16th January 2025

1. Indichip Semiconductors to Establish India’s First Private Semiconductor Facility in AP
2. Tracxn’s Annual India Fintech Report 2024: India Ranked 3rd in Global Fintech Funding
3. India-Nepal IGC on Trade, Transit, and Cooperation to Combat Unauthorised Trade Held in Kathmandu, Nepal
4. IDBI Bank launches ‘Chiranjeevi-Super Senior Citizen FD’
5. PNB Launches 1st ‘Cybersecurity Hackathon 2024-25’ to Combat Malware Threats
6. BHEL and ONGC Signed MoU to Collaborate on RE Projects
7. APSSDC Partners with Infosys to Bridge Skill Gaps in AP
8. PV Sindhu appoints PUMA India as brand ambassador
9. China launches ‘Shijian-25’ satellite to test orbital refueling in space
10. Spanish Super Cup: FC Barcelona defeats Real Madrid to win 15th title
11. Senior Advocate Iqbal M Chagla passed away
12. Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren Launches Maiyyan Sampann Yojana
13. APAAR ID Registration, Full Form, Benefits, and Download
14. India Unveils ‘Utkash’ as Second Multi-Purpose Vessel
15. VP Dhankhar Releases Book on Parliament’s Rights and Privileges
16. India’s GDP Growth Projected to Reach 6.7% in FY25
17. Tripura Woman Embraces Tamil Tradition in Thalai Pongal Celebration
18. Gaan-Ngai 2025: A Celebration of Unity and Tradition in Manipur
19. IMD Vision-2047: Zero Deaths, 100% Weather Detection
20. WBFJA Awards: Aparna Sen Honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award

National News

1. India-Nepal IGC Meeting Strengthens Trade Ties

• What:
  • The India-Nepal Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) on Trade, Transit, and Cooperation met in Kathmandu.
• Why:
  • The meeting aimed to review and strengthen bilateral trade and investment relations between India and Nepal.
• Tell me more:
  • The Indian delegation was led by Secretary of the Department of Commerce, Shri Sunil Barthwal, while the Nepali side was headed by Secretary Mr. Gobinda Bahadur Karkee.
  • India agreed to supply 200,000 MT of wheat to Nepal and included several plant products in its quarantine order.
  • The meeting also addressed the electrification of the Raxaul-Birgunj rail line and the establishment of new Integrated Check Posts.
  • A Joint Working Group will be formed to discuss online certificates of origin and SAFTA.
  • The Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) organized the 2nd Joint Business Forum on January 11, 2025, to facilitate business discussions.

Source: PIB

2. NTA Integrates APAAR ID with NEET Registration

• What:
  • APAAR, which stands for Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry, is a specialized identification system designed for all students in India.
  • This initiative is part of the ‘One Nation, One Student ID’ program launched by the government, aligning with the new National Education Policy of 2020.
• Why:
  • APAAR ensures accountability and transparency in education by tracking student progress and streamlining academic records.
• Tell me more:
  • Recently, the NTA released a notification to integrate the APAAR ID into the NEET (UG)-2025 registration process to enhance candidate experience.
  • It will promote the use of APAAR ID alongside Aadhaar-based authentication during application and examination phases.

Source: TOI MoE

3. IMD@2047: India Aims for 100% Severe Weather Detection by 2047

• What:
  • India aims to achieve 100% detection of severe weather events at the village and household levels by 2047, as outlined in the IMD’s Vision-2047 document.
• Why:
  • The initiative seeks to reduce loss of life from severe weather events to zero and enhance the accuracy of weather forecasts.
• Tell me more:
  • The IMD targets forecast accuracy of 100% for up to three days, 90% for five days, and 70% for ten days.
  • The plan includes enhancing observational systems using remote-sensing technologies like satellites and radars.
  • The Vision-2047 document was released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the eve of IMD’s 150th anniversary.
  • Modi also launched “Mission Mausam” to improve weather understanding and forecasting using advanced technologies like AI and machine learning.
  • A commemorative ₹150 coin and a postal stamp were released during the celebrations.

Source: HBL

State News

1. India Signs MoU for Semiconductor Manufacturing Facility

• What:
  • Indichip Semiconductors Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Andhra Pradesh government to establish India’s first private semiconductor manufacturing facility.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to enhance India’s position in chip manufacturing and meet the growing global demand for energy-efficient technologies.
• Tell me more:
  • The facility will focus on manufacturing Silicon Carbide (SiC) chips and will begin with a production capacity of 10,000 wafers per month, increasing to 50,000 wafers within 2–3 years.
  • The investment exceeds Rs 14,000 crores.

Source: TOI

2. Andhra Pradesh Signs MoU with Infosys for Skill Development

• What:
  • The Andhra Pradesh Skill Development Corporation (APSDC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Infosys to provide skills pre-certification for participants in the ongoing skill census.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to assess the skills and competencies of 35 million people in the working-age population and identify skill sets according to current industry needs.
• Tell me more:
  • Infosys will use generative AI to record skill sets and integrate a digital learning platform into the skill census framework.
  • The partnership will also provide free learning materials, online courses, and workshops for students.
  • This skill census is a first-of-its-kind initiative by the Andhra Pradesh government.

Source: apac

3. Jharkhand Government’s Maiya Samman Yojana Transferred ₹2,500 to Each Woman

• What:
  • Chief Minister Hemant Soren transferred ₹2,500 to each woman beneficiary under the ‘Maiya Samman Yojana’ in Jharkhand.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to provide financial aid to women, promoting their economic independence and recognizing their contributions to households and communities.
• Tell me more:
  • The scheme was launched five months ago with an initial monthly installment of ₹1,000, which has now been increased to ₹2,500.
  • The initiative will benefit over 56 lakh households across urban and rural areas, with a total expenditure exceeding ₹1,400 crore.

Source: apac

4. Thai Pongal Festival in Tamil Nadu

• Thai Pongal, a harvest festival, was celebrated with enthusiasm by a couple from Sathankulam, Thoothukudi district, and tourists from various countries.

Source: etv

5. Manipur Celebrates Gaan-Ngai Festival with Unity

• What:
  • Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh celebrated the Gaan-Ngai festival, emphasizing unity among indigenous communities.
• Tell me more:
  • The event took place at Sagolband Ramji Kabui Village in Imphal West, where the Chief Minister spoke about safeguarding traditions.
  • He proposed hosting the Gaan-Ngai Festival at Sangai Ethnic Park, seeking additional funding for upgrades.
  • A Rs 150 crore Unity Mall project was announced to showcase the culture of Manipur’s 34 tribes.

Source: NE

International News

1. China Launches Shijian-25 Satellite for Space Technology

• What:
  • China successfully launched the Shijian-25 satellite, to advance technologies for on-orbit refueling and extending satellite lifespans.
• Why:
  • The mission aims to develop capabilities for maintaining and prolonging the operational lifespan of satellites already in orbit, which can reduce costs and improve sustainability in space operations.
• Tell me more:
  • The satellite was launched using a Long March 3B rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center.
  • Shijian-25 will focus on satellite fuel replenishment and life extension service technology verification.
  • The spacecraft appears to have been placed into geostationary transfer orbit (GTO).

Source: SN

Banking and Economy

1. IDBI Bank Launches Super Senior Citizen FD Scheme

• What:
  • IDBI Bank has launched a new fixed deposit scheme called ‘IDBI Chiranjeevi-Super Senior Citizen FD’ for customers aged 80 years and above.
• Why:
  • The scheme aims to provide enhanced interest rates and secure investment options for super senior citizens.
• Tell me more:
  • The scheme offers an interest rate of 8.05% per annum for a tenure of 555 days, which is higher than standard rates.
  • Other tenures include 7.90% for 375 days, 8.00% for 444 days, and 7.85% for 700 days.
  • The scheme is available only to resident super senior citizens aged 80 years and above.
  • Premature withdrawal is permitted under this scheme.
  • Rates do not apply to NRO and NRE term deposits.
  • All other features of term deposits remain unchanged.

Source: BS

2. PNB Launches Cybersecurity Hackathon 2024-25

• What:
  • Punjab National Bank (PNB) has launched its first Cybersecurity Hackathon 2024-25, themed “Code Against Malware,” to address increasing cybercrime.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to promote collaboration among innovators, researchers, and academicians to combat malware threats.
• Tell me more:
  • The hackathon will be conducted online and is open to students, researchers, and academicians.
  • Key focus areas include malware detection, real-time threat monitoring, ransomware resilience, and next-generation antivirus tools.
  • Winners can receive prizes up to Rs 11 lakh and may have their solutions implemented in live banking environments.

Source: TOI

Reports and Indices

1. Tracxn’s Annual India Fintech Report 2024

• What:
  • India ranked third globally in fintech funding, receiving $1.9 billion in 2024, despite a 33% decline from the previous year.
• Tell me more:
  • The fintech sector had raised $2.8 billion in 2023 and $5.6 billion in 2022.
  • The highest funding of $805 million occurred in the third quarter of 2024, with August being the most robust month, contributing $434 million.
  • Digital lending solutions accounted for 64% of total funding, while late-stage funding saw a significant drop.

Source: BS

GDP Forecasts

1. India’s GDP Growth Projected to Reach 6.7% in FY25

• What:
  • India’s GDP growth is projected to improve to 6.7% in the fiscal year 2025, according to a Crisil Intelligence report.
• Why:
  • The improvement is attributed to a decline in food inflation and stable non-food inflation, which may allow for a rate cut by the Reserve Bank of India.
• Tell me more:
  • Headline inflation is moving towards the RBI’s target of 4%, with CPI inflation cooling to 5.2% in December from 5.5% in November.
  • Food inflation decreased to 8.4%, while non-food inflation remained stable at 3.1%.
  • The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) rose to 5.2% in November, driven by strong performance in investment goods and consumer durables.

Source: DD

Defence News

1. L&T Launches Second Multi-Purpose Vessel for Indian Navy

• What:
  • Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has launched the second multi-purpose vessel, named INS Utkarsh, for the Indian Navy from its Kattupalli Shipyard near Chennai.
• Why:
  • The launch aims to enhance the capabilities of the Indian Navy by providing specialized vessels for various roles, including maritime surveillance and humanitarian assistance.
• Tell me more:
  • INS Utkarsh follows the launch of the first vessel, INS Samarthak, which occurred three months earlier.
  • The multi-purpose vessels (MPVs) will serve as trial platforms for developing next-generation weapons and sensors.
  • The design and construction of the vessels are managed at L&T’s in-house warship design center and Kattupalli Shipyard.

Source: ET

Awards

1. Aparna Sen Receives Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award

• What:
  • Eminent director Aparna Sen was honored with the ‘Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement Award’ by the West Bengal Film Journalists Association.
• Why:
  • The award recognizes her significant contributions to Indian cinema over the years.
• Tell me more:
  • The award ceremony took place in Kolkata, where Sen expressed gratitude and praised contemporary Bengali filmmakers.
  • The film “Manik Babur Megh” was awarded Best Bengali Film, with Chandan Sen winning Best Actor for his role in it.
  • Srijit Mukherji and Debaloy Bhattacharya won Best Director for their respective films, while Mukherji’s “Oti Uttam” received Special Recognition for Technical Innovation.
  • The ceremony featured various awards, including Best Actor for Rituparna Sengupta and Most Promising Director for Abhinandan Banerjee.

Source: HT

Sports

1. 15th Spanish Super Cup

• Barcelona clinched their record-breaking 15th Spanish Super Cup title by winning over Real Madrid in the final of the 2025 edition.
• Established in 1982, the tournament initially featured a two-team format, pitting the La Liga champions against the Copa del Rey winners.
• In 2019, it evolved into a four-team competition, including the champions and runners-up of both the domestic league and the cup.

Source: TS

Memorandum of Understanding

1. BHEL and ONGC Sign MoU for Renewable Energy Projects

• What:
  • Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Oil & Natural Gas Corporation Ltd (ONGC) to explore joint projects in the New and Renewable Energy sector.
• Why:
  • The collaboration aims to support India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission and innovate in the clean energy ecosystem.
• Tell me more:
  • The MoU will focus on projects involving fuel cells, electrolysers, and battery energy storage systems.
  • The signing ceremony included key officials from both companies, such as Bani Varma from BHEL and Arunangshu Sarkar from ONGC.

Source: cnbc

Appointments

1. Puma Partners with PV Sindhu to Promote Badminton

• What:
  • Puma India has partnered with badminton player PV Sindhu in a multi-year collaboration to promote badminton in India.
• Tell me more:
  • The collaboration will debut at the India Open 2025 in New Delhi.
  • Badminton is the second-most played sport in urban India, with a 65% rise in participation over the past four years.
  • Sindhu is the most followed badminton athlete globally and aims to inspire youth, especially women, through this partnership.

Source: ET

Miscellaneous

1. Senior Advocate Iqbal Chagla Passes Away

• What:
  • Senior advocate Iqbal Chagla passed away at the age of 85 after being unwell for a few days.
• Tell me more:
  • Iqbal Chagla was the son of former Bombay High Court Chief Justice M.C. Chagla and the father of sitting Bombay High Court Justice R.I. Chagla.
  • He graduated from Cambridge University and was called to the Bombay Bar, becoming a Senior Advocate in the 1970s.
  • Chagla served as President of the Bombay Bar Association for three terms from 1990 to 1999.

Source: HT

2. Dr. Chauhan Launches Book on Parliamentary Practices

• What:
  • Dr. K.S. Chauhan launched a two-volume reference book titled “Parliament: Powers, Functions, and Privileges” at Vice-President’s Enclave in New Delhi.
• Why:
  • The book aims to document parliamentary practices and address complex societal challenges, enhancing understanding of parliamentary functions.
• Tell me more:
  • The launch event featured distinguished speakers, including the Secretary General of Rajya Sabha and the Attorney General of India.
  • Dr. Chauhan has been an advocate since 1987 and has focused on issues like anti-defection laws.

Source: GOV

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