Current Affairs | National | International | SSC | UPSC 7th February 2025

 

Budget 2025: At a Glance 

1. Budget 2025-26: Centre to set up 2nd gene bank with 10 lakh germplasm lines 

• The government will set up a second Gene Bank with 10 lakh germplasm lines to conserve genetic resources and secure food and nutritional security. This aims to provide conservation support to the public and commercial sectors for genetic resources and to secure future food and nutritional security.
• A gene bank preserves and stores genetic material, including seeds, tissues and DNA samples from various plant and animal species. . Established in 1972, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) Genebank is a well-known institution committed to the preservation and conservation of crop genetic resources. 
• ICRISAT Genebank is a key institution protecting the genetic diversity of 11 vital crops, including various types of millet, chickpea, pigeon pea, and groundnut. It operates globally with facilities in India, Zimbabwe, Niger, and Kenya. 
• In 2019, the ICRISAT set up the world’s first gene bank in Hyderabad that is powered entirely by solar energy. 

2. Budget 2025-26: New ‘Gyan Bharatam Mission’ for manuscripts announced 

• The Union Budget 2025-26 announced a special mission for the survey, documentation, and conservation of India’s manuscript heritage. Launched as the ‘Gyan Bharatam Mission’, it intends to cover more than one crore manuscripts. 
• The ‘Gyan Bharatam Mission’ is for undertaking the “survey, documentation and conservation” of India’s manuscript heritage lying with academic institutions, museums, libraries, and private collectors. 
• To accommodate this new initiative, the budget allocation for the National Manuscripts Mission (NMM), whose aim is to identify and document manuscripts and make the manuscript heritage accessible across the country, has been hiked from ₹5 crore to ₹60 crore. 
• The overall allocation for the Culture Ministry has been increased by approximately ₹100 crore with a total outlay of ₹3,360.96 crore as against the revised estimate of ₹3,260.93 crore in the current fiscal. 
• Out of this, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has been allocated ₹1,278.49 crore against ₹91 crore allocated in 2024-25 which was revised to ₹1191.99 crore. 
• A total of ₹55 crore has been allocated for national libraries and archives, ensuring the maintenance of historical records and documents, while museums such as the National Museum and the National Gallery of Modern Art will receive ₹126.63 crore to enhance cultural preservation eorts. 

3. Budget 2025: Rs 20,000 cr allocated for Research, Development and Innovation 

• In a quest to boost private sector research and development in India, the Union Budget has allocated ₹20,000 crore to the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) for “research, development and innovation”. 
• Typically, the Ministry’s annual budget has averaged around ₹6,000 crore to ₹8,000 crore. 

4. Budget 2025-26: National Geospatial Mission announced to modernise land records 

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the launch of a National Geospatial Mission in the Budget 2025-26. 
• The mission will be aimed at modernising land records and enhancing urban planning across India. This initiative will leverage the existing PM Gati Shakti framework to develop foundational geospatial infrastructure and data, facilitating improved design and execution of infrastructure projects. 
• Geospatial refers to data or information that is associated with a specific location on the Earth’s surface. The National Geospatial Mission is expected to significantly impact various sectors, particularly in urban development and land management 

National News 

5. Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush launched “Shatavari –For Better Health" 

• “Shatavari –For Better Health" is a species-specific campaign. 
• Minister lauded the eorts of National Medicinal Plants Board, New Delhi for launching this new initiative to promote awareness about Shatavari. 
• Shatavari is a medicinal plants. It benefits women’s health. 
• Minister emphasized Shatavari is relevant for achieving the Panch Pran Goal given on 15 August 2022 by PM Modi to make India developed by 2047. 
• Panch Pran (five resolves) include goal of developed India, to remove any trace of colonial mindset, take pride in our roots, unity and sense of duty among citizens. 

6. NSDC International Academy has been inaugurated at Greater Noida 

• Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (I/C), inaugurated the NSDC International Academy at Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. 
• This academy has been designed to provide world-class skill development and training programs. 
• NSDC International Academy is a landmark initiative to fulfill the gap between Indian youth and global employment opportunities. 
• This academy will act as a center of excellence that will oer specialized training programs aligned with the skill demands of countries like Germany, Japan, and Israel. 
• The central government aims to empower individuals with the skills needed to thrive in today’s competitive global workforce. 
• The academy specializes in internationally recognized language certifications. 
• NSDC International Academy in Greater Noida is a flagship initiative of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India.
• This facility has modern classrooms equipped with interactive technology and advanced labs focused on soft skills and language learning. 

International News 

7. Following USA, Argentina withdraws from World Health Organization 

• Argentina announced its decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), following the United States’ similar move under President Donald Trump. 
• The decision was made by Argentina’s libertarian President Javier Milei, who instructed Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein to initiate the withdrawal. 
• President Milei cited “deep dierences” regarding the WHO’s management of health issues, particularly its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

About World Health Organization (WHO)-

•  Formation – 7 April 1948 
• Headquarters – Geneva, Switzerland 
• First President – Andrija Štampar 
• Director General – Tedros Adhanom (Ethiopia) 
• Deputy Director General – Soumya Swaminathan (Indian) 
• Member Countries – 194 

8. After the death of his father, Prince Rahim al-Husseini was named Aga Khan V 

• On 5 February, Prince Rahim al-Husseini has been appointed as the new Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslims, following the death of his father. 
• Prince Rahim, 53, who was named Aga Khan V in his father's will, becomes the 50th hereditary imam of the Ismailis. 
• His father, Aga Khan IV, Prince Karim al-Husseini passed away in Portugal on February 4 at the age of 88. 
• The Aga Khan is regarded by his followers as a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad and is considered the head of state. 

State News 

9. Guillain Barre Syndrome cases rise in Maharashtra 

• Case of Guillain Barre Syndrome cases have significantly increased in Maharashtra. 
• According to a report by the state health department, 140 cases are diagnosed with the Guillain Barre Syndrome. 
• Most aected patients are from Pune city, while the remaining cases have been reported from nearby areas. 
• The main symptoms of GBS include sudden weakness in the hands or legs, paralysis, and diculty walking. Guillain–Barré syndrome: 
• It is a rare neurological disorder in which the body's immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system. 
• It begins with tingling or numbness in the feet and hands, followed by muscle weakness and diculty moving joints. 
• Most people make a full recovery from GBS with treatment and rehabilitation. 
• It most commonly aects people aged between 30 and 50. 

Business News 

10. GMR Airport joins the United Nations Global Compact initiative 

• GMR Airports Ltd has committed to bring its operations and strategies in line with UNGC's ten principles. 
• These ten principles focus on human rights, labor, the environment, and anti-corruption. 
• Airports at Delhi, Hyderabad, Goa and Medan (Indonesia) are operated by GMR. 
• Airports in Bhogapuram (Visakhapatnam) and Crete (Greece) are being developed by GMR. 
• All GMR airports are certified as green building by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) or the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC). 
• United Nations Global Compact initiative is world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative launched in 2000. 

11. DILEX 2025 will be organized by the Council for Leather Exports on 20-21 Feb in New Delhi 

• The Delhi International Leather Expo (DILEX) 2025 will be organized by the Council for Leather Exports (CLE) on the 20th and 21st of February in New Delhi.
• DILEX is a B2B event designed to provide a platform to manufacturers and exporters to showcase their latest collections, innovations, and capabilities to international buyers who are looking for viable sourcing options. 
• It aims to boost exports, create employment, and strengthen India's presence in global markets in sync with the 'Make in India' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives. 
• The aim of the council is to reach a target of $47 billion by 2030, with a special focus on footwear and leather exports. 
• The Union Budget 2025 has given a much-needed boost to the leather and footwear sector by enhancing credit access, rationalizing levies, and retaining the key policy framework. 
• This year, the Leather Expo is expected to have over 200 exhibitors. 
• The government has implemented several reforms to boost trade and industry. 
• Meeting a major demand of the industry, the basic customs duty (BCD) on wet blue leather has been reduced from 10% to zero from February 2, 2025. 

Economy News 

12. Ten additional commodities and their tradable parameters have been added to the e-NAM platform to increase agricultural trade 

• These new commodities include wheat flour, dragon fruit, besan, and dried tulsi leaves. 
• The aim of initiative is to increase the coverage of agricultural commodities. 
• Other aims of this initiative are to oer more opportunities for farmers and traders to benefit from the digital trading platform. 
• Additional tradable parameters are in line with the government’s continuous attempts to modernize the agricultural sector. 
• Now, two hundred thirty-one commodities are listed on the e-NAM platform after addition of new commodities. 

13. Uttar Pradesh government approved the new Excise Policy for 2025-26 

• Under the new Excise Policy for 2025–26, the management of all liquor shops in the state will be handled through an e-lottery system. 
• The license of the existing liquor shop will not be renewed till 2026-27. 
• "Composite shops" is one of the main features of this policy, where beer, liquor, and wine will be sold from a single counter. 
• The new policy is also expected to lead to higher alcohol prices in the state. 
• The government has set a target of Rs 55,000 crore in excise revenue. It is Rs 4,000 crore more than the previous financial year. 
• Premium retail shop licenses will be renewed upon payment of an annual fee of Rs 25 lakh. 
• As per the new policy, premium brand liquor shops will not be allowed within multiplexes or malls. 
• The government has also streamlined the process for acquiring a personal home license. 

14. 10,147-crore worth contracts signed for Pinaka ammunition 

• The Defence Ministry on Thursday signed contracts worth 10,147 crore for a variety of ammunition for the Army's Pinaka Multiple Rocket Launch Systems (MRLS). The ammunition also enhances the range of the Pinaka systems. 
• Contracts were inked with Economic Explosives Limited (EEL) and Munitions India Limited (MIL) for the procurement of Area Denial Munition (ADM) Type-1 and High Explosive Pre-Fragmented (HEPF)-Mk-1 (enhanced) rockets respectively for Pi-naka MRLS at a total cost of 10,147 crore, a Ministry statement said. 
• A contract for upgrades in Shakti software has also been signed with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). 
• The ADM Type-1 ammu-nition has a specialised warhead to deliver a quan-tum of sub-munitions over a larger area targeting 
• A contract for upgrades in Shakti software has also been signed with Bharat Electronics Limited chanised forces, vehicles and personnel, thereby denying specific areas to the enemy, the statement said. The upgraded Pinaka is going to be the mainstay of the Army's long range rocket artillery. 
• Last November, the Defence Research and Deve-lopment Organisation (DRDO) announced the successful completion of flight tests of guided Pinaka rockets of 75 km paving the way for its induction doubling the original range. Work is on to enhance the range to 120 km and further to 300 km. 
• The fully automated 214-mm Pinaka MRLS battery can deliver a salvo of 72 rockets on the target up to 75 km in 44 seconds. 

Banking and Financial News 

15.Airtel Payments Bank partners with Karnataka Bulldozers for CCL 2025 

• Airtel Payments Bank has partnered with the Karnataka Bulldozers for the Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) 2025. 
• As part of this collaboration, Airtel Payments Bank will be co-sponsoring the team in its quest for victory while promoting safe digital banking solutions to fans across the nation. 
• The Celebrity Cricket League, known for its blend of cricket and entertainment, will begin on 8 February 2025. Through this collaboration, Airtel Payments Bank aims to connect with millions of cricket fans nationwide and reinforce its position as a trusted partner in digital banking. 

Appointment News 

16. Citibank appoints K Balasubramanian as India head 

• Citibank appointed, succeeding Ashu Khulla. 
• Balasubramanian will report to Amol Gupte, head of Asia South and banking head. Ashu Khullar will transition to co-head of global asset managers (GAM) with Anthony Diamandakis. 
• Under Khullar’s leadership from 2019 to 2025, Citi India achieved significant growth, becoming a top investment bank in equity capital markets and mergers and acquisitions. 

17.Recent Appointment in Banking & Insurance Sector 

• Executive Director of Dhanlaxmi Bank – P. Suriaraj 
• MD & CEO of IDBI Bank – Rakesh Sharma 
• MD and CEO of Zurich Kotak General Insurance – Alok Kumar Agarwal (Suresh Agarwal) 
• MD and CEO of Indian Bank – Binod Kumar 
• MD & CEO of Institutional Equities at JM Financial Institutional Securities – Ankur Jhaveri 
• CEO of Angel One – Ambarish Kenghe (eect from March 2025)

 Important day 

18. International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2025: 6 February 

• Every year on 6 February, International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is observed. 
• The day provides an opportunity to highlight progress and raise awareness to end this harmful practice. 
• This year, the theme of the day is 'Step Up the Pace.' 
• The focus of the theme is on strengthening alliances and building a movement to end FGM. 
• It was first celebrated in 2003. 
• Since 2008, nearly 7 million girls and women have accessed prevention and protection services. 
• In addition, 48 million people have made a public declaration to renounce FGM, and 220 million people have been reached with mass media messages on the issue. 
• Over the past two years, nearly 12 000 grassroots organizations and 112 000 community and frontline workers have worked to bring about change. 

Awards News 

19. Noel Tata awarded honorary doctorate by the University of Sussex 

• The University of Sussex has conferred an honorary doctorate upon Noel Tata, a distinguished business leader within the Tata Group and a proud alumnus of the University. 
• The honorary degree was presented by Professor Sasha Roseneil, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Sussex, during a private ceremony held in Mumbai. 
• Noel Tata, who graduated from the University of Sussex in 1978 with a degree in Economics. 

Recent Awards- 

• Sahitya Akademi Award 2024 – Late Chaman Arora (for Ik Hor Ashwthama in Dogri). 
• BCCI’s Lifetime Achievement Award 2024 – Sachin Tendulkar (31st) 
• Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar 2025 – Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) (In the Institutional Category for its excellent work in Disaster Management) 
• Gates-Cambridge Impact Prize 2025 – Prof Urbasi Sinha 
• Singapore’ Honorary Citizen Award – Tarun Das (Former DG of Confederation of Indian Industry) 
• 14th PSE Excellence Awards by ICC – Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Limited (IREDA) 

Science and Technology News 

20. ISRO released FEAST software at the 8th National Finite Element Developers’ meeting at IIT-Hyderabad 

• Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) released the latest version of the Finite Element Analysis of Structures (FEAST) software. 
• A union of industry leaders, academicians, and researchers took part in the 8th national finite element developers’ meeting. 
• The main aim of the meeting was to promote indigenously developed finite element-based structural analysis software. 
• FEAST software has been developed by ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). 
• It is a structural analysis software based on the finite element method, which will be used for analysing the behaviour of structures under various loads in the fields of aerospace, automobile, civil, mechanical, and marine engineering. 
• It will help engineers to test designs virtually before physical construction. 

Ranks & Reports News 

21. Zepto world’s second-most-downloaded app in food and drink category 

• Zepto, the Indian quick commerce startup, last year became the world’s second most downloaded mobile app on mobiles in the foods and drinks category, according to data Sensor Tower released. 
• McDonald’s, the US fast food chain, was the most downloaded. Zepto’s rival Blinkit was the tenth most downloaded app in the category. 
• Other Indian companies in the category were food and grocery delivery companies Zomato at number five and its competitor Swiggy at number nine.
• The category also included fast food and fast casual restaurants, restaurant order and delivery, other food delivery services, dining and listing, reviews and reservations and dining and restaurant apps. 

Sports News 

22. Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Wriddhiman Saha has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket 

• He played his final Ranji Trophy group-stage match for Bengal against Punjab at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, marking the end of his illustrious career. 
• The 40-year-old Saha, who debuted internationally in February 2010, represented India in 49 matches, including 40 Tests and nine ODIs. 
• He also represented Bengal and Tripura in domestic cricket, playing 142 first-class and 116 List A matches. 
• Saha played his last international match in 2021 against New Zealand. 
• In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Saha has played for several franchises, with one of the highlight performances of his career being a century for Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) against the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL 2014 final.