NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Budget 2025-26: ₹20,000 Crore Allocated for ‘Nuclear Energy Mission’: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced a ₹20,000 crore ‘Nuclear Energy Mission’ to develop indigenous Small Modular Reactors (SMR).The Budget proposes that at least five of these reactors will be operationalised by 2033.India’s larger goal of ensuring 100 GW of nuclear energy by 2047 and towards this, amendments to the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act would be made.
2. Budget 2025-26: Maritime Development Fund with ₹25,000-crore corpus: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced a Rs 25,000 crore maritime development fund for the shipping industry among other incentives.This follows complaints from Indian exporters against alleged “arm-twisting” by foreign shipping lines over freight rates amid the ongoing Red Sea crisis.The Rs 25,000 crore maritime development fund will be for distributed support and promoting competition. This will have a 49 per cent contribution by the government and the balance will be mobilised by the ports and the private sector.
3. Budget 2025-26: UDAN scheme to add 120 new destinations in next 10 years: Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced that the government will launch a modified version of its regional connectivity scheme, UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik), which will set out to connect 120 new destinations over the next 10 years.The finance minister has allocated ₹530 crore for UDAN in 2025-26, compared to the revised estimate of ₹800 crore in 2024-25. The scheme, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October 2016, aims to make air travel affordable by improving connectivity from unserved and underserved airports.The modified scheme will expand its scope to include support for helipads and smaller airports in hilly, aspirational, and northeastern regional districts, Sitharaman said.According to the Economic Survey, UDAN has already operationalised 619 routes connecting 88 airports, including two water aerodromes and 13 heliports.
4. Budget 2025-26: Top 50 tourist destinations to be developed in ‘Challenge Mode’: In a significant boost to tourism, the Union Budget 2025 allocated funds for the development of the top 50 tourist destinations in the country in partnership with State governments through a “challenge mode”.While States will be responsible for providing land for essential infrastructural development, hotels at these destinations will be included in the Harmonised Master List (HML) of infrastructure projects.The government will also promote homestays by extending Mudra loans to these businesses and organising skill development programmes in hospitality institutes. Additionally, it will streamline e-visa facilities and provide visa fee waivers for select tourist groups to attract international visitors.The total Budget allocation for the Ministry for 2025-26 stands at ₹2,541.06 crore, marking a substantial increase from the revised estimate of ₹36 crore in 2024-25.
5. India’s First White Tiger Breeding Centre Approved in Madhya Pradesh: Central Zoo Authority (CZA), Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), has approved the proposal to set up India’s 1st white tiger breeding centre in Govindgarh area of Rewadistrict in Madhya Pradesh.The breeding centre is expected to enhance biodiversity conservation, promote wildlife tourism, and create job opportunities for the local population.
6. Shivraj Singh Chouhan launches a national-level mass outreach campaign “Watershed Yatra” : Union Minister of Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan has launched a national level mass outreach campaign “Watershed Yatra”, in Hybrid mode to generate people’s participation and create awareness about the Watershed Development activities carried out under Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WDC-PMKSY 2.0) in project areas.A total of about 800 Gram Panchayats and more than one lakh people participated in the Watershed Yatra launch program. The Watershed Yatra will consist of Van movement for around 60-90 days across 805 projects, which cover 6673 GPs (13587 villages) in 26 States and 2 UTs.The Department has developed a Learning Management System (LMS) on Watershed Development and hosted on DoLR’s website, which has also been linked to MY Bharat portal for further engagement of youth.
7. ECI’s ‘Chandrayaan Se Chunao Tak’ initiative boosts voter enthusiasm in West Delhi: A captivating and futuristic initiative by the Election Commission of India (ECI) has been turning heads and generating excitement in West Delhi.At a special polling booth in Vikaspuri, voters are greeted with a remarkable theme: “India’s Flight from Chandrayaan to Election.”The booth is unlike any other, featuring models of the Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan, as well as interactive displays of planets through a bioscope and telescope.The idea behind this initiative is to increase voter awareness and enthusiasm, while also celebrating India’s remarkable achievements in space exploration.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. UK becomes first nation to outlaw AI tools used to generate child sexual abuse content : The United Kingdom has become the first country to introduce laws against artificial intelligence tools used to generate sexualised images of children.The government announced that it would make it illegal to possess, create or distribute AI tools that generate abusive images, making it a crime punishable by up to five years in prison.AI tools are being used to generate child sexual abuse images by “nudeifying” real-life images of children or by “stitching the faces of other children onto existing images.
2. BAPS inaugurates South Africa’s largest Hindu Temple in Johannesburg: The Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) has inaugurated the largest Hindu Temple of South Africa in Johannesburg.The inauguration of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir and Cultural Complex marks a historic milestone for the Hindu community in the country.This new temple joins a growing network of 35 BAPS temples across Africa, including seven in South Africa.BAPS has currently a global presence with over thirteen thousand temples built across various countries, serving as centres for spirituality, cultural preservation, and community service.
3. President Trump signs executive order withdrawing US from UNHRC : President Donald Trump signed an executive order withdrawing the US from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), prohibiting any future funding for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.President Trump also directed the US to review its participation in the UN’s Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).The Executive order said that the United States helped found the United Nations after World War II to prevent future global conflicts and promote international peace and security. Mr. Trump halted funds for UNRWA during his first term. President Joe Biden put a block on US funds for UNRWA in January 2024.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Fort William Renamed as Vijay Durg: ecently, the Indian Army’s Eastern Command headquarters, Fort William, was officially renamed Vijay Durg. This change reflects India’s ongoing efforts to shed colonial legacies and honour its indigenous military history. The decision to rename the fort was made in December 2024, marking a historic shift from British influence in recognition of India’s past. Additionally, Kitchener House inside Fort William was renamed Manekshaw House, and St. George’s Gate has been renamed Shivaji Gate. Fort William stands as a reminder of colonial architecture in India. Its design and construction reflect the military needs of the time. While much of the fort remains unchanged, adaptations have been made to suit contemporary military requirements.
2. Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan Initiative: On the occasion of 77th Army Day, the Defence Ministry launched the Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan initiative. This programme aims to promote battlefield tourism across India. It focuses on 77 sites that commemorate the sacrifices of the Indian Armed Forces. The initiative is a collaboration between the Indian Army, state governments, and the Ministry of Tourism. It seeks to enhance awareness of India’s military history while ensuring visitor safety. Safety is paramount for visitors to these sensitive locations. The Indian Army has implemented several risk mitigation strategies. Visitors must coordinate with army units for access to high-risk zones. Special permits regulate entry to certain high-altitude areas. Emergency response protocols are in place, ensuring immediate medical assistance when needed.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. India Develops Vaccine Candidate Against H5N1: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is spearheading the development of a human vaccine candidate against the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1. This initiative comes in response to recent outbreaks that have posed threats to both animal and human health in India. The ICMR is inviting eligible organisations and manufacturers to collaborate in this critical research and development effort. H5N1 poses a grave public health risk due to its high mortality rate and potential for a global pandemic. The virus can mutate, allowing sustained human-to-human transmission. Although human cases are rare, they can lead to severe outcomes. The case fatality rate exceeds 50 per cent in infected individuals. Symptoms include fever, respiratory distress, and multi-organ failure.
2. Global Concerns Over DeepSeek AI Usage: DeepSeek, a Chinese AI application, has recently faced scrutiny due to privacy and security concerns. Various governments have issued bans on its use, particularly within official capacities. The Finance Ministry of India has advised its employees against using AI tools like DeepSeek and ChatGPT, citing risks to sensitive government data. This advisory comes at a time when India plans to develop its own AI models to compete globally. DeepSeek has been under investigation for its data collection practices. Privacy watchdogs in Europe have raised alarms about how the app handles user data. DeepSeek’s privacy policy states that it stores information on servers in China. This raises fears that user data could be accessed by Chinese authorities.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. RBI Approves Tata Communications’ Rs. 330 Crore ATM Business Sale to Findi : The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved Tata Communications’ plan to sell its entire stake in Tata Communications Payment Solutions (TCPSL) to Transaction Solutions International (TSI), the Indian arm of Australian fintech company Findi.The deal, first announced in November 2024, is valued at Rs 330 crore, with an additional Rs 75 crore based on interchange rate adjustments.TSI currently operates more than 7,500 “brown label” ATMs, partnering with banks like SBI, PNB, Central Bank of India, and HDFC. It also manages back-end operations for over 10,000 “white label” ATMs and facilitates digital payments through 50,000+ merchants under its FindiPay brand.
2. NaBFID raises Rs 5,000 crore via 15-year bonds at 7.25% cut-off rate: State-owned National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) has raised Rs 5,000 crore through 15-year bonds at a cut-off rate of 7.25 per cent.Additionally, the state-owned Power Finance Corporation (PFC) raised Rs 3,950 crore through bonds maturing in approximately 10 years and 20 years, with cut-off rates of 7.24 per cent and7.25 per cent, respectively.According to market participants, NaBFID’s cut-off rate was considered realistic, given the large state development loan (SDL) issue this week and the increasing selectivity among some of the large long-term investors. The cut-off for ‘AAA’-rated long-term issuance has moved up in the last few months.State–owned REC had raised Rs 1,620 crore through bonds maturing in 10 years at a very attractive cut of 7.10 per cent. During this time, the 10–year government securities yield has come down from 6.74 per cent at the end of November to 6.67 per cent as of February 4.
3. PNB MetLife partners with Policybazaar to Launch Smart Invest Pension Plan for Early Retirement: Lift insurance firm PNB MetLife has partnered with Policybazaar to launch the PNB MetLife Smart Invest Pension Plan, a Unit-Linked, Non-Participating Individual Pension Plan, designed to help individuals plan for their golden years.The Smart Invest Pension Plan is designed for individuals between 40 to 50 years of age and offers a flexible approach to early retirement planning.MD & CEO of PNB MetLife – Sameer Bansal
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Chaman Arora awarded Sahitya Akademi Award 2024 in Dogri for his book “Ik Hor Ashwthama”: Sri Madhav Kaushik, President, Sahitya Akademi, has approved Sahitya Akademi Award 2024 in Dogri for Ik Hor Ashwthama (Short Stories) by Late Chaman Arora.The book was selected on the basis of recommendation made by the Jury comprising three members in accordance with the rules and procedures laid down for the purpose.The Award in the form of a casket containing an engraved copper-plaque and a payment of Rs.1,00,000/- will be presented to the family member/nominee of the awardee at a special function will be held on 8 March 2025 at New Delhi.The Sahitya Akademi was formally inaugurated by the Government of India on 12 March 1954.Akademi gives 24 awards annually to literary works in the languages it has recognized and an equal number of awards to literary translations from and into the languages of India. Besides the 22 languages enumerated in the Constitution of India, the Sahitya Akademi has recognised English and Rajasthani as languages in which its programme may be implemented.
2. Chandrika Tandon wins Best New Age Album Award at the 67th Grammy: Indian-born American musician Chandrika Tandon won her first Grammy award in the ‘ Best New Age Album, Ambient or Chant Album category’ for her album Triveni at the 67th Grammy Awards 2025.This was the first Grammy Award for the 71-year-old Chandrika Tandon who was once nominated for a Grammy award in 2011 for her album Soul Call.The 67th annual Grammy Awards function was held at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, the United States of America.The Grammy Awards is considered to be one of the most prestigious awards in the music industry and is given annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences in the United States of America. The first Grammy Award was given in 1959.
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