07th February 2025 Current Affairs (Daily GK Update)

National News

Shatavari for Wellness: Nationwide Campaign Launched

The Ministry of Ayush has launched a species-specific campaign, “Shatavari – For Better Health,” aimed at raising awareness about the medicinal benefits of Shatavari. The initiative was inaugurated by Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush, in the presence of key officials, including Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, and Dr. Mahesh Kumar Dadhich, CEO, National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB). This campaign follows the success of previous initiatives promoting medicinal plants like Amla, Moringa, Giloe, and Ashwagandha. The campaign aligns with the Panch Pran Goal set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for India’s holistic development by 2047, with a special focus on women’s health.

India Aims for Top 25 in Global Logistics by 2030

India is set to strengthen its logistics sector through initiatives like PM Gati Shakti and the National Logistics Policy, aiming to enter the top 25 of the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index (LPI) by 2030. Currently ranked 38th out of 139 nations, India is witnessing rapid infrastructure development, multi-modal transformation, and policy-driven logistics advancements. With an expected market size of $484.43 billion by 2029, the government aims to reduce logistics costs from 13-14% of GDP to single digits. The study, released ahead of LogiMAT India 2025, emphasizes the role of advanced technologies and public-private partnerships in positioning India as a global logistics hub.

State News

Himachal Pradesh Launches Cannabis Farming Pilot Project

In response to increasing demand for cannabis cultivation and global recognition of its medicinal, agricultural, and industrial value, the Himachal Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, approved a pilot project for cannabis (hemp) farming. The project aims to explore the potential benefits of cannabis cultivation in the region, with an emphasis on its medicinal and industrial uses.

Kerala Secures Rs 2,424 cr World Bank Loan to Strengthen Healthcare System

In a significant move to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and improve public health, the Kerala government has approved the Kerala Health System Improvement Programme (KHSIP). The project will be implemented with financial assistance of ₹2,424.28 crore from the World Bank under the Programme for Results (P for R) model. The state Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, granted approval for the project on February 7, 2025, aiming to enhance healthcare resilience, prevent diseases, and improve the overall quality of life for Kerala’s citizens.

International News

Uganda Launches Groundbreaking Ebola Vaccine Trial

In a historic move, Uganda, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and global partners, has initiated the first-ever clinical trial for a vaccine targeting the Sudan species of the Ebola virus. The trial, launched just four days after the outbreak was confirmed on January 30, marks an unprecedented speed for a randomized vaccine trial in an emergency setting. If successful, the vaccine could play a crucial role in controlling future outbreaks and securing regulatory approval.

Trump Signs Executive Order Banning Trans Women from Women’s Sports

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, titled the “No Men in Women’s Sports Executive Order.” The order prohibits transgender women and girls from competing in female sports, marking the fourth executive order targeting transgender individuals since Trump took office on January 20, 2025. This decision has sparked widespread debate, with the administration justifying it as a measure to protect women’s sports, while critics argue it is a direct attack on transgender rights.

After US Exit, Argentina Cuts Ties with WHO

Argentina has announced its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), following a similar decision made by the United States under President Donald Trump. President Javier Milei’s administration cited “deep differences” with the WHO’s handling of health issues, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic. This move has sparked debates on Argentina’s global standing, healthcare policies, and the potential impact on the WHO’s credibility. Critics argue that the decision may require congressional approval and could have long-term consequences for Argentina’s healthcare system and international relations.

Appointments News

K Balasubramanian Appointed as New Citibank India Head

K Balasubramanian has been appointed as the new India Subcontinent Sub-Cluster and Banking Head for Citibank, succeeding Ashu Khullar, subject to approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). He will report to Amol Gupte, Head of Asia South and Banking Head. The leadership transition marks a significant development in Citi India’s operations, which have seen strong growth under Khullar’s leadership.

Banking News

RBI MPC Meeting 2025: Repo Rate Cut By 25 bps to 6.25%

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is set to announce its 6th and last bi-monthly monetary policy for the Financial Year 2025. The meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee headed by the new RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra was scheduled from February 5 to 7. This will be the first RBI policy under the new Governor Sanjay Malhotra and also the first RBI MPC meeting after the Union Budget 2025-26 was presented on February 1. Repo Rate Cut: Reduced by 25 bps to 6.25% to boost economic growth. GDP Growth Projections for 2025-26: 6.7%, with quarterly estimates. Click to read the complete article

RBI Launches ‘Bank.in’ & ‘Fin.in’ for Secure Digital Banking

In a significant move to enhance cybersecurity and trust in digital banking, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced the introduction of exclusive internet domain names for Indian banks and financial institutions. Indian banks will now have the domain ‘Bank.in’, while non-banking financial entities will be assigned ‘Fin.in’. This initiative, unveiled by RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra during the last bi-monthly monetary policy of the fiscal year, aims to reduce cyber threats, prevent phishing attacks, and promote secure financial transactions.

SBI Q3 Results: Net Interest Income Up 4% to ₹41,446 Cr

State Bank of India (SBI) reported an 84% rise in net profit for Q3 FY25, surpassing market expectations. The bank’s net interest income (NII) increased by 4%, while employee expenses declined significantly. SBI demonstrated strong loan growth, improved asset quality, and higher deposit mobilization. Despite a dip in CASA ratio, the overall financial health remains robust. Net profit surged 84% YoY to ₹16,891 crore (Q3FY24: ₹9,164 crore).

Business News

Zomato Board Approves Name Change To Eternal Ltd, Unveils New Logo

Food and delivery giant Zomato has announced a major corporate rebranding, renaming itself “Eternal”, effective February 6, 2025. The rebranding marks a significant shift in the company’s vision, consolidating its diverse business verticals under one umbrella. This move comes more than two years after Zomato began using the name “Eternal” internally, signaling a transformation in its business approach. The new identity will bring together its four key divisions, enhancing synergy across operations while retaining the original Zomato brand for food delivery.

Zepto Becomes World’s Second Most Downloaded Food & Drink App

Zepto, the Indian quick commerce startup, has emerged as the second most downloaded app globally in the food and drinks category, according to a recent report by Sensor Tower. The rankings place Zepto ahead of global giants like KFC and Domino’s, with McDonald’s securing the top spot. This achievement highlights the rapid growth of India’s quick commerce sector, with Blinkit, Zomato, and Swiggy also making it to the top 10. Zepto’s success is attributed to its 300% growth in the second half of 2024, fueled by innovations such as the “buy now, pay later” feature.

Reports News

Cocoa Crisis: Study Warns of 50% Land Loss in West, Central Africa by 2050

A new study has revealed that ongoing climate change is likely to significantly impact cocoa production in West and Central Africa, which accounts for over 70% of the world’s cocoa supply. Conducted in Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon, the research predicts that by 2050, nearly 50% of currently suitable cocoa-growing areas may no longer support cultivation due to rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns. The findings highlight the urgent need for adaptive strategies to sustain cocoa production while preventing deforestation.

Ocean Coordination Mechanism Aims to Protect Caribbean & North Brazil Shelf

Oceans, covering over 70% of the Earth’s surface, are essential for regulating the climate and providing sustenance and livelihoods for billions of people. However, they face significant threats from pollution, overfishing, climate change, and habitat destruction. To protect marine life and ensure sustainable use of ocean resources, new initiatives like the Ocean Coordination Mechanism (OCM) are being launched. The OCM aims to address the challenges facing the Caribbean and North Brazil shelf, focusing on biodiversity preservation, sustainable resource management, and climate change resilience.