Table of Contents
National News
Shivraj Singh Chouhan Launches Watershed Yatra
Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the national-level mass outreach campaign “Watershed Yatra” on February 4, 2025, to promote awareness and active participation in watershed development activities under the Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WDC-PMKSY 2.0). The campaign aims to engage people in soil and water conservation efforts and promote sustainable natural resource management, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity, livelihoods, and environmental health across India.
Union Budget 2025-26 What Nuclear Power Sector Gets?
The Union Budget 2025-26 marks a significant step in India’s nuclear energy ambitions. The government has prioritized nuclear power as a cornerstone of the country’s long-term energy strategy. With a target of achieving 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047, India is positioning itself to reduce dependency on fossil fuels, bolster energy security, and fulfill its environmental commitments. Key to this effort is the establishment of the Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat, which will promote domestic nuclear capabilities, encourage private sector involvement, and develop advanced nuclear technologies such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
Fort William Renamed as ‘Vijay Durg’
In a significant step towards decolonization, the Indian Army has renamed Kolkata’s Fort William, the headquarters of its Eastern Command, as ‘Vijay Durg’. The decision, made in December 2024, reflects India’s commitment to honoring its indigenous military history over colonial relics. Inspired by the historic Vijaydurg Fort in Maharashtra, which served as a naval stronghold under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, this renaming aligns with the government’s broader push to erase colonial imprints from institutions and landmarks.
Southern Hemisphere’s Largest Hindu Temple Unveiled
On February 2, 2025, a grand inauguration ceremony was held in Johannesburg, South Africa, for the largest Hindu temple in the Southern Hemisphere. This temple is part of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Multi-Cultural Centre. The event was graced by South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile and spiritual leader Mahant Swami Maharaj. The temple is not only a place of worship but also a hub for cultural exchange, education, and social service.
International News
Trump Pulls US from UN Human Rights Council, Cuts UNRWA Funding
President Donald Trump signed an executive order that significantly impacted U.S. involvement in various United Nations bodies, including the U.N. Human Rights Council and UNRWA, the agency providing humanitarian aid to Palestinians. The move also called for a review of U.S. funding to the U.N. and its associated organizations. Trump’s decision to withdraw from these international entities and review U.S. financial contributions highlights his administration’s ongoing criticism of the U.N.’s effectiveness, particularly in resolving global conflicts. This article delves into the executive order, the reasons behind it, and the potential implications for global diplomacy and U.S. foreign policy.
GMR Airports Joins United Nations Global Compact Initiative
GMR Airports Ltd (GAL) has made a significant move by joining the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices. This partnership marks GAL’s dedication to aligning its operations with the ten principles of the UNGC, which include human rights, labor standards, environmental protection, and anti-corruption. Through this alliance, GAL aims to integrate these principles into its operational strategies, further contributing to the global sustainability agenda.
State News
‘Chandrayaan Se Chunao Tak’ Election Commission Initiative for West Delhi
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched a unique and futuristic initiative, ‘Chandrayaan Se Chunao Tak,’ to increase voter awareness and participation in West Delhi. A special polling booth in Vikaspuri has been transformed into a space-themed voting experience, drawing inspiration from India’s ambitious space missions. This initiative not only celebrates India’s space achievements but also enhances voter engagement, especially among the youth and elderly.
Banking News
NPCI Proposes Hike in ATM Interchange Fees
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has proposed an increase in ATM interchange fees for both cash and non-cash transactions. This move aims to compensate banks and White Label ATM Operators (WLAOs) for rising operational costs and support the expansion of ATM networks across the country.
RBI ₹2000 Note Withdrawal: 98% Returned, 2% Still in Circulation
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has reported that as of December 31, 2024, only ₹6,691 crore worth of ₹2000 banknotes remain in circulation, constituting just 1.88% of the ₹3.56 lakh crore originally in use when the withdrawal was announced on May 19, 2023. This means 98.12% of these high-value notes have been returned to the banking system.
IOB Joins Global Partnership for Carbon Accounting
Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) has taken a significant step towards sustainability by becoming a signatory of the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF). This move reflects the bank’s commitment to measuring and disclosing its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with financed activities. With this initiative, IOB is not only aligning itself with international best practices in the financial sector but also reinforcing its role in India’s journey towards a net-zero future.
South Indian Bank Unveils Startup Current Accounts for Entrepreneurs
South Indian Bank (SIB) has taken a significant step to support the rapidly growing startup ecosystem in India. The bank has introduced two specialized startup current account products, namely the SIB Business Startup Current Account and SIB Corporate Startup Current Account, both designed to cater to the unique needs of entrepreneurs. These accounts offer a range of benefits that aim to simplify banking for startups and help them focus on scaling their businesses.
Appointments News
Gopal Vittal Appointed Acting Chair of GSMA Board
On February 3, 2025, Gopal Vittal, the Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Bharti Airtel, took over as the Acting Chair of the GSMA Board. This significant appointment came after José María Álvarez-Pallete, Chairman and CEO of Telefónica, resigned from the role. Álvarez-Pallete stepped down due to his departure from Telefónica. This transition highlights the dynamic changes within the global telecommunications industry and the leadership roles that shape its future.
Summits and Conferences News
Dubai’s Global Justice Summit Welcomes 2,800 Peacekeepers, Nobel Laureates
Dubai is preparing to host the inaugural Global Justice, Love & Peace Summit on April 12-13, 2025, at the Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City. This event, organized by the I am Peacekeeper Movement, will gather 2,800 peacekeepers and 72 distinguished speakers, including 10 Nobel Laureates, heads of state, and religious leaders. Under the patronage of Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, this summit aligns with the UAE’s declaration of 2025 as the Year of Community. It aims to promote justice, love, and peace, and establish an ongoing global platform for such discussions in Dubai.
Ranks & Reports News
India’s Gold Investments Soar 60% to ₹1.5 Lakh Crore in 2024
In 2024, India witnessed a remarkable 60% surge in gold investments, reaching $18 billion (approximately ₹1.5 lakh crore), as per a report by the World Gold Council (WGC). This increase was driven by rising gold prices, reduced import duties, and heightened demand during festive seasons. India’s gold investment demand reached 239 tonnes—the highest since 2013—accounting for 20% of the global gold investment demand. This article explores the key factors behind this surge and its implications.
Agreements News
IICA, CMAI Sign MoU to Boost Decarbonisation Efforts
In a significant move to advance India’s carbon markets and decarbonisation initiatives, the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) and the Carbon Market Association of India (CMAI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi. The agreement was announced on February 4, 2025, during the inaugural session of the IICA-CMAI Masterclass on Global & Indian Carbon Markets. The event was graced by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Road, Transport & Highways, who highlighted the critical role of biofuels, green hydrogen, and sustainable energy solutions in shaping India’s economic and environmental future.
Important Days News
International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2025
International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation was observed on February 6, 2025. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a deeply rooted cultural practice that involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. Recognized internationally as a violation of human rights, FGM has severe physical, psychological, and social consequences for girls and women. Despite being concentrated in 30 countries across Africa and the Middle East, FGM is a global issue, with cases reported in Asia, Latin America, and among immigrant communities in Western Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand.
Sports News
End of an Era: Wriddhiman Saha Retires from Cricket
Former India wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha has announced his retirement from all formats of cricket. The 40-year-old cricketer, known for his exceptional wicketkeeping skills and resilience, played his final match for Bengal against Punjab in the Ranji Trophy Elite 2024-25 Group C encounter. Saha, who had earlier retired from international cricket in November 2024, expressed his gratitude towards his family, coaches, and cricketing associations for their unwavering support throughout his career.
Science and Technology News
What is Flu A and Flu B? Key Differences
Influenza, commonly referred to as the flu, is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the respiratory system. It can range from mild to severe, and in some cases, it can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or the worsening of chronic conditions like asthma or heart disease. Influenza is caused by influenza viruses, which are spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. The flu season varies from year to year, and understanding its causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment is essential for public health awareness.
ISRO Unveils FEAST 2025 Software at IIT Hyderabad
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has introduced the latest version of its structural analysis software, Finite Element Analysis of Structures (FEAST) 2025, at the 8th National Finite Element Developers’/FEAST Users’ Meet (NAFED08) held at IIT Hyderabad. The event, organized in collaboration with Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), brought together over 250 experts from academia, industry, and research institutions to discuss advancements in finite element-based structural analysis.
India Strengthens Biomedical Research with First Ferret Research Facility
India has recently taken a significant step towards advancing biomedical research with the inauguration of its first Ferret Research Facility at the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) in Faridabad, Haryana. This facility is a major leap in the country’s efforts to strengthen research in the fields of infectious and non-communicable diseases. Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, the Director General of the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council and Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology, led the inauguration. The new research center aims to play a crucial role in the development of vaccines and therapeutics, and will also enhance the country’s readiness for emerging diseases.
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