12th February 2025

1. Advani Triumphs in Indian Snooker Championship
2. RBI Fines Federal Bank & Karur Vysya Bank for Rule Violations
3. Indian Students Win Bronze at Global M-Gov Awards 2025
4. THDC Expands into Thermal Energy with 660-MW UP Plant
5. MoHUA Launches ‘Culinary, Crafts & Clicks’ Festival
6. Guru Ravidas Jayanti 2025: Date, History, Significance and Inspirational Quotes
7. International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and When Conducive to Terrorism 2025
8. 14AFAF 2025: Advancing Sustainable Fisheries in Asia-Pacific
9. President of India Inaugurates International Conference on Unani Medicine
10. Meghalaya to Host 2027 National Games
11. Kyrian Jacquet Clinches 2025 Chennai Open Title
12. Reliance Unveils ‘Spinner’ Sports Drink with Muralitharan
13. Jil Teichmann Clinches Mumbai Open 2025 Title
14. Mumbai Indians Acquire 49% Stake in The Hundred’s Oval Invincibles
15. DPIIT & KOTI Ink MoU for Logistics & Infrastructure Growth
16. Carlos Alcaraz Claims First Indoor Hardcourt Title at Rotterdam Open
17. Bangladesh Launches ‘Operation Devil Hunt’
18. India-Israel Business & CEO Forums to Strengthen Bilateral Economic Ties
19. Nokia Names Intel’s AI Chief Hotard as New CEO
20. HAL’s Upgraded Hindustan Jet Trainer 36 Renamed ‘Yashas’
21. Anti-Smuggling Day 2025: Date, History, and Significance
22. BCCI, ICC Team Up for Organ Donation Awareness
23. MoD inks Rs 642 crore contract with BEL for 28 EON-51 systems for IN
24. IN Chiefs’ Conclave 2025 for future of warfare & maritime strategy
25. Angel One AMC Launched India’s 1st Nifty Total Market ETF & Index Fund
26. Infibeam Avenues’ RediffPay Secures TPAP License from NPCI to Enter India’s UPI Ecosystem
27. RBI Imposes Rs.35.60 Lakh Penalty on Federal Bank & Karur Vysya Bank for Regulatory Non-Compliance
28. SBI MF expanded its stake in Axis Bank to 5.0238%
29. Pakistan Partners with China for Chang’e-8 Lunar Mission in 2028
30. Para Archery Asia Cup 2025: India Tops with Six Gold Medals
31. International Day of the Arabian Leopard 2025 – February 10
32. World Unani Day 2025 – February 11
33. Safer Internet Day 2025 – February 11

National News

1. MoHUA Hosts Street Food & Handicraft Festival

• What:
  • The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) is hosting “Culinary, Crafts & Clicks – Moods & Magic,” a Festival of Street Food & Handicraft at Amrit Udyan, Rashtrapati Bhavan.
• Why:
  • This initiative aims to celebrate India’s diverse street food and handicraft and offer a platform to self-help groups (SHGs) and street food vendors to enhance their reach.
• Tell me more:
  • The festival, running from February 8th to 23rd, 2025, features authentic flavors from across the country and 40 SHGs led by women entrepreneurs.
  • The “Kartavya Path to Amrit Udyan” Photography Contest invites participants to capture the moods and expressions of people, with selected photographs to be exhibited at Kartavya Path.
  • The festival is a zero-waste event with no use of single-use plastic, and exhibitors are exclusively using biodegradable products.

Source: PIB

2. 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum in Delhi

• What:
  • The 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF) is being organized in New Delhi from February 12-14, 2025.
• Why:
  • The forum aims to foster global collaboration in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, promoting sustainable and economically viable fish production systems.
• Tell me more:
  • The event’s theme is “Greening the Blue Growth in Asia-Pacific” and it will host around 1,000 delegates from 24 countries.
  • India is hosting the AFAF for the 2nd time after the 8AFAF held at Kochi in 2007.

Source: PIB

3. President Murmu Inaugurates Unani Medicine Conference

• What:
  • President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated an international conference on innovation in Unani Medicine in New Delhi on February 11, 2025, which is the World Unani Day.
• Why:
  • The conference aims to promote innovation in Unani Medicine and explore integrative health solutions.
• Tell me more:
  • The President highlighted Hakim Ajmal Khan’s contributions to spreading the Unani system in India and noted India’s global leadership in Unani medicine.
  • The conference will discuss topics like research trends in Unani Medicine and the use of AI and Machine Learning for Ayush/Traditional Medicine.
  • The theme of the conference is “Innovations in Unani Medicine for Integrative Health Solutions – A Way Forward”.

Source: PIB

4. India, Israel Aim to Increase Bilateral Trade 10x

• What:
  • India and Israel aim to increase their bilateral trade 10 times, according to Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.
• Why:
  • Both countries recognize the “sub-optimal” current trade levels and the huge potential for collaboration.
• Tell me more:
  • The focus areas for enhanced collaboration include deep tech, fintech, agritech, cyber security, and renewable energy.
  • India offers Israeli companies partnership to leverage the Anusandhan National Research Foundation fund for R&D.

Source: ET

State News

1. THDC India Starts Operations at Khurja Power Plant in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh

• What:
  • THDC India has begun commercial operations of a 660-MW unit at its Khurja Power Plant, entering the domestic thermal energy sector.
• Tell me more:
  • The Khurja Power Plant is a 1,320 MW (2X660 MW) super thermal power project (STPP) in Uttar Pradesh with an investment of around Rs 13,000 crore.
  • Unit 1 started commercial operations on January 25, 2025 and once completed, the plant will generate 9,264 million units (MUs) of power annually.
  • The plant uses new-age technologies like Flue Gas De-sulphurization (FGD) to reduce environmental impact.

Source: BS

2. Meghalaya to Host National Games in 2027

• What:
  • Meghalaya has been selected to host the National Games 2027.
• Why:
  • The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is confident Meghalaya will deliver a successful and memorable edition of the Games.
• Tell me more:
  • The National Games 2027 will be the 39th edition of the competition, but the first time Meghalaya will host it.
  • The IOA will provide support and guidance for the event’s smooth conduct, and Meghalaya will receive the IOA flag during the closing ceremony of the 2025 National Games in Uttarakhand.

Source: OC

International News

1. Bangladesh Launches “Operation Devil Hunt” Amidst Unrest

• Security forces in Bangladesh have arrested over 1,300 people as part of “Operation Devil Hunt.”
• The operation was launched following violent attacks on properties linked to Sheikh Hasina’s family and Awami League members.

Source: DD

2. Pakistan’s Rover to Fly on China’s Chang’e-8 Mission

• What:
  • A Pakistan-developed rover will fly on China’s Chang’e-8 moon lander mission in 2028, per an agreement between CNSA and Suparco.
• Why:
  • This collaboration signifies a major step for Pakistan’s space program, allowing its rover to explore the lunar surface.
• Tell me more:
  • The rover will weigh about 35 kilograms and carry science payloads to study lunar soil, radiation levels, and plasma properties.
  • The agreement was finalized during Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari’s visit to China.

Source: SN

Banking and Economy

1. Reliance Enters Sports Drink Segment with ‘Spinner’

• What:
  • Reliance, via RCPL, has launched ‘Spinner’, a sports hydration drink co-created with Muttiah Muralitharan, entering the sports drink market.
• Why:
  • Reliance aims to provide an affordable and effective hydration solution to empower every Indian to stay hydrated and active.
• Tell me more:
  • Spinner is priced at Rs 10 for a 150 ml bottle, lower than competitors, and it is available in Lemon, Orange, and Nitro Blue flavors.
  • Spinner has partnerships with top IPL teams to increase brand visibility nationwide.

Source: BS

2. Mumbai Indians Acquires Stake in Oval Invincibles

• What:
  • Mumbai Indians (MI), through RISE Worldwide, acquired a 49% stake in London-based Oval Invincibles, a franchise in The Hundred.
• Why:
  • This partnership aims to expand MI’s fan base and footprint to England and nurture young talent.
• Tell me more:
  • The men’s team of the Oval Invincibles is the reigning champion of The Hundred in 2023 and 2024, while the women’s team won the inaugural 100-ball league in 2021 and 2022.
  • MI looks forward to collaborating with Surrey County Cricket Club (CCC).

Source: BS

3. Angel One Launches Nifty Total Market Index Fund

• What:
  • Angel One Asset Management Company Ltd launched its first new fund offer, the Angel One Nifty Total Market Index Fund.
• Why:
  • The offer aims to provide comprehensive market exposure, covering 750 stocks across 22 sectors.
• Tell me more:
  • The offer includes both the Angel One Nifty Total Market Index Fund and the Angel One Nifty Total Market ETF, India’s first ETF tracking this index.
  • The NFO is priced at ₹10 per unit with no exit load, and the minimum investment is ₹1,000.
  • The fund is offered under Direct and Regular Plans, with a Growth Option and Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) options are available.
  • The fund will be managed by Mehul Dama and Kewal Shah.

Source: HBL

4. Rediff.com Gets TPAP License for RediffPay

• What:
  • Rediff.com India, a subsidiary of Infibeam Avenues, has been granted a Third-Party Application Provider (TPAP) license by NPCI for its RediffPay platform.
• Why:
  • The license enables RediffPay to offer Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services to its users, marking Infibeam Avenues’ entry into consumer-facing digital payments.
• Tell me more:
  • Axis Bank will act as the Payment System Provider (PSP) bank.
  • RediffPay plans to introduce financial services, including credit and wealth management products.

Source: BS

5. RBI Imposes Penalties on Federal Bank, Karur Vysya Bank

• What:
  • RBI has imposed penalties on Federal Bank Ltd (₹27.30 lakh) and Karur Vysya Bank Ltd (₹8.30 lakh) for non-compliance with RBI directions.
• Why:
  • Federal Bank was penalized for non-compliance with directions on interest rates of deposits, while Karur Vysya Bank was fined for issues related to the loan system for bank credit delivery.
• Tell me more:
  • RBI’s inspection revealed that Federal Bank opened savings deposit accounts in the name of ineligible entities.
  • Karur Vysya Bank did not ensure the outstanding loan amount met the required percentage of the sanctioned working capital limit for some borrowers.
  • The penalties are based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and are not intended to affect the validity of transactions with customers.

Source: ML

6. SBI Mutual Fund Increases Stake in Axis Bank to 5.02%

• What:
  • SBI Mutual Fund has increased its stake in Axis Bank to 5.02%, as per disclosures on the exchanges.
• Why:
  • SBI Mutual Fund added 11,44,160 equity shares of Axis Bank to its portfolio, increasing its overall holdings.
• Tell me more:
  • SBI Mutual Fund’s final holdings as of February 05, 2025, were 15,55,32,309 equity shares.
  • SBI Mutual Fund acquired the shares through open market transactions.
  • Before the acquisition, SBI Mutual Fund held 4.9878% stakes in Axis Bank.

Source: LM

Defence News

1. HAL’s HJT-36 Trainer Aircraft Renamed ‘Yashas’

• What:
  • Hindustan Jet Trainer HJT-36, HAL’s training aircraft, has been renamed ‘Yashas’ after extensive modifications.
• Why:
  • The name change reflects the significant improvements in capabilities and its continued relevance as a training system.
• Tell me more:
  • The aircraft has been upgraded with advanced avionics and an ultra-modern cockpit.
  • ‘Yashas’ is capable of Stage-II pilot training, counter-insurgency operations, armament training, and aerobatics.

Source: IN

2. Defence Ministry signs ₹642.17Cr deal with BEL for EON-51 systems

• What:
  • The Ministry of Defence signed a contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for procurement of 28 EON-51 systems.
• Why:
  • The procurement supports the Indian Navy and contributes to the government’s efforts to achieve ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence.
• Tell me more:
  • The total cost of the contract is ₹642.17 crore, including taxes.
  • EON-51 is an Electro Optical Fire Control System that provides search, detection, and classification of targets.
  • The contract falls under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category.

Source: PIB

3. Indian Navy Chiefs’ Conclave Held in New Delhi

• What:
  • The Indian Navy Chiefs’ Conclave was held at the Naval Headquarters, New Delhi from 08 – 09 Feb 25, bringing together former and current Naval leadership.
• Why:
  • The Conclave aimed to gain from the experience of former Chiefs and update them on the Navy’s latest developments.
• Tell me more:
  • Former Chiefs received an operational update including policy initiatives and technological advancements at the new Nausena Bhawan.
  • A book titled “Legacy of Leadership: Naval Chiefs through Time” was released, chronicling the journeys of former CNSs.

Source: PIB

Awards

1. Indian Students Win Bronze at Global Best M-Gov Award

• What:
  • Three Indian computer science students from New Delhi won the Bronze Award at the Global Best M-Gov Award 2025 for their application AccessWay.
• Why:
  • The award recognizes innovative technological solutions that advance mobile government services and societal progress.
• Tell me more:
  • The award includes a cash prize of $10,000, and was presented during the World Government Summit (WGS) in Dubai by the Vice President of the United Arab Emirates.
  • AccessWay is an AI-powered platform that integrates augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence, and crowdsourced data to provide accessible navigation, social connections, and emergency tools for individuals with disabilities.
  • With submissions from 74 countries, over 3,500 entries, and 60 shortlisted finalists, the awards recognized six winners for their groundbreaking contributions.

Source: DD

Important Dates

1. Guru Ravidas Jayanti – February 12

• What:
  • Guru Ravidas Jayanti is celebrated in North India, especially in Punjab, to mark the birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas.
• Why:
  • It is a day to remember Guru Ravidas’ teachings of equality and human rights and to inspire people to follow righteousness.
• Tell me more:
  • In 2025, Guru Ravidas Jayanti will be observed February 12, marking his 648th birth anniversary.
  • Devotees sing Gurbani, recite special prayers, and organize Nagarkirtans and a lavish ceremony is held at Shri Guru Ravidass Janam Asthan Mandir in Varanasi.

Source: ET

2. International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and When Conducive to Terrorism – February 12

Source: UN

3. FICCI CASCADE to Observe Anti-Smuggling Day on February 11

• What:
  • FICCI CASCADE will observe its 4th edition of Anti-Smuggling Day on February 11, 2025, in New Delhi.
• Why:
  • The aim is to unite enforcement agencies to comprehend the extent of smuggling and explore avenues for enhanced cooperation.
• Tell me more:
  • The conference will focus on strengthening collaborative efforts, enhancing enforcement mechanisms, and discovering innovative solutions to curb smuggling.
  • The event will take place at Shangri-La Eros, New Delhi.

Source: FICCI

4. Safer Internet Day 2025 – February 11

• Theme: Together for a Better Internet

Source: N18

Sports

1. Pankaj Advani Clinches 36th National Title in Snooker

• What:
  • Pankaj Advani won his 36th national title and 10th men’s snooker crown, defeating Brijesh Damani.
• Why:
  • The tournament is the only selection event for the Asian and World Championships.
• Tell me more:
  • Advani overcame an early setback to win the final, with a final frame break of 84.
  • In the 91st edition of the National Championships, Advani had an unforgettable comeback in the round of 48, which set the stage for his success.

Source: BS

2. Kyrian Jacquet Wins Chennai Open ATP Challenger Title

• Kyrian Jacquet of France won the Chennai Open ATP Challenger title by defeating Elias Ymer of Sweden.

Source: TH

3. Jil Teichmann Wins L&T Mumbai Open WTA 125 Title

• Jil Teichmann won the title at the L&T Mumbai Open WTA 125 by defeating Mananchaya Sanwangkaew.
• Teichmann is Swiss and Sawangkaew is from Thailand.

Source: TH

4. Carlos Alcaraz Wins Rotterdam Open for First Indoor Title

• What:
  • Carlos Alcaraz defeated Alex de Minaur to win the Rotterdam Open, securing his first indoor title.
• Tell me more:
  • Alcaraz became the first Spanish champion in the tournament’s 52-year history.
  • This is Alcaraz’s 17th ATP Tour title, surpassing his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero.
  • Alcaraz is currently ranked No. 3 in the world.

Source: CNN

5. India, England Cricket Teams Support Organ Donation

• What:
  • India and England cricket teams wore green armbands during their final ODI match to support the BCCI’s “Donate Organs, Save Lives” campaign.
• Tell me more:
  • The initiative was led by ICC Chairman and former BCCI secretary Jay Shah, who officially launched the campaign.
  • The third ODI match between India and England was held at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

Source: TOI

6. India Tops Medal Tally at 2025 Para Archery Asia Cup

• What:
  • India finished their campaign at the 2025 Para Archery Asia Cup with six gold medals, topping the medal tally in Thailand.
• Why:
  • Indian athletes showcased exceptional performance, securing a total of 12 medals including gold, silver, and bronze.
• Tell me more:
  • Sarita and Shyam Sundar Swami won gold medals in women’s compound open and men’s compound open respectively.
  • Rakesh Kumar won a bronze medal in the men’s compound open.
  • Pooja won a silver medal in the women’s recurve open.
  • Harvinder Singh won a bronze medal in the men’s recurve open.
  • Adil Mohamed Nazir Ansari won a bronze medal in men’s W1 (Rec/Comp).

Source: TB

Memorandum of Understanding

1. India and South Korea Sign Logistics, Infrastructure MoU

• What:
  • DPIIT, GoI, and the Korea Transport Institute (KoTI), RoK, signed an MoU on cooperation in logistics and infrastructure development.
• Why:
  • The MoU aims to enhance cooperation in these sectors, using KoTI’s expertise to support India’s infrastructure initiatives.
• Tell me more:
  • The MoU will establish knowledge exchange and institutional cooperation between DPIIT’s Logistics Division and KoTI.
  • This will aid in developing infrastructure and logistics master plans under the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan.
  • The signing took place at the Sejong National Research Complex, South Korea.
  • Key benefits include enhanced expertise in logistics and infrastructure through knowledge exchange and promotion of GIS data-based technology.

Source: PIB

Appointments

1. Nokia Appoints Justin Hotard as New CEO

• Nokia has appointed Justin Hotard as its new CEO, replacing Pekka Lundmark, effective April 1.
• Hotard is currently the executive vice president and general manager of Data Center & AI Group at Intel.

Source: IN

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