Daily Current Affairs January 07th 2025 | Latest News | Download PDF

Dear Readers, get to know the daily current affairs today covering all the National & International Events provided here in this article. Current Affairs is an important topic in various competitive exams like IBPS/SBI/PO/Clerk and other competitive exams. To score better in this section, be updated with the daily happenings. Check the Daily Current Affairs January 2025 updates here. Revision is very important in remembering current affairs. Candidates after learning the Daily current affairs January 07th 2025, can test their knowledge by attempting Current Affairs Quiz provided with answers. Daily current affairs January 07th 2025 covers current affairs from International & National news, Important Days, State News, Banking & Economy, Business News, Appointments & Resignation, Awards & Honour, Books & Authors, Sports News, etc.,

Daily Current Affairs PDF of January 07th 2025

Get More: Static GK Pdfs

CURRENT AFFAIRS : BANKING & FINANCE

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlights banks’ role in boosting rural growth through collateral-free loan support    

• Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the crucial role of public sector banks (PSBs) in driving rural empowerment by providing collateral-free loans to small businesses and artisans through various Central Government schemes.
• Rural development has been a top priority for the Modi-led government since 2014.
• Key focus areas include uplifting the poor, youth, farmers, and women through financial support from PSBs.

Key Highlights :

• Schemes Highlighted by Sitharaman:
• PM MUDRA Yojana: Provides collateral-free loans to micro and small businesses.
• PM Awas Yojana: Supports affordable housing for the rural poor.
• SVANidhi Yojana: Aims at providing street vendors with affordable working capital.
• Credit Saturation Drives: PSBs are conducting drives to ensure credit saturation in priority sectors, contributing significantly to rural empowerment.
• Grameen Bharat Mahotsav (GBM2025):
• Showcases India’s rich cultural heritage and rural aspirations.
• Focuses on four key areas: GI Tags, natural farming, women empowerment, and tribal welfare.
• Displays over 50 GI-tagged rural products and highlights initiatives like Drone Didis and Lakhpati Didis programs for women’s empowerment.
• Support for Small-Scale Industries: The exhibition at GBM2025 brings together industries that have thrived due to government schemes offering collateral-free loans to bonafide businesses, organic and natural farmers, women, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and tribal artisans.

About Ministry of Finance :

• Cabinet Minister : Nirmala Sitharaman
• Minister of State : Pankaj Choudhary

Punjab & Sind Bank to Launch Instant MSME Loan Scheme Linked to GST Returns

• Punjab & Sind Bank plans to launch an instant loan scheme for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), with loans up to ₹25 lakh.
• The scheme will be rolled out this month as part of the bank’s initiative to digitally push credit.
• The bank has already introduced digital home loan and vehicle loan schemes, where in-principle approval is granted within 15 minutes.
• These schemes operate on a Straight Through Process (STP), running on a pre-defined Business Rule Engine (BRE), which automates the loan processing and sanctioning stages.

Key Highlights :

• Automated Loan Process:The automated approach eliminates manual intervention, improving the speed, efficiency, and customer experience in processing loans.
• The STP process will be extended to the MSME loan products, with a focus on cash flow assessment and tracking the digital footprint via account statements.
• Loan Sanctioning During Holidays:The digital loan products allow instant sanctioning, even during holidays, making the process more convenient and reducing default risks.
• Future Digital Initiatives:The bank plans to launch the digital renewal and sanctioning of Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) by next month.
• Under KCC, farmers can receive up to ₹2 lakh without collateral.
• The bank is also working to provide collateral-free loans under the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY) of up to ₹50,000 through its digital platform.

About Punjab & Sind Bank :

• Founded : 24 June 1908
• Headquarters : New Delhi, India
• MD & CEO : Swarup Kumar Saha

World Bank Approves $20 Billion Development Funding Package for Pakistan

• The World Bank is set to approve a $20 billion indicative lending package for Pakistan under a 10-year initiative called the Pakistan Country Partnership Framework 2025-35.
• This funding package aims to safeguard funded projects from political transitions and focus on six key areas to improve social indicators in Pakistan.

Key Highlights :

• Key Areas of Focus:The package will focus on the following areas:
• Reducing child stunting
• Combating learning poverty
• Enhancing climate resilience
• Decarbonising the environment
• Expanding fiscal space
• Boosting private investment to improve productivity
• Approval and Key Visits:The World Bank board is scheduled to approve the framework on January 14, 2025.
• After the approval, Martin Raiser, the Vice President for South Asia at the World Bank, is expected to visit Islamabad.
• Long-Term Stability:The 10-year framework is aimed at shielding the program from volatile political conditions in Pakistan, which have caused fragmentation in past World Bank projects due to changes in government priorities.
• Financial Details:The total indicative lending for the period 2025-2035 will be $20 billion:
  • $14 billion will be lent through the International Development Association (IDA), which is concessional.
  • $6 billion will be lent through the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), which is relatively more expensive.
• The framework also aims to support an additional $20 billion in private lending through the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), bringing the total package to $40 billion.
• Phase-Out of Certain Sectors:The new framework will phase out lending to 10 less-impactful sectors such as transport, power transmission, telecoms, tertiary healthcare, and higher education.
• Implementation Plans:The implementation of the framework will be supported by two-year rolling business plans agreed upon by both the World Bank and Pakistan.

About World Bank :

• Founded : July 7, 1944
• Headquarters : Washington, D.C., United States
• President : Ajay Banga

About Pakistan :

• President : Asif Ali Zardari
• Prime Minister : Shehbaz Sharif
• Capital : Islamabad
• Currency : Pakistani rupee

CURRENT AFFAIRS : STATE NEWS

Gujarat Government Carves Out New District, Vav-Tharad, from Banaskantha

• The Gujarat government has decided to split Banaskantha district into two parts, creating a new district named Vav-Tharad, with its headquarters at Tharad.
• With the creation of Vav-Tharad, the total number of districts in Gujarat will increase to 34.
• Banaskantha was the largest district in Gujarat in terms of talukas and the second-largest in terms of area.
• Banaskantha had 14 talukas, and 8 talukas (Vav, Bhabhar, Tharad, Dhanera, Suigam, Lakhni, Diodar, and Kankrej) will now be part of the new Vav-Tharad district.
• The formation of the new district is expected to lead to increased funds and government grants, resulting in better infrastructure and human development services for the region.

About Gujarat :

• Capital: Gandhinagar
• Chief minister: Bhupendrabhai Patel
• Governor: Acharya Devvrat
• NP: Gir National Park, Marine National Park, Velavadar National Park

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin Offers $1 Million Reward for Decoding Indus Valley Civilization Script

• MK Stalin, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, announced a $1 million cash prize for individuals or organizations that successfully decipher the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) script.
• Despite over 100 years of efforts, the script of the IVC, discovered by Sir John Marshall in 1924, remains a mystery.
• Stalin made this announcement during the Centenary Year celebrations of the IVC discovery in Chennai.

Key Highlights :

• Iravatham Mahadevan Research Chair:Tamil Nadu allocated ₹2 crore to establish a research chair in the name of Iravatham Mahadevan, a noted epigraphist, to promote archaeological research.
• An annual award will be given to two scholars to encourage archaeological studies.
• Recent Archaeological Discoveries in Tamil Nadu:Tamil Nadu has been conducting archaeological excavations at significant sites such as Keeladi (dated to be 2,600 years old) and other sites, uncovering evidence of ancient settlements and water management systems.
• The Sangam Era is now considered to have begun around 600 BCE (pushed back by 300 years), with evidence of rice husks in a burial urn from Sivakalai being dated to 3,200 years ago.
• IVC-Tamil Script Connections:Research from Tamil Nadu indicates that 60% of signs and 90% of graffiti marks from Tamil Nadu sites show similarities to the IVC, providing evidence of a historical link.
• Studies suggest that Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions date back to the 7th century BCE.

About Tamil Nadu :

• Governor: R. N. Ravi
• Chief minister: M. K. Stalin
• Capital: Chennai
• Dance : Bharatnatyam, Karakattam
• National Park: Mudumalai National Park, Mukurthi National Park, Guindy National Park, Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Kalakad Wildlife Sanctuary, Karikili Bird Sanctuary, Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary
• Tiger Reserve: Anamalai Tiger Reserve
• Biosphere Reserve : Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL NEWS

“Panchayat Se Parliament 2.0” Initiative: Empowering Women Leaders in Governance

• The National Commission for Women (NCW), in collaboration with the Lok Sabha Secretariat and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, inaugurated ‘Panchayat Se Parliament 2.0’ at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan.
• This initiative commemorates the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, a revered tribal leader and freedom fighter.

Key Launch Details

• Inaugurated by: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
• Date: January 2025.
• Purpose: Educating 500+ women representatives from Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) on the Constitution and parliamentary procedures.
• Commemoration:
  • Marks the 150th birth anniversary of tribal leader Birsa Munda.

Programme Highlights

1. Participants:
   • 502 elected women representatives from Scheduled Tribes across 22 states and Union Territories.
2. Objectives:
   • Empower women leaders by enhancing their understanding of:
     • Constitutional provisions.
     • Parliamentary procedures.
     • Governance and democratic institutions.
   • Foster effective leadership for local governance.
3. Activities:
   • Workshops and interactive sessions.
   • Guided tours of key government landmarks:
     • New Parliament House.
     • Samvidhan Sadan.
     • Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya.
     • Rashtrapati Bhavan.
4. Key Sessions:
   • Constitutional Provisions: Focus on the 73rd Amendment and PESA Act for Scheduled Areas.
   • Government Schemes: Discussion on tribal welfare initiatives.
   • Leadership Development: Training in education and rural development.

Dignitaries in Attendance

• Lok Sabha Speaker: Om Birla led participants in reading the Preamble.
• Union Ministers:
  • Annapurna Devi (Women and Child Development).
  • Jual Oram (Tribal Affairs).
• NCW Chairperson: Vijaya Rahatkar emphasized the importance of women’s leadership in governance.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates Delhi-Meerut RRTS: A Game-Changer for Connectivity

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) connecting Delhi and Meerut, drastically reducing travel time to just 40 minutes.
• The RRTS is seen as a game-changer for Delhi-Meerut connectivity, marking a significant leap in regional travel and infrastructure improvement.
• Route and Stations:
  • The newly inaugurated Sahibabad to New Ashok Nagar section is 13 km long, including an underground stretch of 6 km.
  • Anand Vihar station in Delhi connects to the Delhi Metro’s Blue and Pink Lines, integrating with existing railway and bus terminals.
  • The full RRTS corridor spans 55 km, from New Ashok Nagar to Meerut South, with 11 stations along the way.
• Travel Time Reduction:
  • The RRTS cuts the travel time between New Ashok Nagar and Meerut South to just 40 minutes, a major improvement from the previous journey time, which was nearly two-thirds longer.
• Train Operations and Frequency:
  • Trains operate every 15 minutes, with regular services starting at 5 PM.
• Ticket Pricing:
  • Tickets for a full journey cost INR 150 for standard coaches and INR 225 for premium carriages.
• Expanded Network:
  • The complete RRTS corridor stretches 82 km, from Sarai Kale Khan (Delhi) to Modipuram (Meerut), with 16 Namo Bharat stations and 9 Meerut Metro stations.
• Infrastructure and Regional Connectivity:
  • The new RRTS system offers a modern, fast, and smooth commuting option, set to enhance regional connectivity within the National Capital Region (NCR).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Advocates for Cooperatives and Rural Development to Boost Farmers’ Income

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for establishing five to six more cooperatives like Amul to ensure better prices for farmers’ produce and enhance their income.
• He emphasized the success of Amul and its model of ensuring that 80% of every rupee spent by consumers reaches dairy farmers.
• Focus on Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs):
  • Modi stressed the need for more Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to ensure better pricing and market access for farmers, which plays a key role in rural economic development.
• Grameen Bharat Mahotsav 2025:
  • The Prime Minister inaugurated the Grameen Bharat Mahotsav 2025 in Delhi, emphasizing the government’s commitment to national development through rural development.
  • Modi highlighted the government’s role in strengthening rural India and supporting economic growth through various initiatives.
• Government’s Rural Development Initiatives:
  • The Ministry of Cooperation was established in 2021 to promote the cooperative sector.
  • Over 70,000 primary agricultural credit societies (PACS) are being computerized to enhance farmers’ access to better prices and services.
• Improvement in Rural Consumption:
  • According to a survey, rural consumption has tripled since 2011, with a significant reduction in food expenditure. For the first time since independence, rural Indians now spend less than 50% of their income on food.
  • Modi highlighted that 250 million people have been lifted out of poverty over the past 10 years, with the majority from rural areas.
• Efforts by Banks:
  • Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman mentioned that banks have undertaken a saturation drive for 16 government schemes like PM Jan Dhan Yojana, PM Mudra, and PM SVANidhi, supporting financial inclusion and rural development.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: BUSINESS NEWS

Rural and Urban Poverty Decline in India: Key Insights from SBI Research

• Rural poverty has sharply reduced to 4.86% in FY 2024 from 25.7% in 2011-12.
• This decline is primarily driven by government support programs and higher consumption growth in the lowest 0-5% decile.

1. Urban Poverty Trends:
   • Urban poverty has also decreased to 4.09% in FY 2024, down from 13.7% in 2011-12.
   • It is expected that urban poverty may decline further, and overall poverty rates in India could be in the range of 4-4.5%, with minimal extreme poverty.
2. Impact of Food Prices on Consumption:
   • The research highlights that food prices significantly impact overall expenditures, especially in rural areas, where food inflation reduces consumption demand more in lower-income states than in higher-income ones.
3. Consumption Expenditure and Inequality:
   • According to the latest Household Consumption Expenditure Survey, consumption inequality has decreased in both rural and urban areas from the previous year.
   • The difference in Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure (MPCE) between rural and urban areas has fallen to 69.7% in FY 2024 from 88.2% in 2009-10. This decline is attributed to DBT transfers, rural infrastructure development, and farmers’ income augmentation.
4. Savings Trends:
   • High-income states exhibit a savings rate greater than the national average of 31%.
   • Uttar Pradesh and Bihar show low savings rates, possibly due to higher outward migration.
5. Updated Poverty Line for 2023-24:
   • The updated poverty line for 2023-24 is Rs 1,632 in rural areas and Rs 1,944 in urban areas.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Joe Biden Awards Presidential Medals of Freedom to 19 Honorees

• President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 honorees, recognizing their contributions to entertainment, sports, activism, and diplomacy.
• Notable Honorees:
  • Among the recipients were Bono (singer and activist), Earvin “Magic” Johnson (basketball legend), Lionel Messi (soccer superstar), Denzel Washington and Michael J. Fox (actors), and Ralph Lauren (fashion designer).
  • Jane Goodall (primate researcher) and Hillary Clinton (former First Lady, senator, and US secretary of state) were also recognized.
• Posthumous Honors:
  • The Presidential Medal of Freedom was awarded posthumously to Fannie Lou Hamer, a Black civil rights activist, and Robert F. Kennedy, former US attorney general and presidential candidate.
• Political Figures and Influence:
  • Hillary Clinton was honored for her historic role in public service and for being the first woman to be nominated for president by a major political party.
  • George Soros, the financier and philanthropist, was also recognized for his contributions to human rights, democracy, and social justice.
• Other Honorees:
  • Chef José Andrés, founder of World Central Kitchen, and former Michigan governor George Romney were awarded for their humanitarian and political efforts.
  • Biden highlighted their collective impact: “These are truly extraordinary people who shaped the culture and the cause of America.”
• Biden’s Final Mark:
  • These awards reflect Biden’s desire to leave a final legacy before leaving office, celebrating individual contributions to the nation in various fields.
• Presidential Citizens Medal:
  • On Thursday, Biden awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal to Liz Cheney and other prominent figures for their service to the American people over political party. Cheney, a former Republican congresswoman and critic of Donald Trump, received the award for her leadership in defending freedom, dignity, and decency.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Faiz Ahmed Kidwai Appointed as Director General of Directorate General of Civil Aviation

• Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, an IAS officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as the Director General of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
• He succeeds C. Sharma, who is retiring at the end of the month.
• Kidwai was previously the Additional Secretary in the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
• The position was previously held by Sharma as an additional charge along with his role as Joint Director General at DGCA.

Chairman of the Food Corporation of India (FCI):

• Ashutosh Agnihotri, an IAS officer, has been appointed as the Chairman & Managing Director of the Food Corporation of India (FCI), in the rank and pay of Additional Secretary to the Government of India.
• Agnihotri was serving as the Additional Secretary in the Department of Home, Ministry of Home Affairs.
• The position had been vacant for the past three months.

Additional Secretary Appointments:

• Akash Tripathi, a 1998 batch IAS officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Power.
• He was previously the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MyGoV, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology.
• Kamal Kishore Soan has been appointed as Additional Secretary & Mission Director for the Jal Jeevan Mission under the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation (previously Additional Secretary in the Labour Ministry).
• Shubha Thakur has been appointed as Additional Secretary in the Inter State Council Secretariat under the Home Ministry (formerly Additional Secretary in the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare).
• In-situ Upgrade for Vinay Kumar:Vinay Kumar, currently Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, has been upgraded to the position of Additional Secretary in the same ministry.

About DGCA :

• Headquarters : New Delhi, India
• The DGCA is a statutory body of the Government of India to regulate civil aviation in India.
• It became a statutory body under the Aircraft (Amendment) Act, 2020.

Kevan Parekh appointed as Apple’s new Chief Financial Officer

• Indian-origin executive Kevan Parekh has assumed the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Apple, effective January 1, 2025.
• Parekh replaces Luca Maestri, who had been Apple’s CFO since 2014.
• Role and Responsibilities: As CFO, Parekh will oversee key functions at Apple, including accounting, business support, financial planning and analysis, treasury, investor relations, internal audit, and tax functions.
• Parekh has been with Apple since 2013, contributing to the company’s financial and business planning, as well as product development.
• Prior to becoming CFO, Parekh served as Apple’s Vice President of Financial Planning and Analysis and Vice President of Worldwide Finance.
• He worked across various functions, including engineering, iTunes, marketing, retail, and sales.
• The succession was announced in August 2024, ahead of the iPhone 16 launch.

About Apple Inc. :

• Founded : April 1, 1976
• Headquarters : California, United States
• CEO : Tim Cook

Nasscom Foundation appoints Jyoti Sharma as Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Nidhi Bhasin          

• Jyoti Sharma has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nasscom Foundation, effective immediately, replacing Nidhi Bhasin.
• Sharma brings over 20 years of experience in driving social impact, program development, resource mobilization, and stakeholder engagement.
• She has held leadership positions at several organizations, including Organic Cotton Accelerator, the European Commission, World Resources Institute, Magic Bus India Foundation, Action Aid, and Save the Children.

About Nasscom Foundation:

• Established in 2001, Nasscom Foundation is a not-for-profit organization representing the Indian tech industry.

6 Indian-American Representatives Take Oath in U.S. House of Representatives

• A historic event as 6 Indian Americans were sworn in as members of the U.S. House of Representatives on January 3, 2025, marking the largest number of Indian-American representatives in U.S. history.

Appointments of Indian American Representatives :

Name	District	Political Party	Key Positions/Notable Roles
Dr. Ami Bera	7th Congressional District, California	Democratic	Senior-most, serving his seventh consecutive term
Suhash Subramanian	10th Congressional District, Virginia	Democratic	Newest Indian-American Representative
Shri Thanedar	13th Congressional District, Michigan	Democratic	Represents Michigan’s 13th District
Ro Khanna	17th Congressional District, California	Democratic	Member of several key House committees, potential presidential candidate
Raja Krishnamoorthi	8th Congressional District, Illinois	Democratic	Ranking Member of China Committee, House Intelligence Committee member
Pramila Jayapal	7th Congressional District, Washington	Democratic	First Indian-American woman, leader of the progressive group of lawmakers

• An informal group of the six Indian-American lawmakers coined by Raja Krishnamoorthi.
• Historical Background:Dalip Singh Saund was the first Indian American elected to the House of Representatives in 1957.
• Bobby Jindal was the second Indian American, serving from 2005 to 2008, and was later elected the Governor of Louisiana.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

Competition Commission of India Clears Avenue-Mavco and MHM Merger Through Green Channel Route

• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) granted automatic approval for the Avenue-Mavco acquisition of MHM Holding GmbH under the Green Channel route.
• The Green Channel route is a fast-track approval process used for transactions with no significant competition concerns or overlaps in the Indian market.

Key Highlights :

• Avenue India Emergence Private. Limited. (Avenue) and Mavco Investments Private Ltd. (Mavco) will jointly acquire 100% ownership of MHM Holding GmbH, the parent company of Hubergroup.
• A joint venture will be established in India to manage the business and take over transaction rights locally.
• Avenue specializes in specialty lending and investments, operating globally in markets like the US, Europe, and Asia.
• Mavco is a relatively new private entity held by individuals and trusts.
• MHM Holding GmbH operates through Hubergroup, a global leader in printing inks and chemicals.
• Hubergroup has a significant presence in India, Europe, and other growth markets.
• The CCI’s approval aligns with its goal of promoting a competitive, business-friendly environment by enabling seamless business combinations.

About CCI :

• Founded : 14 October 2003
• Headquarters : New Delhi, India
• Chairman : Ravneet Kaur

Reserve Bank of India approves HDFC Bank’s acquisition of 9.5% stake in Kotak Bank, AU, and Capital Small Finance Banks 

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved HDFC Bank’s plan to acquire an aggregate stake of up to 9.5% in Kotak Mahindra Bank, AU Small Finance Bank, and Capital Small Finance Bank.
• The RBI’s approval is valid until January 2, 2026.
• HDFC Bank and its group entities (including HDFC Mutual Fund, HDFC Life Insurance, HDFC ERGO General Insurance, and HDFC Pension Fund) are restricted to an aggregate holding of 9.5% of the share capital or voting rights in the three banks.
• HDFC Bank needs to ensure that its group entities’ combined holding does not exceed the 9.5% cap.
• While HDFC Bank does not plan to invest directly in these banks due to the 5% investment cap for group entities, it sought RBI approval to increase investment limits.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

DPIIT Partners with Stride Ventures to Accelerate Growth of Indian Startups

• The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has partnered with Stride Ventures, a leading venture debt firm, to catalyze the growth of Indian startups and expand their global reach.
• This collaboration will provide financial support, strategic mentorship, and market access, driving the growth of startups and contributing to India’s economic agenda of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship for overall growth.
• Alignment with Government Initiatives:
  • The partnership supports the Make in India and Make for the World strategies, focusing on sectors like manufacturing, consumer goods, B2B, and cleantech to boost entrepreneurship, innovation, and investment.
• Stride Ventures’ Role:
  • Stride Ventures will curate dedicated programs and engage in initiatives like the Bharat Grand Challenge, offering targeted support to startups with high growth potential.
  • The firm will focus on offering funding, market access, and policy support to help Indian startups expand globally and assist global startups entering India.
• Support for Tier-2 and Tier-3 Cities:
  • Startups from tier-2 and tier-3 cities will receive specialized guidance, mentorship, and access to a global network of mentors, fostering innovation in regions beyond major metros.
• Venture Debt Awareness:
  • The initiative will also raise awareness about various fundraising instruments, especially venture debt, enabling startups to pursue their growth aspirations.
• Stride Ventures’ Commitment:
  • Ishpreet Singh Gandhi, Founder & Managing Partner of Stride Ventures, emphasized the firm’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and strengthening India’s startup ecosystem, with a goal of making globally impactful solutions from India.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: RANKING AND INDEX

India’s Logistics Performance: States and UTs Categorized in 2024 Logistics Index

• 13 states and Union Territories have been categorized as “Achievers” in the Logistics Index 2024.
• This category represents regions with high efficiency in logistics, crucial for promoting exports and economic growth.
• These states include Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Delhi, among others.

1. Other “Achievers” in 2024:
   • Chandigarh, Haryana, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh (UP), Uttarakhand, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh are also in the “Achievers” category.
2. States in the “Fast Movers” Category:
   • Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh (MP), Punjab, Rajasthan, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry have been classified as “Fast Movers”. These regions have shown notable progress in logistics efficiency but are yet to achieve the top status.
3. States in the “Aspirers” Category:
   • Kerala, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Ladakh are categorized as “Aspirers”, indicating they are still progressing in improving their logistics infrastructure.
4. Changes in Rankings:
   • Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttarakhand, and Arunachal Pradesh have shown improvement, moving from “Fast Movers” and “Aspirers” categories to the “Achievers” category in 2024.
   • Punjab has dropped from the “Achievers” category to “Fast Movers” in 2024.
   • Andhra Pradesh has also slipped from “Achievers” to “Fast Movers” status.

India: Second Most Targeted Nation for Cyberattacks in 2024

• India ranked second globally for cyberattacks in 2024, with 95 entities targeted in data theft incidents, according to the CloudSEK ThreatLandscape Report 2024.
• The United States led with 140 attacks, while Israel came third with 57 incidents due to geopolitical tensions.
• Impact on Sectors:
  • Finance and banking sectors suffered the most, with 20 victims.
  • Other affected sectors included:
    1. Government (13 victims)
    2. Telecommunications (12 victims)
    3. Healthcare, Pharma, and Education (10 and 9 victims, respectively).
  • Major Data Breaches:
    • The report highlighted some major breaches:
      1. 850 million records of Indian citizen data were leaked from Hi-Tek Group.
      2. Star Health and Allied Insurance customer data was compromised.
      3. 2 TB of data was stolen from Telecommunications Consultants India.
    • Ransomware Threats:
      • 108 ransomware incidents were reported in India.
      • Lockbit was identified as the most active ransomware group, responsible for over 20 incidents.
      • Other notable groups included Killsec and Ransomhub, involved in 15+ and 12+ attacks, respectively.
    • The Growing Cybersecurity Challenge:
      • Rapid digitization has exposed Indian businesses and entities to increasing cybersecurity risks, making it the second most attacked nation
      • The data highlights the urgent need for enhanced cyber defenses across sectors.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Kiran Jadhav Shines at the 15th Lakshya Cup

• Kiran Jadhav of the Navy emerged victorious in the 10m air rifle event at the 15th Lakshya Cup held in Mumbai, securing his first gold medal after consistently making finals since 2018.

Event Highlights

• Gold Winner:
  • Kiran Jadhav clinched gold with a score of 251.7 points, marking a major milestone in his shooting career.
  • He surpassed Gajanan Khandagale (250.9 points) and Mohit Gowda (229.3 points), both from Maharashtra, who secured second and third places, respectively.
• Top Qualifiers:
  • Mohit Gowda led the qualifiers with 630.5 points, but he couldn’t maintain momentum in the finals.
• Upsets:
  • Paris Olympics finalist Arjun Babuta of Railways, expected to dominate, finished fourth with 208.2 points.
  • National champions Shahu Mane and Ananya Naidu failed to qualify, with scores of 629.0 and 626.4 points in the qualifiers.
  • Olympians Divyansh Singh Panwar and Sandeep Singh did not make it to the final rounds.

Luke Littler Becomes Youngest World Darts Champion

• Luke Littler, 17, became the youngest-ever World Darts Champion after defeating Michael van Gerwen 7-3 in the final at Alexandra Palace, London.
• Dominant Performance:
  • Littler surged to a 4-0 lead early in the match, showing composure and skill, even as van Gerwen mounted a brief comeback.
  • Littler’s precision with double 10 and double top applied relentless pressure on the three-time champion.
• Pre-Tournament Favourite:
  • Littler entered the tournament as the pre-tournament favourite after securing 10 trophies in the season leading up to the championship.
  • He had lost in last year’s final but claimed the title this time with confidence.
  • Littler’s victory earned him a £500,000 prize, marking a significant achievement in his career at such a young age.
• Historic Milestone:
  • Littler’s win at the age of 17 makes him the youngest player to ever claim the prestigious title.

CURRENT AFFAIRS : OBITUARIES

Former Greek Prime Minister and Socialist Leader Costas Simitis Passed Away

• Former Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis, who ushered the country into the European Union’s single currency in 2001, passed away at the age of 88.
• The government proclaimed four days of mourning and said his funeral will be at the state’s expense.

About Costas Simitis :

• Born on June 23, 1936, was involved in the left-leaning resistance during the German occupation, and his mother, Fani, was an active feminist.
• Co-founder of the Socialist PASOK party in 1974.
• Became the successor to Andreas Papandreou, the founding leader of PASOK.
• Served as Finance Minister (1985-1987), overseeing austerity measures to address Greece’s economic problems.
• Became Prime Minister of Greece from 1996 to 2004 after Papandreou resigned due to health issues.
• Economic Contributions:Played a key role in reducing Greece’s budget deficit and public debt to qualify for Eurozone membership in January 2001.
• Known for tight austerity measures during his time as Finance Minister, which helped improve Greece’s finances and tame inflation.
• Key Achievements:Secured the 2004 Olympic Games for Athens and oversaw large-scale infrastructure projects, including a new airport and two subway lines.
• Played a significant role in Cyprus’ accession to the European Union in 2004.
• Publications and Criticism:In 2012, he published the book “Derailment”, where he criticized the handling of the Greek debt crisis by Greek politicians and the European Union.
• In the book, he accused the European Commission of ignoring overspending by his conservative successor.

Veteran Novelist Na. D’Souza from Malnad Region Passed Away

• D’Souza, a well-known novelist from the Malnad region, passed away at the age of 87 in Mangaluru due to old age-related health issues.

About Na. D’Souza :

• He was born in 1937 in Sagar, Shivamogga district, and spent most of his life in this region.
• D’Souza’s literary career spanned over 60 years, during which he penned over 40 novels, along with short stories, plays, and stories for children.
• He is known for choosing real-life issues as subjects for his novels, such as:
  • Mulugade (focused on the struggles of people affected by the Sharavathi Valley Hydel Power Project).
  • Kolaga (focused on the Kagodu Satyagraha, a movement in favor of tenant farmers).
• He led protests against the State government’s proposal to divert the Sharavathi River to supply drinking water to Bengaluru in 2019.
• Some of his most famous works include:
  • Kadina Benki
  • Dweepa
  • Baluvali
  • Antarya
• Several of his works were adapted into films, notably Dweepa, directed by Girish Kasaravalli, which received wide appreciation.
• Leadership in Kannada Literature: D’Souza presided over the 80th Kannada Sahitya Sammelana in Madikeri in 2014, an important literary event in Karnataka.
• Awards and Recognition:He was honored with several awards, including the Pampa Award from the Karnataka government, recognizing his contributions to Kannada literature.

Veteran sports journalist Krishan Datta Passed away

• Krishan Datta, an eminent sports journalist, passed away at the age of 93 on Saturday morning at his South Delhi residence.

About Krishan Datta :

• Datta served as the Sports Editor of The Times of India and was instrumental in shaping sports journalism in India.
• After his retirement, Datta continued his passion for sports journalism by writing for various platforms including magazines, online sports sites, and newspapers such as The Pioneer.
• He was honored for his significant contributions to sports journalism by the Delhi Sports Journalist Association and the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA).
• Datta was well known for his column “Different Strokes,” which he wrote for nearly three decades, contributing greatly to sports coverage in the country.

Dr. Rajagopala Chidambaram, key figure behind India’s nuclear program, passed away

• Dr Rajagopala Chidambaram, who was the Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, when India did the crucial Pokhran-II nuclear tests, passed away.
• Pokhran Nuclear Tests:Pokhran-I (1974): Chidambaram played a significant role in India’s first nuclear test in 1974, earning the Padma Shri award in 1975 for his contributions.
• Pokhran-II (1998): He was closely associated with India’s second nuclear tests in May 1998, which cemented his role in India’s nuclear weapons program.
• This earned him the Padma Vibhushan in 1999.

Positions Held:

• Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India (2001–2018)
• Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission
• Director, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (1990–1993)
• Chairman, Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) (1994–1995)
• Awards and Recognition:Padma Shri (1975) and Padma Vibhushan (1999) for his contributions to nuclear science and India’s atomic program.

Daily CA One- Liner: January 7

• The National Commission for Women (NCW), in collaboration with the Lok Sabha Secretariat and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, inaugurated ‘Panchayat Se Parliament 2.0’ at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) connecting Delhi and Meerut, drastically reducing travel time to just 40 minutes.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for establishing five to six more cooperatives like Amul to ensure better prices for farmers’ produce and enhance their income.
• Rural poverty has sharply reduced to 4.86% in FY 2024 from 25.7% in 2011-12.
• President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 honorees, recognizing their contributions to entertainment, sports, activism, and diplomacy.
• The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has partnered with Stride Ventures, a leading venture debt firm, to catalyze the growth of Indian startups and expand their global reach.
• 13 states and Union Territories have been categorized as “Achievers” in the Logistics Index 2024.
• India ranked second globally for cyberattacks in 2024, with 95 entities targeted in data theft incidents, according to the CloudSEK ThreatLandscape Report 2024
• Kiran Jadhav of the Navy emerged victorious in the 10m air rifle event at the 15th Lakshya Cup held in Mumbai, securing his first gold medal after consistently making finals since 2018.
• Luke Littler, 17, became the youngest-ever World Darts Champion after defeating Michael van Gerwen 7-3 in the final at Alexandra Palace, London.
• Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the crucial role of public sector banks (PSBs) in driving rural empowerment by providing collateral-free loans to small businesses and artisans through various Central Government schemes.
• Punjab & Sind Bank plans to launch an instant loan scheme for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), with loans up to ₹25 lakh.
• The World Bank is set to approve a $20 billion indicative lending package for Pakistan under a 10-year initiative called the Pakistan Country Partnership Framework 2025-35.
• The Gujarat government has decided to split Banaskantha district into two parts, creating a new district named Vav-Tharad, with its headquarters at Tharad.
• MK Stalin, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, announced a $1 million cash prize for individuals or organizations that successfully decipher the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) script.
• Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, an IAS officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as the Director General of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
• Indian-origin executive Kevan Parekh has assumed the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Apple, effective January 1, 2025.
• Jyoti Sharma has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nasscom Foundation, effective immediately, replacing Nidhi Bhasin.
• A historic event as 6 Indian Americans were sworn in as members of the U.S. House of Representatives on January 3, 2025, marking the largest number of Indian-American representatives in U.S. history.
• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) granted automatic approval for the Avenue-Mavco acquisition of MHM Holding GmbH under the Green Channel route.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved HDFC Bank’s plan to acquire an aggregate stake of up to 9.5% in Kotak Mahindra Bank, AU Small Finance Bank, and Capital Small Finance Bank.
• Former Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis, who ushered the country into the European Union’s single currency in 2001, passed away at the age of 88.
• D’Souza, a well-known novelist from the Malnad region, passed away at the age of 87 in Mangaluru due to old age-related health issues.
• Krishan Datta, an eminent sports journalist, passed away at the age of 93 on Saturday morning at his South Delhi residence.
• Dr Rajagopala Chidambaram, who was the Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, when India did the crucial Pokhran-II nuclear tests, passed away.