Daily GK Update- 5th Feb, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Budget 2025-26: Credit guarantee cover for MSMEs, startups enhanced: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in her budget speech, announced an increase in the credit guarantee cover under the CGTMSE scheme for MSMEs and startups to facilitate easier access to formal credit.For micro and small enterprises, the cover has been enhanced from the current Rs 5 crore to Rs 10 crore leading to an additional credit of Rs 1.5 lakh crore in the next five years.For startups, the cover has been increased from the current Rs 10 crore to Rs 20 crore while reducing the guarantee fee to 1 per cent for loans in 27 focus sectors. Also, for well-run exporter MSMEs, the cover will be provided for term loans up to Rs 20 crore.FM Sitharaman also announced that customised credit cards for micro enterprises registered on the Udyam portal will be introduced with Rs 5 lakh limit. 10 lakh cards will be issued in the first year.

 

2. Union Budget 2025-26: AI, medical, and technical education get a major boos: The Union Budget for 2025 has announced allocation of Rs 500 crore to create a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence (AI) dedicated to education. This initiative is set to significantly improve AI education and research at the university level, in line with India’s vision of ‘Industry 4.0’ and ‘Make in India, Make for the World.’The budget lays out plans for expanding infrastructure in five new Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), aiming to welcome an additional 6,500 students over the next five years. These new IITs, situated in Jammu, Bhilai, Dharwad, Palakkad, and Tirupati, will receive upgrades to their facilities to support the growing student population. Moreover, IIT Patna is set for enhancements in its hostel and other facilities.Over the last decade, the total student enrollment across all 23 IITs has surged from 65,000 to 1.35 lakh, demonstrating the government’s dedication to developing educational infrastructure.

 

3. Union Budget 2025-26: Jal Jeevan Mission extended till 2028: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced an extension of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) till 2028 (100% coverage), with an outlay of Rs 67,000 crore in the Union Budget 2025-26.However, the scheme saw a massive cut in allocation at the revised estimate (RE) stage during the current fiscal year 2024-25.Launched in August 2019, the JJM was aimed at providing functional household tap connections (FHTC) to provide 55 lpcd (litre per capita per day) drinking water to all rural households in the country by 2024.Since 2019, 15 crore households representing 80 per cent of India’s rural population have been provided access to potable tap water connections

 

4. Union Budget 2025-26: Centre Launches ₹16,021 Crore Power Reform Scheme to Boost State Infrastructure and Attract Private Investment: The Central Government has introduced a scheme to incentivize states for improving their power infrastructure and opening it to private investment.The scheme allows additional borrowing of 0.5% of GSDP for states that implement power transmission and distribution reforms. A “Reforms Linked Distribution Scheme” with an allocation of ₹16,021 crore aims to attract private investment in the power transmission and distribution sector.The scheme promotes 24×7 sustainable power supply and a financially viable distribution sector by supporting reforms at the state level.Discoms adopting reforms like Public-Private Partnership (PPP) ownership and various franchise models at the distribution level will receive financial assistance.

 

5. Maharashtra makes Marathi mandatory for all official communication: The Maharashtra government has made it mandatory for all officials in government and semi-government offices to speak only in Marathi.The planning department issued the notification, warning that employees who do not follow the directive will face disciplinary action. The decision applies to all communication, official signage, and documentation across the state.The rule applies to all government offices, semi-government offices, local self-government bodies, government corporations, and government-aided establishments.

 

6. Government introduces ‘Haj Suvidha App’ and strengthens healthcare support for Indian pilgrims: The Government of India has taken significant steps to improve the Haj pilgrimage experience by introducing the ‘Haj Suvidha App’ and providing comprehensive healthcare services to Indian pilgrims, with a special focus on the elderly.Pilgrims can access important information such as training materials, accommodation details, flight schedules, baggage tracking, an emergency helpline (SOS), grievance redressal, and feedback.The app also offers language translation services and other essential information to enhance the pilgrim’s experience. For government officials overseeing Haj operations, the app provides real-time monitoring and emergency response tools, ensuring better coordination and accountability.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. International Big Cat Alliance officially comes into force as fully functional international legal entity: The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) has officially come into force as a treaty-based, inter-governmental organisation, becoming a fully functional international legal entity on January 23.The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), acting as the Depository for the Framework Agreement, confirmed that five countries – the Republic of Nicaragua, the Kingdom of Eswatini, the Republic of India, the Federal Republic of Somalia, and the Republic of Liberia – have deposited their instruments of ratification, acceptance, or approval, making them the founding members of the IBCA.What is the Big Cat Alliance?The IBCA was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 9, 2023, during an event commemorating the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger. The initiative’s main objective is the conservation of seven major big cat species: the Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma.

 

2. Bart De Wever sworn in as Belgium’s new Prime Minister: In Belgium, Bart De Wever has been sworn in as the country’s new prime minister. The oath-taking ceremony took place before King Philippe of Belgium at the Royal Palace.De Wever’s coalition, consisting of five parties, includes seven francophone ministers and seven Flemish ministers in the new government.Airtel’s Gopal Vittal named as acting chair of GSMA board: Gopal Vittal, Vice Chairman and MD of telecom firm Bharti Airtel and Deputy Chair of GSMA, has been appointed as the acting chair of the GSMA (Groupe Spécial Mobile Association) board.The appointment came following the resignation of Jose Maria Alvares-Pallete, Chairman and CEO of Telefonica, from the company.The headquarters of the “Groupe Spécial Mobile Association” (GSMA) is located in London, England, UK

 

3. 4 February – World Cancer Day: World Cancer Day is celebrated on February 4 every year to spread awareness and educate people about the prevention, detection, and treatment of this life-threatening disease.Theme 2024 – United by UniqueThis theme is part of a three-year campaign running from 2025 to 2027, focusing on the personal journeys of cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers. World Cancer Day was first introduced on February 4, 1999.The day is led by UICC and was established in the year 2000.

 

4. 4 February – International Day of Human Fraternity: The International Day of Human Fraternity is observed on February 4 every year to promote peace, tolerance, and mutual understanding among different cultures and religions.Theme 2025 – Human fraternity for world peace and living togetherInternational Day of Human Fraternity was established by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2020 to promote greater cultural and religious tolerance.

The International Day of Human Fraternity was first celebrated by the United Nations on February 4, 2021.

 

5. 1-7 February – World Interfaith Harmony Week: World Interfaith Harmony Week has been observed on 1-7 February by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), and serves as a global initiative to promote mutual understanding, interfaith dialogue, and cooperation among different religious communities.It was launched in February 2011 to promote harmony among people of different faiths at a time when interreligious conflict is claiming lives and livelihoods all over the world.Theme 2025 – Uniting for Peace

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Fort William Renamed as Vijay Durg: Recently, 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. The fort houses a museum dedicated to the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. Artifacts related to the Bangladesh Liberation War are also displayed. Additionally, a war memorial has been established at the entrance, commemorating the sacrifices of Indian soldiers.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. OpenAI launches ‘deep research’ tool after China’s DeepSeek shakes AI world: OpenAI has launched a new “deep research” tool in ChatGPT to provide detailed, customized reports, raising the bar in the AI competition.The move comes in response to China’s DeepSeek chatbot, which has disrupted the AI landscape with advanced research capabilities.Users can access “deep research” by selecting the feature in the ChatGPT message composer and entering their query for comprehensive insights.The tool supports file and spreadsheet attachments, offering context for better responses, with a sidebar that tracks steps and sources used in generating the report.

 

2. Uganda Launches First Clinical Trial for Ebola Vaccine: Recently, Uganda initiated a groundbreaking clinical trial for a vaccine targeting the Sudan species of the Ebola virus. This move, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and global partners, follows the confirmation of an outbreak on January 30. The speed of this trial is unprecedented, marking advancement in emergency vaccine research. The study employs a randomised, ring vaccination strategy. This method has proven effective in containing outbreaks by vaccinating those who have been in close contact with infected individuals. The first phase will involve approximately 40 participants, including contacts of the first confirmed case.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. TVS Holdings completes acquisition of Home Credit India for ₹554 crore: TVS Holdings Ltd. has completed the acquisition of 80.74% equity stake in Home Credit India Finance Private Ltd. for ₹554 crore. The balance 19.26% of the equity stake has been purchased by Premji Invest and associates of TVS Holdings.This acquisition aligns seamlessly with TVS Holdings’ mission to strengthen its presence in the financial services sector.The acquisition of Home Credit was funded through a combination of proceeds from the recent sale of the company’s real estate assets and borrowings from capital markets.MD of TVS Holdings – Sudarshan Venu

 

2. CreditAccess Grameen secures USD 50 million commitment from IFC: CreditAccess Grameen has secured approval for a USD 50 million commitment from the International Finance Corporation (IFC).This transaction is a testament to CA Grameen’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its asset liability management (ALM) position given flexible repayment structures and maintaining geographical diversification to hedge against market volatility.IFC’s investment will help enhance access to finance for microentrepreneurs with a particular focus on women borrowers engaged in agriculture and agri-related activities. The funding will help CA Grameen reach 3-4 million additional women borrowers over the lifecycle of the project.

 

Daily GK Update- 4th Feb, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Budget 2025-26: Fiscal Deficit for FY26 estimated at 4.4% of GDP: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman pegged fiscal deficit, the difference between expenditure and income, to 4.4 per cent of GDP (gross domestic product) for fiscal year 2025-26.The fiscal deficit target has been set at 4.4 per cent of GDP, down from 4.8 per cent in the previous year’s revised estimates, as the government moves forward with fiscal consolidation plans.Under the revised Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act 2003, the government is mandated to reduce the fiscal deficit below 4.5 per cent by FY26.To finance the fiscal deficit, the net market borrowings from dated securities are estimated at ₹54 lakh crore.India’s Union Budget for FY26 has set total government expenditure at ₹65 trillion, marking an increase from ₹47.16 trillion in the revised estimates for 2024-25.

 

2. Budget 2025-26: ₹8,900 crore additional allocation for residential rooftop solar: The Budget 2025-26 makes an allocation of ₹20,000 crore, under ‘revenue expenditure’ for the PM Surya Garh Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSGMBY) — a scheme that provides incentives for setting up small-scale rooftop solar plants on residential roofs.This is a huge jump from the ₹6,250 crore allocation made in the Budget for 2024-25, which stood increased to ₹11,100 crore in the revised estimates for the year. The near doubling of revised estimates over the budgeted amount for 2024-25 indicates the scheme took off quite well.As such, the government has once again increased the allocations to the scheme this year, by 80 per cent over the revised estimates for last year.The PMSGMBY was launched in February 2024 with a 4-year outlay of ₹75,021 crore, with a view to engendering 10 million small-size residential rooftop installations. As of December 2024, about 700,000 installations have been completed.

 

3. Budget 2025-26: New Makhana Board and Food Institute to be opened in Bihar: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced, a special Makhana Board will be established in Bihar to enhance the production, marketing, and value addition of Makhana.Farmers engaged in Makhana cultivation will be categorized as Follow-On Public Offers (FPOs) and receive training and support.The Board will ensure that Makhana farmers benefit from government schemes and receive necessary assistance.A National Institute of Food Technology, Processing, and Innovation will also be established in Bihar to promote the food sector.This initiative aims to increase farmers’ income, promote value addition, and create skilling and employment opportunities in eastern India.

 

4. Budget 2025: Govt Launches ‘Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses’ to Increase Production and Farmers’ Income: The Union budget 2025-26 has proposed Aatmanirbharta or self-sufficiency in pulses and the farmers of Rajasthan are seeing a silver lining in this as special attention would be given to the production of Tur, Urad and Masoor.The government will now launch a 6-year ‘Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses’ with a special focus on Tur, Urad and Masoor. Central agencies (NAFED and NCCF) will be ready to procure these 3 pulses, as much as offered during the next 4 years from farmers who register with these agencies and enter into agreements.The pulse-producing farmers of Rajasthan will be directly benefited by this scheme. Lentils are produced in large quantities in Western Rajasthan and Kota. It is cultivated in about 38 lakh hectares in the entire state, which makes this region prominent in pulse yield.

 

5. DGCA imposes Rs 30 lakh penalty on Air India for regulatory norms violation: Aviation safety regulator DGCA has imposed a penalty of Rs 30 lakh on Tata Group-owned Air India for allegedly allowing one of its pilots to operate a flight without complying with certain regulatory requirements.The order to slap penalty came after the response of a show-cause notice to Air India’s head of operations and head of rostering, among other executives, on December 13, 2024 was found “unsatisfactory.”

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 2 February – World Wetlands Day: World Wetlands Day is observed annually on February 2 to raise awareness about the vital role of wetlands in sustaining biodiversity and supporting human well-being.Theme 2025 – Protecting Wetlands for Our Common FutureThe day marks the signing of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 1971, a key international treaty aimed at conserving wetlands globally.

 

2. UK-EU Relations Post-Brexit: Recently, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is making progress in reshaping the relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union. His recent visit to Brussels marks the first time a British prime minister has engaged with EU leaders since Brexit. This visit aims to enhance cooperation in defence, security, crime, and trade amidst geopolitical challenges, including the ongoing war in Ukraine and the return of Donald Trump to the White House. Starmer’s government aims to establish a “reset” with the EU. The focus is on creating a better relationship without rejoining the single market or customs union. The government is under pressure from various political factions. Conservative leaders accuse Labour of attempting to re-enter the EU, while others call for more extensive negotiations.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. India-Maldives Joint Military Exercise ‘Ekuverin’ Begins: The 13th edition of joint military exercise ‘Ekuverin’ between the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Force has commenced in the archipelago nation.In 2023, it was conducted at Chaubatia in Uttarakhand from June 11 to 24.Ekuverin meaning ‘Friends’ in Dhivehi language.Indian Army and the Indian Air Force conducted a major military exercise, Exercise Devil Strike18th edition of Exercise Surya Kiran between India and Nepal Military – Saljhandi, NepalNaval Exercise SLINEX 2024 between Sri Lanka and India- VisakhapatnamJoint Military Exercise Harimau Shakti 2024 between India and Malaysia – Bentong camp, Pahang district, Malaysia.1^st edition of Joint Tabletop Exercise, CINBAX between India and Cambodia – Foreign Training Node, Pune, Maharashtra.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers win men’s Hockey India League 2024-25 Title: Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers won the 6th Men’s Hockey India League 2024-25 title, beating Hyderabad Toofans 4-3 in a tense final at a packed Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium in Rourkela.Odisha.This was the first title win for the Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers, winning them a prize of Rs 3 crore. The runners-up Hyderabad Toofan won Rs 2 crore as prize money.Earlier, the Odisha Warriors won the first edition of the Women’s Hockey India League 2024-25 title by defeating Soorma Hockey Club 2-1 in the final.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Maharashtra to establish country’s first Artificial Intelligence university: Maharashtra will establish the first Artificial Intelligence (AI) university in the country and a task force has been formed for the planning and implementation of the project.The task force includes experts from the academia, industry and government. The task force will be chaired by the Information Technology department’s principal secretary.The university will promote research and development in AI and related fields and will be a centre of excellence, encouraging collaboration between the industry, academia and government.It includes directors of the IIT Mumbai and IIM Mumbai, representatives from organisations like Google India, Mahindra Group, and L&T, and officials from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India.Experts from the Rajiv Gandhi Science and Technology Commission and the Data Security Council of India are also part of the task force.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. UPI volume scales new peak of 16.99 billion in January: NPCI data: Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions saw a marginal 6 per cent month-on-month increase in volume to 16.99 billion in January, up from 16.73 billion in December 2024. This was a new record in terms of volume, since the digital system became operational in April 2016.In November, the volume was seen at 15.48 billion. On the other hand, the value also increased by 1 per cent to Rs 23.48 trillion, up from Rs 23.25 trillion in December. This was seen at Rs 21.55 trillion in November, and Rs 23.5 trillion in October, the highest so far in terms of value, said data from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).January saw a 39 per cent rise in volume, and 28 per cent value, compared to the same month last financial year. The average daily transactions during the month were 548 million, translating to around Rs 75,743 crore.

 

2. GST collections in January at Rs 1.96 lakh crore: Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections for the month of January touched Rs 1.96 lakh crore, an increase of 12.3% year-on-year basis.For the previous month, India’s GST collections rose 7.3% to Rs 1.77 lakh crore in December compared to the previous year. This growth slowed from an 8.5% increase in November.Central GST collections stood at Rs 36,100 crore while states were at Rs 44,900 crore. Additionally, for this month, integrated GST collections remained at Rs 1.01 lakh crore. Furthermore, GST cess collections was reported at Rs 13,400 crores.

 

Daily GK Update 3rd Feb, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. FM Nirmala Sitharaman presented Union Budget 2025: The Union Budget 2025-26 was presented by the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Parliament recognizing 4 engines of development- agriculture, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), investment and exports.The Union Budget 2025-26, with the theme Sabka Vikas, aims to stimulate balanced growth across all regions. In line with the Budget theme, the finance minister outlined the broad principles of Viksit Bharat.Six key principles of Viksit Bharat as outlined in the Union Budget 2025-26

 

2. Budget 2025-26: Prioritizes Healthcare with ₹98,311 Cr Allocation: The healthcare sector received a total allocation of ₹98,311 crore, up by 9.8 percent from ₹89,287 crore in the previous fiscal year. The Budget prioritises expanding medical care and infrastructure.The government has also allocated ₹2,445 crore for PLI for the pharmaceutical industry. The sector saw a 191% increase in budgetary allocation from ₹34,286 crore in FY14-15.Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) got an allocation of ₹9,406 crore. The government has allocated ₹4,200 crore for the Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PMABHIM).The government allocated ₹37,226.92 crore crore to the National Health Mission (NHM). The National Tele Mental Health Programme was allocated ₹6 crore. The Union Budget allocated ₹20,046.07 crore for autonomous bodies. The allocation for All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, was increased to ₹5,200 crore.

 

3. Budget 2025-26: Surge in defence allocations to enhance armed forces: In the Union Budget 2025-26, a record-breaking allocation of Rs 6.81 lakh crore for the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has been allocated, marking a significant increase of 9.53% over the previous financial year.The total allocation of Rs 6,81,210.27 crore for MoD accounts for 13.45% of the Union Budget, the highest among all ministries.The allocation has been distributed across several critical segments of the defence sector, focusing on modernization, self-reliance, and welfare of ex-servicemen.A significant portion of the budget, Rs 1.80 lakh crore (26.43% of the total MoD allocation), has been set aside for Capital Outlay. This represents a 4.65% increase from the previous fiscal year’s allocation and focuses primarily on the modernization of the Armed Forces.

 

4. Union Budget 2025-26: Railways allocation remains unchanged at ₹2.65 lakh crore: The Budget allocation for Indian Railways for FY 2025-26 stands at ₹65 lakh crore, the same as last year’s allocation.The allocations for customer amenities in the Railways and investments in public sector units and joint ventures have been slashed.The Railway Capex stands at ₹52 lakh crore from the total ₹2.65 lakh crore allocation that include(s) Public Private Partnership investments.

In FY 2024-25, of the allocated budget of ₹65 lakh crore, the expenditure till January 23 this year stood at ₹2.09 lakh crore (79.33%). The actual utilisation of the budget for FY 2023-24 stood at ₹2.45 lakh crore, Budget documents reveal.In the Union Budget 2025-26, Indian Railways (IR) has planned to redevelop more than 1300 stations during the next 4 years. These railway stations will be redeveloped under the prestigious Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS). 

 

5. Budget 2025-26: FDI limit in insurance sector raised to 100 per cent from 74 per cent: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced an increase in the foreign investment limit in the insurance sector from 74% to 100%. However, this will require amendments to the Insurance Act 1938, the Life Insurance Corporation Act 1956, and the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act 1999.This enhanced limit will be available for those companies which invest the entire premium in India.What does it mean?The move is expected to attract more players and will eventually help achieve the target of ‘Insurance for All’ by 2047. The entry of more players in the sector would not only push penetration but result in greater job creation across the country.

Currently, there are 25 life insurance companies and 34 non-life or general insurance firms in India. These include companies like Agriculture Insurance Company of India Ltd and ECGC Ltd.

 

6. Tata Steel becomes ‘India’s 1st’ to develop hydrogen transportation pipes: Tata Steel has become the first Indian company to develop pipes for transporting hydrogen, contributing to India’s clean energy goals.The company’s hydrogen-compliant API X65 pipes were processed at Tata Steel’s Khopoli plant using steel produced at its Kalinganagar facility.Tata Steel managed the entire production process, from designing and manufacturing hot-rolled steel to producing the final hydrogen transportation pipes.India aims to produce at least 5 MMT of Green Hydrogen annually by 2030, with potential expansion to 10 MMT per year, requiring advanced transportation infrastructure like Tata Steel’s pipes.RBI imposes monetary penalty on Equitas Small Finance Bank LimitedThe Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed penalties on Equitas Small Finance Bank and India Post Payments Bank for deficiencies in regulatory compliances.RBI has imposed a penalty of Rs 65 lakh on Equitas Small Finance Bank for non-compliance with certain directions on ‘Levy of Foreclosure Charges/Pre-payment Penalty on Floating Rate Term Loans’ and ‘Credit Flow to Agriculture — Collateral free agricultural loans’.

 

7. Railway Ministry releases ‘SwaRail’ SuperApp for testing: The Railway Ministry has released an application called SuperApp, a one-stop solution offering multiple public-facing services.The app provides easy access to services like reserved and unreserved ticket bookings, platform and parcel bookings, train inquiries, PNR inquiries, help through RailMadad and more.The core emphasis of the app is to enhance user experience through a seamless and clean user interface. It not only combines all services in one place but also integrates several services to provide users with a complete package of Indian Railway services.

 

8. India Adds 4 New Ramsar Sites, taking total to 89: The Centre has announced the addition of four new Ramsar sites in India, taking the tally to 89.Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary and Therthangal Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, Khecheopalri Wetland in Sikkim, and Udhwa Lake in Jharkhand have been included in the list of Ramsar sites in the country.India still stands as the country with the highest number of Ramsar sites in Asia and third in the world.Tamil Nadu for becoming the state with the maximum number of Ramsar sites, with a tally of 20. This a special achievement for Sikkim and Jharkhand, which have added their first Ramsar sites

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India to Host BRICS Youth Council Entrepreneurship Working Group Meeting in March 2025: The Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India will organize the BRICS Youth Council Entrepreneurship Working Group Meeting from 3rd to 7th March 2025.The theme of the meeting is “Youth Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Growth”.The meeting will be attended by around 45 youth representatives from BRICS Countries.At the Working Group Meeting, India will provide a platform for representatives of the BRICS Youth Council to exchange policies, programmes, and cooperation prospects in the field of entrepreneurship.The representatives will be given a platform to share their experiences in youth-related work and discuss cooperation in the field of entrepreneurship amongst BRICS countries.

 

2. Niger becomes first African country to eliminate onchocerciasis: Niger becomes the first African country to eliminate onchocerciasis (river blindness), as recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO).Onchocerciasis is a parasitic disease transmitted by black flies, primarily affecting rural populations in sub-Saharan Africa, Yemen, and parts of Latin America.Niger’s elimination efforts included vector control measures (spraying insecticides) and mass drug administration (MDA) using ivermectin and albendazole from 2008 to 2019.The prevalence of onchocerciasis in Niger dropped from approximately 60% to 0.02% after extensive control programs and medical interventions.Niger joins four other countries that have been verified by WHO for eliminating onchocerciasis, all in the Region of the Americas: Colombia (2013), Ecuador (2014), Guatemala (2016) and Mexico (2015).

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. 1 February – Indian Coast Guard Day: Indian Coast Guard Day is observed annually on February 1. India celebrating the 49th Indian Coast Guard Day this year.It is a day to celebrate the institution that protects India’s coastlines and enforces laws in the nation’s maritime areas.The Indian Coast Guard Day was declared by the Indian Parliament on August 18, 1978. The Indian Coast Guard was formed on February 1, 1977, to stop the smuggling of goods by sea that hindered India’s domestic economy.Founded in 1977 with only 7 surface ships, it currently boasts a fleet of 78 aircraft and 158 ships.The ICG department is the fourth largest Coast Guard in the world, according to the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.

 

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Govt clears participation of 88-member Indian contingent at Asian Winter Games 2025: The government has approved the participation of the Indian contingent at the 9th Asian Winter Games 2025, to be held from 7th to 14th February in Harbin, China.The participation of an 88-member Indian contingent, which includes 59 athletes and 29 team officials.For the first time, full financial support is being extended under the Assistance to National Sports Federations Scheme to athletes competing in Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Figure Skating, Short Track Speed Skating, and Speed Skating (Long Track).

 

2. Sachin Tendulkar received BCCI’s Lifetime Achievement Award: Legendary former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar honoured with the BCCI’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the Board’s annual gala in Mumbai.Tendulkar become the 31st recipient of the prestigious award, which was instituted in 1994 in honour of India’s first cricket captain, Col. C.K. Nayudu.The 51-year-old Tendulkar, who played an incredible 664 international matches for India, holds the record for the highest number of Test and ODI runs in cricket history. He amassed 15,921 runs in Tests and a staggering 18,426 runs in ODIs.Tendulkar also holds the record for the most appearances in both formats, with 200 Test matches and 463 ODIs to his name.In 2023, the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to former India head coach Ravi Shastri and wicket-keeping legend Farokh Engineer.

 

3. R Praggnanandhaa wins Tata Steel Chess Masters 2025 : In Chess, Indian Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa clinched the prestigious Tata Steel Masters 2025 title in a thrilling showdown, defeating reigning World Champion D. Gukesh in a nail-biting tiebreaker last night at Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands.This victory makes R. Praggnanandhaa the first Indian since Viswanathan Anand in 2006 to claim the prestigious title.The 14-player round-robin event ended dramatically, with both Gukesh and Pragg tied at 8.5 points after 13 rounds. Gukesh, unbeaten throughout the tournament, lost his final classical game to Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi, while Pragg was defeated by Vincent Keymer in a long battle.

 

4. India Beat South Africa By 9 Wickets to Defend U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup Title: India has defended their ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup title, beating South Africa by 9 wickets in the final match at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.Gongadi Trisha’s unbeaten innings of 44 runs helped Niki Prasad led Women in Blue to chase the target of 83 runs in the 12th over. She also got Player of the Match award. Earlier, South Africa got bundled out for just 82 runs.Indian batter Gongadi Trisha emerged as the leading run-getter in this World Cup, scoring 309 runs and becoming Player of the Tournament. On the other hand, Vaishnavi Sharma became the highest wicket-taker with 17 wickets in 6 matches, including a hat-trick.India had won the title in the inaugural edition in 2023 after beating England by seven wickets in the final.

 

 

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. India’s GDP Growth Projected at 6.4% for FY 2025: India’s real GDP is estimated to grow by 6.4 percent in the financial year 2025, and the growth is likely to range between 6.3 and 6.8 percent in the financial year 2026.This was projected in the Economic Survey presented by the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in both Houses of Parliament.The survey highlights that the country’s GDP at constant (2011-12) prices grew by 6.7 percent in Quarter one and 5.4 percent in Quarter two of the financial year of 2025.Retail headline inflation, as per the Consumer Price Index, has softened from 5.4 percent in the financial year 2024 to 4.9 percent in April to December 2024.

 

2. India Post Payments Bank and PNB MetLife partner to expand life insurance access nationwide: India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) and PNB MetLife India Insurance Company Limited (PNB MetLife) entered into a strategic bancassurance alliance to extend access to life insurance solutions for millions of individuals nationwide.Under the collaboration, PNB MetLife’s life insurance products, combined with IPPB’s network of 650 banking outlets and 110 million customers, will make life insurance accessible to every household in India.This partnership aims to help customers achieve their dreams while promoting financial inclusion across the country.India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) has been established under the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communication with 100 percent equity owned by Government of India

 

3. Shriram GI Unveils Shri Health Suraksha Insurance – A Comprehensive and Affordable Health Plan: Shriram General Insurance (SGIC) has unveiled its first indemnity health insurance plan, Shri Health Suraksha Insurance, aimed at providing comprehensive coverage at an affordable premium.The plan covers a diverse range of treatments, including modern medical procedures and AYUSH treatments (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy), catering to the varied healthcare needs of individuals and families.With nationwide coverage, Shri Health Suraksha Insurance allows policyholders to access cashless treatments at over 13,000 network hospitals. The plan offers multiple sum-insured options, ensuring flexibility and affordability for a broad spectrum of policyholders.MD & CEO of Shriram General Insurance Company – Anil Aggarwal

 

Daily GK Update- 2nd Feb, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Garuda Aerospace commits ₹100 crore for developing India’s first drone city in Andhra Pradesh: Chennai-based Garuda Aerospace, a drone manufacturer, has announced an investment of ₹100 crore for the development of Andhra Pradesh as India’s first ‘Drone City’.The project aims to foster drone innovation, research, and development, transforming the nation into a global hub for drone technology.Founder & CEO of Garuda Aerospace – Agnishwar Jayaprakash

 

2. Justice Harsh Kumar to head Judicial Commission on Maha Kumbh Stampede: The Uttar Pradesh government of Yogi Adityanath has set up a three-member judicial committee headed by retired judge of the Allahabad High Court Justice Harsh Kumar, to inquire into the stampede incident in Maha Kumbh at Prayagraj on 29 January 2025.The three-member Inquiry Committee consists of Justice (retd.) Harsh Kumar, former Director General of Police V K Gupta, and retired IAS officer D K Singh.The commission will examine the cause and circumstances that led to the stampede and will recommend measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The commission has to submit its report to the Uttar Pradesh government within one month.According to the Uttar Pradesh Government, 30 people were killed and 60 were injured in the pre-dawn stampede at the Sangam area of the Maha Kumbh as millions of people rushed to take a holy dip on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya (new moon day) on 29 January 2025.

 

3. Rajesh Nirwan appointed as Director General at BCAS: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the proposal of the Ministry of Civil Aviation for the appointment of senior IPS Officer, Rajesh Nirwan as the Director General of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) under the Ministry of Civil Aviation.Rajesh Nirwan, an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Rajasthan cadre from the 1992 batch, brings extensive experience and expertise to his new role.BCAS, functioning under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, is responsible for ensuring the security of civil aviation operations across India. The Bureau plays a pivotal role in maintaining and upgrading aviation security standards in line with international protocols, safeguarding civil aviation operations from acts of unlawful interference.

 

4. Amit Shah releases “Indian Renaissance: The Modi Decade” book: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah has released “Indian Renaissance: The Modi Decade” book in New Delhi.Amit Shah said that in the past 10 years of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s tenure have marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new one. He emphasized that whenever India’s history is rewritten, even Modi Ji’s staunchest critics will acknowledge these 10 years in golden letters.

 

5. PM-JANMAN Package for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups: The PM-JANMAN package is initiative launched in November 2023 to enhance the living conditions of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India. The programme aims for 100% saturation of essential services like housing, water, and roads across PVTG habitations. It addresses the socio-economic challenges faced by 75 PVTG communities in 18 states and one Union Territory. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs oversees the implementation in collaboration with nine line ministries and state governments. Initially, the process faced delays due to data entry requirements on the PM-GatiShakti portal. However, recent clarifications have expedited the sanctioning of homes, with over 4 lakh homes sanctioned as of November 2024.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. EU Resumes Monitoring at Rafah Border Crossing: The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt has reopened for medical evacuations after being closed since May 2024. This reopening comes amid ongoing conflict in Gaza and is development for humanitarian efforts. The European Union (EU) has reinstated its civilian mission to monitor this critical transit point. The mission aims to support the transfer of individuals needing medical care and to facilitate the movement of injured civilians and Hamas fighters. On the reopening day, the crossing will initially allow 50 injured fighters and 50 wounded civilians to enter Egypt, along with their escorts. An additional 100 individuals, likely students, will also be permitted to cross on humanitarian grounds. The movement will be one-way, from Gaza to Egypt. The EU’s involvement signifies a collaborative effort to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Russian Icebreaker Collision in Kara Sea : The collision of the Russian nuclear-powered icebreaker, 50 Let Pobedy, with a cargo vessel in the Kara Sea on January 26, 2025, has raised concerns about safety and navigation in the Arctic region. The impact caused damage to the icebreaker but did not compromise its seaworthiness or safety systems. This incident puts stress on the strategic importance of the Northern Sea Route (NSR) for Russia amid rising global temperatures and increasing shipping activity. Russia operates a substantial fleet of icebreakers, including nuclear-powered vessels, positioning itself as a leader in Arctic navigation. The country has seven operational nuclear icebreakers and plans to expand its fleet further. The upcoming Rossiya, expected to be the most powerful icebreaker globally, will enhance Russia’s capabilities in the Arctic.

 

2. Indian Navy Women Officers Cross Point Nemo: Recently, two Indian Navy women officers, Lt. Cdr. Dilna K. and Lt. Cdr. Roopa A., successfully navigated through Point Nemo, the most remote location on Earth, during their expedition aboard the sailing vessel INSV Tarini. This historic journey is part of the Navika Sagar Parikrama-II initiative, promoting women’s participation in maritime activities. The water samples collected by the officers will be analysed by the National Institute of Oceanography. This research aims to provide vital information about oceanic conditions, including chemical composition and marine biodiversity. Such studies contribute to our understanding of global ocean health.

 

3. India’s Defence Strategy on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems: India’s Defence Ministry recently conducted a pilot study on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS). This study marks the transformative potential of these technologies. It raises critical questions regarding control, accountability, and ethical deployment. The study was carried out in collaboration with the Manohar Parrikar Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses. The Defence Ministry has adopted a framework for evaluating trustworthy AI. This framework is based on five core principles – reliability, transparency, fairness, privacy, and safety. These principles ensure that AI use in defence adheres to humanitarian concerns.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Who is Shubhanshu Shukla?: Recently, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is poised to make history as the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS). Selected to pilot the Axiom Mission 4, Shukla represents milestone for India’s participation in human spaceflight. The mission is a collaboration between Axiom Space and NASA, aiming to enhance international cooperation in space exploration. Shubhanshu Shukla is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy in Pune. After joining the Indian Air Force (IAF) in June 2006, he progressed to Group Captain by March 2024. Shukla has accumulated over 2,000 flight hours across various aircraft, including the Su-30 MKI and MiG-29. His journey into space began when the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) selected him for training in 2019 at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Russia.

 

2. ISRO’s NVS-02 Satellite Faces Orbit Raising Challenges: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) recently encountered a setback with the NVS-02 satellite. Launched on January 29, 2025, this marked ISRO’s 100th launch. The satellite was intended to be positioned in a designated orbital slot. However, a valve malfunction prevented the necessary orbit raising operations. Currently, the NVS-02 satellite remains in an elliptical orbit. The satellite’s systems are reported to be healthy. Communication with ground stations has been established. Solar panels on the satellite have been deployed and are generating power nominally.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. IBA honours Karnataka Bank with six awards for banking technology excellence: Karnataka Bank has won awards in six categories at the ‘20th Annual Banking Technology Conference, Expo & Citations, 2024’, instituted by the Indian Banks’ Association, recently.The awards were: ‘Best Tech Talent and Organization’, ‘Best IT Risk Management’, ‘Best Technology Bank’, and ‘Best Fintech and DPI Adoption’ (all runner-ups); and ‘Best Digital Sales, Payments and Engagement’ and ‘Best AI and ML Adoption’ (special mention).

 

2. The Rise of Card Tokenisation in India: Card tokenisation has rapidly transformed the digital payment landscape in India. As of December 2024, over 91 crore tokens have been issued, facilitating more than 320 crore transactions valued at nearly ₹11 lakh crore. This growth puts stress on the shift towards enhanced security in e-commerce, with 98 per cent of online transactions now processed without actual card data. In October 2022, the RBI mandated that businesses stop storing customer card data. This policy shift aimed to enhance consumer protection and ensure that sensitive information was not exposed on third-party platforms. Tokenisation has become essential for securing digital payments, reducing the risk of data breaches.

 

Daily GK Update- 1st Feb, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Pramod Sawant inaugurates the Sci-FI Science Film Festival of India: Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has inaugurated the 10th Sci-FI Science Film Festival of India in Panaji.The annual Sci-FI Science Film Festival of India is organised by the Goa government every year to foster curiosity, scientific temperament, and enthusiasm amongst the students.The festival will inspire the youth of the state to pursue a career in science and play a crucial role in making India a developed country by 2047.The theme of the 10th Sci-FI Science Film Festival of India is the Green Revolution. It is a tribute to the father of the Indian Green Revolution Dr M S Swaminathan.

 

2. KPI Green Energy signs ₹1,311 crore solar project deal with Coal India: KPI Green Energy Limited has signed a agreement with Coal India Limited to develop a 300 MW AC grid-connected solar PV plant in Gujarat’s Khavda region.The project, valued at ₹1,311.40 crore, will be installed at GIPCL’s Solar Park and includes operation and maintenance services for five years.The project demonstrates the ongoing transition in India’s energy sector, with traditional fossil fuel companies like Coal India increasingly investing in renewable energy infrastructure.

 

3. Garuda Aerospace commits ₹100 crore for developing India’s first drone city in Andhra Pradesh: Chennai-based Garuda Aerospace, a drone manufacturer, has announced an investment of ₹100 crore for the development of Andhra Pradesh as India’s first ‘Drone City’.The project aims to foster drone innovation, research, and development, transforming the nation into a global hub for drone technology.Founder & CEO of Garuda Aerospace – Agnishwar Jayaprakash

 

4. Govt forms GoM on financial viability of Discoms : The Government of India has set up a Group of Ministers to address issues related to the viability of the electricity distribution utilities in the country. Union Minister of State for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shripad Yesso Naik, is the Chairman of the Group of Ministers.The Group of Ministers will analyze and make recommendations to the government on the following issues –Analyze the debt of the Electricity distribution boards in key states of India.Identify parameters that need to be monitored to ensure borrowings by electricity distribution utilities are productive.Identify States that are in urgent need of liquidity support (cash) and suggest a fiscal discipline program to enable them to avoid a debt trap.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Hisashi Takeuchi re-appointed as Maruti Suzuki’s MD and CEO: Maruti Suzuki India has re-appointed of Hisashi Takeuchi as the company’s Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).Takeuchi’s term has been extended for a period of three years from April 1, 2025 till March 31, 2028.Takeuchi took charge as Maruti Suzuki’s MD and CEO on April 1, 2022, after Kenichi Ayukawa completed his term on March 31, 2022. Maruti Suzuki’s Board has also recommended the re-appointment of Maheswar Sahu as an Independent Director for a further period of five years, from May 14, 2025, to May 13, 2030.

 

2. 30 January – World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day: World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day is observed annually on January 30 to raise awareness about neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and mobilize global efforts to eliminate them.These diseases affect over 1.7 billion people worldwide, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions with poor access to healthcare, clean water, and sanitation.Theme 2025 – Act. Eliminate.It was officially recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2021.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Thomas Cook India appointed as exclusive partner for National Games 2025: Omnichannel travel firm Thomas Cook (India) has partnered with the central government for providing accommodation, catering and transport services for the National Games of India 2025 being held in Uttarakhand.National Games of India 2025 is a multi-sport extravaganza bringing together top athletes from across the country to participate in 32 sporting disciplines and 4 demonstration events during January 28-February 14, 2025.Thomas Cook India has been appointed the exclusive partner to deliver end-to-end management across 3 key portfolios of accommodation, catering and transport for 20,000 contingents, including over 10,000 athletes, 5,000 support staff, and 3,000 dignitaries.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. IAF’s Shubhanshu Shukla to Become First Indian Astronaut on Private Space Mission to ISS: Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will be the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS) on a private mission.Shukla will fly aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft from the Kennedy Space Center, Florida, as part of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), a joint venture between NASA and ISRO.Born on October 10, 1985, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Shukla was commissioned into the Indian Air Force (IAF) Fighter Wing in 2006 and underwent astronaut training in Moscow in 2019.The Ax-4 mission will be commanded by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson. Shukla will serve as the mission pilot, alongside mission specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland) and Tibor Kapu (Hungary).The crew will spend up to 14 days aboard the ISS, conducting scientific experiments, educational outreach, and commercial activities with NASA and ISRO.

 

 

 

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Govt unveils new Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme to support MSME growth: The Centre has approved the introduction of the Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme for MSMEs (MCGS—MSME), which provides 60 percent guarantee coverage by National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited (NCGTC) to Member Lending Institutions (MLIs) for credit facilities up to Rs. 100 crore sanctioned to eligible MSMEs. This fulfils the budget announcement of 2024-25.MCGS-MSME is expected to facilitate the availability of credit for the purchase of Plant and Machinery/Equipment by MSMEs, giving a major boost to manufacturing and thereby to Make in India.MLIs include All Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs), Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and All India Financial institutions (AIFIs) that register with NCGTC under the scheme.Borrower should be an MSME with a valid Udyam Registration Number. The loan amount guaranteed shall not exceed Rs. 100 crore.

 

2. IRDAI caps senior citizen health premium hike at 10% annually: The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai) has stepped in to curb steep health insurance premium hikes.Insurers can no longer raise premiums for policyholders aged 60 and above by more than 10% per year without prior approval, which will ensure accessibility of health insurance to those who are the most vulnerable to medical inflation.