04th February 2025 Current Affairs (Daily GK Update)

National News

India’s First White Tiger Breeding Centre Approved in MP

The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has approved India’s first white tiger breeding centre in Madhya Pradesh’s Rewa district. This initiative marks a significant step in wildlife conservation, especially since Rewa is historically linked to the last known wild white tiger. The project, initially approved in principle in 2011, will be established in Govindgarh, near the state’s only white tiger safari in Mukundpur. The breeding centre is expected to enhance biodiversity conservation, promote wildlife tourism, and create job opportunities for the local population.

MeitY and IIT Indore Launch AgriHub for Agritech Excellence

The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) and IIT Indore have launched AgriHub, a state-of-the-art AI-driven Center of Excellence (CoE) aimed at transforming Indian agriculture. AgriHub seeks to address critical challenges in agriculture, such as drought, floods, and low productivity, through the integration of AI, Machine Learning (ML), and Deep Learning (DL). The initiative will empower farmers, researchers, and agribusinesses by fostering technological innovation, startup incubation, and industry collaborations.

International News

Sri Lanka Sees Record Deflation in 65 Years

Sri Lanka experienced its highest deflation rate in 65 years, with consumer prices falling by 4.0% in January 2025, according to official data. This marks the fifth consecutive month of deflation, highlighting the country’s economic transition after its worst financial crisis. The record deflation follows sharp reductions in electricity and fuel costs, while inflation, which peaked at 69.8% in September 2022, has drastically declined. The Sri Lankan government, under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, continues to implement IMF-backed economic reforms aimed at stabilizing the economy.

UK Becomes First Country to Criminalize AI-Generated Child Abuse Content

The United Kingdom is taking a historic step in the fight against child sexual abuse by becoming the first country to criminalize AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The British government is introducing strict legal measures to tackle the exploitation of artificial intelligence (AI) in the creation and distribution of child abuse content. These measures aim to prevent the misuse of generative AI tools for the production of CSAM and ensure severe punishments for offenders.

Defence News

DRDO-IIT Hyderabad Unveils Large Area Additive Manufacturing System

India’s defense and aerospace manufacturing sectors have received a significant boost with the development of a Large Area Additive Manufacturing (LAAM) system at the DRDO-Industry-Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE) at IIT Hyderabad. The innovative LAAM system, a collaboration between IIT Hyderabad, DRDO’s Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), and various industry partners, is set to revolutionize the way large components, particularly for the aerospace and defense sectors, are fabricated. By enabling the large-scale production of metal parts through additive manufacturing, this achievement paves the way for India’s future growth in advanced manufacturing technology.

Defence Budget 2025: Key Highlights and Analysis

The Union Budget 2025-26 has allocated Rs 6,81,210.27 crore for the Ministry of Defence (MoD), reflecting a 9.53% increase over the previous year’s budget. This accounts for 13.45% of the Union Budget, making it the highest allocation among all ministries. The budget aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047’ and focuses on a technologically advanced and ‘Aatmanirbhar’ Armed Forces.

India-Maldives Military Exercise ‘Ekuverin’: Strengthening Bilateral Defence

The 13th edition of the joint India-Maldives military exercise ‘Ekuverin’ is being hosted by the Maldives from 2-15 February 2025. This biennial exercise, which alternates between India and the Maldives, is a cornerstone of the defence cooperation between the two nations. The inaugural ceremony of the 13th Ekuverin exercise was held on 2 February 2025 at the Official Composite Training Center of the Maldives National Defence Forces (MNDF) in Maafilaafushi, Maldives.

State News

Gujarat Appoints Panel for Uniform Civil Code Draft

The Gujarat government has recently taken a significant step by appointing a panel to draft the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) for the state. This panel, led by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Desai, is tasked with preparing a detailed report within 45 days regarding the UCC’s potential implementation. The formation of the committee marks an important move toward the government’s aim of ensuring equal rights for all citizens, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a uniform law across India.

Avaada and Casale Collaborate on 1,500 TPD Green Ammonia Plant in Odisha

In a major step towards sustainable energy, Avaada Group has joined hands with Casale to develop a 1,500 tonnes per day (TPD) green ammonia plant in Gopalpur, Odisha. The collaboration aims to utilize renewable energy sources and advanced ammonia production technology to create a carbon-free process for ammonia production. This project is not only a significant move for India’s clean energy sector but also highlights Avaada’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions in industrial processes.

Barmer District Introduces ‘MY NREGA App’ for Employment Efficiency

The ‘MY NREGA App’ has been launched in Barmer District to streamline the employment process under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA). This initiative, spearheaded by District Collector IAS Tina Dabi and Chief Executive Officer IAS Siddharth Palanichamy, aims to simplify the way MNREGA workers apply for jobs. By offering a mobile-based solution, the app reduces the need for workers to physically visit Gram Panchayats and enhances the efficiency of the employment request process. With the potential to be replicated in other districts across India, this app represents a significant step toward digitizing rural welfare programs.

WhatsApp-Based ‘Mana Mitra’ to Offer 161 Govt Services in Andhra

The Andhra Pradesh government has launched ‘Mana Mitra’, a first-of-its-kind WhatsApp Governance initiative, making 161 civil services accessible via WhatsApp. Minister for IT, Electronics & Communication, and Real-Time Governance (RTG) Nara Lokesh launched the service in Amaravati, emphasizing its goal of bringing government services directly to the people. The initiative, developed in partnership with Meta, is set to expand further, integrating blockchain and AI technologies for seamless digital governance.

Banking News

RBI Picks Exto India for Offline Payment Testing

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has taken another step towards enhancing digital payment accessibility by selecting Exto India Technologies to test offline payment solutions under its Regulatory Sandbox. This initiative is designed to support digital transactions in areas with limited or no internet connectivity, ensuring a more inclusive payment ecosystem for all.

RBI’s Strategic Measures to Boost Liquidity in the Banking System

In a timely move to stabilize the financial system, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced a series of liquidity-boosting measures. These include a $5 billion USD/INR buy/sell swap auction, open market operations (OMOs), and a variable rate repo (VRR) auction. The RBI’s efforts aim to alleviate liquidity constraints in the banking system and support economic stability.

Finvasia and Yes Bank Unveil ‘Jumpp’

Finvasia, a fintech company based in Mohali, Punjab, has collaborated with Yes Bank to launch a new, AI-powered super app named Jumpp. This innovative app aims to simplify and enhance personal finance management by offering a range of services under one platform. With its focus on accessibility and ease of use, Jumpp is set to revolutionize how users manage their financial lives.

Kotak Mutual Fund Introduces India’s First MSCI India ETF

In a landmark move, Kotak Mutual Fund has launched the Kotak MSCI India ETF, which marks the introduction of India’s first exchange-traded fund (ETF) designed to track the MSCI India Index. This new ETF offers investors an efficient way to gain exposure to a diversified portfolio of Indian stocks, reflecting the performance of the MSCI India Index. The launch of this ETF is seen as a significant step forward in India’s growing ETF market, offering more investment options for those looking to bet on the country’s economic growth.

FIU-IND Imposes ₹9.27 Crore Penalty on Bybit for PMLA Violations

In a significant development for the cryptocurrency industry, the Financial Intelligence Unit of India (FIU-IND) has imposed a hefty ₹9.27 crore penalty on Bybit Fintech Limited, a major virtual digital asset service provider (VDA SP), for violating the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). This penalty comes after Bybit expanded its operations in India without proper registration with the FIU-IND, which is mandatory under Indian laws. The penalty highlights the Indian government’s increased scrutiny of crypto platforms and their adherence to financial regulations. Along with the fine, the FIU-IND took additional steps by blocking Bybit’s websites, invoking the Information Technology Act, 2000, in response to persistent non-compliance.

Summits and Conferences News

International Big Cat Alliance Now a Treaty Organization

The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) has officially been established as a treaty-based intergovernmental organization, with its headquarters in India. The alliance focuses on the global conservation of seven iconic big cat species—tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and puma. It also aims to address issues such as illegal wildlife trade, poaching, and climate change. The IBCA was officially launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 9, 2023, during the 50th anniversary of India’s ‘Project Tiger’. As of January 23, 2025, the alliance gained full international legal status, with ratifications from five countries—India, Nicaragua, Eswatini, Somalia, and Liberia. Several national and international organizations involved in wildlife conservation have also partnered with the IBCA.

Sports News

R Praggnanandhaa Wins Tata Steel Masters Chess Title

R Praggnanandhaa emerged as the champion of the Tata Steel Masters chess tournament held in the Netherlands on February 2, 2025. He defeated D Gukesh 2-1 in a thrilling tie-breaker, claiming his first-ever Tata Steel Masters title. The intense final saw shocking twists, including upsets and an edge-of-the-seat finish. Praggnanandhaa’s victory is considered a milestone in his young career, with a significant contribution from fellow Indian Arjun Erigaisi’s earlier win over Gukesh.

Science and Technology News

Japan’s H-3 Rocket Successfully Launches Michibiki No. 6 Satellite

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) successfully launched the fifth H-3 rocket carrying the Michibiki No. 6 satellite. This satellite will contribute to Japan’s positioning system, a vital part of its version of the U.S. Global Positioning System (GPS). The launch took place at 5:30 p.m. from the Tanegashima Space Center in Kagoshima Prefecture, and the satellite was successfully placed into its designated orbit.

Obituaries News

Horst Koehler, Ex-German President and IMF Chief, Passes Away at 81

Horst Koehler, the former President of Germany (2004–2010) and a respected global policymaker with a special focus on Africa, passed away at the age of 81 after a short illness. Born in 1943 in German-occupied Poland and raised in refugee camps before settling in Ludwigsburg, Baden-Württemberg, Koehler overcame early hardships to rise to influential positions in German and international politics. His career spanned roles as a deputy finance minister under Chancellor Helmut Kohl, managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and eventually as the President of Germany. Known for his willingness to challenge governmental decisions and his popular appeal among Germans, Koehler left an indelible mark on both national and international affairs.

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