Main Point :-   (i) Martyrs' Day was officially declared in 1949, a year after Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination on January 30, 1948, to remember his sacrifices and the sacrifices of other freedom fighters.

      (ii) Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse on January 30, 1948, at Birla House, New Delhi.

      - The event featured three specialized sessions aimed at strengthening the handloom sector. These sessions focused on: encouraging start-ups in handloom, effective marketing for handloom products, and inspiring youth to join handloom weaving.

Main Point :-   (i) The key outcomes of the technical sessions included integrating handloom weaving into formal education, focusing on niche products to stand out in the market, and promoting sustainable employment opportunities in the handloom sector. The Minister also emphasized the need to promote sustainable, eco-friendly handloom products, particularly with the online market projected to reach USD 325 billion by 2030.

      (ii) During the event, Union Minister Giriraj Singh launched the Handloom Weavers Electronic (e)-Pehchaan portal and an online module for Handloom Awards, marking a significant step in digitizing the sector.

(iii) The MoT will introduce an award for corporates, producer companies, and start-ups that create sustainable job opportunities for weavers, ensuring they have work for at least 300 days a year. This initiative aims to provide social security and fair wages to handloom workers.

      - This trend is consistent across every state, except for Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir (J&K).

Main Point :-   (i) The household-based survey ASER 2025 covered 649,491 children aged 3-16, in 17,997 villages across 605 districts of 29 States/Union Territories (UTs) of India.

      (ii) The drop-out rate for children aged 15-16 decreased significantly from 13.1% (in 2018) to 7.5% (in 2022), but remained stable at 7.9% (in 2024) at the national level.

(iii) For the first time, the survey included a digital literacy section to assess the digital literacy awareness among children aged 14-16. The report showed that nearly 90% of both girls and boys in the 14-16 age group have access to smartphones at home.

      - Gram Sabhas of villages will be entrusted with the responsibility to carry out tree plantation and prepare need-based development plans.

Main Point :-   (i) Each village will receive Rs 15 lakh per annum, which will be directly deposited into the bank account of the respective gram sabha. Additionally, technical agencies will receive Rs 1 lakh for developing management plans.

      (ii) CFR management plans have been proposed in various districts of the state: Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Keonjhar, Sambalpur, Nayagarh, Kandhamal, Koraput, Malkangiri, Dhenkanal, and Bargarh.

(iii) As per MoTA, Maharashtra topped among states in recognizing Community Forest Resource Rights (CFRR), with 8,661 villages granted titles as of November 2024, followed by Chhattisgarh (with 4,328 titles), and Odisha (with 3,659 titles).

Main Point :-   (i) The RBI appointed Ram Kumar, former Chief General Manager (CGM) of Punjab National Bank (PNB), as the administrator of AIHFPL under Section 45-IE(2) of the RBI Act, 1934.

      (ii) RBI will initiate the resolution process of the company under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy (Insolvency and Liquidation Proceedings of Financial Service Providers and Application to Adjudicating Authority) Rules, 2019 (FSP Rules, 2019).

      - It will also offer training, consultancy, and Human Resource (HR) support to ensure UCBs are well-equipped to adapt to evolving regulatory and market demands.

Main Point :-   (i) In February 2024, NUCFDC obtained registration from RBI after raising a paid-up capital of Rs 117.95 crore.

      (ii) NUCFDC requires RBI approval to act as a Self-Regulatory Organisation (SRO) for UCBs, with functions prescribed by the RBI.

(iii) However, NUCFDC will receive this approval only if it attains a paid-up capital of Rs 300 crore within one year from the date of registration by RBI, i.e., by February 7, 2025.

Main Point :-   (i) With the launch of iSPOT, Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs) will now submit preliminary and Root Cause Analysis (RCA) reports of technical glitches to SEBI through the portal, ensuring enhanced data quality, traceability, and improved compliance monitoring.

      (ii) Previously, MIIs, including stock exchanges, clearing corporations, and depositories, were required to report technical glitches and submit RCA reports to SEBI via a dedicated email ID.

(iii) iSPOT will automatically send reminders to MIIs for RCA submissions and generate system-driven reports for regulatory monitoring.

      - CRAs play a vital role in the NPS ecosystem by managing subscriber records, ensuring transparency, and facilitating seamless account operations.

Main Point :-   (i) The CRA platform incorporates advanced security measures, including dual-factor authentication, passwords, and one-time passwords (OTPs).

      (ii) Subscribers can access dedicated portals, WhatsApp services, and a missed-call facility to monitor investments and make modifications effortlessly.

(iii) In 2024, the Government of India (GoI) increased tax benefits under corporate NPS from 10% to 14% of basic income.

      - The hydrogen-compliant steel pipes were manufactured at Tata Steel's Kalinganagar plant (Odisha) and processed at the Khopoli plant (Maharashtra), with the entire technology development—including hot-rolled steel design and pipe production—carried out in-house by Tata Steel.

Main Point :-   (i) The API X65 ERW pipes underwent hydrogen qualification tests conducted by RINA Consulting Centro Sviluppo Materiali (CSM) S.p.A., Italy, and successfully passed all critical tests, confirming their suitability for high-pressure hydrogen transportation.

      (ii) This development supports India's National Hydrogen Mission (NHM), which aims to produce 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of green hydrogen annually by 2030, with potential to increase to 10 MMT for export.

(iii) The demand for hydrogen-compliant steel pipes is expected to begin in 2026-27, with an estimated total requirement of 350 kiloton (KT) over the next 5-7 years.

      - RDCL, established with the National Housing Bank (NHB) as the largest shareholder, is supported by a diverse group of investors, including banks, housing finance companies (HFCs), NBFCs, and insurance companies, with the goal of driving securitisation innovation, boosting investor confidence, supporting housing finance policies, and collaborating with key stakeholders.

Main Point :-   (i) RDCL will invest in RMBS issuances, offer second-loss credit enhancements, and provide liquidity solutions to Primary Lending Institutions (PLIs) to support the housing finance sector and manage risks.

      (ii) RDCL aims to standardize processes and documentation to ensure transparency and build trust among stakeholders.

(iii) The RMBS market is vital for meeting India's housing finance demand by diversifying funding sources, providing liquidity to PLIs, and offering investment opportunities, with outstanding individual housing loans growing at a CAGR of 13.1% from Rs 17.95 Lakh Crore to Rs 33.19 Lakh Crore between 2019 and 2024.

Main Point :-   (i) The Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) Rifles Contingent won the Best Marching Contingent award in the Services category, as decided by the judges.

      (ii) Uttar Pradesh (UP) won the first prize in the Best Tableau category, according to the judges, for showcasing Mahakumbh 2025 and Swarnim Bharat: Virasat aur Vikas (Golden India: Heritage and Development).

(iii) The performance titled "Jayati Jai Mamah Bharatam" set a Guinness World Record for "The Largest Indian Folk Variety Dance" during the Republic Day 2025 celebrations. Organized by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Sangeet Natak Akademi, this cultural showcase was a significant achievement, highlighting India's rich folk traditions.

      - She gave Odisha Warriors the lead in the 2nd quarter, but Penny Squibb (28') equalized for JSW Soorma Hockey Club.

Main Point :-   (i) The Other Awards at the tournament included Savita Punia (JSW Soorma Hockey Club) winning the Best Goalkeeper award, while Jyoti Rumavat (JSW Soorma Hockey Club) was named the Player of the Tournament.

      (ii) The Top Scorers of the Tournament were Yibbi Jansen (Odisha Warriors) and Charlotte Englebert (JSW Soorma Hockey Club).

Main Point :-   (i) The awards were given in seven categories, with banks being recognized in three status levels: Winner, Runner-Up, and Special Mention.

      (ii) City Union Bank Limited (CUB) and Bank of Maharashtra (BOM) won awards in all seven categories, while Karnataka Bank Limited (KBL) won in six categories.

Main Point :-   (i) The first observance took place on January 30, 2020.

      (ii) On May 31, 2021, the 74th World Health Assembly (WHA) officially designated January 30th as WNTDD through decision WHA74(18). This proposal was supported by countries like UAE, Oman, Brazil, and others.

(iii) As of December 2024, 54 countries had successfully eliminated at least one NTD.

      - As part of the Government of India's (GoI) Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme, this revision sets the administered ex-mill price of ethanol derived from C Heavy Molasses (CHM) at Rs. 57.97 per litre, an increase from the previous rate of Rs. 56.58 per litre.

Main Point :-   (i) The government has advanced its target for 20% ethanol blending in petrol from 2030 to Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2025-26. Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) aim to achieve 18% ethanol blending in ESY 2024-25.

      (ii) Investments are being made to expand ethanol distillery capacity to 1,713 crore litres per annum to meet the growing demand.

(iii) The Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme was launched in 2003 by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoP&NG) to promote ethanol usage in fuel.

Main Point :-   (i) The Fintech Yatra is a 10,000-kilometer (km) long epic road journey aimed at identifying, understanding, and boosting players in financial services across India. It serves as a platform that connects startups, Financial Institutions (FIs), and investors while simultaneously promoting digital independence.

      (ii) As part of this collaboration, over 200 individuals from select Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) will be trained under a train-the-trainer model, empowering them to raise awareness about digital payments.

Main Point :-   (i) Her previous record was 8.12 seconds, set at the 2024 Asian Indoor Championships in Tehran (Iran), where she also won the Gold medal in the 60m hurdles.

      (ii) On January 17, 2025, she was honored with the 'Arjuna Award 2024' for her performance in the 100m hurdles in athletics at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.

(iii) In the men's 60m hurdles, Tejas Shirse won the Bronze medal with a time of 7.68 seconds and set a national record in Luxembourg with a time of 7.65 seconds.

Main Point :-   (i) The Telangana government secured an investment of Rs 1,78,950 crore, which will create 49,550 jobs, on the sidelines of the WEF 2025 in Switzerland. The state government signed several Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs), with a major focus on establishing data centres, followed by pumped storage facilities.

      (ii) The Maharashtra government signed 61 MoUs, including 54 investment proposals and 7 strategic cooperation agreements, at WEF 2025, with an investment worth Rs 15.70 lakh crore. These agreements have the potential to provide 16 lakh jobs in the state.

      - Dharohar chronicles the 150-year journey and development of India's securities market, highlighting its diverse range of products, participants, and institutions.

Main Point :-   (i) The platform features a website with an interactive timeline of key events and 3D galleries, offering a dynamic and engaging experience for visitors.

      (ii) With over 3,000 assets, Dharohar includes articles, regulatory history, interviews with key figures, historical newspaper clippings, share certificates, infographics, videos, committee reports, and more.

(iii) The Dharohar repository will regularly update with new content to enhance its value, and users can explore it at https://www.mism.org.

      - The President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, was the Chief Guest for the 76th Republic Day celebrations, marking him as the fourth Indonesian leader to be invited for this honor.

Main Point :-   (i) The ceremony began with a visit from Prime Minister (PM) of India, Narendra Modi. The parade was led by Lieutenant (Lt.) General Bhavnish Kumar, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area.

      (ii) Group Captain Alok Ahlawat led the Mi-17 1V helicopters from the 129 Helicopter Unit, which showered flower petals in the Dhwaj Formation, while a 148-member all-women marching contingent from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was a key highlight of the parade.

(iii) Indonesia's 160-member marching contingent and 190-member band contingent participated in the Republic Day parade, while 300 cultural artists performed the patriotic song 'Sare Jahan Se Achha' using traditional instruments like shehnai, sundari, nadaswaram, been, mashak been, and ransingha.

Main Point :-   (i) During the event, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced new challenges aimed at promoting films that explore India's rich tourism and cultural heritage. These challenges seek to enhance creativity, innovation, and international participation.

      (ii) WAVES Bazaar, an e-Marketplace, has been introduced to bring together creators, buyers, and collaborators from various industries such as film, television (TV), music, and creative content firms, all on a single platform.

(iii) As per MIB, WAVES Awards will commence with nominations opening on February 15, 2025. The awards will feature categories such as: Game of the Year, Film of the Year, and Advertising Campaign of the Year.

      - The initiative simplifies the certification process, speeds up processing, and benefits global supply chains involving intermediary trade through India, with certificates issued based on documentary proof from the foreign country of origin, ensuring transparency by clearly stating the origin details and supporting documents.

Main Point :-   (i) The system now supports Aadhaar-based e-signing in addition to digital signature tokens, providing more flexibility.

      (ii) It introduces an in-lieu Certificate of Origin feature for requesting corrections to previously issued Certificates of Origin via a simple online application process.

(iii) DGFT has introduced a process for obtaining online Back-to-Back Certificates of Origin (Non-Preferential) for goods not originally from India but intended for re-export, transshipment, or merchanting trade, while an integrated dashboard provides exporters with easy access to eCoO services, Free Trade Agreement (FTA) details, trade events, and other resources.

Main Point :-   (i) With this agreement, Tripura becomes the first North-Eastern (NE) state, as well as the 8th Indian state to sign an MoU with the Bhasha Interface for India (Bhashini).

      (ii) This MoU is a significant milestone in the state's efforts to promote digital inclusivity and leverage technology for enhanced citizen-centric governance.

      - The wallet is fully compatible with UPI, allowing users to make payments by scanning any Unified Payments Interface (UPI) Quick Response (QR) code using e-rupee.

Main Point :-   (i) Existing Mobikwik users who have completed their Know Your Customer (KYC) formalities can instantly open e-rupee wallets and make transactions directly from their bank accounts.

      (ii) The wallet allows transactions up to Rs 50,000 per day, with a per transaction limit of Rs 10,000. It supports denominations ranging from Rs 0.50 to Rs 500.

(iii) Initially launched as a pilot project in December 2022 with 4 banks, the e-rupee was later expanded to include non-bank entities, and in January 2025, Bengaluru-based Cred launched its beta version of the e-wallet in collaboration with RBI and Yes Bank.

Main Point :-   (i) The primary objective is to offer competitive interest rates and tailored credit solutions to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and home loan borrowers.

      (ii) This partnership leverages RBL Bank's financial expertise and branch network, combined with Piramal Finance's innovative 'High Tech + High Touch' approach, to deliver competitive interest rates and customized credit solutions to underserved communities.

Main Point :-   (i) The NCRP Integration Solution enhances fraud prevention through automation across various banking channels such as Internet Banking, Mobile Banking, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), Debit Cards, and Unified Payments Interface (UPI).

      (ii) Key features include Real-Time Lien, First In, First Out (FIFO) Logic for faster complaint resolution, Intelligent Debit Freeze, and Whitelisting for account protection.

(iii) Bengaluru-based CustomerXPs Software Private Limited, founded in 2006, developed the Clari5 software for financial crime risk management.

      - In January 2025, Nakul Jain announced his resignation as the Managing Director (MD) & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Paytm Payments Services Limited (PPSL), a subsidiary of One97 Communications Limited (OCL), to pursue his entrepreneurial journey. His resignation will be effective from March 31, 2025, or an earlier mutually agreed date.

Main Point :-   (i) Nakul Jain joined PPSL in 2022, overseeing the Online Payments business. With over 21 years of experience, he has expertise in retail banking, product management, wealth management, international banking, and payments.

      (ii) Before joining Paytm, he was part of the Management Team at Standard Chartered Bank and held leadership positions at ICICI Bank Limited and IndusInd Bank Limited.

(iii) On August 28, 2024, PPSL received approval from the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance (MoF), for downstream investment from Paytm into PPSL. The company has applied for a Payment Aggregator (PA) license from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and is awaiting approval.

      - AIonOS, founded in April 2024, is a joint venture between InterGlobe and Assago Group, dedicated to transforming businesses into AI-driven enterprises.

Main Point :-   (i) The collaboration between Indosat and AIonOS focuses on reshaping Indonesia's digital economy through AI technology, with applications in tourism, knowledge economy, and sustainable agriculture. The goal is to drive innovation and strengthen Indonesia's global networks.

      (ii) The partnership aims to develop an AI-skilled workforce by collaborating with top educational institutions. It will also use AI to boost agricultural productivity and improve climate resilience, supporting local farmers and enhancing food security in Indonesia.

(iii) Indosat and AIonOS will establish a Centre of Excellence in Jakarta, in collaboration with China-based DeepSeek, a company specializing in AI technology. DeepSeek's open-source AI model, DeepSeek-R1, launched in January 2025, aims to compete with major players like OpenAI, enhancing AI capabilities in areas such as mathematical reasoning and code generation.

      - Arshdeep Singh Aulakh (India) received the ICC Men's Twenty20 International (T20I) Cricketer of the Year 2024 award.

Main Point :-   (i) Amelia Kerr Charlotte (New Zealand) claimed the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy for ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year 2024, in recognition of her exceptional performances throughout 2024.

      (ii) Richard Keith Illingworth (England) was awarded the David Shepherd Trophy for ICC Umpire of the Year 2024.

Main Point :-   (i) KRBL Limited (formerly known as Khushi Ram Behari Lal Ltd.) was founded in 1889 in Lyallpur, Punjab by two brothers, Khushi Ram and Behari Lal.

      (ii) It is recognized as one of the world's largest rice millers, primarily known for its 'India Gate' brand of basmati rice, which is the largest-selling rice brand in India.

(iii) Anil Kumar Mittal serves as the Chairman and Managing Director (MD) of KRBL Limited.

Main Point :-   (i) Alexander Lukashenko became the first president of Belarus in 1994 and has been the only person to hold the position since then.

      (ii) The Belarusian Parliament, known as the National Assembly, is a bicameral body with two chambers: the Council of the Republic (upper house) with 110 members, and the House of Representatives (lower house) with 64 members.

Main Point :-   (i) The GSLV-F15 rocket, equipped with an indigenous cryogenic upper stage, successfully placed the NVS-02 satellite into the intended Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).

      (ii) NVS-02, the second satellite in the five-satellite second-generation Navigational Satellite (NVS) series (NVS-01/02/03/04/05), is designed to enhance the Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system, ensuring improved and continuous services.

Main Point :-   (i) Inkathazo, meaning "trouble" in South Africa’s isiXhosa and isiZulu languages, was named due to the complexities in understanding its physics.

      (ii) Giant Radio Galaxies (GRGs) are massive cosmic structures that emit jets of hot plasma, extending millions of light-years into space.

(iii) These radio-bright jets are powered by supermassive black holes located at the centers of galaxies.

Main Point :-   (i) It is voluntary for existing NPS employees and those opting for the Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) under NPS to switch to UPS. However, once switched, it cannot be reversed.

      (ii) The scheme follows a contributory model, requiring central government employees to contribute 10% of their basic salary and Dearness Allowance (DA).

(iii) The central government has increased its contribution from 14% (currently under NPS) to 18.5%.

      - 13 new industrial clusters from Australia, Brazil, Colombia, India (5), the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Thailand, and the UK have joined the WEF's Transitioning Industrial Clusters initiative, bringing the total to 33 across 16 countries and 5 continents.

Main Point :-   (i) India slipped to 3rd place in the 25th Edelman Trust Barometer launched during WEF 2025, which measures trust in government, businesses, media, and NGOs. China ranked 1st, followed by Indonesia at 2nd place.

      (ii) The 31st Annual Crystal Award honored architect Riken Yamamoto, designer Diane von Furstenberg, and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador David Beckham at WEF 2025 in Davos-Klosters.

      - In 2015, Georgia reported zero indigenous cases of malaria, successfully halting the transmission of the three main malaria parasite species: Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium malariae, and Plasmodium vivax.

Main Point :-   (i) WHO grants malaria elimination certification to a country when it can provide clear evidence that indigenous transmission has been interrupted across the entire nation for a minimum of three consecutive years.

      (ii) The final certification decision is made by the WHO Director-General (DG), based on recommendations from the independent Technical Advisory Group on Malaria Elimination and Certification (TAG-MEC) and validation from the Malaria Policy Advisory Group (MPAG).

      - RBI has announced a USD/INR Buy/Sell Swap auction of USD 5 billion for a 6-month tenor, scheduled for January 31, 2025, to manage liquidity conditions. Under this arrangement, RBI will borrow dollars in exchange for rupees, with the interest cost determined by the repurchase price of the dollars at the end of the tenure.

Main Point :-   (i) VRR (Variable Rate Repo) and OMO (Open Market Operations) are tools used by RBI to manage liquidity. VRR helps banks borrow at market-determined rates, while OMO involves the buying and selling of government securities.

      (ii) As of January 24, 2025, the banking system faced a liquidity deficit of Rs 2.82 lakh crore, prompting RBI's intervention.

(iii) The RBI recently conducted a VRR auction worth Rs 50,000 crore on January 16, 2025, and will conduct a USD/INR Buy/Sell Swap auction on January 31, 2025.

      - PSLAI is a non-profit organization aimed at promoting loans for sectors defined by the Reserve Bank of India’s Priority Sector Lending (PSL) guidelines. Its founding members include lending institutions such as UGRO Capital, IIFL, and fintech companies like GetVantage and GetGrowth Capital. PSLAI's primary goal is to support sectors like agriculture, MSMEs, and affordable housing by ensuring they receive essential financial backing for growth.

Main Point :-   (i) According to RBI guidelines, banks are required to allocate a minimum of 40% of their Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC) to Priority Sector Lending (PSL), resulting in an annual disbursement of Rs 64 trillion to sectors like agriculture, MSMEs, and affordable housing.

      (ii) The MSME sector, contributing 29% to India's GDP and 45.73% of exports, is currently facing a credit gap of approximately Rs 103 trillion for the Financial Year 2024 (FY24).

(iii) Despite a credit demand of Rs.138 trillion, only 25% of MSMEs' formal financing needs are met, with the majority relying on informal credit sources. To address this, PSLAI was established to improve credit access for MSMEs using technology.

Main Point :-   (i) New users who spend Rs 10,000 within the first 30 days will receive a cashback of Rs 1,000, Rs 3,000 in PostCard vouchers, and a complimentary three-month EazyDiner Prime Membership.

      (ii) Users spending over Rs 12 lakh annually will receive an additional 10,000 bonus reward points and enjoy purchase protection of up to USD 20,000 annually.

(iii) The card provides 6 local and 4 international airport lounge visits per year, along with discounts on holiday bookings, car rentals, and lifestyle experiences.

Main Point :-   (i) BOI, based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, was penalized Rs 1 crore for non-compliance with specific provisions of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

      (ii) Canara Bank, based in Bengaluru, Karnataka, received a penalty of Rs 1.63 crore for deficiencies in priority sector lending, deposit interest rate regulations, and financial inclusion measures, particularly concerning BSBDA.

Main Point :-   (i) BIMCOIN operates on blockchain technology, offering decentralization, transparency, and smart contract features.

      (ii) It enhances security, safeguards against fraud, and encourages ethical practices while providing students a hands-on learning experience with blockchain technology and digital currencies.

Main Point :-   Urmila Asher, popularly known as 'Gujju Ben' and founder of Gujju Ben Na Nasta, secured the 3rd rank, while billionaire Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, founder of Biocon India Private Limited, was ranked 32nd, and renowned activist Sheela Patel claimed the 37th position on the Forbes "50 Over 50" Women Global List 2025.

      - In the 2025 Australian Open, Prithvi Sekhar (India) won the men's singles title at the Deaf Championships, securing his second consecutive title. Jannik Sinner (Italy) claimed his second straight Australian Open title, defeating Alexander Zverev (Germany), while Madison Keys (USA) won her first Grand Slam by beating Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus).

Main Point :-   (i) In the doubles categories, Harri Heliovaara (Finland) and Henry Patten (Britain) won their second major title by defeating the Italian duo Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori. Katerina Siniakova (Czech Republic) and Taylor Townsend (USA) emerged victorious in the women’s doubles, winning their second Grand Slam title as a team after beating Jelena Ostapenko (Latvia) and Hsieh Su-wei (Taiwan).

      (ii) The Australian Open also witnessed an exciting mixed doubles final, where the Australian pair Olivia Gadecki and John Peers triumphed over John-Patrick Smith and Kimberly Birrell, with this being Gadecki’s first mixed doubles title and Peers' second.

(iii) The Australian Open is an annual tennis tournament organized by Tennis Australia, held at Melbourne Park. It is the first of the four Grand Slam tennis events each year, preceding the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open. First held in 1905, the tournament is played on hard courts.

Main Point :-   (i) Iniyan scored an impressive 8.5 points out of nine rounds in the tournament.

      (ii) He finished 1.5 points ahead of his nearest rival, having defeated four IMs and one GM during the tournament.

(iii) Earlier in January 2025, Iniyan also won the 15th Chennai Open International GM Chess Tournament 2024.

Main Point :-   (i) On November 1, 2005, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution A/RES/60/7, proclaiming January 27 as the annual International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust.

      (ii) The first-ever International Holocaust Remembrance Day was observed on January 27, 2006.

Main Point :-   (i) On January 25, 2025, the 3rd India-Indonesia Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) Forum took place in New Delhi, coinciding with the President's visit.

      (ii) The visit led to the signing and renewal of five Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in areas such as health, traditional medicine, and maritime security.

Main Point :-   (i) Focus on innovations in digital lending, AI-powered risk management, blockchain-based payments, and financial inclusion.

      (ii) Startups will receive support from YES Bank, RBIH, and SPJIMR through platforms like YES Connect, enabling them to navigate regulations, improve business models, and foster growth through industry partnerships.

(iii) The programme aligns with the global investment surge in venture capital, which reached USD 314 billion in 2024, and the projected USD 20 trillion global digital economy by 2030.

      - In 2024, WLD was observed on January 28, and in 2026, it will be observed on January 25.

Main Point :-   (i) In India, WLD is observed on January 30 every year, coinciding with the death anniversary (January 30, 1948) of Mahatma Gandhi, in recognition of his legacy, social justice efforts, and advocacy for people affected by leprosy.

      (ii) WLD was established in 1954 by Raoul Follereau, a French philanthropist and writer, to raise global awareness about leprosy.

(iii) The first-ever WLD was observed on January 31, 1954 (last Sunday of January).

      - With this capital infusion, the Government of India (GoI) is expected to raise its stake in IFCI beyond the current 71.72% as of September 2024.

Main Point :-   (i) A preferential issue occurs when a company issues shares or convertible securities to a specific group of investors, instead of offering them to the general public.

      (ii) This method is typically used to raise capital and can involve offering shares to existing shareholders, venture capitalists, or strategic partners.

(iii) In November 2024, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) granted in-principle approval for the 'Consolidation of IFCI Group,' which involves the merger or amalgamation of IFCI Limited, StockHolding Corporation of India Limited, and other group companies.

Main Point :-   (i) The new advisory board of World Cricket Connects (WCC), which replaced the World Cricket Committee (WCC) formed in 2006, consists of 13 founding members.

      (ii) Notable members include Anurag Dahiya, Chief Commercial Officer of ICC; Chris Dehring, CEO of Cricket West Indies; Sourav Ganguly, former Captain of the Indian Men's Cricket Team; Graeme Smith, former South Africa Captain; Andrew Strauss, former England Captain and ECB Director; Sanjog Gupta, CEO of JioStar-Sports; Heath Mills, Executive Chair of the World Cricketers' Association; Trudy Lindblade, CEO of Cricket Scotland; Heather Knight, Women's Captain of England; Mel Jones, former Australian cricketer and broadcaster; and Imtiaz Patel, former chair of SuperSport.

(iii) The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) announced that the 2nd World Cricket Connects (WCC) forum will take place from June 7 to June 8, 2025, ahead of the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord's Cricket Ground in London, UK.

Main Point :-   (i) The report evaluates the fiscal health of 18 major Indian states that are key contributors to India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), demography, total expenditure, revenues, and overall fiscal stability. It also identifies state-specific challenges and areas for improvement.

      (ii) States were ranked based on five key sub-indices: Quality of Expenditure, Revenue Mobilisation, Fiscal Prudence, Debt Index, and Debt Sustainability.

(iii) The report utilized data from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India to calculate the FHI of states.

      - Personal laws governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, adoption, and maintenance are currently based on the religious customs and scriptures of various communities.

Main Point :-   (i) On February 7, 2024, the Uttarakhand Legislative Assembly passed the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill, which received assent from President Droupadi Murmu on March 13, 2024. The bill establishes uniform personal laws on marriage, divorce, succession, and inheritance, applicable to all citizens of the state, regardless of religion.

      (ii) The Uttarakhand government introduced the Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code Act, 2024, providing a structured process for creating and canceling wills and codicils under inheritance laws.

(iii) The law applies across the state of Uttarakhand and is also effective for Uttarakhand residents living outside the state.

      - The MoU focuses on integrating C-DAC's expertise in advanced computing, cybersecurity, Blockchain, and e-Governance to modernize and improve India’s maritime sector.

Main Point :-   (i) The partnership will enable the usage of advanced digital tools and automated systems to streamline maritime operations, increase efficiency, and simplify processes.

      (ii) Advanced data analytics will be applied to identify patterns and trends for better decision-making. Predictive modeling will help detect potential risks, enhance safety, and optimize operations within the maritime ecosystem.

(iii) This collaboration aims to create a secure and efficient maritime ecosystem by leveraging cutting-edge technologies, improving maritime administration, and driving innovation to boost India’s position in the global maritime sector.

Main Point :-   (i) The event brought together over 200 solar physicists from India and abroad to share knowledge and engage in discussions.

      (ii) The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, established in 1899 and part of the IIA, has been a cornerstone in advancing solar research globally.

      - The accreditation is valid for 6 years and aims to promote the conservation and sustainable use of urban wetlands, ensuring ecological and socio-economic benefits for local populations.

Main Point :-   (i) In December 2024, the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India (GoI), nominated three Indian cities: Indore, Udaipur, and Bhopal (MP), for Wetland City Accreditation.

      (ii) The Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) is a voluntary system established by the Ramsar Convention in 2015 to recognize cities that have taken significant actions to protect and sustainably manage their urban wetlands. To earn this accreditation, cities must meet six international criteria, including measures to protect wetland ecosystems and promote their sustainable use.

(iii) China leads the global list with 22 accredited cities, followed by France with 9 cities.

Main Point :-   (i) The platform is designed to simplify credit card management, enabling millions of Indians to manage their cards, earn rewards, and receive personalized insights all through an easy-to-use interface.

      (ii) A Smart Spend Analysis feature is included, allowing users to compare spending across all their credit cards and merchants in one view, helping them track spending trends and understand monthly changes.

(iii) CheQ, founded by Aditya Soni in 2021, has processed over USD 4 billion in credit card payments and served more than 3 million customers.

Main Point :-   (i) The nomination places 'Anuja' among the five finalists selected from an initial pool of 180 qualifying films, competing with 'A Lien', 'I'm Not a Robot', 'The Last Ranger', and 'The Man Who Would Not Remain Silent'.

      (ii) The film also won the top honor at the HollyShorts Film Festival in 2024.

(iii) The 97th Academy Awards 2025, hosted by Conan O'Brien, will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, USA, on March 2, 2025.

Main Point :-   (i) Renowned economist Bibek Debroy, who served as the Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), along with Sushil Kumar Modi, former Deputy Chief Minister (Dy CM) of Bihar, and Manohar Joshi, former Chief Minister of Maharashtra (1995-1999), were honored posthumously with the Padma Bhushan award.

      (ii) Distinguished recipients of the Padma Bhushan award include famous Tamil actor S. Ajith Kumar, ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas (posthumous), renowned filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, and others.

Main Point :-   (i) The e200X features a compact wingspan that reduces infrastructure requirements, making it ideal for deployment in various regions of India and similar global markets.

      (ii) The ePlane Company was founded by Professor Satya Chakravarthy in 2019.

(iii) The DGCA has established safety criteria for certifying vertical take-off and landing capable aircraft (VCA) and set guidelines for the design of vertiports used by these aircraft.

      - He became MD & CEO of Canara Bank in September 2015, leading the bank for three years before retiring in July 2018.

Main Point :-   (i) In October 2018, Rakesh Sharma took over as MD & CEO of IDBI Bank, a role he held until his reappointment.

      (ii) Rakesh Sharma currently serves as the President of the Governing Body at the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII) and is a member of the Managing Committee of the Indian Banks' Association (IBA).

(iii) The reappointment of Rakesh Sharma comes as IDBI Bank’s promoters, Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), holding 49.24%, and the Government of India (GoI), with 45.48%, are working towards reducing their stakes.

Main Point :-   (i) This acquisition includes all personal loans classified as standard advances.

      (ii) The personal loan portfolio, a part of unsecured retail loans (including retail microcredit), accounted for a 10.5% share in KMBL’s net advances as of December 2024.

Main Point :-   (i) Soumitra Chatterjee was born in 1935 in Kolkata, West Bengal, and passed away in 2020. He starred in 14 of Satyajit Ray's films, including iconic works such as Apur Sansar (The World of Apu), Sonar Kella (The Golden Fortress), Joy Baba Felunath (The Elephant God), Devi (The Goddess), Charulata (The Lonely Wife), and Ghare Baire (The Home and the World).

      (ii) Soumitra’s legendary characters, such as Apu and Feluda, have become household names among Bengalis and cinema enthusiasts worldwide.

(iii) He was the first Indian film personality to receive France’s highest artistic honor, Commandeur of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (1999). His accolades include the Padma Bhushan (2004), two National Film Awards (2007 and 2017), and the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2012), India's highest honor in cinema.

      - Dr. K.M. Cherian, a pioneering cardiac surgeon, earned his MS from Kasturba Medical College in 1964 and performed his first open-heart surgery in Australia at the age of 26. In 1975, he conducted India’s first successful coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and later introduced the Physician Assistant profession in India.

Main Point :-   (i) Dr. K.M. Cherian performed India’s second heart transplant in 1995 and the first heart-lung transplantation, pediatric cardiac surgery, and laser heart surgery (TMR). In 2004, he established Frontier Lifeline Hospital and the Dr. Cherian Heart Foundation in Chennai.

      (ii) In 2010, he became the first Indian President of the World Society of Cardio-Thoracic Surgeons (WSCTS) and, in 2016, was selected as a member of the Founder Circle of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery.

(iii) For his contributions, he received the Padma Shri in 1991, the Lifetime Achievement Award from KMC Manipal in 2000, and the Harvard Medical Excellence Award in 2005.

Main Point :-   (i) On January 26, 2023, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) declared the International Day of Clean Energy through resolution A/77/327, recognizing the need to accelerate the global transition to clean and sustainable energy.

      (ii) The inaugural International Day of Clean Energy was celebrated on 26th January 2024.

Main Point :-   (i) The partnership focuses on strengthening health systems through digital health interventions like telemedicine, public health, disease surveillance, and cybersecurity. It addresses the challenges in these areas and outlines strategies to enhance resilience in the health infrastructure.

      (ii) Efforts will be made to improve the resilience of medical supply chains, ensuring preparedness for future disruptions. The MoU also covers regulatory issues such as the regulation, quality assurance of medicines and medical devices, and the establishment of shared quality standards.

(iii) A key focus will be on enhancing human resources for health, emphasizing education, training, and exchange in medical fields like family medicine and nursing. Additionally, the partnership aims to strengthen health security by cooperating on research concerning infectious diseases, emerging infections, and pandemic preparedness, including integrated surveillance across humans, animals, and plants.

Main Point :-   (i) The MoU signing ceremony was attended by Union Minister Manohar Lal (MoP & MoHUA), Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, along with senior officials from MoP, BEE, TERI, and the Telangana government.

      (ii) Additionally, the Government of India (GoI) has allocated Rs. 488 crore to Telangana for nine new schemes under the Power System Development Fund (PSDF).

Main Point :-   (i) The University of Oxford (United Kingdom) ranked first, followed by the University of Cambridge (UK) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA).

      (ii) The rankings evaluated over 11,000 universities across 11 subjects, including arts, business, computer science (CS), engineering, law, life sciences, medical and health, physical sciences, psychology, and social sciences.

      - The United States of America (USA) and India saw significant growth in manufacturing projects, setting new records.In India, semiconductor and basic metals projects were major contributors to this growth.

Main Point :-   (i) Large-scale projects announced with multiple investors, often involving substantial debt components. These projects mainly focus on infrastructure sectors and are crucial for investments aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

      (ii) Announcement-based data that represent investment intentions during the reporting year, offering insights into future Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) trends. These projects predominantly target industrial sectors.

(ii) Transactions involving acquisitions or mergers of companies across national borders, which have a direct impact on FDI flows.

      - Covers costs for replacing damaged equipment and restoring operations if cyber incidents render systems inoperable, including BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), Operational Technology (OT), industrial control, and SCADA systems.

Main Point :-   (i) Offers flexibility to clients by allowing the choice between gross or net profit for loss assessment, along with coverage for third-party forensic accounting fees for precise calculations.

      (ii) Provides up to 120 days of coverage for disruptions caused by incidents, including proactive mitigation costs and protection for system failures, voluntary or regulatory shutdowns, and multimedia activities.

(iii) The Indian cyber insurance market, valued at Rs. 850 crore in 2024, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 25% from 2025 to 2030, with India potentially facing up to 1 trillion cyberattacks annually by 2033, as per Prahar's report, The Invisible Hand.

      - The loan will also help increase the capacity of CIL’s Laksar factory in Uttarakhand to produce truck and bus radial (TBR) tyres.

Main Point :-   This initiative is aimed at strengthening local supply chains, promoting energy-efficient tyre production, and creating job opportunities.

      - He has held several important ministerial roles, including in health, trade, and education.

Main Point :-   (i) Micheal Martin will lead a coalition government made up of his Fianna Fail party, their long-time rival Fine Gael Party, and independent members of parliament.

      (ii) This is the second time Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have formed a coalition government, with the Green Party no longer in the government.

(iii) Simon Harris from the Fine Gael party is expected to become the PM in 2027. He will likely take over as Foreign Minister and Deputy PM under the coalition agreement.

      - She joined NASA in 2000 and worked as the Deputy Director at the John F. Kennedy Space Center until 2019.

Main Point :-   (i) In 2018, Janet E. Petro was inducted into the 'Florida Women's Hall of Fame' by the Governor of Florida.

      (ii) She also held a 12-month appointment as the Deputy Associate Administrator and Acting Director for NASA’s Office of Evaluation.

(iii) On June 30, 2021, she was appointed as the 11th Director of the John F. Kennedy Space Center by the 14th NASA Administrator, Bill Nelson.

      - The GLX-SQ payload processes Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images in space within 10 minutes, reducing 400 MB of raw data to under 1.5 MB for efficient transmission and minimized communication challenges.

Main Point :-   (i) SAR technology enables the capture of detailed images through clouds and darkness, enhancing Earth observation by providing reliable and actionable data in challenging conditions where traditional optical imagery is limited.

      (ii) The GLX-SQ payload was deployed as part of ISRO's POEM initiative, repurposing the 4th stage of the PSLV rocket to support experimental payloads, showcasing India’s innovative approach to space technology.

(iii) 'Mission Drishti': GalaxEye is preparing for its flagship mission, 'Mission Drishti', a multi-sensor satellite aimed at delivering all-weather, high-resolution imaging, positioning the company as a pioneer in remote sensing and satellite technology.

Main Point :-   (i) National Tourism Day was instituted by the Government of India (GOI) on January 25, 1949, marking the formation of the Ministry of Tourism (MoT).

      (ii) The Tourist Traffic Committee, established in 1948, initiated the celebration of "National Tourism Day" to promote tourism in India.

Main Point :-   (i) As of November 2024, over 4.1 crore Sukanya Samriddhi Accounts (SSAs) have been opened under the SSY.

      (ii) Uttar Pradesh (UP) emerged as the largest contributor to the SSY, with 45 lakh accounts opened under the scheme, followed by Tamil Nadu (TN) with 30 lakh accounts and Bihar with 22 lakh accounts.

Main Point :-   (i) Developed under the Ministry of Textiles (MoT), the platform is designed to provide trend insights specifically tailored to India's fashion and retail industry.

      (ii) VisionNxt seeks to reduce India's reliance on international trend forecasting agencies by leveraging the country's strengths in Information Technology (IT) and textiles.

      - Union Minister of State (MoS) Sanjay Seth, MoD; Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan; Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi; Rajesh Kumar Singh, Secretary of MoD; and other senior officials of MoD and BEL attended the flagging-off ceremony.

Main Point :-   (i) The programme provides trade and forex solutions, enabling women entrepreneurs to access international markets.

      (ii) Equipped with advanced sensors and analytics, it acts as a force multiplier for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, ensuring border security, preventing invasions, and enabling effective operations in a network-centric environment.

(iii) The system will be implemented in three stages across all operational Brigades, Divisions, and Corps of the Indian Army between March 2025 and October 2025, aligning with the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) declaration of 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms.’

Main Point :-   (i) The company broke rules about outsourcing financial services by allowing outside service providers (SPs) to handle important tasks like credit assessment, setting interest rates, and verifying customers' identities (Know Your Customer, or KYC).

      (ii) The company was offering loans through multiple mobile apps, including Wecash Technology, XNP Technology, Yarlung Technology, Xinrui International, Omelette Technology, Mad-Elephant Network Technology, and Huidatech Technology.

      - The first-ever National Voters' Day was celebrated in 2011 to mark the foundation day of the ECI, and the celebration was approved by the Cabinet, under Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.

Main Point :-   (i) On January 25, 2025, a national event was hosted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in New Delhi. The event featured President Droupadi Murmu as the Chief Guest and Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, Ministry of State (MoS), Ministry of Law and Justice (MoL&J) as the Guest of Honour.

      (ii) During the event, President Droupadi Murmu was presented with the ECI publication "Belief in the Ballot: Human stories shaping India's 2024 elections."

Main Point :-   (i) 'Shubh Muhurat' is designed to ease the financial strain on parents aged 31-50 who have children between the ages of 1-20, by offering a life insurance policy that supports wedding savings.

      (ii) The funds invested in this policy are legally protected under the Married Women's Property Act (MWPA).

(iii) The policy also includes a benefit protection rider that waives future premiums and ensures that the policyholder's nominees will still receive maturity benefits if the policyholder passes away. This helps prevent financial difficulties for the family during wedding preparations.

Main Point :-   (i) The deal falls under the Buy IDDM (Indian-Indigenously Designed, Developed, and Manufactured) procurement category, as per India's Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) 2016.

      (ii) The T-72 BLTs are crucial equipment used by the Mechanised Forces of the Indian Army (IA) to deploy bridges during both offensive and defensive operations.

(iii) The T-72 BLT, also known as BLT T-72, is equipped with a scissors-type bridge that can be deployed in two configurations: a 20-meter span supporting vehicles up to 60 tons and a 22-meter span supporting vehicles up to 70 tons.

      - The CMUS, designed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), has also been incorporated into the Crew Module. It plays a crucial role in ensuring the module's orientation and stability during various phases of the mission.

Main Point :-   (i) The Crew Module will undergo further integration activities at VSSC, including the assembly of the avionics package, electrical harnessing, and extensive testing. Following these operations, it will be transferred to the U R Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru for the final step of Orbital Module integration.

      (ii) Gaganyaan is ISRO's ambitious crewed spacecraft project, aiming to launch astronauts into space by 2026. Once successful, India will join the ranks of Russia, the United States, and China as the fourth nation to achieve human spaceflight capabilities.

(iii) The Gaganyaan spacecraft comprises two key components: the Crew Module (CM), designed to house astronauts, and the Service Module (SM), which contains essential systems for propulsion and support. Together, they form the Orbital Module, vital for the mission's success. The Gaganyaan program highlights India's advancements in space technology, aiming to establish a strong foundation for future human space exploration while positioning India as a global leader in space endeavors.

Main Point :-   (i) The 1st-ever Parakram Diwas was observed on 23 January 2021, commemorating Netaji's 124th birth anniversary.

      (ii) The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), located in Hyderabad, Telangana, has been selected for the prestigious Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar 2025 in the institutional category, recognizing its exceptional contributions to disaster management.

      - Initially, the scheme was a joint initiative of the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD), the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoH&FW), and the Ministry of Education (MoE); later, its scope was expanded through collaboration with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and the Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA).

Main Point :-   (i) On January 22, 2025, Union Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda (MoH&FW) and Union Minister Annpurna Devi (MoWCD) jointly inaugurated the 10th anniversary celebrations of BBBP at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

      (ii) The event featured an oath-taking ceremony and the launch of several key initiatives, including a compendium of BBBP practices, the Mission Vatsalya portal, the Mission Shakti portal, and a mobile application for Mission Shakti.

Main Point :-   (i) In 2022-23, the digital economy accounted for 11.74% of India's income, contributing ₹28.94 lakh crore (approximately USD 368 billion) in Gross Value Added (GVA) and ₹31.64 lakh crore (approximately USD 402 billion) in Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

      (ii) The digital sector supported 14.67 million workers in 2022-23, representing 2.55% of India's workforce.

      - As of January 20, 2025, India has reached a milestone of 217.62 GW, with a goal to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by 2030.

Main Point :-   (i) The Government of India (GOI) focused on enhancing the viability of green hydrogen by reducing costs and attracting investments, positioning India as a global leader in green hydrogen technology.

      (ii) Efforts were made to ramp up domestic production of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and wind turbines, aiming to make India a global hub for renewable energy manufacturing.

(iii) The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) proposed investments in inter-state transmission systems to efficiently transfer power from renewable-rich states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh (MP), supporting the country’s growing energy needs.

Main Point :-   (i) In January 2025, India and South Korea signed an exchange of notes for the 'Strengthening Vocational Education and Training in Mechatronics in India' project. The two-year initiative, in collaboration with NCERT at RIE Bhopal, is the first project with KOICA's assistance in India.

      (ii) South Korea will invest USD 2 million by 2027 to improve India's vocational education in mechatronics, marking the first-ever grant-based development cooperation project between the two countries.

(iii) The project will develop curriculum, textbooks, and teacher manuals, alongside providing necessary equipment, aiming to build a strong vocational education framework in mechatronics.

Main Point :-   (i) Under the MoU, Credlix will provide technological and logistical solutions such as warehousing and supply chain management to resolve operational hurdles faced by exporters.

      (ii) FIEO will actively promote the initiative, encourage participation from exporters, and guide businesses in navigating complex international markets.

(iii) In the Financial Year 2023-24 (FY24), the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector contributed 45.73% to India's exports.

Main Point :-   (i) In the first phase, the program will focus on 60 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) blocks, promoting digital literacy and awareness of government schemes. Later, it will expand to cover all 500 aspirational blocks to ensure wider digital inclusion.

      (ii)The program will train people aged 12-60 in basic computer skills, cybersecurity, and internet usage.

(iii) Local community members will also be trained as digital ambassadors and trainers. They will conduct door-to-door campaigns and community outreach to raise awareness about the benefits of digital literacy and government schemes.

Main Point :-   (i) The Group Credit Life Insurance will provide financial security to homeowners and their families by covering any outstanding loan balance in case of an emergency. This service will be available at 165 Truhome Finance branches across 17 states in India.

      (ii) This collaboration also supports the vision of "Insurance for All by 2047," making financial security more accessible to individuals and families.

Main Point :-   (i) In September 2024, JFSL and the US-based company BlackRock, Inc. each contributed Rs 3 crore to the joint venture.

      (ii) In October 2024, Jio BlackRock Investment Advisers Private Limited received approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to begin its mutual fund business.

Main Point :-   (i) After discussions with various stakeholders in Sri Lanka, the tariff for the project has been set at 5.97 US cents per unit.

      (ii)This solar project will help diversify Sri Lanka’s energy mix, increasing its clean energy capacity and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

(iii) With this project, NTPC, India’s top power generation company under the Ministry of Power (MoP), is taking a big step towards promoting sustainable energy and strengthening regional cooperation.

Main Point :-   (i) Elon Musk has become the first person in history to reach a net worth of over USD 400 billion, largely driven by SpaceX’s value of USD 350 billion.

      (ii) The USA leads the list with a record 813 billionaires, followed by China with 473, and India ranks 3rd with 200 billionaires, according to Forbes’ World's Billionaires List 2025.

Main Point :-   (i) Amrit Mohan Prasad is an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the Odisha cadre, having joined in 1989.

      (ii) He has previously served as the Jail DG and Special DG in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

(iii) The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, ensures aviation security in India. Established on April 1, 1987, it implements ICAO's Annexure-17 and manages the National Civil Aviation Security Programme (NCASP), led by the DG of BCAS, a DGP-ranked officer.

      - Sarla Aviation plans to offer competitively priced air taxi services, aligning with premium taxi rates, while also providing free air ambulance services to address medical emergencies effectively.

Main Point :-   (i) The Shunya air taxi, designed for short trips of 20-30 kilometers, can reach a top speed of 250 kmph, carry up to 6 passengers, and handle a maximum weight of 680 kg, making it the highest payload eVTOL vehicle in the market.

      (ii) Shunya will help reduce challenges like traffic congestion and pollution, which are common issues in many major Indian cities.

(iii) Sarla Aviation Private Limited is a startup founded in October 2023 by Adrian Schmidt, Rakesh Gaonkar, and Shivam Chauhan. The company is named after Sarla Thakral, who was India’s first female pilot. She earned her pilot’s license at the age of 21 in 1936.

      - Gobies play a vital role in the ecosystem, acting as indicators of environmental health and occupying various levels within the food chain.

Main Point :-   (i) Out of 135 goby species found along India's coasts, 95 are recorded in mangroves, with 53 species specifically documented in the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary.

      (ii) This discovery underlines the rich biodiversity of mangrove ecosystems and their ecological significance.

Main Point :-   (i) Carlos Mauricio Funes Cartagena ran in the 2009 presidential race for the leftist Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN). He won the presidential elections, defeating Rodrigo Ávila of the conservative National Republican Alliance (ARENA).

      (ii) He was plagued by charges of corruption. In 2016, he fled to Nicaragua, where he spent his last nine years under the protection of Daniel Ortega, the president of Nicaragua.

      - The Cabinet also approved the continuation of NHM for the next five years.

Main Point :-   (i) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by PM Narendra Modi, approved the MSP for raw jute (TD-3 grade) at ₹5,650 per quintal for the 2025-26 marketing season.

      (ii) This marks an increase of ₹315 per quintal (6%) compared to the MSP for the 2024-25 season.

(iii) These decisions reaffirm the government’s focus on enhancing public health outcomes and supporting farmers with fair and remunerative prices for their produce.

      - The questionnaire-based survey began on January 9, 2025, and will run until February 23, 2025.

Main Point :-   (i) Industry reports indicate that India's per capita annual consumption (PCAC) of edible oil has surpassed 20 kg, exceeding the recommended limits of 12 kg by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and 13 kg by the World Health Organization (WHO).

      (ii) Currently, India imports 55-60% of its edible oil requirements from countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Argentina, Brazil, Russia, and Ukraine.

(iii) During the 2023-24 oil marketing year, India's total edible oil imports amounted to approximately 15.96 million tonnes (MT).

      - India and France committed to ensuring secure access to sea lanes of communication by collaborating through maritime assets like the Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region in Gurugram, the Regional Coordination Operations Centre in Seychelles, and the Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre in Madagascar.

Main Point :-   (i) India assumed the chairmanship of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) in 2025, marking an important milestone in its engagement with countries in the region. As part of this role, India and France will continue to prioritize the region’s security and stability.

      (ii) India and France expanded their bilateral partnership in high-end technologies, focusing on areas such as defence, civil nuclear energy, space, cybersecurity, digital technology, and artificial intelligence (AI), while also strengthening people-to-people exchanges and cultural ties.

(iii) The two countries reviewed progress on the India-France 'Horizon 2047 roadmap,' discussed cooperation on climate change, Indo-Pacific security, and joint development projects in third countries.

      - Reliance Group (up 17% to $9.8 billion) earned an AA- rating, while Wipro Group (up 2% to $6.7 billion) retained its AA+ rating.

Main Point :-   (i) Infosys has been ranked as the world’s third most valuable IT services brand for the fourth consecutive year, with a brand value of $16.3 billion. It achieved the fastest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in brand value among IT services brands over the last five years, driven by innovation, a focus on generative AI, and high-profile sponsorships and partnerships.

      (ii) Larsen & Toubro (L&T) made a strong debut in the global rankings, while Bajaj Group increased its brand value by 23% to $6 billion, and Mahindra Group saw a 9% growth to $7.2 billion. Banking leaders HDFC ($14.2 billion), SBI ($9.6 billion), and ICICI ($6.4 billion) marked significant entries into the global rankings, highlighting India's growing prominence in the financial sector.

(iii) In telecommunications, Airtel ($7.7 billion) maintained its strong position, and Jio Group debuted with a brand value of $6.5 billion, signaling its expanding global footprint. In the energy sector, Indian Oil grew its brand value by 9% to $5.5 billion, reinforcing its status as a global energy leader.

      - Two Indian sites were featured on the list: the Bhuj Historic Water Systems (Gujarat) and the Musi River Historic Buildings (Telangana).

Main Point :-   (i) The World Monuments Watch List, launched in 1996 and released biennially, highlights sites facing threats from climate change, conflict, natural disasters, and more, with nominations coming from individuals and community-based organizations worldwide.

      (ii) A division of the Paris-based International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) dedicated to aerospace heritage nominated the Moon for the WMF Watch List, highlighting concerns over increasing human activity in space and its potential risks to historical landmarks.

(iii) The organization cautioned that over 90 significant sites on the Moon are at risk of potential damage in the coming years.

Main Point :-   (i) The company works with global banks to offer a complete solution for invoicing, payments, and reconciliation, processing over USD 250 million in annual export payments.

      (ii) Currently, only five companies have received final approval from the RBI to operate as PA-CB, including Adyen India Technology Services Private, Amazon Pay India Private Limited, Cashfree Payments, IndiaIdeas.com, and Pay10 Services Private Limited.

Main Point :-   (i) Alok Agarwal has over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry.

      (ii) Previously, he held several senior positions at ICICI Lombard General Insurance, where he managed various business segments, including corporate, government, rural, crop, and retail sectors.

      - The Space Camera for Object Tracking (SCOT) enhances Space Situational Awareness (SSA) by providing accurate and reliable tracking capabilities, essential for preventing collisions and ensuring the safety of spacecraft in increasingly crowded Earth orbits.

Main Point :-   (i) XDLINX Space Labs launched the ELEVATION-1 satellite, featuring the world's first E-band communications payload to push data rates into the 10 Gbps range.

      (ii) The ELEVATION-1 satellite, developed by XDLINX and powered by Antaris' Cloud Platform, is a 6U cubesat designed to test the miniaturized space-grade E-band communication payload.

(iii) Data from the ELEVATION-1 satellite will be used to develop advanced propagation models for Almagest's global high-speed and Ultra-High Throughput Screening (UHTS) LEO constellation.

      - DRDL created a high-temperature-resistant ceramic Thermal Barrier Coating (TBC) to protect engine components, ensuring durability and performance under extreme heat, even beyond the melting point of steel.

Main Point :-   (i) The scramjet combustor demonstrated its ability to ignite and sustain stable combustion at airspeeds exceeding 1.5 kilometers per second, overcoming one of the most challenging aspects of scramjet technology.

      (ii) Advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations were employed to refine the design and improve the performance of the scramjet engine.

(iii) Hypersonic missiles, powered by scramjet engines, achieve speeds over Mach 5 (5,400 km/hr), offering unparalleled speed, precision, and the ability to evade current air defense systems, making them critical for modern defense strategies.

      - In the overall Elite Men’s Category, Berhane Tesfay from Eritrea claimed first place, followed by Merhawi Kesete (Eritrea) in second and Tesfaye Demeke (Ethiopia) in third.

Main Point :-   (i) In the overall Elite Women’s Category, Joyce Chepkemoi Tele from Kenya secured first place, with Shitaye Eshete (Bahrain) in second and Medina Deme Armino (Ethiopia) in third.

      (ii) In the Indian Elite Category, Anish Thapa emerged victorious in the Indian Men’s race, while Nirmaben Thakor claimed the top spot in the Indian Women’s race.

(iii) Sir Mo Farah, the celebrated multiple Olympic and World Champion from Great Britain, was the International Event Ambassador for the 20th edition of the Mumbai Marathon.

Main Point :-   The newly designed emblem features the map of Tripura within a saffron circle, with the national emblem of India displayed inside the outline of the map. Below the circle, "Government of Tripura" is written.

      - Diamond exporters with an annual export turnover of USD 15 million and Two Star Export House status or higher are eligible for benefits.

Main Point :-   (i) The Diamond Imprest Licence (DIL) will have an import validity of 1 year and an export validity of 18 months. The DIL value will be set at 5% of the average export value from the past three years, with a maximum annual cap of USD 15 million per exporter.

      (ii) Diamonds under the scheme must meet the Actual User Condition, with imports and exports restricted to Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, aiming to support MSME exporters and ensure fair competition.

(iii) According to the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), India’s gross gem and jewelry exports in December 2024 stood at USD 1,967.98 million (Rs. 16,719.46 crores), marking a 10.29% decline compared to the same period in 2023.

Main Point :-   (i) As an Observer State, India gains access to technical data and the ability to place orders for Eurodrone aircraft. However, India will not be part of the decision-making processes concerning the platform's design, development, or workshare distribution among participating nations.

      (ii) This collaboration is expected to bolster India's defence relationship with Europe, complementing other initiatives like the C-295 aircraft, which is being manufactured in India.

Main Point :-   (i) Denis Law began his professional career in 1956 with Huddersfield Town and rose to fame during his tenure at Manchester United.

      (ii) During his 11-year stint with Manchester United, he won two league titles (1965 and 1967) and the European Cup in 1968.

(iii) Scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances, he is the club's third-highest goalscorer, trailing only Wayne Rooney (253) and Sir Bobby Charlton (245).

      - The award includes a Trophy, a Scroll, and an incentive of ₹20 lakh, which the awarded district or organization can use for implementing projects, programs, or addressing resource gaps in public welfare.

Main Point :-   (i) The Government of India (GoI) introduced the "Prime Minister's (PM's) Awards for Excellence in Public Administration" in 2006 to honor and reward exceptional and innovative contributions by Districts and Organizations from Central and State Governments.

      (ii) The scheme underwent restructuring in 2014 and 2020, followed by a comprehensive revamp with a fresh approach in 2021.

(iii) Its primary objective is to encourage constructive competition, foster innovation, replicate successful initiatives, and institutionalize best practices in public administration.

Main Point :-   (i) The combined value of the top 10 individuals accounts for 73% of the total combined value of the list. Notably, 5 companies in the list belong to the software and services sector.

      (ii) The list includes 12 women, led by Reshma Kewalramani of Vertex Pharmaceuticals, followed by Jayshree Ullal of Arista Networks, and Leena Nair, the global CEO of Chanel, who are recognized as the most influential women of Indian origin.

      - India’s coffee is predominantly cultivated in the ecologically rich Western and Eastern Ghats.

Main Point :-   (i) Karnataka led the coffee production in 2022-23 with 2,48,020 Metric Tonnes (MT), followed by Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

      (ii) The top 5 coffee-producing countries in the world are Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, Indonesia, and Ethiopia.

Main Point :-   (i) The achievement was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the regional office of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) in Vijayapuram (Andhra Pradesh), along with various stakeholders.

      (ii) Several local organizations, including The Tribals Development Cooperative Society Limited, Sahara Women's Marketing Cooperative Society Ltd., Tribal Development Council, and the Centre for Participatory Training and Learning, played a crucial role in securing the GI tags.

(iii) The initiative was coordinated by the Human Welfare Association (HWA), under the guidance of Padma awardee Rajani Kant, also known as "the GI Man of India."

Main Point :-   (i) The iSNR initiative ensures that Indian rubber production complies with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) standards, promoting sustainability in rubber cultivation.

      (ii) INR Konnect is a web-based platform created to link owners of underutilized rubber plantations with potential adopters, thereby increasing plantation productivity.

Main Point :-   (i) The revised reserve price of rice has been reduced to Rs 2,250 per quintal nationwide, down from the previous rate of Rs 2,900 per quintal set in August 2024.

      (ii) Ethanol distilleries can also purchase rice at the reduced reserve price of Rs.2,250 per quintal.

(iii) This policy highlights the government's commitment to welfare programs, strengthening food security, and promoting ethanol production.

Main Point :-   (i) This agreement aims to strengthen India-USA security cooperation, addressing interlinked issues such as terrorism, drug trafficking, human trafficking, money laundering, and other security challenges tied to cybercrime.

      (ii) The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), will oversee the implementation of the agreement in India.

(iii) In the USA, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), along with its agencies like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Homeland Security Investigations Cyber Crimes Center (C3), will manage the pact's execution.

Main Point :-   (i) In this case, settlement of dues will be done only after the proposal is thoroughly examined by an Independent Advisory Committee (IAC), which shall comprise professionals with expertise in finance, law, or technical fields.

      (ii) In this case, settlements can be approved by an official who was not part of the acquisition (as an individual or part of a committee).

Main Point :-   (i) The other four members of the committee include Revathy Iyer, Director of the Central Board of RBI; Parvathy V Sundaram, former Executive Director (ED) of RBI; Hemant G Contractor, former Managing Director (MD) of State Bank of India (SBI) and former Chairman of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA); and NS Kannan, former MD & CEO of ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Limited.

      (ii) According to licensing guidelines, the RBI will first evaluate the eligibility of applications for UBs and SFBs. Following that, the expert committee, comprising specialists in banking, finance, and related sectors, will assess the applications.

Main Point :-   (i) Airtel will initially offer Bajaj Finance's retail financial products on its Airtel Thanks Application (App) for a seamless and safe customer experience, and later through its nationwide network of stores.

      (ii) Two products of Bajaj Finance have been tested on the Airtel Thanks App, and four products will be available to customers by March 2025. These include Gold Loan, Business Loan, a co-branded Insta EMI (Equated Monthly Instalment) Card, and Personal Loan.

(iii) Airtel-Bajaj Finserv EMI card users will be provided with flexible EMI options and payment plans for purchasing various goods, which can also be used for e-commerce transactions on multiple platforms.

      - Singapore-based Majesty II Pte. Limited acquired 100% shareholding of Cyprus-based investment holding company of Advent International Group, AI Lenarco Midco Ltd.

Main Point :-   (i) As per the proposed combination, Agro Tech Foods Limited (ATFL), the Acquirer, will purchase the entire shareholding of Del Monte Foods Private Limited (DMFPL), the Target, from its existing shareholders: Bharti Enterprises Limited (BEL), a conglomerate primarily engaged in management consultancy services within the Bharti Group (including its subsidiaries), and DMPL India Limited (DMPL India).

      (ii) ATFL will issue 20.95% and 14.39% of its equity shares to Bharti and DMPL India, respectively, through preferential allotment.

      - Karnataka performed consistently throughout the tournament, losing only one match in the group stage. They advanced by defeating Baroda and Haryana in the knockout rounds before facing Vidarbha in their first final in over five years.

Main Point :-   (i) Vidarbha captain Karun Nair was named Player of the Tournament for scoring 779 runs. India and Punjab pacer Arshdeep Singh topped the bowling charts with 20 wickets in the tournament.

      (ii) Karnataka received a prize of ₹1 crore for their victory, while the runner-up Vidarbha team was awarded ₹50 lakh.

(iii) The VHT, officially known as the IDFC First Bank VHT, is an annual domestic 50-over tournament organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Established in 2002-03 as the Ranji One Day Trophy, it was renamed the Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2007-08 to honor legendary Indian batsman Vijay Samuel Hazare. The 2023-24 edition was won by the Haryana men's cricket team.

      - During his over 20-year career in the IAF, he served in the IAF Communication Squadron (COM Squadron) and flew several Very Important Persons (VIPs) as a crew member.

Main Point :-   (i) As part of the crew, he transported senior Indian Army officers during the surrender marking the end of the Indo-Pakistan war on December 16, 1971.

      (ii) Dr. K. Ramchand received the "Distinguished Alumni Award" from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and was honored with the "Scientist of the Year Award" in 1985.

      - In the same month, ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan flagged off the core liquid stage (L110) of the Launch Vehicle Mark 3 (LVM3) from the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu, to the launch complex at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

Main Point :-   (i) The L110 stage, powered by twin Vikas engines with a propellant loading capacity of 110 tonnes, was designed and developed by the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

      (ii) The L110 stage is designated for the LVM3 mission under a commercial agreement between NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), based in Bengaluru, Karnataka, and AST SpaceMobile & Science LLC, USA, to launch the BlueBird Block 2 satellite.

(iii) The L110 stage, which is the tenth liquid core stage integrated at the ISRO Propulsion Complex, reflects ISRO's continued advancements in liquid propulsion technology and its commitment to commercial space ventures.

      - 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) President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and President Droupadi Murmu jointly unveiled the 60th Anniversary Commemorative logo at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

      (ii) During his state visit to Odisha, several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between the Odisha government and Singaporean organizations, focusing on cooperation in skills development, green energy, and industrial growth.

Main Point :-   (i) The report states that over 473 million children—more than one in six worldwide—were living in areas affected by conflict in 2023. The percentage of children impacted by conflict has nearly doubled, rising from around 10% in the 1990s to nearly 19% today.

      (ii) The report highlights that nearly 400 million children live in countries burdened by debt, which severely limits essential investments in education, healthcare, and social protection systems.

Main Point :-   (i) CSIR entered into six Memorandums of Association (MoAs) with esteemed institutions such as the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, iCreate, and the National Research Development Corporation (NRDC). These agreements aim to promote innovation, foster industrial collaboration, and drive job creation.

      (ii) Furthermore, 50 technology transfers were formalized between CSIR institutes and startups, MSMEs, and other organizations, enhancing industry partnerships and generating employment opportunities.

(iii) India ranks as the third-largest startup ecosystem globally, boasting over 100 unicorns that exemplify the nation’s entrepreneurial spirit.

Main Point :-   (i) The updated list includes 15 companies, such as Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) Housing Finance Limited (HFL), Bajaj Finance Limited (BFL), and Shriram Finance Limited (SFL), among others.

      (ii) Muthoot Finance Limited (MFL), a part of the Muthoot Group, is the only gold loan NBFC included in RBI's 'UL' list for three consecutive years.

(iii) Piramal Enterprise Limited (PEL), which qualified for inclusion based on its scoring, has been excluded from the list for the year 2024-25 due to ongoing restructuring in the business group.

Main Point :-   In the Q4 2024 report, India's HDFC Bank Limited fell from 7th to 13th position compared to Q4 2023, ICICI Bank Limited moved up one position from 20th to 19th, and State Bank of India (SBI) maintained its 24th position.

      - India’s GDP growth for Financial Year 2024 (FY24) stood at 8.4%, showing a sharp decline compared to 2023, which highlights a slowdown in economic momentum.

Main Point :-   (i) The International Monetary Fund (IMF) maintained its global GDP growth forecast at 3.3% for both 2025 and 2026, a rate lower than the historical average of 3.7%, reflecting concerns about global economic challenges and uncertainties.

      (ii) The global economy is grappling with issues such as inflationary pressures, geopolitical conflicts, and protectionist trade policies, which are expected to have a negative impact on global trade, investments, and economic growth.

(iii) The IMF has highlighted rising protectionist measures that could lead to increased tariffs, disruption of trade flows, and reduced investments. Additionally, geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East and Ukraine, may affect global commodity prices, especially in the energy and food sectors, further exacerbating economic risks.

      - India's GDP per capita, adjusted for purchasing power parity, rose by 11% year-on-year, reaching USD 10,233 in FY 2023.

Main Point :-   (i) The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) revised its growth forecast for FY25 to 6.4%, down from 7%.

      (ii) The Asian Development Bank (ADB) revised its forecast for FY2024 to 6.5% and for FY2025-26 to 7%, citing the impact of tighter monetary policies on demand.

(iii) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had initially projected 7.2% growth for FY25 but has since revised its forecast down to 6.6% due to shifting economic conditions.

Main Point :-   (i) Joint training programs will be conducted to develop personnel skills in areas such as trading systems, technology, and regulations, fostering sustainable market development.

      (ii) This collaboration is expected to strengthen the commodities and derivatives trading ecosystem in Sri Lanka while enhancing bilateral trade relations between the two nations.

Main Point :-   (i) Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal: Senior IPS officer Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal has been appointed as the Additional Director General (ADG) of the Border Security Force (BSF).

      (ii) Shamsher Singh: Shamsher Singh, who currently serves as the Director General (DG) of Gujarat’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), has been appointed as the ADG of the BSF for a tenure lasting until March 31, 2026.

Main Point :-   (i) Japan’s Arisa Igarashi and Ayako Sakuramoto won the Women’s Doubles title by defeating South Korea’s Kim Hye Jang and Kong Hee Young, while China’s Jiang Zhenbang and Wei Yaxin claimed the Mixed Doubles crown after defeating France’s Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue.

      (ii) The India Open, officially the Yonex Sunrise India Open, has been held annually since 2008, following its debut in 1973.

      - Both Indian men’s and women’s Kho Kho teams remained unbeaten throughout the Kho Kho World Cup 2025. The men’s team topped Group A, defeating Sri Lanka in the quarter-finals and South Africa in the semi-finals, while the women’s team triumphed over Bangladesh and South Africa in their knockout matches.

Main Point :-   (i) The inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025 featured 20 men’s teams and 19 women’s teams. Teams competed in a round-robin format, with the best advancing to knockout rounds and finals.

      (ii) The tournament was organized by the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) and the International Kho Kho Federation (IKKF), with support from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).

(iii) The second edition of the Kho Kho World Cup is scheduled to be held in Birmingham, England, during 2026-27.

Main Point :-   In December 2024, Shriram Finance sold its entire 84.44% stake in SHFL, its affordable housing finance subsidiary, to Warburg Pincus for a sale consideration of ₹3,929 crore.

Main Point :-   (i) New cardholders receive 100% cashback on their first UPI transaction (up to Rs. 500) within 15 days, refunding the first year's fees.

      (ii) Users can earn 1% cashback on UPI transactions via the IDFC FIRST Bank app and 0.5% on other UPI app transactions, insurance, utility payments, and e-commerce purchases. The card offers 7.25% annual interest on a 1-year FD with the bank.

(iii) The card provides complimentary roadside assistance (Rs. 1,399 value), lost card liability coverage (up to Rs. 25,000), and personal accident coverage (up to Rs. 2,00,000).

Main Point :-   (i) Nidhi Khare, a 1992-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Jharkhand cadre, brings over 30 years of administrative experience and has held several prominent positions throughout her career.

      (ii) From 2015 to 2018, she served as the Special/Additional Secretary in DCA, MoCAF&PD.

(iii) In Jharkhand, she served as Secretary of Commercial Taxes from 2015 to 2016 and Principal Secretary of Personnel, Administrative Reforms, and Rajbhasha from 2016 to 2018.

Main Point :-   (i) Cities have been classified into five population categories: Very Small, Small, Medium, Big, and Medium-Plus.

      (ii) Each category will be evaluated based on population and parameters tailored to its specific size and needs.

(iii) The final phase of SS—the Field Assessment for the 9th edition—will begin on February 15, 2025, and conclude by the end of March 2025.

      - The BRICS grouping was formalized during the first meeting of foreign ministers from BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China) on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, USA, in 2006.

Main Point :-   (i) The first BRICS summit took place in Yekaterinburg, Russia, in 2009.

      (ii) The group was renamed as BRICS after South Africa was accepted as a full member in 2010.

(iii) The 16th BRICS Summit, held under the chairmanship of Russian President Vladimir Putin, took place in Kazan, Russia, from October 22 to 24, 2024, with the theme "Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security."

      - During the event, Union Minister Amit Shah inaugurated various projects and laid foundation stones for initiatives valued at approximately Rs 220 crore to strengthen disaster management infrastructure.

Main Point :-   (i) Notable inaugurations included the National South Campus of the Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) in Andhra Pradesh and the 10th Battalion of NDRF in Kondapavuluru, AP.

      (ii) The event also featured the inauguration of the Regional Response Centre (RRC) at the Supaul Campus (9th Battalion) in Andhra Pradesh and the foundation stone laying for an Integrated Indoor Shooting Range at the National Police Academy (NPA) in Hyderabad, Telangana, costing Rs 27 crore.

(iii) These developments emphasize the government's focus on bolstering disaster response capabilities and providing the NDRF with advanced infrastructure to handle emergencies efficiently.

Main Point :-   The book delves into the functions of Parliament, its special rights, and its crucial role in holding the government accountable, particularly in shaping India's democracy.

      - During the celebration of Startup India's 9th anniversary in New Delhi, Union Minister Piyush Goyal (MoC&I) unveiled two significant initiatives: the PRABHAAV Factbook (Powering a Resilient and Agile Bharat for the Advancement of Visionary Startups), aimed at showcasing the progress and impact of startups in India, and the Bharat Startup Challenge, designed to support and promote entrepreneurial talent across the nation.

Main Point :-   (i) In January 2025, Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, signed an MoU with the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) to establish a Rs 100 crore fund aimed at supporting startups and small businesses in the state.

      (ii) To commemorate National Startup Day 2025, the Startup Policy Forum (SPF), with support from DPIIT and Startup India, launched two flagship programs: Startup Baithak and Startup Baatcheet.

(iii) The 9-year celebration event was held from January 15 to January 16, 2025, at the iconic Group-20 (G20) Summit Room in Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

Main Point :-   (i) NBM 2.0, an expansion of the earlier NBM 1.0, aims to advance India's digital infrastructure and bridge connectivity gaps.

      (ii) Under NBM 2.0, the government plans to connect the remaining 1.7 lakh villages and enhance broadband speeds to 100 Mbps (Megabits per second).

(iii) The launch of Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) at Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN)-funded 4G sites allows subscribers of multiple Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) to access 4G services from a shared tower, enhancing connectivity while reducing costs.

Main Point :-   (i) The exercise incorporates state-of-the-art equipment and advanced technologies, facilitating the precise and effective delivery of airborne forces to remote locations.

      (ii) It showcases the Indian Armed Forces' commitment to maintaining operational excellence and adaptability in a constantly evolving military landscape.

(iii) The exercise has bolstered combined operational capabilities and reaffirmed the readiness of the Indian Armed Forces to safeguard national interests and respond effectively to emerging threats.

      - This initiative aligns with India’s target of reaching USD 500 billion in electronics production by 2030, a significant step towards realizing the country’s vision.

Main Point :-   (i) CG Power’s semiconductor project will boost India’s global electronics presence, supported by the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), launched in 2021 with a Rs 76,000 crore outlay under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity).

      (ii) ISM is set up as an Independent Business Division within Digital India Corporation (DIC), aimed at encouraging investment in semiconductor and display manufacturing.

(iii) Four key schemes are part of ISM, including those for setting up semiconductor fabs, display fabs, compound semiconductors, and semiconductor assembly, testing, marking, and packaging (ATMP)/OSAT facilities.

      - The MoU includes provisions for sharing relevant intelligence and database information to improve oversight and compliance.

Main Point :-   (i) Outreach and training programs will be conducted to enhance the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter Financing of Terrorism (CFT) skills of supervised entities, including Housing Finance Companies (HFCs).

      (ii) The entities will supervise and monitor reporting entities' adherence to obligations under the PMLA, PML Rules, and guidelines issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and NHB.

(iii) Quarterly meetings will be held to discuss AML/CFT typologies, trends, and red flag indicators for suspicious transactions, along with assessments of risks and vulnerabilities in the housing finance sector.

Main Point :-   (i) Global economic growth remained steady at 3.2% in 2024 and is projected to sustain this rate in 2025, while inflation rates decreased from 6.7% in 2023 to 5.9% in 2024, with a further decline anticipated in 2025.

      (ii) The global Labour Force Participation Rate(LFPR) remained steady at 61% in 2024.

(iii) The unemployment rate in India is projected to be 6.2% in 2024 and is expected to improve to 5.8% in 2025.

Main Point :-   (i) India and Spain signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) focusing on cooperation in sports and sustainable urban development.

      (ii) Union Minister Jaishankar addressed the Indian diaspora in Spain, announcing that 2026 will be celebrated as a 'Dual Year' to promote cultural exchange, tourism, and advancements in AI between the two nations.

(iii) On January 13, 2025, Union Minister Jaishankar delivered a speech at the 9th Annual Conference of Spanish Ambassadors in Madrid, Spain, with the theme 'A Foreign Policy with Our Own Identity'.

      - In addition to removing the three entities, the updated listing from the USA's Bureau of Industry & Security (BIS) includes modifications to one existing entry related to India, signaling a shift toward a more positive and cooperative approach between the nations.

Main Point :-   (i) The USA had previously imposed restrictions on over 200 Indian entities following India's nuclear tests in Pokhran, Rajasthan, in 1998. This move to lift some of the restrictions signals a thawing of relations and an alignment on common goals in the energy sector and beyond.

      (ii) The US Entity List, managed by the Bureau of Industry & Security, identifies foreign entities requiring special licenses for exports due to activities potentially threatening US national security or foreign policy.

(iii) Being on the Entity List restricts trade by requiring special licenses for certain transactions. Removing Indian entities eases barriers, promoting nuclear and energy collaboration between India and the USA.

Main Point :-   (i) The premium can also be paid in half-yearly installments of Rs 15,500, quarterly installments of Rs 8,000, or monthly installments of Rs 3,000. The plan offers tax-free maturity payouts for tenures ranging from 10 to 40 years, with a maximum maturity age of 101 years.

      (ii) To enhance financial security for policyholders' families, the plan provides death benefits of up to 160 times the annualized premium.

      - Headline inflation is moving closer to the RBI's 4% target, with Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation decreasing from 5.5% (November) to 5.2% (December). Food inflation dropped from 9% to 8.4%, while non-food inflation remained steady at 3.1%.

Main Point :-   (i) CPI inflation is projected to average 4.6% for the current fiscal year (FY25), with a slight upward bias in the forecast.

      (ii) The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) increased to 5.2% in November, up from 3.7% in October (revised from 3.5%), driven by strong performance in investment goods and consumer durables, aided by a low base effect.

(iii) Agricultural growth is expected to rise, supported by high reservoir levels, boosting rabi crop output, farm incomes, and rural consumption. Increased agricultural production could reduce food inflation pressure, encouraging discretionary consumption.

Main Point :-   (i) During his tenure as CMD, he played a crucial role in finalizing the tender for the third phase of the BharatNet project and accelerating BSNL's 4G network rollout.

      (ii) BharatNet Phase 3 aims to provide broadband connectivity to 6.4 lakh villages and all 2.64 lakh Gram panchayats across India.

Main Point :-   (i) Ghosh is the author of several acclaimed works of fiction and non-fiction, including The Shadow Lines, The Glass Palace, The Hungry Tide, the Ibis Trilogy (comprising the novels Sea of Poppies, River of Smoke, and Flood of Fire), Gun Island, The Great Derangement, The Nutmeg's Curse, Jungle Nama, and The Living Mountain.

      (ii) In 2019, he became the first English-language writer to receive the prestigious 'Jnanpith Award,' India's highest literary honor, for his contributions to writings on the planetary crisis and climate change.

      - A ₹11,440 crore revival plan was approved for the Visakhapatnam-based Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited. This includes ₹10,300 crore equity infusion and ₹1,140 crore loan conversion. The plan aims for full production capacity by August 2025, aligned with the National Steel Policy and Atmanirbhar Bharat goals.

Main Point :-   (i) The Ministry of Home Affairs approved the creation of two new Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) reserve battalions, each comprising 1,025 personnel, increasing CISF battalions from 13 to 15 and creating 2,050 new posts to meet rising security demands.

      (ii) The TLP will support India's ambitious space missions, including the Bharatiya Antariksh Station and crewed lunar exploration, marking a significant step in advancing India's space program.

(iii) The refarming of spectrum reallocates resources from ISRO, the Ministry of Defence, and other government bodies to the Department of Telecommunications, strengthening India's position in global telecom advancements and ensuring readiness for future 6G technologies.

Main Point :-   (i) Under this collaboration, ITC plans to implement startup solutions in key areas such as energy storage systems, integrating Renewable Energy (RE) sources at manufacturing sites, and developing digital platforms for Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES).

      (ii) The focus of this partnership is to improve operational excellence in manufacturing through digital solutions and enhance sustainability by strengthening ITC's renewable energy efforts.

Main Point :-   (i) The collaboration is part of the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) 6G Call for Proposal initiative.

      (ii) The initiative aims to accelerate research in the 6G ecosystem, positioning India as a global leader in the design, development, and deployment of 6G technology by 2030.

(iii) The focus of the initiative is on affordability, sustainability, and ubiquity, ensuring that advanced communication solutions are accessible to everyone.

      - It provides detailed information on 77 battlefield sites, giving visitors an in-depth understanding of major military events in Indian history.

Main Point :-   (i) Tourists can explore iconic locations like Siachen, the world's highest battlefield, and Galwan, the site of the 2020 conflict between Indian and Chinese forces.

      (ii) Through the app's virtual tours and interactive multimedia features, users can explore significant sites such as the Dras War Memorial (Kargil War, 1999) in Ladakh, Walong War Memorial (Battle of Walong, 1962) in Arunachal Pradesh (AR), Tawang War Memorial in AR, Longewala War Memorial in Rajasthan, and Operation Meghdoot War Memorial in Ladakh. Other notable locations include Kibithoo and Bum-La in AR, Rezang-La and Pangong Tso in Ladakh, as well as the Cho-La conflict site in Sikkim.

      - A key highlight of the exercise is the use of the Indian Ocean Regional Information Sharing (IORIS) system. Participating navies trained in using this platform for communication, coordination, and effective information exchange to manage maritime crises collaboratively.

Main Point :-   (i) Training during the exercise emphasized interoperability among participating navies, including ship inspections to detect illicit activities and ensuring the protection of vital maritime trade routes from accidents, illegal activities, and natural disasters.

      (ii) The exercise's location in the Malacca, Sunda, and Lombok straits underlines their importance as critical maritime trade routes linking the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.

(iii) The 4th edition of the La Perouse exercise was held in 2023 in the Bay of Bengal, involving seven nations, highlighting the exercise's growing scale and importance in fostering regional maritime security.

      - The agreement was signed by Parminder Chopra, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of PFC, and Ogawa Kazunori, Senior Managing Director of JBIC, in Japan.

Main Point :-   (i) The long-term loan has a tenure of up to 20 years and is part of JBIC's 'Global Action for Reconciling Economic Growth and Environmental Preservation' (GREEN) initiative.

      (ii) This agreement marks JBIC's largest green financing deal with any Indian company, underscoring its commitment to sustainable energy projects in India.

(iii) PFC will use the loan to fund energy projects, including RE, next-generation energy supply, and energy-efficient power generation, contributing to India's goal of achieving 50% electric power generation from non-fossil fuel-based sources by 2030.

Main Point :-   (i) The report estimates India’s GDP growth rate for the current financial year (FY25) at 6.5%, a decline from the 8.2% recorded in FY24.

      (ii) The report forecasts global economic growth to remain stable at 2.7% for both 2025 and 2026, driven by a gradual decline in inflation and interest rates.

      - IREDA will invest Rs. 174.22 crore for a 5% stake, with SJVN also investing a similar amount to acquire up to a 10% joint stake in GMR Upper Karnali Hydro Power Ltd and Karnali Transmission Co Pvt Ltd, projects executed by GMR Nepal in partnership with SJVN.

Main Point :-   (i) The joint venture agreement establishes a comprehensive framework for planning, construction, operation, and maintenance of the project under the Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) model. The USD 1.5 billion project will operate for 25 years from its Commercial Operation Date (COD).

      (ii) Out of the total power generated, Nepal will utilize only 108 MW for domestic consumption, while 792 MW will be exported to countries like India and Bangladesh, promoting renewable energy and enhancing regional energy security.

(iii) The project exemplifies cross-border collaboration by harnessing hydropower potential, offering both environmental and economic benefits.

Main Point :-   (i) The other banks in the consortium include Punjab National Bank (PNB), Union Bank of India (UBI), Canara Bank (CNB), Bank of India (BOI), and Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM).

      (ii) BPCL also plans to build a petrochemical complex that will produce chemicals and polymers like Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polypropylene (PP), benzene, toluene, and mixed xylene.

      (iii) As Lebanon's Ambassador to the UN, he voted 210 times to condemn Israel and opposed UN resolutions condemning actions by Iran, Lebanon, Cuba, and Syria.

Main Point :-   (i) Salam served as Lebanon's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) in New York from 2007 to 2017.

      (ii) He was a judge at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) from 2009 to 2018 and held positions such as President of the UN Security Council (UNSC) and Vice President of the 67th UN General Assembly (UNGA).

(iii) In February 2024, he became the 27th President of the ICJ, becoming the 2nd Arab and the first Lebanese to hold this prestigious position.

      - The first-stage booster did not land on a barge in the Atlantic, but the company highlighted that the main mission was successful.

Main Point :-   (i) During the test, the satellite remained inside the second stage while orbiting Earth. The mission was planned to last six hours, with the second stage being placed into a safe orbit after completion to avoid space debris, following NASA's guidelines.

      (ii) New Glenn is one of several large rockets launched in recent years, joining United Launch Alliance's Vulcan, Europe's updated Ariane 6, and NASA's Space Launch System (SLS), which replaced the Saturn V for lunar missions.

(iii) SpaceX's Starship, founded by Elon Musk, is the largest rocket ever built, standing about 400 feet (123 meters) tall.

      - Blue Ghost's mission, targeting a landing on March 2, 2025, will span 60 days, with 45 days in orbit and 14 days of surface operations. Key payloads include the LUGRE GNSS Receiver Experiment for lunar navigation and RadPC for radiation-tolerant computing.

Main Point :-   (i) The Resilience mission, also known as Hakuto-R Mission 2, focuses on deploying innovative technologies and cultural payloads.

      (ii) Resilience will land in Mare Frigoris and carry the Tenacious Micro Rover, built by ispace-Europe, designed to collect lunar regolith, capture HD images, and transmit data to the lander.

(iii) Both missions are part of ongoing international efforts to expand lunar exploration and technological advancements, with a focus on navigation, robotics, and cultural contributions.

      - The WEF announced the addition of 17 innovative industrial sites to the GLN, raising the total number to 189 facilities, with 25 recognized as Sustainability Lighthouses for leveraging advanced Industry 4.0 technologies to reduce environmental impact.

Main Point :-   (i) Among the latest Lighthouses, 13 sites have been recognized as 4IR Lighthouses for achieving significant performance improvements through technology-driven transformations, while 5 were named Sustainability Lighthouses.

      (ii) The latest cohort of Lighthouses reported a 53% average increase in labor productivity and a 26% reduction in conversion costs, driven by digital solutions such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Advanced Analytics (AA).

(iii) The Global Lighthouse Network (GLN), launched in 2018 by the WEF and co-founded with McKinsey & Company, aims to enhance manufacturing and supply chain performance by leveraging Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies, promoting productivity, resilience, and environmental sustainability.

Main Point :-   (i) The feasibility studies for these projects will be funded by the Government of Iceland.

      (ii) The project has received necessary approvals from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

(iii) The Geological Survey of India (GSI), based in Kolkata (West Bengal), and the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG), based in Dehradun (Uttarakhand), have identified 40 geothermal hotspots in Uttarakhand.

      - Vishvajit Sahay, Additional Secretary of the Union Science and Technology Department, along with other dignitaries, were present at the inauguration event.

Main Point :-   (i) The observatory is equipped with two telescopes, including a 14-inch diameter telescope, and a 1-meter diameter telescope is set to be installed soon. Its seeing value of 1.3 arc seconds meets the standards of the other five astronomical centers across the country.

      (ii) Located 600 meters above sea level in a pollution-free area, the observatory's best observation period is from November to April. An automatic weather forecasting center has also been established on the hilltop to measure rainfall, temperature, and wind speed.

(iii) SNBCBS has partnered with Sidhu Kanu Birsa University in WB for the observatory's operations and resource sharing.

      - The ex-officio members of the AEC include Ajit Kumar Doval, National Security Advisor (NSA); Dr. Pramod Kumar Mishra, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister (PM); Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary; and Vivek Bhasin, Director, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Trombay, Mumbai.

Main Point :-   (i) Other appointed members of the reconstituted AEC include Dr. M.R. Srinivasan, Former Chairman of AEC; Professor P. Rama Rao, Former Secretary, DoS&T, MoS&T; and Dr. Anil Kakodkar, Former Chairman of AEC and Chairman of Rajiv Gandhi Science & Technology.

      (ii) Additional members of the AEC include Dr. Ravi B. Grover, Former Principal Advisor of DAE; and Dr. K. Kasturirangan, Former Chairman of Space Commission.

(iii) The appointment of other AEC members is done annually, based on the Chairman’s recommendation and approval from the Prime Minister of India.

      - Non-residents can settle legitimate transactions with other non-residents using balances in their repatriable INR accounts, such as Special Non-Resident Rupee Accounts (SNRR) and Special Rupee Vostro Accounts (SRVA).

Main Point :-   (i) Balances in repatriable INR accounts can now be used for investments like Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in non-debt instruments.

      (ii) Indian exporters can open foreign currency accounts abroad for receiving export payments and making import payments, simplifying trade settlements.

(iii) To promote trade in local currencies, the RBI has signed MoUs with the central banks of the UAE, Indonesia, and the Maldives.

Main Point :-   (i) During the event, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh launched 40 projects—20 under the National Livestock Mission (NLM) and 20 under the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF)—with a total outlay of ₹545.04 crores.

      (ii) The NLM - Entrepreneurship Development Programme (NLM-EDP) Dashboard was launched to provide an organized summary of project information for public access.

      - A ₹100 crore corpus fund has been allocated under the scheme for the Payment Security Mechanism (PSM) to reduce investment risks in RESCO-based grid-connected rooftop solar models for the residential sector, with the possibility of supplementation through additional grants and other sources, subject to MNRE approval.

Main Point :-   (i) The guidelines issued by MNRE are designed to complement the existing capex-based implementation mode available through the national portal (https://www.pmsuryaghar.gov.in) and aim to boost the adoption of rooftop solar systems while addressing key investment and implementation challenges.

      (ii) The Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, approved the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY) on 29th February 2024, with the Government of India allocating ₹75,021 crore for the scheme, which will be implemented until the Financial Year 2026-27 (FY27).

(iii) The PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY) is considered the world's largest domestic rooftop solar programme, aiming to provide free electricity of 300 units per month to 1 crore households in India by March 2027, with implementation led by a National Programme Implementation Agency (NPIA) at the national level and State Implementation Agencies (SIAs) at the state level.

      - Under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, BDL will supply the MRSAMs under the 'Buy (Indian)' category, utilizing mostly indigenous components. This move aligns with the government's push for self-reliance in defense production and reduces dependence on foreign suppliers.

Main Point :-   (i) MRSAM is a high-response, quick-reaction, vertically launched supersonic missile designed to counter various aerial threats, including missiles, aircraft, guided bombs, and helicopters. The missile system is used by the Indian Navy, Indian Army, and Indian Air Force in different variants, strengthening the air defense across the three services.

      (ii) The missile itself is 4,500 millimeters long, 225 millimeters in diameter, and weighs approximately 275 kilograms. It is capable of engaging multiple targets simultaneously at a range of up to 70 kilometers, providing a comprehensive defense against a variety of aerial threats.

(iii) The missile system is powered by an indigenously developed rocket motor and control system, offering high flexibility, especially in the terminal phase. In December 2020, the DRDO conducted the first successful launch of the MRSAM (Army Version) from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. The Indian Army established its first MRSAM Regiment in the Eastern Sector in 2023, marking a key milestone in its air defense strategy.

      - Participants will develop innovative solutions in six key areas: Application Programming Interface (API) Security, Data Security, Wearable Device Security and Privacy, Clone and Fake Application (App) Mitigation, Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Threat Detection and Incident Response, and Securing Next-Generation Biometric Systems.

Main Point :-   (i) The challenge is divided into three main stages. In the Idea Stage, 36 startups (6 per problem area) will be selected, each receiving ₹5 lakh. Following this, the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) Stage will see 18 startups being chosen and awarded ₹10 lakh each.

      (ii) The next stage is the Final Product Stage, where winners for each problem area will receive ₹25 lakh.

(iii) The final stage, called the Go-to-Market Stage, will announce the top three winners. The Platinum Winner will receive ₹1 crore, the Gold Winner will get ₹50 lakh, and the Silver Winner will be awarded ₹25 lakh.

Main Point :-   (i) This collaboration is part of the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) 6G Call for Proposal by the Department of Telecommunications, and it supports the Bharat 6G Vision, which aims to develop advanced, secure, and high-quality 6G networks.

      (ii) The project’s goal is to develop important devices and components for THz (terahertz) systems, which are essential for the 6G communication network.

      - The project has set three world records in the areas of single-unit power, storage capacity, and energy conversion efficiency.

Main Point :-   (i) The project’s energy storage capacity is 1,500 megawatt-hours (MWh), and it has underground gas storage of 700,000 cubic meters (m³).

      (ii) The system can store energy for up to 8 hours and release energy for 5 hours daily, with a service life of over 30 years.

(iii) Nengchu-1 will save 159,000 tons of standard coal and reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 411,000 tons each year. This also helps in managing the power grid’s functions and the fluctuating nature of renewable energy generation.

      - As of January 14, 2025, according to RBI data, the banking system had a liquidity deficit of Rs 2.09 lakh crore, and VRR auctions allow RBI to inject liquidity into the banking system during such deficits.

Main Point :-   (i) On January 15, 2025, RBI held a 5-day VRR auction with a notified amount of Rs 75,000 crore, receiving Rs 3,980 crore in bids, amid decreased banking liquidity due to RBI's increased forex market interventions, as India's Forex Reserve dropped to a 10-month low on January 3, 2025.

      (ii) VRR (Variable-Rate Repo) : This is a tool used by the RBI to inject short-term liquidity into the banking system. Through VRR, RBI allows banks to borrow money at a market-determined rate (usually lower than the Repo rate) for a maximum period of 14 days.

(iii) CRR (Cash Reserve Ratio) : RBI requires all commercial banks in India to keep a certain percentage of their total deposits in cash with the RBI.

      - The bank offers interest rates ranging from 4.25% to 7.15% on regular FDs for general citizens, with the highest rate of 7.30% for deposits below Rs. 3 crores, along with an additional interest rate for senior citizens.

Main Point :-   (i) No penalty is charged for premature withdrawals on FDs up to Rs. 5 lakh, as long as the FD has completed at least 12 months.

      (ii) If the FD amount is below Rs. 1 crore, a 1% penalty will be applied to the interest rate for the completed period or the agreed rate, whichever is lower.

(iii) For FDs of Rs. 1 crore and above, a 1.5% penalty will be imposed on the applicable interest rate for the completed period or the agreed rate.

      - The report proposes raising the income threshold for the 30% peak tax rate from ₹15 lakh to ₹40 lakh and reducing tax rates for proprietorships, partnerships, and LLPs from 33% to 25%, aiming to increase disposable income and business competitiveness.

Main Point :-   (i) Inflation is forecast to remain at 4.5% in FY25 and reduce to 4% in FY26. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation is expected to drop significantly to a range of 4%–2.5% in the coming quarters, reflecting effective inflation control measures.

      (ii) The Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) at 33.5% of GDP signals sustainable capacity expansion, robust industrial growth, and higher infrastructure investments in the near future.

(iii) To sustain India's growth trajectory, PHDCCI recommends five strategies: increasing public capital expenditure, simplifying the ease of doing business, reducing operational costs for businesses, improving labour-intensive manufacturing, and accelerating economic reforms to ensure inclusive development.

      - Consumer spending, agriculture, and rural consumption are expected to recover, with agriculture growing at 3.6%, and industrial and services sectors rising by 6.3% and 7.3% respectively.

Main Point :-   (i) Growth will be supported by government-led investments in infrastructure, housing, logistics, and significant growth in manufacturing, electronics, and pharmaceuticals sectors.

      (ii) Growth may be hindered by geopolitical uncertainties, trade disruptions, climate-induced challenges, and rising public debt levels.

(iii) Exports are projected at USD 450.5 billion, and imports at USD 729.6 billion for 2024-25.

      - The INS Utkarsh was designed at L&T's Warship Design Centre in Chennai and constructed at the L&T Shipbuilding Limited in Kattupalli.

Main Point :-   (i) The MPV is 107 meters (m) long, 18.6 m wide, weighs over 3,750 tonnes (t), and can reach speeds of up to 50 knots.

      (ii) It is designed to perform various tasks, including maritime surveillance, humanitarian assistance, pollution control, testing indigenous weapons and sensors to promote self-reliance in defense technology, and aiding in ship navigation, showcasing its versatility.

(iii) Along with these MPVs, L&T is constructing three Cadet Training Ships and six other defense vessels for the IN under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).

      - The satellites, integrated by Exolaunch, have a resolution of 5 meters, far superior to the standard 30 meters, and can capture data across more than 150 spectral bands.

Main Point :-   (i) These satellites enable precise monitoring of vegetation health, water quality, chemical compositions, and atmospheric conditions, making them vital for agriculture, climate monitoring, resource management, and environmental protection.

      (ii) Operating at approximately 550 kilometers in a sun-synchronous orbit, the satellites cover a swathe width of 40 kilometers, with daily revisit capability, ensuring continuous monitoring of large areas.

(iii) Bengaluru-based aerospace company Digantara, backed by the Aditya Birla Group, launched its Space Camera for Object Tracking (SCOT) mission aboard the same SpaceX Transporter-12 mission, designed for detecting and tracking objects as small as 5 cm.

Main Point :-   (i) The Armed Forces Veterans' Day was first celebrated in 2017.

      (ii) The day is observed with programs at major military stations and cities, featuring ceremonial parades and gatherings of veterans, Veer Naris (the widows of our soldiers), and their families.

Main Point :-   (i) AB PM-JAY will be implemented in convergence with the existing Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana (GJAY) in Odisha.

      (ii) The scheme will provide health insurance coverage of Rs 5 lakh per family annually, with an additional Rs 5 lakh for women members.

Main Point :-   (i) PM released a commemorative postage stamp and coin to mark the 150th anniversary of IMD.

      (ii) The coin is circular in shape, with a denomination of Rs 150, minted in 99.99% silver, and weighs 40 grams.

(iii) PM also unveiled a vision document titled "IMD Vision 2047," which outlines strategies for weather resilience and climate change adaptation as India prepares to celebrate 100 years of independence in 2047.

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.

Main Point :-   (i) The project is being implemented by the Rubber Board of India and financially supported by four members of the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (ATMA), including Apollo Tyres Limited, CEAT Limited, JK Tyre & Industries Limited, and MRF Tyres.

      (ii) New Natural Rubber (NR) plantations across 94 districts in Northeast India and parts of West Bengal (WB) have covered a total area of 1,25,272 hectares in the first four years of the project.

(iii) The project will also offer skill-based training through digital platforms, alongside the development of infrastructure, including Model Smoke Houses and Model Processing and Grading Centres, specifically designed for the region.

      - The Union Minister attended the 4th edition of the Hajj & Umrah Conference and Exhibition held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, organized by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

Main Point :-   (i) Under the Hajj Policy 2025, 30% of the Haj quota (52,507 slots) will be allocated to Private Haj Group Organizers (HGOs), while 70% will be allocated to the Haj Committee of India (HCOI).

      (ii) The conference provided a platform for decision-makers, experts, and researchers in the Hajj & Umrah sector to share insights, facilitate discussions, and suggest suitable practices for the pilgrimage.

(iii) The agreement for Haj 2025 secures a significant quota for Indian pilgrims, with a clear distribution strategy between the Haj Committee of India and Private Haj Group Organizers.

Main Point :-   (i) CCI has also granted approval for ABL and Nashik-based Viva Highways Limited (Viva), a subsidiary of ABL, to acquire certain convertible instruments of ACL.

      (ii) Viva will also acquire a 26% shareholding in Jaora Naygaon Toll Road Company Limited (JTCL), a Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) concessionaire, valued at Rs 150 crore.

(iii) Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation Limited (MPRDC) has awarded a concession to JTCL for the reconstruction, strengthening, widening, and rehabilitation of a 125-kilometer stretch of State Highway (SH)-31, extending to 250 kilometers, in Madhya Pradesh (MP).

      - Tarun Das served as the Director General and Chief Mentor of CII for over 40 years, playing a pivotal role in shaping India’s business landscape and fostering economic cooperation between India and Singapore.

Main Point :-   (i) In 1993, Tarun Das led the first delegation of Indian industrialists to Singapore under India’s “Look East” policy, paving the way for annual visits to enhance political and business ties between the two nations.

      (ii) He was instrumental in establishing the India-Singapore Strategic Dialogue (ISSD), a crucial platform for business leaders, policymakers, and academia to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, technology, and more.

(iii) Beyond his work with CII, Tarun Das has held leadership roles in organizations like the Singapore-India Partnership Foundation (SIPF) and contributed to initiatives like the SIPF Students Immersion Programme to India, which aims to promote educational and cultural exchanges between India and Singapore. He was also honored with the Singapore Public Service Medal in 2004 for his exceptional service.

      - M Rajeshwar Rao will manage 11 portfolios, including Co-ordination, Department of Communication, Department of Economic and Policy Research, Department of Regulation, Department of Statistics and Information Management, Enforcement Department, International Department, Legal Department, Monetary Policy Department, Risk Monitoring Department, and the Secretary's Department.

Main Point :-   (i) Rabi Sankar will manage 13 departments, including Currency Management, Information Technology, Financial Markets Operations, and Financial Markets Regulation.

      (ii) Swaminathan Janakiraman will oversee 9 departments, including Supervision and the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC).

(iii) Dr. Michael Debabrata Patra, who served as RBI deputy governor from 2020, had his term extended twice in 2023 and 2024. He was also a member of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) since its inception in 2016.

      - The appointments were recommended by the Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB), chaired by Bhanu Pratap Sharma.

Main Point :-   (i) Ashok Chandra holds a postgraduate degree in Economics, began his banking career in 1991 with Corporation Bank, and served as Executive Director (ED) at Canara Bank Limited.

      (ii) Binod Kumar holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Banking & Finance from NIBM, is a Financial Risk Manager (FRM) certified by GARP, USA, and previously served as ED at PNB.

(iii) Both leaders are Certified Associates of the Indian Institute of Bankers (CAIIB).

      - Key Trials: In January 2025, the Bhargavastra system underwent successful trials at Gopalpur Seaward Firing Ranges, Odisha, hitting both stationary and moving targets at a range of 2,500 meters. Further extensive trials are planned for potential military induction.

Main Point :-   (i) The Bhargavastra system, designed for the Indian Army, can detect small flying objects up to 6 km away and operate at altitudes of up to 5,000 meters. Its advanced radar can identify medium to large drones within a 10 km range and small drones at 6 km, even with low radar cross-section (RCS).

      (ii) The system can fire over 64 micro-missiles simultaneously, making it an effective and cost-efficient alternative to expensive surface-to-air missiles. It is optimized to counter drone swarms and offers an edge over traditional methods like jamming or spoofing.

(iii) Designed for various terrains, including high-altitude regions, the system is mounted on a mobile platform for rapid deployment, enhancing its adaptability and responsiveness in diverse combat scenarios.

Main Point :-   (i) For the first time, the Nepali Army Band participated in the parade held in Pune, Maharashtra.

      (ii) The Indian Army also displayed its Multi-Utility Legged Equipment (MULES), commonly known as robotic dogs.

(iii) 15th January 2025 marks the 77th Indian Army Day observance.

      - Dr. Mohan Yadav inaugurated the world’s largest 3D Rangoli depicting Swami Vivekananda at Shaurya Smarak in Bhopal, MP. The 18,000 sq. ft. artwork was created with eco-friendly natural colors by renowned rangoli artist Shikha Sharma Joshi and her team from Indore, MP.

Main Point :-   (i) The mission’s primary target is to achieve a 100% pass rate for students in Class 10th and 12th board exams by 2030.

      (ii) The mission aims to ensure that every youth earns at least the minimum wage of a skilled worker, completes education up to Class 12th, and actively participates in social initiatives for societal betterment.

      - PM-WANI, launched by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in 2020, aims to establish public Wi-Fi networks through Public Data Office Aggregators (PDOAs) to provide Wi-Fi services across the country, boosting broadband internet proliferation, with 18,19,674 unique users and 58.55 petabytes (PB) of data consumed as of December 15, 2024.

Main Point :-   (i) TRAI proposed that the broadband tariff (Fiber to the Home, FTTH) for PDOs under the PM-WANI scheme should not exceed twice the retail broadband FTTH tariff of the same capacity offered by service providers, aiming to foster the growth of PM-WANI hotspots.

      (ii) The measure is designed to create a sustainable ecosystem that ensures a balanced relationship between PDOs and service providers.

(iii) The PM-WANI scheme aligns with the National Digital Communications Policy, 2018, and Bharat 6G Vision, targeting the deployment of 50 million public Wi-Fi hotspots by 2030. As of July 2024, 207,642 PM-WANI hotspots have been deployed across India.

Main Point :-   (i) Initially, UPI acceptance will be introduced at Dubai Duty Free, improving the shopping and payment experience for Indian tourists.

      (ii) The service will later be extended to other important merchant sectors, such as retail, hospitality, transport, and supermarkets.

(iii) UPI payments are now accepted in seven countries: Bhutan, Mauritius, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, France, and the UAE.

      - During three field trials, the missile successfully destroyed all targets, proving its effectiveness at both maximum and minimum ranges, including neutralizing modern armoured threats like tanks with explosive reactive armour (ERA).

Main Point :-   (i) The Nag Mark 2 travels at 230 meters per second and can destroy enemy tanks up to 4 kilometers away within 17-18 seconds.

      (ii) Weighing approximately 45 kg and measuring 6 feet 1 inch, the missile was developed by DRDO at a cost of ₹300 crore.

(iii) The Nag Missile Carrier (NAMICA) Version 2, a vehicle-mounted missile carrier, was also successfully tested, ensuring effective deployment of the Nag Mark 2 missile on the battlefield.

Main Point :-   (i) Bengaluru (Karnataka), Mumbai (Maharashtra), and Delhi (Delhi) emerged as the top three Indian cities for fintech funding in 2024.

      (ii) The top three investing companies in the fintech sector include Peak XV Partners (Karnataka), LetsVenture Technologies Private Limited (Bengaluru, Karnataka), and Y Combinator, LLC (California, USA).

      - The 'Shijian-25' satellite, developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST), aims to test technologies for in-orbit refueling and extending satellite lifespans, with the Long March 3B rocket serving as a key vehicle for China’s GTO launches since 1996.

Main Point :-   (i) This mission follows the 2021 launch of the Shijian-21 satellite, which focused on space debris mitigation and was also developed by SAST.

      (ii) The mission aims to improve China's sustainability and reduce costs in space operations by verifying technologies for satellite refueling and extending their operational lifespans.

(iii) The satellite is equipped with advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology for high-resolution imaging and precise spatial data collection, while China also plans additional missions in 2025, including crewed missions to the Tiangong space station and the Tianwen-2 asteroid sample return mission.

      - The two-lane, bi-directional Z-Morh Tunnel spans 6.5 kilometers (km) in length and 10 meters (m) in width. It is built on the Srinagar-Leh National Highway (NH) at a cost of Rs. 2,700 crore using the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM), which is suitable for the fragile Himalayan geology.

Main Point :-   (i) The tunnel includes a main tunnel (10.8 m wide), a parallel escape tunnel (7.5 m wide), a D-shaped ventilation tunnel (8.3 m wide), two major culverts measuring 110 m and 270 m in length, and a smaller culvert of 30 m.

      (ii) Located at an altitude of 8,650 feet above sea level, the Z-Morh Tunnel facilitates all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg en route to Leh, bypassing areas prone to landslides and avalanches.

(iii) The Z-Morh Tunnel is designed to handle 1,000 vehicles per hour at a maximum speed of 80 km/h, ensuring uninterrupted travel during winter, with its western portal at Rezan (towards Srinagar) and eastern portal at Shetkari (towards Sonamarg).

      - The agreement was signed in the presence of Dr. Raj Kumar Upadhyay, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of C-DOT, Dr. Rahul Shrestha, Principal Investigator from IIT Mandi, Dr. Rohit B. Chaurasiya, Co-Investigator from IIT Jammu, as well as C-DOT Directors Pankaj Kumar Dalela and Shikha Srivastava.

Main Point :-   (i) The collaboration aims to develop a Wideband Spectrum-Sensor (WSS), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chip designed to optimize spectrum usage for broadband services, especially in rural areas. The project also aims to generate intellectual property (IP) for spectrum sensing technology, critical for dynamic spectrum access.

      (ii) The project will design an advanced spectrum sensing algorithm to identify unused frequency bands (spectrum holes) in communication systems, enabling interference-free operation.

(iii) The project focuses on developing hardware-efficient communication algorithms to detect underutilized frequency bands above 2 GHz, demonstrating a wideband cognitive radio module for the 6 GHz satellite band and testing designs using Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) to improve spectrum utilization.

Main Point :-   (i) India has emerged as the world’s 5th-largest economy and the 3rd-largest startup ecosystem, undergoing transformative growth in sectors such as agriculture, fintech, AI, and research and innovation.

      (ii) India’s selection as the host for the 28th CSPOC highlights its rich cultural heritage, rooted in the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, meaning "the whole world is one family."

(iii) India had previously hosted the CSPOC in 1970-71, 1986, and 2010.

      - This project aligns with AP’s Semiconductor Policy, launched in November 2024, aiming to transform the state into a hub for electronics and semiconductor manufacturing while supporting India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision by boosting domestic production and reducing import dependency.

Main Point :-   (i) The AP government will provide land in the Orvakal Mega Industrial Hub along with essential infrastructure and support to ensure the project’s success.

      (ii) The facility will specialize in manufacturing Silicon Carbide (SiC) chips, crucial for energy-efficient technologies, Electric Vehicles (EVs), and Renewable Energy (RE) systems, with an initial production capacity of 10,000 wafers per month, scalable to 50,000 wafers per month within 2-3 years.

(iii) In November 2024, Gujarat became a pioneer in India's semiconductor industry by launching the Gujarat Semiconductor Policy 2022-2027, setting up the country’s first semiconductor facility in Sanand and initiating the construction of India’s first AI-enabled semiconductor fabrication plant in Dholera.

Main Point :-   (i) India confirmed its approval of Nepal's request for the supply of 2 lakh Metric Tonnes (MT) of wheat.

      (ii) At Nepal's request, India agreed to apply the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) regulations to Nepali vehicles, which include a maximum axle weight of 18.5 tonnes for two-axle vehicles and 28 tonnes for three-axle vehicles. These regulations will be applicable for cargo transit on the Kakarbhitta (Nepal)-Banglabandha (Bangladesh) via Phulbari (India) route.

(iii) On the sidelines of the India-Nepal IGC, the second edition of the Joint Business Forum (JBF) was held between India and Nepal on January 11, 2025.

      - The interest rates for these buckets are as follows: 7.90% p.a. for 375 days, 8.00% p.a. for 444 days, 8.05% p.a. for 555 days, and 7.85% p.a. for 700 days. These special rates are designed to provide enhanced returns for super senior citizens, ensuring they benefit from higher interest rates for their fixed deposits.

Main Point :-   (i) The IDBI Chiranjeevi-Super Senior Citizen FD scheme is not applicable to Non-Resident Ordinary (NRO) or Non-Resident External (NRE) term deposits. While premature withdrawal and closure are permitted, they will incur a penalty of 1% on the applicable interest rate. All other terms and conditions of the Fixed Deposit will remain unchanged and applicable to this scheme as well.

      (ii) IDBI Bank also offers the Utsav Callable FD scheme, which provides different interest rates based on the tenure.

(iii) A recent addition to this scheme is the 555-day tenure, offering 7.40% for general citizens and 7.90% for senior citizens, available until March 31, 2025.

Main Point :-   (i) The focus of the hackathon will be on key areas like malware detection and removal powered by intelligence, real-time monitoring and mitigation of threats, ransomware protection solutions, next-generation antivirus tools, and managing attack surfaces.

      (ii) The competition is open to students, researchers, and academicians, either as individuals or in teams.

(iii) The winners will receive prizes worth up to Rs 11 lakhs and will also have the chance to implement their solutions in live environments with PNB.

Main Point :-   (i) Both public sector entities will combine their strengths to promote innovations in the clean energy ecosystem and support India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM).

      (ii) This partnership is a significant step toward aligning India’s renewable energy targets and advancing the adoption of clean energy solutions.

Main Point :-   (i) As part of the partnership, Infosys will create a digital platform powered by generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) to assess the skills of 3.59 crore people (aged 15-59 years) in Andhra Pradesh. The platform will evaluate current skill levels, identify gaps, and offer personalized recommendations for improvement.

      (ii) The Infosys Springboard initiative will provide free online courses, workshops, and learning pathways to support ongoing skill development. It will use advanced technology for transparent evaluations to track progress and ensure training aligns with career goals.

(iii) As part of the Skill Census, Infosys will offer technical support free of charge, linking skill assessments with job opportunities.

Main Point :-   (i) PV Sindhu now joins PUMA's exclusive list of athletes and icons, which includes cricketers Harmanpreet Kaur and Mohammed Shami, Olympian Sarabjot Singh, Paralympian Avani Lekhara, and international legends like Usain Bolt and Neymar Jr.

      (ii) PV Sindhu is the first Indian to win five badminton World Championship medals and has been successful in the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and Asian Games.

(iii) She has received prestigious awards, including the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna (2016), Padma Shri (2015), Padma Bhushan (2020), and the Arjuna Award (2013) for her outstanding achievements in sports.

Main Point :-   (i) The Supercopa de España 2025 has a prize pool of USD 20.7 million, with FC Barcelona and Real Madrid each receiving USD 6.2 million, Athletic Bilbao getting around USD 2.1 million, and RCD Mallorca receiving USD 880,150.

      (ii) In addition to the prize money, the tournament champions will receive USD 2.1 million, and the runners-up will get USD 1 million.

(iii) FC Barcelona won their first Super Cup in 1983-84, followed by wins in 1991-92, 1992-93, 1994-95, 1996-97, 2005-06, 2006-07, 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2013-14, 2016-17, 2018-19, 2022-23, and now 2024-25.

Main Point :-   (i) Iqbal M Chagla started his career as an advocate at the Bombay High Court, under the guidance of Kharshedji Hormasji Bhabha. He became a Senior Advocate at the age of 39 in 1979.

      (ii) He was the President of the Bombay Bar Association (BBA) three times, serving from 1990 to 1999.

(iii) He also served as a member of the Executive Committee of the Bar Association of India (BBI) and the National Legal Services Authority (NLSA) in New Delhi.

Main Point :-   (i) Starting from December 2024, the Jharkhand government increased the financial assistance to Rs 2,500 per month, providing stronger support to women beneficiaries.

      (ii) To be eligible for the scheme, the applicant must be a woman and a resident of Jharkhand.

(iii) The applicant must not have a spouse or be employed herself in any Central or State Government job, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), local bodies, government-aided institutions, or be receiving a pension.

Main Point :-   (i) Launched in 2019, eBKray is an advanced property listing and e-auction platform designed for banks and lending institutions to recover non-performing asset (NPA) loans by facilitating the efficient sale of distressed assets through digital auctions.

      (ii) IBBI has extended the deadline for Insolvency Professionals (IPs) to submit electronic forms related to liquidation and voluntary liquidation processes to March 31, 2025, following concerns over technical issues in form submission.

(iii) This extension marks the second change in deadline; the original deadline was September 30, 2024, which was first extended to December 31, 2024.

      - IndiaAI, an independent division under the Digital India Corporation, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Microsoft to promote the use and development of AI in India.

Main Point :-   (i) The MoU aims to skill 500,000 people, including students, teachers, developers, and women entrepreneurs, by 2026.

      (ii) They plan to establish "AI Catalysts," a Center of Excellence, to encourage AI innovation in smaller cities (Tier 2 and Tier 3). They will help 100,000 AI innovators and developers through hackathons, community-building efforts, and an AI marketplace.

(iii) The agreement also includes setting up AI Productivity Labs in 20 National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) and NIELIT centers across 10 states. These labs will train 20,000 educators and help 100,000 students with basic AI courses in 200 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).

      - The MoU was signed by Manoj Kumar Singh, Chief Secretary of UP, and Anil Bhansali, Vice President (VP) of Google Cloud (India).

Main Point :-   (i) The network is created as a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) using Google Cloud’s DPI-in-a-box and the Beckn Protocol, an open standard that makes it easy to find and access products and services.

      (ii) This is an important step toward doubling farmers' income in UP. It provides quick and accurate information on weather and market prices, using data from weather stations in nearly every tehsil.

(iii) Farmers can access the network using voice commands in their preferred language. Currently, it supports Hindi, Bangla, Telugu, Kannada, Gujarati, and Punjabi, with plans to add more languages in the future.

      - These projects are part of the International Sports Complex in Rajgir, aimed at promoting sports education and developing skilled sports professionals in the state.

Main Point :-   (i) The university will begin academic programs in 2025-2026, offering diplomas and PG diplomas in sports coaching and yoga, along with a four-year Bachelor of Physical Education (B.P.Ed.) program (pending NCTE approval).

      (ii) An Ombudsperson must be appointed within two months of starting academic activities to ensure adherence to UGC grievance redressal regulations.

(iii) The academic programs aim to focus on specialized training in sports and physical education to meet national standards.

      - In 2007, he won the Liberal Party nomination for the Papineau riding in Montréal. He was first elected in 2008 and then re-elected in 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2021. He became the leader of the Liberal Party in April 2013.

Main Point :-   (i) In 2015, Justin Trudeau won a major victory in the federal election and became the second-youngest Prime Minister in Canadian history.

      (ii) He was sworn in as the 23rd Prime Minister on November 4, 2015, and successfully led his party to re-election in 2019 and 2021, securing a third term.

(iii) During his time in office, he focused on progressive issues such as fighting climate change and addressing the historical injustices faced by Indigenous peoples. However, the final years of his leadership have been marked by growing economic challenges.

      - He began his political career in the early 2000s as the Science and Education Minister in the HDZ-led government.

Main Point :-   (i) In 2007, Zoran Milanović became the leader of the SDP. Under his leadership, the SDP won the 2011 parliamentary elections, and Milanović became the Prime Minister (PM) of Croatia. He served as Prime Minister from December 2011 to January 2016.

      (ii) In January 2020, Milanović was elected as the President of Croatia for the first time, defeating former President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović.

(iii) He has received several prestigious awards, including 'the Grand Cross of the Order of the White Lion' (the highest award in the Czech Republic) and 'the Order of Prince Branimir' for his contributions to Croatian diplomacy and governance.

Main Point :-   (i) The system features a modular, multi-layer structure, enabling soldiers to add or remove layers according to weather conditions, ensuring optimal comfort and mobility.

      (ii) Previously, the Indian Army (IA) utilized the Extreme Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS), a 3-layered outfit developed by DRDO's Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS). This system offered insulation, waterproofing, and a reversible outer layer for camouflage in both snowy and non-snowy terrains.

Main Point :-   Lakshmanan also served on the TVS Motors board since 2000, becoming one of the most trusted mentors for the company, and retired in 2022.

Main Point :-   (i) In 1984, the Government of India (GoI) declared Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary as National Youth Day to honor his teachings and ideals.

      (ii) The first National Youth Day was observed on January 12, 1985.

(iii) On January 11, 2025, Union Minister Mansukh L. Mandaviya from the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MYAS) inaugurated the 'Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue' at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

Main Point :-   (i) Under this scheme, candidates will receive full pre-recruitment training, including physical fitness, coaching for written exams (covering general knowledge, mathematics, and English), and personality development.

      (ii) A key part of the PARTH Yojana is the MPYP (Madhya Pradesh Youth Platform) Portal. This digital platform aims to connect all young people in the state for skill development, career guidance, and job opportunities.

(iii) The MPYP Portal, along with the Yuva Prerak Abhiyan, provides a comprehensive approach to youth development, ensuring that everyone has access to the resources and support needed to achieve their full potential.

      - Data Science is an interdisciplinary field combining statistics, mathematics, programming, and domain knowledge to derive insights from data, while Big Data refers to large, complex datasets beyond the capacity of traditional data tools to process effectively.

Main Point :-   (i) India aims to align its Big Data advancements with global objectives and modernize statistical processes using innovative data sources like IoT, satellite imagery, and private sector data for improved accuracy and efficiency.

      (ii) India's participation aims to enhance real-time, evidence-based decision-making and streamline statistical production by innovating data collection, processing, and analysis.

(iii) The UN-CEBD, established in 2014 and headquartered in New York, USA, comprises 31 member countries and 16 international organizations, focusing on leveraging Big Data for monitoring Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with its Advisory Board serving as the management body.

      - Hosted by the Centre for Indigenous Economic Understanding (CIEU) and Dalberg Advisors, the Bharat Climate Forum is supported by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), NITI Aayog, and the International Solar Alliance (ISA).

Main Point :-   (i) The goal of Bharat Climate Forum 2025 is to position India as a global leader in clean technology manufacturing, with self-reliance as the key principle in achieving Net-Zero goals and progressing towards a developed India (Viksit Bharat).

      (ii) The Bharat Cleantech Manufacturing Platform aims to drive innovation, collaboration, and global investment in India's cleantech industry, supporting the nation's goal of achieving 500 GW of clean energy capacity by 2030.

(iii) The Bharat Cleantech Manufacturing Platform will drive technological advancements, foster global partnerships, and expand India's clean energy infrastructure, supporting its top-performing status in meeting Paris Agreement commitments.

Main Point :-   During the event, the Union Minister emphasized that computing and technological advancements are key to India becoming a developed nation by 2047.

      - Devajit Saikia, a former first-class cricketer who played four Ranji Trophy matches for Assam in the 1990-91 season, transitioned to a legal career and is now a practicing lawyer at the Guwahati High Court.

Main Point :-   (i) Devajit Saikia has extensive experience in cricket administration, having served as Joint Secretary of the BCCI, Vice-President (2016–2019) and Secretary (2019–2022) of the Assam Cricket Association (ACA), and currently as the acting interim Secretary of the BCCI.

      (ii) Prabhtej Singh Bhatia is a young entrepreneur from Chhattisgarh, involved in the liquor industry. He is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Simba Beer.

(iii) He was a member of the Apex Council during BCCI's 2019-2022 tenure and also served as a councillor for three years. Bhatia brings his expertise in finance and management to his new role as BCCI Treasurer.

      - He became the first Bangladeshi cricketer to score 50 half-centuries in ODIs.

Main Point :-   (i) Tamim Iqbal is the only Bangladeshi cricketer to score centuries in all three formats of the game (ODIs, Tests, and T20Is).

      (ii) In 2011, he was named one of the four "Cricketers of the Year" by the Wisden Cricketers' Almanack.

(iii) He has scored more than 15,000 runs in his international career, the highest by any Bangladeshi batsman so far.

Main Point :-   (i) During the event, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal unveiled initiatives worth over Rs. 1,400 crore to boost inland waterways transport networks across 21 Inland Waterway States.

      (ii) The National River Traffic and Navigation System (NRT&NS) was launched to ensure safe, seamless, and sustainable movement of inland vessels.

(iii) The Union Minister also announced an investment of Rs. 50,000 crore over the next five years to strengthen infrastructure on national waterways.

Main Point :-   (i) The plan offers comprehensive coverage for devotees, including hospitalization, doctor consultations, outpatient services, personal accidents, lost baggage, trip cancellations, missed flights, and repatriation of remains.

      (ii) Users can purchase this plan through PhonePe until February 25, 2025, ensuring full coverage during their journey and stay at the Maha Kumbh Mela, providing a safe pilgrimage experience for millions.