04th-06th January, 2025

1. Cabinet approves MoU on trade of NBWR between India and Indonesia
2. MoF Kept Interest Rate on Small Savings Schemes Unchanged for Q4FY25
3. First Made-in-India Surgical Robot ‘SSI Mantra’ Installed at Maharashtra’s Noble Hospitals
4. Romania and Bulgaria Become Full Members of Schengen Border-Free Zones
5. GoI Announces USD 500,000 Relief Assistance to Vanuatu
6. Federal Bank Launches Digital Platform FedOne for Corporate Banking
7. Assam Signed MoU with SBI & UBI for Insurance Benefits
8. Bhuvnesh Kumar appointed as CEO of UIDAI
9. Anup Kumar Sinha Reappointed As Non-Executive Chairman of Bandhan Bank
10. 2024 FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championship – India’s Humpy won Rapid’s title; Vaishali won bronze in Blitz
11. West Bengal Wins 78th Santosh Trophy Title in Hyderabad
12. Gujarat Launches ‘Atlas to Protect Indian Wolf Habitats’
13. ICG and AIIMS Delhi Signed MoU to Enhance Medical Training for Officers
14. SBI Launched Har Ghar Lakshpati RD scheme and SBI Parivartan FD scheme
15. NaBFID Invests Rs 745 Crore in NDR InfraIT’s Long-Term Bonds
16. CFH Gets SEBI Approval to Launch Mutual Fund Business
17. POWERGRID Signs Green Loan Agreement with SMBC for RE transformation
18. TATA AIG General Insurance Company Appointed Amit Ganorkar as MD & CEO
19. Jyoti Sharma Named as CEO of NASSCOM Foundation
20. SBI Life acquires 10% stake in Bima Sugam India Federation
21. N Space Tech tested ‘SwetchaSAT-V0’ UHF Communication system
22. Veteran nuclear scientist and Padma Awardee Rajagopala Chidambaram Passed away
23. World’s Oldest Olympic Champion & Hungarian Gymnast Agnes Keleti passed away
24. Gujarat approves creation of Vav-Tharad as the 34th district
25. RBI Approves Merger of National and Cosmos Co-operative Banks
26. BharatPe to Sell 25% Stake in Unity Small Finance Bank
27. Mike Johnson Re-Elected as US House Speaker
28. SBI Introduces ‘Har Ghar Lakhpati’ and ‘SBI Patrons’ Deposit Schemes
29. EPFO’s Centralized Pension System
30. Telangana’s Rythu Bharosa Scheme Expansion
31. World Braille Day
32. Chhattisgarh’s Green GDP Initiative
33. Faiz Ahmed Kidwai Appointed as DGCA Director General
34. Assam’s Elephant Population Sees 7-Year Rise
35. Sai Paranjpye to Receive Padmapani Lifetime Achievement Award
36. Odia Poet Prativa Satpathy to Receive Gangadhar National Award
37. New HR policy aims to make CISF future-ready
38. Blinkit Launches 10-Minute Ambulance Service in Gurgaon
39. Savitribai Phule Jayanti 2025, Know Date, History and Significance
40. Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) Outbreak in China
41. DRDO’s 67th Foundation Day

State News

1. Maharashtra’s First Made in India Robotic System Launched
   • What:
     • Noble Hospitals and Research Centre installed Maharashtra’s first made in India Robotic System “SSI Mantra 3 Robotic System”.
   • Why:
     • It reflects the hospital’s commitment to adopting newer technologies for better healthcare services.
   • Tell me more:
     • The robotic system features five robotic arms, a 3D HD headset, and a vision cart with 3D 4K imaging.
     • The first surgery performed was a robotic right extended hemicolectomy on a patient with colon cancer.

2. Assam Government Signs MoUs for Employee Insurance
   • What:
     • The Assam government signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with State Bank of India (SBI) and Union Bank of India (UBI).
   • Why:
     • This initiative aims to provide zero-premium insurance coverage to over four lakh state government employees.
   • Tell me more:
     • The insurance coverage includes Rs 10 lakh for Term Life Insurance, Rs 1 crore for accidental death, and up to Rs 2 crore for Air Accidental Insurance.
     • Health insurance will also be available at affordable rates for employees who opt for it.
     • The implementation will be coordinated by Treasury Officers in each district, ensuring smooth execution and grievance redressal.
     • Employees can apply at their current bank branch or any empaneled bank maintaining their salary accounts.
     • The MoUs will take effect immediately, with Standard Operating Procedures (SoP) being issued for implementation.
       Source: ANI
3. Gujarat Launches Wolf Conservation Initiative
   • What:
     • Gujarat has launched a wolf conservation initiative, including a population survey that recorded approximately 222 wolves in the state.
   • Why:
     • The initiative aims to protect the Indian wolf, a key species for maintaining ecological balance and supporting biodiversity in Gujarat.
   • Tell me more:
     • The survey was conducted across 13 districts, with Bhavnagar reporting the highest number of wolves at 80.
     • The Atlas of Indian Wolf Habitats was developed using remote sensing and GIS technologies to identify suitable habitats for wolves.
     • Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel launched the atlas on December 25, 2024, during ‘Good Governance Day.’
     • The Indian wolf is scientifically named Canis lupus pallipes and plays a crucial role in the ecosystem.

4. Telangana Launches Rythu Bharosa Scheme for Farmers
   • What:
     • The Telangana government has introduced the ‘Rythu Bharosa’ scheme, providing ₹12,000 per acre to farmers.
   • Why:
     • The initiative aims to support farmers financially and increase agricultural productivity.
   • Tell me more:
     • The scheme offers a direct cash benefit, increasing support from the previous ₹10,000 under the ‘Rythu Bandhu’ scheme.
     • Alongside this, the ‘Indiramma Atmeeya Bharosa’ scheme will provide ₹12,000 annually to landless agricultural families.
     • The new schemes will launch on January 26.
       Source: cnbc
5. Chhattisgarh Links Forest Ecosystem to Green GDP
   • What:
     • Chhattisgarh has launched a plan connecting forest ecosystem services to the Green Gross Domestic Product (Green GDP).
   • Why:
     • The goal is to ensure economic development while preserving the environment for future generations.
   • Tell me more:
     • Chhattisgarh has 44% of its land covered by forests, vital for the livelihoods of many people.
     • To accurately estimate the economic value of forests, the scientists will assess the essential ecosystem services they provide. This includes:
       • Clean Air: Amount of CO2 absorbed by trees and converted into Oxygen will be quantified and its market value will be added to Green GDP.
       • Water Conservation: The water provided by forest through rivers, springs will be calculated for its economic impact.
       • Biodiversity: The contribution of forest fauna (animals, birds, insects) to maintain ecological balance and aiding farming.
         Source: NIE

6. Assam’s Elephant Population Increases to 5,828
   • What:
     • Assam has recorded an elephant population of 5,828 during the Elephant Population Estimation 2024.
   • Tell me more:
     • This is an increase from 5,719 elephants in the last survey conducted in 2017.
     • The population includes 3,044 adults, 1,042 sub-adults, 717 juveniles, and 1,025 calves.
     • Approximately 82% of the elephants are located within five elephant reserves in Assam.
     • Assam’s elephant population has remained stable over decades, never dropping below 5,200.
     • The highest density of elephants is found in the Chirang-Ripu Elephant Reserve.
       Source: IE

International News

1. Romania and Bulgaria Join Schengen Area in 2025
   • What:
     • The European Council has unanimously decided to lift internal land border controls with Romania and Bulgaria starting from January 1, 2025 and give the full entry to both countries into the Schengen area.
   • Why:
     • The move aims to strengthen the Schengen area, enhancing travel, trade, and tourism within the EU.
   • Tell me more:
     • The Schengen area allows free travel for citizens and legal residents without internal border checks.
     • A robust Schengen area is essential for the unity and strength of the European Union on a global scale.
     • The area is named after the 1985 Schengen Agreement and the 1990 Schengen Convention, both signed in Schengen, Luxembourg
     • The area has expanded to include most EU countries and some non-EU countries.
       Source: EU

Banking and Economy

1. Federal Bank Launches Advanced Transaction Banking Platform
   • What:
     • Federal Bank has launched FedOne, a new transaction banking platform, to provide exceptional value to corporate and SME customers.
   • Tell me more:
     • The platform is powered by Nucleus Software’s FinnAxia, marking a significant step in the bank’s digital transformation.
     • FedOne will enhance efficiency, ensuring faster service delivery and improved treasury functions for corporate customers.
       Source: ET
2. SBI Launches New Deposit Schemes for Customers
   • What:
     • The State Bank of India (SBI) has launched two new deposit schemes named ‘Har Ghar Lakhpati’ and ‘SBI Patrons.’
   • Why:
     • These schemes aim to help customers save effectively and provide enhanced benefits for senior citizens.
   • Tell me more:
     • ‘Har Ghar Lakhpati’ is a recurring deposit scheme designed to help customers accumulate Rs 1 lakh or more.
     • ‘SBI Patrons’ is a fixed deposit scheme for senior citizens aged 80 years and above, offering higher interest rates.
     • The new offerings reflect SBI’s commitment to innovation in banking and strengthening its market presence.

3. NaBFID Invests Rs 745 Crore in NDR InvIT Bonds
   • What:
     • The National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) has invested Rs 745 crore in long-term bonds issued by NDR InvIT.
   • Why:
     • The investment aims to support NDR InvIT’s growth strategy, which includes developing industrial parks and warehousing facilities across key economic corridors in India.
   • Tell me more:
     • The bonds have a maturity period of 15 years.
     • Krishnan Iyer, CEO of NDR InvIT Managers, stated that the funds will help capitalize on market opportunities and strengthen their portfolio.
     • The Indian logistics market is projected to grow from Rs 9 trillion in FY23 to Rs 13.4 trillion by FY28, with a CAGR of 8-9%.

4. Cosmea Financial Holdings Receives SEBI Approval for Mutual Fund
   • What:
     • Cosmea Financial Holdings (CFH) has received approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to sponsor a mutual fund.
   • Why:
     • The mutual fund aims to cater to the evolving needs of Indian investors by focusing on Quant and Smart Beta strategies.
   • Tell me more:
     • CFH plans to invest Rs 200 crore in its asset management company.
     • The company currently manages assets worth Rs 1,000 crore across various capital market businesses.
     • UTI Mutual Fund has also launched the UTI Quant Fund, which follows a quantitative investment strategy.

5. Power Grid Signs Green Loan Agreement with SMBC
   • What:
     • Power Grid Corporation of India Limited has signed a green loan agreement with Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) for renewable energy projects.
   • Why:
     • The agreement aims to support India’s renewable energy transformation and enhance the infrastructure for renewable energy evacuation.
   • Tell me more:
     • The loan is denominated in Japanese yen (JPY) and is equivalent to $200 million, with an additional green shoe option of $150 million.
     • The agreement was signed at GIFT City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, and emphasizes adherence to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.
     • POWERGRID has set ambitious goals, including net zero emissions by 2047 and sourcing 50% of energy from renewables by 2025.

6. SBI Life Invests in Bima Sugam India Federation
   • What:
     • SBI Life has approved the acquisition of a 10% stake in Bima Sugam India Federation for ₹6.6 crore.
   • Why:
     • The investment aims to support the establishment of a centralized marketplace for insurance products and services.
   • Tell me more:
     • Bima Sugam India Federation is an unlisted company that was incorporated on June 18, 2024.
     • The board’s approval includes an increase in the authorized share capital of Bima Sugam.
       Source: LM
7. RBI Approves Merger of National Co-operative Bank
   • What:
     • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the merger of National Co-operative Bank with Cosmos Co-operative Bank.
   • Why:
     • The merger aims to improve the financial stability and operational efficiency of the banks involved.
   • Tell me more:
     • It responds to previous restrictions placed on the National Co-operative Bank due to its weak financial performance.
     • The National Co-operative Bank has 13 branches, which will operate as branches of Cosmos Co-operative Bank after the merger.
     • In FY24, two other banks, Maratha Sahakari Bank and Sahebrao Deshmukh Sahakari Bank, also merged with Cosmos Bank.

8. BharatPe Plans Stake Sale in Unity Small Finance Bank
   • What:
     • BharatPe is looking to sell a 10% to 25% stake in Unity Small Finance Bank.
     • The sale is dependent on buyer interest and will be facilitated by Rothschild & Co.
   • Why:
     • BharatPe aims to comply with the Reserve Bank of India’s requirement to reduce its stake in Unity SFB to 10% by 2028.
   • Tell me more:
     • BharatPe currently holds around 49% of Unity Small Finance Bank.
     • Unity SFB must comply with RBI rules that no single stakeholder can hold more than 10% before going public.
     • The move is also in response to the need for Unity SFB to prepare for a public listing.
     • Unity SFB has been operational for three years and is required to go public after five years.
       Source: LM
9. Blinkit Launches Ambulance Service in Gurugram
   • What:
     • Blinkit has launched an ambulance service in Gurugram, starting with five ambulances.
   • Why:
     • Users will soon be able to book Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances through the Blinkit app.
   • Tell me more:
     • It is not intended for profit but to provide affordable emergency medical transport.
     • Each ambulance is equipped with essential life-saving equipment and staffed by a paramedic, an assistant, and a trained driver.
     • The service charges a flat fee of ₹2,000 for ambulance use.

10. Indian Government Maintains Small Savings Interest Rates
    • What:
      • The Indian government has decided to keep interest rates on small savings schemes unchanged for the fourth consecutive quarter, effective from January 1, 2025, to March 31, 2025.
    • Why:
      • This decision aims to provide stability in savings schemes amid fluctuating economic conditions.
    • Tell me more:
      • Interest rates for various schemes include:

• The last revision of rates occurred in the fourth quarter of FY 2023-24.

Source: cnbc

Defence News

1. CISF Unveils New HR Policy for Personnel
   • What:
     • The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has launched a new HR policy to prepare the force for the future.
   • Why:
     • The initiative aims to give personnel a voice in their postings, enhancing job satisfaction and family stability.
   • Tell me more:
     • The policy allows personnel to list 10 preferred posting locations.
     • Personnel retiring within two years can choose from three posting options.
     • The policy emphasizes support for women employees and couples, along with a fixed timeline for posting orders.
       Source: TH

Science and Technology

1. Andhra Pradesh-based N Space Tech Tests New Communication System
   • What:
     • N Space Tech has successfully tested an ultra-high-frequency communication system on its payload SwetchaSat.
     • The test was conducted onboard ISRO’s POEM-4 platform, with data received at ISRO’s ISTRAC in Bengaluru on January 1.
   • Why:
     • The test aims to showcase N Space Tech’s capabilities in reliable communication technology.
     • It is a significant step towards advancing satellite communication technology.
   • Tell me more:
     • SwetchaSat’s communication, power, computing, and sensor modules were developed at N Space Tech.
     • The start-up plans to demonstrate capabilities up to the Ku-band in future missions.

Source: ET ISRO

Awards

1. Sai Paranjpye to Receive Padmapani Award
   • What:
     • Veteran director-writer Sai Paranjpye will receive the Padmapani Lifetime Achievement Award at the Ajanta-Ellora International Film Festival (AIFF) 2025.
   • Why:
     • The award recognizes Paranjpye’s significant contributions to Indian cinema, particularly in the ‘parallel cinema’ movement.
   • Tell me more:
     • Paranjpye is known for films like “Sparsh,” “Chashme Buddoor,” and “Katha.”
     • She has also made contributions to Marathi literature and directed several plays.
     • The award includes a Padmapani memento, a letter of honour, and a monetary reward of ₹2 lakh.

2. Pratibha Satpathy Receives Gangadhar National Award
   • What:
     • Odia poet Pratibha Satpathy has been awarded the Gangadhar National Award for Poetry-2023.
   • Why:
     • It aims to celebrate the legacy of poet Gangadhar Meher.
   • Tell me more:
     • The award was presented during the 58th foundation day celebration of Sambalpur University.
     • The award includes a cash prize of ₹1 lakh, a shawl, and a citation.
     • Satpathy’s poetry often explores themes of life, nature, and humanity.

Source: TOI

Important Days

1. World Braille Day – January 4
   • UN Theme: Reaching blind and visually impaired persons
   • News18 Theme: Celebrating Accessibility and Inclusion for the Visually Impaired
     Source: UN N18
2. Women’s Education Day (Savitribai Phule’s Birthday) – January 3
   • What:
     • Savitribai Phule, the first Indian woman teacher, was born on January 3, 1831, in Naigaon, Maharashtra.
   • Why:
     • The day is observed as Women’s Education Day to honor her contributions to women’s education and rights during a challenging time.
   • Tell me more:
     • Savitribai Phule was a poet and social reformer who established the first school for girls in India in Pune in 1848.
     • She faced social opposition but established 17 schools and educated many women from lower social classes.

3. DRDO’s 67th Foundation Day – January 3
   • What:
     • On January 3, 2025, DRDO celebrated its 67th Foundation Day with a tribute to Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and the release of important documents.
   • Tell me more:
     • Two monographs, were unveiled, focusing on torpedo systems and the evolution of defense technologies.
     • DRDO magazines ‘InSight’ and ‘Quest’, and the January issue of the DRDO Newsletter
     • An Industry Interaction Group was launched on the DRDO website to enhance collaboration with industries.
     • The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) sanctioned two flagship programmes: the Full Scale Engineering Development (FSED) of Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and the establishment of a Missile Test Range in Nagayalanka, Andhra Pradesh.
     • DRDO also developed key infrastructure, including the Defence Technology & Test Centre (DTTC) in Lucknow, a Submersible platform in Idukki, Kerala, and a Virtual Reality-based Centre for Naval Ships at Defence Laboratory, Jodhpur.

Source: PIB

Sports

1. West Bengal Wins Santosh Trophy Again
   • West Bengal has won the Santosh Trophy national football championship for the 33rd time, defeating Kerala 1-0 in the final.
   • The final match took place at the GMC Balayogi Stadium.
     Source: TH

Memorandum of Understanding

1. Indian Coast Guard Partners with AIIMS for Medical Training
   • What:
     • The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and AIIMS, New Delhi, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance medical training for Coast Guard medical officers.
   • Why:
     • The MoU aims to provide specialized training in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) to equip personnel with essential life-saving skills.
   • Tell me more:
     • AIIMS will offer structured training to ensure Coast Guard medical officers are prepared for emergencies in challenging environments.
       Source: ANI
2. India-Indonesia MoU for Non-Basmati Rice Trade
   • What:
     • The Cabinet of Madhya Pradesh approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for trading one million metric tonnes of Non-Basmati White Rice (NBWR) annually between India and Indonesia.
   • Why:
     • This MoU aims to address trade imbalances and strengthen trade relations between India and Indonesia.
   • Tell me more:
     • The MoU will last for four years and can be extended automatically for another four years.
     • National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL) will implement the agreement, sourcing rice through a transparent tender process.
     • The agreement is based on production and international prices.

Source: PIB

Appointments

1. Bhuvnesh Kumar Appointed CEO of UIDAI
   • What:
     • Bhuvnesh Kumar has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
   • Tell me more:
     • Bhuvnesh Kumar is an IAS officer from the 1995 batch of the Uttar Pradesh cadre.
     • He previously served as the additional secretary in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), overseeing cyber laws and UIDAI matters.
     • Kumar succeeds Amit Agrawal, who was appointed Secretary of the Department of Pharmaceuticals in December.

2. Anup Kumar Sinha Reappointed As Non-Executive Chairman of Bandhan Bank
   • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved re-appointment of Anup Kumar Sinha as the Non-Executive Chairman of Bandhan Bank.
     Source: ET
3. TATA AIG Appoints New MD and CEO
   • TATA AIG General Insurance Company has appointed Amit Ganorkar as its new managing director and chief executive officer.
     Source: ET
4. Jyoti Sharma Appointed CEO of Nasscom Foundation
   • Jyoti Sharma has been appointed as the new chief executive officer (CEO) of Nasscom Foundation.
   • Established in 2001, Nasscom foundation is a not-for-profit organisation representing the Indian tech industry.
     Source: ET
5. Mike Johnson Re-Elected as US House Speaker
   Source: TH
6. Faiz Ahmed Kidwai Appointed DG of DGCA
   • What:
     • Faiz Ahmed Kidwai has been appointed as the new Director General of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
   • Tell me more:
     • He is currently serving as the additional secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
     • The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet also made several other appointments, including Ashutosh Agnihotri as Chairman of the Food Corporation of India.
       Source: TOI

Miscellaneous

1. India Offers Support After Vanuatu Earthquake
   • What:
     • A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck near Vanuatu’s coast on December 17, 2024, causing significant destruction and loss of life.
   • Tell me more:
     • As a partner under the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC), India demonstrates solidarity with Vanuatu.
     • India has extended a relief assistance of USD 500,000 to help Vanuatu recover from the earthquake.
     • The country has a history of supporting Vanuatu during natural disasters as part of its Indo-Pacific Oceans’ Initiative (IPOI).

2. Eminent Physicist Rajagopala Chidambaram Passes Away
   • What:
     • Renowned physicist Rajagopala Chidambaram has died at the age of 88.
   • Tell me more:
     • Chidambaram was a key figure in India’s nuclear tests in 1975 and 1998.
     • He served as Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India from 2001 to 2018.
     • Chidambaram held various prestigious positions, including director of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre and chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission.
     • He received the Padma Shri in 1975 and Padma Vibhushan in 1999 for his contributions to science.
     • Chidambaram was instrumental in developing India’s supercomputers and the National Knowledge Network.
       Source: IN

3. Agnes Keleti, Oldest Olympic Champion, Dies at 103
   • Agnes Keleti, the world’s oldest Olympic champion, has died at the age of 103.
   • She was Hungarian and Israeli artistic gymnast and coach.
   • She won ten Olympic medals, including five gold medals at the Helsinki (1952) and Melbourne (1956) Olympics.
     Source: FP
4. HMPV Outbreak
   • What:
     • Malaysia has reported a rise in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases, with 327 cases in 2024, a 45% increase from 225 cases in 2023.
   • Why:
     • The increase in HMPV cases coincides with a global rise in respiratory illnesses, prompting health authorities to recommend preventive measures.
   • Tell me more:
     • HMPV is a respiratory infection that can cause cold-like symptoms and can lead to severe conditions such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
     • The Health Ministry advises frequent handwashing, wearing masks, and avoiding crowded places to prevent the spread of HMPV.

Source: ET

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