15th January, 2025
Armed Forces Veterans’ Day 2025, Rajeshwar Rao, RBI’s Monetary Policy Department, 77th Indian Army Day 2025, Valor, Patriotism, Govt, Watershed Projects, ₹700 Crore, India’s Retail Inflation, December, Uttar Pradesh, Privatization, Power Distribution Firms, Odisha, Ayushman Bharat, India’s Direct Tax Collection, FY25, California’s Wildfire Defense, Pink Fire Retardant, Avaniyapuram Jallikattu 2025, ISRO’s SpaDeX Mission, Satellite Docking Milestone, SECL, Post-Retirement Benefit Cell, C-DOT, IIT Mandi, Wideband Spectrum Sensor Chip, World’s First 300 MW Compressed Air Energy Storage Plant, CII’s 10-Point Agenda, Ease of Doing Business, First Phase, Bima Sugam, Mid-2025, ICMR, National Essential Diagnostics List (NEDL) 2025, Reconstitution, Atomic Energy Commission, Odisha, AB PM-JAY Health Scheme, New Appointment Process, Election Commissioners, India, 2026 Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, Germany, FMD Outbreak, Decades, Boda Tyohar Festival, Hatti Culture, Interpol, First Silver Notice, Asset Recovery, HAL’s Combat Air Teaming System Warrior, Russia’s Floating Nuclear Power Plant Initiative
- Armed Forces Veterans’ Day 2025- Honoring the Bravehearts
- Rajeshwar Rao to Lead RBI’s Monetary Policy Department
- 77th Indian Army Day 2025- Honouring Valor and Patriotism
- Govt Approves 56 Watershed Projects Worth ₹700 Crore
- India’s Retail Inflation Drops to 5.22% in December
- Uttar Pradesh’s Strategic Move to Privatize Power Distribution Firms
- Odisha Integrates with Ayushman Bharat
- India’s Direct Tax Collection Sees Significant Growth in FY25
- California’s Wildfire Defense: The Use of Pink Fire Retardant
- Avaniyapuram Jallikattu 2025 Begins
- ISRO’s SpaDeX Mission Achieves Satellite Docking Milestone
- SECL Introduces Post-Retirement Benefit Cell
- C-DOT & IIT Mandi to Develop Wideband Spectrum Sensor Chip
- World’s First 300 MW Compressed Air Energy Storage Plant
- CII’s 10-Point Agenda for Ease of Doing Business
- First Phase of Bima Sugam to be Launched on Mid-2025
- ICMR Releases National Essential Diagnostics List (NEDL) 2025
- Reconstitution of the Atomic Energy Commission
- Odisha Joins AB PM-JAY Health Scheme
- New Appointment Process for Election Commissioners
- India to Host 2026 Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference
- Germany Faces First FMD Outbreak in Decades
- Boda Tyohar Festival Celebrates Hatti Culture
- Interpol Introduces First Silver Notice for Asset Recovery
- HAL’s Combat Air Teaming System Warrior
- Russia’s Floating Nuclear Power Plant Initiative
Table of Content
National News
- ISRO’s ‘Bharatiya Docking System’ Milestone
- What:
- India has successfully performed space docking using its indigenously developed ‘Bharatiya Docking System’ during ISRO’s SpaDeX mission.
- Why:
- This achievement marks India as the fourth nation to master space docking technology, enhancing its capabilities in space exploration.
- Tell me more:
- The SpaDeX mission aims to dock two satellites in space and is crucial for future missions, including Chandrayaan-4 and the Gaganyaan manned mission.
- The mission involved the successful launch of PSLV-C60, placing two SpaDeX satellites into a 475-kilometer orbit.
- ISRO Chairman S. Somanath highlighted the importance of docking for the success of Chandrayaan-4, which will involve multiple modules.
Knowledge Nuggets |
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- The first docking is expected around January 7, 2025, as part of the Chandrayaan-4 mission. - ISRO is preparing for its 100th launch early next year after achieving its 99th launch milestone. - The NVS-02 satellite is scheduled to be launched in January 2025, further advancing India's navigation capabilities. |
Source: DD
- ICMR Proposes Revised National Essential Diagnostics List
- What:
- The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has proposed a revised version of the National Essential Diagnostics List (NEDL) to include nine essential diagnostic tests at village-level health facilities.
- Why:
- The revision aims to ensure that critical diagnostic tests are accessible at various healthcare levels, improving healthcare delivery across the country.
- Tell me more:
- The proposed tests include those for diabetes, malaria, tuberculosis (TB), HIV, and syphilis.
- Ayushman Arogya Mandirs should also provide facilities for Hepatitis B testing.
- The draft incorporates feedback from stakeholders and aims to streamline diagnostic services across all healthcare levels, including primary health centers and district hospitals.
Knowledge Nuggets |
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- The first NEDL was released by ICMR in 2019 to establish essential diagnostics in the healthcare system. - The revised draft is available for public feedback and aims to enhance the efficiency of healthcare services. |
Source: ET
- Government Reconstitutes Atomic Energy Commission
- What:
- The government has re-constituted the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) to include new members, including T V Somanathan and Manoj Govil.
- Why:
- The reconstitution aims to strengthen the commission’s capacity to formulate policies for the Department of Atomic Energy.
- Tell me more:
- The AEC is now chaired by Ajit Kumar Mohanty, with members including National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
- The commission includes former chairpersons M R Srinivasan and Anil Kakodkar, among others.
- The AEC is responsible for overseeing the development and regulation of atomic energy in India.
Source: ET
- New Appointment Process for Chief Election Commissioner
- What:
- The government has restructured the appointment process for the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other Election Commissioners under the new Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023.
- Why:
- This change aims to widen the selection pool for the CEC, allowing consideration of candidates beyond the current senior-most Election Commissioner.
- Tell me more:
- The current CEC, Rajiv Kumar, will retire on February 18, and the Ministry of Law will form a Search Committee to create a panel of five candidates.
- The Selection Committee includes the Prime Minister, a Cabinet minister, and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
- This new process follows Supreme Court interventions aimed at reducing executive control over appointments.
Source: IE
- India to Host 28th Commonwealth Speakers Conference
- What:
- India will host the 28th Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of Parliaments of Commonwealth Countries (CSPOC) in 2026.
- Why:
- The conference aims to discuss the role of artificial intelligence and social media in parliamentary processes and enhance cooperation among member countries.
- Tell me more:
- Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla announced the event at the CSPOC Standing Committee Meeting in Guernsey.
Knowledge Nuggets |
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- The CSPOC platform facilitates cooperation and exchange of parliamentary practices among Commonwealth nations. - This will be the fourth time India hosts the conference, having previously held it in 1970-71, 1986, and 2010. |
Source: DD
State News
- Avaniyapuram Jallikattu Kicks Off Pongal Celebrations
- The annual bull-taming competition, Jallikattu, began today in Avaniyapuram, Tamil Nadu, with 1,100 bulls and 900 bull tamers participating.
- Jallikattu is part of a 2000-year-old tradition and has faced legal challenges, including a ban by the Madras High Court in 2006.
Source: IN
- Boda Tyohar Festival Celebrated by Hatti Tribe
- What:
- The Boda Tyohar, the largest annual festival of the Hatti tribe in Himachal Pradesh, began with traditional celebrations.
- Why:
- The festival, also known as ‘Magho ko Tyohar’, aims to celebrate the cultural heritage and community spirit of the Hatti tribe.
- Tell me more:
- The month-long festival includes three mini-festivals and features traditional dishes like Pude and Gudoli.
- Celebrations start with “Bodhto” on Posh Dwadashi, followed by gatherings in village courtyards for singing and dancing.
- The Government of India recognized the Hatti community as a Scheduled Tribe on August 4, 2023, fulfilling a long-standing demand.
Source: TP
International News
- World’s First 300 MW Compressed Air Energy Storage Project
- What:
- The “Nengchu-1” project, the world’s first 300 MW compressed air energy storage (CAES) demonstration project, has officially begun commercial operations in Yingcheng, Hubei Province, China.
- Why:
- This project aims to provide a solution to the instability and uncertainty in power systems dominated by renewable energy, contributing to the transition to green and low-carbon energy.
- Tell me more:
- “Nengchu-1” has set three world records for single-unit power, storage capacity, and energy conversion efficiency.
- The project was developed by China Energy Engineering Group Co., Ltd. (CEEC) in collaboration with over a hundred domestic industry partners.
- It utilizes salt cavern resources in Hubei Province and is designed for long-duration physical energy storage.
Source: BW
- INTERPOL Launches First Silver Notice for Asset Recovery
- What:
- INTERPOL has introduced its first-ever Silver Notice to assist in tracing and recovering criminal assets.
- Why:
- The Silver Notice aims to combat transnational organized crime and enhance international police cooperation.
- Tell me more:
- Requested by Italy, the Silver Notice seeks information on assets belonging to a senior mafia member.
- It is part of a pilot phase involving 52 countries and will help locate laundered assets linked to various crimes.
- The initiative allows member countries to request information on assets related to fraud, corruption, drug trafficking, and more.
Knowledge Nuggets |
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- The Silver Notice is a new addition to INTERPOL's suite of notices and diffusions. - The pilot phase will run until at least November 2025, allowing up to 500 Silver Notices among participating countries. |
Source: IP
Banking and Economy
- Increase in Net Direct Tax Collection Reported
- What:
- Net direct tax collection has risen by 15.88% year-on-year to about ₹16.90 lakh crore as of January 12 this financial year.
- Why:
- The increase in tax collection reflects improved compliance and economic activity in the country.
- Tell me more:
- Non-corporate taxes, mainly personal income tax, contributed over ₹8.74 lakh crore, while corporate tax collection was around ₹7.68 lakh crore.
- Refunds issued during this period totaled about ₹3.74 lakh crore, marking a 42.49% increase from the previous year.
- The gross direct tax collection increased by 20% to ₹20.64 lakh crore.
Knowledge Nuggets |
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- The government has set a budget target of ₹22.07 lakh crore from direct taxes for the current fiscal year. - Corporate tax collection is budgeted at ₹10.20 lakh crore, and personal income tax and other taxes at ₹11.87 lakh crore. |
- SECL Launches Post-Retirement Benefit Cell
- What:
- South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) has launched a dedicated Post-Retirement Benefit (PRB) Cell to support its retired employees.
- Why:
- The initiative aims to enhance the welfare and convenience of retirees by consolidating various post-retirement services into a single platform.
- Tell me more:
- The PRB Cell will streamline processes for retirees, allowing them to access information about pensions, provident funds, and medical facilities without dealing with multiple departments.
- It ensures quicker resolutions to concerns with dedicated personnel from key departments stationed in the cell.
Knowledge Nuggets |
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- The PRB Cell is part of SECL's broader 'Mission Sambandh' initiative aimed at improving communication and coordination with stakeholders. - Chairman-cum-Managing Director of SECL: Dr. Prem Sagar Mishra |
- CII Proposes 10-Point Agenda for Business Reforms
- What:
- The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has suggested a 10-point agenda to improve ease of doing business ahead of the upcoming Budget.
- Why:
- The agenda aims to reduce compliance burdens, simplify regulatory frameworks, and enhance transparency for businesses in India.
- Tell me more:
- CII recommends that all regulatory approvals be provided through the National Single Window System.
- It calls for expediting dispute resolution by improving court capacity and enhancing the use of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms.
- A unified framework for environmental compliance is proposed to consolidate requirements into a single document.
Knowledge Nuggets |
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- CII emphasizes the importance of easy access to land for businesses and suggests developing an online integrated land authority. - The India Industrial Land Bank (IILB) could evolve into a national-level land bank with central budget support. - CII Director General Chandrajit Banerjee |
- IRDAI Expands Regulatory Sandbox for Innovation
- What:
- The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has expanded its regulatory sandbox framework to promote innovation and ease of doing business.
- Why:
- The initiative aims to reduce compliance burdens and simplify regulatory processes within the insurance sector.
- Tell me more:
- The updated regulations are now principle-based, with operational details to be issued through a master circular.
- A new provision allows for Inter-Regulatory Sandbox proposals across multiple financial sectors.
- The regulations require electronic record-keeping with strong security measures and mandate that data be stored in India.
Source: BS
Defence News
- HAL Completes Engine Run for CATS-Warrior Drone
- What:
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has successfully completed the engine ground run of the CATS-Warrior, a loyal wingman drone under the Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) programme.
- Why:
- This achievement marks a significant milestone in developing advanced aerial combat systems and aims to enhance India’s defense capabilities.
- Tell me more:
- The CATS-Warrior will be unveiled at Aero India 2025, scheduled from February 10 to 14 in Bengaluru.
- The CATS programme integrates manned and unmanned aircraft systems, with the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft serving as the “mothership.”
- The CATS-Warrior can carry advanced weapons and operate stealthily, penetrating up to 700 km into enemy territory.
Knowledge Nuggets |
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- The CATS programme includes various components like CATS-Hunter cruise missiles, ALFA-S swarm drones, and CATS-Infinity pseudo satellites. - HAL aims to achieve self-reliance in defense technology through this program. - The program has been in development for several years and is crucial for addressing the Indian Air Force's squadron shortfall. |
Source: BS
- Russia Offers Nuclear Technology to India
- What:
- Russia has offered India technology for floating low power nuclear power generation projects and land-based nuclear power units.
- Why:
- This initiative aims to enhance cooperation in the nuclear energy sector between Russia and India.
- Tell me more:
- The discussions took place between Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, and Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom.
- The ongoing Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project, which includes six 1,000 MW light-water reactors, was also discussed.
- The Pilot Demonstration Energy Complex (PDEC) is part of the “Proryv” strategic project in Seversk, Tomsk region.
- Floating nuclear power plants are gaining interest globally, including in India.
Knowledge Nuggets |
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- Russia operates the world's only floating nuclear power plant on the ship Akademic Lomonosov. - An IAEA symposium recently discussed the role of floating nuclear power plants in combating climate change. - Rafael Mariano Grossi, IAEA Director General, emphasized the need for thorough analysis of safeguards and legal implications for floating nuclear plants. |
Important Dates
- Indian Armed Forces Veterans Day – January 14
- What:
- The nation observes the 9th Indian Armed Forces Veterans Day on January 14, honoring the service and dedication of veterans.
- Why:
- This day marks the retirement date of Field Marshal KM Cariappa, the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, emphasizing gratitude for those who served.
- Tell me more:
- The day also recognizes the sacrifices of disabled soldiers and veer naris, the widows of soldiers, highlighting their strength and contributions.
Knowledge Nuggets |
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- Field Marshal KM Cariappa retired on January 14, 1953. - Organizations like the Army Welfare Placement Organization and DIAV support veterans and their families. |
- 77th Indian Army Day – January 15
- What:
- The 77th Indian Army Day will be celebrated on January 15 with a grand light and sound show in Pune.
- Tell me more:
- The show, named ‘Gaurav Gatha’, will use laser and multimedia technology to depict themes from Hindu epics and modern wars.
- The parade will feature a Nepal Army band and robotic mules, with the theme ‘Samarth Bharat, Saksham Sena’.
Knowledge Nuggets |
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- Indian Army Day is celebrated annually on January 15, marking the transfer of command from British to Indian officers in 1949. |
Memorandum of Understanding
- C-DOT and IITs Collaborate for Spectrum Technology
- What:
- The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) has signed an agreement with IIT Mandi and IIT Jammu to develop a “Wideband Spectrum-Sensor ASIC Chip.”
- Why:
- This initiative aims to enhance spectrum utilization and improve telecommunications technology in India.
- Tell me more:
- The project is funded under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) to support startups and R&D institutions in India.
- It will focus on developing a wideband spectrum sensing algorithm to utilize under-utilized frequency bands for broadband services, especially in rural areas.
- The project will create hardware solutions capable of scanning over 2 GHz of spectrum efficiently.
Knowledge Nuggets |
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- CEO of C-DOT: Dr. Raj Kumar Upadhyay - The initiative aligns with the Government of India's "Atmanirbhar Bharat," "Make-In-India," and "India-Semiconductor Missions." |
Appointments
- Changes in RBI Deputy Governor Departments
- What:
- Deputy governor Michael Patra’s departments at the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) have been re-distributed following his retirement after a five-year term.
- Why:
- The re-distribution aims to ensure continuity in leadership and responsibilities, particularly in the crucial monetary policy department now led by Rajeshwar Rao.
- Tell me more:
- Patra’s term included two one-year extensions, and he was part of the monetary policy committee since its formation in 2016.
- T Rabi Sankar has taken on additional responsibilities for financial market operations and regulation departments.
- Swaminathan J has been assigned the deposit insurance and credit guarantee corporation and financial stability department.
Source: ET

About Anuj Jindal
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Anuj Jindal, the founder, is an ex-manager from SBI, with an M.Com from Delhi School of Economics. He also has a JRF in Commerce & Management and NET in HRM, along with more than 5 years of experience in the field of Education.
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