08th-10th February 2025

1. TN CM M.K. Stalin Inaugurated India’s Largest Single-Location Solar Plant in Tirunelveli
2. India & Panama signs MoU to Implement QIP
3. India and Nicaragua Forge Partnership for Quick Impact Projects
4. Kerala Secures Rs 2,424 Crore Loan from WB to Strengthen Healthcare System
5. PNB MetLife Partners with Policybazaar to Launch Smart Invest Pension Plan
6. TPREL and BoB Sign MoU for Rooftop Solar Financing Under PMSGBMY
7. German Institute Fraunhofer Signed MoUs with IIT Roorkee and BITS Pilani on Sustainability and Circular Economy
8. Zomato Rebrands as ‘Eternal’ to Reflect Expanded Vision, Unveils New Logo
9. NTPC & IA Sign PPA for Solar-Hydrogen Microgrid in Ladakh
10. Deepak Kumar Kedia Bestowed with “CA in Public Service” Award by ICAI
11. MoC Honors Chaman Arora with Sahitya Akademi Award 2024 in Dogri
12. CCI Approved the Proposed Acquisition of Two Entities of POSCO Holdings Inc.
13. Saab Completes AT4 Weapons Supply to Indian Armed Forces
14. Blue Origin Completed NS-29 Mission, Successfully Simulated Lunar Gravity
15. Iran Unveils Its 1st Drone Carrier Warship ‘Shahid Bagheri’
16. Karnataka Governor Thawaar Chand Gehlot Launches Braille-Enabled Version of Indian Constitution
17. Joint Military Exercise ‘Cyclone 2025’ Between India and Egypt Begins in Rajasthan
18. Dimuth Karunaratne Retires, ICC Lauds His Contribution
19. Varun Chakravarthy Becomes India’s 2nd Oldest ODI Debutant
20. International Day of the Arabian Leopard
21. Assam to Host World’s Largest Jhumur Festival
22. World Pulses Day 2025: History, Significance, and Why It Matters
23. Paris AI Summit Kicks Off with PM Modi as Co-Chair
24. IOB Marks 89 Years with a Strong Sustainability Commitment
25. Odisha Implements Key Initiatives Under BBBP Scheme
26. Parvesh Singh Verma Biography: Age, Education, Political Career and Achievements
27. Indian Navy’s First Training Squadron Docks at Changi Naval Base
28. Himachal Sets Stage for North India’s First Green Hydrogen Facility
29. AI-Enabled National Consumer Helpline (NCH) Revolutionizing Consumer Grievance Redressal
30. World’s First Kangaroo Embryos Created via IVF
31. Australia’s All-Rounder Marcus Stoinis Bids Farewell to ODIs
32. Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers Clinch Title of Hockey India League
33. SEBI Penalizes DB Realty and Associates for Financial Misstatements
34. ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 Official Song ‘Jeeto Baazi Khel Ke’ Released
35. Zepto Becomes World’s Second Most Downloaded Food & Drink App
36. Kerala Secures Rs 2,424 cr World Bank Loan to Strengthen Healthcare System
37. K Balasubramanian Appointed as New Citibank India Head
38. Ocean Coordination Mechanism Aims to Protect Caribbean & North Brazil Shelf
39. Himachal Pradesh Launches Cannabis Farming Pilot Project

National News

1. AI-Enabled National Consumer Helpline Enhances Grievance Redressal

• What:
  • The Department of Consumer Affairs has set up an AI-enabled National Consumer Helpline (NCH) system that offers sector-wise analysis of grievances.
• Why:
  • To improve the speed and efficiency of resolving consumer issues, particularly in the education sector.
• Tell me more:
  • The disposal rate of consumer grievances decreased to 48 days in 2024, down from 66.26 days in 2023.
  • Consumers can utilize the National Consumer Helpline via toll-free number 1915 or web portal https://consumerhelpline.gov.in/user/signup.php.

Source: ANI

State News

1. Tamil Nadu Boosts Solar Manufacturing with New Plants

• What:
  • Tamil Nadu saw the inauguration of Tata Power’s 4.3GW solar cell and module plant and the foundation stone laid for Vikram Solar’s 3GW solar cell and 6GW module plant.
• Why:
  • To improve employment, create opportunities for local entrepreneurs and to make Tamil Nadu a global solar export hub and enhance India’s role in energy transition.
• Tell me more:
  • Tata Power invested around Rs 4,000 crore and would employ 4,000 people, while Vikram Solar invested Rs 2,574 crore and would employ 2,500, mostly women from the locality.
  • Tata Power unit can be doubled to over 8GW in time and is the largest in the country at a single location with 4.3GW capacity.
  • In 2021, the chief minister had inaugurated Vikram Solar’s 1.3GW facility at Oragadam in Kancheepuram district.

Source: TOI

2. Kerala Approves Health System Improvement Programme with World Bank Loan

• What:
  • The Kerala government approved the Kerala Health System Improvement Programme by availing a loan of Rs 2,424.28 crore from the World Bank.
• Why:
  • To ensure an excellent standard of living and life expectancy while helping the people of the state build a life free from preventable diseases, accidents, and premature deaths.
• Tell me more:
  • The project will be implemented under the Programme for Results (P for R) model.
  • The project aims to establish resilient healthcare systems that provide value-based healthcare while addressing the state’s evolving demographic and epidemiological challenges.
  • The project will also enhance coordination between various state departments to effectively respond to emerging threats, including climate change, and improve the efficiency of healthcare delivery systems in Kerala.
  • Key objectives include preventing non-communicable diseases, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, tackling climate-related health risks, and responding to emerging health threats.

Source: BS

3. NTPC & Indian Army Sign PPA for Ladakh Microgrid

• What:
  • NTPC and the Indian Army signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for 200 kW Renewable Energy Round-the-Clock (RE-RTC) power.
• Why:
  • To replace the Army’s existing diesel generator sets, eliminate fossil fuel logistics and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
• Tell me more:
  • The power will come from a Solar-Hydrogen based microgrid at Chushul, Ladakh, for a period of 25 years.
  • The Solar-Hydrogen based microgrid aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 1,500 tons per year.
  • The project is located at an altitude of 4,400 meters, where winter temperatures drop to minus 30 degrees Celsius.

Source: ET

4. Braille Version of Indian Constitution Launched in Karnataka

• What:
  • Governor of Karnataka Thawar Chand Gehlot launched a Braille-enabled version of the Indian Constitution.
• Why:
  • To empower those who are blind or have low vision by enabling them to read and understand their rights and responsibilities as citizens.
• Tell me more:
  • The launch marks 75 years of the Constitution.
  • The project was done in collaboration with Sankara Eye Hospital Bengaluru and CII Young Indians (Yi) Bengaluru.
  • The Braille version will be distributed to key institutions.

Source: TP

5. Assam Gears Up for Mega Events with PM Modi’s Visit

• What:
  • Assam is preparing to host the Mega Jhumur Dance Performance and the Advantage Assam 2.0 investment and infrastructure summit, both attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• Why:
  • To showcase Assam’s rich cultural heritage and promote investment and infrastructure development.
• Tell me more:
  • The inaugural ceremony for the Advantage Assam 2.0 summit is scheduled for February 25.

Source: ANI

6. Himachal Pradesh to Get North India’s First Green Hydrogen Plant

• What:
  • Himachal Pradesh’s CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu laid the foundation stone for a 1 MW green hydrogen plant at Dabhota in Nalagarh Tehsil of Solan district.
• Why:
  • The initiative is a crucial step in Himachal Pradesh’s efforts to establish itself as a leader in renewable energy and sustainability.
• Tell me more:
  • The pioneering project, being developed by HPPCL in collaboration with Oil India Limited, is set to be established at a cost of Rs 9.04 crore and will be north India’s first such project.
  • The CM directed the officials to ensure project completion within a year.
  • The plant will utilise power from renewable sources to produce hydrogen through electrolysis, using an alkaline potassium hydroxide solution as an electrolyte.
  • With a production capacity of 423 kg of green hydrogen per day, the plant will require 13 litres of water per kg of hydrogen, and is expected to generate 1,54,395 kg of green hydrogen annually.

Source: TOI

7. Himachal Pradesh Approves Pilot Project for Cannabis Cultivation

• What:
  • The Himachal Pradesh government approved a pilot project for cannabis or hemp cultivation.
• Why:
  • Amid rising global recognition of hemp’s agricultural, medicinal and industrial value.
• Tell me more:
  • Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Agriculture University in Palampur and Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture in Nauni, Solan, will collaborate on a study which will evaluate the potential for cannabis cultivation.
  • The state’s agriculture department has been designated as the nodal agency for this initiative.
  • Cannabis cultivation had been banned under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.

Source: DTE

8. Odisha Implements Initiatives under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme

• What:
  • The Odisha government has implemented a series of initiatives under the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ scheme.
• Why:
  • To address the alarming gender imbalance and declining child sex ratio in India.
• Tell me more:
  • Key programs include “Nirbhaya Kadhi”, “Mo Gelha Jiya”, “Kalpana Avijan”, “Swarna Kalika”, and “Veerangana Yojana”.
  • These initiatives focus on preventing child marriage, combating sex selection and female foeticide, promoting higher education, and building self-esteem and confidence through martial arts and self-defense.
  • Ganjam was declared child marriage-free on 3rd January 2022.

Source: DD

International News

1. Blue Origin Simulates Lunar Gravity on New Shepard Flight

• What:
  • Blue Origin launched its New Shepard suborbital vehicle to simulate lunar gravity in flight.
• Why:
  • To enable researchers to test lunar technologies at a fraction of the cost, rapidly iterate, and test again in a significantly compressed timeframe.
• Tell me more:
  • The NS-29 mission was scrubbed a week earlier due to weather and a technical issue.
  • The capsule spun at 11 revolutions per minute to simulate lunar gravity conditions for about two minutes.
  • The capsule carried 29 payloads, 17 of which were provided by NASA through its Flight Opportunities program.

Source: SN

2. Iran Inaugurates First Drone-Carrier Warship, Shahid Bagheri

• What:
  • Iran has inaugurated its first drone-carrier warship, the Shahid Bagheri to increase its deterrence capacity to prevent war.
• Tell me more:
  • The vessel is capable of operating in oceans far from Iran and can carry several squadrons of drones, helicopters, and cruise missiles.
  • The vessel has a 180-meter-long runway and can travel up to 22,000 nautical miles without refueling.
  • It took more than two years to build the warship from a commercial vessel.

Source: ET

3. AI Action Summit 2025 Focuses on Global Governance

• What:
  • France is hosting the third edition of the AI Action Summit on February 10-11 in Paris, co-chaired by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• Why:
  • To provide safe and reliable AI access, develop environmentally friendly AI, and establish effective global AI governance.
• Tell me more:
  • Discussions will focus on five key themes: public service AI, future of work, innovation and culture, trust in AI, and global AI governance.
  • The summit will address the rise of China’s DeepSeek AI model.
  • The Second India-France AI Policy Roundtable is planned as a side event.
  • AI4India and the Center for Policy Research and Governance (CPRG) will co-host a panel discussion on AI in the Global South, examining data utilization for development.

Source: IE DD

4. Kangaroo Embryos Successfully Created via IVF by Australian Researchers

• What:
  • Australian researchers have successfully created the first-ever kangaroo embryos using in vitro fertilization (IVF).
• Why:
  • This achievement marks a significant step in preserving Australia’s unique wildlife, especially endangered marsupial species.
• Tell me more:
  • Scientists from the University of Queensland employed intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) to create eastern grey kangaroo embryos.
  • The research team has successfully generated more than 20 kangaroo embryos using ICSI.
  • The sperm and egg cells were collected from kangaroos that had recently died in wildlife hospitals.

Source: HT

5. Ocean Coordination Mechanism Launched to Protect Marine Ecosystems

• What:
  • The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO announced the Ocean Coordination Mechanism (OCM).
• Why:
  • To address the unprecedented threats facing our oceans, such as pollution, overfishing, climate change and habitat destruction.
• Tell me more:
  • The focus is on the Caribbean and the North Brazil shelf, which are rich in biodiversity.
  • These areas’ coral reefs and fisheries support local economies, contributing about $610 million each year.
  • It has secured an initial $15 million investment from the Global Environment Facility through the UNDP/GEF PROCARIBE+ Project and a substantial co-financing total of $126.02 million facilitated by the GEF.

Source: DTE

Banking and Economy

1. PNB MetLife & Policybazaar Launch Smart Invest Pension Plan

• What:
  • PNB MetLife has partnered with Policybazaar to launch the PNB MetLife Smart Invest Pension Plan, a Unit-Linked, Non-Participating Individual Pension Plan.
• Why:
  • To help individuals plan for their golden years and make retirement solutions accessible to more people.
• Tell me more:
  • The Smart Invest Pension Plan is designed for individuals between 40 to 50 years of age and offers a flexible approach to early retirement planning.
  • Customers can choose an immediate annuity upon maturity or defer it, and up to 60% of the maturity amount can be withdrawn as a tax-free lump sum.
  • The plan comes with two funds: Pension Mid Cap Fund and Pension Bond Fund, available from February 1 to February 14, 2025, at a NAV of ₹10.
  • The plan has zero premium allocation or policy administration charges, the option to postpone the vesting age up to 70 years, market-linked return flexibility, unlimited fund switches, premium redirection, and partial withdrawals after five years.

Source: CNBC

2. Zomato Rebrands Parent Company to “Eternal Limited”

• What:
  • Zomato has rebranded its parent company from ‘Zomato Limited’ to ‘Eternal Limited’ with a new logo.
• Why:
  • To reflect the company’s evolving identity and emphasize the company’s commitment to enduring success.
• Tell me more:
  • Eternal will encompass Zomato’s four main business segments: food delivery, quick-commerce through Blinkit, live events via District, and kitchen supplies through Hyperpure.
  • The decision stems from a desire to reflect the company’s evolving identity and the new name serves as a mission statement.

Source: FI

3. CCI Approves POSCO Entities’ Stake Acquisition Deal

• What:
  • CCI approved a deal between two POSCO entities involving POSCO India Processing Center buying the entire stake of LX International Corporation in POSCO-India Pune Processing Center.
• Why:
  • Deals beyond a certain threshold require approval from the regulator, which promotes fair competition and keeps a tab on unfair business practices.
• Tell me more:
  • The two POSCO entities are part of POSCO Holdings Inc.
  • POSCO India Processing Center and POSCO- India Pune Processing Center are engaged in the business of processing and distribution of steel, and distribution of various value-added finished steel products.

Source: ET

4. Indian Overseas Bank Celebrates 89th Foundation Day

• What:
  • Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) celebrated its 89th Foundation Day in Chennai. The bank was established in 1937.
• Why:
  • To honor the legacy of its founder, Shri M. Ct. M. Chidambaram Chettyar.
• Tell me more:
  • IOB plans to open 89 new branches and 3 Regional Offices by FY 2026, following the addition of 88 branches last year.
  • IOB launched STHREE SHAKTHI YOJANA to support access to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities for women.

Source: PSU

5. Sebi Penalizes DB Realty and Others for Violations

• What:
  • Sebi has imposed fines totaling Rs 25 lakh on eight entities, including DB Realty, its promoters, and other officials.
• Why:
  • For violations related to financial misstatements and non-disclosures.
• Tell me more:
  • Sebi imposed a fine of Rs 5 lakh each on DB Realty (now Valor Estate), Vinod Kumar Goenka, and Shahid Balwa Usman.
  • Sebi also levied a penalty of Rs 2 lakh each on Asif Yusuf Balwa, Jayvardhan Vinod Goenka, Salim Balwa Usman, Sunita Goenka and Nabil Yusuf Patel.
  • DB Realty failed to comply with accounting standards in preparation and presentation of the financial statements in respect of guarantee given to Bank of India (BOI) on behalf of loan availed by PBPL.

Source: BS

6. Zepto Ranked Second Most Downloaded Food & Drink App

• What:
  • Zepto became the world’s second most downloaded mobile app in the foods and drinks category in 2024.
• Why:
  • Due to a surge in downloads, particularly a 300 per cent growth in India during the second half of 2024.
• Tell me more:
  • McDonald’s was the most downloaded app in the category.
  • Zepto’s rival Blinkit was the tenth most downloaded app in the category.
  • Zepto’s average monthly users in the last quarter of 2024 overtook that of Blinkit for the first time.

Source: BS

Defence News

1. Saab Completes AT4 Weapon Supply to Indian Armed Forces

• What:
  • Saab, a Swedish company, has completed the supply of AT4 anti-tank weapons to the Indian armed forces.
• Why:
  • The AT4 support weapons will be used by both the Indian Army and Indian Air Force because they are fairly easy to use.
• Tell me more:
  • The company was awarded the contract for the weapon in 2020.
  • Major features of this anti-tank weapon include high fire-power and an effective range of 200–1,000 m.

Source: TW

2. India and Egypt Joint Military Exercise “Cyclone 2025”

• What:
  • India and Egypt will hold a joint military exercise called “Cyclone 2025” in Rajasthan.
• Why:
  • To improve coordination between the two armies.
• Tell me more:
  • The exercise will take place at the Mahajan Field Firing Range, Rajasthan from February 10 to 23.
  • The exercise will involve the special forces of both countries, training together in desert conditions with a focus on counter-terrorism, high-intensity combat, and survival techniques.
  • This is the third edition of Cyclone.
  • The motto of Cyclone 2025 is “Together we train, together we excel”.

Source: IT

3. Indian Naval Ships Visit Singapore to Strengthen Maritime Ties

• What:
  • Ships of the First Training Squadron (1TS) comprising INS Sujata, INS Shardul and ICGS Veera entered Changi Naval Base, Singapore.
• Why:
  • The visit is part of the Long-Range Training Deployment to South East Asia to strengthen maritime cooperative engagement and foster mutual understanding.
• Tell me more:
  • The squadron had previously visited Singapore in Oct 2023.
  • During the port call, the High Commissioner of India to Singapore, Dr Shilpak Ambule, visited 1TS ships.
  • The ships will engage in Professional Exchanges, Cross Training Visits and friendly sports fixtures.

Source: PIB

Awards

1. IPS Officer Deepak Kumar Kedia Honored with ‘CA in Public Service’ Award

• What:
  • Deepak Kumar Kedia, an IPS officer with the NSG, has been honored with the ‘CA in Public Service’ Award by the ICAI.
• Why:
  • For his contributions to public service, especially in Law Enforcement and the national security domain.
• Tell me more:
  • The award was conferred upon Deepak Kumar Kedia at the World Forum of Accountants Meet held in New Delhi.
  • Kedia was also awarded the “President’s Medal for Distinguished Service” by the President of India on Republic Day.

Source: TS

2. Sahitya Akademi Award 2024 in Dogri to Chaman Arora

• What:
  • Sahitya Akademi Award 2024 in Dogri has been approved for Ik Hor Ashwthama (Short Stories) by Late Chaman Arora.
• Why:
  • The book was selected on the basis of recommendation made by the Jury comprising three members in accordance with the rules and procedures laid down for the purpose and selected unanimously.
• Tell me more:
  • The award includes a casket containing an engraved copper-plaque and a payment of Rs.1,00,000/-.
  • The award will be presented to the family member/nominee of the awardee at a special function will be held on 8 March 2025 at New Delhi.

Source: PIB

Important Dates

1. International Day of the Arabian Leopard – February 10

Source: UN

2. World Pulses Day – February 10

• Theme: Pulses: Bringing diversity to agrifood systems

Source: UN

Sports

1. Dimuth Karunaratne Retires After 100th Test Match

• What:
  • Dimuth Karunaratne, former Sri Lankan captain, retired from his international career after his 100th Test against Australia.
• Tell me more:
  • ICC chairman is Jay Shah.
  • He made his international debut against England in an ODI at Manchester in 2011.
  • Karunaratne led Sri Lanka to a 2-0 Test series win over South Africa in 2019, becoming the first Asian side to win an away Test rubber against Proteas since their readmission to cricket.

Source: BS

2. Varun Chakravarthy Second Oldest Indian to Make ODI Debut

• Varun Chakravarthy made his ODI debut for India.
• Varun made his debut at 33 years 164 days, becoming India’s second oldest One-Day cricketer in 50 years.
• He was presented the cap by Ravindra Jadeja.

Source: TOI

3. Marcus Stoinis Announces Retirement from ODI Cricket

• What:
  • Marcus Stoinis, an Australian all-rounder, has announced his retirement from ODIs with immediate effect.
• Tell me more:
  • Stoinis kicked off his ten-year ODI career for Australia against England at Old Trafford in 2015.
  • He played a part in Australia’s victory in the 2023 ODI World Cup in India.
  • He was chosen as the nation’s ODI cricketer of the year in 2018-19.
  • Andrew McDonald is the head coach.
  • Australia, Afghanistan, England, and South Africa are all drawn into Group B of the Champions Trophy.

Source: TOI

4. Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers Clinch Hockey India League Title

• What:
  • Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers beat Hyderabad Toofans 4-3 to clinch the men’s Hockey India League title.
• Why:
  • Jugraj Singh scored a hat-trick for Bengal Tigers.
• Tell me more:
  • The Hockey India League began on December 28, 2024, and was revived after a gap of seven years.

Source: BS

5. ICC Releases Champions Trophy 2025 Official Song

• What:
  • The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released the official tournament song, “Jeeto Baazi Khel Ke,” sung by Atif Aslam.
• Why:
  • To build excitement for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.
• Tell me more:
  • The song is produced by Abdullah Siddiqui and written by Adnan Dhool and Asfandyar Asad.
  • The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 will be held from 19 February to 9 March in Pakistan and the UAE, featuring 15 matches.

Source: ET

Memorandum of Understanding

1. India and Panama Sign Agreement for Quick Impact Projects

• What:
  • India and Panama signed an agreement to implement Quick Impact Projects (QIP) for the first time.
• Why:
  • To deliver tangible benefits to local communities in Panama by focusing on key areas such as physical and social infrastructure.
• Tell me more:
  • The Government of India will provide grant assistance for each QIP under this framework, ensuring immediate and visible benefits for the people of Panama.
  • The memorandum of understanding (MoU) aims to focus on key areas such as roads, community centers, education, healthcare, and sanitation.
  • In 2020, the Indian government donated a medical aid package for COVID-related medical assistance to Panama and also upgraded an IT centre in the country.

Source: WION

2. Fraunhofer IGB Signs MoUs with IIT Ropar and BITS Pilani

• What:
  • Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology IGB signed MoUs with IIT Ropar and BITS Pilani.
• Why:
  • To leverage complementary strengths from both countries and enhance the implementation of best practices to optimize the water-energy-food nexus.
• Tell me more:
  • The collaboration aims to foster a competitive advantage and accelerate the transition toward a sustainable and climate-neutral economy.
  • Joint efforts will be made to identify technology gaps and demonstration of technologies aimed at solving industry challenges within the scope of Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat.
  • The collaboration will also focus on facilitation of technology transfer and licensing agreements with industry stakeholders and training on Integrating Cyber-Physical System Technologies into the water ecosystem.

Source: ANI

Appointments

1. K Balasubramanian to Head Citibank India

• What:
  • K Balasubramanian will succeed Ashu Khullar as India subcontinent sub-cluster and banking head of Citibank.
• Tell me more:
  • The appointment is subject to approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
  • He will report to Amol Gupte, head of Asia South and banking head.
  • Ashu Khullar will now serve as co-head of global asset managers (GAM) alongside Anthony Diamandakis.

Source: BS

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