NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Budget 2025-26: 10,000 New Fellowships Under PMRF Scheme: The Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship (PMRF) scheme, aimed at supporting talented students pursuing doctoral research in India, has received a major boost in Budget 2025.FM Nirmala Sitharaman has announced that 10,000 new fellowships will be awarded over the next five years.Launched in Budget 2018-19, the PMRF scheme provides direct admission to PhD programmes in IITs, IISc, and IISERs, along with attractive financial support. Selected scholars receive a monthly stipend ranging from Rs 70,000 to Rs 80,000, along with a research grant of Rs 2 lakh per year (up to Rs 10 lakh for five years).
2. Budget 2025-26: Centre to set up 2nd gene bank with 10 lakh germplasm lines: The government will set up a second Gene Bank with 10 lakh germplasm lines to conserve genetic resources and secure food and nutritional security. This aims to provide conservation support to the public and commercial sectors for genetic resources and to secure future food and nutritional security.A gene bank preserves and stores genetic material, including seeds, tissues and DNA samples from various plant and animal species. . Established in 1972, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) Genebank is a well-known institution committed to the preservation and conservation of crop genetic resources.ICRISAT Genebank is a key institution protecting the genetic diversity of 11 vital crops, including various types of millet, chickpea, pigeon pea, and groundnut. It operates globally with facilities in India, Zimbabwe, Niger, and Kenya.In 2019, the ICRISAT set up the world’s first gene bank in Hyderabad that is powered entirely by solar energy.
3. Budget 2025-26: New ‘Gyan Bharatam Mission’ for manuscripts announced: The Union Budget 2025-26 announced a special mission for the survey, documentation, and conservation of India’s manuscript heritage. Launched as the ‘Gyan Bharatam Mission’, it intends to cover more than one crore manuscripts.The ‘Gyan Bharatam Mission’ is for undertaking the “survey, documentation and conservation” of India’s manuscript heritage lying with academic institutions, museums, libraries, and private collectors.To accommodate this new initiative, the budget allocation for the National Manuscripts Mission (NMM), whose aim is to identify and document manuscripts and make the manuscript heritage accessible across the country, has been hiked from ₹5 crore to ₹60 crore.The overall allocation for the Culture Ministry has been increased by approximately ₹100 crore with a total outlay of ₹3,360.96 crore as against the revised estimate of ₹3,260.93 crore in the current fiscal.
4. Budget 2025-26: National Geospatial Mission announced to modernise land records: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the launch of a National Geospatial Mission in the Budget 2025-26.The mission will be aimed at modernising land records and enhancing urban planning across India. This initiative will leverage the existing PM Gati Shakti framework to develop foundational geospatial infrastructure and data, facilitating improved design and execution of infrastructure projects.Geospatial refers to data or information that is associated with a specific location on the Earth’s surface. The National Geospatial Mission is expected to significantly impact various sectors, particularly in urban development and land management
5. Guneri village in Gujarat declared the first biodiversity heritage site: The 32.78-hectare area of Guneri village in Lakhtar tehsil of Kutch district, which is a natural inland mangrove site, has been declared as the first Biodiversity Heritage Site of Gujarat.The Gujarat government made the announcement after considering a recommendation from the Gujarat Biodiversity Board. This will ensure conservation and enrichment of the flora and fauna in the area “through a management plan”.The announcement has been done under the provisions of The Biodiversity Act, 2002. The Act empowers the state government to notify an area as a BHS after consulting concerned local bodies.
6. Citibank appoints K Balasubramanian as India head: Citibank appointed, succeeding Ashu Khulla.Balasubramanian will report to Amol Gupte, head of Asia South and banking head. Ashu Khullar will transition to co-head of global asset managers (GAM) with Anthony Diamandakis.Under Khullar’s leadership from 2019 to 2025, Citi India achieved significant growth, becoming a top investment bank in equity capital markets and mergers and acquisitions.
7. Noel Tata awarded honorary doctorate by the University of Sussex: The University of Sussex has conferred an honorary doctorate upon Noel Tata, a distinguished business leader within the Tata Group and a proud alumnus of the University.The honorary degree was presented by Professor Sasha Roseneil, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Sussex, during a private ceremony held in Mumbai.Noel Tata, who graduated from the University of Sussex in 1978 with a degree in Economics.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Zepto world’s second-most-downloaded app in food and drink category: Zepto, the Indian quick commerce startup, last year became the world’s second most downloaded mobile app on mobiles in the foods and drinks category, according to data Sensor Tower released.McDonald’s, the US fast food chain, was the most downloaded. Zepto’s rival Blinkit was the tenth most downloaded app in the category.Other Indian companies in the category were food and grocery delivery companies Zomato at number five and its competitor Swiggy at number nine.The category also included fast food and fast casual restaurants, restaurant order and delivery, other food delivery services, dining and listing, reviews and reservations and dining and restaurant apps.
2. Jayant Chaudhary inaugurates NSDC International Academy at Greater Noida: Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (I/C), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and Minister of State, Ministry of Education inaugurated the NSDC International Academy at Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.The academy is a state-of-the-art facility designed to provide world-class skill development and training programmes.With a target of training over 1,000 candidates annually, the NSDC International Academy is committed to addressing the demands of both local and international job markets.With residential facilities accommodating up to 500 candidates, the NSDC International Academy offers an immersive learning environment that promotes both academic and personal growth.
3. Following USA, Argentina withdraws from World Health Organization: Argentina announced its decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), following the United States’ similar move under President Donald Trump.The decision was made by Argentina’s libertarian President Javier Milei, who instructed Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein to initiate the withdrawal.President Milei cited “deep differences” regarding the WHO’s management of health issues, particularly its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
4. 6 February – International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation: International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation is observed every year on 6 February.The day aims to raise awareness and promote action to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a harmful practice affecting millions of women and girls worldwide Theme 2025- Step up the Pace
In 2012, the UN General Assembly designated February 6th as the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, with the aim to amplify and direct the efforts on the elimination of this practice. Since 2008, UNFPA, jointly with UNICEF, leads the largest global programme to accelerate the elimination of female genital mutilation.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. Indian Army Enhances Firepower with New Contracts: The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) recently signed contracts worth Rs 10,147 crore to boost the firepower of the Indian Army. These agreements involve the procurement of advanced munitions for the indigenously developed PINAKA Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS). The contracts were signed with Economic Explosives Limited (EEL) and Munitions India Limited (MIL). Additionally, software upgrades were contracted to Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). This initiative is step in the modernisation of India’s defence capabilities. The MoD’s procurement strategy prioritises indigenous development. Collaborations with private companies like Bharat Forge and Tata Group are expected to strengthen domestic manufacturing. This approach not only enhances military capabilities but also promotes economic growth by encouraging local industries.
2. Stryker Infantry Combat Vehicles: Recently, the focus on India-U.S. defence collaboration intensified, particularly concerning the Stryker infantry combat vehicles. This comes in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump‘s encouragement for India to increase military procurement from the U.S. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Washington D.C. has further brought into light this strategic partnership. The Stryker vehicle’s performance in high-altitude conditions has been a key area of evaluation for the Indian Army. India’s procurement strategy involves a two-stage process. Initially, a small number of Strykers will be directly imported. Subsequently, a larger quantity will be manufactured in India, likely by Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML). This approach aims to enhance local defence manufacturing capabilities.
SPORTS
1. Two time Grand Slams winner Simona Halep announced Retirement: Two-time grand slam champion and former world No. 1 Simona Halep has retired from tennis.The Romanian announced her decision at the Transylvania Open in Cluj, Romania after losing her first-round match against Lucia Bronzetti 6-1, 6-1.Halep has struggled with injuries since returning to the court last year after serving a doping ban.The 33-year-old was handed a four-year ban in September 2023 after testing positive for the banned substance Roxadustat at the 2022 US Open.
She won her first grand slam at the French Open in 2018, before securing her second at Wimbledon in 2019.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. India’s Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Revolution: India’s electric vehicle (EV) charging market is experiencing growth. Recent investments have exceeded $450 million in start-ups focused on charging networks and battery-swapping models. Despite this, the current infrastructure is inadequate. There is only one public charger for every 135 EVs, compared to a global average of one charger for every 6 to 20 EVs. To meet ambitious government targets, urgent expansion of charging facilities is essential. Government initiatives have played important role in attracting investment. The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME II) scheme and Production-Linked Incentives (PLI) have been implemented. Various state governments have introduced policies offering subsidies and support for land acquisition, particularly in urban areas.
2. SARAT Version 2: The Government of India has recently upgraded its Search and Rescue Aid Tool (SARAT) to enhance operational efficiency for search and rescue agencies. The latest version, SARAT version 2, aims to provide faster response times and higher success rates in search-and-rescue operations, particularly in the Indian Ocean region. The latest version introduces several enhancements. The computation of probable search areas is now anchored to the Last Known Position (LKP) of the object. This shift allows for more accurate search area definitions. Previously, the search area was determined based on the point with the minimum longitude, which was less precise.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. L & T Finance launches AI-powered Virtual Home Loan Advisor ‘KAI’: L &T Finance Limited (LTF) has introduced Knowledgeable AI (KAI), an AI-powered virtual home loan advisor, designed to simplify and personalize the home loan journey, accessible on their newly redesigned corporate website.KAI addresses challenges like complex terminology, intricate calculations, and lengthy processes, offering intuitive, efficient support to first-time homebuyers, helping them navigate the home loan process smoothly.Utilizing a specialized Large Language Model (LLM), KAI provides personalized guidance, instant EMI calculations, and expert answers, functioning as a 24/7 home loan guide rather than a traditional chatbot.
2. Recent Facilities Launched in Banking & Insurance Sector: PNB MetLife partners with Policybazaar to Launch Smart Invest Pension Plan for Early RetirementFinvasia partners with Yes Bank to launch AI-enabled super app ‘Jumpp’Shriram GI Unveils Shri Health Suraksha Insurance – A Comprehensive and Affordable Health PlanTata AIA Life Insurance launches ‘Shubh Muhurat’ to meet wedding expenses IDFC FIRST Bank launched the UPI enabled RuPay Credit Card called – FIRST EARN .
3. Airtel Payments Bank partners with Karnataka Bulldozers for CCL 2025: Airtel Payments Bank has partnered with the Karnataka Bulldozers for the Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) 2025.As part of this collaboration, Airtel Payments Bank will be co-sponsoring the team in its quest for victory while promoting safe digital banking solutions to fans across the nation.The Celebrity Cricket League, known for its blend of cricket and entertainment, will begin on 8 February 2025. Through this collaboration, Airtel Payments Bank aims to connect with millions of cricket fans nationwide and reinforce its position as a trusted partner in digital banking.
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