Current Affairs and GK Weekly One Liners 30th December to 05th January 2025

SBI Unveils ‘Har Ghar Lakhpati’ and ‘SBI Patrons’ Schemes

The State Bank of India (SBI) launched two new deposit schemes: ‘Har Ghar Lakhpati’ and ‘SBI Patrons’. ‘Har Ghar Lakhpati’ is a recurring deposit plan that helps customers save ₹1 lakh or more over periods ranging from 1 to 10 years. ‘SBI Patrons’ is a term deposit aimed at senior citizens aged 80 and above, offering higher interest rates. These schemes aim to enhance financial inclusion and meet the diverse needs of SBI’s customer base.

EPFO Launches Centralised Pension Payments System

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) rolled out its Centralised Pension Payments System (CPPS) nationwide. This modernised system benefits over 68 lakh pensioners, allowing them to withdraw pensions from any bank branch without needing physical verification visits. The CPPS ensures a seamless, efficient, and transparent pension disbursement process, enhancing convenience for pensioners across India. This initiative marks a significant step towards improving the quality of service for the country’s senior citizens.

LEADS 2024 Report Highlights Top Performers in Logistics

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry released the LEADS 2024 report, identifying 13 states and Union Territories as “achievers” in logistics performance. This report evaluates the efficiency of logistics services across four key pillars: infrastructure, services, operating environment, and sustainability. Coastal states such as Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu topped the rankings, while Haryana, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh led among landlocked states. The report aims to provide actionable insights for improving logistics performance and boosting economic growth.

Nomura Revises India’s FY25 GDP Growth Forecast to 6.7%

Nomura lowered India’s fiscal year 2025 GDP growth forecast to 6.7%, down from the previous estimate of 6.9%. This adjustment comes after official data indicated a slowdown in the April-June quarter, attributed to reduced government spending during national elections. Despite the downward revision, Nomura expects economic growth to pick up as inflation eases and government spending increases, leading to a more stable fiscal environment for the remainder of the year.

Telangana Expands Rythu Bharosa Scheme for All Farmers

The Telangana government expanded its Rythu Bharosa scheme to provide financial assistance to all farmers cultivating crops. Under the new scheme, each farmer will receive ₹7,500 per acre per season, increasing support from the previous ₹5,000 per acre under Rythu Bandhu. The enhanced scheme focuses on active farmlands to ensure genuine farmers benefit. The government plans to start disbursing funds from January 14, 2025, aiming to bolster agricultural productivity and support for farmers across the state.

India Unveils Its First Glass Bridge in Kanniyakumari

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, along with several dignitaries, inaugurated India’s first glass bridge in Kanniyakumari. This stunning structure connects the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and the 133-foot Thiruvalluvar statue. Spanning 77 meters in length and 10 meters in width, the bridge offers breathtaking views of the ocean below. It aims to boost tourism and provide visitors with a unique experience of walking above the sea, blending modern architecture with the region’s natural beauty.

Mike Johnson Re-Elected as US House Speaker

Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, was re-elected as the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. The vote was tense and high-stakes, reflecting the political climate. Johnson, who has been in office since 2017, secured his position with a narrow victory margin of three votes. His re-election was backed by President-elect Donald Trump, who congratulated him on social media. Johnson represents Louisiana’s 4th Congressional District and has been a prominent figure in the House. His leadership will continue to shape the legislative agenda in the new Congress.

Surge in Bank Fraud Cases Reported for 2024

The financial year 2024 witnessed a significant rise in bank fraud cases, with a total of 36,066 incidents reported—more than doubling the 13,537 cases from 2023. Despite the increase in cases, the financial impact was comparatively lower, amounting to Rs 13,175 crore, the lowest in a decade. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) highlighted that internet and card frauds were the most prevalent, accounting for 44.7% of the total fraud amount and 85.3% of all cases.

ISRO’s LVM3 Rocket Breakthrough: Multi-Orbit Launch Capability

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has recently marked a groundbreaking milestone with its LVM3 rocket, which is now capable of placing satellites in multiple orbits during a single mission. This advanced capability is attributed to the development of a multi-element ignitor for the CE-20 Cryogenic engine, enabling in-space engine restarts. This innovation significantly enhances the rocket’s flexibility, allowing for the efficient deployment of multiple satellites into distinct orbits in a single launch.

Key Highlights from SLINEX 24 Naval Exercise

From December 17 to 20, 2024, the SLINEX 24 naval exercise brought together the Indian and Sri Lankan navies in Visakhapatnam. This annual event, aimed at enhancing cooperation and maritime security in the Indian Ocean, featured two main phases: the Harbour Phase (December 17-18) and the Sea Phase (December 19-20). Key highlights included joint tactical maneuvers, maritime interdiction operations, cross-deck helicopter landings, and gunnery exercises, fostering interoperability and strengthening maritime partnerships.

INS Sarvekshak’s Hydrographic Survey Collaboration in Mauritius

On December 28, 2024, the Indian Navy’s hydrographic survey ship, INS Sarvekshak, docked at Port Louis, Mauritius. This marks a significant collaboration between India and Mauritius in the field of hydrography. The ship’s arrival was warmly welcomed by Indian and Mauritian officials, including High Commissioner Anurag Srivastava and Captain CG Binoop, Commandant of the Mauritius National Coastguard. This joint initiative aims to enhance Mauritius’s maritime infrastructure, resource management, and coastal development planning.

Indian Army Participates in 18th Surya Kiran Joint Military Exercise in Nepal

On December 28, 2024, a contingent of 334 Indian Army personnel departed for Nepal to engage in the 18th Battalion Level Joint Military Exercise, Surya Kiran. This annual exercise, held in Saljhandi, Nepal from December 31, 2024, to January 13, 2025, aims to enhance interoperability in jungle warfare, counter-terrorism operations, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief under the United Nations Charter.

China Unveils Type 076 Amphibious Assault Ship, Sichuan

On December 28, 2024, China revealed its first Type 076 amphibious assault ship, named Sichuan, at the Hudong-Zhonghua shipyard in Shanghai. This development signifies a significant enhancement in China’s naval capabilities. The Sichuan features a full-load displacement of over 40,000 tons, a twin-island superstructure, and a full-length flight deck. It also integrates cutting-edge electromagnetic catapult and arresting technology, allowing it to deploy both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.

Sauraha Hosts 18th Elephant and Tourism Festival

Nestled in Sauraha, Chitwan, Nepal, the 18th Elephant and Tourism Festival is captivating both local and international visitors. Hosted at the Baghmara Intermediate Community Forest near the renowned Chitwan National Park, this vibrant festival features a variety of activities, including an elephant beauty contest, elephant football penalty shootout, and a grand parade of elephants. The festival, which runs from December 26 to 30, 2024, aims to promote tourism and celebrate the cultural heritage of the region.

Indian Army Unveils Statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Pangong Tso

The Indian Army proudly unveiled a statue of the legendary warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Pangong Tso in Ladakh, near the India-China border. Standing tall at an altitude of 14,300 feet, this statue was inaugurated by Lieutenant General Hitesh Bhalla, General Officer Commanding of the Fire and Fury Corps. This strategic and cultural installation not only honors Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy of bravery and leadership but also serves to boost the morale of the troops and assert India’s presence in the region.

Remembering Jimmy Carter: 39th U.S. President and Nobel Laureate Passes Away at 100

Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, passed away at the age of 100 in his beloved hometown of Plains, Georgia. Celebrated for his unwavering moral values, humanitarian efforts, and dedication to peace, Carter left an indelible mark on the world. As the longest-lived U.S. president in history, his legacy includes receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his tireless work in promoting peace and human rights globally.

Jasprit Bumrah’s Historic Feat: Fastest Indian to 200 Test Wickets

Jasprit Bumrah etched his name in cricketing history by becoming the fastest Indian bowler to claim 200 wickets in Test cricket during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the MCG in Melbourne. Achieving this milestone in just 44 Test matches, Bumrah equalled Ravindra Jadeja‘s record. His 200th wicket was Travis Head, and Bumrah became the first bowler in Test history to achieve this feat with an average under 20, showcasing his remarkable consistency and skill.

DPIIT and boAt Forge Strategic Partnership to Propel Indian Startups

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) announced a strategic partnership with boAt, a leading Indian audio and wearables brand. This collaboration aims to boost innovation and support DPIIT-recognized startups by providing mentorship, resources, and assistance in key areas such as prototype development and international expansion. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in India, aligning with the Make in India initiative.

Kaamya Karthikeyan Makes History as Youngest Female to Conquer Seven Summits

Kaamya Karthikeyan, a 17-year-old student from Navy Children School in Mumbai, etched her name in history by becoming the youngest female to conquer the Seven Summits. Her remarkable journey culminated on December 24, 2024, when she and her father, Commander S Karthikeyan, reached the summit of Mount Vinson in Antarctica. This achievement adds to her impressive record of scaling the highest peaks on each continent, showcasing her extraordinary dedication and perseverance.

South Korea Impeaches Acting President Amid Deepening Political Crisis

South Korea’s political crisis intensified as the parliament voted to impeach Acting President Han Duck-soo. This event followed the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol on December 14, 2024, due to his controversial declaration of martial law. The impeachment motion against Han was passed with 192 votes in favor, amid protests from ruling party lawmakers. With the political landscape in turmoil, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok has taken over as the interim leader.

Reliance Acquires Karkinos Healthcare for ₹375 Crore: A Strategic Move in Oncology

Reliance Industries, under the leadership of Mukesh Ambani, strategically acquired Karkinos Healthcare, an oncology-focused platform, for ₹375 crore. This acquisition was completed through Reliance Strategic Business Ventures and aims to expand Reliance’s healthcare portfolio. Karkinos Healthcare specializes in early cancer detection and treatment, leveraging technology-driven solutions to enhance cancer care.

WHO Global Internship Programme: Enhancing Skills and Career Prospects

The World Health Organization (WHO) highlighted its comprehensive Global Internship Programme, designed for students and recent graduates. This programme offers invaluable exposure to the professional world, enhancing skills in public health and administration. Participants gain hands-on experience, working on projects that align with their academic pursuits and acquiring essential new skills and insights for their future careers.

Rising Concerns Over Kessler Syndrome: Space Debris Threatens ISS Safety

In recent months, incidents involving space debris have surged, prompting significant concern for astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS). A particularly alarming near-collision event in November forced the ISS to alter its trajectory, highlighting the increasing risks associated with space debris and the looming threat of Kessler Syndrome—a scenario where collisions create more debris, leading to a cascade of further collisions.

RBI’s Annual Banking Sector Review 2023-24: Key Insights and Developments

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) unveiled its “Report on Trend and Progress of Banking in India 2023-24.” This detailed report provides a thorough analysis of the banking sector’s performance over the past year, shedding light on significant trends, challenges, and achievements within the industry.

IIT Bombay Unveils Needle-Free Syringes: A Painless Revolution in Medicine

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay announced a breakthrough in medical technology: a needle-free syringe that utilizes shockwave technology. This innovative device delivers medication painlessly by using high-energy pressure waves to penetrate the skin. This advancement addresses common fears associated with needles and is expected to significantly benefit individuals requiring frequent injections, such as diabetics.

Celebrating 75 Years of India’s Constitution: A Year-Long Journey

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the 75th anniversary of India’s Constitution, lauding it as the nation’s guiding light. With celebrations commencing on Constitution Day, November 26, 2024, a series of activities and events will engage citizens throughout the year. Modi emphasized the enduring relevance of the Constitution and the campaign’s goal to connect the public with its legacy. A dedicated website, constitution75.com has been launched to connect the public with the Constitution’s legacy.

Justice V Ramasubramanian Appointed as NHRC Chairperson: New Era Begins

On December 23, 2024, Justice V Ramasubramanian, a former Supreme Court judge, was appointed as the new Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). Known for his judicial expertise, he brings a renewed focus on human rights protection. His tenure follows a period of vacancy in the chairperson role. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of upholding human rights and committed to ensuring justice for all. Alongside him, new key appointments were made, enhancing the NHRC’s efforts in safeguarding human rights.

SAIL Secures ‘Great Place to Work’ Recognition Again

Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has proudly been re-certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the period January 2025 to January 2026. This esteemed recognition underscores SAIL’s unwavering dedication to fostering an exceptional workplace culture. By implementing innovative HR practices such as flexible work schedules, continuous learning opportunities, and robust leadership development programs, SAIL has created a supportive and empowering environment for its employees. This accomplishment reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to employee well-being and organizational excellence.

China Debuts CR450: The Fastest High-Speed Train Prototype

On December 31, 2024, China unveiled the CR450, a groundbreaking high-speed train prototype that has set new records with test speeds reaching 450 km/h. This remarkable advancement surpasses the current CR400 Fuxing trains, which operate at speeds of 350 km/h. The CR450 represents a significant leap in rail technology, featuring innovations in energy efficiency, noise control, and enhanced braking performance. Developed by CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles and CRRC Sifang Co., Ltd., this prototype marks a new era in high-speed rail travel.

Ukraine Ends Russian Gas Transit Amid Ongoing Conflict

As of January 1, 2024, Ukraine has ceased Russian gas transit, leading to a significant shift in European energy dynamics. This decision follows Ukraine’s refusal to renew its transit agreement with Gazprom amidst ongoing tensions between the two nations. The European Commission has assured that Europe’s gas supply remains resilient, with alternative sources such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) and pipelines from other countries poised to fill the gap left by the end of transit via Ukraine. This marks a pivotal change in the region’s energy landscape.

Celebrating Culture: Uttar Pradesh’s Sanskriti Utsava

The Uttar Pradesh government has announced the grand ‘Sanskriti Utsava’, taking place from January 2 to January 26, 2025. This vibrant festival coincides with the state’s foundation day celebrations and is designed to nurture and highlight talent in various art forms. Competitions will be held at multiple levels across the state, providing a dynamic platform for both emerging and established artists to showcase their prowess in classical, semi-classical, and folk arts. This initiative aims to celebrate and preserve the rich cultural heritage of Uttar Pradesh, fostering a deep appreciation for the arts within the community.

New Ganga Conservation Initiatives Get Green Light from NMCG

At the recent 59th Executive Committee meeting of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), chaired by Shri Rajeev Kumar Mital, several crucial projects aimed at the conservation and rejuvenation of the Ganga River received approval. These initiatives are set to bolster efforts in preserving the river’s environmental and cultural significance, promoting cleanliness, and ensuring sustainable development along its banks. With a focus on enhancing the river management system and implementing sustainable waste management solutions, these projects represent a significant step forward in the mission to protect and rejuvenate the Ganga River.

Inaugural Lokpal Day Set for January 16

The Lokpal of India has declared January 16 as “Lokpal Day,” with the inaugural celebration slated for January 16, 2025. This decision was reached during a meeting on March 14, 2024. Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna will be the chief guest at the event, which will be held at Zorawar Auditorium, Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi. The occasion aims to highlight the role and significance of the ombudsman and will include recognitions for notable contributions in the field of Indian law.

New Leadership at IAF: Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra Takes Charge

Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra officially assumed command of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Western Air Command, following the retirement of Air Marshal Pankaj Mohan Sinha after an exemplary 39-year career. With over three decades in service and more than 3,000 flying hours under his belt, Air Marshal Mishra brings extensive experience to this critical role. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy in Pune and has received advanced training from notable institutions such as the Air Force Test Pilots School in Bangalore, the Air Command and Staff College in the USA, and the Royal College of Defence Studies in the UK. His leadership is expected to strengthen the IAF’s operations along India’s western borders.

New Cabinet Schemes to Boost Farmers’ Livelihoods

The Union Cabinet, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sanctioned seven transformative schemes to uplift farmers’ lives and increase their incomes. With a financial outlay of ₹14,235.30 crore, the initiatives cover areas such as digital agriculture, crop science, agricultural education, sustainable livestock health, horticulture development, strengthening Krishi Vigyan Kendras, and natural resource management. These schemes aim to enhance productivity, ensure food security, and build climate resilience, positively impacting farmers nationwide.

New Edition of India-Nepal Joint Military Exercise “Surya Kiran”

The 18th edition of the India-Nepal joint military exercise, “Surya Kiran,” started on December 29, 2024, at Saljhandi, Nepal, and will continue until January 13, 2025. This exercise focuses on enhancing interoperability and cooperation between the Indian and Nepalese armies. Key areas of training include jungle warfare, counter-terrorism operations in mountainous terrains, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief under the United Nations Charter. With around 700 defense personnel participating from both nations, the exercise reflects the deep-rooted friendship and trust between India and Nepal. The Indian Army contingent is led by a battalion from the 11th Gorkha Rifles.

Honoring Sports Excellence: 2024 Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Awardees

The Indian government revealed the recipients of the prestigious 2024 Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, recognizing outstanding contributions to sports.

The honorees include:

• Manu Bhaker (Shooting): Created history at the Paris Olympics, becoming the first Indian athlete to win two medals in a single Olympic Games.
• D Gukesh (Chess): Youngest-ever World Chess Champion at 18, defeating Ding Liren in Singapore.
• Harmanpreet Singh (Hockey): Led the Indian men’s hockey team to a second consecutive bronze medal at the Olympics.
• Praveen Kumar (Para-Athletics): Won gold in the T64 high jump at the Paris Paralympics.

The awards will be presented at a ceremony on January 17, 2025, at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Honoring 207 Years of Bravery: Koregaon Bhima Shaurya Din 2025

The 207th Shaurya Din, or Valour Day, is being celebrated at Koregaon Bhima. This annual event commemorates the British victory over the Peshwa forces in 1818, symbolizing bravery and resilience. The historic battle, fought on January 1, 1818, holds great significance for many. This year’s celebration has drawn an estimated crowd of 8 to 10 lakh attendees who have come to honor the courage displayed by the soldiers. The event features various cultural programs, speeches, and tributes, highlighting the importance of this day in India’s history and the enduring spirit of valour it represents.