05th-06th February 2025

1. First Black Mrs World: Mrs South Africa Makes History
2. India’s Current Account Deficit to Widen in FY26, GDP to Grow 6.5%: Crisil
3. Enhances Haj Experience with ‘Haj Suvidha App’ & Healthcare Support
4. Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Seeks Universal Banking Licence
5. Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso Break Ties with ECOWAS
6. Veteran Actor Brian Murphy Passes Away at 92
7. The Aga Khan, Spiritual Leader of Ismaili Muslims and Renowned Philanthropist, Dies at 88
8. Army Partners with IIT Guwahati for Bamboo Bunkers
9. Aero India Show 2025
10. L&T Finance Unveils AI-Powered Home Loan Advisor ‘KAI’
11. Simona Halep Retires at 33 After Two Grand Slams
12. India Tops Global Domestic Flight Load Rankings
13. India’s First AI University to Open in Maharashtra
14. China’s Antitrust Investigation into Google
15. Airtel Payments Bank Partners with Karnataka Bulldozers for CCL 2025
16. UK Becomes First Country to Criminalize AI-Generated Child Abuse Content
17. India’s First White Tiger Breeding Centre Approved in MP
18. Horst Koehler, Ex-German President and IMF Chief, Passes Away at 81
19. International Development Week 2025: 2nd to 8th February
20. International Big Cat Alliance Now a Treaty Organization
21. PM Narendra Modi Inaugurated Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 from January 17 to January 22, 2025
22. CZA Approved Proposal to Set up India’s White Tiger Breeding Centre in MP
23. Forbes Top 10 Most Powerful Countries In The World 2025: USA Topped; India secures 12th spot
24. India Tops Global List in Passenger Loads on Domestic Flights: IATA Report
25. Mali, Burkina Faso & Niger Officially Withdraw from ECOWAS
26. Gujarat CM Launched Sensex F&O Contracts on India INX at GIFT City
27. RBI Imposed Penalties on ESFBL and IPPB for Regulatory Non-Compliance
28. T-Hub & ITFA Sign MoU to Boost India-Turkiye Trade & Cultural Ties
29. South Africa’s Tshego Gaelae Wins 40th Mr World Title
30. Flemish Nationalist Bart Albert Liliane De Wever sworn-in as New PM of Belgium
31. MoR Launches ‘SwaRail’ SuperApp for Beta Testing
32. India’s First Ferret Research Facility inaugurates at THSTI in Haryana
33. INCOIS Celebrates its 26th Foundation Day with New Initiatives & Collaborations
34. GAL Joins UNGC Initiative to Promote Sustainable Aviation
35. 13th Edition of India-Maldives Joint Military Exercise ‘Ekuverin’ Begins
36. South Indian Bank Unveiled Startup Current Accounts
37. IOB becomes Signatory of Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials
38. CA Grameen Receives USD 50 Million IFC Loan to Boost Women Borrowers
39. MoD Signed Contract with Russia for Procurement of Anti-Ship Cruise Missile
40. ISRO Unveils FEAST Software at IIT-Hyderabad
41. CCS approved procurement of 31 MQ-9B Predator from USA
42. Indian Wicketkeeper-Batter Wriddhiman Saha Retires from All Forms of Cricket
43. International Day of Human Fraternity 2025 – February 4

National News

1. ‘Haj Suvidha App’ Enhances Pilgrimage Experience for Indians

• What:
  • The ‘Haj Suvidha App’ was launched to enhance the pilgrimage experience through information technology.
• Why:
  • The app aims to improve real-time monitoring, emergency response, coordination, and accountability for government officials managing Haj operations in Saudi Arabia, while also providing pilgrims with essential services and information.
• Tell me more:
  • Over 78,000 Indian pilgrims registered on the app during Haj-2024, with over 8,500 grievances and 2,100 SOS calls handled through it.
  • 4,558 female pilgrims undertook the pilgrimage without a Mehram (male companion) in 2024, the highest since the introduction of the Ladies without Mehram category in Haj-2018.
  • The Government of India established temporary healthcare facilities in Saudi Arabia during the Haj period to ensure good quality healthcare services, with a special emphasis on elderly pilgrims.
  • Shri Kiren Rijiju, Minister of Minority Affairs, provided this information in a written reply to Rajya Sabha.

Source: PIB

2. Aero India Show 2025

• What:
  • The 15th edition of Asia’s largest aerospace and defence exhibition, “Aero India 2025” will take place from February 10 to 14 at the Air Force Station in Yelahanka, Bengaluru, Karnataka.
  • Theme: “The Runway to a Billion Opportunities”
• Tell me more:
  • Key events include the Defence Ministers’ Conclave, CEOs’ Round Table, and Manthan Start-up Event.
  • The Defence Ministers’ Conclave theme is “BRIDGE–Building Resilience through International Defence and Global Engagement.”
  • The India Pavilion will showcase indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities and advanced technologies.

Source: HT

3. India’s First Ferret Research Facility “GARBH-INi-DRISHTI”

• What:
  • India launched its first Ferret Research Facility, GARBH-INi-DRISHTI data repository, at the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) in Faridabad, Haryana, and executed a key technology transfer agreement.
• Why:
  • To advance biomedical research and innovation, bolster pandemic preparedness, and improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes.
• Tell me more:
  • The Ferret Research Facility will support vaccine development and research into infectious diseases.
  • GARBH-INi-DRISHTI provides access to data from over 12,000 pregnant women, newborns, and postpartum mothers and is South Asia’s largest maternal and child health database.
  • A Technology Transfer Agreement with M/s Sundyota Numandis Probioceuticals Pvt. Ltd. facilitates the commercialization of Lactobacillus crispatus.

Source: PIB

4. INCOIS to Launch HiFA and IGORA Version 1

• What:
  • Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) will launch Hilsa Fishery Advisory (HiFA) services and INCOIS Global Ocean Reanalysis (IGORA) Version 1.
• Why:
  • To commemorate its 26th Foundation Day.
• Tell me more:
  • CSIR Director General N. Kalaiselvi will inaugurate the services.
  • INCOIS will sign MoUs with CSIR-Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology (CCMB), Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), ICAR – Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), and a Letter of Intent with Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).

Source: TH

State News

1. Maharashtra to Establish India’s First AI University

• What:
  • Maharashtra is preparing to establish India’s first AI university, with a dedicated task force overseeing the project.
• Why:
  • To position Maharashtra as a global leader in AI and contribute to India’s technological advancement through collaboration between industry, academia, and government.
• Tell me more:
  • The task force includes experts from IIT Mumbai, IIM Mumbai, Google India, Mahindra Group, L&T, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the Rajiv Gandhi Science and Technology Commission, and the Data Security Council of India.
  • The task force has already held two meetings to finalize the university’s roadmap.

Source: IN

2. India’s First White Tiger Breeding Centre to Open in MP

• What:
  • The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has approved India’s first white tiger breeding centre in Madhya Pradesh’s Rewa district.
• Why:
  • The breeding center will boost wildlife tourism, create job opportunities for locals, and is evidence that the MP govt remains dedicated to biodiversity conservation.
• Tell me more:
  • The breeding centre will be located in Govindgarh.
  • The white tiger breeding centre is part of a revised masterplan for Maharaja Martand Singh Judeo White Tiger Safari and Zoo in Mukundpur, which is 10km away.

Source: TOI

International News

1. Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger Exit Economic Community of West Africa

• What:
  • Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have officially withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas).
• Why:
  • The departure was prompted by Ecowas’ demands for a return to democratic governance following military coups and criticisms of Ecowas’ sanctions.
• Tell me more:
  • The three nations have formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), aiming for greater sovereignty and regional control.
  • The withdrawal reduces Ecowas’ population by 76 million and over half of its geographical area.
  • Ecowas will maintain recognition of existing passports and identity cards, and these countries will remain in the bloc’s free-trade scheme.

Source: BBC

2. UK to Criminalize AI-Generated Child Sexual Abuse Images

• What:
  • The UK is set to become the first country to introduce laws making it illegal to use AI tools to create sexualized images of children.
• Why:
  • To combat the disturbing surge in AI-generated child abuse material and protect children from online predators exploiting technology.
• Tell me more:
  • Creating, possessing, or distributing AI tools for abusive images can lead to a five-year prison sentence.
  • Possessing “paedophile manuals” that instruct on using AI to exploit children sexually can lead to a three-year prison sentence.
  • Running websites that distribute child sexual abuse content can lead to a 10-year prison sentence.
  • Authorities will have powers to unlock digital devices for inspection.
  • The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) identified over 3,500 AI-generated child abuse images on a single dark web site in a 30-day period in 2024.

Source: NIE

3. GMR Airports Joins United Nations Global Compact

• What:
  • GMR Airports Ltd (GAL) has become a member of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC).
• Why:
  • To align its strategies and operations with the Ten Principles of the UNGC and to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Tell me more:
  • GAL operates airports at Delhi, Hyderabad, Goa and Medan (Indonesia).
  • GAL is extending technical services to Mactan Cebu International Airport in the Philippines and developing airports in Bhogapuram (Visakhapatnam) and Crete (Greece).
  • All GMR airports are green building certified by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) or the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC).

Source: ET

Banking and Economy

1. Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Seeks Universal Banking License

• What:
  • Ujjivan Small Finance Bank has applied for a universal banking license.
• Why:
  • The move aligns with Ujjivan’s long-term vision to expand its offerings and regulatory flexibility.
• Tell me more:
  • Ujjivan Small Finance Bank is the second small finance bank to seek this transition after AU Small Finance Bank.
  • To qualify, small finance banks must be listed, maintain profitability, have a net worth of at least ₹1,000 crore, and sustain a net NPA ratio below 1% for two consecutive financial years.
  • If approved, Ujjivan’s capital adequacy requirement would reduce from 15%, and its priority sector lending target would decrease to 40% from 75%.

Source: ET

2. L&T Finance Launches AI-Powered Home Loan Advisor

• What:
  • L&T Finance Limited (LTF) has launched Knowledgeable AI (KAI), an AI-powered virtual advisor, on its website to transform the home loan experience.
• Why:
  • KAI aims to streamline and personalize the home loan journey, making it smoother and more accessible for first-time buyers by tackling complex terminology and processes.
• Tell me more:
  • KAI was unveiled during LTF’s RAISE’ 24 event.
  • KAI uses a specialized Large Language Model (LLM) to understand user needs and provide instant EMI calculations and loan estimates.

Source: BS

3. IATA: India’s Domestic Flights Ranked Most Packed Globally

• What:
  • Domestic flights in India had the highest passenger load factor globally in the previous year, flying 86.4% full.
• Why:
  • This high occupancy rate reflects strong demand for air travel despite supply chain constraints affecting aircraft deliveries.
• Tell me more:
  • India saw 16.3 crore domestic air travelers last year, the highest ever recorded.
  • The overall global average passenger load factor was 84%.
  • Other major aviation markets like the US and China had domestic load factors of 84.1% and 83.2%, respectively.

Source: TOI

4. Sensex Futures & Options Launched at GIFT City

• What:
  • Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel launched Sensex Futures & Options contracts on India International Exchange (India INX) at GIFT City.
• Why:
  • To make it easier for global investors to invest in the Indian market and connect Indian financial markets more closely with the global investment system.
• Tell me more:
  • The Sensex Futures & Options contracts are US Dollar-based.
  • GIFT City has become a centre of attraction for fintech worldwide, with more than 450 fintechs operational.
  • GIFT International Financial Services Centre (GIFT IFSC) and India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX) are successfully operational in GIFT City.

Source: ET

5. RBI Imposes Penalties on Equitas Bank, India Post Payments Bank

• What:
  • RBI has imposed penalties on Equitas Small Finance Bank and India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) for deficiencies in regulatory compliances.
• Why:
  • Equitas Small Finance Bank was penalized for non-compliance with directions on foreclosure charges on floating rate term loans and collateral-free agricultural loans.
  • India Post Payments Bank Ltd was penalized for non-compliance with directions on customer service in banks.
• Tell me more:
  • The penalty on Equitas Small Finance Bank is Rs 65 lakh.
  • The penalty on India Post Payments Bank Ltd is Rs 26.70 lakh.
  • A penalty of Rs 3.10 lakh has also been imposed on Aptus Finance India Pvt Ltd for contravention of certain provisions of norms related to non-banking financial company.

Source: ET

6. South Indian Bank Launches Startup Current Accounts

• What:
  • South Indian Bank (SIB) has introduced two new current account products, SIB Business Startup Current Account and SIB Corporate Startup Current Account, for startups.
• Tell me more:
  • The SIB Business Startup Current Account is for sole proprietorships and partnerships.
  • The SIB Corporate Startup Current Account caters to private limited companies, public limited companies, one-person companies, and limited liability partnerships.
  • Businesses must have been incorporated or registered within the last three years to qualify.
  • Key features include zero minimum balance for three years, unlimited free RTGS/NEFT transactions via digital channels, and premium debit cards.

Source: BW

7. Indian Overseas Bank Joins PCAF for GHG Accounting

• What:
  • Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) has become a signatory of the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF).
• Why:
  • To measure and disclose greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its financed activities and to strengthen its role in India’s net-zero journey.
• Tell me more:
  • IOB will adopt globally harmonized methodologies for GHG accounting, aligning with international best practices.
  • IOB is one of the early adopters in the Indian banking sector to join this global initiative.

Source: TOI

8. CreditAccess Grameen Secures $50 Million from IFC

• What:
  • CreditAccess Grameen has raised $50 million from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) through external commercial borrowing.
• Why:
  • The investment will help CreditAccess Grameen cater to 3-4 million additional women borrowers engaged in agriculture and agri-related activities and is a major confidence booster for the microfinance space.
• Tell me more:
  • CreditAccess Grameen aims to source 25%-30% of funds from foreign sources by FY28.
  • Wendy Werner is the IFC country head for India.
  • CreditAccess Grameen is the country’s largest non-banking financial company-micro finance institution (NBFC-MFI).

Source: ET

Reports and Indices

1. Forbes Ranks World’s Most Powerful Countries in 2025

• What:
  • Forbes reports the United States, China, and Israel as the top three most powerful countries in 2025, with Israel at tenth rank.
• Why:
  • The rankings are based on leadership, economic influence, political power, international alliances, and military strength.
• Tell me more:
  • India ranks 12th despite having the fifth-largest economy and the fourth-largest military.
  • The ranking method was developed by BAV Group researchers and associated with US News & World Report.
  • India has a GDP of $5.5 trillion.
• Top 10 strongest countries of 2025

Source: TOI

GDP Forecasts

1. Crisil Projects India’s FY26 Growth at 6.5%

• What:
  • Crisil projects India’s economy to grow at 6.5 per cent in FY26, slightly higher than the 6.4 per cent estimated for FY25.
• Why:
  • Lower inflation and expected rate cuts by the RBI will support growth, assuming a normal monsoon and no major global shocks.
• Tell me more:
  • CPI inflation is projected to decrease from 4.7 per cent in FY25 to 4.4 per cent in FY26.
  • India’s fiscal deficit is expected to decline to 4.8 per cent of GDP in FY25 and 4.4 per cent in FY26.
  • The current account deficit (CAD) is likely to widen from 1.0 per cent of GDP in FY25 to 1.3 per cent in FY26.
  • The Indian rupee is expected to depreciate gradually, averaging Rs 86 per dollar in FY25 and Rs 87 per dollar in FY26.

Source: ET

Defence News

1. India-Maldives Joint Military Exercise “Ekuverin” Begins

• The 13th edition of joint military exercise ‘Ekuverin’ between the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Force has commenced in Maldives.
• Ekuverin meaning ‘Friends’ in Dhivehi language is a bilateral annual exercise conducted alternatively in India and Maldives.
• The 14-day exercise is aimed at enhancing interoperability in counter insurgency and counter terrorism operations, and carry out joint humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
• In 2023, it was conducted at Chaubatia in Uttarakhand.

Source: ET

2. India Signs Contract with Russia for Anti-Ship Missiles

• India has signed a contract with Russia for the procurement of anti-ship cruise missiles to significantly augment the combat capabilities of the Indian Navy’s submarine fleet.

Source: ET

3. India to Procure 31 Predator Drones from the US

• What:
  • Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved the acquisition of 31 Predator drones from the US defense major, General Atomics, under a government-to-government framework.
• Why:
  • The MQ-9B ‘hunter-killer’ drones will crank up the surveillance apparatus of the armed forces, especially along the contested frontier with China.
• Tell me more:
  • The Indian Navy will get 15 Sea Guardian drones, while the Indian Air Force and Army will each receive eight Sky Guardian drones.
  • The deal is worth ₹32000 crore, and includes a maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility in India.

Source: HT

Science and Technology

1. IIT-Guwahati & Gajraj Corps Partner for Bunkers

• What:
  • IIT-Guwahati and the Gajraj Corps of the Army signed an MoU for research, design, and fabrication of epoxy bamboo-based composites.
• Why:
  • The aim is to replace traditional building materials used in the construction of bunkers in high-altitude areas, decreasing the time and effort required for ferrying supplies.
• Tell me more:
  • The project will lead to the construction of multiple defence works for field trials.
  • The panels are expected to provide the same level of protection with reduced weight.
  • The MoU aligns with the Chief of the Army Staff’s vision of “Decade of Transformation”.

Source: TOI

2. ISRO Unveils New Version of FEAST Software

• What:
  • ISRO unveiled the latest version of Finite Element Analysis of Structures (FEAST) software at the 8th national finite element developers’ meeting at IIT-Hyderabad.
• Why:
  • To promote indigenously developed finite element-based structural analysis software.
• Tell me more:
  • FEAST software is developed by ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC).
  • FEAST is used for analysing the behaviour of structures under various loads in fields of aerospace, automobile, civil, mechanical, and marine engineering.

Source: TH

Awards

1. Tshego Gaelae Makes History as Mrs. World 2025

• What:
  • South Africa’s Tshego Gaelae was crowned Mrs. World 2025, marking her as the first black woman to win the title in the competition’s 40-year history.
• Why:
  • Gaelae dedicated her victory to South Africa and Africa, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to represent her country on the global stage and to inspire women worldwide.
• Tell me more:
  • She received a heroic homecoming at OR Tambo International Airport, welcomed by Johannesburg mayor Dada Morero.
  • Candice Abrahams was the first South African to win the global crown in 2016.

Source: TL

Important Dates

1. International Day of Human Fraternity – February 4

Source: UN

2. International Development Week: February 2nd to 8th

• Theme: Building a better world together

Source: N18

Sports

1. Simona Halep Retires From Tennis at Age 33

• What:
  • Two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep announced her retirement from tennis at age 33 after a first-round loss in Romania.
• Tell me more:
  • Halep announced her retirement after losing to Lucia Bronzetti in the Transylvania Open.
  • She reached No. 1 in the WTA rankings in 2017 but is now ranked 870th.
  • Halep leaves the sport with 24 singles titles and more than $40 million in prize money.
  • Halep won major singles trophies at Wimbledon in 2019 and at the French Open in 2018.

Source: BS

2. Airtel Payments Bank Partners with Karnataka Bulldozers for CCL 2025

• Airtel Payments Bank has teamed up with the Karnataka Bulldozers as a co-sponsor for the Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) 2025, starting on February 8.
• This partnership seeks to encourage secure digital banking among cricket enthusiasts nationwide.

Source: airtel

3. Wriddhiman Saha Retires From All Formats of Cricket

• What:
  • Former India wicketkeeper-batter Wriddhiman Saha has announced his retirement from all formats of cricket.
• Tell me more:
  • Saha played his last match against Punjab with Bengal in the Ranji Trophy Elite 2024-25 Group C encounter.
  • Saha made his first-class debut in 2007, playing 142 matches, scoring 7169 runs with 14 centuries and 44 fifties.
  • He announced his retirement from international cricket in November 2024.
  • Saha scored 1,353 runs in 40 Tests for India, with three centuries and six fifties, and played five ODIs.

Source: HD

Memorandum of Understanding

1. T-Hub Sign MoU with ITFA for Innovation, Trade Promotion

• What:
  • T-Hub and the Indo-Türkiye Friendship Association (ITFA) have signed an agreement to promote innovation, trade, and cultural exchanges.
• Why:
  • To bridge the innovation ecosystems of India and Türkiye, which are emerging as global economic and technological leaders.
• Tell me more:
  • The MoU establishes a framework for cross-border mentorship, market access, and collaborative events in sectors such as IT, software, pharma, defines, aerospace, cybersecurity, and renewable energy.
  • T-Hub and ITFA will collaborate on initiatives like the Türkiye Tourism Roadshow on February 26, 2025, in Hyderabad, and a business trip to Türkiye in April 2025.

Source: HBL

Miscellaneous

1. Actor Brian Murphy Passes Away at 92

• What:
  • Veteran English actor Brian Murphy, best known for roles in 70s sitcoms, has died at the age of 92.
• Why:
  • He was renowned for his contributions to British comedy and acting.
• Tell me more:
  • Murphy was cast in the popular “Man About the House” (1973-76), playing George Roper.
  • He also starred in “George and Mildred,” a spinoff that lasted five seasons.
  • Before “Man About the House,” he had roles in “The Avengers,” “Callan,” “Z-Cars,” and “Dixon of Dock Green”.
  • “Man About the House” was remade in America as “Three’s Company” (1977 to 1984).

Source: IN

2. Aga Khan IV Passes Away at 88; Rahim Named Successor

• What:
  • Aga Khan IV, the spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslims, passed away at 88 in Portugal; his son, Rahim, was named Aga Khan V.
• Why:
  • He dedicated his life to philanthropy, development work, and bridging Muslim societies with the West.
• Tell me more:
  • Born on December 13, 1936, he became the 49th hereditary imam at 20 in July 1957.
  • The Aga Khan Development Network operates in over 30 countries with an annual budget of around $1 billion.
  • He was granted the title “His Highness” by Queen Elizabeth II.

Source: AP

3. Horst Koehler, Ex-German President and IMF Chief, Passes Away at 81

• Former German President Horst Kohler passed away at 81 in Berlin after a short illness.
• He earned a doctorate in economic science from Tubingen.
• He worked at Germany’s Economic Affairs Ministry from 1976.
• He became State Secretary at the Finance Ministry and later Managing Director of the IMF in 2000.

Source: ET

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