National & States Affairs
1. All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), officially launched Phase 4 of the “National
Educational Alliance for Technology (NEAT 4.0).” As part of the NEAT 4.0 launch, 22 EdTech
companies signed MoUs with AICTE for 40 innovative products, meticulously evaluated through 4
rounds of assessment. Over 300 evaluations by domain experts ensured these products met high-
quality standards before onboarding them onto the NEAT portal. NEAT 4.0 is a significant stride
toward bridging the gap between learners and industry-relevant skills, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for students
across the country. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• AICTE – launched Phase 4 of “National Educational Alliance for Technology (NEAT 4.0)”
• As part of this launch, 22 EdTech companies signed MoUs with AICTE for 40 innovative products
• HQs of AICTE – New Delhi | Chairman – T. G. Sitharam (AICTE functions under Ministry of Education)
2. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has inaugurated the “BHARATPOL” portal developed by
the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Amit Shah also
presented police medals to 35 award-winning CBI officers, who were honored with the
‘President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service’ and the ‘Home Minister’s Medal for
Excellence in Investigation’. Through BHARATPOL, every agency and police force in India will
be able to seamlessly connect with INTERPOL, thereby expediting investigations. Mr Shah
also stated the 5 key modules of BHARATPOL - Connect, INTERPOL Notices, References, Broadcast, and Resources. These
modules provide a technological platform to support all our law enforcement agencies. BHARATPOL network will greatly
assist state police forces by facilitating collaboration with law enforcement agencies in 195 countries through real-time
information sharing on such crimes. Also, BHARATPOL will have access to 19 types of databases from INTERPOL, which will
be helpful in analyzing crimes, preventing them, and apprehending criminals. Currently, CBI is the National Central Bureau
for INTERPOL in India. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• “BHARATPOL” portal – inaugurated by Amit Shah, Union Home Minister, at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi
- Developed by – CBI
• Police medals – presented to 35 award-winning CBI officers, who were honored with ‘President’s Police Medal for
Distinguished Service’ & ‘Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Investigation’
• 5 key modules of BHARATPOL – Connect, INTERPOL Notices, References, Broadcast & Resources
• BHARATPOL will have access to 19 types of databases from INTERPOL
• CBI – National Central Bureau for INTERPOL in India
• HQs of CBI – New Delhi | DG – Praveen Sood | Motto – “Industry, Impartiality, Integrity”
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Banking, Finance, Insurance & Economic Affairs
3. Punjab & Sind Bank has announced to launch “Instant Loan Scheme” up to Rs 25 lakh for the MSME sector as part of its
initiative to push credit through its digital platform. The bank has recently introduced ‘PSB e-Apna Ghar’ and ‘PSB e-Apna
Vahan’ schemes under which in-principle approval to an application is given within 15 minutes. The bank is also planning to
launch renewal and sanction of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) through digital platform. Under the KCC, up to Rs 2 lakh loan can be
sanctioned to a farmer without collateral. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Punjab & Sind Bank – to launch “Instant Loan Scheme” up to Rs 25 lakh for MSME sector
• ‘PSB e-Apna Ghar’ & ‘PSB e-Apna Vahan’ schemes – introduced recently by the bank
- Under which in-principle approval to an application is given within 15 minutes
• HQs of Punjab & Sind Bank – New Delhi | MD & CEO – Swarup Kumar Saha
Defence Affairs
4. Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) has launched two indigenously designed and constructed Fast Patrol
Vessels (FPVs) for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). The two vessels, namely “Amulya” and “Akshay”,
were launched ceremoniously by Vandana Agrawal. GSL also launched two vessels of the same
series in October 2024 as GSL is constructing a fleet of 8 FPVs for the ICG. These state-of-the-art
FPVs are designed in-house by GSL to meet the Indian Coast Guard’s specific operational needs. For
the first time in GSL’s history, two vessels were launched simultaneously using the Shipyard’s State-of-the-Art Ship-Lift
System. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• GSL – launched 2 indigenously designed & constructed Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), “Amulya” and “Akshay”, for ICG
- Launched by – Vandana Agrawal
• GSL – also launched 2 vessels of same series in Oct 2024 as GSL is constructing a fleet of 8 FPVs for ICG
• HQs of GSL – Vasco da Gama, Goa | CMD – Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay
• HQs of ICG – New Delhi | DG – S Paramesh | Founded in – 1977
5. Nagpur-based Solar Industries India Ltd has achieved a significant milestone by securing
two major export orders. The company, along with its subsidiary Economic Explosives (EEL),
has bagged export contracts worth Rs 2,039 crore, marking a strong demand for Indian-
manufactured defence products. The company is preparing to deliver India’s first indigenous
loitering munition, “Nagastra-1”, to the Indian Army. The Indian Army will receive 480
loitering munitions, as part of an emergency procurement order. Loitering munitions, sometimes referred to as ‘suicide
drones’, are designed to loiter over a battlefield for extended periods. It has an indigenous content of more than 75%.
Nagastra-1 is a cutting-edge unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed for loitering munitions with advanced features such
as abort, recover, and reuse capabilities. The fixed-wing electric UAV has an endurance of 60 minutes, a man-in-loop range
of 15 km, and a range of 30 km in autonomous mode. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Solar Industries India Ltd (along with its subsidiary EEL) – secured 2 major export orders | Worth – Rs 2,039 Cr
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- 480 loitering munitions to the Indian Army | India’s first indigenous loitering munition – “Nagastra-1”
• Loitering munitions, aka ‘suicide drones’ – designed to loiter over a battlefield for extended periods
- Indigenous content – more than 75%
• Endurance – 60 minutes | Man-in-loop range – 15 km | Range in autonomous mode – 30 km
• HQs of Solar Industries India Ltd – Nagpur, Maharashtra | MD & CEO – Manish Satyanarayan Nuwal
Sports & Games
6. The Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) has unveiled trophies and mascots for the first-ever
“Kho Kho World Cup 2025”, scheduled to be held from January 13-19, 2025, at the Indira Gandhi
Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. Being held under the aegis of the Sports Authority of India (SAI),
the tournament will showcase 21 Men’s and 20 Women’s teams from 24 countries across six
continents vying for the two magnificent trophies. The Blue trophy for Men symbolizes trust,
determination, and universal appeal, while the Green trophy for Women represents growth and vitality. The Federation also
unveiled ‘Tejas’ and ‘Tara,’ a dynamic duo of gazelles serving as the official mascots for the tournament. Tejas, symbolizing
brilliance and energy, and Tara, representing guidance and aspiration, are depicted in vibrant blue and orange sporting
attire. Sudhanshu Mittal is the President of the KKFI. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• 1st “Kho Kho World Cup 2025” – to be held from Jan 13-19, 2025, at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi
- To be held under aegis of – Sports Authority of India (SAI)
- It will showcase 21 Men’s & 20 Women’s teams from 24 countries across six continents
• Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI) – unveiled trophies & mascots
- Blue trophy – for Men | Green trophy – for Women | Mascots – ‘Tejas’ & ‘Tara,’ a dynamic duo of gazelles
• HQs of KKFI – New Delhi | President – Sudhanshu Mittal | Established in – 1955
Appointments & Resignations
7. NITI Aayog vice chairman Suman Bery has been given additional charge as the Chairman of the
Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM). He replaced Bibek Debroy, who died
recently. EAC-PM is an independent body constituted to give advice on economic and related issues to
the Government of India, specifically to the prime minister. At present, the composition of EAC-PM is:
Sanjeev Sanyal (member), Shamika Ravi (member), Rakesh Mohan (part-time member), Sajjid Chinoy
(part-time member), Neelkanth Mishra (part-time member), Nilesh Shah (part-time member), T T Ram Mohan (part-time
member) and Poonam Gupta (part-time member). {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Suman Bery (NITI Aayog vice chairman) – given additional charge as Chairman of Economic Advisory Council to PM
- Replacing – Bibek Debroy
• EAC-PM – independent body constituted to give advice on economic & related issues to GoI, specifically to PM
• At present, the composition of EAC-PM is: Members – Sanjeev Sanyal & Shamika Ravi
- Part-time members – Rakesh Mohan, Sajjid Chinoy, Neelkanth Mishra, Nilesh Shah, TT Ram Mohan & Poonam Gupta
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Awards, Rewards, Recognition & Prizes
8. The 82nd “Golden Globe Awards 2025”, held on January 5, 2025, celebrated outstanding
achievements in film and television. In the film categories, ‘The Brutalist’ secured the award
for ‘Best Motion Picture - Drama’, with Adrien Brody winning ‘Best Actor’ for his role in the
same film. Fernanda Torres was honored as ‘Best Actress’ for ‘I’m Still Here.’ ‘Emilia Pérez’
won ‘Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy’, and Sebastian Stan received ‘Best Actor’ in
this category for ‘A Different Man.’ Demi Moore earned ‘Best Actress’ in a Musical or Comedy for ‘The Substance.’ Brady
Corbet was recognized as ‘Best Director’ for ‘The Brutalist.’ In the television categories, ‘Shōgun’ was awarded ‘Best
Television Series – Drama’, with Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai winning ‘Best Actor’ and ‘Best Actress’, respectively, for
their performances in the series. ‘Hacks’ received ‘Best Television Series - Musical or Comedy’, with Jean Smart honored as
‘Best Actress’ for her role in the show. Other awardees are mentioned below. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• 82nd “Golden Globe Awards 2025” – held on Jan 5, 2025
• Awards and awardees:
Category Winner
Best Film – Musical or Comedy Emilia Pérez
Best Film – Drama The Brutalist
Best Film – Animated Flow
Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy Hacks
Best Television Series – Drama Shōgun
Best Male Actor in a Film – Drama Adrien Brody (The Brutalist)
Best Female Actor in a Film – Drama Fernanda Torres (I’m Still Here)
Best Director in a Film Brady Corbet (The Brutalist)
Best Male Actor in a Film – Musical or Comedy Sebastian Stan (A Different Man)
Best Female Actor in a Film – Musical or Comedy Demi Moore (The Substance)
Best Standup Comedy on TV Ali Wong (Single Lady)
9. Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the 59th “Directors General of Police (DGsP)
/ Inspectors General of Police (IGsP) Conference 2024” in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The
conference, being held in a hybrid format, was attended by DGsP/IGsP of all States/UTs. PM
Narendra Modi chaired the proceedings on the 2nd and 3rd days of the Conference. On this
occasion, Union Home Minister Amit Shah conferred Police Medals for Meritorious Service
to 13 senior officers of the Intelligence Bureau, and released the Ministry of Home Affairs’
book on “Ranking of Police Stations 2024”. Mr Shah also awarded trophies to the three best police stations. Ichhapore Police
Station in Surat, Gujarat, received the prestigious Best Police Station Award (first prize), followed by Pattapur Police Station
in Ganjam, Odisha, at second position & Nimiaghat Police Station in Giridih, Jharkhand, at third position. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• 59th “Directors General of Police (DGsP) / Inspectors General of Police (IGsP) Conference 2024” – held in Bhubaneswar,
Odisha
- Inaugurated by – Amit Shah
- PM Modi chaired the proceedings on 2nd & 3rd days of the Conference
• Police Medals for Meritorious Service – conferred to 13 senior officers of Intelligence Bureau
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• Ministry of Home Affairs’ book on “Ranking of Police Stations 2024” – released by Amit Shah
• Best Police Station Award – Ichhapore Police Station in Surat, Gujarat
- 2nd – Pattapur Police Station in Ganjam, Odisha | 3rd – Nimiaghat Police Station in Giridih, Jharkhand
10. GAIL (India) has won the “SAP ACE Award 2024 for Best Financial Transformation”, the
second consecutive year it has earned the recognition. The award highlights the company’s
impressive achievement in digitally transforming its trust accounting process, demonstrating
its dedication to financial innovation and operational excellence. The company implemented a
pioneering solution by integrating SAP Treasury and Risk Management (TRM) with Fiori,
Workflow, and Adobe Forms. The new system enables automatic interest calculations, real-
time reconciliation, and streamlined updates for PF and pension cards through a Fiori interface. GAIL’s solution has
established a new standard for trust accounting systems, particularly relevant for government organisations and other public
sector undertakings (PSUs). {Read more}
Smart Points:
• GAIL (India) – won “SAP ACE Award 2024 for Best Financial Transformation” for 2nd consecutive year
• HQs of GAIL – New Delhi | MD & Chairman – Sandeep Kumar Gupta | Founded in – 1984
Schemes & Initiatives
11. Ministry of Steel has launched the 2nd round of the “Production Linked Incentive (PLI)
Scheme” for Specialty Steel, termed as “PLI Scheme 1.1”. The scheme retains its original
budgetary allocation of Rs 6,322 crore and covers 5 product categories: Coated/ Plated Steel
Products, High Strength/Wear-Resistant Steel, Specialty Rails, Alloy Steel Products & Steel
Wires, and Electrical Steel. The PLI Scheme 1.1 will be implemented during the production
period of FY 2025-26 to FY 2029-30. A key modification in the 2nd round is the reduction of investment and capacity creation
thresholds for Cold-Rolled Grain-Oriented (CRGO) steel, a high-value product critical for power transformers. Thresholds
have been lowered to Rs 3,000 crore in investment and 50,000 tonnes of capacity creation to encourage participation in this
category. CRGO is currently not manufactured in India, and its domestic production is considered vital for achieving self-
reliance in key sectors. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• Ministry of Steel – launched 2nd round of “Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme” for Specialty Steel, termed as “PLI
Scheme 1.1”
• Original budgetary allocation of this scheme – Rs 6,322 Cr | It covers 5 product categories:
- Coated/ Plated Steel Products, High Strength/Wear-Resistant Steel, Specialty Rails, Alloy Steel Products & Steel
Wires, and Electrical Steel
• PLI Scheme 1.1 – to be implemented during production period of FY26 to FY30
• Thresholds – lowered to Rs 3,000 Cr in investment & 50,000 tonnes of capacity creation
• Minister of Steel & Heavy Industries: H. D. Kumaraswamy | Constituency – Mandaya, Karnataka
MoS in Ministry of Steel: Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma
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Ranks, Reports & Surveys
12. Radhakishan Damani, the founder of Avenue Supermarts Limited (DMart), followed by
Deepinder Goyal of Zomato, and Sriharsha Majety & Nandan Reddy of Swiggy topped the 2nd
edition of “India’s Top 200 Self-made Entrepreneurs of the Millennia 2024” released by IDFC
First Private Banking and Hurun India. Mr Damani topped with a valuation of Rs 3.4 lakh
crore. Deep Kalra and Rajesh Magow of MakeMyTrip secured 4th spot, followed by Abhay Soi
of Max Healthcare Institute Limited at 5th spot. The list saw 56 founders representing 32 companies were added to this
year’s list. Kaivalya Vohra, 21, and Aadit Palicha, 22, co-founders of Zepto, were the youngest self-made entrepreneurs.
Happiest Minds Founder Ashok Soota, 81, was the eldest on the list of self-made entrepreneurs. Among the 19 women on
the list, Falguni Nayar of Nykaa is the highest-ranked woman, breaking into the top 10. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• 2nd edition of “India’s Top 200 Self-made Entrepreneurs of the Millennia 2024” – released by IDFC First Pvt Banking &
Hurun India
• Top – Radhakishan Damani (founder of DMart) with Rs 3.4 lakh Cr
- 2nd – Deepinder Goyal (Zomato) | 3rd – Sriharsha Majety & Nandan Reddy (Swiggy)
- 4th – Deep Kalra & Rajesh Magow (MakeMyTrip) | 5th – Abhay Soi (Max Healthcare Institute Ltd)
• 56 founders representing 32 companies – added to this year’s list
• Youngest self-made entrepreneurs – Kaivalya Vohra (21) & Aadit Palicha (22), co-founders of Zepto
• Eldest self-made entrepreneur – Ashok Soota (81), Founder of Happiest Minds
• Total women on list – 19 | Highest-ranked – Falguni Nayar (Nykaa)
Amount & Agreements
13. World Bank has approved a new $325.10 million project named “Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Growth and Rural Enterprise
Ecosystem Strengthening (UP-AGREES) Project” to increase farmers’ incomes through improved crop productivity, adoption
of digital technologies and climate-resilient practices, and strengthened market linkages. The Project will help to strengthen
the ecosystem for digital services and agriculture finance. The $325.10 million loan from the International Bank of
Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) has a final maturity of 33.5 years, including a grace period of 6 years. The project
also aims to leverage $15 million in private finance to support these initiatives. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• World Bank – approved a $325.10 million project, “UP Agriculture Growth & Rural Enterprise Ecosystem Strengthening
(UP-AGREES) Project”
• To increase farmers’ incomes through improved crop productivity, adoption of digital technologies & climate-resilient
practices
• Loan is from – IBRD | Final maturity – 33.5 years (including a grace period of 6 years)
• UP: Capital – Lucknow | CM – Yogi Adityanath | Governor – Anandiben Patel
• HQs of World Bank – Washington D.C., US | President – Ajay Banga | MD/CFO – Anshula Kant | Members – 189
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MoUs, Collaborations & Partnerships
14. The Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND) and the Insurance Regulatory and Development
Authority of India (IRDAI) have signed an MoU as part of continued coordinated efforts in effective
implementation of requirements of the ‘Prevention of Money Laundering Act’ and its rules. According
to the MoU, FIU-IND and IRDAI will cooperate with each other in the areas of mutual interest,
including appointment of a nodal officer; sharing of relevant intelligence and information available in their respective
databases; laying down procedure and manner in which the regulated entities/ reporting entities report to FIU-IND under
the PML Rules; assessment of Anti-Money Laundering/Combating Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) risks and vulnerabilities
in insurance sector, among others. {Read more}
Smart Points:
• FIU-IND + IRDAI = an MoU for effective implementation of requirements of ‘Prevention of Money Laundering Act’ & its
rules
• HQs of IRDAI – Hyderabad, Telangana | Chairman – Debasish Panda | Established in – 1999
❖ Other Miscellaneous News & Current Static GK:
• Tomiko Itooka (Japan) – World’s Oldest Person (116 yrs) – passed away
• “Karma’s Child: The Story of Indian Cinema’s Ultimate Showman” book – authored by Subhash Ghai & Suveen Sinha
• Dudhwa National Park – Uttar Pradesh
• Chancay Port – Peru
• Major Ralengnao Bob Khathing Museum of Valor – Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh
• The RBI approved the voluntary merger of The National Co-operative Bank Ltd, Bangalore (Karnataka) with Cosmos
Co-operative Bank Ltd (Maharashtra). The Scheme of Amalgamation has been sanctioned in exercise of the powers
conferred under Sub-Section (4) of Section 44A read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
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