Current Affairs | National | International | SSC | UPSC 6th February 2025

 Budget 2025-26: At a Glance 

1. Budget 2025-26: ₹20,000 Crore Allocated for ‘Nuclear Energy Mission’ 

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced a ₹20,000 crore ‘Nuclear Energy Mission’ to develop indigenous Small Modular Reactors (SMR). 
• The Budget proposes that at least five of these reactors will be operationalised by 2033. 
• India’s larger goal of ensuring 100 GW of nuclear energy by 2047 and towards this, amendments to the Atomic Energy Act and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act would be made. 

2. Budget 2025-26: Maritime Development Fund with ₹25,000-crore corpus 

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced a Rs 25,000 crore maritime development fund for the shipping industry among other incentives. 
• This follows complaints from Indian exporters against alleged “arm-twisting” by foreign shipping lines over freight rates amid the ongoing Red Sea crisis. 
• The Rs 25,000 crore maritime development fund will be for distributed support and promoting competition. This will have a 49 per cent contribution by the government and the balance will be mobilised by the ports and the private sector. 

National News 

3. Shivraj Singh Chouhan launches a national-level mass outreach campaign “Watershed Yatra” 

• Union Minister of Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan has launched a national level mass outreach campaign “Watershed Yatra”, in Hybrid mode to generate people’s participation and create awareness about the Watershed Development activities carried out under Watershed Development Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WDC-PMKSY 2.0) in project areas. 
• A total of about 800 Gram Panchayats and more than one lakh people participated in the Watershed Yatra launch program. The Watershed Yatra will consist of Van movement for around 60-90 days across 805 projects, which cover 6673 GPs (13587 villages) in 26 States and 2 UTs. 
• The Department has developed a Learning Management System (LMS) on Watershed Development and hosted on DoLR’s website, which has also been linked to MY Bharat portal for further engagement of youth. 

International News 

4. UK becomes first nation to outlaw AI tools used to generate child sexual abuse content 

• The United Kingdom has become the first country to introduce laws against artificial intelligence tools used to generate sexualised images of children. 
• The government announced that it would make it illegal to possess, create or distribute AI tools that generate abusive images, making it a crime punishable by up to five years in prison. 
• AI tools are being used to generate child sexual abuse images by “nudeifying” real-life images of children or by “stitching the faces of other children onto existing images. 

About United Kingdom (UK)- 

• Capital – London
• Currency – Pound sterling 
• Prime Minister – Keir Stammer (replace Rishi Sunak) 

5. BAPS inaugurates South Africa’s largest Hindu Temple in Johannesburg 

• The Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) has inaugurated the largest Hindu Temple of South Africa in Johannesburg. 
• The inauguration of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir and Cultural Complex marks a historic milestone for the Hindu community in the country. 
• This new temple joins a growing network of 35 BAPS temples across Africa, including seven in South Africa. 
• BAPS has currently a global presence with over thirteen thousand temples built across various countries, serving as centres for spirituality, cultural preservation, and community service. 

6. President Trump signs executive order withdrawing US from UNHRC 

• President Donald Trump signed an executive order withdrawing the US from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), prohibiting any future funding for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees. 
• President Trump also directed the US to review its participation in the UN’s Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). 
• The Executive order said that the United States helped found the United Nations after World War II to prevent future global conflicts and promote international peace and security. Mr. Trump halted funds for UNRWA during his first term. President Joe Biden put a block on US funds for UNRWA in January 2024.

 7. 15 th International Meeting of World Pharmacopoeias (IMWP) held in New Delhi 

• The 15th International Meeting of World Pharmacopoeias (IMWP) has been hosted by the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) under the aegis of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. 
• IPC hosted the event in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). 
• Global pharmacopoeial leaders, regulatory authorities, and industry stakeholders participated in the meeting and discussed key issues related to pharmaceutical standards and harmonization. 
• Union Minister of State Anupriya Patel addressed the meeting. She highlighted India’s role as the “Pharmacy of the World” and emphasized the importance of ensuring access to high-quality medicines globally. 
• IMWP will act as an important platform to foster international collaboration in pharmacopoeial science and regulatory harmonization. 
• The 15th IMWP has concluded on 7th February. The discussions held over three days will further strengthen global pharmacopoeial cooperation and enhance pharmaceutical quality assurance. 

8. Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have formally left the regional bloc ECOWAS 

• Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have formally withdrawn from the regional bloc known as ECOWAS. 
• The withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger is a huge blow to ECOWAS. 
• These three countries decide to leave ECOWAS after the demand to restore diplomatic rule. 
• Relations between Ecowas and these three countries have deteriorated after the military seized power in Niger in 2023, Burkina Faso in 2022 and Mali in 2020. 
• Ecowas said it would keep its "doors open" to Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.
• The 15-nation ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) was formed in 1975 to “promote economic integration” in member states of West Africa. 
• All citizens of ECOWAS have the right to live and work in all member states. Additionally, the region allows for the free movement of goods across its borders. 

State News 

9. The only educational institution to receive a Green School Rating from the entire Northeastern states is PM Shri Government Senior Secondary School Namchi, Sikkim 

• Centre for Science and Environment organised Green Carnival and Green School Award Ceremony 2025. 
• Centre for Science and Environment annually organises Green Carnival and Green Award Ceremony. 
• This ceremony is organised to engage young environmentalists from various schools across India. 
• Green School Audit reports from July-December are evaluated and analysed and awards are given to schools rated as green. 
• Schools of the Green School Programme Network from all states and union territories of India submit the Green School Audit reports. 
• Green School Audit reports were submitted by over 10,000 schools. 
• Only 150 schools were rated Green School for the session 2024-25 from all over India. 

10. Last Naxalite of Karnataka, Lakshmi, surrendered and state is now declared 'Naxalite free' 

• Lakshmi will get Rs 7 lakh 'surrender package'. 
• She is entitled to get this amount because she comes under the 'A' category for surrender. 
• Lakshmi has three cases in the Udupi district. Upon surrendering, she appealed authorities to relieve charges. 
• The 'A' category is for Naxals originating from Karnataka state. 
• Surrender packages will be provided in phases in three years. 
• Depending on the core capacity, education, rehabilitation, and employment will be provided. 

11.‘Chandrayaan Se Chunav Tak’ initiative has been launched by ECI to boost voter enthusiasm in Delhi 

• ‘Chandrayaan se Chunao tak’ initiative aims to connect space exploration with the electoral process. 
• The main aim of the initiative is to increase voter awareness and enthusiasm by celebrating India’s remarkable achievements in space exploration. 
• The booths had models of the Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan. 
• The interactive displays of planets through a bioscope and telescope will also be placed at booths. 
• Voters were delighted by the experience, with many expressing their appreciation for the innovative approach. 
• ECI has launched this initiative in association with the West Delhi administration. 

12. A Gujarat village’s inland mangrove area has been declared a Biodiversity Heritage Site 

• The natural inland mangrove site of Guneri village of Kutch district has been declared as the first Biodiversity Heritage Site of Gujarat. 
• It is spread over a 32.78-hectare area of Guneri village in Lakhtar tehsil. 
• This announcement has been made by the state government after considering a recommendation from the Gujarat Biodiversity Board. 
• A local Biodiversity Management Committee will manage the area. It will ensure the conservation and enrichment of the flora and fauna in the area. 
• The announcement has been made under the provisions of The Biodiversity Act, of 2002. 
• Under this act, a state government can notify an area as a Biodiversity Heritage Site after consulting concerned local bodies. 
• Inland mangroves are rare and have been reported from only eight locations in the world. The Guneri inland mangrove site is the last remains of its kind in India. 
• The Guneri mangrove site is located at a distance of 45 km from the Arabian Sea and four km from the Kori Creek. 

Agreement News 

13. An MoU signed by IICA and CMAI to enhance capacity for decarbonization 

• An MoU has been signed by the Indian Institute of Corporate Aairs (IICA) and the Carbon Market Association of India (CMAI) in New Delhi to strengthen India's carbon markets and advance decarbonization eorts. 
•  On February 4, this historic agreement was announced at the inaugural day of the IICA-CMAI Masterclass on Global and Indian Carbon Markets. 
• Shri Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, participated in this masterclass and emphasized the vital role of biofuels and green hydrogen in shaping India’s economic and environmental future. 
• This strategic partnership aims to equip industry professionals, policymakers, and academia with the knowledge and expertise needed to advance in India’s emerging carbon markets. 
• Under the agreement, CMAI and IICA will collaborate on training programs, joint research, workshops and conferences, and policy advocacy. 
• CMAI is a leading industry association focused on accelerating sustainable business initiatives. 
• It will work as a knowledge partner for IICA, a think tank under the Ministry of Corporate Aairs to support the growth and development of the corporate sector in India.

Business News 

14.Quality compliance requirements were expanded by the Government to over 150 products 

• Quality compliance requirements have been expanded by the government by mandating Quality Control Orders (QCO) for more than 150 products ranging from home appliances to industrial materials. 
• This aims to ensure strict safety and performance standards. 
• The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) said it has already listed over 150 products for the purpose of better awareness. 
• The authorities have extended the scope of these mandatory standards to dierent sectors and have prescribed dierent enforcement dates for each sector. 
• The implementation of these orders will be overseen by the BIS, and a diverse range of products, including vacuum cleaners, stainless steel utensils, and massage appliances, will be covered. 
• The final date for compliance has been set as March 20 for electrical equipment running on 250V single-phase or 415V three-phase power. 
• QCOs are designed to prevent the import of substandard goods and ensure consumers have access to high-quality products. 
• There has been a significant increase in the number of products under QCO coverage, rising from 106 in 2014 to over 732 by October 2024. 
• The move is in line with India's broader strategy to raise domestic manufacturing standards and curb low-quality imports. 

Defence News 

15. A deal signed by the Army with IIT Guwahati for developing bamboo-based bunkers at high altitudes 

• Conventional building materials may be replaced by bamboo-based composites in constructing bunkers for the Indian Army in often freezing conditions at high altitudes. 
• The Army’s 4 Corps, based in north-central Assam’s Tezpur, and IIT Guwahati signed an MoU for research, design, and fabrication of epoxy bamboo-based composites. 
• These composites are intended to replace traditional building materials used in the construction of bunkers at high altitudes. 
• These areas are mostly in Arunachal Pradesh, whose northern border adjoins the eastern Himalayas. 
• Under the project, several defense works will be constructed in high-altitude areas for field trials, where they will have to withstand small arms fire and endure the full weather cycle. 
• The manufactured panels will provide the same level of protection, albeit at a lower weight, reducing the time and eort spent transporting supplies, ultimately increasing force protection. 
• promoting collaboration between industry, academia, and government. 

Infrastructure and Energy News 

16. Majhi launches special village infrastructure development programme of ₹5,000 crore 

• The Mohan Majhiled go-vernment's village-focused development initiative, 'Bi-kashita Gaon, Bikashita Odisha' (Developed Village, Developed Odisha), was formally launched on Wednesday. 
• Launching the scheme, the Chief Minister said it will help reduce the gap in development of cities and villages and bring parity in basic infrastructure.
• Under the scheme, ₹1,000 crore will be spent every year for the development of infrastructure in villages. The government will spend ₹5,000 crore in five years from the current financial year to 2028-29 and expand the programme if necessary. 
• Stating that it is impossi-ble to think of the development of Odisha without the development of villages, Mr. Majhi said, "Our programme is completely dedicated to the development of our villages. It will be implemented through an annual plan in a planned manner in educa-tion, community assets, places of worship, sports infrastructure and small tourism projects, apart from village roads." The basic infrastructure of village roads especially those which connect villages to villages will get high priority. Moreover, all community infrastructure such as Kalyan Mandap, community centres, im-provement of bathing ghats and market sheds will be constructed. 
• Plans have also been made for the development of educational infrastructure. Construction of additional classrooms and improvement and expansion of the existing infrastructure will be taken up. 
• "The minimum cost of each project will be ₹3 lakh... so that the quality can be maintained," he said. 
• Responding to the scheme launch, opposition Biju Janata Dal MLA Arun Sahoo said, "The fund earmarked annually for villages is too meagre to take up any development programme. We had far bigger allocations for village development.” 

Miscellaneous News 

17.The Janjati Sanskritik Samagam 2025 is being held at Mahakumbh 

• On February 6, the Janjati Sanskritik Samagam 2025 is being organised at Mahakumbh, Prayagraj, and will be attended by over 15,000 tribals from across the country. 
• The aim of this grand cultural gathering is to celebrate the rich heritage, traditions, and contributions of India’s tribal communities. 
• During the six-day program, everyone will take an oath to protect the culture and traditions of the tribals. 
• To commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, the year 2025 has been declared as the Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh. 
• Sri Birsa Munda is revered as Bhagwan by tribal communities across the country. 
• Birsa Munda fought bravely against the exploitative system of the British colonial system and led the movement against British oppression. 
• During the event, various government schemes and initiatives for tribal upliftment, such as education scholarships, skill development programmes and economic empowerment projects, will be showcased. 

Obituary News 

18. Veteran Akashvani news reader Venkataraman passed away at the age of 102 

• On 4 February, Venkatraman passed away in Chennai. 
• He was the first person to convey the important news of India's independence in Tamil from Delhi on the morning of 15 August 1947. 
• The news was first broadcast in Tamil language on Radio Ceylon at 5.45 am. 
• Venkataraman worked with All India Radio for 64 years as a regular and casual artiste. 
• When he entered radio, he was a scriptwriter but later joined the Tamil news section in New Delhi.