01st-03rd February 2025

1. ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Final, India Lift The World Cup
2. BCCI Annual Awards 2025: Honoring Legends and Rising Stars
3. Niger Achieves Historic Milestone: First African Nation to Eliminate Onchocerciasis
4. India Adds 4 New Ramsar Wetlands, First for Jharkhand & Sikkim
5. Goa CM Inaugurates Sci-Fi Science Film Festival in Panaji
6. Raisina Middle East Conference Debuts with Jaishankar as Chief Guest
7. PM Modi’s Decade of Transformation – A Literary Analysis Launched
8. Shubhanshu Shukla: India’s First Astronaut to Pilot Axiom-4 to ISS
9. Karnataka Bank’s Triumph at IBA Banking Technology Awards
10. Article 224A: Appointing Retired Judges as Ad Hoc Judges in High Courts
11. Empowering Women in Odisha: The Subhadra Scheme and IIM Sambalpur’s Role
12. Highlights of PM Modi’s visit to Odisha and Uttarakhand on 28th January 2025
13. Jitendra Singh Commemorated CSIR-IITR’s Diamond Jubilee in Lucknow, UP
14. Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Chairs National Conference with Labour Ministers and Secretaries of States & UTs in New Delhi
15. CCS Approved Project worth over Rs 10,000 crore for Procurement of Ammunition for IA’s Pinaka MBRL
16. Overview of Union Minister Piyush Goyal’s visit to Oman from January 27-28, 2025
17. Guinea Eliminates HAT Disease: WHO Report
18. IPPB & PNB MetLife Partner to Expand Life Insurance Access in India
19. RBI Aligns HFCs’ NCD Private Placement Norms with NBFC Regulations
20. Canara Bank Launched ‘Canara Crest Program’ to offer Premium Banking Experience
21. ABHFL Secures Rs 830 Crore Investment from IFC through NCDs
22. Air India & Kenya Airways Enters Codeshare Partnership to Expand Connectivity
23. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri Announces Winners of ‘Avinya25’ & ‘Vasudha’ Startup Challenges
24. GRSE Limited & AMS Private Limited Sign MoU for Defence and Aerospace Collaboration
25. PM Narendra Modi inaugurated ‘Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025’ in Bhubaneswar
26. DIID, MoSPI & IIIT-Delhi Sign MoU to Strengthen India’s Statistical Ecosystem
27. WHO Declares Niger as the 1st Country in Africa to Eliminate Onchocerciasis
28. SBI introduces New Term Deposit Scheme for Super Senior Citizens
29. KMAMC launches India’s 1st Kotak MSCI India ETF
30. NPCI Implements New Rules for UPI Transaction ID from February 1, 2025
31. Garuda Aerospace Pledged Rs 100 Crore to Develop India’s 1st Drone City in AP
32. SIDBI & TIDITSSIA Sign MoU to Support Local Industries
33. BCCI Awards 2025: Jasprit Bumrah & Smriti Mandhana Named Best International Cricketers of 2023-24
34. ACC Appoints Rajesh Nirwan as DG of BCAS
35. Indian Coast Guard Day 2025 – 1st February
36. Indian Mangrove Gunteri Becomes Gujarat’s 1st Biodiversity Heritage Site

National News

1. India Expands Ramsar Sites to 89

• What:
  • The Centre has added four new Ramsar sites in India, raising the total to 89.
• Why:
  • This initiative aims to enhance wetland conservation and biodiversity protection ahead of World Wetlands Day on February 2.
• Tell me more:
  • The new Ramsar sites are Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary and Therthangal Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, Khecheopalri Wetland in Sikkim, and Udhwa Lake in Jharkhand.
  • Sikkim and Jharkhand now have their first Ramsar sites.
  • Tamil Nadu leads Indian states with a total of 20 Ramsar sites.
  • India holds the most Ramsar sites in Asia and ranks third globally.

Source: TOI

2. Supreme Court Eases Rules for Ad Hoc Judges in High Courts

• What:
  • The Supreme Court relaxed its condition for appointing ad hoc judges in High Courts to address the backlog of pending criminal cases.
• Why:
  • The change aims to ensure that vacancies in High Courts do not exceed 20% of their sanctioned strength.
• Tell me more:
  • The Supreme Court stated that ad hoc judges will now sit on benches led by a sitting judge and handle pending criminal appeals.
  • This follows an April 2021 order allowing the appointment of ad hoc judges under Article 224A of the Constitution due to a backlog of cases.

Source: IE

3. CSIR-IITR Celebrates 60 Years of Innovation and Impact

• What:
  • CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR) celebrated its 60th anniversary with a special event.
  • Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh praised the institute’s contributions and its role in addressing public health challenges, including its investigation into the mysterious disease in Jammu & Kashmir.
• Why:
  • The institute aims to contribute to a “toxin-free India” by 2047 and support startups and MSMEs through its various initiatives.
• Tell me more:
  • Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated new facilities at CSIR-IITR, such as the Diamond Jubilee Arches, Diamond Jubilee Block, and NaMo-ATAL facility.
  • The institute launched several products, including Apatkaleen AHAAR for disaster relief, NFit for extreme environments, MIL-FiT for trekkers, and a sensor for sickle cell anaemia detection.
  • A commemorative stamp and annual report were unveiled, and new conferences, internships, and skill development initiatives were introduced.

Source: PIB

4. National Level Meeting on Labour Reforms Held in New Delhi

• What:
  • A two-day National level meeting with Labour Ministers and Secretaries of States & UTs, chaired by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Labour & Employment, and Youth Affairs & Sports, began in New Delhi.
• Why:
  • The meeting is focused on labour reforms, social security for workers, and expanding ESIC healthcare services.
• Tell me more:
  • To discuss labour reforms crucial for achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
  • Key focus areas include labour reforms, social security for both organized and unorganized workers, and the expansion of ESIC medical facilities.
  • Special emphasis on the National Career Service (NCS) Portal and Model Career Centres (MCC) for employment generation and employability.
  • Discussions cover reforms in labour codes, ESIC facilities, and new initiatives like the Occupational Shortage Index (OSI) and e-Shram microsites.
  • The meeting encourages States/UTs to implement and share their reforms for mutual benefit.

Source: PIB

5. Winners Announced for Startup Challenges in Energy Sector

• What:
  • The winners of the Avinya’25 and Vasudha startup challenges were announced by Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, at “Energize India” Conclave at ONGC headquarters in Delhi.
• Why:
  • The challenges aim to promote innovation and growth in the energy sector by supporting startups that focus on energy solutions.
• Tell me more:
  • UrjanovaC Pvt Ltd won the Avinya’25 competition, while Latin Energy Partners Inc. from Paraguay won the Vasudha challenge.
  • Avinya’25 received 173 applications, and Vasudha attracted global participation in areas like seismic data interpretation and carbon capture technologies.
  • The winners will showcase their innovations at India Energy Week 2025, which is scheduled for February 11-14, 2025.

Source: PIB

6. Union Minister Piyush Goyal Visit to Oman

• What:
  • Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal visited the historic Shiva Temple in Muscat, one of the oldest temples in the Gulf.
• Tell me more:
  • Earlier, he spoke at the Future Leaders Programme at the Royal Academy of Management, engaging with Omani youth about leadership and India-Oman relations.
  • Goyal co-chaired the 11th Session of the India-Oman Joint Commission Meeting, discussing cooperation in various sectors including trade and renewable energy.

Source: ANI

State News

1. Goa Hosts Sci-Fi Science Film Festival

• What:
  • Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant inaugurated the Sci-Fi Science Film Festival of India in Panaji.
• Why:
  • The festival celebrates science, innovation, and curiosity, with this year’s theme focusing on ‘Green Revolution’ for a sustainable future.
• Tell me more:
  • This is the 10th edition of the festival, organized in honor of Dr. M. Swaminathan.
  • The event lasts for four days and aims to inspire young minds.
  • Dignitaries present included Dr. Soumya Swaminathan and the Vice-Chancellor of Goa University.
  • The festival was conceptualized by late leaders Manohar Bhai Parrikar and Jayantrao Sahasrabuddhe.

Source: ANI

2. IIM Sambalpur Partners with Odisha Govt for Subhadra Scheme

• What:
  • IIM Sambalpur partners with Odisha government to support the Subhadra scheme, which empowers women by providing financial support and guidance on utilizing funds for entrepreneurial ventures
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to guide women beneficiaries in effectively using the funds for business purposes.
• Tell me more:
  • The Subhadra scheme offers Rs 50,000 over five years, with annual disbursements of Rs 10,000 between 2024 and 2028.
  • Women with the highest digital transactions in their Gram Panchayat or Urban Local Body will receive an additional Rs 500.
  • Beneficiaries must be residents of Odisha, covered by NFSA/SFSS, or have a family income below Rs 2,50,000.
  • Applicants must be aged between 21 and 60 years and meet other specific eligibility criteria.
  • IIM Sambalpur will conduct research, provide policy recommendations, and develop monitoring frameworks to improve the scheme’s impact.
  • Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal is the Director of IIM Sambalpur.

Source: ETV

3. Garuda Aerospace to Invest ₹100 Crore in Drone City

• What:
  • Garuda Aerospace announced a ₹100 crore investment to develop a ‘Drone City’ in Orvakal village, Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh.
• Why:
  • The initiative aims to create a hub for drone innovation, fostering research and attracting talent in the drone technology sector.
• Tell me more:
  • The Drone City will support the ‘Namo Drone Didi’ initiative, which empowers rural women through drone technology.
  • Garuda Aerospace’s founder and CEO, Agnishwar Jayaprakash, emphasized the importance of this investment in making India a global drone hub.

Source: ET

4. Kutch District Declared First Biodiversity Heritage Site

• What:
  • The Gujarat government has declared 32.78 hectares in Guneri village, Kutch district, as the state’s first ‘Biodiversity Heritage Site’.
• Why:
  • The designation aims to promote awareness and conservation of the unique inland mangrove ecosystem in the region.
• Tell me more:
  • The site features dense mangroves that do not come into contact with seawater, located 45 km from the Arabian Sea.
  • The declaration was based on recommendations from the Gujarat Biodiversity Board.
  • The management plan will focus on conserving flora and fauna while respecting local rights and privileges.

Source: TOI

5. Prime Minister Modi to Inaugurate Events in Odisha and Uttarakhand

• What:
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Odisha and Uttarakhand on January 28, 2025, to inaugurate the Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha Conclave 2025 and the 38th National Games.
• Why:
  • The events aim to promote investment in Odisha and celebrate sports in Uttarakhand.
• Tell me more:
  • The Make in Odisha Conclave will take place at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar and will serve as a platform for industry leaders and investors.
  • The National Games will be held from January 28 to February 14, 2025, across 11 cities in Uttarakhand, featuring over 10,000 athletes competing in 35 sports disciplines.
  • A special park, called the Sports Forest, will be developed near the venue, where more than 10,000 saplings will be planted by athletes and guests.

Source: PIB

International News

1. Niger Becomes First African Country to Eliminate River Blindness

• What:
  • Niger has been verified by the World Health Organization (WHO) for eliminating the transmission of onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness.
• Why:
  • This achievement marks a significant milestone in global health for Africa and demonstrates the effectiveness of Niger’s national elimination program.
• Tell me more:
  • Onchocerciasis is caused by a parasitic worm and is transmitted through bites from infected black flies.
  • Niger’s success involved collaboration with various partners, including the Ministry of Health, USAID, and community volunteers.
  • Effective vector control measures and mass drug administration helped reduce the disease’s prevalence significantly.
  • Niger is the first country in Africa to be declared free of onchocerciasis.
  • The WHO aims to eliminate onchocerciasis in multiple regions by 2030, alongside leprosy and human African trypanosomiasis.

Source: WHO

2. Raisina Middle East Inaugural Session Held

• What:
  • The inaugural session of Raisina Middle East was held in Abu Dhabi, UAE, expanding the Raisina Dialogue to the region.
• Why:
  • The event aims to strengthen intellectual engagement between India and the Middle East in areas like trade, technology, and strategy.
• Tell me more:
  • Raisina Middle East is co-hosted by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and ORF Middle East, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UAE and the Ministry of External Affairs, India.
  • India’s annual trade with the Gulf is $160-180 billion, and with the MENA region and Mediterranean, it is $80 billion.

Source: MEA ORF

3. Guinea Eliminated Human African Trypanosomiasis (Sleeping Sickness)

• What:
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) has congratulated Guinea for eliminating the gambiense form of human African trypanosomiasis as a public health problem.
• Why:
  • This achievement highlights global progress against neglected tropical diseases and serves as hope for nations still facing this challenge.
• Tell me more:
  • Human African trypanosomiasis, or sleeping sickness, is caused by infected tsetse flies and can lead to severe symptoms if untreated.
  • Guinea’s efforts included establishing a National Programme for the Control of HAT in 2002, supported by WHO and other partners.
  • The program involved mass screenings and vector control measures, which were adapted during the Ebola and COVID-19 outbreaks to maintain progress.

Source: WHO

Banking and Economy

1. India Post Payments Bank Partners with PNB MetLife

• What:
  • India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) has formed a strategic alliance with PNB MetLife India Insurance Company to provide life insurance solutions.
• Tell me more:
  • PNB MetLife’s insurance products will be offered through IPPB’s network of 650 banking outlets, reaching over 110 million customers.
  • IPPB was launched on September 1, 2018, and is fully owned by the Government of India.
  • IPPB operates over 1,63,000 Post Offices, with a significant presence in rural areas.

Source: ET

2. RBI Aligns NCD Regulations for Housing Finance Companies

• What:
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has aligned the regulations for the private placement of non-convertible debentures (NCDs) by housing finance companies (HFCs) with those for non-banking financial companies (NBFCs).
• Why:
  • This alignment aims to standardize regulations and enhance the efficiency of the private placement process for HFCs.
• Tell me more:
  • The new guidelines apply to all new private placements of NCDs with maturities exceeding one year and are effective immediately.
  • HFCs must establish a board-approved policy for resource planning, including the planning horizon and frequency of placements.
  • The minimum subscription per investor is set at Rs 20,000, with two categories for NCD subscriptions based on the amount.

Source: BS

3. Canara Bank Launches ‘Canara Crest’ Membership Program

• What:
  • Canara Bank has introduced the ‘Canara Crest’ Membership program for high-net-worth individuals, offering a premium banking experience.
• Why:
  • The program aims to meet the evolving demands of affluent customers by providing personalized and priority banking services.
• Tell me more:
  • The membership is available to individual savings account holders who maintain balances between Rs 10 lakh and above.
  • There are two segments in the program: Crest for balances between Rs 10 lakh to less than Rs 50 lakh, and Crest Plus for balances of Rs 50 lakh and above.
  • Members can enjoy lifestyle perks such as premium dining offers, gym access, luxury hotel benefits, and access to second medical opinions from global physicians.
  • The membership is a zero-cost initiative available by invitation or through opening a new savings account under Canara Crest.

Source: UNI

4. Aditya Birla Housing Finance Secures ₹830 Crore from IFC

• What:
  • Aditya Birla Housing Finance (ABHFL) has secured ₹830 crore in funding from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) through Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs).
• Why:
  • The funding aims to enhance ABHFL’s affordable housing portfolio, focusing on low-income and middle-income groups, and to promote homeownership among women.
• Tell me more:
  • ABHFL is a subsidiary of Aditya Birla Capital and has been operational since 2014.
  • ABHFL’s MD: Pankaj Gadgil
  • As of September 2024, ABHFL manages assets worth ₹23,236 crore and operates 150 branches across India.
  • The company holds long-term credit ratings of AAA (Stable) and short-term ratings of A1+ from CRISIL, ICRA, and India Ratings.

Source: TOI

5. Air India and Kenya Airways Launch Codeshare Partnership

• What:
  • Air India and Kenya Airways have entered a codeshare partnership to enhance travel between India and Africa.
• Why:
  • The partnership aims to provide seamless travel options and improve access to a wider range of destinations for passengers.
• Tell me more:
  • Air India will place its code on Kenya Airways flights between Nairobi and Mumbai, connecting passengers to various destinations in Asia and Australia.
  • Kenya Airways will also place its code on Air India flights between Delhi and Nairobi, facilitating travel for passengers from Africa to India.
  • This collaboration builds on an existing interline agreement, allowing for a unified baggage policy and easier booking processes.
  • The codeshare agreement allows access to 28 points in Africa and 15 points in India.

Source: AI

6. SBI Launches Patrons Fixed Deposit Scheme for Elderly

• What:
  • State Bank of India (SBI) has introduced the SBI Patrons Fixed Deposit Scheme for super senior citizens aged 80 and above.
• Why:
  • The scheme aims to enhance financial security and stability for the growing elderly population.
• Tell me more:
  • Under this scheme, super senior citizens receive an additional interest rate of 10 basis points (0.10 percent) above existing senior citizen rates, resulting in rates between 4.10 percent and 7.60 percent.
  • The minimum deposit required is Rs 1,000, with a maximum limit of Rs 3 crores, and the tenure ranges from 7 days to 10 years.
  • Joint accounts are allowed if the primary account holder is at least 80 years old.
  • SBI’s special short-term FD schemes, such as the 444-day Amrit Vrishti (7.75 percent interest rate) and the 400-day Amrit Kalash (7.60 percent interest rate), offer higher interest rates compared to the SBI Patrons Scheme.

Source: MoC

7. Kotak Mahindra Launches India’s First MSCI India ETF

• What:
  • Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company has launched the Kotak MSCI India ETF, the first exchange-traded fund in India designed to track the MSCI India Index.
• Why:
  • The ETF aims to provide investors with exposure to India’s economic growth through investments in large- and mid-cap companies.
• Tell me more:
  • The new fund offering (NFO) opens for public subscription on January 29, 2025, and closes on February 12, 2025.
  • The minimum application amount during the NFO is Rs 5,000, and investors can purchase units at Rs 10 each.
  • The ETF will follow a passive investment strategy to replicate the MSCI India Index and aims to minimize tracking errors.

Source: BS

8. NPCI Announces Changes to UPI Transaction IDs

• What:
  • The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) will implement changes to UPI transaction IDs starting February 1, 2025.
• Why:
  • The changes aim to enhance safety and standardization in the UPI digital payments platform by ensuring compliance with technical specifications.
• Tell me more:
  • Special characters like @, !, or # will no longer be allowed in UPI transaction IDs; they must be strictly alphanumeric.
  • This decision follows a circular issued by NPCI, indicating that most participants have already complied with the new standards.
  • Users are advised to update their UPI apps to avoid transaction failures due to non-compliance.

Source: TOI

Defence News

1. Cabinet Committee Approves ₹10,000 Crore Ammunition Procurement

• What:
  • The Cabinet Committee on Security has approved the procurement of ammunition worth nearly ₹10,000 crore for the Pinaka multi-launcher rocket system.
• Tell me more:
  • The order will include enhanced range rockets and area denial munitions, shared between Munitions India Limited and Economic Explosives Limited.
  • The Pinaka rocket system was showcased during the 76th Republic Day parade alongside other military equipment.
  • Munitions India Limited was established from the Ordnance Factory Board in 2021 to improve defense manufacturing efficiency.

Source: HT

Science and Technology

1. Shubhanshu Shukla to Become First Indian Astronaut on ISS

• What:
  • Shubhanshu Shukla will be the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission.
• Why:
  • The mission is a collaboration between NASA and ISRO and will mark the return of human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary after over 40 years.
• Tell me more:
  • Shukla, an ISRO astronaut and Indian Air Force Group Captain, was the ‘Prime’ astronaut for the Gaganyaan mission.
  • The Axiom-4 mission will be commanded by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, while Shukla will serve as the pilot.
  • He underwent astronaut training in 2019 at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Russia.
  • The mission will last 14 days, and he plans to carry items representing different Indian regions and serve Indian food on the ISS.

Source: FP

Awards

1. BCCI Awards 2025

• Started in 2006-07, the BCCI Awards is an annual felicitation ceremony, where the Board of Control for Cricket in India honours standout performers from the preceding years.

Source: OC

2. Karnataka Bank Shines at Banking Technology Awards

• What:
  • Karnataka Bank received awards in six categories at the ‘20th Annual Banking Technology Conference, Expo & Citations, 2024’ at the Trident Hotel in Mumbai, India.
• Tell me more:
  • The awards included ‘Best Tech Talent and Organization’, ‘Best IT Risk Management’, ‘Best Technology Bank’, and ‘Best Fintech and DPI Adoption’ (all runner-ups); as well as ‘Best Digital Sales, Payments and Engagement’ and ‘Best AI and ML Adoption’ (special mention).
  • Srikrishnan H, Managing Director and CEO, highlighted the bank’s technological capabilities through its Digital Centre of Excellence (DCoE) and Analytical Centre of Excellence (ACoE) based in Bengaluru.

Source: HBL

Important Dates

1. Indian Coast Guard Day – February 1

• What:
  • Indian Coast Guard Day is observed annually on February 1 to celebrate the institution responsible for protecting India’s coastlines.
• Tell me more:
  • This year marks the 49th Indian Coast Guard Day, commemorating the establishment of the ICG on February 1, 1977.
  • The Indian Parliament declared Indian Coast Guard Day on August 18, 1978.
  • The organization is part of the Ministry of Defence and plays a critical role in enforcing laws in India’s maritime areas.

Source: N18

Sports

1. India Wins ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup 2025

• What:
  • India won the ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup 2025 by defeating South Africa by nine wickets.
• Tell me more:
  • South Africa chose to bat first but was bowled out for just 82 runs, with Aayushi Shukla taking 2 wickets for 9 runs. India chased down the target comfortably, scoring 83 runs with Trisha Gongadi contributing an unbeaten 44 runs.
  • Trisha Gongadi was named Player of the Match for her outstanding performance.

Source: ICC

Memorandum of Understanding

1. GRSE and AMS Sign MoU for Advanced Weapons Development

• Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Apollo Micro Systems Limited (AMS) for collaboration on advanced weapons and electronic systems.
• The partnership aims to enhance the development and supply of underwater weapons, communication systems, and air defense systems for Indian defense forces and other agencies.

Source: PSU

2. MoU Signed for Data Innovation Lab Initiative

• What:
  • A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) and Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology (IIIT-Delhi).
• Why:
  • The MoU aims to establish a strategic collaboration for the joint development of innovative solutions in the National Statistical System.
• Tell me more:
  • The Data Innovation Lab initiative was launched in July 2024 to infuse innovation and build a research-driven ecosystem.
  • The lab will utilize emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Big Data Analytics to improve data collection and processing.
  • More than 100 academic institutions have been approached for collaboration, including IITs and IIMs.
  • The partnership focuses on enhancing official statistics by linking academic expertise with practical applications.

Source: PIB

3. TIDITSSIA and SIDBI Sign MoU for Loan Facilitation

• What:
  • The Trichy District Tiny and Small Scale Industries Association (TIDITSSIA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) to simplify loan processes for local industries.
• Tell me more:
  • The MoU was signed in Thillai Nagar, with TIDITSSIA’s president, P Rajappa, stating that loans could be offered at approximately 1% lower interest rates.
  • The annual requirement for outsourced components from Bhel Trichy is estimated at 1.2 lakh metric tonnes, prompting MSMEs to improve machinery and infrastructure.
  • SIDBI will conduct seminars to inform members about special government schemes.
  • The MoU reflects SIDBI’s commitment to supporting small industries and enhancing their access to finance.

Source: TOI

Appointments

1. Rajesh Nirwan Appointed DG of Bureau of Civil Aviation Security

• What:
  • Senior IPS officer Rajesh Nirwan has been appointed as the Director General of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).
• Tell me more:
  • BCAS is responsible for aviation security across India and plays a critical role in preventing unlawful interference in civil aviation operations.
  • Nirwan holds qualifications as a Chartered Accountant, an MBA, and a Master’s in Police Management.
  • The BCAS operates under the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

Source: APAC

Miscellaneous

1. Indian Renaissance: The Modi Decade Book Launched

• What:
  • The book Indian Renaissance: The Modi Decade, edited by Dr. Aishwarya Pandit, was launched at NDMC Convention Center, New Delhi.
• Why:
  • The book explores India’s transformation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi from 2014 to 2024.
• Tell me more:
  • It is published by Westland Non-Fiction and features essays from 27 authors.
  • The book captures India’s progress and its path to becoming the world’s third-largest economy.

Source: ANI

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