will be entitled to a maximum 15. Western Railway Mumbai Mumbai(Central), Vadodara, Ratlam, Ahmedabad, Rajkot
amount of ₹1.5 lakh per accident per person, for a maximum period of 7 days from date of the accident and Bhavnagar.
▪ The scheme will be applicable to all road accidents caused by motor vehicles on any category of road. 16. West Central Railway Jabalpur Bhopal, Jabalpur, Kota.
▪ The National Health Authority (NHA) shall be the implementing agency for the programme, in coordination 17. Metro Railway Kolkata Not applicable.
with police, hospitals and State Health Agency etc.
▪ Nitin Gadkari also launched the scheme for pan-India setup of Driver Training Institutes (DTI) PM Modi to lay the foundation stone for South Coastal Railway (S Co R) Zonal Headquarters in Visakhapatnam on
▪ will provide incentives for setting up DTIs and additional incentives for the integrated infrastructure of 8 January.
Automated Testing Stations (ATSs) and DTIs. ▪ Currently, there are 17 Railway Zones and 68 Divisions in India

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▪ This will be the 18th zone (Konkan Railway is an administrative zone but is ▪ This bridge ranks as India’s second-highest railway bridge after the Chenab Bridge, which holds the world
not considered as an operational zone of the Indian railways) record at 359 metres above the riverbed.
▪ The Anji Khad Bridge crosses a deep valley, bridging the gap between Katra and Reasi, and will significantly
Marathi language officially granted classical status improve connectivity between the Jammu region and the Kashmir Valley.
▪ Although the Union cabinet accorded classical language status to Marathi, ▪ The design and construction supervision of the bridge were handled by Italian company ITALFERR,
alongside Assamese, Bengali, Pali, and Prakrit on October 3 last year, an ▪ The Anji Khad Bridge’s design features 96 cables
official notification had not been issued in this regard ▪ Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to flag off the Vande Bharat train in January 2025, providing a
▪ The total number of recognised classical languages in India - 11 faster link for passengers traveling between Kashmir and Delhi.
▪ The government of India created a separate category called ‘Classical
Languages’ on October 12, 2004. 10 Years of UJALA Scheme & Street Lighting National Programme
Language Year of notification • UJALA Scheme launched in January 2015, to promote energy efficiency
Tamil 2004 by replacing traditional lighting systems (incandescent lamps
Sanskrit 2005 (ICLs) and Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)) with energy-saving LED
Telugu 2008 bulbs.
Kannada 2008 • The scheme is a joint project between the Government of
Malayalam 2013 India's Public Sector Undertakings, the Union Ministry of
Odia 2014 Power's Energy Efficiency Services Limited
(EESL), and DISCOMs (Distribution Companies).
• According to the Linguistic Experts Committee, the following revised benchmarks must be met for a • Objective: The UJALA Scheme aims to save 85 lakh kWh of
language to be considered "classical": electricity and reduce 15,000 tonnes of Carbon dioxide (CO2) by
• High antiquity of (its) is early texts/recorded history over a period of 1500- 2000 years. replacing 77 crore traditional bulbs and 3.5 crore street lights
• A body of ancient literature/texts, which is considered a heritage by generations of speakers. with LEDs.
• Knowledge texts, especially prose texts in addition to poetry, epigraphical and inscriptional ▪ Over the past decade, more than 36 crore LED bulbs have been
evidence. distributed across the country
• The Classical Languages and literature could be distinct from its current form or could be
discontinuous with later forms of its offshoots. Key Features of UJALA:
• Once a language is designated as classical, the Ministry of Education provides various benefits to promote it • Subsidized LED Bulbs: The cost of LED bulbs distributed
under UJALA was reduced to Rs 70 per LED bulb,
Railways unveils Vande Bharat, specially designed for winters in J&K, for compared to Rs 450 in 2014.
Katra-Srinagar route • Distribution Mechanism: The bulbs are distributed via
▪ This semi-high-speed train will operate between Shri Mata Vaishno a demand aggregation-price crash model (Bulk buying to
Devi Katra (SVDK) and Srinagar railway station. reduce prices).
▪ The Northern Railway (NR) zone will be responsible for its maintenance
and operation. Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal launches
▪ It has advance heating systems which prevent freezing of water tank National Turmeric Board
and bio-toilet tanks, provide warm air for vacuum system as well as ▪ Shri Palle Ganga Reddy as its first Chairperson.
laboratories and ensures air-brake system functions optimally for smooth operations even in sub-zero ▪ The headquarters of the Board has been set up at
temperatures. Nizamabad, Telangana
▪ The Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express will be the first semi-high-speed train for the Kashmir Valley and ▪ turmeric is also known as ‘Golden Spice’.
the third for Jammu. ▪ the newly formed Board will pay special attention to the
▪ Developed by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, the Katra-Srinagar-Katra Vande Bharat Express welfare of the turmeric farmers spread across 20 states,
will cover over 100 kilometers in less than 2.5 hours. including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh,
Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya and others
Anji Railways completes trial run on J&K’s first cable-stayed Anji Khad bridge ▪ The Board will focus on key areas such as research and
▪ Indian Railways newly completed Anji Khad Bridge, the country’s first development, value addition to turmeric products, and
cable-stayed rail bridge. promoting awareness of the spice’s medicinal and
▪ Located in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir essential properties. It will also work on improving
▪ This monumental structure is part of the ambitious Udampur- turmeric yield, enhancing logistics and supply chains, and
Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) Project, designed to enhance exploring new international markets for turmeric.
regional connectivity and economic growth. ▪ India is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of
▪ total length of 725.5 meters, towering 331 meters above the turmeric in the world.
riverbed. ▪ India is responsible for over 70% of the world’s turmeric
production, with 30 varieties of turmeric being grown in the country.

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▪ India has more than 62% share of world trade. th

India to host 28 CSPOC in 2026
▪ Recently, a high-yielding curcuminoid-rich variety of turmeric named CIM-Pitamber and the NBRI’s ▪ 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of Parliaments of Commonwealth Countries (CSPOC)
(National Botanical Research Institute) Keshari variety have been introduced in Nabarangpur (One of the scheduled to be held in India in 2026
Aspirational Districts) of Odisha. ▪ The event will focus on the use of artificial intelligence and social media in parliamentary processes.
▪ CIM-Pitamber: It is a high-yielding curcuminoid-rich variety of turmeric developed by Central Institute of
Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP). New Appointment Process for Election Commissioners
▪ It can yield 50% more than the existing varieties of turmeric and help farmers. ▪ Current CEC Rajiv Kumar demits office on February 18.
▪ It is also tolerant to the leaf blotch disease of turmeric. ▪ The Election Commission comprises the CEC and two election
▪ Keshari variety: commissioners — Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu
▪ It is tolerant to low temperature and frost during winter. It has a longer growth period as compared at present.
to other varieties ▪ For the first time, as per the Chief Election Commissioner
▪ In comparison to other existing varieties, there is less problem of yellowing and falling of leaves in And Other Election Commissioners (Appointment,
this variety during winter, which leads to extending the life period of this variety. Conditions of Service And Term of Office) Act, 2023 Sections
▪ The total curcuminoid content is around 1.16 %, which is also more than other existing cultivated 6 and 7, the Ministry of Law will set up a Search Committee chaired by the Law Minister to prepare a panel
varieties of north India. of five names to be proposed to the Selection Committee.
▪ The Selection Committee, comprising the Prime Minister, a Cabinet minister and the Leader of the
EmpowHER Biz – Empowering Women Entrepreneurs Opposition in the Lok Sabha, can select from this panel or consider “any other person” from outside.
The Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) of NITI Aayog, launched EmpowHER Biz – Sapno Ki Udaan in ▪ TRADITIONALLY, the successor to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) has been the next senior most
partnership with New Shop, India’s convenience retail chain under its Award to Reward (ATR) program. Election Commissioner.
• It will offer mentorship and comprehensive training, covering retail management, digital tools, financial ▪ In March 2023, the Supreme Court ruled that the appointment of the CEC and ECs would be done by the
literacy and business development to aspiring women entrepreneurs. President on the advice of a committee comprising the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition and
• Through this collaboration with New Shop, WEP aims to create a robust retail ecosystem that empowers the Chief Justice of India.
women entrepreneurs and drives sustainable growth in the sector. ▪ This arrangement was to prevail until the Parliament enacted a law for the appointments.
• Under the initiative, fifty participants aged 18–35, will be selected ▪ The Union government eventually brought a law in December 2023, which made it mandatory to appoint
• Top 20 of these participants will receive a 100% waiver on New Shop franchise fees, empowering them to the CEC and ECs by way of a shortlist panel and a selection committee.
own and operate their retail businesses with significantly reduced barriers to entry. ▪ However, the Chief Justice of India was dropped as a member of the Selection Committee.
• The program is being launched for women from Delhi NCR, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, ▪ The two ECs Kumar and Sandhu have been appointed as per this new provision.
Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat. ▪ The Supreme Court said it would consider in February petitions challenging the Act, particularly the
exclusion of the CJI.
INROAD Project in NE to Boost Natural Rubber Quality
▪ The INROAD (Indian Natural Rubber Operations for Composition:
Assisted Development) project in the North East has • Structure: Initially, ECI had only one member, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). In 1989, due to the
received financial support of ₹100 crore for improving reduction of the voting age from 21 to 18, two additional Election Commissioners were appointed, making it
the quality of natural rubber. a three-member body.
▪ INROAD is a first-of-its-kind project in the world in • Appointments: The President of India appoints the Chief Election Commissioner and the two Election
which the tyre industry is contributing directly to the Commissioners. They serve for a term not exceeding six years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier.
development of rubber plantations.
▪ It is financially supported by four members of ATMA Removal process: The Chief Election Commissioner can only be removed from office like that of a Supreme Court
(Automotive Tyre Manufacturers' Association), including Apollo, Ceat, JK, and MRF, and implemented by judge, requiring a special majority in both Houses of Parliament.
the Rubber Board of India
▪ With the completion of its fourth planting year, the initiative now emphasizes empowering growers Constitutional provisions:
through technical training and infrastructure development. • Article 324 empowers the ECI to supervise, direct, and control the preparation of electoral rolls and the
▪ In the first four years of the project, 1,25,272 hectares have been covered under new Natural Rubber conduct of all elections to Parliament and state
plantations across 94 districts in the North-East and parts of West Bengal. legislatures.
• Article 325 ensures no one is excluded from the
India Joins UN Panel to Shape Global Big Data Standards for Official Statistics electoral rolls based on religion, race, caste, or sex.
▪ India has joined the United Nations Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science for Official • Article 326 establishes adult suffrage (voting rights for
Statistics (UN-CEBD). all citizens aged 18 and above) as the basis for elections.
▪ UN-CEBD was established to explore the opportunities and challenges of big data as well as its potential for • Article 327 allows Parliament to make laws regarding
monitoring and reporting on sustainable development goals. elections to Parliament and state legislatures.
• Article 328 empowers state legislatures to make
provisions related to elections within the state.
• Article 329 prohibits judicial interference in electoral matters.

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th
150 Foundation Day of India Meteorological Department Objectives:
▪ Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in celebrations of 150th Foundation Day of India o Convergence of investment in irrigation at the field level
Meteorological Department on at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. o Expand cultivable area under irrigation
▪ Established in 1875, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) is completing 150 years of service on 15th o Improve On-farm water use efficiency to reduce the wastage of water
January 2025 ▪ It consists of two major components namely,
▪ Prime Minister launched ‘Mission Mausam’ with the goal of making our country a ‘Weather-ready and o Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP)
Climate-smart’ nation. o Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP)
▪ The Mission aims to achieve this by developing cutting-edge weather surveillance technologies and ▪ In addition, PMKSY also consists of two components
systems, implementing high-resolution atmospheric observations, next-generation radars and satellites, and o Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) component is being implemented by the Department of Agriculture
high-performance computers. and Farmers Welfare.
▪ It will also focus on improving the understanding of weather and climate processes, provide air quality data o The Watershed Development component (WDC) is being implemented by the Department of Land
that will help strategize weather management and intervention in the long run. Resources
▪ Budget - Rs 2,000 crore for the first two years of its implementation.
▪ Mission Masum will be spearheaded by three institutions funded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences — the
IMD, the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune, and the National Centre for Medium-Range
Weather Forecasting, Noida.
▪ India is establishing a first-of-its-kind cloud chamber at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology
(IITM), Pune.
▪ Prime Minister also released the IMD Vision-2047 document for weather resilience and climate change
adaptation.
▪ It includes plans for weather forecasting, weather management, and climate change mitigation.
▪ A similar boost to monsoon prediction took place in 2012, with the launch of Mission Monsoon. It had
targeted the improvement of India’s long-range forecasts.

About India Meteorological Department (IMD):

• IMD was established in 1875. It is the National Meteorological Service of the country and the principal
government agency in all matters relating to meteorology and allied subjects.
• There are 6 Regional Meteorological Centres, each under a Deputy Director General with headquarters at
Mumbai, Chennai, New Delhi, Calcutta, Nagpur and Guwahati.
• Its headquarter is in New Delhi.
• At present IMD is under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). HM Amit Shah to launch fast track immigration system at 7 airports
▪ A fast-track immigration process for pre-verified Indian nationals and
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders will be rolled
▪ NEWS: The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) has approved 56 new Watershed Development ▪ Will inaugurate the 'Fast Track Immigration' Trusted Traveller
Projects across 10 high-performing states, with a budget of Rs. 700 crore Program' (FTI- TTP) at Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru,
▪ PMKSY was launched in 2015 to improve farm productivity and ensure better utilization of the resources in Hyderabad, Cochin and Ahmedabad airports
the country. ▪ The Home Minister had launched the FTI-TTP on June 22, 2024, from
▪ It is a Centrally Sponsored Terminal-3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in New Delhi.
▪ FTI-TTP will eventually be implemented at 21 major airports across the country.
▪ The FTI-TTP is implemented through an online portal and Bureau of Immigration will be the nodal agency

Piyush Goyal sets a target of 10000 GI tags by 2030

▪ Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Mr. Piyush Goyal, set a
target of 10,000 Geographical Indication (GI) Tags by 2030 at the
GI Samagam in New Delhi, organised by the Department for
Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and India
Today Group.
▪ This goal will be achieved through a coordinated government
effort, with a committee to be formed to oversee the process.
▪ Over the last 10 years, the number of authorised users for GI tags has grown from 365 to 29,000, and the
number of patents granted has risen from 6,000 to 100,000.

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▪ Once a product gets this tag, any person or company cannot sell a similar item under that name. This tag is Govt celebrates 10th anniversary of ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’
valid for a period of 10 years following which it can be renewed. scheme
▪ Under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, GI is covered as an element of ▪ The government will organise weeks-long celebrations to
Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs). commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Beti Bachao
▪ They have also been covered under the WTO's Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Beti Padhao initiative, the Union women and child
agreement. development ministry
▪ India's Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act 1999, has come into force with ▪ the celebrations will continue till March 8, observed
effect from September 15, 2003. as International Women's Day.
▪ Launched on January 22, 2015, by Prime Minister Narendra
Republic Day parade (1950-2024) Modi in Haryana's Panipat, the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative was created to address the critical issues of
▪ ‘Swarnim Bharat – Virasat aur Vikas’ (Golden India: Heritage and Progress) is the theme for the 2025 gender imbalance and declining child sex ratio.
Republic Day military parade. ▪ The aim to address sex selective abortion and the declining child sex ratio which was at 918 girls for every
▪ On January 26, 2025, India will commemorate its 76th Republic Day — marking the day India’s Constitution 1,000 boys in 2011.
came officially into force. ▪ The national sex ratio at birth improved from 918 in 2014-15 to 930 in 2023-24, and the gross enrolment
▪ The first Republic Day celebrations were kicked off with the oath ceremony of India’s first President Dr. ratio of girls at the secondary level rose from 75.51 per cent to 78 per cent during the same period.
Rajendra Prasad, administered by the Chief Justice of India ▪ Initiatives such as the Kanya Shiksha Pravesh Utsav returned more than a lakh out-of-school girls to
▪ The President’s flag replaced the Governor-General’s flag on the top of Government House and a 31-gun education while programmes like the Yashaswini Bike Expedition showcased the empowerment of women in
salute was fired to mark the assumption of office by the President on January 28, 1950. action.
▪ The 75th Republic Day parade in 2024 saw participation of the first all-women Tri-Service contingent, all- ▪ The scheme has also utilised creative campaigns, including collaborations with television shows, to address
women CAPF contingent and women pilots. societal issues such as girl child abandonment and to spread awareness about the value of daughters.
▪ In 2018, members of the BSF’s women motorcycle team ‘Seema Bhawani’ replaced their male counterparts –
a first. President Murmu’s invite for this year’s Republic Day
▪ Throughout the decade (1971-1980), a new tradition was set — the Prime Minister paying homage to the reception set to honour crafts from South
‘unknown soldier’ at the Amar Jawan Jyoti memorial, a tribute to the fallen soldiers in the Bangladesh ▪ To mark 75 years of the Republic of India, President has
Liberation War, 1971. introduced a unique Republic Day “At Home” reception.
▪ In 1983, Doordarshan — India’s national broadcaster — telecast the Republic Day parade live, for the first ▪ A stiff white card embossed with the Lion Capital of
time in colour Ashoka is the usual format of the invitation card sent
out for the customary “At home” reception held at
▪ The NWM, which lies in at the ‘C’ Hexagon near the India Gate, was built in memory of over 26,000 Indian
Rashtrapati Bhavan on Republic and Independence Day.
soldiers who laid down their lives in post-Independence and inaugurated on February 2019.
▪ invitees for the “At home” will receive a specially
▪ In 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi changed the pre-parade tradition by choosing to pay tribute to fallen
curated box of craft work from the five southern States
warriors at the eternal flame in National War Memorial (NWM) instead of the Amar Jawan Jyoti at the India
— Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, and
Gate.
Andhra Pradesh – along with the card.
▪ The names of all Indian martyrs from all the wars, including 1971 and wars before and after it, are housed at
▪ The craft products in the invitation box are all made in
the NWM.
the southern States, have GI (geographical indicator)
▪ made another dramatic change by ‘merging’ the Amar Jawan Jyoti with the NWM flame, days ahead of the
tags, and are drawn from the “One District One
73rd Republic Day
Product” scheme.
▪ Similarly, Rajpath was renamed as Kartavya Path on September 8, 2022, while a statue of Netaji Subhas
▪ The elements of the invitation include a box made of bamboo weave with Kalamkari paintings on it done by
Chandra Bose was unveiled under the canopy at India Gate that during British rule had a statue of King
Nimmalakunta artisans, an Ikat-Pochampalli cover that can be used even after the box has been dismantled,
George V.
a fridge magnet depicting Mysore’s Ganjifa art, usually seen in the famous Ganjifa playing cards, and a
▪ The Republic Day Celebrations comes to a close with the ‘Beating Retreat Ceremony’, which is held every
handmade pouch of Kanjeevaram silk from Tamil Nadu.
year on the 29th January at Vijay Chowk.
▪ “Etikopakka dolls from Andhra Pradesh, a male and female doll, are
▪ ‘Bharat Parv’ will be organised at the Red Fort, Delhi from January 26-31, 2025 by the Ministry of Tourism. It
included, along with a bookmark made of screwpine leaves woven by
will showcase Republic Day Tableaux, performances by the Military Bands (Static), cultural performances,
artistes from Kerala,”
Food Courts serving pan India cuisines and Crafts Bazaar.
▪ The special invitees at the Rashtrapati Bhavan reception will include a
▪ PM’s NCC rally, with the theme of ‘Yuva Shakti-Viksit Bharat’ is scheduled to be organised at Cariappa Parade
contingent of ‘drone didis’, women achievers, agriculturists engaged in
Ground, Delhi Cantt. on January 27, 2025.
natural farming, and achievers who are also people with disabilities.
▪ The third edition of Project Veer Gatha was organized as a part of Republic Day Celebrations-2025 to inspire
and spread awareness among children about the gallant deeds and sacrifices of the Armed Forces.
Kalamkari paintings : It is a highly popular form of hand-painted or block-printed
▪ The event was organised by Ministry of Defence in collaboration with Ministry of Education during 16
cotton textile and paintings, practised in Andhra Pradesh.
September to 31 October, 2024.
▪ Kalamkari came up as a textile tradition during the reign of Qutb Shahis at
Golconda in the 16-17th century.

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▪ The art form originated in Tilang, the region between what is present-day Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. PM Modi to inaugurate Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025
▪ There are two distinct styles of Kalamkari - Srikalahasti and the Pedana style Kalamkari ▪ The Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, organized by the Ministry of
▪ received the Geographical Indications tag. Commerce and Industry in collaboration with EEPC India, is set to take
place from January 17–22, 2025.
Ikat-Pochampalli : Ikat originates from the Indonesian/Malay word 'mengikat', meaning ▪ across three key venues in Delhi NCR: Bharat Mandapam (New Delhi),
to bind. Yashobhoomi (Dwarka), and the India Expo Centre & Mart (Greater
• It features a resist dyeing process where threads are dyed before weaving. Noida).
• The fabrics exhibit unique 'blurred' effects due to slight misalignments of ▪ This year’s expo aims to surpass the success of its 2024 edition, targeting over 5,000 global buyers and
threads. expanding to cover a massive 200,000 square meters of exhibition space.
• Ancient references to ikat include the Buddhist 'Lalitavistara Sutra' and
the Ajanta caves murals. NIXI announces Internet Governance Internship & Capacity Building Scheme
• These references mention 'Vichitra Patolaka', associated with the double ikat or ▪ The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) announced the launch of its
patola of Gujarat. Internet Governance Internship and Capacity Building Scheme.
▪ This program aims to build awareness and develop expertise in internet
Mysore’s Ganjifa art : governance (IG) among Indian citizens.
▪ GI Tag State: Karnataka. ▪ It will nurture a pool of domestic talent who can deeply engage with
▪ Ganjifa, an ancient Indian card game, was historically believed to have emerging internet governance issues and contribute to their resolution.
been brought to India and popularised during the Moghul period. The ▪ The program offers a bi-annual internship with two parallel tracks: a six-
Persian word ‘Ganjifeh’ means playing cards, month program and a three-month program.
▪ In the 19th Century the Maharaja of Mysore, Mummudi Krishnaraja Wadiyar III ▪ Each intern will be mentored by subject matter expert from international
(1794-1868) had a niche created for the game and art of Ganjifa organizations like ICANN APNIC or APTLD, members from Special Interest Group, high ranked retired
▪ Kouthuka Nidhi, the last Chapter of Sritatvanidhi, the monumental work of the government official and faculty advisors from recognized institutions/universities.
Maharaja, has details of the card game of Mysore, known as the Mysore Chada ▪ A fixed stipend of Rs. 20,000/- per month will be provided to interns along with support to conduct
Ganjifa. I mandatory outreach programs.

Etikopakka dolls: These are traditional toys made by artisans of Etikoppaka village located About NIXI:
on the banks of Varaha River in Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh. ▪ Set up on 19th June 2003, the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) is a not-for- profit (Section 8)
• These toys are made out of wood and are coloured with natural dyes derived company under the aegis of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India.
from seeds, lacquer, bark, roots and leaves. ▪ It is tasked with increasing internet penetration and adoption in India by facilitating various infrastructure
• The artisans mainly use the wood from trees known as 'ankudu' (Wrightia aspects to enable the internet ecosystem to be managed and used by the masses.
Tinctoria) that is soft in nature. ▪ The four services under NIXI include: Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) for building Internet Exchange Points,
• These toys have no sharp edges. They are rounded on all sides. .IN Registry for building the .in domain digital identity, IRINN for IPv4 and IPv6 addresses adoption.
• Etikoppaka toys received Geographical Indication (GI) tag IN 2017
Cabinet Approves ₹11,440 Cr Revival Package for Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited
Screwpine leaves : oven from natural screwpine leaves, this sustainable bookmark ▪ The Union Cabinet has approved a Rs 11,440 crore package to bail out
exemplifies Kerala’s commitment to eco-friendly crafts. It carries a GI tag, highlighting its debt-laden public-sector undertaking (PSU) Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited
cultural and environmental significance. (RINL), or Vizag Steel,
▪ The infusion includes Rs 10,300 crore as equity capital into RINL and
Conversion of Rs 11,440 crore working capital loan as 7 per cent non-
Kanjeevaram silk : symbolizing the elegance of Kanjeevaram weaving. cumulative preference share capital redeemable after 10 years to keep it
• GI Tag State: Tamil Nadu. as a going concern,
• The Kanchipuram silk sari is a type of silk sari made in the Kanchipuram ▪ RINL operates the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP), the only offshore steel plant
region in Tamil Nadu, India. under the government sector in Andhra Pradesh.
• Traditionally, the Kanjeevaram is a sari that is usually handwoven in ▪ It has an installed capacity of 7.3 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of liquid
mulberry silk and has pure gold or silver zari that renders it a festive steel.
quality.
• Tracing its long and rich history from the Chola Dynasty, Kanchipuram Nitin Gadkari announces increase in reward for those helping accident victims
sarees today are considered as one of the oldest and rich legacies of the Indian textile industry. ▪ Union Minister of Road, Transport, & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has announced
an increase in the reward for those who help out victims in a road accident.
▪ As per recent developments, the government will increase the reward for “Good
Samaritans” helping accident victims by five times to Rs 25,000. Currently the
reward for good samaritans is only Rs 5,000.

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▪ The revision will be applicable on national and state highways, as well as district, city, and Gram Panchayat 3rd National Mines Ministers’ Conference begins in Odisha
roads. ▪ The Ministry of Mines, in collaboration with the Government of
▪ First launched in October 2021, the aim of this scheme was to reward the person who saved the life of a Odisha, is hosting the 3rd National Mines Ministers’ Conference
victim of a fatal accident by administering immediate assistance and rushing to hospital/trauma care centre on January 20-21, 2025, at Konark.
within the Golden Hour (first hour) of the accident to provide medical treatment. ▪ The two-day event aligns with the vision of "Vikasit Bharat 2047"
▪ The government would now cover hospital expenses of up to Rs 1.5 lakh for the first seven days for the
people injured in accidents. Key Highlights of the Conference
1. Release of the Report on States’ Best Practices in Mining: Showcasing innovative governance models
Who is a “Good Samaritan”? implemented by states, the report aims to improve efficiency and transparency in mining practices.
▪ “Good Samaritan is a person who, in good faith, without expectation of payment or reward and without any 2. Launch of the Mining Tenement System (MTS) Module: A landmark step towards digital governance, this
duty of care or special relationship, voluntarily comes forward to administer immediate assistance or module will streamline mining operations and enhance accountability.
emergency care to a person injured in an accident, or crash, or emergency medical condition, or emergency 3. Awards to Best-Performing States: States excelling in mineral auctions and mining reforms will be honoured
situation.” for their outstanding contributions.
4. Launch of the 5th Tranche of Critical Mineral Blocks: The launch aims to accelerate exploration and attract
9th Swachh Survekshan Toolkit & Super Swachh League Launched private sector investment in critical minerals, reducing import dependency.
▪ The Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal Khattar
launched the toolkit for 9th edition of Swachh Survekshan (SS), the world’s Ad-hoc judges can be appointed to deal with criminal cases in HCs: Supreme Court
largest urban cleanliness survey, in its new avatar–simpler, sharper, ▪ The Supreme Court suggested the appointment of ad-hoc judges in high courts to deal with the huge
systematic and all-inclusive. pendency of criminal appeals.
▪ Initially launched by MoHUA in 2016, Swachh Survekshan drives urban ▪ A special bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justices B.R. Gavai and Surya Kant referred to the
sanitation improvement through citizen participation and third-party data on pendency of criminal cases in several high courts and said in Allahabad High Court alone there were
validation. 63,000 criminal appeals pending.
▪ For the year 2024, a special category - Super Swachh League has been ▪ in the Jharkhand High court the figure stood at 13,000, and similarly 20,000, 21,000, 8,000 and 21,000
introduced creating a separate league of cities excelling in cleanliness. criminal cases were pending in high courts at Karnataka, Patna, Rajasthan and the Punjab and Haryana
▪ The cities who have been in top 3 in at least 2 years in the last 3 years (2021-2023) have made the cut. respectively.
▪ There are 12 cities in the Super Swachh League. ▪ The CJI said no ad-hoc judge should be appointed in a high court if it was functioning with 80% sanctioned
▪ Moving ahead, top 3 ranking cities in each population category will move into the league for the subsequent strength of judges.
years. ▪ On April 20, 2021, the apex court in a crucial verdict directed retired high court judges to be appointed as ad-
▪ ULBs in this league will be assessed on additional aspirational indicators and must maintain a score of 85% or hoc ones for a period of two to three years to clear the backlog of cases.
higher to retain their position. ▪ The 2019 case titled as Lok Prahari v. Union of India is being heard by the bench in which the judgement was
delivered in 2021.
India Develops World’s Most Powerful Hydrogen Train Engine ▪ The rarely used Article 224A of the Constitution deals with the appointment of ad-hoc judges in high courts
▪ It will undergo its first trial run on the Jind-Sonipat route in and says "The Chief Justice of a High Court for any State may at any time, with the previous consent of the
Haryana. President, request any person who has held the office of a Judge of that Court or of any other High Court to
▪ The engine has been made by Indian Railways using indigenous sit and act as a Judge of the High Court for that State".
technology, having a capacity of 1,200 horsepower.
▪ Only 4 countries (Germany, France, Sweden, and China) in the Cabinet raises raw jute MSP by 6% to ₹5,650/per quintal
world have hydrogen-powered trains, producing between 500 to ▪ The Union Cabinet approved a minimum support price of ₹5,650 per
600 horsepower. quintal for raw jute for marketing season 2025-26, an increase of 6%
or ₹315 over the pervious MSP.
Hydrogen as a Clean Fuel ▪ The new MSP ensures return of 66.8% over all-India weighted
▪ Hydrogen is a clean & versatile energy source with potential to decarbonize transportation, industry, & average cost of production and will benefit growers.
power generation. ▪ The government has increased MSP of raw jute from ₹2,400 per
Types quintal in 2014-15 to ₹5,650 per quintal for 2025-26 marketing season, an increase of 2.35 times.
▪ Blue Hydrogen: Produced from natural gas with a process of steam methane reforming, where natural gas ▪ About MSP: MSP is a form of market intervention (a policy decision not enforceable by law) by the
is mixed with very hot steam and a catalyst. Carbon dioxide is also produced as a by-product. Government of India to insure agricultural producers against any sharp fall in farm prices during bumper
▪ Grey Hydrogen: Produced from natural gas via steam methane reforming (SMR). It emits significant carbon production years.
dioxide (CO₂). ▪ Announced by: These are announced by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (Chaired by the PM of
▪ Green Hydrogen: Produced through water electrolysis powered by renewable energy sources (e.g., wind, India) on the basis of the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) at
solar) with no harmful by-products. the beginning of the sowing season for certain crops.
▪ Pink hydrogen: Generated through electrolysis powered by nuclear energy. ▪ In 1964, Lal Bahadur Shastri formed the Food Grain Price Committee (under LK Jha), to push for a MSP
regime.
▪ The first MSP announcement was made in 1967 by the then Agriculture Minister Jagjivan Ram.

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Crops covered:
▪ Government announces MSPs for 22 mandated crops and fair and remunerative price (FRP) About Kailash Mansarovar :
for sugarcane (total 23). ▪ It is located in Tibet. It is revered as one of the
▪ The mandated crops are 14 crops of the kharif season, 6 rabi crops (Wheat, Barley, Gram, Masur [Lentil], holiest sites in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism,
Rapeseed & Mustard, Safflower) and two other commercial crops. and Bon religion
▪ Mount Kailash is considered the earthly
Cabinet approves continuation of National Health Mission for another five years representation of the celestial Mount Meru, and
▪ The Union Cabinet approved continuation of the National Health Mission for another five years. is believed to be the dwelling place of Lord Shiva
▪ The National Rural Health Mission was launched in 2005 particularly in rural areas, later its scope was and his wife Parvati.
expanded to urban areas in 2013. ▪ Situated at an altitude of 6,638 meters (21,778
▪ The main programmatic components include Health System Strengthening in rural and urban areas for - feet), Mount Kailash is surrounded by the sacred
Reproductive-Maternal- Neonatal-Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCH+A), and Communicable and Non- Mansarovar Lake, located at 4,590 meters
Communicable Diseases. (15,060 feet).
▪ The NHM envisages achievement of universal access to equitable, affordable & quality health care services ▪ Kora around Mount Kailash: The
that are accountable and responsive to people's needs. circumambulation of Mount Kailash, also known
as 'Kora’
Major Initiatives Supported Under NHM:
▪ Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK). Lipulekh Pass
▪ Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK). ▪ high-altitude mountain pass located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, near the trijunction of India,
▪ Implementation of Free Drugs and Free Diagnostics Service Initiatives. Nepal, and China.
▪ PM National Dialysis Programme. ▪ It links the Indian state of Uttarakhand with the Tibet region of China.
▪ Implementation of National Quality Assurance Framework in all public health facilities. ▪ It is the first Indian border post opened for trade with China in 1992.
▪ Mobile Medical Units (MMUs) & Tele-consultation services are also being implemented to improve access to ▪ Old Yatra route – via Nathula in Sikkim
healthcare particularly in rural areas. ▪ A new route for Kailash Mansarovar yatra via Lipulekh Pass (China border).
▪ Ayushman Bharat.
▪ Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).

PM Modi inaugurates ‘Utkarsh Odisha, Make-in-Odisha Conclave

2025’ in Bhubaneswar
▪ The Utkarsh Odisha - Make in Odisha Conclave 2025 in
Bhubaneswar, the flagship Global Investment Summit, being
hosted by the Government of Odisha,
▪ from 28th to 29th January
▪ aims to position the state as the anchor of the Purvodaya
vision as well as a leading investment destination and
industrial hub in India.
Centre approves National Critical Mineral Mission essential for
▪ CM – Mohan Charan Manjhi
promoting green technologies
▪ Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, has approved
India, China agree on Kailash Mansarovar Yatra resumption, direct flights, river data sharing
the launch of a ₹16,300-crore National Critical Mineral
▪ PM Narendra Modi had met with Mr. Xi Jinping, President of China, on the sidelines of the 16th BRICS
Mission, envisaging a total outlay of ₹34,300 crore spread
Summit at Kazan, Russia
over 7 years
▪ Three months after negotiating an end to the military stand-
▪ Intensify the exploration of critical minerals within the
off at the Line of Actual Control (LAC), India and China agreed
country and in its offshore areas.
to concrete measures to resume direct flights, visas, a number
▪ Critical minerals such
of exchanges, and the Mansarovar Yatra for pilgrims this
as copper, lithium,
summer
nickel, cobalt and rare
▪ The decisions were announced after Foreign Secretary Vikram
earth are essential raw
Misri held wide-ranging talks with Chinese Vice Foreign
materials (24 critical
Minister Sun Weidong in Beijing.
minerals have been
▪ They also agreed to resume the dialogue on trans-border rivers and sharing of hydrological data, that China
identified). Demand
has withheld for years.
gathering momentum
worldwide.

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▪ Finance Minister announced the setting up of the Critical Mineral Mission in the Union Budget for 2024-25 Waqf Amendment Bill 2024
on 23rd July 2024. ▪ On August 8, 2024, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill,2024 and the Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2024 were
▪ major objectives of this mission are to increase exploration, reduce import dependence, acquire mineral introduced in the Lok Sabha to enhance the management of Waqf properties.
blocks overseas, develop technologies for processing of critical minerals and recycle the minerals. ▪ The key change proposed in the amendment is the transfer of governance from Waqf Boards and Tribunals
to state governments, centralizing control and addressing administrative issues within the Waqf system.
KEY FEATURES ▪ One key amendment empowers state governments to appoint an officer to determine whether a property
▪ Encompass all stages of the value chain, including mineral exploration, mining, beneficiation, processing, and is Waqf, replacing the District Collector who initially had absolute authority.
recovery from end-of-life products. ▪ The committee also dropped the mandatory inclusion of two non-Muslim members in Waqf Boards and
▪ It aims to create a fast track regulatory approval process for critical mineral mining projects. proposed increasing it to three, including a scholar.
▪ will offer financial incentives for critical mineral exploration and promote the recovery of these minerals
from overburden and tailings. Waqf Amendment Bill 2024 Provisions, Key Changes
▪ encourage Indian PSUs and private sector companies to acquire critical mineral assets abroad and enhance ▪ The Waqf Amendment (Bill) 2024 proposes changing the name of the parent Act from the Waqf Act of 1995
trade with resource-rich countries. to the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act of 1995:
▪ It also proposes development of stockpile of critical minerals within the country. ▪ Waqf Formation: Waqfs can be formed by (i) declaration, (ii) recognition of long-term use, or (iii)
▪ provisions for setting up of mineral processing parks and supporting the recycling of critical minerals. endowment when succession ends.
▪ It will also promote research in critical mineral technologies and proposes setting up Centre of Excellence o Only practicing Muslims for at least five years can declare waqfs, with ownership of the property
on Critical Minerals. being mandatory.
▪ Government Property: Government properties identified as waqf will revert to state ownership. The
JPC adopts amended Waqf bill; Opposition slams its provisions as District Collector will determine ownership in disputed cases.
‘unconstitutional’ ▪ Waqf Property Determination: The Waqf Board’s power to determine waqf properties is removed.
▪ The Joint Committee of Parliament scrutinising the Waqf ▪ Waqf Survey: Collectors will conduct waqf surveys under state revenue laws.
(Amendment) Bill adopted its report and the amended version of ▪ Central Waqf Council: Two non-Muslim members are added. MPs, judges, and eminent persons need not
the proposed law with a majority vote be Muslims. However, Muslim members must include two women.
▪ The Bill aims to amend the Waqf Act, 1995, to address issues and ▪ Waqf Boards: State governments will appoint representatives, including two non-Muslims and members
challenges in regulating and managing Waqf properties. from Shia, Sunni, and backward Muslim communities. Women representation remains mandatory.
▪ JPC Chairman and BJP MP Jagdambika Pal ▪ Tribunal Composition: Muslim law experts are removed. Tribunals will include a District Court judge and a
▪ The adopted Bill accepts the government’s stand of removing the “Waqf by user” clause in the existing state officer of joint secretary rank.
law, - no cases will be reopened against such properties on a retrospective basis provided these are not in ▪ Appeals: Tribunal decisions can be appealed to the High Court within 90 days.
dispute or belong to the government. ▪ Central Government Powers: The central government can set rules on registration, waqf accounts, and
▪ The provisions to omit the ‘Waqf by user’ definition of a Waqf property will be with prospective effect. Board proceedings. Audits can be conducted by the CAG.
▪ It has also endorsed the government’s move to include non-Muslims in Waqf boards, saying they can be ▪ Separate Waqf Boards: Separate Waqf Boards are allowed for Bohra and Agakhani sects.
“beneficiaries, parties to disputes, or otherwise interested in Waqf matters”
▪ The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was referred to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on August 8, Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam 2024 Replaces Aircraft Act of 1934
2024, following its introduction in the Lok Sabha by the Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju. ▪ India replaced the outdated 90-year-old ‘Aircraft Act of 1934’
with the ‘Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam 2024,’ establishing
What is a Waqf Property? new regulations to protect passenger rights, as well as ease
▪ A Waqf is a property donated by Muslims for a specific religious, charitable, or private purpose. Ownership the policy environment to promote investment in the sector.
of the property is considered to belong to God, while its benefits are directed to the specified purposes. ▪ In a gazette notification, the Centre said provisions of the Act
▪ Establishment: A Waqf can be established through a written deed, legal instrument, or orally. would come into force from January 1, 2025.
▪ Use and Permanence: A property may be recognized as Waqf if it has been used for religious or charitable ▪ The Act was passed by Parliament during the Winter Session
purposes over an extended period. Once declared Waqf, the property’s status is permanent and in 2024. It was presented by Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu.
irreversible. ▪ Notably, the ‘Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam’ aims to create more efficient and safe air operations, while
also providing a better consumer protection environment by ensuring higher service quality.
Waqf Act 1995 ▪ It aspires to create an “efficient online mechanism” to address passenger grievances, ensuring a time-
▪ The Waqf Act, originally enacted in 1995, governs the management and administration of Waqf properties bound response period.
in India ▪ Besides, the Act removes redundancies and provides effective regulatory powers to control areas such as
air traffic management and the drone segment.
Following are the Key Provisions of the Waqf Act, 1995: ▪ The Act seeks to promote aircraft manufacture in the country by regulating the design, assembly,
• Defines Waqf as a permanent dedication of property for religious or charitable purposes under Muslim law. technology, and other related aspects.
• Requires each state to establish a Waqf Board for managing and administering Waqf properties. ▪ The predecessor, the Indian Aircraft Act, brought in 1934, went through several changes over the years; it
• Establishes the Central Waqf Council to advise on Waqf matters. was amended 21 times.
• Provides mechanisms, including tribunals, for resolving Waqf property disputes.
• Mandates the registration and surveying of Waqf properties for proper management.

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90 artisans to display their art in second edition of Lok Samvardhan Parv Savitribai’s literary works
▪ The 2nd edition of ‘Lok Samvardhan Parv’ is now being organized from 27th January to 2nd February, 2025 ▪ Kavya Phule (‘Poetry’s Blossoms’)
by the Ministry of Minority Affairs at Connaught Place, New Delhi. ▪ Bavan Kashi Subodh Ratnakar (‘The Ocean of Pure Gems’)
▪ 90 artisans from different parts of the country would participate in the event showcasing their art crafts.
▪ These include: Bharat Ratna Karpuri Thakur ji birth anniversary
▪ Ajrak Print Saree Dupatta from Maharashtra, ▪ Karpoori Thakur, called as “Jan Nayak”, was a prominent Indian politician
▪ Banaras Brocade from Uttar Pradesh, who served as the 11th Chief Minister of Bihar twice, from 1970-71 and
▪ Cane & Bamboo from Assam, 1977-79.
▪ Channapatna Toys & Dolls from Karnataka, ▪ Karpoori Thakur, born on 24 January 1924 in Pitaunjhia (now Karpoori Gram)
▪ Kantha Stitch from West Bengal, in Darbhanga, Bihar,
▪ Crewal Sozni from Jammu & Kashmir, Kashmiri Shawls, ▪ Represented the Nai community, listed as an Extremely Backward Class (EBC) among OBCs.
▪ Kosa Silk Saree Handloom from Maharashtra, ▪ In 2024 , the President of India announced the Bharat Ratna awarded to socialist leader and former Chief
▪ Leather Puppetry from Andhra Pradesh, Minister of Bihar Karpoori Thakur, posthumously.
▪ Matka Silk Saree from Bihar,
▪ Rugs & Durries from Haryana, Finance
▪ Samar Tribal Jewellery from Delhi, CheQ introduces Wisor, India’s first AI-powered credit card expert
▪ Woodwares, Zari Work from Uttar Pradesh. ▪ Indian fintech leader CheQ, founded by ex-Flipkart executive
▪ Additionally, 16 culinary experts will offer visitors the opportunity to savor the diverse flavors of India. Aditya Soni, has unveiled Wisor, India’s first AI-powered credit
These include : card expert, designed to turn credit card chaos into clarity.
▪ Lucknawi Zaika, Gujarati Rasoi, Parsi Cuisine, Punjabi Tadka, Street Treats, Nawabi Dawat, Dry Fruit Delights, ▪ to redefine how millions of Indians interact with their credit
Fusion Flavors. cards, offering personalized insights, effortless management, and
maximise rewards-all at their fingertips.
Prime Minister Modi pays tribute to Lala Lajpat Rai on his birth anniversary
▪ Lala Lajpat Rai was born on 28 January 1865 in Dhudike village, Punjab. SBI Introduces ‘Har Ghar Lakhpati’ and ‘SBI Patrons’ Deposit Schemes
▪ Lala Lajpat Rai, also known as Punjab Kesari (Lion of Punjab), was a ▪ Har Ghar Lakhpati is a pre-calculated recurring deposit scheme
prominent nationalist leader, freedom fighter, and social reformer. designed to help customers to accumulate Rs 1 lakh or multiples
▪ alongside Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal, forming the thereof.
famous Lal-Bal-Pal trio - pushed for Swaraj, Swadeshi, and Boycott of ▪ The minimum tenure of recurring deposits is 12 months (one year), and the
British goods during the Swadeshi Movement. maximum is 120 months (10 years).
▪ Lala Lajpat Rai led the protests against the Simon Commission, famously ▪ This product is also available to minors, encouraging early financial planning
raising the slogan "Simon Go Back.” - martyrdom on November 17, 1928 and savings habit.
▪ He co-founded the Punjab National Bank in 1894. ▪ ‘SBI Patrons,’ is a fixed deposit scheme specifically for select senior citizens
▪ He founded and edited several newspapers, including Vande Mataram, who are 80 years and above.
and Arya Gazette. founding force behind the influential newspaper Punjab Kesari.
▪ Rai also authored several books, including Young India, England’s Debt to India, The Story of My Cabinet approves setting up of 8th pay commission
Deportation, and Unhappy India ▪ The Central government will set up a committee for the implementation of the
▪ Lala Lajpat Rai wrote biographies of Mazzini, Garibaldi, Shivaji, Dayanand, and Shri Krishna 8th Pay Commission for government employees and pensioners, potentially
benefiting millions of individuals.
Savitribai Phule 194th birth anniversary ▪ The 7th Pay Commission's recommendations, which were implemented on 1st
▪ India’s first woman teacher. January 2016, would conclude on December 31, 2025.
▪ A Dalit woman from the Mali community, Savitribai was born on January 3, ▪ the 8th Pay Commission will come into force on January 1, 2026.
1831, in Maharashtra’s Naigaon village. ▪ this is expected to lead to updates in salaries, including modifications to Dearness Allowance (DA) and
▪ Married off at the age of 10, her husband Jyotirao Phule is said to have Dearness Relief (DR) for retirees.
educated her at home. ▪ Prior to this, the 4th, 5th, and 6th Pay Commissions all had 10-year terms.
▪ the couple went on to open a school for girls in Bhidewada, Pune, in 1848.
This became the country’s first girls’ school. Viacom18 Media becomes direct subsidiary of Reliance Industries
▪ Along with Jyotirao, Savitribai started the Balhatya Pratibandhak Griha ▪ Viacom18 Media, a leading media and entertainment company, has become a
(‘Home for the Prevention of Infanticide’) for pregnant widows facing direct subsidiary of Reliance Industries
discrimination. ▪ Earlier, Viacom18Media was a material subsidiary of Network18 Media &
▪ In 1873, the Phules set up the Satyashodhak Samaj (‘Truth-seekers’ society’), a platform open to all, Investments Ltd, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL).
irrespective of their caste, religion or class hierarchies, with the sole aim of bringing social equity. As an ▪ has ceased to be a subsidiary of Network18.
extension, they started ‘Satyashodhak Marriage’ – a rejection of Brahmanical rituals where the marrying
couple takes a pledge to promote education and equality.

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International News Pope Francis has named the first woman to head a major Vatican office
US Senate confirms John Ratcliffe as Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director ▪ Pope Francis named the first woman to head a major Vatican office, appointing
▪ John Ratcliffe was sworn in by vice president JD Vance as a key member of President an Italian nun, Sister Simona Brambilla, to become prefect of the department
Donald Trump's administration. responsible for all the Catholic Church’s religious orders.

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau announces his resignation as leader of ruling Liberal Party Croatia President Zoran Milanovic wins another 5 year term
▪ Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation in the face of ▪ Capital : Zagreb
rising discontent over his leadership and after the abrupt departure of his finance ▪ Currency: Euro (€) (EUR)
minister signalled growing turmoil within his government. ▪ The Republic of proclaimed independence on 25 June 1991 after breaking away from the former Socialist
▪ This end his nine-year stretch as leader. Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
▪ Trudeau came to power in 2015 after 10 years of Conservative Party ▪ The body of the crescent forms a long coastal strip along the Adriatic Sea
rule ▪ India formally recognized Croatia in May 1992 and diplomatic relations were established on 9 July 1992.
▪ Will stay on as prime minister until a new leader of the Liberal Party is
chosen, and parliament would be prorogued - or suspended - until 24
March.
▪ Capital: Ottawa
▪ Currency: Canadian dollar ($)
▪ Canada, the second largest country in the world in area (after Russia)
▪ During the freedom struggle, many Indian
migrants settled in Canada.
o “Swadesh Sevak Home” in Vancouver
was instrumental in mobilising the
Indians against British rule.
▪ In 1947, India and Canada established diplomatic relations after the
independence.
▪ Education: India has also been the top source country for international
students in Canada since 2018.

Lebanon's President names ICJ Chief Nawaf Salam Prime Minister

John Dramani Mahama sworn in as Ghana’s President
▪ Lebanese President Joseph Aoun picked international jurist Nawaf Salam to form a government to pull the
▪ John Dramani Mahama was sworn in for a second term as Ghana's president
war-scarred country out of economic crisis.
▪ Capital: Accra
▪ Judge Julia Sebutinde likely to assume t he presidency of ICJ
▪ Currency: Cedi (GHS)
▪ Capital: Beirut
▪ situated on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea.
▪ Currency: Lebanese pound
▪ Lebanon is bounded to the north and east by Syria, to the south by Israel, and to the west by the
Mediterranean Sea.

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Donald Trump Takes Oath as 47th President of United States; J.D. Vance Sworn in as Vice President ▪ it is separated—at distances ranging from 11 to 120 miles (18 to 193
▪ JD Vance took oath as the 50th Vice President of the United States at the US Capitol Rotunda in Washington km)—by the North Channel, the Irish Sea, and St. George’s Channel.
DC. ▪ Capital: Dublin
▪ Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States ▪ Currency: Euro (€)[c] (EUR)
▪ US Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath of office to the 40-year-old JD Vance, who became the
third youngest Vice President of the United States. Brazil announces Indonesia as new full member of
▪ Trump will use the same Bible as Abraham Lincoln while taking the oath of office BRICS
▪ External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is representing India at the Swearing-In Ceremony of the 47th ▪ Brazil, which holds the presidency of the BRICS in 2025
President of the United States of America in Washington DC. ▪ Indonesia President - President Prabowo Subianto
▪ BRICS has been expanding its membership in recent years. Alongside
Indonesia, the bloc also includes Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United
Arab Emirates

About BRICS:
▪ The term BRIC was first used in 2001 by economist Jim O'Neill
▪ The BRIC organization was established in 2009, with South Africa
joining in 2010
▪ The first BRIC Summit was held in Russia's Yekaterinburg in 2009.
▪ The 16th BRICS Summit was being held under Russia's chairmanship
in Kazan in 2024.
▪ 2024 Theme - Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global
Development and Security'

Nigeria Joins BRICS Bloc

▪ Nigeria has been admitted as a "partner country" of the BRICS bloc of
developing economies.
▪ Brazil holds the bloc's presidency in 2025
▪ Nigeria becomes the ninth BRICS partner country, joining Belarus,
Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan.
▪ BRICS has expanded to include 22 countries, comprising full members
and partner nations.
▪ 5 new members (BRICS+): Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the
Alexander Lukashenko wins seventh consecutive term as Belarus President for a United Arab Emirates.
term of five years ▪ Recently, Indonesia has officially joined the BRICS group
▪ He in power in Belarus since 1994 ▪ Turkey, Azerbaijan and Malaysia have formally applied to become BRICS members, while a few others have
▪ Capital: Minsk also expressed interest.
▪ Currency: Belarusian ruble ▪ BRICS was formed by Brazil, Russia, India and China in 2009, with South Africa added in 2010, as a
counterweight to the Group of Seven (G-7) leading industrialised
Syria appoints Maysaa Sabrine as first woman nations.
to lead central bank ▪ 2014: The Fortaleza Declaration was adopted at the 6th BRICS Summit,
▪ Syria's new rulers have appointed and it marked the establishment of the New Development Bank (NDB).
Maysaa Sabrine, formerly a deputy governor of the Syrian central bank, to
lead the institution as the first woman to do so in its more than 70-year Trump signs executive order withdrawing U.S. from the World Health
history. Organization
▪ Recently Syrian rebels had declared President Bashar al-Assad’s ouster after ▪ The United States will exit the World Health Organization, President Donald Trump - the global health
seizing control of Damascus agency had mishandled the COVID-19 pandemic and other international health crises.
▪ The WHO had failed to act independently from the "inappropriate political influence of WHO member
Micheal Martin confirmed as new Irish PM states" and required "unfairly onerous payments" from the U.S. that are disproportionate to the sums
▪ Micheal Martin has been elected the Republic of Ireland's prime minister for a provided by other, larger countries, such as China.
second term after a vote in parliament ▪ The United States is by far the WHO’s biggest financial backer, contributing around 18% of its overall
▪ Ireland, country of western Europe occupying five-sixths of the westernmost funding.
major island of the British Isles. ▪ WHO's most recent two-year budget, for 2024-2025, was $6.8 billion.

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▪ The World Health Organization (WHO), established in 1948, Citizenship by Descent

is a specialized agency of the United Nations that connects A person born outside India
nations, partners and people to promote health, keep the Date Condition
world safe and serve the vulnerable – so everyone, Between January 26, 1950, and December 10, 1992 Shall be a citizen of India by descent if his father was a
everywhere can attain the highest level of health. citizen of India at the time of his birth.
▪ Regional Offices: WHO also has six regional offices: Africa, On or after December 10, 1992 Shall be an Indian citizen if either of his parents was an
the Americas, Southeast Asia, Europe, Eastern Indian citizen at the time of his birth.
Mediterranean, and Western Pacific. Note: A person born outside India with at least one Indian parent will be granted citizenship if the birth is
▪ Each regional office is responsible for coordinating and registered with the Indian consulate in the jurisdiction within one year of the birth.
supporting WHO's work in their respective regions.
Citizenship by Registration
US President Trump ends automatic citizenship of children born in Any person (other than an illegal migrant)
country to non-citizen parents Type of person Condition
▪ US President Donald Trump has sought to revoke Person of Indian origin - Living in India for at least seven years before applying or
birthright citizenship – automatic citizenship of - Ordinarily resident in any country or place outside undivided India.
children born in the US to non-citizen parents. A foreign person married to an - Lived in India for seven years before making an application for registration
▪ The order titled ‘Protecting the Meaning and Value of Indian
American Citizenship’ specifies that those who were
Person of legal age - Parents are Indian citizens
born in the US “but not subject to the jurisdiction
- Either of his parents was an earlier citizen of independent India and had been
thereof” are excluded from birthright citizenship. ordinarily resident in India for twelve months prior to making an application for
▪ The Indian-American community, which is one of the
registration.
fastest-growing immigrant populations in the US, will - Registered as an overseas citizen of India cardholder for five years and has
be profoundly impacted by this change as and when it been ordinarily resident in India for twelve months prior to making an
comes through. application for registration.
▪ If such a change is to occur, it will potentially impact children born in the US to H-1B visa holders, Green Card
Minor children - Parents are Indian citizens
holders (lawful permanent residents), temporary visa holders such as those on student or visitor visas, and
Note:
undocumented immigrants.
- No person of full age shall be registered as an Indian citizen until he has taken the oath of allegiance in the form
▪ According to official statistics of the US Census Bureau, Indian Americans number over 5.4 million as of 2024,
prescribed in the Second Schedule.
comprising 1.47 per cent of the US population.
- No person who has renounced, been deprived of, or had his Indian citizenship terminated under this Act shall be
▪ Of these, around two-thirds are first-generation immigrants, while the rest are US-born citizens
registered as a citizen of India.
▪ Under birthright citizenship, anyone born on American soil is automatically granted US citizenship,
regardless of the citizenship or immigration status of the
Citizenship by Naturalisation
parents.
▪ Section 6 of the Citizenship Act states that a certificate of naturalisation can be granted to a person who is
▪ This provision was enacted in 1868 and was designed to
not an illegal immigrant and has lived in India continuously for 12 months prior to making an application.
extend citizenship to all persons born in the US.
▪ Furthermore, in the 14 years preceding the 12 months, the person must have lived in India for at least 11
years (reduced to five years for the categories covered by the Citizenship Amendment Act of 2019).
The Citizenship Act of 1955 specifies five methods for obtaining
Citizenship by Incorporation of Territory
citizenship - birth, descent, registration, naturalisation, and
▪ If any territory becomes a part of India, the Central Government may, by order published in the Official
territorial incorporation.
Gazette, specify the persons who will be citizens of India due to their connection with that territory.
Citizenship by Birth
▪ Such persons will be citizens of India as of the date specified in the order.

Anyone born in India

President Trump Signs the Laken Riley Act into Law
Date Condition
▪ This law mandates the federal detention and deportation of illegal
Between January 1, 1950, and January 1, 1987 Considered a citizen by birth. immigrants in the USA who are accused of theft, burglary, assaulting a
On or after July 1, 1987 Considered an Indian citizen only if either of his/her parents law enforcement officer, and any crime that causes death or serious
is an Indian citizen at the time of birth. bodily injury.
On or after December 3, 2004 Considered an Indian citizen by birth if one parent is Indian
and the other is not an illegal immigrant. US Withdrawal from OECD Global Tax Deal
Note: If one of the parents is an illegal immigrant, the child born after 2004 will have to obtain Indian citizenship ▪ US President Donald Trump in an executive order soon after being
through other means than birth. sworn in has pulled the US out of the OECD’s global tax deal that aims
to discourage cross border tax avoidance by multinational firms.

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▪ With this action, the US has put the tax deal in suspended animation but the impact on India is seen to be then objected to plans to construct the 850 MW Ratle Hydroelectric Project on the Chenab river as well.
minimal. ▪ Both India and Pakistan differ on whether the technical details of the hydel projects conform with the treaty,
▪ The OECD Global Tax Deal supported under the prior administration not only allows extraterritorial given that the Jhelum and Chenab were part of the “western tributaries”.
jurisdiction over American income but also limits our Nation’s ability to enact tax policies that serve the
interests of American businesses and workers, 55th Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum to begin in Switzerland
▪ Over 140 countries have signed the OECD’s global tax deal that aims to tackle tax avoidance by large ▪ The 55th World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting will begin from
multinational companies, through two pillars of taxation January 20 to 24 in Davos, Switzerland.
▪ India, on the other hand, have always adopted a ‘wait and watch’ policy on adoption of GloBE rules and has ▪ theme 'Collaboration for the Intelligent Age'
yet to introduce any substantial legislative change in this direction. ▪ During the five-day event, India’s model of inclusive growth and digital
▪ In the Union Budget 2024, India had abolished the 2% equalisation levy (which, being a unilateral action, was revolution will be highlighted.
a bone of contention for the US). ▪ The Indian delegation will be spearheaded by Information and
Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw along with Jal Shakti Minister C R
About Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD): Patil, Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu, Food Processing Industries Minister Chirag Paswan and
▪ It is an international organisation of 38 countries committed to democracy and the market economy. Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary.
▪ OECD members are typically democratic countries that support free-market economies.
▪ The OECD was established on Dec. 14, 1960, by 18 European nations, plus the United States and Canada. Who initiated the World Economic Forum (WEF)?
▪ Headquarters: Paris, France. • It was founded in January 1971 by German engineer and economist Klaus Schwab.
▪ The OECD publishes economic reports, statistical databases, analyses, and forecasts on the outlook for • HQ: Geneva, Switzerland.
economic growth worldwide.
▪ The organization also seeksto eliminate bribery and other financial crime worldwide. Different reports published by WEF
▪ The OECD maintains a so-called "black list" of nations that are considered uncooperative tax havens. • Global Competitiveness Report,
• Global Information Technology Report,
Kampala Declaration on Agriculture • Global Gender Gap Report,
▪ The Extraordinary African Union Summit on the Comprehensive Africa • Global Risks Report,
Agriculture Development Program (CAADP) concluded in Kampala, Uganda • Global Travel and Tourism Report,
with the adoption of the transformative Kampala Declaration for Africa’s agri- • Global Enabling Trade Report.
food systems from 2026 to 2035.
▪ The new declaration is the successor to the Malabo Declaration, whose WEF 2025: Crystal Awards Honor Beckham, Furstenberg, and Yamamoto
implementation period concludes this year. ▪ Riken Yamamoto (2024 Pritzker Prize laureate ), Diane von
Furstenberg (fashion designer, philanthropist and champion of
Malabo Declaration women’s rights )and David Beckham (UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
▪ The CAADP was officially launched in July 2003 during the Second Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly in and global advocate for children's rights) named as 2025 31st Annual
Maputo, Mozambique, in response to challenges such as low agricultural productivity, food insecurity, and Crystal Award recipients.
under-investment in Africa’s agriculture. ▪ The winners will be honoured at the World Economic Forum Annual
Meeting 2025 in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland.
World Bank appointed neutral expert backs India’s stand on dispute with Pakistan regarding Indus Water Treaty ▪ The Crystal Awards are presented each year by Hilde Schwab, Chairwoman and Co-Founder of the World
▪ The Neutral Expert (NE) appointed under terms of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT), 1960, decided that he was Economic Forum’s World Arts Forum.
“competent” to decide on differences between India and Pakistan on the design of hydroelectric projects ▪ The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025, taking place in Davos-Klosters from 20 to 24 January,
built on the Indus Treaty-rivers convenes global leaders under the theme, Collaboration for the Intelligent Age
▪ The treaty, that divided up the six
Himalayan rivers equally between Interpol issues first Silver Notice, it enables
India and Pakistan, allows India the tracing illicit wealth laundered across borders
unrestricted use of all water from the ▪ Adding a new tool to its armoury of
three eastern tributaries of the Indus colour-coded notices, the Interpol has
river (Sutlej, Beas and Ravi) while issued its first Silver Notice to locate
Pakistan receives use of the western assets laundered across borders as part
tributaries (Indus or Sindhu, Jhelum of a pilot project in which India is also a
and Chenab). participant
▪ Pakistan had first raised objections to ▪ The The Silver notice will help to locate
India’s construction of the 330 MW assets of criminals who have transferred
Kishenganga hydroelectric project on their illicit wealth to tax havens and other
the Jhelum river back in 2006, and countries thinking that it will never be
traced or accounted for

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▪ At present, the Interpol has eight types of colour-coded notices which allows a member country to seek ▪ The Gurung year is divided into 12 cycles, each represented by an
specific kind of information worldwide. animal called “Lho.”
▪ Interpol's Red Notice seeks to locate and arrest people wanted for prosecution or to serve a sentence. ▪ The 12 animals are:
▪ The Yellow Notice helps locate missing persons, often minors, or identify persons who are unable to ▪ Garuda (eagle), serpent, horse, sheep, monkey, bird, dog,
identify themselves. deer, mouse, cow, tiger, and cat.
▪ The Blue Notice collects additional information about a person's identity, location or activities in relation to ▪ Tamu Lhosar marks the transition from one “Lho” (animal cycle) to
a criminal investigation. another.
▪ The Black Notice is issued to seek information on unidentified bodies. ▪ During Tamu Lhosar, the Gurung community bids farewell to the
▪ The Green Notice is for providing warning about a person's criminal activities, where the person is outgoing Lho and welcomes the new one.
considered to be a possible threat to public safety ▪ During the recent celebrations, the Gurungs bid farewell to the Garuda
▪ The Orange Notice warns of an event, a person, an object or a process representing a serious and imminent cycle and welcomed the Snake cycle.
threat to public safety
▪ The Purple Notice seeks or provides information on modus operandi, objects, devices and concealment Australia launches first National Autism Strategy with $42.3 million
methods used by criminals ▪ to improve the lives of people with autism.
▪ will translate autism-related research into evidence-based tools and
About Interpol: guidance for service providers and policymakers.
• The International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), commonly known as Interpol
• It is the world's largest international police organization, representing 195 member countries. What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
• It is headquartered in Lyon, France. ▪ Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain.
• Official Languages: Arabic, English, French, and Spanish. ▪ People with ASD may behave, communicate, interact, and learn in ways that are different from most other
• Status: It is ‘not’ a unit or part of a united nation system. people.
▪ ASD begins before the age of 3 years and can last throughout a person’s life, although symptoms may
Dalai Lama Charitable Trust Receives FCRA Approval improve over time.
▪ The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has granted a Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA)
registration to ‘His Holiness the Dalai Lama Charitable Trust’ for “religious” purposes, among others. FCRA
registration is a mandatory requirement to receive foreign funds.
▪ the NGO is not directly linked with the spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, but is associated with the Central
Tibetan Administration (CTA), which looks after the welfare of the Tibetan community in India.
▪ The CTA is headquartered in Himachal Pradesh’s Dharamsala.
▪ In 1959, thousands of Tibetans arrived in India along with the Dalai Lama in the face of the Chinese
occupation of Tibet.
▪ The Indian government provided asylum as well as assistance towards temporary settlement. Per the 2022
census conducted by the CTA, there are 63,167 Tibetan refugees in India.
▪ The Foundation for Universal Responsibility, another non-profit that was founded in 1990 with the funds
from the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to the Dalai Lama, is also registered under the FCRA.
'Ghost island' appears and disappears in Caspian Sea
About FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) ▪ This "ghost island" formed due to an eruption from the Kumani Bank mud volcano and vanished shortly
• Purpose: FCRA stands for Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, which is a law enacted by the Parliament of after.
India to regulate the acceptance and utilization of foreign contributions by individuals, associations, and ▪ NASA recorded the phenomenon using satellite images.
companies. ▪ The Kumani Bank mud volcano erupted in 2023, creating a transient landmass off Azerbaijan's coast.
• Prohibition: The Act prohibits the receipt of foreign contributions "for any activities detrimental to the ▪ The island was composed of a mix of fluids, gases, and sediments forced to the surface due to subsurface
national interest". pressure.
• Registration: Organizations require the government’s permission to receive funding from abroad. ▪ The island measured around 1,300 feet across.
• Implementation: The Act is implemented in convergence with various Union government Ministries and
agencies, State authorities, and a network of formal and informal What is Pink Fire Retardant?
institutions and individuals. ▪ As multiple wildfires continue to torch Southern California on,
authorities are using planes to drop a large amount of bright pink
What is Tamu Lhosar? fire retardant to curb the blaze.
▪ The Gurung community in Nepal is celebrating Tamu Lhosar, marking ▪ Typically, it is made of salts such as ammonium polyphosphate,
the beginning of a new year. which does not evaporate easily like water and stays for longer.
▪ The festival is marked on the 15th of the Nepali month of Poush as ▪ Colour is usually added to the fire retardant to ensure that
sun rays reach early in the geography of Gurung settlements firefighters can see it against the landscape

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What are the concerns? Panama Canal- Controversy, History and Ownership
▪ Environmental experts have said that spraying fire retardant using Recently, the US President-elect Donald Trump has hinted that his
planes is ineffective, expensive and a growing source of pollution for administration might attempt to regain control of the Panama Canal.
rivers and streams. About Panama Canal:
▪ These toxic metals include chromium and cadmium which can • It is a man made waterway that connects the Atlantic and
cause cancer, and kidney and liver diseases in humans. Pacific oceans across the Isthmus of Panama.
• It is owned and administered by Panama, and it is 40 miles long
US state of Ohio designates October as ‘Hindu Heritage Month’ from shoreline to shoreline.
▪ October 2025 will be Ohio's 1st official Hindu Heritage Month. • It was built by the United states and completed in
August 1914,
US removes 3 Indian nuclear entities from export control list • It is one of the two most strategic artificial waterways in
▪ The three entities are Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Indira the world, the other being the Suez Canal.
Gandhi Atomic Research Centre (IGCAR) and the Indian Rare Earths • From its opening in 1914 until 1979, the Panama Canal
(IRE). was controlled solely by the United States, which built it.
▪ Facilitate the implementation of the landmark India-US civil nuclear • In 1979, however, control of the canal passed to the
pact that was sealed 16 years back. Panama Canal Commission, a joint agency of the United
▪ India and the US unveiled an ambitious plan to cooperate in civil States and the Republic of Panama, and complete
nuclear energy in July 2005 following then Prime Minister control passed to Panama at noon on December 31,
Manmohan Singh's meeting with then American President George W Bush. 1999.
▪ The Entity List has long been a tool used by the United States to regulate trade with organisations • It is a sophisticated, highly-engineered system which
considered potential risks to national security or foreign policy. uses a system of locks and elevators to take ships from
one end to the other.
Mt Everest becomes more expensive for mountaineers, Nepal to increase permit fees • This is needed because the two oceans that the Panama Canal
▪ Mount Everest, is about to get more expensive with Nepal set to connects do not lie at the same elevation, with the Pacific
increase the permit price by over 36 percent. slightly higher than the Atlantic.
▪ The new rate will be effective on September 1, 2025. • This difference means that for a ship entering the canal through
▪ a 36 per cent hike in the $11,000 fee to $15,000 (nearly Rs 13L). This the Atlantic, it needs to gain elevation during its journey to the
price rise to climb the 8,849 metre (29,032 feet) Mount Everest Pacific.
comes after nearly a decade. • This is achieved using a lock system which lifts and drops vessels
▪ Mount Everest, locally known as Sagarmatha or Qomolangma, is the to the required sea level at either end of the canal.
highest mountain above sea level. The 8,848.86 metres tall mountain • Basically, locks are either flooded (to gain elevation) or drained
is located in the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayas. (to lose elevation), and act as water elevators.
• In total, the system comprises three sets of locks — 12 locks in
Strategic Significance of Philadelphi Corridor total — which are serviced using artificial lakes and channels.
▪ The Philadelphi Corridor is an important strip of land along the Gaza-
Egypt border. It serves as link for Gaza, particularly for Hamas, China Unveils World’s Longest Tunnel, Enhances BRI Connectivity
amidst ongoing conflicts and ceasefire negotiations. ▪ China has completed the construction of the 22.13-km Tianshan
▪ It is a 14 kilometres long strip of land that represents the entirety of Shengli Tunnel in the Xinjiang region, marking a significant
the border area between Gaza and Egypt. milestone in its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
▪ It includes the Rafah crossing and runs from the Mediterranean Sea ▪ The tunnel, which is the longest expressway tunnel of its kind, is
to the Kerem Shalom crossing with Israel. expected to enhance connectivity within Xinjiang and between Central
▪ This area is vital for smuggling activities, connecting Gaza to Egypt. Asia and eastern China, extending to the Pacific.
▪ Under the Camp David peace treaty 1979, a limited number of ▪ the tunnel will drastically reduce travel time through the Tianshan
Egyptian troops were allowed, but no heavy armour was permitted. Mountains—one of the world's longest mountain ranges—from three
▪ After the 2005 Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the corridor was hours to just 20 minutes.
designated a demilitarised border zone.
▪ Since 2005, Egypt and the Palestinian Authority were responsible for China Unveils World’s Fastest High-Speed Train Prototype
managing the corridor. ▪ China has unveiled the CR450, a next-generation high-speed train
▪ It was the only link for Gaza with the outside world not controlled by prototype capable of reaching speeds of 450 km/h, making it the
Israel. fastest train in the world.
▪ Hamas gained control of Gaza in 2007, which led to increased tension and ongoing cross-border smuggling ▪ This technological milestone surpasses the CR400 Fuxing trains,
activities. currently operating at 350 km/h.

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Joint Logo of India Singapore represents 60 years of Sports

establishment of diplomatic relations
▪ President Murmu and President Shanmugaratnam Khelo India Winter Games begins
unveiled a joint logo to commemorate the 60th ▪ The fifth edition of Khelo India Winter Games 2025 will be held in
anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations the UT of Ladakh and J&K from Jan. 23-27 and Feb. 22-25,
between the two countries. respectively, across two ice and four snow disciplines.
▪ The joint logo incorporates colours from the Indian and ▪ The first phase of the event is being hosted by the Union Territory
Singaporean national flags and national flowers, which symbolize the enduring of Ladakh and will run until January 27th, 2025. The Union
friendship, mutual trust, and shared values between the two countries. Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will host the snow games from February 22nd to 25th.
▪ The President of Singapore is on a five-day visit to India. This is his first visit to India as the President of ▪ Under the Khelo India Scheme, the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MYAS) organizes National-level
Singapore. competitions, i.e., Khelo India Youth Games, Khelo India University Games, Khelo India Para Games and
▪ Capital: Singapore (city-state) Khelo India Winter Games
▪ Currency: Singapore dollar ▪ Starting in 2020
▪ Singapore is India's largest trade partner in ASEAN; it's India's 6th largest trade partner (2023-24). ▪ So far 8 editions of Khelo India Youth and University Games and 3 editions of Winter Games and 1 edition of
▪ India signed Direct Tax Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) with Singapore in 2016 to check tax evasion. Khelo India Para Games have been successfully conducted.
▪ Bilateral exercises by the three services: Exercise Agni Warrior (Army), Exercise SIMBEX (Navy) and Air ▪ In KIWG 2024, Maharashtra excelled in skating, clinching 20 medals, including six golds.
Force Exercise Joint Military Training (JMT). ▪ Karnataka also bagged six golds, finishing second with a total of eight medals, while host Ladakh achieved a
▪ India was one of the first countries to recognize Singapore in 1965. historic milestone with two gold medals in speed skating, securing third place overall with 13 medals.

India-Spain Declare 2026 as ‘Dual Year’ for Culture, Tourism, and AI 5th edition of Khelo India Winter Games concludes in Ladakh
▪ External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, announced that 2026 will be marked as a ▪ The KIWG 2025 is being held in two phases.
‘dual year’ between India and Spain to celebrate culture, tourism, and ▪ The first phase (competing in ice hockey and ice skating) was held in Ladakh from January 23 to 27
advancements in artificial intelligence. ▪ The second phase (Alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, ski-mountaineering and snowboarding) will be held in Jammu
▪ India and Spain currently annual trade worth USD 10 billion. and Kashmir from February 22 to 25.
▪ In the first phase - Ladakh finish on top
Georgia Certified Malaria-Free by WHO ▪ Tamil Nadu shines in skating
▪ Georgia joins the ranks of 45 countries and 1 territory that have achieved this ▪ Army retains ice hockey crown
milestone. ▪ Competing in disciplines across six winter sports - A total of 136 medals
▪ Certification of malaria elimination is granted by WHO when a country has proven, ▪ The Indian Army won the Khelo India Winter Games last year after winning 10 gold medals, five silver and
beyond reasonable doubt, that the chain of indigenous transmission has been six bronze.
interrupted nationwide for at least the previous three consecutive years. ▪ The first three editions of KIWG were hosted and won by Jammu and Kashmir in 2020, 2021 and 2023.

About Malaria: Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Smriti Mandhana on ICC 2024 Winner List
▪ caused by the Plasmodium parasite - spread to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles
mosquitoes.
▪ It is a life-threatening disease primarily found in tropical countries.

Transmission
▪ Five species of parasites can cause malaria in humans and 2 of these species –
Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax – pose the greatest threat.

International Pashmina Festival

▪ The first three-day International Pashmina Festival cum Exhibition organised by Nepal Pashmina Industries ICC Awards 2024 winners list
Association and the Confederation of Nepalese Industries • ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year - Jasprit Bumrah
▪ Nepal is one of the prominent producers of authentic Pashmina, often branded as “Chyangra Pashmina” . • ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year - Smriti Mandhana

Pashmina Shawl:
• Originating from Kashmir, these shawls are known for their exceptional craftsmanship and the use of fine
Ladakhi Cashmere wool.
• The word "Pashmina" is derived from the Persian word "Pashm," which means "soft gold" or "soft wool."
• A cashmere wool itself is obtained from the undercoat of the Changthangi goat (Capra aegagrus hircus),
also known as the Pashmina goat, which is native to the high altitudes of the Himalayas in regions like
Ladakh in India, Nepal, and Tibet.

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• ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year - Azmatullah Omarzai 2017–18 Karnataka (3) Saurashtra Mayank Agarwal (Karnataka) Mohammed Siraj (Hyderabad)
(AFG) 2018–19 Mumbai (1) Delhi (2) Abhinav Mukund (Tamil Nadu) Shahbaz Nadeem (Jharkhand)
• ICC Men's T20I Cricketer of the Year: Arshdeep Singh 2019–20 Karnataka (4) Tamil Nadu Devdutt Padikkal (Karnataka) Pritam Das (Assam)
(IND) 2020–21 Mumbai (2) Uttar Prithvi Shaw (Mumbai) Shivam Sharma (Uttar Pradesh)
• ICC Women's T20I Cricketer of the Year: Amelia Kerr Pradesh (1)
(NZL) 2021–22 Himachal Tamil Nadu Ruturaj Gaikwad Yash Thakur (Vidarbha)
▪ ICC Umpire of the Year - Richard Illingworth (ENG) Pradesh (2) (Maharashtra)
▪ Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy for ICC Women’s Cricketer 2022–23 Saurashtra (2) Maharashtra Narayan Jagadeesan (Tamil Vasuki Koushik (Karnataka)
of the Year - to be announced Nadu)
▪ Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Men’s Cricketer of the 2023–24 Haryana Rajasthan (2) Arslan Khan (Chandigarh) Harshal Patel (Haryana)
Year - to be announced 2024–25 Karnataka (5) Vidarbha Karun Nair (Vidarbha) Arshdeep Singh (Punjab)

ICC Awards 2024 Australia Clinches ICC Women’s Championship Trophy

▪ Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy for ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year New Zealand ‘s Melie Kerr ▪ Australia have now won all three editions of the championship,
▪ Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year - India’s Jasprit Bumrah which was instituted in 2014
▪ The team was presented with the prestigious ICC Women’s
Cricket: Australia defeated India to Clinch Border-Gavaskar Trophy Championship Trophy in Melbourne after emerging victorious in
▪ In Test Cricket, Australia defeated India in Sydney and clinched the Border- the 10-team competition that serves as a pathway to the ICC
Gavaskar Trophy Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.
▪ Australia has also qualified for the final of the ICC World Test Championship ▪ Captain Alyssa Healy
2023-2025. ▪ ICC Director Mike Baird.
▪ They will face South Africa in the final, which is to be held in June this year. ▪ First two editions (2014-16 & 2017-20) featured 8 teams
▪ Jasprit Bumrah declared Player of the Series. ▪ Third edition (2022-25) expanded to 10 teams
▪ Scott Boland adjudged the Player of the Match.
▪ The Border–Gavaskar Trophy is an International Test cricket trophy played NZ batter Martin Guptill retires from international cricket
between India and Australia ▪ will continue to play in the T20 leagues around the world.
▪ Instituted in the 1996-97 season. ▪ last played for New Zealand in 2022
▪ The series is named after distinguished former captains, Australia's Allan Border and India's Sunil Gavaskar. ▪ Guptill is the first Kiwi player to score a hundred on ODI debut and he
▪ It is played via Test series also became the first New Zealander to score an ODI double-century
during the ICC World Cup 2015 .
Year Host Country Winner Winning captain
2024-25 Australia Australia Pat Cummins Smriti Mandhana smashes fastest ODI hundred by an Indian woman cricketer
1996-97 India India Sachin Tendulkar ▪ Smriti Mandhana smashed the fastest ODI century by an Indian woman
during the third ODI against Ireland at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in
Karnataka Clinch Vijay Hazare Trophy For Record 5th Time Rajkot
▪ Karnataka ended a five-year title drought as they defeated Vidarbha by 36 ▪ She reached the milestone in just 70 deliveries, surpassing Harmanpreet
runs to claim their record-extending fifth Vijay Hazare Trophy title after Kaur’s record of 87 balls
the 2024-25 edition final at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara. ▪ The Indian women’s team hit 435 for five wickets and has now crossed
▪ Karnataka claimed their maiden title in the 2013-14 season before the men’s highest ODI score (418/5 against West Indies in Indore back in 2011)
defending the title in the following season.
Bumrah named ICC Men's Player of Month for December 2024
Edition Winner Runner-up Most runs Most wickets ▪ The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the ICC Men’s and Women’s Players of the Month for
2007–08 Saurashtra Bengal (1) Ajinkya Rahane (Mumbai) Vishal Bhatia (Himachal Pradesh) December 2024 as India’s Jasprit Bumrah and Australia’s Annabel Sutherland.
2008–09 Tamil Nadu (1) Bengal (2) Virat Kohli (Delhi) Shoaib Ahmed (Hyderabad)
2009–10 Tamil Nadu (2) Bengal (3) Shreevats Goswami (Bengal) Yo Mahesh (Tamil Nadu)
2010–11 Jharkhand Gujarat Ishank Jaggi (Jharkhand) Amit Mishra (Haryana)
2011–12 Bengal Mumbai Wriddhiman Saha (Bengal) Parvinder Awana (Delhi)
2012–13 Delhi Assam Robin Uthappa (Karnataka) Pritam Das (Assam)
2013–14 Karnataka Railways Robin Uthappa (Karnataka) Vinay Kumar (Karnataka)
2014–15 Karnataka (2) Punjab (1) Manish Pandey (Karnataka) Abhimanyu Mithun (Karnataka)
Bangladesh Cricketer Tamim Iqbal Retires from International Cricket
2015–16 Gujarat Delhi Mandeep Singh (Punjab) Jasprit Bumrah (Gujarat) ▪ Former Bangladesh one-day captain Tamim Iqbal has announced his
2016–17 Tamil Nadu (3) Bengal (4) Dinesh Karthik (Tamil Nadu) Aswin Crist (Tamil Nadu) retirement from international cricket.

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▪ Tamim made his international debut in a 2007 One-Day International (ODI) against Zimbabwe in Harare. R Vaishali Wins Bronze at World Blitz Chess Championship 2024
▪ Indian Grandmaster Vaishali Rameshbabu clinches Bronze at the World Blitz
Ira Jadhav becomes highest individual scorer in Women’s U19 One Day trophy Chess Championship 2024.
▪ 14-year-old Ira Jadhav smashes 346, sets record for highest U-19 score by an Indian ▪ Ju Wenjun clinched the women’s blitz crown
▪ Fourteen-year-old Ira Jadhav became the
first Indian to score a triple hundred in Magnus Carlsen & Ian Nepomniachtchi share World Blitz Chess Championship title
Under-19 Women’s ODI trophy (Youth 2024
List-A) match between Mumbai and ▪ Norway’s Magnus Carlsen and Russia’s Ian Nepomniachtchi opted to share
Meghalaya at the Alur Cricket Stadium in World Blitz Championship title after three sudden-death games failed to produce
Bangalore. a winner.
▪ world record in the segment stands in the ▪ This is the first time in history that two players have shared the World Blitz title
name of Lizelle Lee of South Africa, who
made 427 in 2010 in a domestic match Gukesh becomes highest-ranked Indian at 4th in latest
FIDE rankings, displaces Erigaisi
Shreyas Iyer appointed as Punjab Kings captain
for IPL 2025 Indian Grandmaster Iniyan Panneerselvam clinched the
9th Johor International Open chess tournament title in
Michael Clarke inducted into Australian Cricket Hall of Fame Malaysia
▪ Former Australian cricketer Michael Clarke was inducted into the
Australian Hall of Fame India to Host FIDE Chess World Cup 2025
▪ The 43-year-old is the 64th member to be included in the list. ▪ India will host the prestigious FIDE World Cup 2025 chess tournament
▪ Under Clarke’s leadership, Australia won the 2015 World Cup and also ▪ It will be held from October 31 to November 27.
won the famous 2013/14 Ashes Down ▪ India has previously hosted a FIDE World Cup — that was way back in 2002
in Hyderabad.
Spanish Super Cup: Barcelona defeats Real Madrid ▪ Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand had won that event.
▪ Barcelona crushed Real Madrid to secure their 15th Spanish Super Cup ▪ 2025 will see a separate FIDE Women’s World Cup also being hosted
crown at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah Saudi Arabia.
Australian Open: Jannik Sinner & Madison Key won singles titles
Nagaland Chief Minister launches ▪ Jannik Sinner from Italy won his second consecutive Australian Open
inaugural season of Nagaland Super championship
League 2025 ▪ defeated World No. 2 Alexander Zverev
CM Neiphiu Rio inaugurates ▪ Jannik Sinner continued to occupy the No. 1
Chumoukedima Football Stadium and spot in the latest ATP Rankings
launches Nagaland Super League ▪ Madison Key of the US wins Women’s
President of All Indian Football singles Australian Open title, her first Grand
Federation & Jt. Secretary Indian Olympic Association - Kalyan Chaubey Slam crown
▪ Defeated two-time defending
AFC Asian Cup 2027 champion Aryna Sabalenka
▪ The AFC Asian Cup 2027 will take place from January 7 to
February 5 across three cities in Saudi Arabia—Riyadh, Djokovic Sets Record for Most Grand Slam Matches
Jeddah, and Al Khobar. The Kingdom will be hosting Asia’s ▪ Novak Djokovic added yet another record to his lengthy list, by reaching
top 24 national teams. 430 at the Australian Open
▪ The AFC Asian Cup is a men's football championship that ▪ Djokovic has won the most Grand Slam singles titles of any man, 24,
takes place every four years and is the premier football ahead of Rafael Nadal's 22 and Federer's 20
tournament in Asia
▪ The first AFC Asian Cup was held in 1956, with South Korea The India Open 2025
winning the inaugural title. ▪ Paris 2024 Olympic champions Viktor Axelsen of Denmark and Republic of
Korea’s An Se-young registered thumping victories to clinch the men’s
and women’s singles titles, respectively, at the India Open 2025
badminton tournament in New Delhi
▪ Men’s doubles: Goh Sze Fei/Nu Izzuddin (MAS) bt Kim Won-ho/Seo
Seung-jae (KOR)

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▪ Women’s doubles: Arisa Igarashi/Ayako Sakuramoto (JPN) bt Kim Hye-jeong/Kong Hee-yong (KOR) ▪ achieved significant success on the international stage, including a silver medal at the Asian Open in
▪ Mixed doubles: Jiang Zhenbang/Wei Yaxin (CHN) bt Thom Gicquel/Delphine Delrue (FRA) Indonesia.

Anahat Singh clinches U-17 Girl’s Singles title at British Junior Open Inaugural edition of World Pickleball League to begin in Mumbai
▪ India’s Anahat Singh defeated Egypt’s Malika Elkaraksy for the women’s ▪ The World Pickleball League (WPBL), India's first franchise-based Pickleball
Under-17 title at the British Junior Open 2025 squash tournament in league, is set to make history at Mumbai's iconic Brabourne Stadium Cricket
Birmingham. Club of India (CCI) stadium.
▪ This marked Anahat's third British Junior Open title, after 2019 and 2023. ▪ Beginning January 24, the league becomes the first non- cricket sporting
▪ Anahat clinched the Western India Slam in Mumbai in December tournament to be held on CCI's renowned cricket ground in over 15 years.
▪ and the list also includes the JSW Willingdon Little Masters, the Hamdard ▪ Established in 1933, the Cricket Club of India stands as an enduring symbol of India's rich sporting heritage.
Squashters Northern Slam and the Chennai and Kolkata legs of the HCL Squash ▪ Co-founded by former Indian tennis players Gaurav Natekar and Arati, Co-founder of WPBL, Gaurav Natekar
Tour.
▪ The teenager also successfully defended her Indian senior and junior national Kho Kho World Cup 2025: Trophy, mascots Tara and Tejas unveiled in Delhi
titles in 2024 and broke into the top 100 of the women’s PSA rankings for the ahead of inaugural edition
first time. ▪ The Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) unvieled the trophies for the first-
▪ She is currently world No. 82 in the senior rankings. ever Kho Kho World Cup, scheduled for January 13-19, 2025.
▪ Under the aegis of the Sports Authority Of India (SAI), the tournament
Kiran Jadhav wins air rifle gold at Lakshya Cup shooting Championship will showcase 21 men’s and 20 women’s teams from 24 countries across
▪ Kiran Jadhav of Navy clinched the gold medal in the air rifle open event of the six continents at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi.
15th Lakshya Cup shooting championship at the Kamala Sports Academy in ▪ The World Cup will feature two trophies – a blue trophy for the men’s championship and a green trophy for
Panvel the women’s event.
▪ The Federation also introduced ‘Tejas’ and ‘Tara,’ a dynamic duo of
India’s Jyothi Yarraji wins gold medal in women’s 60m indoor hurdles in France gazelles serving as the official mascots for the tournament.
▪ Jyothi Yarraji clinched gold in her first race of the season, that too with a ▪ KKFI have roped in Tiger Shroff as co-brand ambassador for Kho-Kho
national record, winning the 60m hurdles event by clocking 8.04 seconds World Cup 2025 along with Salman Khan
at the Elite Indoor Meeting in Nantes, France. ▪ The World Cup’s official tagline, #TheWorldGoesKho
▪ She also holds the national outdoor 100m hurdles record of 12.78
seconds. Kho Kho World Cup 2025: India scripts history in inaugural edition as both
▪ She is the reigning 100m hurdles Asian champion and won a silver medal in the Hangzhou Asian Games in Men’s & women’s teams lift trophies
2023 with a time of 12.91 seconds. ▪ The Indian men’s and women’s teams created history at the Indira
Gandhi Indoor Stadium in by beating Nepal in their respective finals
Odisha Warriors crowned inaugural champions of Women’s Hockey India League and winning the Kho Kho World Cup 2025 titles.
(HIL) 2024-25 ▪ The Kho Kho World Cup 2025 was held in New Delhi, India, from January 13-19, 2025.
▪ Odisha Warriors clinching the title victory over JSW Soorma Hockey Club in ▪ This was the inaugural edition of the Kho Kho World Cup. Backed by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA),
the final, the tournament featured 20 men’s and 19 women’s teams.
▪ held at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Astro Turf Hockey Stadium in ▪ Men’s Final India defeated Nepal 54-36. Key player: Captain Pratik Waikar.
Ranchi. ▪ Women’s Final India defeated Nepal 78-40. Key player: Captain Priyanka Ingle.
▪ Player of the Tournament: Jyoti (JSW Soorma Hockey Club)
Mascots:
10-year-old Atiqa Mir set to become first Indian female to race in World Series ▪ Tejas (Men’s Team): A blue gazelle symbolizing brilliance
Karting and energy.
▪ India's 10-year-old karting sensation Atiqa Mir is set to become the first ▪ Tara (Women’s Team): An orange gazelle representing
female from the country to race in the World Series Karting (WSK) guidance and aspiration.
Championships after being signed by 29-time champions Babyrace for a full season.
▪ She will race in all three WSK Championships this year: the WSK Super Master Eritrea’s Berhane Tesfay and Kenya’s Joyce Chepkemoi Tele won
Series, the WSK Euro Series and the WSK Final Cup as a debutant. the men’s and women’s elite races, respectively, at the Mumbai
Marathon 2025.
Rupa Bayor becomes India's first taekwondo player in top 10 World Poomsae
rankings Logo and Mascot Unveiled for 23rd National Para Athletics Championship 2025
▪ Rupa Bayor, a 23-year-old Taekwondo player from Arunachal Pradesh, has ▪ Scheduled to take place from February 17-20, the championship will bring together
etched her name in history as the first Indian to break into the top 10 of the over 1,700 para athletes from across the country,
World Poomsae Rankings. ▪ Location: Tamil Nadu
▪ Upcoming Event: Para Athletics World Championships 2025 in New Delhi (Sept 26 – Oct 5, 2025)

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IHF Trophy Men’s Youth & Junior Handball Championship Kicks Off in Lucknow ▪ he is among 13 founding members of the new World Cricket Connects
▪ The men's youth and junior tournaments of the IHF Trophy Asia will be advisory board, which will be chaired by former MCC president Kumar
staged in Lucknow, India from 3 to 7 January 2025. Sangakkara.
▪ The event serves as qualification event for the Intercontinental Phase of
the IHF Trophy. Geoff Allardice to step down as ICC CEO
▪ Four countries—Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and India—are ▪ The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed that Geoff Allardice has
taking part in the tournament. decided to step down as ICC Chief Executive.
▪ Appointed as the ICC's CEO in November 2021
Varun Tomar Clinches National Shooting Championship Title in Men’s 10m Air ▪ ICC Chair - Mr. Jay Shah
Pistol ▪ The ICC Board will now begin the process to identify Allardice's successor.
▪ Varun Tomar from the Indian Army has become the national shooting ▪ The eight-team Champions Trophy tournament is scheduled to take place
champion after winning the Men’s 10-meter Air Pistol finals of the 67th National from February 19 to March 9.
Shooting Championship 2024 at Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi.
Unprecedented 6 women in AFI Athletes Commission; Neeraj among 3 male members
Neeraj Chopra named world’s best male javelin thrower in 2024 by US magazine ▪ Long-jump great Anju Bobby George named Chairperson of AFI’s Athletes Commission
▪ India’s Neeraj Chopra has been named the best javelin thrower of 2024 by the ▪ Other 5 women on the commission :
respected US-based sports magazine Track and Field News. 1. runner Jyotirmoyee Sikdar,
▪ Chopra had secured a silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics. 2. discus thrower Krishna Poonia,
3. hurdler M.D. Valsamma,
Mo Farah to Lead 20th Mumbai Marathon as International Ambassador 4. steeplechaser Sudha Singh
▪ Mo Farah, the legendary distance runner, has been named the 5. runner Sunita Rani.
International Event Ambassador for the 20th edition of the Tata Mumbai 6. The previous Commission featured four women.
Marathon, to be held on January 19 7. Neeraj Chopra being its most prominent male member.
▪ holds a record number of four Olympic and six World Championship gold 8. The other two male members of the Commission are 3000m steeplechaser Avinash Sable and newly-elected
▪ Mo Farah, a Somalia-born former British athlete, is the first man in AFI president Bahadur Singh Sagoo
history to retain the 5000m and 10000m titles at the Olympics as well as 9. Outgoing AFI President Adille Sumariwalla will continue to be a part of the executive council as an ex-officio
the World Championships. member as he is a part of the World Athletics Council.

BCCI Will Have New Secretary and Treasurer Gujarat to host 1st Olympic Research Conference
▪ Devajit Saikia, a former Assam cricketer, is set to become the new ▪ Officials from Indian Olympic Association (IOA) along with
secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India a host of experts are scheduled to meet in Gujarat for
(BCCI), while Prabhtej Singh Bhatia from Chhattisgarh State Cricket discussing the strategies and innovative economic models
Sangh (CSCS) will take over as the new treasurer for financing and building “sustainable” sports
▪ Saikia, currently the joint secretary and interim secretary since infrastructure that will help India position itself as a strong
December, will succeed Jay Shah, who recently took over as contender to host the 2036 Olympics.
independent chairman of the International Cricket Council ▪ The 1st International Olympic Research Conference from
January 27-30, which will discuss financing and innovative
Bahadur Sagoo to Succeed Sumariwalla as AFI President economic models for hosting the Olympics in India
▪ Former Asian Games champ Bahadur Singh Sagoo elected as new ▪ The four-day event to be held in collaboration with Union
Athletics Federation of India president unopposed for a four year term Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports,
▪ He replaced Adille Sumariwalla, who was the president for three ▪ The event will be held at Gandhinagar-based Rashtriya
consecutive terms. Raksha University (RRU) campus.
▪ Sagoo is a one-time Asian Games gold medallist and a two-time
Olympian in shot put. He clinched gold at the 2002 Asiad in Busan. Kalaripayattu, a traditional martial art from Kerala, is included
▪ A Padma Shri recipient (2006), Bahadur Singh Sagoo represented India only as a demonstration event in the 38th National Games in
at the Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 Olympics. Uttarakhand
▪ The Indian Kalaripayattu Federation has accused the
Jay Shah Joins New MCC Advisory Board (World Cricket Connects Advisory Indian Olympics Association (IOA) of downgrading the
Board) Kalaripayattu to the demonstration section of the event,
▪ Jay Shah, the ICC chair and ex-secretary of the BCCI, has joined a new not the competitive section.
Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) advisory board, which will replace the ▪ It was included as a competitive sport in the 37th National
club's world cricket committee. Games, Goa but relegated to a demonstration sport in
the 38th National Games, Uttarakhand.

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▪ Kalaripayattu athletes won 22 medals, including 19 gold, in the 2023 National Games. Economic Survey
▪ It is one of the oldest and most scientific martial arts globally, originating in Kerala. Economic Survey
▪ The warrior sage Parasurama is credited with establishing Kalaripayattu, which Bodhidharma (a Buddhist • The Economic Survey provides a summary of the performance of the Indian economy, government policies,
monk from South India) later introduced to China at the Shaolin Temple in the 5th century AD. and the outlook for the upcoming financial year.
▪ Philosophy: The term "Kalari" in Malayalam refers to a traditional gymnasium where "Payattu" (fight or • First Economic Survey of India: 1950-51. It was initially presented along with the Union Budget until 1964.
exercise) is taught. • Now, it is presented one day or a few days before the presentation of the budget.
▪ It emphasizes mind-body coordination with techniques inspired by the attack and defense systems of eight • Preparation Process: Prepared by the Economic Division of the Department of Economic Affairs in the
animals i.e., elephant, lion, boar, horse, snake, rooster, cat, and fish. Finance Ministry. Guided by the Chief Economic Adviser of India
Types: Kalaripayattu has two types i.e.,
▪ Northern: It focuses on weapons and linear movements, and
▪ Southern: It emphasizes multi-directional movements with fewer weapons.
Stages of Training:
▪ Maippayattu: Body conditioning to prepare for combat.
▪ Kolthari: Training with wooden weapons like
short and long sticks.
▪ Angathari: Introduction to sharp metal
weapons after overcoming fear.
▪ Verumkai: Bare-hand fighting focusing on
anatomy for strategic strikes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates 38th National

Games in Dehradun
▪ The Uttarakhand government is hosting the 38th
National Games, with the support of the Indian Oil
Corporation (IOC).
▪ From 28th Jan-14th Feb 2025
▪ The theme - “Green Games.”
▪ The Mascot Mauli: Named after Uttarakhand’s State
bird, the Himalayan Monal, the mascot Mauli
▪ Himalayan monal is a Schedule – I bird, according
to the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and STATE OF THE ECONOMY
classified as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN. • India's real GDP growth is estimated at 6.4 per cent in FY25 (as
▪ The official torch of the 38th National Games, per first advance estimates of national income), which equates
named Tejaswini nearly to its decadal average.
▪ The Indian Kalaripayattu Federation has raised concerns • Real gross value added (GVA) is also estimated to grow by 6.4
over its listing to the “demonstration section” after being per cent FY25.
part of the competition section in the 37th National
Games held in 2023. STATE OF THE ECONOMY
▪ It originated and is widely practiced in Kerala. The term • Thrust on grassroots-level structural reforms and deregulation to
“Kalari” in Malayalam refers to a traditional gymnasium reinforce the medium term growth potential and boost global
where this martial art, known as Payattu, is taught. competitiveness of Indian economy.
• Geopolitical tensions, ongoing conflicts and global trade policy risks
continue to pose significant challenges to the global economic outlook.

Global Challenges:
• Geopolitical tensions (e.g., Russia-
Ukraine conflict, Israel-Hamas conflict)
created instability, affecting energy and
food security and causing inflation.
• Cyberattacks increased, with greater
impacts due to the digitization of critical infrastructure.

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Global Challenges: • PMI helps determine if conditions are expanding, contracting, or stable, offering insights into current and
• Volatility in global financial markets was influenced by future economic health.
political instability and uncertainty in trade policies.
• The Euro Area: Growth forecasted to improve from DOMESTIC MACROECONOMIC SITUATION
0.4% in 2023 to 0.8% in 2024, and 1.0% in 2025, • Agriculture : Healthy growth, particularly from the Kharif
supported by a stronger services sector. However, crop, has helped the sector perform strongly in FY25,
some countries like Germany and Austria faced improving prospects for food inflation.
manufacturing slowdowns. • Industry: The industrial sector showed mixed results, with
strong growth in construction, utilities, and recovery in
Eurozone manufacturing. However, global slowdowns and seasonal
• The eurozone (or Economic and Monetary Union-EMU) is the geographic area disruptions have impacted manufacturing growth.
made up of the 20 countries of the European Union that have adopted the • Services: Services continued to grow robustly, with
euro as the single currency. The 20 Member States of the Euro Zone are: financial, real estate, and professional services performing well. Other areas like hospitality, IT, and transport
Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, also showed positive growth.
Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal,
Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. Inflation and Price Volatility
• Headline inflation dropped from 5.4% in FY24 to 4.9% in
Suez Canal FY25 due to a decline in core inflation (non food, non-
• Trade Disruptions : Disruptions in the Suez Canal and shipping delays fuel items). However, food prices remained volatile,
increased global freight rates, impacting trade flows driven by factors like supply chain issues and weather
• The Suez Canal is a waterway that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the disruptions.
Indian Ocean through the Mediterranean and Red Sea respectively. • Food inflation rose from 7.5% in FY24 to 8.4% in FY25, mainly due to price hikes in vegetables and pulses.
• The Canal was built as a joint enterprise between the French and the
Ottoman Empire. External Sector Stability:
• Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows increased by 17.9% YoY,
showing strong investor confidence. However, foreign portfolio
investment (FPI) flows were volatile due to global factors.
• Remittances from abroad played a vital role in maintaining a stable
current account deficit (CAD), which remained manageable at 1.2% of
GDP in Q2 FY25.

Banking and Financial Sector

• The banking sector is stable, with declining non-performing assets (NPAs) and strong
capital buffers. The profitability of scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) improved
significantly in FY25.
Global Manufacturing vs. Services • The mismatch between credit growth and deposit growth remains a concern but is
• Manufacturing: The global Purchasing Managers’ Index being monitored.
(PMI) for manufacturing showed contraction. Global
manufacturing activity was weaker in 2024, with mixed Employment and Labour Market:
results across regions. India reported the strongest output • India’s unemployment rate has dropped from 6% in 2017-18 to 3.2% in 2023-24. The labor force
growth. participation rate (LFPR) and worker-to-population ratio (WPR) also showed improvement.
• Services: The global Services PMI remained strong, • The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers opportunities to enhance labor productivity and create new jobs.
showing expansion for 23 consecutive months. The • However, it will require investments in education and skill development to adapt the workforce for AI-driven
financial services sector showed the fastest growth. changes.

Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI)

• Manufacturing PMI, or Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) is an economic gauge derived from monthly
surveys of companies.
• Started in 1948 by the Institute for Supply Management, PMI is produced globally.
• It assesses business conditions in manufacturing and services sectors.
• Types of PMI :
• Manufacturing PMI
• Services PMI

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MONETARY POLICY TRENDS External Sector- Getting FDI Right

• In October 2024, the MPC shifted to a ‘neutral’ stance, considering the • Overall exports (merchandise + services) grew by 6 per cent (YOY) in the first nine months of FY25. Services
prevailing inflation and growth outlook. sector by 11.6 per cent during the same time.
• CRR Reduction : In December 2024, the MPC reduced the Cash Reserve • Gross Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows recorded a revival in FY25, increasing from USD 47.2 billion in
Ratio (CRR) to 4% from 4.5%. This move is expected to inject Rs 1.16 lakh the first eight months of FY24 to USD 55.6 billion in the same period of FY25, a YoY growth of 17.9 per cent.
crore liquidity into the banking system.
Shift Towards Friend-shoring & Nearshoring
Performance of the Banking Sector • Friend-shoring: Countries are shifting trade relations
• Asset Quality: The Gross Non-Performing Asset (GNPA) ratio towards politically aligned partners to reduce
of Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) has decreased to a dependency on geopolitical rivals.
12-year low of 2.6% by September 2024, due to better • Nearshoring: A growing trend where nations shift
recoveries, write-offs, and fewer loan defaults. supply chains closer to home to ensure stability and
• Bank deposits continued to grow at double-digit rates, with minimize risks from trade disruptions.
term deposits growing faster than current and savings
account deposits. NON-TARIFF MEASURES
• In December 2024, the RBI raised the interest rate ceiling on • Governments are increasingly using NTMs (such as regulatory barriers and technical requirements) to
Foreign Currency Non-Resident (FCNR) deposits, control trade flows.
encouraging more foreign inflows. • Many nations protect domestic industries by imposing significant tariffs on certain items.
• Use of AI in Banking: Banks globally have integrated • World tariff profiles 2023 published by the WTO lists the data on the highest tariff charged by countries.
technology like ATMs, electronic payments, and online • The highest tariffs of some other countries include
banking. 457% by Japan, 887% by Korea and 350% by the US.
• AI in India is used in credit underwriting, risk assessment,
portfolio optimization, and chatbots for customer service. Climate-Change-Related NTMs on the Rise
While AI offers benefits, it poses risks like transparency • Upcoming EU policies, such as the Carbon Border
issues, accountability, cyber risks, and system Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the European
dependencies. Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), will impact
major exporters like India, China, and Turkey.
ROLE OF CAPITAL MARKETS
• Active Listing and Investor Enthusiasm : The primary market witnessed India’s Textile Exports:
heightened listing activities in FY25. India’s share in global IPO listings • India is the 6th largest exporter of textiles and apparel globally, contributing
surged to 30% in 2024 (up from 17% in 2023), making it the top 2.3% of GDP, 13% of industrial production, and 12% of total exports.
contributor to global capital mobilisation. • India’s apparel market share (2.8%) is much lower than China (30%), Bangladesh
• Market Trends : The secondary market experienced significant volatility (9%), and Vietnam (7%).
during FY25, influenced by events like the 2024 general elections, • Key markets: Europe and the US: 66% of India’s apparel exports UK: 8% UAE: 7%
geopolitical tensions, and global economic shifts. Despite this, the market showed a consistent upward trend
until September 2024, driven by strong domestic economic prospects and institutional investor inflows. DGFT ‘Trade Connect e-Platform’ to Boost MSME Exports
• A single-window online portal launched to help exporters,
India’s Insurance Market Performance particularly MSMEs, explore new international markets.
• Growth in Premiums : India’s total insurance premiums grew by 7.7% in FY24, reaching ₹11.2 lakh crore, • Developed in collaboration with MSME Ministry, EXIM Bank,
despite a slight drop in insurance penetration from 4% to 3.7%. Ministry of External Affairs, and financial institutions.
• Government Initiatives to Increase Insurance Coverage in India • The platform provides real-time trade insights, connects exporters
1. Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Yojana (PMJJBY) with government trade entities, and addresses information gaps.
2. Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)
3. Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) BALANCE OF PAYMENT (BOP)
4. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) • Despite external trade and investment uncertainties, India’s BoP remains stable, supported by:
1. Resilient services exports
CYBERSECURITY IN INDIA 2. Lower crude oil prices
• According to the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), 3. Revival in Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI) inflows
the number of cybersecurity incidents reported has been on the rise, 4. Recovery in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) flows
with 11.6 lakh incidents in 2020, 14 lakh in 2021, and 13.9 lakh in 2022.
• In the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) 2024, India secured a Tier 1
ranking with a remarkable score of 98.49 out of 100.

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Current Account Deficit (CAD) • Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is increasingly flowing only to geopolitically aligned countries especially in
• India’s CAD moderated to 1.2% of GDP in Q2 FY25 , down from 1.3% in strategic sectors.
Q2 FY24. • Policies like Friend-shoring (investing in allied nations) and re-shoring (bringing production back home) hurt
• Strong net services receipts (USD 44.5 billion) and private remittances these economies the most.
(USD 31.9 billion) helped cushion the rising CAD.
Investment & Infrastructure
FDI Performance • The Union Government‘s capital expenditure on key infrastructure
• India crossed USD 1 trillion in cumulative FDI inflows (April 2000 - September sectors has grown at a rate of 38.8 per cent from FY20 to FY24.
2024) , reinforcing its status as a key global investment hub. • Under railway connectivity, 2031 km of railway network was
• Top FDI recipient sectors in H1 FY25: Services (19.1%) Computer Software & commissioned between April and November, 2024, and 17 new pairs of
Hardware (14.1%) Trading (9.1%) Non-conventional Energy (7%) Cement & Vande Bharat trains were introduced between April and October 2024.
Gypsum (6.1%) • Under road network, 5853 km of National Highways was constructed in FY25 (April-Dec).
• A 15.8 per cent year-on-year increase in renewable energy capacity of solar and wind power by December
Portfolio Investment Trends (FPI) 2024.
• FPIs turned net buyers in Indian equities from June to September 2024 , but outflows of USD 11.5 billion in • The share of renewable energy in India’s total installed capacity now stands at 47 per cent.
October and USD 2.5 billion in early November reversed this trend.
• Concerns over slowing earnings growth, high valuations, and geopolitical risks led to temporary investor Industry
pullback. • The industrial sector expected to grow by 6.2 per cent in FY-25 (first advance
estimates), driven by robust growth in electricity and construction.
NRI Deposits & External Borrowings • As per the WIPO Report 2022, India ranks sixth among the top 10 patent filing
• NRI deposits surged to USD 10.2 billion (H1 FY25), doubling from USD 5.4 offices globally.
billion in the previous year.
• External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs) also increased to USD 9.2 billion , Services
signaling higher foreign lending appetite for Indian corporates. • The service sector’s contribution to total GVA has risen from 50.6 per cent in
• India ranks 4th globally in forex reserves, behind China, Japan, and FY14 to 55.3 per cent in FY25 (First Advance Estimates).
Switzerland. • India’s services export growth surged to 12.8 per cent during April–
November FY25, up from 5.7 per cent in FY24.
External Debt Position
• India’s external debt stood at USD 711.8 billion (September 2024) , with a debt-to-GDP ratio of 19.4%, a
slight increase from 18.8% in June 2024.
• Major currency composition of India’s external debt: US Dollar (53.4%) Indian Rupee (31.2%) SDRs (5%) Euro
(3%)

PRICES AND INFLATION

• As per the IMF, the global inflation rate moderated to 5.7 per cent by 2024 from
its peak of 8.7 per cent in 2022.
• Retail inflation in India saw a reduction from 5.4 per cent in FY24 to 4.9 per cent
in FY25 (April-December 2024).
• RBI and the IMF project India’s consumer price inflation will gradually align with
the target of around 4 per cent in FY26.

Inflation Rate of Tur

• Tur dal (pigeon pea) prices increased due to production shortfalls in 2022-23 and 2023-24.
• Tur production declined by 13.6% (2022-23) and 10.8% (2023-24) .
• A negative correlation (-0.8) between production and inflation shows that low production leads to high price
inflation Agriculture & Food Management
• The ‘Agriculture and Allied Activities‘ sector contributes approximately 16 per cent of the country’s GDP for
INDIA’S MEDIUM-TERM OUTLOOK FY24 (PE) at current prices.
• India aims to become a developed nation (Viksit Bharat) by 2047, requiring • The fisheries sector has shown the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.7 per cent, followed
an average 8% growth rate at constant prices for the next 10-20 years. by livestock with a CAGR of 8 per cent.
• Geo-Economic Fragmentation (GEF) is replacing globalization leading to • The provision of free food grains under PMGKAY for another five years, reflects the long term commitment
imminent economic realignments and readjustments. of Govt towards food and nutrition security.

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• If one person has all the money and everyone else has nothing, the Gini Coefficient is 1 (perfect inequality).
• Most countries fall somewhere in between, with values between 0 and 1.
• Government health expenditure increases from 29.0 per cent to 48.0 per cent; share of out-of pocket
expenditure in total health expenditure declines from 62.6 per cent to 39.4 per cent, reducing financial
hardship endured by households.
• The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) has played a decisive role in the
significant reductions in expenditure
with over ₹1.25 lakh crore in savings
being recorded.

Employment & Skill Development

• Indian labour market indicators have
improved with unemployment rate
declining to 3.2 per cent in 2023-24
(July-June) from 6.0 per cent in 2017-
Climate & Environment 18 (July-June).
• India’s ambition to achieve developed nation status by 2047 is • With around 26 per cent of the
fundamentally anchored in the vision of inclusive and sustainable population in the age group of 10-24
development. years, India stands at the cusp of a
• India has installed electricity generation capacity of 2,13,701 megawatts unique demographic opportunity, as
from non-fossil fuel sources, which accounts for 46.8 per cent of the one of the youngest nations globally.
total capacity as of 30 November 2024.
AI Era
• AI is anticipated to surpass human performance in critical
decision-making across various fields, including healthcare,
research, criminal justice, education, business, and financial
services.
• Fortunately, due to AI presently being in its infancy, India is
afforded the time necessary to strengthen its foundations
and mobilise a nation-wide institutional response.
• The future revolves around 'Augmented Intelligence', where the workforce integrates both human and
machine capabilities.
• This approach aims to enhance human potential and improve overall efficiency in job performance,
ultimately benefiting society as a whole.

Social Sector
• Gini coefficient, a measure of inequality in consumption
expenditure, is declining.
• For rural areas it declined to 0.237 in 2023-24 from 0.266
in 2022-23, and for urban areas, it fell to 0.284 in 2023-24
from 0.314 in 2022-23.
• The Gini Coefficient is a number that measures income
inequality in a country.
• It tells us how evenly or unevenly wealth is distributed
among people in a society.
• If everyone earns the same amount, the Gini Coefficient is
0 (perfect equality).

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