07th February 2025

1. IICA & CMAI Sign MoU to Boost India’s Carbon Market
2. Panama Becomes 1st Latin American Nation to Exit China’s BRI
3. UNICEF Releases National Roadmap for Child & Adolescent Road Safety in India
4. India Featured in UN’s Honour Roll for Timely Payment of Regular Budget Assessments
5. ‘The 1% Club’ Becomes First Finfluencer Firm to Get SEBI RIA license
6. NaBFID Extends Rs 2,000 crore Loan to Blackstone-backed Data Centre
7. Beacon Launches India Bill Pay for NRIs in Canada
8. NABARD Approves 127 Projects Worth Rs.903.21 Crore in Himachal Pradesh
9. RBI Approves Find to acquire 100% stake in TCPSL for Rs.330 crore
10. Russia Launches ‘Soyuz-2’ Rocket’ Carrying Military Satellites into Orbit
11. US Navy Tests HELIOS Laser Weapon to Strengthen Naval Operations
12. SpinLaunch Launches Satellites Into Space Without Rocket Fuel
13. Shrachi Rah Bengal Tigers Wins 6th ‘Men’s HIL 2024-25’ Title
14. International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2025 – February 6
15. Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi Launched ‘Bikashita Gaon, Bikashita Odisha’ Scheme for Rural Development
16. HP Government Initiates North India’s First 1-MW Green Hydrogen Plant at Dabhota
17. Fort William Renamed as ‘Vijay Durg’
18. Southern Hemisphere’s Largest Hindu Temple Unveiled
19. IOB Joins Global Partnership for Carbon Accounting
20. Dubai’s Global Justice Summit Welcomes 2,800 Peacekeepers, Nobel Laureates
21. The Frontier Gandhi: Biography of Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan
22. Gopal Vittal Appointed Acting Chair of GSMA Board
23. Shivraj Singh Chouhan Launches Watershed Yatra
24. RBI ₹2000 Note Withdrawal: 98% Returned, 2% Still in Circulation
25. ‘Chandrayaan Se Chunao Tak’ Election Commission Initiative for West Delhi

National News

1. UNICEF Releases National Roadmap for Child & Adolescent Road Safety in India

• What:
  • UNICEF and WHO Collaborating Centre at NIMHANS released a national roadmap addressing child and adolescent road safety in India.
• Why:
  • Road traffic injuries (RTIs) are the leading cause of death among children and adolescents.
• Tell me more:
  • In 2022, 16,443 fatalities were reported in the 18 and under age group, but the actual numbers are likely 20% higher due to underreporting.
  • Nearly 50% of child road fatalities occur at crash sites, with head injuries being the most common.
  • Helmet use among children is low, ranging from 10-50% in urban areas and 2-5% in rural regions.
  • Only 20% of large government hospitals have pediatric ICU facilities.

Source: ANI

2. “Chandrayaan Se Chunao Tak” Theme Boosts Delhi Voter Turnout

• The Election Commission of India (ECI) launched a unique polling booth theme, “India’s Flight from Chandrayaan to Election,” in West Delhi.
• The initiative aims to increase voter awareness and enthusiasm by connecting space missions with the democratic process.

Source: DD

State News

1. Himachal Pradesh Govt Gets Nabard Approval for ₹903 Cr Projects

• What:
  • The Himachal Pradesh government has secured Nabard approval for 127 projects worth ₹903.21 crore for 2024-25.
• Why:
  • These projects aim to improve infrastructure and rural development in the state.
• Tell me more:
  • Projects include 50 MLA-priority schemes under the Public Works Department worth ₹412.75 crore and 23 MLA-priority schemes under the Jal Shakti Vibhag for ₹179.07 crore.
  • The schemes include establishing a dairy processing plant in Kangra district and 96 electric bus charging stations.
  • The government has allocated ₹1,087.77 crore under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) for 2024-25.
  • The state government will introduce schemes for strengthening the rural economy and boost tourism.
  • The tea tourism model of West Bengal will be studied for possible implementation in Himachal Pradesh.

Source: ET

2. Odisha Launches ‘Bikashita Gaon Bikashita Odisha’ for Rural Development

• What:
  • Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched ‘Bikashita Gaon Bikashita Odisha’ for rural infrastructure developmental projects.
• Tell me more:
  • The program has a ₹5,000 crore budget for five years, with ₹1,000 crore provisioned for 2024-25.
  • The scheme focuses on road connectivity, civic amenities, educational facilities, and micro-tourism development.
  • Each village will be developed within five years under the scheme.

Source: HT

3. Himachal Pradesh to Establish North India’s First Green Hydrogen Plant

• What:
  • Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu laid the foundation stone for north India’s first 1-MW green hydrogen plant at Dabhota in Himachal’s Solan district.
• Why:
  • This project marks a major milestone in the state’s renewable energy journey and efforts to become India’s first green energy state.
• Tell me more:
  • The project is being developed by Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL) in collaboration with Oil India Limited, with a cost of Rs 9.04 crore.
  • The plant will use power from renewable sources to produce 423 kilograms of green hydrogen per day.
  • Himachal Pradesh aims to become India’s first green energy state by March 2026.

Source: ET

4. Kolkata’s Fort William Renamed ‘Vijay Durg’ by the Army

• What:
  • The Army has renamed Kolkata’s Fort William, the headquarters of its Eastern Command, as ‘Vijay Durg’.
• Why:
  • The renaming pays homage to the Maratha naval legacy and symbolises India’s recognition of its own military heritage over colonial relics.
• Tell me more:
  • The decision was taken in mid-December 2024, and internal communications have adopted the new name.
  • The historic Fort William was built by the British in 1781 and named after King William III of England.
  • ‘Vijay Durg’ was the oldest fort on Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg coast and served as a naval base of the Marathas during Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s reign.

Source: IN

International News

1. Panama Exits China’s Belt and Road Initiative

• What:
  • Panama formally withdrew from China’s Belt and Road infrastructure program, as announced by President Jose Raul Mulino.
• Why:
  • This decision occurred amidst increasing pressure from the United States to reduce China’s influence in the Panama Canal.
• Tell me more:
  • China’s BRI aims to connect Asia with Africa and Europe through land and maritime networks to enhance regional integration, increase trade, and stimulate economic growth.

Source: HT

2. US Navy Advances with HELIOS Laser Weapon System

• What:
  • The US Navy is advancing in laser weapons technology, particularly with the High Energy Laser with Integrated Optical Dazzler and Surveillance (HELIOS) system.
• Why:
  • HELIOS is designed to neutralize threats like drones, fast attack boats, and missiles, offering a cost-efficient alternative to traditional weapons.
• Tell me more:
  • HELIOS was successfully tested aboard the USS Preble (DDG-88) in 2024 and delivers over 60 kilowatts of power, with upgrades planned to 120-150 kilowatts.
  • It operates in two modes: Hard Kill (destruction) and Soft Kill (disruption of electronics) and is integrated into the Aegis Combat System.

Source: FP

3. Largest Hindu Temple Inaugurated in Johannesburg, South Africa

• What:
  • The largest Hindu temple and cultural complex in the Southern Hemisphere was inaugurated in Johannesburg, South Africa.
• Why:
  • The temple and the event hold deep cultural and spiritual significance, particularly within the Indian community.
• Tell me more:
  • The temple was constructed by the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS).
  • The temple dedication ceremony was presided over by Mahant Swami Maharaj, spiritual leader of BAPS.
  • The complex will offer educational programs and support charitable initiatives.
  • Hinduism is a minority religion in South Africa, comprising less than two percent of the population.

Source: TOI

4. Dubai to Host Global Justice, Love & Peace Summit in 2025

• What:
  • Dubai will host the inaugural Global Justice, Love & Peace Summit on April 12-13, 2025, at Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City.
• Why:
  • The summit aims to bring together global visionaries on a common platform to cultivate a world driven by justice, love, and peace.
• Tell me more:
  • The event is organized by the “I am Peacekeeper Movement”.
  • It will bring together 2,800 peacekeepers and 72 distinguished speakers, including 10 Nobel Laureates, heads of state, and religious leaders.
  • The summit aligns with the UAE’s declaration of 2025 as the Year of Community.
  • A key initiative is the “I am Peacekeeper” movement, which aims to unite one million peacekeepers globally by September 21, 2025.

Source: DD

Banking and Economy

1. The 1% Club Gets SEBI’s RIA License

• What:
  • Sharan Hegde’s financial edtech platform, The 1% Club, has secured a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) license from SEBI.
• Why:
  • The RIA license will give Sharan Hegde and his team the right to give investment advice and financial planning services to clients.
• Tell me more:
  • The startup is managing ₹750 Cr in assets under advisory (AUA).
  • Sharan Hegde has been creating content and selling courses around financial planning for the last four years and has taught over 5 lakh students.

Source: HT

2. NaBFID Finances Data Center Project in New Mumbai

• What:
  • NaBFID is extending a Rs 2,000 crore loan to Gramercy Techpark Private Ltd for constructing a 120 MW data center in New Mumbai.
• Why:
  • The loan will help meet the growing demand for computing and storage infrastructure driven by enterprises shifting to digital platforms and increased internet usage.
• Tell me more:
  • Gramercy Techpark Private Ltd is backed by Blackstone, and construction is expected to start in mid of this year.
  • NaBFID is looking to bring other lenders on-board by offloading part of its exposure and has assessed occupancy prospects and power supply arrangements.

Source: BS

3. Beacon Launches India Bill Pay for Canadian Immigrants

• What:
  • Beacon launched India Bill Pay, a feature enabling direct bill payments to India in Canadian dollars from the Beacon Money account.
• Why:
  • It simplifies bill payments for NRIs in Canada, who often struggle with managing Indian bills due to limited access to India’s banking system.
• Tell me more:
  • The service is developed in partnership with Bharat Connect (BBPS) and YES BANK.
  • It allows users to pay over 21,000 Indian billers and ensures secure, compliant fund transfers under RBI’s Rupee Drawing Arrangement (RDA) framework.

Source: ET

4. RBI Approves Tata Comm Stake Sale in TCPSL to Findi

• What:
  • RBI has approved Tata Communications’ plan to sell its entire stake in Tata Communications Payment Solutions (TCPSL) to Transaction Solutions International (TSI), the Indian arm of Findi.
• Why:
  • This acquisition strengthens Findi’s presence in India’s financial sector and will leverage TCPSL’s ATM network and digital payment services.
• Tell me more:
  • The deal is worth Rs 330 crore, with an additional Rs 75 crore based on interchange rate adjustments, and was announced in November 2024.
  • Findi acquires 4,600 operational Indicash ATMs and access to 3,000 more, expanding its total network beyond 12,000.

Source: ET

5. 98.12% of Rs 2000 Banknotes Returned to Banking System

• What:
  • 98.12% of the Rs 2000 banknotes have been returned to the banking system.
• Why:
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced the withdrawal of Rs 2000 denomination banknotes from circulation on May 19, 2023.
• Tell me more:
  • The total value of Rs 2000 banknotes in circulation declined from Rs 3.56 trillion on May 19, 2023, to Rs 6,691 crore on December 31, 2024.
  • The facility for deposit/exchange was available at all bank branches until October 7, 2023, and is still available at 19 RBI issue offices.
  • The Rs 2000 banknotes continue to be legal tender.

Source: BS

Science and Technology

1. SpinLaunch’s Fuel-Free System Aims to Revolutionize Satellite Launches

• What:
  • California-based startup SpinLaunch developed a mechanical catapult to send satellites into orbit without rocket fuel.
• Why:
  • This hypersonic launch system reduces costs, minimizes environmental impact, and increases accessibility to space.
• Tell me more:
  • SpinLaunch uses kinetic energy to spin payloads at speeds up to 5,000 mph (8,000 km/h) before releasing them into the upper atmosphere.
  • The full-scale orbital launch system is expected to be three times larger and capable of launching satellite constellations into low Earth orbit (LEO) by 2026.
  • The system is limited to small satellites weighing up to 200 kg (440 lbs).

Source: IDR

Awards

1. India Included in UN ‘Honour Roll’ for Budget Payments

• What:
  • India has been included in the UN’s ‘Honour Roll’ for paying its regular budget assessments in full within the 30-day period.
• Why:
  • Inclusion reflects India’s commitment to the UN Charter’s principles and its support for the UN’s financial stability.
• Tell me more:
  • The UN General Assembly approves the UN’s Regular Budget each December.
  • Member States are assessed based on the Scale of Assessment approved by the General Assembly, with payment notes issued in early January.

Source: ANI

Important Dates

1. International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation – February 6

• Theme: Step up the Pace

Source: UN

Sports

1. Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers Clinch Hockey India League Title

• Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers secured a 4-3 victory over Hyderabad Toofans to win the Hero Hockey India League 2024-25 title.
• Captain of Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers is Rupinder Singh.
• The Hockey India League returned after a seven-year break.

Source: BS

Memorandum of Understanding

1. IICA and CMAI Partner to Boost India’s Carbon Market

• What:
  • The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) and the Carbon Market Association of India (CMAI) signed an MoU to strengthen India’s carbon markets and accelerate decarbonisation efforts.
• Why:
  • The purpose is to collaborate on training programs, joint research, workshops, and policy advocacy to support India’s net-zero goals.
• Tell me more:
  • The agreement was announced during the IICA-CMAI Masterclass on Global & Indian Carbon Markets on February 4 in New Delhi.
  • Union Minister Nitin Gadkari emphasized biofuels and green hydrogen’s role in India’s economic and environmental strategies and wants India to achieve hydrogen production at $1 per kg.

Source: ET

Appointments

1. Gopal Vittal Appointed Acting Chair of GSMA Board

• Gopal Vittal, Vice Chairman and MD of Bharti Airtel, has been appointed as the acting chair of the GSMA board.
• GSMA stands for Global System for Mobile Communications Association. It is a non-profit organization in London that represents mobile network operators and companies in the mobile ecosystem.

Source: ET

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