CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
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MeitY Published Aadhaar Authentication For Good Governance Amendment Rules 2025
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) recently published the Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance (Social Welfare, Innovation, Knowledge) Amendment Rules, 2025. This amendment aims to improve transparency and inclusivity in governance by expanding the use of Aadhaar authentication across both governmental and non-governmental sectors. The amendment opens up several new use cases for the private sector.
02/02/2025
Bombay High Court Quashed Case Under SC/ST Act Due To Lack Of Public View Requirement
In a significant judgement, the Bombay High Court recently quashed a case filed under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. The court ruled that the alleged offenses did not occur in a "public view," which is a critical condition for prosecution under the Act. The SC/ST Act was established to protect Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes from discrimination and violence.
02/02/2025
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla Set To Become First Indian Astronaut On ISS With Axiom Mission 4
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to make history as the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS). Selected to pilot Axiom Mission 4, Shukla’s journey marks a significant milestone for India’s role in human space exploration. Shubhanshu Shukla is a graduate of the National Defence Academy in Pune. He joined the Indian Air Force (IAF) in June 2006 and was promoted to Group Captain by March 2024.
02/02/2025
Finance Minister Announced Launch Of National Geospatial Mission In Budget 2025-26
The Finance Minister recently unveiled the launch of a National Geospatial Mission as part of the Budget 2025-26. The mission will build upon the existing PM Gati Shakti framework to create essential geospatial infrastructure and data, enhancing the design and implementation of infrastructure projects. One of its key objectives is to modernize land records and improve urban planning across the country.
02/02/2025
Union Budget 2025-26 Introduces Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme For Digital Indian Language Textbooks
The Union Budget 2025-26 has introduced the Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme, which aims to provide digital textbooks and study resources in various Indian languages for students. The initiative seeks to make learning more accessible by offering digital learning materials in multiple Indian languages.
02/02/2025
NaBFID To Launched Partial Credit Enhancement Facility For Infrastructure Sector Bonds
The Finance Minister recently announced that the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) will establish a partial credit enhancement facility for corporate bonds in the infrastructure sector. NaBFID is a specialized Development Finance Institution (DFI) in India, created to bolster the country’s infrastructure sector by facilitating easier credit access through attractive financial instruments and investment channels.
03/02/2025
PM-JANMAN Package: Enhancing Living Conditions For Vulnerable Tribal Groups In India
The PM-JANMAN package, launched in November 2023, is a government initiative designed to improve the living conditions of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India. The program aims to ensure that essential services such as housing, water, and roads are provided to 100% of PVTG habitations. The PM-JANMAN package will continue until 2025-26, with the aim of ensuring comprehensive development across critical sectors, improving the overall quality of life for PVTG communities.
03/02/2025
PM Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana Gets 37% Budget Hike In 2025-26
The allocation for the PM Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana (PM-SYM) in the 2025-26 Budget has seen a 37% increase compared to the previous year. The PM-SYM is a government initiative aimed at providing old-age protection and social security for unorganized sector workers. It is a Central Sector Scheme managed by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, and is executed in collaboration with the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) and CSC eGovernance Services India Limited (CSC SPV).
03/02/2025
World Wetlands Day 2025 Celebrated At Parvati Arga Ramsar Site By MoEFCC
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) recently hosted the World Wetlands Day 2025 celebrations at the Parvati Arga Ramsar Site. Observed every year on February 2nd, World Wetlands Day commemorates the adoption of the Ramsar Convention in 1971. The day aims to raise awareness about the importance of wetland conservation, one of the planet's most vital ecosystems.
03/02/2025
ISRO Faces Setback With NVS-02 Satellite On Its 100th Launch
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) recently faced a setback with its NVS-02 satellite mission. Launched on January 29, 2025, this mission marked ISRO’s 100th satellite launch. At present, the NVS-02 satellite is in an elliptical orbit. Its systems are functioning properly, and communication with ground stations has been established.
04/02/2025
Union Budget 2025-26: A Vision For Economic Growth And Sustainable Development
The Union Budget for 2025-26 was presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, 2025, with a clear focus on fostering economic growth through four key areas: agriculture, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), investments, and exports. This budget reflects a comprehensive approach to growth, focusing on sectors that will contribute to long-term development while addressing immediate needs through strategic investments and reforms.
04/02/2025
Rare Sighting Of World Smallest Cat Species In West Bengal Purulia District
The rusty-spotted cat, known as the smallest wild cat in the world, was recently observed in the forests of Purulia district, West Bengal. This discovery, made by researchers from the Human and Environment Alliance League (HEAL) during an investigation into pangolin poaching, marks the first documented sighting of the elusive species in the region.
04/02/2025
Shenzhou-19 Crew Unveiled Groundbreaking Artificial Photosynthesis Technology In Space
China’s Shenzhou-19 mission aboard the Tiangong space station has achieved a significant milestone in space exploration by successfully conducting the first in-orbit demonstration of "artificial photosynthesis" technology. Artificial photosynthesis replicates the natural process by which plants convert sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into oxygen and glucose.
04/02/2025
India And Maldives Strengthen Ties With 13th Ekuverin Military Exercise
The 13th edition of the Ekuverin military exercise recently began, bringing together the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Force. Ekuverin, which means "friends" in the Dhivehi language, was initiated in 2009. This bilateral military exercise alternates between India and the Maldives and aims to foster closer defense cooperation between the two nations.
04/02/2025
Global Health Leaders Urged To Convince US To Rejoin WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations focused on global health. Founded in 1948, its mission is to achieve the highest possible level of health for all people worldwide. WHO defines health as complete physical, mental, and social well-being, rather than merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
04/02/2025
SWAMIH Fund 2.0: Rupees 15,000 Crore Allocation To Complete One Lakh Housing Units
The SWAMIH Fund 2.0 has been launched to tackle the challenges in India's real estate sector. Announced by the Union Finance Minister, a budget of Rupees 15,000 crore has been allocated to support the completion of one lakh housing units. The SWAMIH Fund, introduced in 2019, is a government-backed initiative designed to offer debt financing to distressed residential real estate projects.
05/02/2025
Indian Institute Of Technology Madras Launched India Cancer Genome Atlas (BCGA)
The Indian Institute of Technology Madras has recently launched the Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas (BCGA), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at advancing cancer research in India. The BCGA is a comprehensive database focusing on genetic variations associated with breast cancer in India. In addition to improving early detection, the BCGA also focuses on creating affordable diagnostic kits.
05/02/2025
Rajasthan Introduced Prohibition Of Unlawful Conversion Of Religion Bill, 2025
The Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill, 2025, was introduced in the state Assembly on February 3, 2025, during the Budget Session. The bill aims to combat forced religious conversions in the state and was presented by Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar. The bill classifies unlawful conversions as a cognisable and non-bailable offence.
05/02/2025
Telangana Socio-Economic Survey Highlights Demographic Insights And Caste Distribution
A recent socio-economic survey conducted in Telangana has provided valuable insights into the state's demographic structure. Over 50 days, the survey reached more than 35 million individuals, helping to map out the population distribution across various caste groups, with Backward Classes (BC) forming the majority. The initiative underscores the government's commitment to social justice and inclusive governance.
05/02/2025
OPEC+ Announced Plan To Gradually Increase Oil Production Starting April 2025
OPEC+ has reaffirmed its decision to gradually increase oil production starting in April 2025. This move comes in response to ongoing geopolitical uncertainties and fluctuating oil prices. OPEC+ is a coalition of 22 oil-exporting countries, combining the 12 members of OPEC and several non-member nations.
05/02/2025
International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Established To Boost Global Conservation Efforts
The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) was officially launched as a treaty-based intergovernmental organization with the aim of strengthening global conservation efforts for big cats. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the IBCA on April 9, 2023, to mark the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger. Approved by the Indian Union Cabinet on February 29, 2024, the IBCA has its headquarters in India.
05/02/2025
Gujarat Government Takes Steps To Implement Uniform Civil Code (UCC)
The Gujarat government is taking significant steps towards implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the state. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has recently revealed the formation of a five-member committee assigned to draft the UCC. This move follows Uttarakhand's successful implementation of the UCC. The Uniform Civil Code aims to replace personal laws that vary according to different religious communities with a unified set of laws that applies to all citizens.
06/02/2025
HECI Set To Reshape Higher Education Regulation In India
The Higher Education Commission of India (HECI) is poised to revolutionize the regulation of higher education in India. The initiative aims to replace existing bodies like the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). Recent discussions have raised concerns about the potential closure of rural institutions and the increased risk of privatisation.
06/02/2025
Minister Of State Updates Rajya Sabha On National Youth Parliament Scheme 2.0
The Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs recently shared details about the National Youth Parliament Scheme 2.0 (NYPS 2.0) with the Rajya Sabha. Here are the key features of NYPS 2.0. The program aims to strengthen democracy, foster discipline, encourage tolerance of diverse views, and familiarize students with parliamentary practices.
06/02/2025
Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) Nears Completion In Atacama Desert
The Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), a groundbreaking project located in Chile's Atacama Desert, is nearing completion and will soon become the largest optical telescope in the world. The ELT will feature a massive primary mirror, and its cost is estimated at 1.3 billion euros (approximately $1.4 billion).
06/02/2025
China Responds With Counter Tariffs After U.S. Imposes New Tariff Hikes
On February 4, 2025, China responded to recent U.S. tariff increases by imposing new counter-tariffs. These include a 15% duty on coal and liquefied natural gas, along with a 10% tariff on crude oil, agricultural machinery, and large cars with high engine displacement. As two of the world’s largest economies, the actions of the U.S. and China can ripple across international markets.
06/02/2025
Uganda Launched Pioneering Clinical Trial For Sudan Ebola Vaccine In Response To Outbreak
Uganda has recently launched a pioneering clinical trial for a vaccine targeting the Sudan strain of the Ebola virus. This initiative, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other global partners, follows the confirmation of an Ebola outbreak on January 30. At present, no licensed cure exists for Ebola. Treatment is primarily supportive, focusing on fluid management and blood transfusions.
06/02/2025
Reserve Bank Of India (RBI) Is currently Navigating A Complex Economic Scenario
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is currently navigating a challenging economic environment. Recent assessments indicate that the RBI’s monetary policy committee (MPC) is unlikely to deliver unexpected surprises in terms of rate cuts. The RBI has occasionally caught the market off guard with unexpected rate cuts. In 2012, an unexpected rate cut was later considered a policy misstep.
07/02/2025
ICMR Leads Effort To Develop Human Vaccine For H5N1 Avian Influenza
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is leading the efforts to develop a human vaccine candidate for the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1. This move comes in response to the recent outbreaks of the virus that have posed significant risks to both animal and human health in India. H5N1, a severe strain of bird flu, has caused several outbreaks in India, including in 2021, 2023, and 2024.
07/02/2025
DeepSeek AI Faces Global Scrutiny Over Privacy And Security Concerns
DeepSeek, a Chinese AI application, has recently come under scrutiny due to concerns over privacy and security, leading various governments to impose bans, particularly in official use. In India, the Finance Ministry has advised government employees to refrain from using AI tools like DeepSeek and ChatGPT, citing potential risks to sensitive data. DeepSeek is being investigated for its data handling practices, with privacy advocates in Europe expressing concerns.
07/02/2025
India Finance Minister Announced Grameen Credit Score Scheme In Union Budget 2025
In the Union Budget of 2025, India’s Finance Minister announced the introduction of the Grameen Credit Score scheme. The Grameen Credit Score aims to formalize transactions within self-help groups (SHGs) by incorporating them into India's central credit system. This will enable leading financial institutions to assess the creditworthiness of SHG members more effectively.
07/02/2025
IBBI Has Proposed New Framework To Improve Efficiency Of Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) has proposed a new framework aimed at improving the effectiveness of the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP). The proposal addresses issues faced by interconnected corporate entities going through insolvency. The Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process is a legal procedure designed to resolve insolvency issues in corporate entities, such as private and public limited companies.
08/02/2025
MoD Signs Rs 10,147 Crore Contracts To Enhance Indian Army Firepower
The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has recently finalized contracts worth Rs 10,147 crore to strengthen the Indian Army's firepower. These agreements involve the acquisition of advanced munitions for the domestically developed PINAKA Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS). This procurement initiative also supports India’s focus on domestic production.
08/02/2025
India Upgraded SARAT Tool To Boost Search And Rescue Efficiency In Indian Ocean
The Government of India has upgraded its Search and Rescue Aid Tool (SARAT) to boost the efficiency of search and rescue operations. The new version, SARAT version 2, is designed to improve response times and increase success rates for operations, particularly in the Indian Ocean region. The Ministry of Earth Sciences has outlined plans to further enhance SARAT’s accuracy.
08/02/2025
Bryospilus bharaticus: New Species Of Water Flea Discovered In Western Ghats
In September 2024, scientists revealed the discovery of a new species of water flea, named Bryospilus (Indobryospilus) bharaticus n. sp., at Korigad Fort near Pune. This species is significant as it marks the first of its kind found in Tropical Asia. Bryospilus bharaticus is part of the crustacean family. Water fleas are small aquatic creatures that typically live in rivers, ponds, and pools.
08/02/2025
