09th January, 2025

1. Microsoft Deepens AI Collaboration with India
2. Banded Royal Butterfly Discovered in Tripura
3. Indusfood 2025: India Hosts Global Exhibitors from 30 Countries
4. Shahid Madho Singh Haath Kharcha Scheme
5. First Human Death from H5N1 Bird Flu in Louisiana
6. Prabowo Subianto to Be Republic Day Chief Guest in 2025
7. Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Celebrates 78th Foundation Day
8. Saving Lives on Highways: Cashless Treatment Plan Announced by Gadkari
9. Pranab Mukherjee Memorial at Delhi’s Rajghat Complex
10. Bahadur Singh Sagoo Elected as AFI President
11. Narayanan Takes Over as ISRO Chief and Space Secretary
12. India’s GDP Growth Projected at 6.4% for 2024-25
13. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025- Date, Theme, History and Highlights
14. Indian Railways’ Capital Expenditure in FY25
15. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated NIELIT Deemed to be University in Assam.
16. India-Malaysia holds its first security dialogue to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
17. Titagarh Rail delivers India’s first driverless ‘Make-in-India’ trainset to Bengaluru Metro.
18. GEAPP partners with ISA to propel India’s green energy future.
19. India’s GDP expected to grow by 6.4% in FY25 against 8.2% in FY24: First advanced estimates by NSO.
20. SBI lowers India’s GDP growth forecast to 6.3% for FY25.
21. CIL and IREL partner for critical minerals developments.
22. Tata Elxsi partners with CSIR-NAL for AAM solutions.
23. Australia beats India 3-1 to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after 10 years.
24. Earth’s Rotation Day 2025 – January 8.
25. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah launched the KSRTC Arogya Scheme for cashless medical services.

National News

1. Indusfood 2025 Showcases India’s Food Industry
   • What:
     • The 8th edition of Indusfood, Asia’s premier Food and Beverage (F&B) Trade Show, was inaugurated by Shri Chirag Paswan, Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, at the India Exposition Mart Ltd in Greater Noida, Gautam Budh Nagar.
   • Why:
     • The event aims to connect global businesses with India’s expanding food and beverage sector and promote sustainable food systems.
   • Tell me more:
     • The event features over 1,800 exhibitors from more than 20 countries and expects attendance from over 5,000 international buyers.
     • It runs until January 10, 2025, and is organized by the Trade Promotion Council of India with support from the Department of Commerce.
     • Concurrent events include Indusfood Manufacturing and Indusfood Agritech, focusing on food manufacturing solutions and agricultural innovations.

2. Indonesian President to Attend India’s Republic Day Parade As Chief Guest
   • What:
     • Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has accepted the invitation to be the chief guest for India’s Republic Day parade in 2025.
   • Why:
     • This invitation highlights the importance of the bilateral relationship between India and Indonesia and aligns with India’s Act East policy.
   • Tell me more:
     • India and Indonesia signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Jakarta in 2018.
     • Indonesia has become one of India’s largest trade partners in the ASEAN region, with bilateral trade reaching US$ 26.69 billion in 2023-24.

3. New Initiatives to Reduce Road Fatalities in India
   • What:
     • Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced the expansion of a cashless treatment initiative for crash survivors to all states by March 2025.
   • Why:
     • The initiative aims to address the rising road fatalities in India, which saw 1.72 lakh deaths in 2023, marking a 4.2% increase from the previous year.
   • Tell me more:
     • The cashless treatment will provide up to ₹1.5 lakh for seven days to crash survivors, benefiting 6,840 people so far.
     • New technology systems will be introduced for buses and trucks, including an audio warning system for drowsy drivers.
     • The ministry plans to open 1,250 new driving learning centers to address the shortage of skilled drivers.

4. Memorial for Former President Pranab Mukherjee Announced
   • What:
     • The government will set up a memorial for former President Pranab Mukherjee at the ‘Rashtriya Smriti’ area complex in New Delhi.
   • Why:
     • The memorial honors Pranab Mukherjee’s contributions to the nation following his passing on August 31, 2020.
   • Tell me more:
     • The government has approved a designated site within the Rashtriya Smriti complex for the memorial.
     • There are plans for a similar memorial for former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away on December 26, 2024.

5. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025 Celebrated in Bhubaneswar
   • What:
     • The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is being held from January 8-10, 2025, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
   • Why:
     • PBD honors the contributions of the Indian diaspora and fosters connections between overseas Indians and their homeland.
   • Tell me more:
     • The theme for this year is “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat” (Developed India).
     • Day 1 features the Youth PBD, providing a platform for youth from Odisha to reconnect with their heritage.
     • Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the convention on Day 2 and launch the Pravasi Bharatiya Express, a tourist train for the diaspora.
     • Four exhibitions will showcase various themes, including the Ramayana and the contributions of the Indian diaspora to technology.

6. First India-Malaysia Security Dialogue Held
   • What:
     • The first India-Malaysia Security Dialogue was co-chaired by India’s National Security Adviser and Malaysia’s Director General of the National Security Council in New Delhi.
   • Why:
     • The dialogue aims to enhance bilateral cooperation in security, defense, and maritime fields, focusing on counter-terrorism, cyber security, and critical minerals.
   • Tell me more:
     • Both sides discussed the global and regional security environment and agreed to hold annual meetings to institutionalize the dialogue.
     • This event follows the elevation of India-Malaysia ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the Malaysian Prime Minister’s visit to India in August 2024.
       Source: MEA
7. GEAPP Launches Key Initiatives for Clean Energy in India
   • What:
     • The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) launched three key initiatives in New Delhi to support India’s clean energy transition.
   • Why:
     • The initiatives aim to facilitate solar energy projects, enhance grid digitalization, and scale innovative energy solutions in India.
   • Tell me more:
     • Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF): Partnering with the International Solar Alliance (ISA), this fund aims to mobilize $100 million for solar energy projects. GEAPP provides governance, fundraising support, and expertise in energy transition planning.
     • DUET (Digitalization of Utilities for Energy Transition): Focused on grid digitalization, DUET integrates real-time data, smart sensors, and advanced technology for reducing losses, aiding Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), and Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) integration.
     • ENTICE 2.0 (Energy Transitions Innovation Challenge): A platform to scale innovative energy solutions by offering funding, market access, and mentorship, ENTICE 2.0 will launch in January 2025.

Source: ANI

State News

1. Inauguration of NIELIT Deemed to Be University
   • What:
     • The National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT) Deemed to Be University was inaugurated by the Governor of Assam, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and the Chief Minister of Assam at 12 locations, including five in North Eastern states.
   • Why:
     • The inauguration aims to enhance the semiconductor skilling ecosystem through a partnership with Tata Electronics, focusing on education and outreach in advanced technologies.
   • Tell me more:
     • NIELIT will offer courses in various technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Blockchain Technology, Cybersecurity, and Industry 4.0.
     • The university’s mission includes skilling 3.7 million students in emerging technologies over the next five years.

2. First Made-in-India Driverless Trainset Delivered to Bengaluru
   • What:
     • Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd delivered its first driverless, Made-in-India trainset to Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation’s Yellow Line.
   • Tell me more:
     • The trainset was built in Uttarpara, West Bengal, and features a stainless steel body designed for advanced performance on an 18-km stretch connecting Electronics City to Bengaluru.
     • India ranks third globally in metro rail systems and aims to surpass the United States within five years.
     • The train incorporates advanced automation for driverless operation and is the first stainless steel trainset by Titagarh Rail Systems.
     • Two additional trainsets will be delivered by April, with plans to ramp up production to two trains per month by September 2025.
       Source: ET
3. Karnataka Launches Cashless Health Scheme for KSRTC Employees
   • What:
     • Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launched the ‘KSRTC Arogya’ scheme for 34,000 employees of the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) to access cashless treatment in over 275 hospitals.
   • Why:
     • The scheme aims to ensure the health and well-being of bus corporation employees, reflecting the government’s responsibility towards their welfare.
   • Tell me more:
     • KSRTC will deduct Rs 650 per month from beneficiaries, with Rs 20 crore allocated for the scheme’s implementation, and there is no limit on inpatient treatment expenses.
     • Additionally, Energy Minister KJ George announced cashless medical treatment for all staffers of electricity supply companies, extending coverage up to Rs 5 lakh.

Source: NIE

Banking and Economy

1. Microsoft Invests $3 Billion in India’s AI and Cloud Infrastructure
   • What:
     • Microsoft announced a $3 billion investment in cloud and AI infrastructure in India over the next two years.
   • Why:
     • The investment aims to support India’s digital economy and align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed nation by 2047.
   • Tell me more:
     • This is Microsoft’s largest investment in India to date, covering regions including Central, South, and West India, along with the establishment of new data centers.
     • Microsoft plans to train 10 million people in AI skills through its ADVANTA(I)GE India program over the next five years.
     • The investment will integrate renewable energy solutions and enhance data center efficiency.

2. Indian Railways Achieves 76% Budget Utilization
   • What:
     • Indian Railways has utilized 76% of its budget within the first nine months of the fiscal year.
   • Why:
     • The aim is to enhance rail travel quality and make it a world-class experience in India.
   • Tell me more:
     • The total capital expenditure for the railways in the Budget Estimate for 2024-25 is Rs 2,65,200 crore, with Rs 2,52,200 crore as Gross Budgetary Support.
     • The consistent capital expenditure over the last decade has led to the introduction of 136 Vande Bharat trains.
     • Approximately 97% electrification of broad gauge has been achieved.
       Source: ET

3. Tata Elxsi Partners with CSIR-NAL for Air Mobility
   • What:
     • Tata Elxsi has signed an initial agreement with CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL) to form a strategic partnership in advanced air mobility.
   • Why:
     • The partnership aims to combine expertise in aeronautics and technology to support the growing market for unmanned aerial vehicles and urban air mobility.
   • Tell me more:
     • The collaboration will enhance product development cycles by providing access to advanced testing infrastructure and methodologies.
     • Focus areas include aerodynamic design, autonomous systems, and secure communications for both manned and unmanned air mobility systems.

Source: ET

GDP Forecasts

1. First Advance Estimates of Annual GDP for FY 2024-25
   • What:
     • The National Statistics Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), released the First Advance Estimates of GDP for FY 2024-25, covering GDP and its expenditure components at Constant (2011-12) and Current Prices.
     • It includes Annual Gross Value Added (GVA) estimates by economic activity and year-on-year growth rates for FY 2022-23, FY 2023-24, and FY 2024-25.
   • Why:
     • The projections aim to provide insights into the economic outlook and guide policy decisions ahead of the Union Budget for 2025-26.
   • Tell me more:

• Annual GDP Estimates in Absolute Amount:

• Methodology:
  • Key data sources for preparing this estimate include the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), financial results of listed companies, agricultural production estimates, livestock and fish production, coal and petroleum outputs, GST data, and government accounts.
  • Government Expenditure is estimated using available data on interest payments, subsidies, and other revenue expenditures.
• Next edition:
  • The Second Advance Estimates of Annual GDP for FY 2024-25, along with quarterly GDP estimates for Q3 FY 2024-25, will be released on 28 February 2025.

2. SBI Projects India’s GDP Growth for FY25
   • What:
     • The State Bank of India (SBI) projects India’s GDP growth in FY25 at 6.3%, which is lower than the National Statistical Office’s (NSO) estimate of 6.4%.
   • Why:
     • This projection reflects a four-year low and indicates challenges affecting economic growth.
   • Tell me more:

Source: ET

Important Days

1. BIS Celebrates 78th Foundation Day on January 6
   • The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) celebrated its 78th Foundation Day in New Delhi, highlighting the importance of quality in products.
   • Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi emphasized the need for a quality ecosystem and the implementation of Quality Control Orders (QCOs).
   • The number of QCOs has increased from 14 in 2014 to 186 today, covering 760 products.
     Source: PIB
2. Earth’s Rotation Day 2025 – January 8
   Source: NT

Sports

1. Australia Wins the Border-Gavaskar Trophy
   • Australia defeated India in the fifth and final Test by six wickets and claimed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 3-1 after 10 years.
   • The Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) is a Test cricket series between India and Australia. It is named after two famous former captains: Allan Border from Australia and Sunil Gavaskar from India.
   • The series is part of the International Cricket Council’s schedule for future tours. The team that wins the series gets the trophy. If the series ends in a draw, the team that already holds the trophy keeps it.
     Source: TS

Memorandum of Understanding

1. CIL and IREL Collaborate on Critical Minerals
   • What:
     • Coal India Limited (CIL) and IREL (India) Limited signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on developing critical minerals.
   • Why:
     • The MoU aims to reduce India’s import dependence on critical minerals like lithium and cobalt by promoting domestic development.
   • Tell me more:
     • The partnership will focus on acquiring mineral assets, sourcing raw materials, and developing mining and refining capabilities.
     • This initiative aligns with the government’s Critical Mineral Mission announced in the Union Budget 2024-25.

Source: BS

Appointments

1. Athletics Federation of India Appoints New Leadership
   • What:
     • The Athletics Federation of India (AFI) has appointed Bahadur Singh Sagoo as the new president and Sandeep Mehta as the new secretary.
   • Tell me more:
     • The appointments were announced during the AFI’s Annual General Meeting held in Chandigarh, where there were no contests for the positions.
     • Bahadur Singh Sagoo is a former Asian Games gold medalist and currently works with the Punjab Police.
     • Adille Sumariwalla will continue to serve as the spokesperson for AFI and assist the new president.

Source: NIE

2. V Narayanan Appointed New ISRO Chairman
   • What:
     • V Narayanan has been appointed as the new chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and will also serve as secretary to the Department of Space.
   • Tell me more:
     • V Narayanan will officially take over on January 14, 2025, and will hold these positions for two years or until further notice.
     • He has a strong academic background, holding an M.Tech in Cryogenic Engineering and a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering from IIT Kharagpur.
     • Narayanan has played a key role in developing technologies for ISRO’s launch vehicles, including PSLV and LVM3.

Source: BS

Miscellaneous

1. Tripura Records First Sightings of Banded Royal Butterfly
   • What:
     • Tripura has recorded its first-ever sighting of the Banded Royal butterfly (Rachana jalindra indra) in the Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary.
   • Why:
     • The discovery highlights the biodiversity of Tripura and emphasizes the need for ongoing ecological research in the region.
   • Tell me more:
     • The butterfly was first seen on May 5, 2021, during a survey and was documented in the journal Munis Entomology & Zoology.
     • This species is protected under Schedule II of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
     • The study confirmed that Rachana jalindra had not been previously documented in Tripura.

2. First Human Death from Bird Flu Reported in U.S.
   • What:
     • Louisiana health authorities reported the first human death in the U.S. linked to bird flu (H5N1) in a patient over 65 years old.
   • Tell me more:
     • The federal government recently awarded $306 million for H5N1 surveillance programs and research.
     • H5N1 is a type of virus that causes a disease called bird flu. It mainly affects birds but can also infect animals, including humans, if they come into contact with infected birds.
     • The virus is found in the saliva, mucus, and droppings of infected birds. It spreads quickly among birds, especially in large groups like poultry farms.
       Source: ET

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