17th January 2025

1. C-DOT and IIT Bombay Unite for Indigenous 6G Optical Chipset
2. FICCI Revises India’s Economic Projections for FY 2024-25
3. Maha Kumbh 2025: ‘One Plate, One Bag’ Campaign Launched
4. Justice Krishnan Vinod Chandran Joins the Supreme Court
5. New Launchpad of ISRO Coming Up at Sriharikota
6. Punjab National Bank and Indian Bank Appoint New MDs and CEOs
7. India Set to Surpass Japan as World’s Fourth-Largest Economy by 2026
8. Arjun Erigaisi Stuns Chess World with Wins Against Carlsen, Caruana
9. Odisha Government Announces ₹20,000 Pension for Emergency Detainees
10. Pixxel and Digantara Launch Satellites for Earth and Space Monitoring
11. US Removes Indian Entities, Adds Chinese Firms to Entity List
12. India-Spain Declare 2026 as ‘Dual Year’ for Culture, Tourism, and AI
13. Kanuma Panduga 2025: Key Highlights of the Festival
14. India’s Hydrogen Train Engine Sets a Power Benchmark
15. NPCI and Magnati Partner to Boost UPI Use in UAE
16. ISKCON Temple Inaugurated by PM Modi in Navi Mumbai
17. Indian Army Conducts Exercise ‘Devil Strike’
18. PM Modi Commissions INS Surat, Nilgiri, and Vagsheer
19. Smriti Mandhana Smashes India’s Fastest Women’s ODI Century!
20. Singapore Confers Honorary Citizenship on Tarun Das
21. ISRO Successfully Docks Satellites, Enters Elite Club

National News

1. India and Spain to Celebrate Dual Year in 2026

• What:
  • External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced that 2026 will be a ‘dual year’ for India and Spain to celebrate culture, tourism, and advancements in artificial intelligence.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to strengthen bilateral ties and promote collaboration between the two nations.
• Tell me more:
  • Jaishankar highlighted the role of the Indian diaspora in enhancing India’s image in Spain and their contributions to the economy.
  • He noted the annual trade between India and Spain is currently worth USD 10 billion, covering sectors like railways, clean technology, drones, and space exploration.

Source: DD

2. Indian Railways Develops World’s Most Powerful Hydrogen Train Engine

• What:
  • Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that Indian Railways has developed the world’s most powerful hydrogen fuel-run train engine, producing 1,200 horsepower.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to enhance sustainable transportation and demonstrate India’s technological advancements in the railway sector.
• Tell me more:
  • Only four countries manufacture such engines, which typically produce between 500 to 600 horsepower.
  • The first trial run of this train is expected soon on the Jind-Sonipat route in Haryana.
  • The technology developed can also be adapted for other vehicles like trucks and tugboats.

Source: ET

State News

1. Eco-Friendly Initiative at Maha Kumbh

• What:
  • The Maha Kumbh is taking place at Prayagraj’s Triveni Sangam, attracting millions of devotees globally, with a new eco-friendly initiative called “One Plate, One Bag.”
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to eliminate plastic use during the Mela by providing cloth bags and reusable utensils to pilgrims and vendors.
• Tell me more:
  • The campaign is led by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and has distributed 70,000 cloth bags and over 2 million steel plates and glasses to promote sustainability.
  • The initiative was introduced by RSS Sah-Sarkaryavah Krishna Gopal.

Source: TOI

2. Odisha Government Introduces Pension for Emergency Detainees

• What:
  • The Odisha state government has launched a scheme to provide a monthly pension of Rs 20,000 to individuals detained during the Emergency period from 1975 to 1977.
• Why:
  • This initiative aims to support those who suffered during the Emergency and ensure they receive the assistance they deserve.
• Tell me more:
  • The pension will also cover medical expenses for eligible recipients alive as of January 1, 2025.
  • State and district-level committees have been formed to identify eligible individuals.
  • Over 300 individuals in Odisha are expected to apply, with an estimated annual cost of Rs 8 crore for the government.
  • Eligible individuals must submit applications with proof of detention, names of three co-detainees, and an affidavit confirming imprisonment under MISA.

Source: BT

3. Kanuma Panduga Festival Celebrated in Southern India

• What:
  • Kanuma Panduga is a significant festival celebrated in southern India, occurring the day after Makar Sankranti to honor cattle.
• Why:
  • The festival emphasizes the bond between humans, animals, and nature, celebrating the important role of cattle in agriculture.
• Tell me more:
  • In 2025, Kanuma Panduga will be celebrated on January 15, with rituals similar to Mattu Pongal in Tamil Nadu. Farmers decorate their cattle and bring them to temples for worship. The day also includes bullfights and community feasting.
  • The festival has its origins linked to Govardhan Puja, honoring Lord Krishna’s protection of villagers and cattle.
  • The following day is known as Mukkanuma, which is marked by celebrations and gatherings among families and friends.

Source: CNBC

4. PM Modi Inaugurates Sri Sri Radha Madanmohanji Temple

• What:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Sri Sri Radha Madanmohanji Temple in Navi Mumbai, an initiative by ISKCON.
• Tell me more:
  • The temple complex spans nine acres and includes a Vedic education centre, auditorium, and healing centre.

Source: IN ISKCON

International News

1. U.S. Removes Indian Entities from Entity List

• What:
  • The United States Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has removed three Indian organizations from its Entity List to enhance bilateral energy cooperation.
• Why:
  • This action aims to strengthen the partnership between the U.S. and India, particularly in defense, technology, and trade.
• Tell me more:
  • The Indian entities removed include Indian Rare Earths, Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Center (IGCAR), and Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).
  • In contrast, eleven Chinese entities were added to the Entity List due to national security concerns related to technology transfers and surveillance.

Source: ET US

Banking and Economy

1. NPCI Partners with Magnati for UPI Payments in UAE

• What:
  • NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) has partnered with UAE-based Magnati to enhance QR-based Unified Payments Interface (UPI) merchant payments in the Middle East.
• Why:
  • The collaboration aims to expand the QR-based merchant payment network in the UAE, allowing more merchants to accept UPI payments from Indian travelers.
• Tell me more:
  • NIPL stated that this partnership will enable seamless payment options for over 12 million Indians visiting Dubai and the UAE annually.
  • The initial rollout will include UPI acceptance at Dubai Duty Free, with plans for expansion into retail, hospitality, transport, and supermarkets.

Source: ET

GDP Forecasts

1. FICCI Lowers India’s GDP Growth Projection for 2024-25

• What:
  • FICCI has reduced India’s GDP growth projection for 2024-25 to 6.4% from the previous estimate of 7%.
• Why:
  • The revision reflects a notable slowdown compared to the 8.2% GDP growth recorded in 2023-24.
• Tell me more:
  • The Economic Outlook Survey indicates that the agriculture, industry, and services sectors are expected to grow by 3.6%, 6.3%, and 7.3%, respectively.
  • Inflation is projected at 4.8% for 2024-25, aligning with the Reserve Bank of India’s forecast.
  • The survey was conducted in December and included responses from leading economists across various sectors.

Source: ET

2. PHDCCI: India’s Economy Projected to Become Fourth Largest by 2026

• What:
  • India’s economy is expected to become the fourth largest in the world by 2026, surpassing Japan.
• Why:
  • This projection is based on anticipated GDP growth of 6.8% for the current financial year and 7.7% for FY26.
• Tell me more:
  • The PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) made this announcement, highlighting India’s resilience amid global economic challenges.
  • The peak income tax rate is currently set at 30% for incomes above Rs 15 lakh, with suggestions to raise this threshold to Rs 40 lakh.
  • PHDCCI expects a 25 basis point cut in the benchmark interest rate in the next policy review due to decreasing CPI inflation.
  • The Indian economy is projected to have an inflation rate around 4.5% for FY2024-25.
  • A five-pronged strategy – including increased capital expenditure, enhanced ease of doing business, reduction in the cost of doing business, focus on labor-intensive manufacturing and greater integration in global value chains – has been proposed.

Source: ET

Defence News

1. Indian Armed Forces to Conduct Exercise Devil Strike

• The Indian Armed Forces will conduct Exercise Devil Strike from January 16 to 19, involving elite airborne soldiers from the Indian Army and Indian Air Force.
• Exercise Devil Strike will include complex airborne operations with various aircraft for troop and equipment insertion in hostile terrains.

Source: ET

2. INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheer Commissioned into Indian Navy

• What:
  • India commissioned three new naval vessels—INS Surat, INS Nilgiri, and INS Vaghsheer—enhancing its maritime power.
• Tell me more:
  • INS Surat: The final destroyer of the Visakhapatnam-class (Project 15B), designed for advanced surface warfare.
  • INS Nilgiri: The lead ship of the Project 17A stealth frigates, enhancing naval capabilities with modern aviation facilities.
  • INS Vaghsheer: The last Scorpene-class (Project 75) diesel-electric attack submarine, equipped for multi-role warfare and future upgrades.

Source: IE

Science and Technology

1. C-DOT Partners with IIT Bombay for 6G Development

• What:
  • The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) has signed an agreement with the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT Bombay) to develop an Optical Transceiver Chipset for high-bandwidth 6G wireless links.
• Why:
  • The collaboration aims to advance indigenous hardware for next-generation telecommunications technology, particularly focusing on 6G applications.
• Tell me more:
  • The agreement was signed under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) 6G Call for proposals from the Department of Telecommunications.
  • The project aims to create chipsets for high-bandwidth free-space coherent optical links, facilitating last-mile connectivity in rural areas.
  • The initiative also seeks to provide uninterrupted high-bandwidth communication links to remote areas via satellites.

Source: PIB

1. New Launch Pad Approved at Sriharikota Spaceport

• What:
  • The Union Cabinet has approved the construction of a third launch pad at Sriharikota, India’s only spaceport.
• Why:
  • This new launch pad is essential for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to support future heavy launches and the development of the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV).
• Tell me more:
  • The third launch pad will take four years to build at a cost of Rs 3,984.86 crore and will enhance India’s capacity for commercial and scientific missions.
  • The existing spaceport has two launch pads; the first was established 30 years ago for smaller vehicles, while the second was built 20 years ago for heavier rockets.
  • The new pad will support NGLV launches and provide backup for the second launch pad.

Source: IE

3. Indian Start-ups Launch Satellites for Earth Monitoring

• What:
  • Two Indian space start-ups, Pixxel and Digantara, launched their satellites on a SpaceX rocket to monitor the Earth and objects in orbit.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to enhance surveillance capabilities for Earth observation and improve safety in space operations.
• Tell me more:
  • Pixxel has created India’s first constellation of hyperspectral satellites that can observe the Earth in over 150 bands.
  • Digantara’s Space Camera for Object Tracking (SCOT) satellite will track objects as small as 5 cm in orbit to ensure safer space operations.
  • Pixxel’s satellites are six times sharper than standard systems, enabling detailed observations for agriculture and defense.

Source: BS

Awards

1. Tarun Das Receives Honorary Citizen Award from Singapore

• What:
  • Singapore has conferred the Honorary Citizen Award on Tarun Das, former Director General of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
• Why:
  • The award recognizes Das’s invaluable contributions to Singapore and the strengthening of Singapore-India relations.
• Tell me more:
  • The award was presented by Singapore’s President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at a ceremony in New Delhi.
  • The Honorary Citizen Award is the highest recognition given by the Singapore Government to non-Singaporeans for their significant contributions in various fields.
  • Tarun Das has been a strong advocate for Singapore in India and played a key role in India’s “Look East” policy.

Source: HBL

Sports

1. Arjun Erigaisi Wins Titled “Tuesday” Chess Tournament

• What:
  • Arjun Erigaisi, India’s top chess grandmaster, won the Titled Tuesday online chess tournament hosted by Chess.com, scoring 10 points out of 11.
• Why:
  • The tournament aims to provide a competitive platform for chess players worldwide, showcasing top talents and promoting the game.
• Tell me more:
  • Erigaisi defeated renowned players including Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura, losing only one match to Nakamura.
  • This victory marks his second Titled Tuesday win, with his first occurring in November 2023.
  • Last year, he achieved a rating of 2800, a milestone reached by only 16 grandmasters in history.

Source: TN

2. Smriti Mandhana Scores Fastest Century in Women’s ODIs

• What:
  • Smriti Mandhana scored a blistering century in the third Women’s ODI against Ireland, achieving the fastest century by an Indian woman in ODIs.
• Tell me more:
  • Mandhana reached her hundred in just 70 balls, surpassing Harmanpreet Kaur’s previous record of 87 balls.
  • She scored a total of 135 runs off 80 balls, including seven sixes and twelve fours.
  • This was her 10th ODI century, tying her with England’s Tammy Beaumont for the third-most centuries in women’s ODIs.

Appointments

1. K Vinod Chandran Sworn in as Supreme Court Judge

• What:
  • K Vinod Chandran has taken oath as a judge of the Supreme Court after his promotion was approved by the Centre.
• Why:
  • His elevation addresses the lack of representation from the Kerala High Court in the Supreme Court.
• Tell me more:
  • Justice Chandran was previously the chief justice of the Patna High Court and has been appointed to bring the total number of Supreme Court judges to 33.

Source: ET

2. New Appointments at Punjab National Bank and Indian Bank

• Ashok Chandra has been appointed as the MD and CEO of Punjab National Bank, while Binod Kumar has been appointed as the MD and CEO of Indian Bank.

Source: BS

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