WEEKLY ONE LINERS
December 29, 2024 - January 3, 2026
States in the News - Quick Revision for Competitive Exams
SSC CGL/CHSL/MTS
Banking PO/Clerk
UPSC Civil Services
Railway Exams
State PSC
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QUICK REVISION: STATES & INTERNATIONAL UPDATES
Complete state-wise current affairs in one-liner format. Perfect for last-minute revision before competitive exams. Focus on Karnataka AI, Gujarat IAIRO, Rajasthan e-Swasthya, Assam Pay Commission, and international developments.
Karnataka
AI-Powered Skills Intelligence Unit
Karnataka launched India's first AI-powered Skills Intelligence Unit (KSIU) and District Skill Groups at Quest 2 Learn Summit 2025 in Bengaluru.
Gujarat
IAIRO Establishment at GIFT City
Gujarat became first state to host specialized AI research body with IAIRO establishment at GIFT City, operational from January 1, 2026.
Surat - First Slum-Free City
Surat is close to becoming India's first slum-free city through in-situ slum redevelopment under PMAY and state housing schemes.
Rajasthan
e-Swasthya Samvad Platform
Rajasthan launched e-Swasthya Samvad digital platform for medical education governance, conducted twice weekly with two-phase interaction model.
Odisha
Joins AB-PMJAY as 34th State
Odisha signed MoU with NHA in January 2025 to join AB-PMJAY as 34th State/UT, providing Rs.5 lakh health coverage per family.
Delhi
Joins AB-PMJAY as 35th State/UT
Delhi signed MoU with NHA in April 2025, becoming 35th State/UT to join AB-PMJAY, leaving West Bengal as only non-joinee.
AI-Based Grievance Redressal System
Delhi Government collaborates with IIT Kanpur to launch AI-based grievance redressal system using Machine Learning to automatically classify and route public complaints.
QR Codes on Road Signboards
Delhi PWD mandated QR codes on all new road signboards from January 1, 2026. Citizens can access details via PWD Sewa App.
Assam
Batadrava Than Redevelopment
Assam completed Rs.222 crore redevelopment of Batadrava Than in Nagaon district, birthplace of Srimanta Sankardeva, inaugurated December 29, 2025.
First State to Form 8th Pay Commission
Assam became the first state to form the 8th State Pay Commission ahead of time. Headed by Subhas Das, it aims at timely salary and pension revision.
Himachal Pradesh
Green to Gold Hemp Initiative
The state adopted industrial hemp farming under the Green to Gold initiative for textiles, medicine, and eco-friendly products, promoting sustainable agriculture and farmer income.
Uttar Pradesh
Parvati Arga ESZ Declaration
Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh was declared an Eco-Sensitive Zone with restrictions on industrial activities to protect biodiversity and act as buffer zone.
Goa
Third District with HQ at Quepem
Goa government announced the formation of a third district with headquarters at Quepem.
Tamil Nadu
Jallikattu 2026 Begins
Tamil Nadu will begin Jallikattu 2026 on January 3 at Thatchankurichi, Pudukkottai. Events will follow 2017 Amendment Act, with strict SOPs, online permissions, and safety norms.
International Updates
Bulgaria Adopts Euro
Bulgaria has adopted the Euro, becoming the 21st Eurozone member, replacing the Bulgarian lev. The move is expected to boost trade, investment, and financial integration.
Turkmenistan Legalizes Cryptocurrency
Turkmenistan has legalized cryptocurrency mining and trading from January 2026, introducing Central Bank licensing and strict state oversight. Cryptos will not be legal tender.
France Restricts Social Media for Children
France plans to restrict social media use for children under 15, requiring parental consent and age verification. The move aims to protect mental health and prevent cyberbullying.
INDIA BECOMES 4TH LARGEST ECONOMY
India overtook Japan to become world's 4th largest economy with GDP of USD 4.18 trillion, behind USA, China, and Germany. Historic achievement driven by economic reforms and growth.
International Affairs Updates
India Ranked 3rd in Rare Earth Reserves
India ranked 3rd globally with 6.9 million tonnes REO reserves (6-7% of global reserves), behind China (44 MT) and Brazil (21 MT).
Russia Launches Soyuz-2.1b with 52 Satellites
Russia launched Soyuz-2.1b rocket with 52 satellites from Vostochny Cosmodrome on December 28, 2025, including two Aist-2T Earth-observation satellites and 50 university satellites.
Russia Launches Three Iranian Satellites
Russia launched three Iranian satellites (Paya-150 kg, Kowsar-35 kg, Zafar-2) from Vostochny Cosmodrome with 3m resolution imaging capability for 5-year mission.
Syria Unveils New Currency Series
Syria unveiled new banknotes (10-500 Syrian Pounds) with agricultural motifs, entering circulation from January 1, 2026, with 90-day dual tender period.
Bulgaria Adopts Euro as Official Currency
Bulgaria adopted Euro as official currency from January 1, 2026, replacing Bulgarian lev at conversion rate 1 EUR = 1.95583 BGN, becoming 21st Eurozone member.
India Becomes 4th Largest Economy
India overtook Japan to become world's 4th largest economy with GDP of USD 4.18 trillion, behind USA, China, and Germany.
Israel Recognizes Somaliland as Independent State
Israel officially recognized Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, marking a geopolitically significant move in the Horn of Africa with mixed international reactions.
Thailand and Cambodia Agree to Border Ceasefire
The two nations reached a ceasefire agreement through diplomatic negotiations after border clashes, restoring stability in Southeast Asia with ASEAN welcoming the development.
Natural Disasters Cost World Over $120 Billion
Global losses from wildfires, floods, and cyclones exceeded $120 billion in 2024, with climate change increasing disaster frequency and intensity, disproportionately affecting developing countries.
Warren Buffett Steps Down as Berkshire Hathaway CEO
Legendary investor Warren Buffett announced his decision to step down as CEO, marking the end of an era in global investment leadership.
India-Pakistan Exchange Nuclear Installation Lists
India and Pakistan exchanged nuclear installation lists on January 1, 2026. The annual exchange under the 1988 agreement promotes strategic stability.
India-Pakistan Exchange Prisoners List
Both nations exchanged civil prisoners and fishermen lists under the 2008 Consular Pact. India emphasized early release, consular access, and humanitarian concerns.
QUICK REVISION SUMMARY
- Karnataka: First AI-powered Skills Intelligence Unit (KSIU)
- Gujarat: First state with IAIRO at GIFT City; Surat to be first slum-free city
- Rajasthan: e-Swasthya Samvad platform for medical education
- Odisha: 34th state to join AB-PMJAY
- Delhi: 35th state to join AB-PMJAY; AI grievance system; QR codes on signboards
- Assam: Rs.222 crore Batadrava redevelopment; First 8th State Pay Commission
- Himachal: Green to Gold hemp initiative
- UP: Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary declared ESZ
- Goa: Third district with HQ at Quepem
- Tamil Nadu: Jallikattu 2026 begins January 3
- Bulgaria: 21st Eurozone member
- Turkmenistan: Legalized cryptocurrency from Jan 2026
- France: Social media restrictions for under-15
Key Statistics
India's Global Rankings
• 4th largest economy: $4.18 trillion GDP
• 3rd in rare earth reserves: 6.9 million tonnes
• REO reserves: 6-7% of global total
• 3rd in rare earth reserves: 6.9 million tonnes
• REO reserves: 6-7% of global total
Bulgaria Euro Conversion
• Conversion rate: 1 EUR = 1.95583 BGN
• Becomes 21st Eurozone member
• Effective: January 1, 2026
• Becomes 21st Eurozone member
• Effective: January 1, 2026
Satellite Launch Details
• Russia Soyuz: 52 satellites
• Iranian satellites: 3 with 3m resolution
• Mission duration: 5 years
• Iranian satellites: 3 with 3m resolution
• Mission duration: 5 years
Global Losses 2024
• Natural disasters: Over $120 billion
• Main causes: Wildfires, floods, cyclones
• Developing countries most affected
• Main causes: Wildfires, floods, cyclones
• Developing countries most affected
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS SUMMARY
| Event | Country | Key Point | Date/Figure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy Ranking | India | 4th largest economy | $4.18 trillion GDP |
| Rare Earth Reserves | India | 3rd globally | 6.9 million tonnes |
| Euro Adoption | Bulgaria | 21st Eurozone member | Jan 1, 2026 |
| Satellite Launch | Russia | 52 satellites launched | Dec 28, 2025 |
| Iranian Satellites | Russia-Iran | 3 satellites launched | 3m resolution |
| Somaliland Recognition | Israel | Recognized independence | Geopolitical move |
| Border Ceasefire | Thailand-Cambodia | ASEAN welcomed | Diplomatic agreement |
| Natural Disasters | Global | Climate change impact | $120 billion+ losses |
| Nuclear Lists Exchange | India-Pakistan | 1988 agreement | Jan 1, 2026 |
| Prisoners List Exchange | India-Pakistan | 2008 Consular Pact | Humanitarian focus |