Table of Contents
National News
AI-Enabled National Consumer Helpline (NCH) Revolutionizing Consumer Grievance Redressal
The Department of Consumer Affairs, under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, has enhanced the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) with AI-enabled technology to improve consumer grievance redressal. The new system provides sector-wise analysis of complaints, ensuring faster resolution and greater consumer confidence. The initiative has significantly increased the number of calls received and grievances resolved, with consumer trust in NCH growing exponentially.
75th Anniversary of the National Sample Survey (NSS): A Milestone Celebration
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Government of India, celebrated the 75th anniversary of the National Sample Survey (NSS) at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on 7th February 2025. The event marked the beginning of a nationwide series of initiatives highlighting NSS’s critical role in evidence-based policymaking, raising awareness about data-driven governance, and engaging stakeholders from diverse sectors.
UNICEF Unveils National Roadmap for Child Road Safety
UNICEF has unveiled a comprehensive national roadmap aimed at addressing the growing concern of child road safety. With road accidents being a leading cause of injury-related deaths among children and adolescents, this initiative seeks to provide a clear strategy to reduce fatalities and create safer roads for young individuals. The roadmap outlines targeted measures, from speed regulations to educational programs, emphasizing the need for urgent action.
Cabinet Passes New Income Tax Bill 2025: A Major Overhaul of India’s Tax System
The Union Cabinet has approved the new Income Tax Bill, which will replace the six-decade-old Income Tax Act, 1961. The primary objective of this new legislation is to simplify, modernize, and streamline India’s tax system, making it more comprehensible and efficient for taxpayers.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced in the Budget 2025-26 that the new bill will be introduced in Parliament in the ongoing session. Once tabled, it will be sent to the Standing Committee on Finance for further evaluation and discussion.
India Achieves 100 GW Solar Power Capacity
India has achieved a major milestone in its renewable energy journey by reaching 100 gigawatts (GW) of installed solar power capacity. This achievement is a crucial step in the country’s goal of transitioning to cleaner energy sources and reducing its dependence on fossil fuels. The milestone, announced by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, highlights India’s progress in meeting its renewable energy commitments.
International News
Panama Withdraws from China’s Belt and Road Initiative
Panama has officially announced its withdrawal from China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), marking a significant geopolitical realignment. President José Raúl Mulino’s decision reflects growing tensions between global powers, particularly the United States and China, over the strategic Panama Canal. The move signals a shift in Panama’s foreign policy, focusing on strengthening ties with the U.S. while re-evaluating Chinese investments in the country.
World’s First Kangaroo Embryos Created via IVF
In a historic scientific breakthrough, researchers have successfully created kangaroo embryos through in vitro fertilization (IVF) for the first time. This achievement could revolutionize the conservation of endangered marsupial species, helping to protect them from extinction.
The study, published in the journal Reproduction, Fertility and Development, was led by scientists at the University of Queensland, Australia. Their research highlights the potential of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) in safeguarding species like koalas, Tasmanian devils, northern hairy-nosed wombats, and Leadbeater’s possums.
Pakistan Joins China’s Chang’e-8 Lunar Mission
In a landmark development for Pakistan’s space program, the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has partnered with China National Space Administration (CNSA) for the upcoming Chang’e-8 lunar mission, scheduled for launch in 2028. This marks Pakistan’s first major involvement in a lunar exploration mission and signifies a significant step in its space ambitions. The collaboration will see an indigenous Pakistani rover deployed on the Moon’s south pole as part of China’s larger International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) project.
International Buddhist Confederation Unveils Triservices Trek
The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) is set to launch the Lord Buddha Trination Triservices Expedition, a historic initiative uniting the armed forces of India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. This unique motorcycle expedition will commence from Lumbini, Nepal (the birthplace of Lord Buddha) and conclude in Galle, Sri Lanka, covering key Buddhist heritage sites along the route.
India Secures Place on UN’s Honour Roll for Timely Budget Payment
India has once again demonstrated its commitment to global cooperation by making a timely payment to the United Nations (UN) regular budget. On January 31, 2024, India contributed USD 32.895 million to the UN, securing its place on the prestigious Honour Roll, which acknowledges member states that pay their assessed contributions on time. This move underscores India’s long-standing financial responsibility within the UN framework.
What Is The International Criminal Court?
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is a pivotal institution in the global justice system, established to prosecute individuals for the most serious crimes of international concern. Unlike national courts, the ICC operates on an international level, addressing crimes that transcend borders and impact humanity as a whole. This article delves into the origins, structure, jurisdiction, and significance of the ICC, along with its challenges and criticisms.
Defence News
Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron Docks at Changi Naval Base
The First Training Squadron (1TS) of the Indian Navy, comprising INS Sujata, INS Shardul, and ICGS Veera, arrived at Changi Naval Base, Singapore, on 6th February 2025. This visit is part of the Long-Range Training Deployment to Southeast Asia, strengthening maritime cooperation and fostering mutual understanding. The squadron had previously visited Singapore in October 2023.
State News
Himachal Sets Stage for North India’s First Green Hydrogen Facility
In a significant step toward green energy transition, Himachal Pradesh has initiated North India’s first Green Hydrogen Plant at Dabhota in Nalagarh, situated in the state’s industrial belt of Baddi-Brotiwala and Nalagarh near Chandigarh. Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu laid the foundation stone for the 1 MW plant, which aligns with the state’s goal of becoming India’s first green state by March 31, 2026. The Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL), in collaboration with Oil India Limited, will develop this project at a cost of ₹9.04 crore. The plant is expected to be operational within a year and will contribute to reducing carbon emissions by utilizing renewable energy sources for hydrogen production.
Schemes News
Odisha Govt Launches ‘Bikashita Gaon’ Scheme for Village Development
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched the ‘Bikashita Gaon Bikashita Odisha’ (BGBO) scheme in Jankia, Khordha district. The initiative aims to enhance rural infrastructure development across Odisha. With a ₹5,000 crore budget for five years, the scheme will focus on improving road connectivity, civic amenities, educational facilities, and micro tourism development. The BJP-led government promises to ensure holistic village development within five years, keeping development and politics separate. This scheme follows the path of earlier initiatives like ‘Ama Gaon Ama Bikash’ (2018) and ‘Ama Odisha Naveen Odisha’ (2023) but with improved implementation and financial commitment.
Swavalambini: Boosting Women Entrepreneurs in Northeast
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in collaboration with NITI Aayog, has launched ‘Swavalambini’, a new initiative focused on women entrepreneurship in the northeastern states of Assam, Meghalaya, and Mizoram. Announced on February 7, 2025, this program aims to equip women with essential business skills, mentorship, and financial support to help them start and sustain their own ventures.
Banking News
RBI Clears Tata Communications’ Payment Arm Sale to Findi
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved Tata Communications’ plan to sell its entire stake in Tata Communications Payment Solutions Ltd (TCPSL) to Transaction Solutions International (TSI), the Indian subsidiary of Australian fintech company Findi. The deal, first announced in November 2024, is valued at ₹330 crore, with an additional ₹75 crore contingent upon interchange rate adjustments.
SEBI Penalizes DB Realty and Associates for Financial Misstatements
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has imposed a total fine of ₹25 lakh on DB Realty Ltd (now known as Valor Estate Ltd) and seven associated individuals for violations related to financial misstatements and non-disclosures. The penalties were levied due to the company’s failure to adhere to accounting standards and adequately disclose a corporate guarantee provided to the Bank of India on behalf of Pune Buildtech Pvt Ltd (PBPL).
Science and Technology News
DRDO Reshapes Research Focus for Stronger Defense R&D
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has taken a major step towards enhancing its research focus by redefining and expanding its Research Verticals and Thrust Areas across its Industry Academia – Centres of Excellence (DIA-CoEs). Announced on February 7, 2025, by the Directorate of Futuristic Technology Management (DFTM) at DRDO headquarters in New Delhi, this move aims to streamline research efforts, incorporate cutting-edge technologies, and strengthen India’s defense capabilities.
Sports News
Australia’s All-Rounder Marcus Stoinis Bids Farewell to ODIs
Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has announced his immediate retirement from ODI cricket, ruling himself out of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. The 35-year-old will now focus on T20 cricket, where he remains available for selection. Stoinis played a key role in Australia’s 2023 ODI World Cup victory but has now decided to step away from the 50-over format. His decision comes at a challenging time for Australia, as they are already dealing with injuries to key players like Mitchell Marsh, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood.
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