<\/span><\/h3>\nContext:<\/strong> Indonesia\u00a0has officially become a full member of the\u00a0BRICS\u00a0group, as announced by Brazil, strengthening partnerships with other developing nations of the group.<\/p>\nAbout BRICS<\/strong><\/h4>\n\nBRICS is an acronym representing Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The group was informally established in 2006 and formalised in 2009.<\/li>\n The inaugural summit took place in Yekaterinburg, Russia.<\/li>\n South Africa joined the following year, expanding the group\u2019s influence.<\/li>\n BRICS has since included additional members, including Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia and UAE, reflecting its growing prominence in global affairs.<\/li>\n The intergovernmental organization is currently looking to cement its reputation as an alternative to G7 grouping, which is led by the US.<\/li>\n Over 30 nations, including Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam, have shown interest or applied for BRICS membership.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/span>India\u2019s GDP Growth Forecast for FY25: <\/strong>Wednesday, 8 Jan, 2025<\/span><\/h3>\nContext:<\/strong> India\u2019s Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth is projected to reach a four-year low of 6.4% for the financial year 2024-25, as estimated by the National Statistics Office (NSO)<\/strong>.<\/p>\nKey Highlights<\/strong><\/h4>\n\nThe prediction falls short of the Reserve Bank of India\u2019s growth estimate of 6.6 per cent and the government\u2019s range of 6.5-7 per cent as outlined in the Economic Survey 2023-24.<\/li>\n The first advance estimates are derived from data collected during the initial months of FY25 and aim to assist in the formulation of the upcoming Union Budget.<\/li>\n The first advance estimates reveal a marked slowdown in the primary and secondary sectors, excluding agriculture.<\/li>\n Manufacturing Gross Value Added (GVA) is expected to decline to 5.3 per cent from 9.9 per cent in the previous year.<\/li>\n Mining and quarrying growth is projected at 2.9 per cent, lower than the 7.1 per cent recorded in FY24.<\/li>\n Consumption demand is expected to rise by 7.3 per cent, up from 4 per cent last year. However, investment growth is forecasted at 6.4 per cent, a decline from the previous year\u2019s 9 per cent. This disparity marks the challenges in stimulating corporate investments despite improved consumption.<\/li>\n The services sector is anticipated to perform relatively well, with growth estimated at 7.2 per cent compared to 7.6 per cent in FY24. Public administration, defence, and other services are projected to grow by 9.1 per cent, showcasing resilience in this sector amidst broader economic challenges.<\/li>\n Government Final Consumption Expenditure (GFCE) is set to increase by 4.1 per cent, up from 2.5 per cent in the previous year. This rise in government spending is expected to support overall economic growth, despite the subdued investment climate.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nAbout GDP Growth Estimates<\/strong><\/h4>\n\nGDP growth estimates are crucial for economic planning. The NSO releases advance estimates to guide government departments in budget preparation.<\/li>\n The current estimate indicates a slowdown influenced by various factors, including weak industrial performance and investment growth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/span>Southern California Wildfires: <\/strong>Wednesday, 8 Jan, 2025<\/span><\/h3>\nContext:<\/strong> Southern California is currently facing a severe wildfire crisis.<\/p>\nSouthern California Wildfires<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nKey Facts<\/strong><\/h4>\n\nMultiple wildfires have wreaked havoc across the region, leading to mass evacuations and extensive property damage.<\/li>\n The rapid spread and intensity of these fires can be attributed to specific climatic conditions and human factors.<\/li>\n Three major wildfires are currently active in Southern California.<\/li>\n The primary causes of wildfires in the United States are human activities, accounting for nearly 85% of all forest fires. These fires can be started either deliberately or accidentally.<\/li>\n In the case of the current wildfires, the exact cause remains undetermined. However, the rapid spread can be linked to specific environmental factors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nAbout Santa Ana Winds<\/strong><\/h4>\n\nSanta Ana winds are factor in the wildfire dynamics of Southern California. These winds occur when high pressure builds over the Great Basin, creating a pressure difference with low pressure along\u00a0California\u2019s coast.<\/li>\n The resulting winds blow from the inland deserts towards the Pacific Ocean. As these winds descend from the mountains, they compress and heat up, resulting in extremely low humidity levels.<\/li>\n This dry air can lower moisture levels in vegetation to as little as 10%, making it highly susceptible to ignition.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/span>Sonobuoys: <\/strong>Thursday, 9 Jan, 2025<\/span><\/h3>\nContext: <\/strong>In recent developments, India and the United States have announced a strategic partnership aimed at co-producing sonobuoys for Undersea Domain Awareness (UDA) within the Indian Navy.<\/p>\nKey Highlights<\/strong><\/h4>\n\nThis initiative reflects both nations\u2019 concerns regarding the increasing Chinese naval presence in the\u00a0Indian Ocean Region.<\/li>\n The cooperation was brought into light during U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan\u2019s visit to India, which focused on enhancing defence innovation and industrial collaboration.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nAbout Sonobuoys<\/strong><\/h4>\n\nSonobuoys\u00a0are devices used for detecting submarines in deep waters. They are deployed from aircraft or ships and can monitor underwater sounds.<\/li>\n These technologies play a critical role in naval operations, particularly in anti-submarine warfare.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/span>India\u2019s First Green Hydrogen Hub: <\/strong>Thursday, 9 Jan, 2025<\/span><\/h3>\nContext:<\/strong> India\u2019s first integrated green hydrogen production facility \u201cGreen Hydrogen Hub (GHH)\u201d project has been officially launched in Pudimadaka, Anakapalli district, Andhra Pradesh.<\/p>\nKey Highlights<\/strong><\/h4>\n\nThis initiative, part of the\u00a0National Green Hydrogen Mission, represents step towards enhancing India\u2019s renewable energy capacity and achieving its net zero goals by 2070.<\/li>\n The GHH will feature a capacity to produce 1,500 tonnes per day (TPD) of green hydrogen. Additionally, it will produce 7,500 TPD of green hydrogen derivatives, including green methanol, green urea, and sustainable aviation fuel.<\/li>\n The GHH project is expected to generate over 57,000 jobs by 2032. This\u00a0employment\u00a0boost will impact the local economy, encouraging growth in the region and contributing to India\u2019s broader economic objectives.<\/li>\n The GHH project aligns with India\u2019s target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil energy capacity by 2030. It aims to facilitate decarbonisation across major sectors and support the nation\u2019s quest for energy independence.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/span>Gulf of Mexico:<\/strong> Friday, 10 Jan, 2025<\/span><\/h3>\nContext:<\/strong> Recently, US President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the \u201cGulf of America\u201d.<\/p>\nKey Facts<\/strong><\/h4>\n\nTrump\u2019s remarks were part of a broader critique of trade and immigration issues. He claimed that the\u00a0United States\u00a0does most of the work in the region and suggested the name change was appropriate.<\/li>\n In response, Mexico\u2019s President Claudia Sheinbaum proposed renaming North America to \u201cMexican America\u201d, referencing historical maps.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nHistorical Facts<\/strong><\/h4>\n\nThe name \u201cAmerica\u201d originates from the Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci. His letters described the existence of a \u201cNew World\u201d.<\/li>\n In 1507, cartographer Martin Waldseem\u00fcller created a map that labelled the new continent as \u201cAmerica\u201d, inspired by Vespucci\u2019s first name. This map represented advancement in geographical knowledge, clearly distinguishing the Western Hemisphere.<\/li>\n The term \u201cMexico\u201d derives from the Nahuatl language of the Aztecs. It combines three words \u2013 \u201cmetztli\u201d (moon), \u201cxictli\u201d (belly button), and \u201c-co\u201d (place). This refers to Tenochtitlan, the Aztec capital located on an island in Lake Texcoco, also known as the Moon Lake. The official name \u201cUnited Mexican States\u201d was first used in 1824, inspired by the United States.<\/li>\n Renaming the Gulf of Mexico would not be a unilateral action by the US. The International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO) oversees the naming of maritime areas and requires consensus among member states. There is no formal protocol for renaming such bodies of water.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/span>EmpowHER Biz: <\/strong>Friday, 10 Jan, 2025<\/span><\/h3>\nContext:<\/strong> The Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) of\u00a0NITI Aayog\u00a0has recently launched a new initiative called EmpowHER Biz \u2013 Sapno Ki Udaan.<\/p>\nKey Highlights<\/strong><\/h4>\n\nThe EmpowHER Biz initiative aims to empower\u00a0women entrepreneurs\u00a0by providing them with essential skills and resources to thrive in the organised retail sector.<\/li>\n This programme is in partnership with New Shop, a leading 24\/7 convenience retail chain in India.<\/li>\n EmpowHER Biz is designed to equip aspiring women entrepreneurs with mentorship and comprehensive training.<\/li>\n The programme focuses on key areas such as retail management, digital tools, financial literacy, and business development. It seeks to create a supportive environment for women to succeed in retail.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nAbout Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\nWomen Entrepreneurship Platform was incubated in NITI Aayog in 2018 and transitioned into a public-private partnership in 2022.<\/li>\n The platform aims to empower women entrepreneurs by addressing information asymmetry and providing support across several pillars \u2013 Access to Finance, Market Linkages, Training and Skilling, Mentoring & Networking, Compliance & Legal Assistance, and Business Development Services.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/span>Angel Tax: <\/strong>Saturday, 11 Jan, 2025<\/span><\/h3>\nContext:<\/strong> The recent abolition of the angel tax in India has sparked a wave of optimism among startups.<\/p>\nKey Highlights<\/strong><\/h4>\n\nMany companies are relocating their headquarters back to India, encouraged by government initiatives aimed at improving the ease of doing business.<\/li>\n The decision, part of the FY25 Budget, has been instrumental in reversing the trend of startups registering abroad for better tax advantages.<\/li>\n The\u00a0Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade\u00a0(DPIIT) has reported uptick in the number of startups returning to the country.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nAbout Angel Tax<\/strong><\/h4>\n\nAngel tax is aimed to curb tax avoidance and money laundering by taxing the difference between the fair market value (FMV) of shares and the price at which closely held companies issued them.<\/li>\n It was introduced in 2012.<\/li>\n The removal of angel tax has led to a wave of \u201creverse flipping,\u201d where startups that initially registered abroad are now returning to India.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/span>INS Vaghsheer: <\/strong>Saturday, 11 Jan, 2025<\/span><\/h3>\nContext:<\/strong> Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) recently delivered INS Vaghsheer, the final submarine of the\u00a0Scorpene\u00a0class to the\u00a0Indian Navy.<\/p>\nKey Highlights<\/strong><\/h4>\n\nINS Vaghsheer represents milestone in India\u2019s naval capabilities. The delivery occurred after extensive testing to ensure the submarine is combat-ready.<\/li>\n The Scorpene class submarines are advanced diesel-electric vessels. They are designed for a variety of missions, including anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare.<\/li>\n The submarines feature state-of-the-art technology, ensuring superior stealth and operational capabilities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nKey Features of INS Vaghsheer<\/strong><\/h4>\n\nINS Vaghsheer is equipped with advanced stealth capabilities. These include low radiated noise levels and hydro-dynamically optimised shapes.<\/li>\n It is equipped with low radiated noise levels, acoustic silencing techniques and a hydrodynamically optimised shape.<\/li>\n The submarine can launch precision-guided weapons, such as torpedoes and anti-ship missiles at the surface or underwater.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/span>LingoSat: <\/strong>Saturday, 11 Jan, 2025<\/span><\/h3>\nContext: <\/strong>Japan recently launched LingoSat, a wooden satellite, that marks milestone in space exploration.<\/p>\nKey Highlights<\/strong><\/h4>\n\nThis unique wooden satellite is the first of its kind to be sent into Earth\u2019s orbit. It was delivered by the\u00a0International Space Station, diverging from traditional rocket launches.<\/li>\n Built as a collaborative effort between Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry in\u00a0Japan, LingoSat aims to assess the viability of wood as a material for satellites.<\/li>\n The primary aim of LingoSat is to evaluate how wood behaves in the harsh conditions of space. Its sensors will monitor the wood\u2019s reaction to extreme temperature fluctuations and radiation exposure.<\/li>\n The satellite will orbit Earth for six months, providing valuable data on wood\u2019s durability and performance in space.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nConstruction and Design<\/strong><\/h4>\n\nLingoSat measures just 10 cm and weighs 900 grams. It is crafted from Honeki Magnolia wood panels.<\/li>\n The construction process utilised a traditional Japanese wood joinery method, eliminating the need for metal screws or adhesives. This innovative design enhances the satellite\u2019s environmental credentials.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/span>World Economic Situation and Prospects Report 2025: <\/strong>Sunday, 12 Jan, 2025<\/span><\/h3>\nContext:<\/strong> The Indian economy is projected to grow by 6.6 per cent in 2025, according to the United Nations\u2019\u00a0World Economic Situation and Prospects report.<\/p>\nKey Highlights<\/strong><\/h4>\n\nThe report maintains its previous growth forecast, reflecting confidence in India\u2019s economic resilience. The public sector plays important role in funding infrastructure projects. These projects enhance physical and digital connectivity and improve social infrastructure, including sanitation and water supply.<\/li>\n The UN report emphasises the importance of capital expenditure on infrastructure. Such investment is expected to yield strong multiplier effects on economic growth. Infrastructure development is crucial for enhancing productivity across various sectors.<\/li>\n The manufacturing and services sectors are anticipated to expand, contributing to overall economic activity.<\/li>\n Strong export growth in service industries and specific goods categories, such as pharmaceuticals and electronics, will further stimulate the economy.<\/li>\n Agricultural growth will contribute to the overall economic performance of India. Enhanced agricultural productivity can support rural incomes and consumption.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nRegional Economic Outlook<\/strong><\/h4>\n\nThe economic growth forecast for South Asia remains robust, primarily driven by India. The region is projected to grow at 5.7 per cent in 2025 and 6 per cent in 2026. India\u2019s performance is crucial for the region\u2019s overall economic health.<\/li>\n The interconnected nature of economies in South Asia amplifies the impact of India\u2019s growth on its neighbours.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/span>INROAD Project: <\/strong>Sunday, 12 Jan, 2025<\/span><\/h3>\nContext:<\/strong> The INROAD (Indian Natural Rubber Operations for Assisted Development) project is making progress in the\u00a0North-Eastern India.<\/p>\nKey Facts<\/strong><\/h4>\n\nLaunched with a financial backing of \u20b9100 crore, the initiative aims to enhance the quality of natural rubber produced in the region.<\/li>\n This funding will facilitate skill development for rubber growers and the establishment of model infrastructure.<\/li>\n The project has garnered support from key players in the tyre industry, demonstrating a unique collaboration between agriculture and manufacturing.<\/li>\n The INROAD project focuses on improving the quality of natural rubber through direct involvement from tyre manufacturers.<\/li>\n The project is financially supported by four major companies \u2013 Apollo, Ceat, JK, and MRF.<\/li>\n The Rubber Board of India oversees its implementation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/span>Prabowo Subianto: <\/strong>Monday, 13 Jan, 2025<\/span><\/h3>\nContext:<\/strong> Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will attend India\u2019s Republic Day celebrations as the Chief Guest.<\/p>\n
Key Highlights<\/strong><\/h4>\n\nThis visit marks diplomatic engagement between Indonesia and India.<\/li>\n India\u2019s\u00a0Republic Day event commemorates the adoption of the\u00a0Constitution\u00a0in 1950.<\/li>\n Each year, India invites a foreign leader as the Chief Guest.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nIndonesia-India Relations<\/strong><\/h4>\n\nThe evolving relationship between Indonesia and India holds promise for future collaborations.<\/li>\n Defence procurement discussions may lead to enhanced military capabilities for Indonesia. Additionally, the potential maintenance support for Sukhoi fighter jets could further strengthen ties.<\/li>\n Indonesia\u2019s defence ministry has requested a loan from India to purchase BrahMos missiles. This joint development between India and Russia has gained interest from several Southeast Asian nations.<\/li>\n Indonesia seeks to modernise its military capabilities, particularly in light of its extensive coastline. The proposed $450 million loan reflects Indonesia\u2019s commitment to enhancing its defence infrastructure.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/span>Interpol\u2019s Silver Notice: <\/strong>Monday, 13 Jan, 2025<\/span><\/h3>\nContext:<\/strong> Interpol\u00a0has recently launched its first Silver Notice, aimed at locating laundered assets across borders.<\/p>\nKey Highlights<\/strong><\/h4>\n\nThis initiative is part of a pilot project involving 52 member countries, including India.<\/li>\n The Silver Notice is a new addition to Interpol\u2019s existing suite of colour-coded notices, which facilitate international cooperation in law enforcement.<\/li>\n The Silver Notice is designed to assist countries in tracking down assets linked to criminal activities. It allows member nations to request information on properties, vehicles, financial accounts, and businesses associated with individuals involved in serious crimes such as fraud, corruption, and drug trafficking.<\/li>\n Each participating country can request up to 500 notices, which will be evenly distributed among them. This collaborative approach aims to enhance the effectiveness of asset tracing on a global scale.<\/li>\n Before publication, every Silver Notice will undergo a review by Interpol\u2019s General Secretariat to ensure compliance with the organisation\u2019s rules. This includes verifying that notices are not used for political purposes, in line with Article 3 of Interpol\u2019s Constitution.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nInterpol\u2019s Colour-Coded Notices<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nInterpol\u2019s Colour-Coded Notices<\/strong><\/h4>\nInterpol currently employs several types of notices to facilitate international cooperation:<\/p>\n
\nRed Notice<\/strong> \u2013 Requests the detention of fugitives.<\/li>\nYellow Notice<\/strong> \u2013 Aids in locating missing persons, especially minors.<\/li>\nBlue Notice<\/strong> \u2013 Collects additional information related to individuals in criminal investigations.<\/li>\nBlack Notice<\/strong> \u2013 Seeks information on unidentified bodies.<\/li>\n