Main Point :-   (i) Spanish midfielder Borja Herrera delivered an outstanding performance for FC Goa, scoring a brace with goals in the 23rd and 51st minutes. Serbian forward Dejan Drazic added to the tally with a third goal in the 71st minute, sealing a dominant 3-0 victory over Jamshedpur FC in the Kalinga Super Cup 2025 final.

      (ii) For his stellar performance, Borja Herrera was awarded the ‘Player of the Match’. With this triumph, FC Goa qualified for the AFC Champions League 2 (ACL2) Playoffs, marking their return to continental football after 4 years.

Main Point :-   (i) To celebrate the first International Day of Human Space Flight, the UN Postal Administration (UNPA), based in New York, issued a special series of commemorative stamps at its offices in New York (USA), Geneva (Switzerland), and Vienna (Austria).

      (ii) The collection included a stamp featuring Yuri Gagarin, the first human to journey into outer space.

(iii) The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), headquartered in Vienna, Austria, is the UN entity responsible for promoting international cooperation in the peaceful use of outer space.

Main Point :-   (i) According to the 2022-23 PAI data, out of 2,55,699 GPs, a total of 2,16,285 GPs submitted validated data. Among them, 699 (0.3%) Panchayats were identified as Front Runners.

      (ii) Gujarat led the rankings with 346 Gram Panchayats recognized as Front Runners, followed by Telangana with 270 Gram Panchayats in the same category.

Main Point :-   (i) The MoU leverages Geospatial AI, Object Detection AI, Generative AI, and Digital Twin solutions to optimize vessel design, enhance shipyard security, and enable 360-degree surveillance systems. It aligns with Industry 4.0 and Quality 4.0 (QA 4.0) principles to modernize shipbuilding, reduce operational costs, and set new global benchmarks.

      (ii) The Center for Geospatial AI and Digital Twins (CGDT) at IIT-H, led by Director Prof. B.S. Murty, will be responsible for developing advanced Geospatial Digital Twin models to build virtual replicas of shipbuilding environments for testing and innovation.

(iii) This collaboration marks the launch of Asia’s first AI-driven maritime security project and positions India as a global frontrunner in AI-powered maritime technology, significantly boosting indigenous technological expertise and innovation in the shipbuilding sector.

      - Tavasya, named after Bhima's mace in the Mahabharata, symbolizes the Indian Navy's strength. The frigate measures 124.8m in length, 15.2m in width, and has a 4.5m draught, with a displacement of 3,600 tons and a top speed of 28 knots. It features stealth capabilities, BrahMos missile systems, torpedo launchers, and advanced sonar and sensor systems, enhancing its combat effectiveness.

Main Point :-   (i) In October 2016, India and Russia signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for four Krivak-class stealth frigates. Two were built in Russia and imported for USD 1 billion, while the remaining two are being constructed in India by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) under a USD 500 million technology transfer agreement with ROSOBORONEXPORT (Russia) for materials and design assistance.

      (ii) INS Tushil, the first Russian-built frigate, was commissioned on December 9, 2024, while INS Tamal, the second, is undergoing trials and is expected to be commissioned by June 2025.

(iii) On January 25, 2019, the Ministry of Defence (MoD), Government of India (GoI) signed a contract with GSL for the construction of two Project 1135.6 frigates. The first indigenous frigate, Triput, was launched on July 23, 2024, followed by Tavasya as the second.

Main Point :-   (i) The agreement intends to offer customized credit solutions with attractive interest rates, focusing on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities to improve access to formal loans.

      (ii) Punjab & Sind Bank, with 1,575 branches, brings strong financial expertise, while Piramal Finance, with over 514 branches covering 13,000 pin codes, serves 4.5 million customers across 26 states.

(iii) Together, they combine solid underwriting practices with advanced credit evaluation tools to provide efficient credit solutions.

Main Point :-   (i) The exploration access will be granted exclusively to private entities, allowing them to explore up to 1,000 square meters per licence, which will accelerate mineral exploration, boost private sector participation, and enhance India's mineral security and self-reliance in critical minerals.

      (ii) ELs were introduced through the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) (MMDR) Amendment Act, 2023, enabling private participation in reconnaissance and prospecting of 29 critical and deep-seated minerals, including Lithium (Li), Copper (Cu), Cobalt (Co), Gold (Au), and Silver (Ag), as listed in the new 7th Schedule of the Act.

(iii) In October 2024, the Government of India (GoI) issued an order under Section 20A of the MMDR Act, 2023, to conduct the EL auction process.

      - This collaboration leverages Assam’s rich biodiversity and agricultural strengths to build a strong bio-manufacturing sector.

Main Point :-   (i) The policy emphasizes sustainable bio-manufacturing across multiple sectors, including bio-based chemicals, Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), biopolymers, enzymes, climate-resilient agriculture, functional foods, smart proteins, carbon capture and utilization, precision bio-therapeutics (such as cell and gene therapy, messenger Ribonucleic Acid (mRNA) therapeutics, and monoclonal antibodies), and advanced marine and space research.

      (ii) It also focuses on developing Bio-Enablers such as bio-foundries, bio-manufacturing hubs, and Bio-Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms.

(iii) The MoU establishes a strategic collaboration where DBT will provide guidance and facilitate partnerships, while the Assam Government will spearhead initiatives by setting up a State BioE3 Cell and formulating the Assam BioE3 Action Plan.

Main Point :-   (i) Transitioned to Low-Temperature Thermal Destruction (LTTD) technology, converting waste into eco-friendly materials like bricks and pots, thus avoiding 21.14 tons of CO₂e from sanitary waste.

      (ii) Installed 310 LED lights across company facilities, reducing energy use by 13,020 kilowatt-hours (kWh) and cutting 9 tons of CO₂e emissions.

(iii) Moved to paperless processes, saving 792 kilograms (kg) of paper and reducing 9 tons of CO₂e emissions.

Main Point :-   (i) The scheme ensures a minimum pension of Rs 3,000 per month after the age of 60 for workers who are part of the unorganised sector and earn up to Rs 15,000 per month.

      (ii) The scheme is overseen by the Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoL&E), in collaboration with Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) and Common Services Centres e-Governance Services India Limited (CSC SPV), to ensure smooth implementation.

(iii) As of December 31, 2024, more than 30.51 crore unorganised workers were registered on the e-Shram portal.

Main Point :-   (i) The award acknowledges efforts in reducing workplace injuries, implementing best OSH practices, and promoting continuous improvements.

      (ii) The airport achieved zero fatal, non-fatal, and permanent disability incidents, contributing to its success in securing the award.

(iii) The airport is named after Manohar Gopalkrishna Prabhu Parrikar, the former Union Minister of Defence (MoD) and Chief Minister (CM) of Goa.

      - On 22 September 2024, global leaders adopted the Pact for the Future at the Summit of the Future, reaffirming their commitment to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Main Point :-   (i) The report highlights significant progress in the Asia-Pacific region on SDGs, including reducing income poverty (SDG 1), addressing undernourishment (SDG 2), supporting small-scale industries (SDG 9), reducing hazardous waste (SDG 12), mitigating land degradation (SDG 15), and combating human trafficking and intentional homicide (SDG 16).

      (ii) Additionally, the availability of SDG data has increased to 54%.

Main Point :-   (i) Apart from being a remarkable performer, Pandit Prabhakar Karekar was also a dedicated teacher. He was a graded artist with All India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan (DD), which helped him reach a wide audience across the country.

      (ii) Prabhakar Karekar was the founder and Chairman of the Swarprabha Trust.

(iii) Over the course of his career, he received many prestigious awards, including the Tansen Samman, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, and Gomant Vibhushan Award, all recognizing his significant contributions to classical music.

Main Point :-   (i) In 1992, he authored the "Authorized Biography of Mother Teresa," which was later translated into 14 languages both in India and internationally.

      (ii) Chawla’s contributions in both administrative and electoral processes have left a lasting impact on the nation.

      - Entity Locker supports multiple use cases, such as vendor verification, compliance documentation for the food industry under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), and corporate filings like annual returns. It significantly simplifies compliance processes and improves operational efficiency.

Main Point :-   (i) The platform ensures real-time document verification by integrating with government databases. It provides 10 gigabytes (GB) of encrypted cloud storage for secure document management and enables authentication using legally valid digital signatures. Aadhaar-based authentication ensures secure and accountable access to sensitive information.

      (ii) Built-in features of Entity Locker simplify regulatory reporting and compliance by offering tools to track document-related activities, enhancing transparency and accountability for businesses and organizations.

(iii) Individuals do not have direct access to Entity Locker but can connect their personal accounts to their organization’s account to manage and access digital documents. The platform emphasizes user consent for data sharing and ensures a secure and accountable environment for document management.

Main Point :-   (i) The NTB will operate under the Department of Commerce (DoC), MoC&I.

      (ii) The board will include representatives from various departments, such as the Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy); Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers (MoC&F); Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW), and the Department of Commerce, MoC&I.

(iii) The board will provide leadership and coordinate with other government departments/agencies to foster the growth and development of the turmeric sector in India.

      - The project is inspired by similar initiatives in Jharkhand and successful World Bank projects in Tanzania and Bangladesh.

Main Point :-   (i) The MPOWER project, aimed at improving academic results in grades 6-12 and closing gaps in reading and math, has a total cost of USD 45 million, with USD 35 million funded by the World Bank and the rest by the Government of India.

      (ii) The project aims to reduce dropout rates in Meghalaya, with a focus on providing career guidance, mental health awareness, and life skills training to both current and former students, as the state has one of the highest dropout rates in India.

(iii) The project will also provide business skills training to aspiring entrepreneurs and out-of-school adolescents, in partnership with the Meghalaya State Skills Development Society (MSSDS).

      - Strategic and Security Collaboration: Both sides discussed enhancing cooperation in critical minerals and rare earths, essential for technology and industry, and exchanged views on global and regional security, reaffirming their shared commitment to addressing evolving security challenges.

Main Point :-   (i) This security dialogue came after a visit by Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim to India in August 2024, at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

      (ii) Malaysia is India's 13th largest trade partner and the 3rd largest trade partner among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries.

(iii) In 2023, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh opened Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's (HAL) first regional office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Main Point :-   (i) Leaf litter, made up of fallen leaves and organic material, is essential for the ecosystem as it provides shelter and food for various organisms, including ants.

      (ii) These ants play a key role in decomposition, soil movement, and pest control, making them vital for forest ecology.

(iii) He also played a key role in helping Cyprus become a member of the European Union (EU) in 2004.

Main Point :-   (i) The Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) are specifically designed to fulfill the Indian Coast Guard's (ICG) operational needs, including surveillance and the protection of offshore assets and island territories, with key specifications of 52 meters in length, 8 meters in breadth, and a displacement of 320 tonnes.

      (ii) The FPVs are designed for high-speed patrolling and surveillance missions, helping to strengthen the Indian Coast Guard’s operational capabilities.

(iii) For the first time in its history, Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) used it State-of-the-Art Ship-Lift System to simultaneously launch two vessels of the same series in October 2024. This showcases the shipyard's advanced infrastructure and modernization efforts.

Main Point :-   (i) Sachin Tendulkar is considered one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history. He holds the record as the highest run-scorer in Test and One Day International (ODI) cricket.

      (ii) In 2014, he was awarded India's highest civilian honor, the 'Bharat Ratna'.

      - Kerala, Rajasthan, and Goa boost tourism and foreign exchange earnings. Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh lead in infrastructure development. Rajasthan and Gujarat focus on renewable energy. Northeastern states improve connectivity, enhancing trade and tourism.

Main Point :-   (i) 25 states recorded over 7% GSDP growth in FY22 and FY23.

      (ii) 17 states achieved over 9% growth, including Gujarat and Kerala.

(iii) PHDCCI proposes a nine-pronged strategy for sustained growth.

Main Point :-   (i) he taxonomy sets emission intensity thresholds for green-rated steel.

      (ii) National Institute of Secondary Steel Technology (NISST) will oversee measurement, reporting, and certification.

      - He won this title with 63.84% of the votes, while Joop de Mol (Netherlands) finished 2nd with 16.10% of the vote share.

Main Points:-   (i) PR Sreejesh, known as "The Wall of India," won his 3rd FIH Men's Goalkeeper of the Year award. He had earlier won this title in 2021 and 2022.

      (ii) He secured over 62% of the votes, while Olympic Gold medallist Pimrin Blaak (Netherlands) finished 2nd with 22% of the votes.