Daily GK Update- 4th Mar, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Tesla to open India’s first showroom at Maker Maxity in BKC Mumbai: Elon Musk’s automotive company Tesla has finalized its showroom space in Mumbai’s Maker Maxity, a mixed-use development located in the Bandra Kurla Complex, at a monthly rent of around ₹35 lakh.The car showroom space spread across an area of around 3000 sq ft is located on the ground floor of the commercial tower in Maker Maxity and the rent is around ₹35 lakh per month.BKC is the country’s most expensive commercial real estate hub.

 

2. NITI Aayog launches report on “From Borrowers To Builders: Women’s Role in India’s Financial Growth Story”: NITI Aayog released a report called “From Borrowers to Builders: Women’s Role in India’s Financial Growth Story.”The report, launched by NITI Aayog CEO Shri B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, shows that more women in India are taking loans and checking their credit scores.By December 2024, 27 million women were monitoring their credit, which is 42% more than the previous year. This increase shows that women are becoming more aware of financial matters.The report was prepared by TransUnion CIBIL, NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP), and MicroSave Consulting (MSC).The percentage of women checking their credit reports increased from 17.89% in 2023 to 19.43% in 2024. Women in non-metro areas are becoming more financially active, with 48% growth, compared to 30% growth in metro cities.

 

3. Manan Kumar Mishra re-elected as Chairman of Bar Council of India: Senior Advocate Manan Kumar Mishra has been re-elected chairman of the Bar Council of India (BCI) for the seventh consecutive term. He was elected unopposed.Mishra is a Rajya Sabha member from Bihar and represents the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).BCI is a statutory body established under the Advocates Act of 1961, responsible for regulating the legal profession and education in India.Headquarters – New Delhi

 

4. Economic Affairs Secretary Ajay Seth gets additional charge of Revenue Department: Economic Affairs Secretary Ajay Seth was given additional charge of the post of Secretary, Department of Revenue.The vacancy was necessitated following the appointment of Revenue Secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey as the chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).The competent authority has approved the assignment of the additional charge of the secretary of the Department of Revenue to Ajay Seth, secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs till the appointment of a regular incumbent.

 

5. 4 March – National Safety Day: National Safety Day is observed every year on March 4th in India to promote awareness about workplace safety, health, and environmental protection.Theme 2025 – Safety & Well-being Crucial for Viksit Bharat” (Developed India)It marks the foundation day of the National Safety Council (NSC), which was established in 1966 by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Donald Trump declared English as official language of United States: US President Donald Trump signed an executive order designating English as the official language of the United States.

The order rescinds a policy introduced by former President Bill Clinton that required federal agencies and organisations receiving government funding to offer language assistance to non-English speakers.The move aligns with a long-standing campaign promise by Trump and reflects efforts by lawmakers who have attempted for decades to pass similar legislation. More than 30 states have already declared English their official language.

 

2. 3 March – World Hearing Day: World Hearing Day is observed every year on March 3rd to raise awareness about hearing loss, ear health, and the importance of early intervention.Theme 2025 – Changing mindsets: empower yourself to make ear and hearing care a reality for all The World Health Organization (WHO) leads this global initiative to promote hearing care and prevent deafness

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Tennis: Brandon Holt wins Bengaluru Open Title, Beats Shintaro Mochizuki in Final: In tennis, Brandon Holt of the USA clinched his second ATP Challenger singles title of the season after beating Japan’s Shintaro Mochizuki 6-3, 6-3 in the Bengaluru Open 2025 tennis tournament’s singles final.Consequently, the 26-year-old Holt became the first American winner in the Bengaluru Open history.This was the ninth edition of the ATP Challenger 125 tennis tournament. Indian tennis player Anirudh Chandrasekar and Chinese Taipei’s Ray Ho beat Blake Bayldon and Matthew Christopher Romios 6-2, 6-4 to win the doubles title.

 

2. Vidarbha clinch third title of Ranji Trophy: The 90th edition of the Ranji Trophy has concluded with Vidarbha lifting their third title, as they finished the final against Kerala with a draw at the VCA Stadium in Jamtha, Nagpur.Vidarbha took the first innings lead and hence was declared the champions for this year.The Ranji Trophy, India’s premier red-ball cricket competition, was first introduced in the 1934-35 season under the name “Cricket Championship of India” before it was renamed the following year.The inaugural champions were Bombay, who have since dominated the tournament with a remarkable 42 titles, the latest of which came last year when they triumphed over Vidarbha in the final at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Karnataka, previously known as Mysore, holds the second-highest number of titles with eight.Vidarbha made their debut in the Ranji Trophy final during the 2017-18 season, when they defeated Delhi, and then successfully defended their title the next year against Saurashtra.

 

3. Kohli becomes seventh Indian player to play 300 ODIs: One of India’s greatest cricketers, Virat Kohli has reached a historic milestone. During the Champions Trophy match against New Zealand in Dubai, he played his 300th One Day International (ODI) match.With this achievement, Kohli became the seventh Indian and 22nd player in the world to reach this milestone.The list is led by Sachin Tendulkar, who played 463 matches, followed by MS Dhoni with 347 matches.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. UPI posts 5% dip in volume to 16.11 billion, 7% in value in February : Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions saw a 5 per cent month-on-month dip in volume to 16.11 billion in February, from 16.99 billion in January, owing to fewer days in the month.Similarly, the value also declined 6.5 per cent to Rs 21.48 trillion in February, compared to Rs 23.48 trillion in January.This is compared to 16.73 billion in volume and Rs 23.25 trillion in value in December. However, this was a 33 per cent rise in volume and 20 per cent in value compared to February 2024, said data from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).Immediate Payment Service (IMPS) transactions were 9 per cent down in February to 405 million as against 444 million in January. In value terms, too, it was down by 7 per cent to Rs 5.63 trillion in February versus Rs 6.06 trillion in January.In December, this was seen at 441 million in volume and Rs 6.02 trillion in value. In volume terms, this was a 24 per cent decline, and in value terms, a 1 per cent dip compared to February 2024.

 

2. CUB-CSK co-branded credit card launched with sports and lifestyle perks: City Union Bank Ltd, an old private sector bank, has partnered with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to launch a co-branded credit card.The CUB-CSK Co-Branded Credit Card will be available in three variants – MasterCard, Platinum, and Signature Powered by MasterCard and RuPay, the card promises global acceptance, top-notch security, and contactless payment options.These cards go beyond just ticket purchases. While the initial focus will be on sports-related perks for the first two to three months, we will introduce additional rewards to encourage everyday spending.The co-branded card’s initial focus will be existing customers across savings accounts, current accounts, term deposits, and loan portfolios. However, it will also be extended to new customers through a fully digital onboarding process.

 

3. SEBI permits all NBFCs, HFCs to invest in security receipts by ARCs: Markets regulator SEBI has allowed all non-banking financial companies (NBFC), including housing finance companies, to invest in security receipts issued by Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs), a move aimed at encouraging investments in the bad loans space.This has widened the scope of participants who can acquire security receipts from ARCs, thereby boosting liquidity in the distressed asset market.

ARCs are set-up to acquire bad loans from banks and financial institutions after appropriate haircuts and issue security receipts (SRs).This comes with safeguards to avert defaulting promoters from claiming back the secured assets through SRs.Sebi said that such “NBFCs including HFCs will have to ensure that the defaulting promoters or their related parties do not directly or indirectly gain access to secured assets through security receipts; and such NBFCs including HFCs shall comply with such other conditions as the RBI may specify from time to time”.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. ICC chairman Jay Shah conferred with Icon of Excellence award at FILA 2025: Jay Shah, chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), has been honoured with the prestigious Icon of Excellence award at the 14th edition of the Forbes India Leadership Awards (FILA 2025).This award recognises his exceptional contributions to cricket administration and his role in driving innovation and inclusivity in the sport.Under his leadership, cricket has witnessed a remarkable transformation, making the game more accessible and globally competitive.At the age of 36, Jay Shah made history by becoming the youngest-ever chairman of the ICC.

 

2. 97th Academy Awards announced: The 97th Academy Awards took place at the Dolby Theatre in Los AngeleAll eyes were on Jacques Audiard’s audacious musical Emilia Perez as it was leading with 13 nominations. But it was the night for Sean Baker’s Anora. The film took home five Oscars including Best Actress, Best Director, Best Film, Best Original Screenplay and Best Film Editing.

 

Daily GK Update- 3rd Mar, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Maharashtra govt collaborates with Meta to launch WhatsApp-based citizen services: The Government of Maharashtra has partnered with Meta (formerly Facebook) during the Mumbai Tech Week 2025.The aim of this collaboration is to provide all citizen services via WhatsApp on a single number, empowering 125 million citizens to access government services from anywhere, at any time.The chatbot, ‘Aaple Sarkar’, will be available in three languages – Marathi, English, and Hindi and will offer service through both text and voice.The chatbot will offer services like addressing grievances, downloading critical documents and certificates, convenience services like booking bus tickets via Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) or Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) and providing timely information to farmers and citizens across Maharashtra.

 

2. Amit Shah inaugurate Workshop on Sustainable Dairy Sector in New Delhi: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah has inaugurated the workshop on sustainability and circularity in the dairy sector in New Delhi.The workshop focused on policies and initiatives of the Ministry of Cooperation and the Ministry of Animal Husbandry, Dairying, and Fisheries aimed at promoting sustainable dairy farming while ensuring economic growth with environmental responsibility.During the workshop, experts from the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), industry, and global organisations discussed ways to expand circular dairy practices and explore financing options, carbon credit opportunities, and waste-to-energy solutions.

 

3. NHRC & MEA to Host ITEC Executive Programme on Human Rights for Global South in New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs, will organize the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Executive Capacity Building Programme on human rights in New Delhi.This six-day programme for senior-level functionaries of the National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) of the Global South will commence from 3 March.The programme aims to provide insights into various dimensions of human rights and international perspectives and share the NHRC experience to enhance awareness among participants of various NHRIs.It seeks to strengthen South-South cooperation, enhance collaboration and networking, and improve human rights protection mechanisms through comprehensive capacity building and experience sharing.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi chaired NBWL meeting at Sasan Gir on World Wildlife Day: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has chaired a meeting of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) at Sasan Gir in Junagadh district of Gujarat on the occasion of World Wildlife Day.The NBWL has 47 members, including the Chief of Army Staff, members from different states, representatives from NGOs working in this field, chief wildlife wardens and secretaries from various states.This board works for the promotion of the conservation and development of wildlife and forests with the Prime Minister as its chairperson.

 

2. 1 March – Zero Discrimination Day : Zero Discrimination Day is observed annually on March 1st to promote equality and stand against discrimination in all its forms.Theme 2025 – We stand togetherLaunched by UNAIDS in 2014, the day emphasizes the right of every individual to live with dignity, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, health status, disability, or other differences.

 

3. 1 March – World Seagrass Day: World Seagrass Day is celebrated every year on March 1st to raise awareness about the importance of seagrass ecosystems and the need to conserve them.In May 2022, the General Assembly adopted A/RES/76/265 proclaiming 1 March as World Seagrass Day.

 

4. 3 March – World Wildlife Day: World Wildlife Day is celebrated annually on March 3rd to raise awareness about the importance of conserving wildlife and their habitats.Theme 2025 – Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet It was initiated by the United Nations in 2013 to celebrate the wonderful animals and plants that inhabit our planet.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. GRSE Signs Landmark MoU with Army for Modular Steel Bridge in Arunachal Pradesh: Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd signed an MoU with the Indian Army for the construction of a 130-foot-long Single Lane Modular (SLM) Steel Bridge (70R) in Arunachal Pradesh.In 2022, GRSE earned the distinction of being the only Indian company to receive the Green Channel Certification for Portable Steel Bridges (Bailey Type) from the Indian Army.Earlier, GRSE delivered Modular Bridges to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and the National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL), apart from several state governments and friendly countries like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka.

 

2. Exercise Desert Hunt 2025: An integrated Tri-Service Special Forces exercise named Exercise Desert Hunt 2025 was conducted by the Indian Air Force at Air Force Station Jodhpur.The exercise involved elite Para (Special Forces) from the Indian Army, the Marine Commandos from the Indian Navy along with the Garud (Special Forces) from the Indian Air Force.This high-intensity drill was aimed at enhancing interoperability, coordination and synergy among the three Special Forces units to ensure swift and effective response towards emerging security challenges.

 

 

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Chile Open 2025: Indian-Colombian duo claim men’s doubles title: In Tennis, India’s Rithvik Choudary Bollipalli and his Colombian partner Nicolás Barrientos have claimed the men’s doubles title of the Chile Open in Santiago.The Indian- Columbian duo upset top seeds Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni of Argentina, 6-3, 6-2, in straight sets. This is the first title of Rithvik and Nicolas as a team.In the semifinal, the duo defeated the third seeds, Guido Andreozzi of Argentina and Theo Arribage of France 4-6, 7-6, 10-5.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. India’s core sectors’ output grew 4.6% in January: Output in India’s eight core infrastructure sectors, which constitute about 40% of overall industrial production, grew 4.6% in January, mildly slower than the upgraded 4.8% growth recorded in December but still the second highest uptick in six months. The core sectors had grown 4.2% in January 2024.On a sequential basis, however, the Index of Core Industries (ICI) was up 2.4% from December 2024 with a reading of 173, which marks a 10-month high and indicates the highest output level recorded so far in 2024-25. January’s growth was largely driven by a 14.5% surge in cement production and an 8.3% uptick in refinery products.The Commerce and Industry ministry also revised upwards core sectors’ growth for October to 3.8% from the 3.1% growth estimated earlier, and November’s growth to 4.4% from 4.3% reported initially. Steel and electricity generation grew 3.7% and 1.3%, respectively, reflecting the slowest growth in four months for both segments.

 

2. GST collections jump 9.1% in Feb to ₹1.84 lakh crore: India’s gross Goods and Services Tax, GST, collections jumped 9.1 per cent in February to 1.84 lakh crore rupees in comparison to the same month last year.February marks the 12th consecutive month of over 1.7 lakh crore rupees of collections.As per the data, mop up from Central GST stood at 35,204 crore rupees, State GST at 43,704 crore rupees, Integrated GST at 90,870 crore rupees and compensation cess of 13,868 crore rupees.Total refunds issued during February were 20,889 crore rupees. Net GST collections, after discounting the refunds, for February rose 8.1 per cent to about 1.63 lakh crore rupees.

 

3. World Bank: India needs 7.8 % growth to become Viksit Bharat by 2047: A new World Bank report, India will need to grow by 7.8 per cent on average over the next 22 years to achieve the country’s aspirations of reaching high-income status by 2047.The new India Country Economic Memorandum titled ‘Becoming a High-Income Economy in a Generation,’ finds that this target is possible.The World Bank classifies the economy based on Gross National Income (GNI) per capita. GNI is measured in United States dollars (USD) and is determined using conversion factors derived according to the World Bank Atlas method.The classifications are updated each year on 1st July and are based on the GNI per capita of the previous year.The World Bank classifies the countries into Low Income, Middle Income, and High Income. The Middle income is again subdivided into Lower -Middle Income and Upper -Middle Income.

 

Daily GK Update- 2nd Mar, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India’s Growing Obesity Crisis and Health Implications: The recent focus on obesity in India has gained momentum following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks in his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme. He brought into light the alarming statistics revealing that one in eight Indians is affected by obesity, particularly children. Modi urged a reduction in oil consumption and called for collective action to combat this pressing health issue. The rising rates of obesity have health implications, prompting experts to analyse underlying causes and potential solutions. Research indicates that nearly half of all Indians are insufficiently active. Sedentary lifestyles are increasing due to office work and digital device usage. Unsafe outdoor conditions hinder physical activity. The lack of safe spaces for exercise, coupled with rising traffic and crime rates, discourages outdoor activities. Urban environments need to be transformed to encourage active lifestyles.

 

2. PM2.5 Pollution Sources in Northern India: The study assessed PM2.5 samples from five locations, including urban and rural areas. It identified key components such as ammonium chloride and organic aerosols. In Delhi, vehicular emissions and residential heating are contributors. In contrast, areas outside Delhi show higher levels of ammonium sulfate and biomass-burning aerosols. The study found that hydrocarbon-like organic aerosols remain consistently high throughout the year. However, cold-season primary organic aerosols spike during winter months. This increase is due to the use of cow dung for heating and cooking. Concentrations can be ten times higher in cold weather compared to warmer months.

 

3. India Achieves Milestone with 10,000 FPOs: FPOs are collective organisations formed by farmers. They are designed to empower farmers by enabling them to pool resources, share knowledge, and increase bargaining power in the market. FPOs can take various legal forms, including producer companies and cooperative societies. Their primary goal is to enhance the economic well-being of their members. The SFAC plays important role in promoting FPOs across India. It provides guidance and support to farmers in forming and managing these organisations. SFAC helps farmers navigate the complexities of agribusiness and ensures they can leverage collective strength for better market access.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Nepal’s Rhino Census Faces Uncertainty: The rhino census is crucial for wildlife management. It helps determine the population and health of the one-horned rhino. Accurate data is essential for conservation strategies. The census also informs policies on habitat management and anti-poaching efforts. This department relies on various partnerships to carry out the census. The last census took place in 2021 and indicated a population of 752 one-horned rhinos in the country. USAID was contributor to the census project. Their support included funding for equipment such as GPS devices and laptops. The total estimated cost for the census is around NRs 15 million. Without financial support, the census may be postponed or cancelled.

 

UNESCO’s Report on Multilingual Education: Recent reports from UNESCO’s Global Education Monitoring (GEM) team highlight a critical issue in education worldwide. Approximately 40% of the global population lacks access to education in a language they understand. This figure rises to 90% in some low- and middle-income countries. The report, titled “Languages Matter – Global Guidance on Multilingual Education,” Home language plays important role in effective learning. Students perform better when taught in a language they understand. However, many education systems fail to implement this principle. Barriers include a lack of trained teachers and materials in home languages. Community resistance also hampers progress.

 

English Designated as Official Language in the US: This marked a historical shift, as the US had never designated an official language since its founding. The order rescinds a policy from 2000 that required federal agencies to provide language assistance to non-English speakers. This change reflects a long-standing effort to unify communication and promote national values. The United States has a rich linguistic history. When the nation was founded, English was the dominant language. The Founding Fathers did not see a need for an official language. They aimed to include diverse linguistic communities. Over 350 languages are spoken across the country, including Spanish, Chinese, and various Native American languages.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

Indian Army Enhances CBRN Defence with ACADA Systems: The Indian Army has recently contracted 223 Automatic Chemical Agent Detection and Alarm (ACADA) systems from L&T Limited. This procurement, valued at ₹80.43 crore, is part of a broader initiative to modernise the army’s capabilities against chemical warfare threats. The ACADA systems are designed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and will boost the army’s chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) defence capabilities. ACADA features two IMS cells for continuous and simultaneous monitoring of toxic agents. It is portable and can be easily deployed in various environments. The system includes audio and visual alarms to alert personnel in case of detection. Additionally, it can be mounted on vehicles for enhanced mobility.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. New Species Discoveries in India and Sri Lanka: Researchers recently discovering two new species of jumping spiders in India and a unique leaf-nosed bat in Sri Lanka. These findings highlight the ecological richness of the region and the need for further exploration and conservation efforts. A separate team led by Bhargavi Srinivasulu from Osmania University has identified a new species of leaf-nosed bat named Hipposideros srilankaensis. This species is endemic to Sri Lanka and adds to the region’s biodiversity. Hipposideros srilankaensis features a broad noseleaf and unique cranial characteristics. The research included collaboration with bat biologists from India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The team conducted extensive surveys and genetic analyses to confirm the bat’s distinctiveness.

 

2. Blue Ghost Mission 1: On March 2, 2025, Firefly Aerospace successfully landed its spacecraft, Blue Ghost Mission 1, on the Moon. This marks only the second private mission to achieve a lunar landing and the first to do so upright. This milestone reflects the growing trend of commercial space exploration and NASA’s collaboration with private companies. Blue Ghost was launched on January 15, 2025, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The lander is about the size of a hippopotamus and carries ten scientific instruments. These include a lunar soil analyser and a radiation-tolerant computer. The mission aims to operate for a full lunar day, approximately 14 Earth days.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Special Assistance Scheme: Recently, the Government of India has allocated funds to states under the Special Assistance scheme. This programme is designed to aid states financially through interest-free loans for 50 years. The scheme aims to promote capital investment and support state-led reforms. The Special Assistance scheme is expected to continue playing a vital role in enhancing state capabilities. As states implement reforms and improve infrastructure, the potential for economic growth increases. The government’s focus on outcome-based funding may further encourage states to meet reform targets.

 

Daily GK Update- 1st Mar, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Punjab govt makes Punjabi compulsory in all Punjab schools: The Punjab government has made it mandatory for all schools in the state, irrespective of their educational board, to teach Punjabi as a main and compulsory subject.Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains announced the decision through a fresh notification, applicable immediately.Under the new directive, all schools, whether affiliated with the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB), Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), or Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), will be required to include Punjabi in their curriculum.

 

2. Sarbananda Sonowal unveils ‘One Nation-One Port’ to enhance efficiency with ease of doing business: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has launched a series of major initiatives of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) aimed at modernising India’s maritime infrastructure, strengthening its global trade presence, and to promote sustainability.These initiatives were launched during a stakeholder meeting in Mumbai, to discuss on various possibilities from the major announcements made in the Union Budget for the maritime sector.

Sonowal launched the ‘One Nation-One Port Process (ONOP)’ an initiative to standardise and streamline operations across India’s major ports.The step aims at removing inconsistencies in documentation and processes that led to inefficiencies, increased costs, and operational delays.

Sonowal also launched Sagar Ankalan — the Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI) for FY 2023-24, as a significant step towards enhancing efficiency and global competitiveness in India’s maritime sector.

 

3. Rajnath Singh releases first edition of MoD’s bi-annual Hindi magazine ‘Sashakt Bharat’: Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh has released the first edition of Ministry of Defence’s bi-annual Hindi magazine ‘Sashakt Bharat’ at South Block, New Delhi.The magazine comprises poems on the valour, patriotism and sacrifices of the Armed Forces personnel as well as articles on the policies of the Government written by the personnel of the Ministry, irrespective of their ranks, showcasing inclusivity and unity in diversity.The objective of ‘Sashakt Bharat’ magazine is to highlight the creative talent of the employees of MoD and encourage them to carry out their day-to-day activities in Hindi.

 

4. RamMohan inaugurates Udan Yatri Cafe at Chennai Airport: Union Minister for Civil Aviation Kinjrappu RamMohan Naidu has inaugurated the Udan Yatri Cafe at Chennai International Airport.This would benefit all passengers as five to six items like water, tea, coffee, snacks and local sweets will be sold at Rs.10 and Rs. 20.The first such cafe inaugurated at Kolkata airport last December has registered Rs. 30 thousand sales per day.

 

5. Accidental Insurance scheme for School Children in Rajasthan launched: The government of Rajasthan has launched Shiksha Sanjeevani Bima Yojana to provide accidental insurance to schoolchildren in the state.This first-of-its-kind scheme will offer personal accident insurance coverage of Rs 1 lakh to 1.3 lakh to children and their parents enrolled in state government schools. Initially, the scheme will cover schools in the Udaipur Division.The State Education and Panchayati Raj Minister, Madan Dilawar launched the scheme. The scheme was launched at the Shiksha Jeevan Personal Accident Insurance Ceremony organised at the Residency School of Udaipur. The scheme will be gradually expanded to all the schools in the state, benefitting around 1 crore students.Wonder Cement, Zurich Kotak General Insurance and State Bank of India are partners of the Shiksha Sanjeevani Bima Yojana scheme.Wonder Cement will provide money to pay the insurance premium for the insured children in the Udaipur Division while The Zurich Kotak General Insurance Company will be the insurance provider for the scheme.

 

6. Vice President Dhankhar attended Nyokum Yullo celebration in Arunachal Pradesh: Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar attended and addressed the first-ever joint mega Nyokum Yullo Celebration in Boasimla, Kamle District of Arunachal Pradesh.The Nyokum Yullo Celebration is an agrarian festival of the Nyishi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh.The word Nyokum is derived from Nyok meaning land (earth) and Kum meaning collectiveness or togetherness. The festival is linked with cultivation.The vice president also felicitated Kabak Yano on the occasion. Kabak Yano is the 5th woman from Arunachal Pradesh and the first woman from the Nyishi tribe to conquer the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest.The daughter of a casual worker, Kabak Yano climbed Mount Everest on 21st May 2024.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. The Cali Fund launches in the margins of the resumed session of COP16: A new international fund has been created to help protect biodiversity. The ‘Cali Fund’ was launched at the resumed 16th Conference of Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Rome.The Cali Fund will receive money from businesses that rely on Digital Sequence Information (DSI). DSI includes genetic data from plants, animals, and microorganisms. Industries like pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, agriculture, and biotechnology use DSI to develop products.Under this new system, they will now have to contribute a part of their revenue to support biodiversity efforts.The money collected will be used in several ways. It will support biodiversity conservation projects, help developing countries implement their biodiversity action plans, and fund scientific research to improve how genetic data is stored and used.

 

2. UAE launched 10-Year Blue Residency Visa System: The first phase of the Blue Visa system has been formally launched by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which grants international nationals a 10-year residency visa.By attracting people who support environmental sustainability, this project hopes to strengthen the UAE’s commitment to a more environmentally friendly future.

The UAE Blue Visa: What is it?For professionals and contributors working in the areas of sustainability, environmental protection, and climate change, the New Blue Visa System provides a 10-year resident visa.This UAE Golden Visa is in line with the UAE’s overarching goal of advancing sustainable development and environmentally friendly projects.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Indian Women Football Team finishes 3rd in 2nd Pink Ladies Cup 2025: The Indian senior women football team, popularly known as Blue Tigress, ended their campaign in the 2nd Pink Ladies Cup with a 3-0 defeat to the South Korean side. The Indian team finished third in the Pink Ladies Cup.The 2nd edition of the Pink Ladies Cup was held at the Al Hamriya Sports Club Stadium in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.The Pink Ladies Cup is a friendly international football tournament. A team’s win or loss in friendly matches does not affect its standing or ranking in FIFA’s points table.It is usually played before the start of a competitive season to prepare the team for the upcoming football season.The Indian women’s football team used the 2nd Pink Ladies Cup 2025 to prepare for the upcoming AFC Women Asia Cup Qualifiers to be held in May-June 2025.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. DRDO and Indian Navy Successfully Test NASM-SR Missile in Chandipur: The Indian Navy in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted the flight test of the indigenously developed Naval Anti-Ship Missile -Short Range (NASM-SR).The missile was launched from the Indian Navy’s Sea King MK 42B helicopter from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur in Odisha.NASM-SR is the country’s first indigenously developed air-launched anti-ship missile system with a sea-skimming ability. The first test of the missile was conducted in May 2022.

 

2. 28 February – National Science Day: National Science Day is observed every year on 28 February to mark the discovery of the Raman Effect by physicist CV Raman in 1928.Since 1986, this day has been celebrated across India to recognise scientific achievements and encourage scientific awareness among students and the public.The theme for National Science Day 2025 is ‘Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science and Innovation for Viksit Bharat’.The first celebration took place on February 28, 1987, marking the beginning of a tradition that continues to inspire generations.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. NSE & Assam Govt ink MoU to skill youth in BFSI sector at Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit : National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Government of Assam signed an MoU to implement a student skilling programme for the youth of Assam in the Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) sector at the Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit.Assam is the 4th state after Uttarakhand, Meghalaya and Chhattisgarh to partner with NSE on skilling youth. As part of this understanding, NSE with the support of the Government of Assam, shall implement a student skill building program to increase awareness, build skills and competencies in the BFSI across the State of Assam.This project will enhance employability and self-employment opportunities in the BFSI sector.This programme aligns with Assam government’s objective and aims to empower the youth of the state with essential skills and knowledge in the BFSI (Banking, Financial Services and Insurance) sector, bridging the skill gap and enhancing their employment opportunities for the future.

 

2. Muthoot Finance gets RBI approval to open 115 new branches: Finance and insurance corporation Muthoot Finance has received RBI approval to open 115 new branches.The company is also advised to ensure suitable arrangements for security and for storage of gold jewellery, including a safe deposit vault, as envisaged in the extant directions, to the extent applicable.Muthoot Finance recently posted a 21 per cent increase in consolidated PAT in Q3 FY25 at ₹1,392 crore as against ₹1,145 crore in Q3 FY24.

 

3. Paytm Partners with AI Startup Perplexity to Enhance Financial Literacy with AI-Powered Search: Paytm has partnered with Perplexity AI to help users with real-time financial assistance. The payment gateway will be integrating the AI startup’s search engine to expand access to Paytm’s user base of 100 million active users in the country.Users will be able to ask finance-related questions and topics in their local language to make informed financial decisions.This innovation enhances digital literacy and reinforces Paytm’s commitment to driving technological advancements for a smarter, AI-driven India.

 

Daily GK Update- 28th Feb, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Punjab govt makes Punjabi compulsory in all Punjab schools: The Punjab government has made it mandatory for all schools in the state, irrespective of their educational board, to teach Punjabi as a main and compulsory subject.Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains announced the decision through a fresh notification, applicable immediately.Under the new directive, all schools, whether affiliated with the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB), Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), or Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), will be required to include Punjabi in their curriculum.

 

2. Sarbananda Sonowal unveils ‘One Nation-One Port’ to enhance efficiency with ease of doing business: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has launched a series of major initiatives of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) aimed at modernising India’s maritime infrastructure, strengthening its global trade presence, and to promote sustainability.These initiatives were launched during a stakeholder meeting in Mumbai, to discuss on various possibilities from the major announcements made in the Union Budget for the maritime sector.

Sonowal launched the ‘One Nation-One Port Process (ONOP)’ an initiative to standardise and streamline operations across India’s major ports.The step aims at removing inconsistencies in documentation and processes that led to inefficiencies, increased costs, and operational delays.

Sonowal also launched Sagar Ankalan — the Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI) for FY 2023-24, as a significant step towards enhancing efficiency and global competitiveness in India’s maritime sector.

 

3. Rajnath Singh releases first edition of MoD’s bi-annual Hindi magazine ‘Sashakt Bharat’: Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh has released the first edition of Ministry of Defence’s bi-annual Hindi magazine ‘Sashakt Bharat’ at South Block, New Delhi.The magazine comprises poems on the valour, patriotism and sacrifices of the Armed Forces personnel as well as articles on the policies of the Government written by the personnel of the Ministry, irrespective of their ranks, showcasing inclusivity and unity in diversity.The objective of ‘Sashakt Bharat’ magazine is to highlight the creative talent of the employees of MoD and encourage them to carry out their day-to-day activities in Hindi.

 

4. RamMohan inaugurates Udan Yatri Cafe at Chennai Airport: Union Minister for Civil Aviation Kinjrappu RamMohan Naidu has inaugurated the Udan Yatri Cafe at Chennai International Airport.This would benefit all passengers as five to six items like water, tea, coffee, snacks and local sweets will be sold at Rs.10 and Rs. 20.The first such cafe inaugurated at Kolkata airport last December has registered Rs. 30 thousand sales per day.

 

5. Accidental Insurance scheme for School Children in Rajasthan launched: The government of Rajasthan has launched Shiksha Sanjeevani Bima Yojana to provide accidental insurance to schoolchildren in the state.This first-of-its-kind scheme will offer personal accident insurance coverage of Rs 1 lakh to 1.3 lakh to children and their parents enrolled in state government schools. Initially, the scheme will cover schools in the Udaipur Division.The State Education and Panchayati Raj Minister, Madan Dilawar launched the scheme. The scheme was launched at the Shiksha Jeevan Personal Accident Insurance Ceremony organised at the Residency School of Udaipur. The scheme will be gradually expanded to all the schools in the state, benefitting around 1 crore students.Wonder Cement, Zurich Kotak General Insurance and State Bank of India are partners of the Shiksha Sanjeevani Bima Yojana scheme.Wonder Cement will provide money to pay the insurance premium for the insured children in the Udaipur Division while The Zurich Kotak General Insurance Company will be the insurance provider for the scheme.

 

6. Vice President Dhankhar attended Nyokum Yullo celebration in Arunachal Pradesh: Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar attended and addressed the first-ever joint mega Nyokum Yullo Celebration in Boasimla, Kamle District of Arunachal Pradesh.The Nyokum Yullo Celebration is an agrarian festival of the Nyishi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh.The word Nyokum is derived from Nyok meaning land (earth) and Kum meaning collectiveness or togetherness. The festival is linked with cultivation.The vice president also felicitated Kabak Yano on the occasion. Kabak Yano is the 5th woman from Arunachal Pradesh and the first woman from the Nyishi tribe to conquer the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest.The daughter of a casual worker, Kabak Yano climbed Mount Everest on 21st May 2024.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. The Cali Fund launches in the margins of the resumed session of COP16: A new international fund has been created to help protect biodiversity. The ‘Cali Fund’ was launched at the resumed 16th Conference of Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Rome.The Cali Fund will receive money from businesses that rely on Digital Sequence Information (DSI). DSI includes genetic data from plants, animals, and microorganisms. Industries like pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, agriculture, and biotechnology use DSI to develop products.Under this new system, they will now have to contribute a part of their revenue to support biodiversity efforts.The money collected will be used in several ways. It will support biodiversity conservation projects, help developing countries implement their biodiversity action plans, and fund scientific research to improve how genetic data is stored and used.

 

2. UAE launched 10-Year Blue Residency Visa System: The first phase of the Blue Visa system has been formally launched by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which grants international nationals a 10-year residency visa.By attracting people who support environmental sustainability, this project hopes to strengthen the UAE’s commitment to a more environmentally friendly future.

The UAE Blue Visa: What is it?For professionals and contributors working in the areas of sustainability, environmental protection, and climate change, the New Blue Visa System provides a 10-year resident visa.This UAE Golden Visa is in line with the UAE’s overarching goal of advancing sustainable development and environmentally friendly projects.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Indian Women Football Team finishes 3rd in 2nd Pink Ladies Cup 2025: The Indian senior women football team, popularly known as Blue Tigress, ended their campaign in the 2nd Pink Ladies Cup with a 3-0 defeat to the South Korean side. The Indian team finished third in the Pink Ladies Cup.The 2nd edition of the Pink Ladies Cup was held at the Al Hamriya Sports Club Stadium in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.The Pink Ladies Cup is a friendly international football tournament. A team’s win or loss in friendly matches does not affect its standing or ranking in FIFA’s points table.It is usually played before the start of a competitive season to prepare the team for the upcoming football season.The Indian women’s football team used the 2nd Pink Ladies Cup 2025 to prepare for the upcoming AFC Women Asia Cup Qualifiers to be held in May-June 2025.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. DRDO and Indian Navy Successfully Test NASM-SR Missile in Chandipur: The Indian Navy in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted the flight test of the indigenously developed Naval Anti-Ship Missile -Short Range (NASM-SR).The missile was launched from the Indian Navy’s Sea King MK 42B helicopter from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur in Odisha.NASM-SR is the country’s first indigenously developed air-launched anti-ship missile system with a sea-skimming ability. The first test of the missile was conducted in May 2022.

 

2. 28 February – National Science Day: National Science Day is observed every year on 28 February to mark the discovery of the Raman Effect by physicist CV Raman in 1928.Since 1986, this day has been celebrated across India to recognise scientific achievements and encourage scientific awareness among students and the public.The theme for National Science Day 2025 is ‘Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science and Innovation for Viksit Bharat’.The first celebration took place on February 28, 1987, marking the beginning of a tradition that continues to inspire generations.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. NSE & Assam Govt ink MoU to skill youth in BFSI sector at Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit : National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Government of Assam signed an MoU to implement a student skilling programme for the youth of Assam in the Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) sector at the Advantage Assam 2.0 Summit.Assam is the 4th state after Uttarakhand, Meghalaya and Chhattisgarh to partner with NSE on skilling youth. As part of this understanding, NSE with the support of the Government of Assam, shall implement a student skill building program to increase awareness, build skills and competencies in the BFSI across the State of Assam.This project will enhance employability and self-employment opportunities in the BFSI sector.This programme aligns with Assam government’s objective and aims to empower the youth of the state with essential skills and knowledge in the BFSI (Banking, Financial Services and Insurance) sector, bridging the skill gap and enhancing their employment opportunities for the future.

 

2. Muthoot Finance gets RBI approval to open 115 new branches: Finance and insurance corporation Muthoot Finance has received RBI approval to open 115 new branches.The company is also advised to ensure suitable arrangements for security and for storage of gold jewellery, including a safe deposit vault, as envisaged in the extant directions, to the extent applicable.Muthoot Finance recently posted a 21 per cent increase in consolidated PAT in Q3 FY25 at ₹1,392 crore as against ₹1,145 crore in Q3 FY24.

 

3. Paytm Partners with AI Startup Perplexity to Enhance Financial Literacy with AI-Powered Search: Paytm has partnered with Perplexity AI to help users with real-time financial assistance. The payment gateway will be integrating the AI startup’s search engine to expand access to Paytm’s user base of 100 million active users in the country.Users will be able to ask finance-related questions and topics in their local language to make informed financial decisions.This innovation enhances digital literacy and reinforces Paytm’s commitment to driving technological advancements for a smarter, AI-driven India.