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Daily G.K. - Top Stories

16 Jan 2025

DAILY G.K. TEST

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INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Hindenburg Research Shuts Down

  • Hindenburg Research, the influential activist short-selling firm founded by Nate Anderson in 2017, has announced its closure. Renowned for exposing corporate fraud and mismanagement, the firm has significantly impacted companies like Nikola Corp., Icahn Enterprises, and the Adani Group. Anderson cited personal reasons for the shutdown, expressing a desire to spend more time with family and pursue other interests.

NPCI and Magnati Partner to Boost UPI Use in UAE

  • NPCI International Payments Ltd. (NIPL), the international arm of India's National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has partnered with UAE-based fintech firm Magnati to enable Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions for Indian travelers in the UAE. This collaboration aims to integrate UPI into the UAE's payment ecosystem, allowing Indian visitors to use their preferred payment method seamlessly.

India-Spain Declare 2026 as 'Dual Year' for Culture, Tourism, and AI

  • In a significant diplomatic development, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced that India and Spain will commemorate 2026 as a 'dual year' focusing on culture, tourism, and advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). This initiative aims to strengthen bilateral ties and promote mutual understanding between the two nations.
  • The year will feature extensive cultural programs, including art exhibitions, music and dance performances, literature festivals, and architectural collaborations. Both countries plan to showcase their rich cultural heritages through various events and exhibitions.
  • Efforts will be made to boost tourism by promoting reciprocal visits, establishing direct flight connections, and highlighting each other's tourist attractions. This includes joint marketing campaigns and tourism fairs to attract visitors.
  • Recognising the transformative potential of AI, both nations intend to collaborate on AI research, development, and implementation across various sectors, including healthcare, education, and industry. This will involve joint workshops, seminars, and the establishment of AI research centres.
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ENVIRONMENT

Clouded Leopard Conservation Efforts in Asia

  • The clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) is an elusive predator found in Asia's ancient forests. Its striking coat patterns have made it a subject of fascination. However, its population is declining rapidly due to habitat destruction, hunting, and climate change. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the species as 'vulnerable'. Recent studies highlight the urgent need for conservation efforts to address these threats and ensure the species' survival.
  • Current Status of Clouded Leopard Populations
  • The clouded leopard's range includes the Himalayas in Nepal, Bhutan, and India, extending to South China and Peninsular Malaysia. Populations in Taiwan are extinct, while those in Vietnam and China are critically low. The IUCN classifies the species' range into four statuses – extant, possibly extant, possibly extinct, and extinct. The extant range currently includes Bhutan, northeast India, Myanmar, and parts of Southeast Asia.

India's Hydrogen Train Engine Sets a Power Benchmark

  • India's Railway Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, recently shared a remarkable achievement in the field of green energy technology during the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. Indian Railways has developed the world's most powerful hydrogen fuel-run train engine, setting a new benchmark in global railway innovation. The engine, built with indigenous technology, reflects India's growing capabilities in green energy and sustainable development.
  • The engine generates 1,200 horsepower, surpassing the 500-600 horsepower engines developed by other countries.
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BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

India's GDP Growth Projected to Reach 6.7% in FY25

  • India's GDP growth is projected to improve to 6.7% in the fiscal year 2025 (FY25), according to a CRISIL Intelligence report. This anticipated growth follows a moderation to 6.4% in the current fiscal year, down from 8.2% in the previous year.
  • The report highlights a sustained decline in food inflation, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation cooling to 5.2% in December from 5.5% in November. Food inflation eased to 8.4% from 9%, while non-food inflation remained stable at 3.1%. This trend is expected to create room for a rate cut by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in the coming months.
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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

India Unveils 'Utkarsh' as Second Multi-Purpose Vessel

  • Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has successfully launched the second multi-purpose vessel (MPV) for the Indian Navy, named INS Utkarsh. The launch took place at the Kattupalli Shipyard near Chennai. This event marks India's advancements in indigenous shipbuilding as part of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission. The launch occurred within three months of the first MPV, INS Samarthak, demonstrating L&T's accelerated production capabilities.
  • The event was graced by Rajesh Kumar Singh, Defence Secretary, along with senior officials from the Indian Navy and L&T Shipyard. The vessel, named 'Utkarsh', signifies a leap forward in India's indigenous shipbuilding capabilities and aligns with the country's broader vision of self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

ISRO Successfully Docks Satellites, Enters Elite Club

  • The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully docked two satellites in space, marking India as the fourth country to achieve this feat after the United States, Russia, and China. 
  • The docking process, part of the SpaDeX (Space Docking Exercise) mission, demonstrates ISRO's capability to conduct autonomous satellite docking. This milestone is critical for future missions like Chandrayaan-4 and the planned Bharatiya Antariksh Station.

Pixxel and Digantara Launch Satellites for Earth and Space Monitoring

  • In a significant achievement for India's private space sector, two Indian start-ups, Pixxel and Digantara, launched their satellites aboard a SpaceX rocket.  These pioneering missions are aimed at addressing pressing global challenges such as agriculture, defence, and space sustainability. Pixxel's launch introduces a constellation of satellites for advanced Earth observation, while Digantara's SCOT satellite focuses on real-time tracking of space objects.
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SPORTS

Smriti Mandhana Smashes India's Fastest Women's ODI Century

  • Indian opener Smriti Mandhana broke multiple records in the 3rd ODI against Ireland Women at the Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot. Leading the team in the absence of Harmanpreet Kaur, Mandhana scored the fastest century by an Indian in women's ODIs, showcasing her dominance. Her record-breaking performance and partnership with Pratika Rawal contributed to India's strong showing in the series.
  • Smriti smashed a 100 off just 70 balls, breaking Harmanpreet Kaur's 87-ball record. 
  • Achieving this feat she became the first Indian woman to score 10 ODI Tons and joined Australia's Tammy Beaumont in third place on the all-time list.
  • Currently (as in January 2025), she holds the fourth position with 10 centuries alongside Suzie Bates.

Arjun Erigaisi Stuns Chess World with Wins Against Carlsen, Caruana

  • Indian grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi achieved a remarkable feat in the online chess community by defeating World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen and World No. 2 Fabiano Caruana in the Titled Tuesday weekly blitz competition conducted by Chess.com. This competition, held in the early hours of Tuesday, was fiercely contested, and Erigaisi's performance stood out as he finished with 10 points out of 11 rounds, marking his dominance in the event.
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NATIONAL AFFAIRS

Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal-Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project

  • The Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal-Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (PKC-ERCP) is initiative aimed at enhancing irrigation in Rajasthan. This project will impact 23 districts and is crucial for providing water for irrigation, drinking, and industrial use. However, it poses environmental challenges, particularly regarding the Ranthambhore tiger reserve.
  • The PKC-ERCP will submerge 408.86 sq km of land, including 37 sq km of the Ranthambhore tiger reserve. This reserve is home to 57 tigers and is vital for wildlife conservation. The project aims to channel surplus water from the Chambal river basin, benefiting approximately 3.45 crore people in Rajasthan.

India to Host 28th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in 2026

  • The Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal-Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (PKC-ERCP) is initiative aimed at enhancing irrigation in Rajasthan. This project will impact 23 districts and is crucial for providing water for irrigation, drinking, and industrial use. However, it poses environmental challenges, particularly regarding the Ranthambhore tiger reserve.
  • The PKC-ERCP will submerge 408.86 sq km of land, including 37 sq km of the Ranthambhore tiger reserve. This reserve is home to 57 tigers and is vital for wildlife conservation. The project aims to channel surplus water from the Chambal river basin, benefiting approximately 3.45 crore people in Rajasthan.
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DEFENCE

India Successfully Tests Indian Army's First Bhargavastra, Counter-drone Micro-missile System

  • India has successfully tested the Bhargavastra, its first micro-missile system to counter swarm drones. It is designed to counter the threat of swarm drones. It was developed by Economic Explosives Ltd. Bhargavastra detects small flying machines over 6 km and hits targets over 2.5 km.
  • It uses guided micro-munitions and can fire more than 64 micro missiles simultaneously. The system operates in all terrains, including high-altitude areas. It fulfills Army Air Defence requirements, marking India's first counter-drone system with micro missiles.

Indian Army Conducts Exercise 'Devil Strike'

  • The Indian Armed Forces are set to conduct a major military exercise, Exercise Devil Strike, from January 16 to 19, 2025. The exercise, which is being organized under the leadership of the Indian Army, aims to enhance the combat readiness of the forces by simulating high-intensity combat operations.
  • This exercise is expected to feature advanced strategies and innovative combat techniques to strengthen national security and ensure effective defense against external threats. It also serves as a test of the synchronization between various branches of the Indian military, ensuring a well-coordinated response to potential challenges.
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DAYS AND EVENTS

Pune to Host Army Day Parade 2025

  • The Army Day Parade, event in India's military calendar, will take place in Pune for the first time on 15 January 2025. This parade commemorates the appointment of Field Marshal K M Cariappa as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army. The event, which traditionally occurs in Delhi, has been rotating to different cities since 2023, enhancing local engagement with the Armed Forces. Pune's selection puts stress on its historical connection to the military, being home to the Southern Command Headquarters and the National Defence Academy.
  • Indian Army Day is celebrated annually on 15 January. This date marks the founding of the Indian Army and the transfer of military leadership to Indian hands post-independence. Originally observed on 1 April 1895, the date was changed to honour the contributions and sacrifices of soldiers. The day aims to instil patriotism and respect for the armed forces among citizens.
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AWARDS AND HONOURS

Singapore Confers Honorary Citizenship on Tarun Das

  • Singapore has awarded its highest honor for non-citizens, the Honorary Citizen Award, to Tarun Das, former Director General of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in recognition of his significant contributions to strengthening Singapore-India relations.
  • Tarun Das has been instrumental in fostering robust economic and people-to-people connections between Singapore and India over several decades. In 1993, he led a delegation of Indian industrialists to Singapore, marking a pivotal moment in India's "Look East" policy. This initiative laid the groundwork for annual visits by the CII Core Group to Singapore, facilitating continuous engagement between political leaders and businesses from both nations.
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GENDER/ HEALTH/ EDUCATION

The Ministry of Education, Government of India Initiates the APAAR ID

  • The Ministry of Education and Government of India has initiated the APAAR ID, known as the "One Nation One Student ID Card." This groundbreaking program aims to digitally centralise academic data, including degrees, scholarships, rewards, and other credits for students. In this article, we will provide you with detailed information about the benefits of the APAAR ID and how to download it from the official website.
  • The One Nation One Student ID Card, APAAR ID, is a significant step towards a more organised and accessible academic experience for students in India. By registering and downloading your APAAR ID, you can unlock various benefits and conveniently store your academic records. With thousands of institutes and millions of students already benefiting from this program, it's a promising development in the education sector.
  • Full form of APAAR ID stands for "Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry." The Government of India introduced the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC Bank) to administer the issuance of APAAR ID cards. These cards function as a registry within the educational system, commonly known as an 'EduLocker.'
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BOOKS AND AUTHORS

VP Dhankhar Releases Book on Parliament's Rights and Privileges

  • Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar launched Dr. K.S. Chauhan's book "Parliament: Powers, Functions & Privileges; A Comparative Constitutional Perspective". During the event, Dhankhar lauded the author's dedication and hard work in exploring the intricate role of Parliament in a democracy. The book sheds light on Parliament's functions, privileges, and its essential role in maintaining government accountability, with a special focus on how these elements influence the country's democratic fabric.
  • The book provides crucial insights into Parliament's role and responsibilities, particularly in government oversight. It discusses the importance of dialogue, debate, and deliberation in ensuring accountability, and highlights the significance of parliamentary privileges and the need for responsible use by MPs.
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ART AND CULTURE

Kanuma Panduga Festival 2025

  • Kanuma Panduga is an essential festival celebrated in the southern states of India, especially in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu, coinciding with the Sankranti festival. It falls on the day after Makar Sankranti and is dedicated to honoring cattle, primarily cows and bulls, symbolising the bond between humans, animals, and nature. This festival marks the sun's journey toward the northern hemisphere, heralding the arrival of the spring season and longer days. The festival is observed with much fervor, traditional rituals, and cultural celebrations.
  • The festival shares its origin with Govardhan Puja, honoring Lord Krishna's divine intervention when he lifted the Govardhan Hill to protect villagers and cattle from a flood. The day is dedicated to worshipping cattle, especially cows and bulls, for their invaluable role in agriculture. It is the third day of the Makar Sankranti celebrations and marks the beginning of the sun's journey toward the northern hemisphere, signaling the start of spring.
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