Daily GK Update- 15th Feb, 2025

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Jitendra Singh chairs 12th All India Pension Adalat: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh chaired the 12th All India Pension Adalat in New Delhi.During the event, the Minister interacted with pensioners from different states and provided on-the-spot redressal of their pension-related grievances. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister dedicated the Pension Adalat to all the pensioners.The Pension Adalat sought to resolve long-standing pension cases pending for more than 120 days in 16 departments, as well as ministries, which were also attending the Adalat. Nearly 180 cases pertaining to ministries were discussed during the Adalat.

 

2. Lok Sabha Speaker forms 31-member Select Committee to examine new Income Tax Bill: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has constituted a 31-member Select Committee to examine the new Income Tax Bill. The panel will be headed by BJP MP Baijayant Panda and it will submit its report by the first day of the next session.The Income-Tax Bill 2025 which aims at consolidating and amending the law relating to income tax was introduced in the Lok Sabha. While introducing the Bill, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had urged the Lok Sabha Speaker to refer the draft law to a Select Committee of the House.Speaking on the Bill, Ms Sitharaman said that the new legislation has fewer sections and chapters in comparison to the existing Income Tax Act, and it has been simplified for easy comprehension by the common people.

 

3. Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0 begins in Uttar Pradesh: The third edition of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam, an initiative fostering cultural and intellectual ties between Tamil Nadu and Kashi, commence at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan; Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr. L. Murugan and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath have inaugurated the prestigious cultural event.The initiative, organized by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with various ministries and the Government of Uttar Pradesh, aims to celebrate and strengthen the ancient civilizational bond between Tamil Nadu and Kashi.This year, the government has decided to bring around thousand delegates from Tamil Nadu under five different categories.The main theme of this year’s event is highlighting the significant contributions of Sage Agasthya to the world of Health, Philosophy, Science, Classical Tamil Literature, and cultural unity of the Nation.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. JICA, Uttarakhand sign agreement for integrated horticulture development promotion project: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Department of Horticulture and Food Processing (DHFP), Government of Uttarakhand, have signed the ‘Records of Discussions’, an official agreement document, for a Technical Cooperation Project (TCP) titled ‘Uttarakhand Integrated Horticulture Development Promotion Project’.The project aims to promote stable production of horticulture crops and strengthen marketing system through the dissemination of integrated model of market-oriented production and proper management of distribution facilities in Tehri Garhwal and Nainital districts of Uttarakhand.

 

2. Munich Security Conference 2025: Recent developments at the 61st Munich Security Conference (MSC) have brought into light shift in the geopolitical landscape between the United States and Europe. The conference, held in February 2025, was marked by discord and differing priorities among attendees. With the ongoing war in Ukraine, the absence of Ukrainian representatives from crucial negotiations has raised concerns about the future of European security and unity. The conflict in Ukraine has led to a reassessment of Western policies. European nations are now urged to ramp up their military expenditures to deter Russian aggression. Current NATO spending guidelines may rise from 2% to 3% of GDP. This is in response to Russia’s increased military budget, which exceeds European spending.

 

3. Indian Ocean Conference 2025 : The 8th edition of the Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) commenced in Muscat on February 16-17, 2025. This year’s theme is Voyage to New Horizons of Maritime Partnership. The conference aims to enhance inclusivity and encourage new partnerships within the maritime sector. It gathers participants from over 60 countries and international organisations. This reflects the strategic significance of the Indian Ocean region and the necessity for collaborative solutions. Future efforts should focus on strengthening maritime infrastructure. Investment in port modernisation and naval expansion is essential. Enhancing regional cooperation through IORA and QUAD can boost maritime security. Promoting the Blue Economy and sustainable development is crucial for long-term viability. Finally, developing disaster preparedness and climate action plans will help mitigate future risks.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Global defence firm Saab signs MoU with HAL for laser warning system: Swedish defence and security company Saab has signed an agreement with Indian defence manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to collaborate on the Electronic Warfare Laser Warning System-310 (LWS-310).The agreement strengthens the long-standing partnership between Saab South Africa and HAL, which began in 2005 during the development of the Advanced Light Helicopter Programme.The MoU includes a Maintenance Transfer of Technology (ToT), aligning with India’s defence procurement procedure. Under this agreement, HAL will acquire the capability to manufacture LWS-310 domestically, with Saab providing infrastructure support, training programs, and technical expertise. This initiative aims to ensure long-term support for the Indian armed forces while promoting local defence production.

 

2. Special Grade  Steel MDN100: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the public sector undertaking Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI) have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the Aero India 2025 event. This agreement focuses on the indigenous development of a special grade  steel known as MDN100. This steel is designed for aeronautical applications, particularly for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The initiative supports India’s goal of self-reliance in defence manufacturing. MDN100 steel is characterised by high strength and toughness. These properties make it suitable for use in highly stressed aircraft components. The steel’s excellent forgeability allows for weight-saving designs in aircraft construction. This is crucial for enhancing the performance and efficiency of modern combat aircraft.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Rajat Patidar named RCB captain ahead of IPL 2025: Rajat Patidar, the 31-year-old middle order batter, has been appointed as the captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).After having released Faf du Plessis, who had captained the side in the previous seasons, the Bengaluru-franchise were without a captaincy candidate ahead of the 2025 season.Patidar, who had led Madhya Pradesh to the final of Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy earlier this season, will become the eighth player to lead RCB.Patidar made his IPL debut in 2021 and has been a part of the franchise since then. With the ability to dominate pace and spin with equal ease, he has featured in 27 games for RCB, scoring 799 runs at a strike rate of 158.85. He was one of the three retentions for RCB ahead of the mega auction, apart from Virat Kohli and Yash Dayal. He was retained for INR 11 Crore.

 

2. ICC announces prize money for 2025 Champions Trophy: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced prize money for the 2025 Champions Trophy, starting on February 19 in Pakistan.The total prize pool of this edition has been increased by an impressive 53 per cent from the 2017 edition to a total prize money of US 4.5 million Dollar.The winners will earn US 2.24 million dollar, while the runners-up will get US 1.12 million dollar. Losing semi-finalists will receive 560,000 dollar each.Every group match win is worth over US 34,000 dollars, while teams finishing fifth or sixth will earn 350,000 dollars. The seventh and eighth-placed teams will take home 140,000 US dollars. All eight teams are guaranteed 125,000 US dollar for participating.This is the first ICC event in Pakistan since 1996. The tournament will run for 19 days, with 15 matches being played in Pakistan and the UAE.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. TCS partners with UPM to modernise its IT landscape with AI and automation: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) signed an agreement to drive end-to-end IT transformation of UPM, a global company that provides renewable and responsible solutions, to boost adoption of an AI-first operating model.The partnership further solidifies TCS’ leadership in Finland, where it has been operational for over 25 year The digital transformation aims to accelerate UPM’s growth, enhance user experience, and support the adoption of an AI-first operating model.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Bank of Baroda gets board approval to raise up to Rs 8,500 crore equity : The board of public sector lender Bank of Baroda has approved the bank’s plan to raise up to Rs 8,500 crore through common equity shares to support business growth and meet regulatory norms.The Mumbai-based lender would use various modes, including Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP), in suitable tranches up to March 2028 and beyond, as required.The bank’s capital adequacy stood at 15.96 per cent, with Common Equity Tier-I (CET-I) at 12.38 per cent at the end of December 2024. BoB had raised capital via QIP of Rs 4,500 crore during FY21.

 

2. Shriram Finance raises $500 million via SACE ECB loan: Non-banking finance company (NBFC) major Shriram Finance has raised $500 million via SACE External Commercial Borrowing Push loan facility, with a tenor of 10 years.SACE is an Italian export credit agency run under the government of Italy. Shriram Finance has raised over $2.5 billion in offshore funding in the current financial year.HSBC acted as the sole export credit agency, while Coordinator and ING Bank acted as the social loan coordinator for the transaction.Executive Vice Chairman of Shriram Finance – Umesh Revankar

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. NTPC Wins Forward Faster Sustainability Award 2025 for Water Resilience: NTPC Ltd., India’s largest integrated power utility, has been honoured with Forward Faster Sustainability Award 2025 in the Water Resilience category.The award was presented at a ceremony organised by the UN Global Compact Network India (UN GCNI) in Chennai.The Forward Faster Sustainability Awards celebrate organisations in India that have made significant strides in advancing sustainability and corporate responsibility, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This recognition reaffirms NTPC’s commitment to integrating sustainable practices in its operations and contributing towards global sustainability goals.

 

 

Daily GK Update- 14th Feb, 2024

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. BPCL signs major deals with Petrobras and Shipping Corporation of India: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited has signed an MoU with the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI). As per the deal, the two companies will collaborate to create a dedicated, efficient, and future-ready maritime infrastructure.The deal aims to improve operational efficiency, expand capabilities, and drive innovation in the maritime sector. It will ensure a secure and resilient energy supply chain, supporting India’s growing energy needs.State-owned Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) is India’s largest shipping company. Its fleet features bulk carriers, crude oil tankers, product tankers, container vessels, passenger-cum-cargo vessels, LPG and offshore supply vessels.The MoU encompasses a long-term commitment by BPCL and SCI to explore opportunities that focus on enhancing India’s maritime strength while ensuring a reliable energy transportation network.

 

2. 13 February – National Women’s Day: National Women’s Day is observed annually in India on February 13th to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu, a renowned political leader, poet, and champion of women’s rights.Known as the “Nightingale of India,” Sarojini Naidu was born on this day in 1879.The day recognizes the diverse struggles and dreams of women, promoting gender equality and leadership.In 1930, Naidu became the fourth president of the All India Women’s Conference (AIWC). She was a strong proponent of women’s voting rights, which were later incorporated into India’s constitution.She also urged British authorities to grant women the right to vote, reinforcing her commitment to gender equality.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Asia’s 20 richest families: Mukesh Ambani leads: Reliance Industries’ Chairman, Mukesh Ambani, has secured the top spot on Bloomberg’s Asia’s 20 Richest Families list.Ambani, who took the reins of Reliance Industries in 2002 following the death of his father Dhirubhai Ambani, has expanded the Mumbai-based conglomerate into a global powerhouse with interests in oil refining, tech, retail, financial services, and green energy.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. India-US Underwater Domain Awareness Cooperation: India and the United States have recently intensified their collaboration in underwater domain awareness (UDA). This focus emerged during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington, where they announced the Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA). This initiative aims to enhance industry partnerships and production within the Indo-Pacific region. India and the US are drafting a comprehensive framework for defence cooperation covering the period from 2025 to 2035. This includes accelerating technology cooperation across various domains such as space and air defence. The US is also reviewing its policy on releasing advanced military technologies, including fifth-generation fighters, to India.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. ICC bans Bangladesh’s Shohely Akhter for five years on corruption charges: Bangladesh offspinner Shohely Akhter has become the first female cricketer to be banned for corruption.Akhter, who has played two ODIs and 13 T20Is, was found guilty of attempting to fix, offering a bribe and failing to disclose full details of an approach to the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Code (ACU), as well as obstructing the investigation.She has been banned for five years from all cricket after she admitted breaching five provisions of the anti-corruption code.The charges against her centre around an approach she made to a Bangladesh cricketer during the 2023 Women’s T20 World held in South Africa. Akhter, 36, was not part of the Bangladesh playing squad for that World Cup, having last played in October 2022.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. IIT Madras, ISRO develop semiconductor for space research, other sectors: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras and ISRO have developed an indigenous microprocessor for space applications which can be used in command-and-control systems and other critical functions in outer space.The SHAKTI microprocessor project is led by IIT Madras Director V Kamakoti at Prathap Subrahmanyam Centre for Digital Intelligence and Secure Hardware Architecture (PSCDISHA) in Department of Computer Science and Engineering.The SHAKTI class of systems are based on RISC-V, an open-source Instruction Set Architecture (ISA), for designing custom processors.“SHAKTI” is backed by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology under its ‘Digital India RISC-V’ initiative (DIRV). It aims to promote indigenous development of microprocessor-based products that offer best-in-class security and visibility for users adopting RISC-V technology.The ISRO Inertial Systems Unit (IISU) in Thiruvananthapuram proposed the idea of a 64bit RISC-V-based Controller and collaborated with IIT Madras in defining the specifications and designing of the semiconductor chip.

 

2. Successful Test of Matsya-6000: India’s Deep Ocean Mission is making strides with the development of the Matsya-6000 submersible. This project, led by the National Institute of Ocean Technology, aims to enhance India’s capabilities in ocean exploration. The submersible, designed to operate at depths of up to 6,000 metres, will play important role in studying marine biodiversity and exploring ocean resources. Matsya-6000 has undergone extensive dry tests to evaluate its performance over a 500-metre range. Following these tests, it was moved to the L&T Shipbuilding facility for wet tests. These tests focused on assessing the submersible’s stability, manoeuvrability, and communication capabilities. Eight dives were conducted, including both unmanned and manned trials.

 

3. ISRO Develops World’s Largest Vertical Propellant Mixer: The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has made advancement in its quest for self-reliance within the space sector. On February 13, 2025, ISRO announced the successful development of a 10-tonne Vertical Planetary Mixer, the largest of its kind for solid propellants globally. This innovative equipment was designed and manufactured in collaboration with the Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI) in Bengaluru. This development is poised to enhance the production of solid rocket motors.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Exim Bank to provide $300 mn credit to Vietnam for boats, patrol vessels : The Export Import Bank of India will provide lines of credit totalling $300 million to Vietnam for procuring high-speed guard boats and offshore patrol vessels.The Exim Bank had entered into an agreement on July 31, 2024 with the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (GO-VNM), for making available to the latter, GoI supported Line of Credit (LoC) of $180 million for procurement of four Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV).The bank had also entered into an agreement with GO-VNM for making available to the latter, India supported LoC of $120 million for procurement of high-speed guard boats, it said in another circular.

 

2. Decentro Unveils India’s First Self-Hosted CKYC Solution to Align with CERSAI’s New Compliance Mandate: Decentro, a leading fintech infrastructure platform, has launched India’s first fully compliant, self-hosted CKYC (Central KYC) solution, enabling financial institutions to seamlessly transition to the new CERSAI compliance framework.This innovation eliminates third-party dependencies, allowing banks, NBFCs, and insurers to onboard customers faster while ensuring regulatory adherence.Additionally, the Union Budget 2025 has emphasized AI-driven KYC reforms, reinforcing the need for a secure, transparent, and centralized CKYC system. The evolving CKYC landscape presents challenges such as compliance risks, operational disruptions, and significant time and cost implications for institutions lacking the necessary infrastructure.

Co-Founder & CEO of Decentro – Rohit Taneja

 

3. Union Mutual Fund launches two new schemes for structured gold investments: Union Mutual Fund has launched two new funds that will invest in gold “at a time when investors are looking for diversified solutions”.Union Gold ETF and Union Gold ETF Fund of Fund opened for subscriptions and will continue till February 24, with a minimum investment requirement of Rs 1,000.Gold plays a key role in portfolio diversification due to its low correlation with other asset classes and potential as a hedge against inflation. Central banks globally are major buyers of gold, further supporting its demand and price.The schemes offer key benefits, including cost-effective exposure to gold without concerns related to making charges or storage.

 

4. RBI lifts restrictions on Kotak Mahindra Bank on onboarding new customers: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) lifted the restrictions imposed on Kotak Mahindra Bank regarding onboarding new customers using online and mobile banking channels and issuing new credit cards.In April last year (2024), the RBI placed restrictions on the bank as it failed to plug gaps in its information technology (IT) systems, which resulted in frequent outages in the bank’s core banking system and online channels in the preceding two years, inconveniencing customers.Ten months after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed restrictions on Kotak Mahindra Bank on onboarding new customers via its online and mobile banking channels, as well as the issuance of fresh credit cards, the central bank said that it has lifted all such restrictions, as it was satisfied with submissions and the remedial measures undertaken by the bank.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Airtel awards contracts to Nokia to expand 5G Wireless Broadband Access: Bharti Airtel has entered into a contract with Nokia to expand 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and Wi-Fi solutions for regions with low or nil fiber connectivity.The deployment of fixed wireless broadband access via 5G networks stands out as a significant application of 5G technology, especially in India, which faces low fiber penetration and a high demand for digital services.Airtel will leverage Nokia’s FastMile 5G outdoor receivers that can serve two households concurrently and thus reduce connection expenses. Further, Airtel will implement Nokia’s Wi-Fi 6 access point for better in-home experience. Both these products, using Qualcomm Modem-RF and Wi-Fi 6 chipsets, will be produced in India and packaged in fully recyclable materials.

 

 

Daily GK Update- 13th Feb, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Govt revises guidelines for Market Intervention Scheme: The agriculture ministry has revised guidelines for the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS), increasing the procurement limit of crops to 25% from 20%. The guidelines have been revised to encourage states to implement the MIS.The MIS is implemented on the request of the state/UT government for procurement of various perishable agricultural/horticultural commodities such as tomato, onion, potato, etc, for which minimum support price (MSP) is not applicable and there is a reduction of at least 10% in market prices in states/UTs as compared to the rates of the previous normal season.Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) is a component of PM-AASHA scheme.

 

2. THDC India enters thermal energy sector, begins operations of 660-MW unit at Khurja plant: THDC India Ltd THDCIL has started commercial operations of a 660-MW unit at its Khurja Power Plant, marking an entry into the domestic thermal energy sector.Until now, the company was generating 1,424 MW from hydro, 113 MW from wind and 50 MW of solar energy.THDCIL is setting up a 1,320-megawatt (2X660 MW) super thermal power project at Bulandshahr district in Uttar Pradesh (UP) at an investment of around ₹13,000 crore.

 

3. Logistics Performance Index: India at 22nd spot: As per the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI), 2023 India moved up to 22nd Rank in the Global Ranking in International Shipments category and the Overall 38th Rank in Logistics Performance Index score.Indian Ports have registered quantum improvement in “Turn Around Time”.Global comparison of Indian Ports on “Turn Around Time” parameter, as published in World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI) Report-2023, acknowledges Indian Ports “Turn Around Time” as 0.9 days which is better than USA (1.5 days), Australia (1.7 days), Belgium (1.3 days), Canada (2.0 days), Germany (1.3 days), UAE (1.1 days), Singapore (1.0 days), Russian Federation (1.8 days), Malaysia (1.0 days), Ireland (1.2 days), Indonesia (1.1 days), New Zealand (1.1 days) and South Africa (2.8 days).

 

4. Charanjot Singh Nanda elected as ICAI President for term 2025-26: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), which is the world’s largest accountancy body, has a new President in Charanjot Singh Nanda for the term 2025-26.Nanda, who was hitherto Vice-President of ICAI, was elected as the 73rd President at a meeting of the Central Council in New Delhi.D Prasanna Kumar, a Chartered Accountant from Andhra Pradesh (Southern India Regional Council) was elected as Vice President.Nanda, a practising Chartered Accountant for over three decades, has been associated with ICAI’s Central Council since 2004 and has served multiple terms.Nanda had completed his Bachelor of Commerce degree from M.L.N. College in 1987, consistently securing a position on the Merit List at Kurukshetra University throughout his undergraduate studies. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 1991.

 

5. 12 February – National Productivity Day: National Productivity Day is observed annually on February 12 in India, to generate awareness about the importance of productivity in achieving economic growth and sustainability, under the guidance of the National Productivity Council (NPC). It is a part of a week-long event, taking place from February 12 to 18.This day raises awareness that productivity is more than just increasing output; it is a comprehensive concept that considers environmental problems, human resource development and quality of work.Theme 2025 – From Ideas to Impact: Protecting Intellectual Property for Competitive StartupsThe National Productivity Day commemorates the establishment of the National Productivity Council (NPC) which was registered on February 12, 1958, under the Societies Registration Act, of 1960. Notably, it is an autonomous body that was introduced to promote India’s productivity culture.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 2nd India-France AI Policy Roundtable held on the sidelines of AI Action Summit 2025 in Paris: The Second India-France AI Policy Roundtable was held at Sciences Po University, Paris, as a side event to the AI Action Summit 2025.The event was organized by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, the IndiaAI Mission, and Sciences Po Paris.Experts emphasized collaboration between India and France on indigenous AI models, multilingual large language models (LLMs), federated AI infrastructure, and sustainable AI practices.The Second Roundtable built upon key objectives from the First Roundtable held in Bengaluru during Technology Dialogue 2025, focusing on inclusive AI frameworks, diverse datasets, governance, public-private partnerships, and foundational models.

 

2. Dubai hosts largest MRO Middle East and AIME 2025 edition: MRO Middle East and AIME 2025 is the largest edition ever, hosted in Dubai, focusing on aircraft modernization and MRO services.Over 250 international exhibitors participated, reflecting strong aviation sector growth amid record-high passenger demand.GE Aerospace announced a $10 million investment to expand engine service capacity in the Middle East.Airbus’ Middle East Services Forecast 2024-2043 projected global services demand to reach $32 billion, with a 4.5% CAGR over 20 years.Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum inaugurated the event, reinforcing its importance as the region’s premier aerospace innovation platform.

 

3. FAO Launches $95M Climate Resilient Agriculture Project in Somalia: The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) officially launched a seven-year project with Somalia that aims to enhance climate adaptation and resilience for vulnerable communities in the country.The 95 million dollar “Climate Resilient Agriculture in Somalia” project, dubbed “Ugbaad,” which means hope in Somalia, will tackle climate change challenges and strengthen agrifood systems through large-scale investment.In Somalia, the agricultural sector is the main economic activity for an estimated 65 percent of the population, contributing about 75 percent of the gross domestic product.

 

4. 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum on “Greening the Blue Growth in Asia-Pacific” held in Delhi: The 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF), with the theme “Greening the Blue Growth in Asia-Pacific” has been organized in New Delhi.The Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (AFAF) is a triennial event of the Asian Fisheries Society with its Headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.This 14th AFAF is being jointly organized by the Asian Fisheries Society (AFS), Kuala Lumpur; Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi the Department of Fisheries (DoF), Government of India; and the Asian Fisheries Society Indian Branch (AFSIB), Mangalore.This prestigious event is being hosted in India for the 2nd time after the 8AFAF held at Kochi in 2007.

 

5. India ranks 96 out of 180 countries in Corruption Perceptions Index 2024: India ranked 96 out of 180 countries in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for 2024 as its overall score dropped a point to 38, according to a Transparency International report.The index, which ranks 180 countries and territories by their perceived levels of public sector corruption according to experts and business people, uses a scale of zero to 100, where “zero” is highly corrupt and “100” is very clean.In 2024, India’s overall score was 38 while it was 39 in 2023 and 40 in 2022. India’s rank in 2023 was 93.Among India’s neighbours, Pakistan (135) and Sri Lanka (121) grappled with their respective low rankings, while Bangladesh’s ranking stood further down at 149. China ranked 76.

Denmark topped the list of being the least-corrupt nation, followed by Finland and Singapore.

 

6. 12 February – International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism: International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism is observed annually on 12 February.The day aims to raise awareness and strengthen global efforts to prevent violent extremism that can lead to terrorism.In its resolution 77/243, the General Assembly decided to declare 12 February the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism, in order to raise awareness of the threats linked to violent extremism, as and when conducive to terrorism, and to enhance international cooperation in this regard.

 

7. 13 February – World Radio Day: World Radio Day is observed annually on 13 February.Objective – To raise awareness about the importance of radio in preserving freedom of expression, cultural diversity, and access to information.Theme 2025 – Radio and Climate ChangeIt is proclaimed by UNESCO in 2011 and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 to recognize radio’s role in fostering dialogue, peace, and cultural diversity.

 

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Shikhar Dhawan appointed as Brand Ambassador of ICC Championship Trophy 2025: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has been appointed as the brand ambassador of the Champions Trophy 2025. The left-handed batter Shikhar Dhawan named as one of the four ambassadors for the event.The other three ambassadors for the event are former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson, New Zealand pacer Tim Southee and former Champions Trophy-winning captain Sarfaraz Ahmed.The tournament will be played in Pakistan and Dubai from February 19 to March 9.India will play their matches in Dubai as they have refused to travel to Pakistan for security reasons. India will start their Champions Trophy campaign against Bangladesh on February 20.

 

2. India won 6 Golds in Para Archery Asia Cup 2025: India topped the medal tally at the 2025 Para Archery Asia Cup in Thailand, winning a total of 12 medals — six gold, three silver, and three bronze.Sarita and Shyam Sundar Swami won gold medals in the women’s compound open and men’s compound open categories, respectively.Sarita defeated Singapore’s Nur Syahidah Alim 143-142 in a closely contested women’s compound open final. Shyam Sundar Swami beat Indonesia’s Ken Swagumilang 143-141 to secure India’s sixth gold medal in the men’s compound open final.Reigning Paralympic champion Harvinder Singh won a bronze medal in the men’s recurve open with a 6-2 victory over Malaysia’s Nurfaizal Hamzah.India’s Adil Mohamed Nazir Ansari clinched a bronze medal in the men’s W1 (Rec/Comp) event with a 120-116 win over Hong Kong’s Yung Man Tai.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Amit Shah chairs Parliamentary Consultative Committee for Ministry of Home Affairs on ‘Cyber Security and Cyber Crime’: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah chaired a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Home Affairs on the topic of ‘Cyber Security and Cyber Crime’ in New Delhi.The meeting was attended by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri Nityanand Rai, Shri Bandi Sanjay Kumar, members of the Committee.Cyber Crime Forensic Training Labs have been established in 33 states and union territories. On the ‘CyTrain’ platform, a “Massive Open Online Course (MOOC)” platform, 101,561 police officers have registered, and over 78,000 certificates have been issued.Union Home Minister emphasized the importance of raising awareness among the public to prevent cybercrime and requested all the members of the committee to promote the I4C helpline number 1930. India has become the third-largest country in terms of digital landscape in the world. The digital economy contributes 20 per cent to the total economy of India.

 

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Easebuzz gets RBI authorisation to operate as online payment aggregator: Easebuzz, a digital payment solutions provider, has received final authorisation from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate as an Online Payment Aggregator (PA).The approval, which allows the firm to continue facilitating digital transactions for businesses, comes a week after it announced integration support for third-party payment orchestrators.The company currently claims to processes an annualised Gross Transaction Value (GTV) of $30 billion and serves over 2 lakh businesses, including SMEs and startups.

 

2. India’s retail inflation eases to 4.3% in January 2025: A sharp decline in vegetable-led food prices pushed retail inflation based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), down by 91 basis points to a five-month low of 4.3 per cent in January.A sharp decline of 237 basis points was observed in food inflation in January 2025 compared to December 2024. The food inflation in January 2025 is the lowest since August 2024.A significant decline in both headline and food inflation in rural areas was observed in January. It fell to 4.64 per cent in January from 5.76 per cent in December. Rural food inflation stood at 6.31 per cent in the same month compared to 8.65 per cent in the corresponding month. Urban areas too saw a sharp decline in headline inflation to 3.87 per cent from 4.58 per cent. While food inflation fell to 5.33 per cent from 7.9 per cent.

 

Daily GK Update- 12th Feb, 2025

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India launches its first indigenous Automated Bio Medical Waste Treatment Plant in New Delhi: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has launched India’s first indigenous Automated Biomedical Waste Treatment Rig, named Sṛjanam, at AIIMS New Delhi.Developed by the CSIR National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology, NIIST, in Thiruvananthapuram, the rig is the first of its kind in the country.The Automated Biomedical Waste Treatment Rig, named “Srjanam,” was officially dedicated to the nation by the Minister at a ceremony held in the AIIMS auditorium.This innovative, environment friendly technology, developed by CSIR-NIIST (National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology), offers a significant advancement in the sustainable management of biomedical waste.The “Srjanam” rig can disinfect pathogenic biomedical waste such as blood, urine, sputum, and laboratory disposables, without the use of costly and energy-intensive incinerators.

 

2. DPIIT signs pact with Korean institute to enhance cooperation in logistics: The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has signed an agreement with the Korea Transport Institute to enhance cooperation in logistics and infrastructure development.The MoU will enhance cooperation in logistics and infrastructure development, leveraging the institute’s expertise to support India’s ambitious infrastructure initiatives.The MoU will establish a mechanism for knowledge exchange and institutional cooperation between the logistics division, DPIIT and KOTI.

 

3. 3rd Kashi Tamil Sangamam to be held from Feb 15: The third edition of the Kashi Tamil Sangamam is to be held from the 15th of February. This year’s theme will be ‘Sage Agasthiyar’.The participants will also be experiencing Mahakumbh and a visit to the Ram Mandir at Ayodhya.In connection with this, school students dressed like Sage Agasthiyar participated in a walkathon in Chennai. The walkathon was organised by the Central Institute of Classical Tamil and SASTRA deemed University.

 

4. Reliance Consumer launches sports drink ‘Spinner’ at ₹10: Reliance Consumer Products has launched the sports drink ‘Spinner’ at an affordable price of ₹10 and the beverage would lead the movement to create a sports beverage category of up to $1 billion in the next three years.The sports drink has been co-created with former Sri Lankan cricketer and current coach of Sri Lanka, Muttiah Muralitharan.The beverage brand has partnered with top IPL franchises such as Lucknow Super Giants, SunRisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings, Gujarat Titans, and Mumbai Indians, which will drive awareness and increase brand visibility across the country, the company said.The sports drink is available in three flavours – Lemon, Orange, and Nitro Blue.

 

5. ONGC signs pact with BP for oil exploration: State-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation has signed a pact with global oil major BP to explore collaboration in exploration and production, trading and other energy vectors, in India and internationally.The MoU comes within a month of ONGC selecting BP as a technical service provider for raising output from its flagship Mumbai High oil and gas field.ONGC and BP have agreed to explore opportunities for collaboration and partnership across the energy industry in India and internationally, focused on oil and gas exploration and production, as well as trading and extending to other energy vectors.

 

6. India introduces new HS code to allow exports of GI-recognised rice varieties: India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has come up with an amendment to the Customs Tariff Act to provide for an HS (Harmonised System) code, for the export of geographical indication (GI) recognised rice.It is the first time in the world that an HS code has been introduced for GI-recognised riceThe amendment was introduced in the Budget proposals for the2025-26 financial year on February 1, under HS Code 1006-30-11 (parboiled) and 1006-30-91 (white).The Indian Patent Office has given a GI tag to 20 rice varieties. The GI-tag recognised varieties are Navara, Palakkadan Matta, Pokkali, Wayanad Jeerakasala, Wayanad Gandhakasala, Kalanamak, Kaipad, Ajara Ghansal, Ambemohar, Joha, Gobindobog, Tulapanji, Katarni and Chokuwa rice varieties. These varieties got the GI tag before March 2020.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Honeywell, AM Green sign MoU to advance carbon capture, SAF in India: Honeywell and AM Green have signed an MoU to advance carbon capture and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in India.This comes as India aims to achieve a 1 per cent SAF blend in jet fuel for international flights by 2027, which will increase to 2 per cent by 2028, signifying a significant step towards reducing aviation emissions in the country. This target is part of India’s broader goal to reach net zero by 2070.The MoU seeks efficient ways to decarbonise the aviation and shipping sectors and will help position India as a global leader in alternative fuel production.The collaboration is meant to assess the techno-economic feasibility of producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from ethanol, green methanol from various carbon dioxide (CO₂) emission sources, and green hydrogen.

 

2. 11 February – International Day of Women and Girls in Science: The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is celebrated every year on February 11.The United Nations observes this day to promote full and equal access to and participation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.On March 14, 2011, during its 55th session, the Commission on the Status of Women approved a report that included agreed conclusions regarding the involvement of women and girls in education, training, and science and technology.

The year 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGS), observed annually on 11th February.

 

 

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. HAL renames HJT-36 Jet Trainer as ‘Yashas’ following major upgrades: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has officially renamed its flagship jet training aircraft, the Hindustan Jet Trainer HJT-36, as ‘Yashas’ following extensive modifications aimed at enhancing its performance and operational efficiency.As part of its preparation for induction into service, ‘Yashas’ has been upgraded with state-of-the-art avionics and a modernized cockpit, improving training effectiveness and operational efficiency.The enhancements include weight reduction measures and the replacement of obsolete imported equipment with indigenous Line Replaceable Units (LRUs).Designed for Stage II pilot training, the aircraft is also capable of counter-insurgency and counter-surface force operations, armament training, and aerobatic maneuvers. It is powered by a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC)-equipped AL55I jet engine, delivering an optimal thrust-to-weight ratio, improved thrust management, and enhanced reliability.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Indian Cricket Team Urges People To Join Donate Organs, Save Lives’: Ahead of the third ODI against England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the Indian team players including former captain Virat Kohli urged people to join the ‘Donate Organs, Save Lives’ campaign and pledge for organ donation.Recently, the International Cricket Council (ICC) took a major step towards raising awareness about organ donation through the ‘Donate Organs, Save Lives’ initiative.This initiative aims to inspire cricket fans to pledge their support for donating organs, putting forth the importance of a single decision which could impact lives. With millions watching, the initiative hopes to encourage individuals to pledge for organ donation, ultimately saving millions of lives in the future.

 

2. RIL to acquire 49% stake in London-based Oval Invincibles cricket team: Reliance Industries (RIL)-owned Mumbai Indians (MI), through its subsidiary RISE Worldwide, has announced the acquisition of a 49 per cent stake in London-based Oval Invincibles, a franchise in the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) The Hundred, for an undisclosed amount.The completion of the transaction is subject to customary diligence and documentation, including the acquisition of its shareholding.The men’s team of the Oval Invincibles is the reigning champion of The Hundred in 2023 and 2024, while the women’s team won the inaugural 100-ball league in 2021 and again in 2022.The Hundred features eight city-based franchises: London Spirit, Oval Invincibles, Manchester Originals, Birmingham Phoenix, Northern Superchargers, Southern Brave, Welsh Fire, and Trent Rockets.

 

3. Pankaj Advani wins 36th National Gold at Indian Snooker Championship: India’s most accomplished player Pankaj Advani secured his 36th overall national title and 10th men’s snooker crown at the Yashwant Club in Madhya Pradesh.The ONGC employee overcame an early setback to defeat Brijesh Damani in a final where Damani managed to take the opening frame, the only one he would claim throughout the match.Meghalaya to host next edition of National Games in February/March 2027: Meghalaya will host the 39th edition of the National Games in February/March 2027.As host state of the next edition, Meghalaya will be handed the IOA flag during the closing ceremony of the ongoing 38th Games in Uttarakhand.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Indian Institute of Spices Research to host spice start-up conclave: ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), Kozhikode, will be organising a startup conclave — Rise Up– from February 19 to 21. The objective of the event is to generate innovative ideas and foster entrepreneurship in spice cultivation, processing and value addition.The three-day conclave will have sessions on themes including the potential of innovations, the future of spice-based entrepreneurship, and technological advancements in the spice industry.Organized in collaboration with Kerala Startup Mission, the Ideathon invites students, entrepreneurs and startups to submit their ideas online by February 15. Each team may have up to five members.Submitted ideas will be reviewed initially by a panel of experts and the selected ideas can be presented on the first day of the event at IISR.The total prize pool for the event is ₹1,00,000, and further support will be provided by the research institution for the development of promising ideas.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Policybazaar and HDFC Life join hands to offer product with 100% claim assurance: Policybazaar has partnered with HDFC Life, a private life insurer, to offer HDFC Life Click 2 Protect Ultimate, a term product with 100 per cent claim assurance.This innovative solution combines financial protection with the assurance of a seamless claim process, catering to customers seeking reliability and transparency in their insurance policies.The product’s value lies in its commitment to providing a secure financial safety net while addressing two key consumer concerns — ease of purchasing insurance and a smooth, hassle-free claims experience for beneficiaries.

 

2. Recent Facilities Launched in Banking & Insurance Sector: IDFC FIRST Bank, Ikonz launch Amitabh Bachchan’s AI avatarIDFC FIRST Bank Launches Exclusive Banking Package for Senior CitizensL &T Finance introduced Knowledgeable AI (KAI), an AI-powered virtual home loan advisorPNB 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 Plan

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Indian Students Win Bronze at Global Best M-Gov Award 2025 in Dubai: Three Indian computer science students from New Delhi have won the Bronze Award at the Global Best M-Gov Award 2025 during the World Government Summit (WGS) in Dubai.The award, along with a cash prize of $10,000, was presented by Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the United Arab Emirates, during the opening day of the summit.The winning team comprised Sagar Teotia (team lead), Abhinav Mishra, and Anushka Singh, all fourth-semester computer science students from the Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology, Delhi.They were recognized for their application AccessWay, an AI-powered platform that integrates augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence, and crowdsourced data to provide accessible navigation, social connections, and emergency tools for individuals with disabilities.