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CURRENT AFFAIRS: BANKING & FINANCE

Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) mulls safe Unified Payments Interface payment mechanism for registered market intermediaries

• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)proposed measures to safeguard investors and ensure transactions are made only with registered intermediaries through Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
• The proposal includes creating a unique UPI addressfor the collection of money by investors.
• The move comes amid rising instances of online financial frauds.

Key Highlights:

• Sebi issued the draft circularafter consulting with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and two Sebi committees.
• The proposed UPI IDsfor the securities market will include the handle name “@payright” combined with the bank name for easy identification by investors.
• A green thumb-up icon in a trianglewill be used to indicate the legitimacy of the UPI IDs.
• Sebi proposed an upper limit of Rs 5 lakh per dayfor capital market transactions done through UPI, which may be reviewed periodically with NPCI.
• The older handlesof intermediaries will be discontinued over time.
• Existing mutual fund SIPswill continue without disruption, but new SIPs and renewals must use the new UPI IDs.
• NPCIwill make system changes to allocate new UPI handles to banks, which will then assign UPI IDs to Sebi-registered intermediaries.
• Only self-certified syndicate bankswill be allocated the “@payright” handle after verification from the Sebi Intermediary (SI) Portal.
• Sebi has invited public commentson the proposal by February 21.

Recent News:

• In January 2025, SEBI introduced the Integrated SEBI Portal for Technical Glitches (iSPOT), a centralized system to streamline the reporting of technical issues by Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs) like stock exchanges and clearing corporations.

About SEBI :

• Established : 12 April 1988 as an executive body and was given statutory powers on 30 January 1992 through the SEBI Act, 1992
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra
• Chairman : Madhabi Puri Buch (first woman to lead the SEBI)
• SEBI is the regulatory body for securities and commodity markets in India under the ownership of the Ministry of Finance (MoF), GoI.

Airtel Payments Bank Teams Up with Karnataka Bulldozers for Celebrity Cricket League 2025 to Promote Safe Digital Banking

• Airtel Payments Bank has partnered with the Karnataka Bulldozers for the Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) 2025.
• Airtel Payments Bank will co-sponsor the team and promote safe digital banking solutions to fans across India.

Key Highlights:

• The partnership highlights Airtel Payments Bank’s focus on providing simple, safe, and rewarding banking services, while promoting the passion and energy of the Karnataka Bulldozers.
• The team's dynamic playstyle mirrors the fast and efficient services offered by Airtel Payments Bank to millions of customers.
• CCL 2025 will begin on 8 February 2025, combining cricket and entertainment.
• Through this partnership, Airtel Payments Bank aims to engage millions of cricket fans nationwide and reinforce its position as a trusted digital banking partner.

About Airtel Payments Bank:

• Headquarters: New Delhi, India
• CEO: Anubrata Biswas

Reserve Bank of India injects $5.1 billion in liquidity through an oversubscribed Forex swap auction

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) conducted a $5 billion 6-month dollar/rupee buy-sell swap auction.
• The auction was oversubscribed five-fold, with bids totaling $25.59 billionfrom 253 participants.
• The RBI accepted 28 bids, totaling $5.1 billion.
• The premium cut-offwas set at 96.81 paisa, slightly below the prevailing market level before the auction results were announced.
• The swap will infuse rupee liquidityinto the banking system.
• This is part of the RBI's measures to inject a total of ₹1.5 trillionof liquidity into the banking system.
• The FX swapinvolves the RBI buying spot dollars, serving two purposes:
  • Injecting rupee liquidity.
  • Draining excess dollarsfrom the system.
• The transaction will be reversed in six months.
• Dollar-rupee forward premiums dipped slightlyafter the auction results, with the 1-year implied yield trimming its rise to 2.24%.

Recent News:

• As of January 2025, The RBI's infusion of ₹76,000 crore through Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auctions aims to ease liquidity pressures and stabilize short-term borrowing costs.

About RBI :

• Established : 1 April 1935
• Headquarters : Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Governor : Sanjay Malhotra

L & T Finance Limited Launches Knowledgeable AI (KAI), an AI-powered Virtual Home Loan Advisor on its New Corporate Website

• L&T Finance Limited (LTF) has launched Knowledgeable AI (KAI), an AI-powered virtual advisor on its redesigned website for home loans.
• KAI aims to simplify the home loan journey, especially for first-time buyers, by addressing challenges like complex terminology and lengthy processes.
• The AI tool uses advanced Large Language Model (LLM) technology to offer personalized home loan guidance, including EMI calculations, loan estimates, and expert answers.

Key Highlights:

• KAI goes beyond basic chatbots, utilizing RAG technology for accurate information extraction from LTF documents and smooth EMI calculations with interactive sliders.
• It also allows users to download EMI schedules, bookmark options, and provides conversational answers for better understanding.
• L&T Finance Limited (LTF), headquartered in Mumbai, holds an 'AAA' credit rating, focuses on sustainability and women's empowerment through its CSR project "Digital Sakhi".
• As part of its Lakshya 2026 plan, LTF aims to become a digitally enabled, customer-focused retail finance company, leveraging its 2.5 Crore customer database for growth.

Recent News:

• In December 2024, Canara HSBC Life Insurance launched OmniGen AI, a generative AI-powered solution to revolutionize risk evaluation in underwriting.

About L&T Finance:

• Founded: 1994
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Managing Director & CEO: Sudipta Roy

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL NEWS

Kavach Automatic Train Protection System: Transforming Railway Safety in India

• India’s railway safety is set for a major transformation with the nationwide rollout of the Kavach Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has confirmed that this ambitious project will cover the entire railway network within six years.
• The goal is to enhance train safety, prevent collisions, and boost passenger confidence in one of the world’s largest railway networks.

What is the Kavach System?

Kavach, meaning "shield" in Hindi, is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system designed to prevent train collisions and enhance operational safety.

• Key Features:
  • Automatic Braking Mechanism: Stops trains if they exceed speed limits or approach a danger signal.
  • Safety Integrity Level 4 (SIL-4) Certification: Ensures high reliability, reducing human error-related accidents.
  • Improved Passenger Safety: Enhances railway operations by preventing signal violations and over-speeding.

Nationwide Implementation Plan

The Indian government has a structured plan for implementing Kavach across the country:

• Timeline: Full deployment across the railway network within six years.
• Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Model: Encourages private sector participation while maintaining government oversight.
• Integration with Smart Rail Systems: Part of India’s railway modernization strategy, ensuring seamless automation in train operations.

Budget Allocation for Kavach & Railway Modernization

• Total Capital Expenditure for Railways (2025-26): ₹2.65 lakh crore.
• Investment Focus:
  • Implementation of safety systems like Kavach.
  • Infrastructure upgrades and railway modernization.
  • Technological advancements for improved railway operations.

Agnipath Scheme Gets ₹11,039 Crore Allocation in Defence Budget 2025-26

• The Government of India has allocated ₹11,039 crore for the Agnipath scheme in the Defence Budget 2025-26, marking a 32% increase over last year’s revised estimate of ₹7,471 crore.
• This enhanced funding reflects the growing number of Agniveers being inducted into the Indian Armed Forces.

Key Highlights of the Agnipath Scheme Allocation

• Total Allocation: ₹11,039 crore (2025-26)
• Previous Allocation: ₹7,471 crore (2024-25)
• Service-Wise Breakdown:
  • Indian Army: ₹9,414 crore
  • Indian Air Force: ₹853 crore
  • Indian Navy: ₹772 crore

The budget for the scheme has witnessed consistent growth, increasing from ₹3,082 crore in 2023-24 to ₹7,471 crore in 2024-25, and now ₹11,039 crore in 2025-26.

Agnipath Scheme: A Major Overhaul in Military Recruitment

Launched in June 2022, the Agnipath scheme replaced the traditional recruitment system, introducing a short-term induction model for young men and women.

• Eligibility: Candidates aged 17.5 to 21 years can apply.
• Service Duration: Four years with a 25% retention rate for an additional 15 years in regular service.
• Objective: Keeping the armed forces youthful and combat-ready.

India’s Defence Budget 2025-26: Key Figures

India has allocated ₹6.81 lakh crore for defence spending in Union Budget 2025-26, which includes:

• ₹1.8 lakh crore for military modernization, covering fighter jets, warships, submarines, tanks, drones, and missiles.
• ₹3.11 lakh crore for revenue expenditure.
• ₹1.6 lakh crore for pensions.
• 9.5% increase from the ₹6.23 lakh crore allocation in 2024-25.

India Launches ₹20,000 Crore Nuclear Energy Mission to Develop Small Modular Reactors

• In a major step to expand India’s nuclear energy sector, the government has launched a ₹20,000 crore Nuclear Energy Mission aimed at developing Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in her Union Budget 2025-26 speech, announced the plan to operationalize at least five indigenous SMRs by 2033, signaling a significant policy shift towards nuclear energy expansion.

Key Highlights of the Nuclear Energy Mission

• Legislative Amendments:
  • Atomic Energy Act to be amended to allow private sector participation.
  • Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act to be revised to encourage private investments.
• Long-Term Vision: India aims to achieve 100 GW of nuclear energy capacity by 2047.

What Are Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)?

• SMRs are compact nuclear reactors with capacities of less than 300 MW, unlike conventional nuclear plants that typically generate 500 MW or more.
• Currently, SMRs are in the development phase globally, with experimental reactors operational in only a few countries. The U.S., China, Russia, and South Korea are leading in SMR construction, while India aims to indigenously develop its own SMRs (Bharat SMRs).

India’s Nuclear Energy Expansion Plans

• India’s current installed nuclear capacity stands at 7,480 MW with 23 operational reactors. The government plans to triple this to 22,800 MW by 2031-32 through the completion of 10 indigenously developed reactors approved in 2017.
• However, reaching the 100 GW nuclear energy target by 2047 will require a five-fold increase in capacity, adding 5-6 GW per year, making private sector involvement crucial.

Opening Nuclear Energy to the Private Sector

• So far, India’s nuclear power plants have been owned and operated by Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and BHAVINI. However, policy changes in recent years have allowed PSUs like NTPC and NHPC to enter joint ventures with NPCIL.

To further expand private sector participation, the government will:

• Amend the Atomic Energy Act (1962) to allow private firms to build and operate nuclear plants.
• Revise the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, ensuring private companies are not entirely deterred by liability concerns.

Government of India Sanctions ₹3,295.76 Crore for Development of Iconic Tourist Centres

• The Government of India has sanctioned 40 projects across 23 states under the ‘Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) – Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale’ initiative, with a total allocation of ₹3,295.76 crore for the Financial Year 2024-25.
• The primary goal is to develop iconic tourist centres, enhance their global branding and marketing, and elevate them to international standards.

Key Highlights of the SASCI Scheme :

• Evaluation Criteria: Proposals evaluated based on parameters like:
  • Connectivity to the site
  • Tourism ecosystem
  • Carrying capacity
  • Sustainability measures
  • Impact and value creation
  • Tourism marketing plans

Operational Guidelines and Project Implementation

• The Ministry of Tourism issued operational guidelines for the submission of project proposals to states.
• State Governments were tasked with submitting proposals, which were then reviewed by the Ministry based on the above criteria.
• State Implementing Agencies are responsible for executing the projects, with the Ministry of Tourism overseeing the progress through regular reviews to ensure smooth implementation.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: STATE NEWS

Gujarat village’s inland mangrove to be state’s first Biodiversity Heritage Site

• The 78-hectare areaof Guneri village in Lakhtar tehsil, Kutch district, has been declared as Gujarat's first Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS).
• The site is a natural inland mangrove area.

Key Highlights:

• The Gujarat governmentmade the announcement based on a recommendation from the Gujarat Biodiversity Board.
• The declaration aims to ensure the conservation and enrichmentof the area's flora and fauna through a management plan.
• The announcement was made under the provisions of The Biodiversity Act, 2002.
• The Act allows the state governmentto notify an area as a BHS after consulting local bodies.
• Unlike typical mangroves found along sludgy sea coastsaccessed daily by seawater, the Guneri mangrove site is unique.
• It is located 45 km from the Arabian Seaand 4 km from the Kori Creek, where seawater never reaches.
• The site is devoid of sludgeand is spread over a flat, forest-like piece of land.

Recent News:

• In January 2025, Pankaj Joshi took charge as the Chief Secretary of Gujarat as his predecessor Raj Kumar retired.

About Gujarat:

• Chief Minister: Bhupendra Patel
• Governor: Acharya Devvrat
• Capital: Gandhinagar
• National Parks: Gir National Park, Blackbuck National Park, Vansda National Park, Marine National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Velavadar Blackbuck Sanctuary, Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, Purna Wildlife Sanctuary

CURRENT AFFAIRS: ENVIRONMENT

Banaras Hindu University Researchers in Varanasi Discover New Species of Phytopathogenic Fungi, Epicoccum indicum (Ascomycota, Didymellaceae)

• Researchers at Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi, Indiadiscovered a new species of phytopathogenic fungi, Epicoccum indicum (Ascomycota, Didymellaceae).
• This fungus is associated with an emerging leaf spot diseasein Chrysopogon zizanioides (vetiver).
• The team included Raghvendra Singh, a senior assistant professor, and Soumyadeep Rajwar, a research scholarfrom the Department of Botany at Banaras Hindu University.

Key Highlights:

• The species was identified based on morpho-cultural characteristicsand multigene molecular phylogenetic analyses.
• Phylogenetic analysisrevealed that Epicoccum indicum forms a distinct clade, separate from other related species, justifying its classification as a new species.
• The species name refers to India, where it was discovered.
• The voucher specimenis deposited in the Ajrekar Mycological Herbarium in Pune, and the live culture is stored at NFCCI, Pune.
• The discovery was published in Fungal Diversity, a prestigious Q1 journalwith an impact factor of 24.5, on December 19.
• Chrysopogon zizanioides, commonly known as vetiveror ‘khus’, has various medicinal uses, including treatments for pain, inflammation, and infections.
• Early detection, diagnosis, and phylogenetic analysisof this pathogen are crucial for understanding its epidemiology and managing its impact on the plant.

Recent News:

• In January 2025, Scientists of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) identified a new species of Indo-Burmese pangolin(Manis indoburmanica) that diverged from the Chinese pangolin (Manis pentadactyla) approximately 3.4 million years ago.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: INTERNATIONAL NEWS

President Donald J. Trump Imposes Tariffs on Imports from Canada, Mexico and China

• President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) due to illegal immigration and drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl.
• A 25% additional tariff is imposed on imports from Canada and Mexico.
• A 10% additional tariff is imposed on imports from China.
• Energy resources from Canada will have a lower 10% tariff.

Key Highlights:

• China has failed to prevent the export of precursor chemicals used for fentanyl production by cartels.
• Mexico has allowed drug cartels to operate freely, leading to mass drug overdoses in the U.S.
• Canada has seen a rise in domestic fentanyl production and its distribution through international drug networks.
• The U.S. economy is being used as leverage to force these nations to act against illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
• Trade dependency: Trade accounts for 67% of Canada's GDP, 73% of Mexico's GDP, and 37% of China's GDP, while the U.S. trade share is only 24% of GDP, giving it an economic advantage.
• The S. trade deficit in goods was over $1 trillion in 2023, the largest in the world, reinforcing the need for trade-based countermeasures.
• Previous administrations failed to use economic pressure to secure U.S. borders.
• President Trump is taking decisive action to protect Americans and prioritize national security.
• The move aligns with Trump’s “America First” policy, using tariffs as a tool to push Canada, Mexico, and China to take stronger action on border security and drug enforcement.

Recent News:

• In January 2025, The US suspended all USAID funding to Bangladesh as part of a 90-day global review of foreign aid initiated by President Trump.

About USA:
• Capital: Washington, D.C.
• Currency: United States Dollar (USD)
• President: Donald Trump
• Vice President: JD Vance

United Kingdom to become 1st country to criminalise Artificial Intelligence child abuse tool

• The United Kingdom will be the first country to introduce laws against AI-generated sexualised images of children.
• The law makes it illegal to possess, create, or distribute AI tools that generate abusive images, with punishments up to five years in prison.

Key Highlights:

• Possessing AI "paedophile manuals" that teach how to use AI for child abuse will be a crime punishable by up to three years in prison.
• Running websites for paedophiles to share child abuse content or grooming advice will be punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
• Home Secretary Yvette Cooper highlighted that AI is accelerating online child sexual abuse and grooming.
• A UK inquiry estimated that 500,000 children are victims of some form of abuse each year, with online abuse growing rapidly.
• The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) reported 3,512 AI-generated child abuse images found on a single dark web site in 30 days.
• The most serious category of AI child abuse images increased by 10% in one year, according to the IWF.
• Cooper called for other countries to follow the UK’s lead in tackling AI-generated child abuse content.

Recent News:

• In December 2024, Two UK universities, Queen’s University Belfast and Coventry University, filed applications to set up international campuses at Gujarat’s GIFT City, continuing the trend initiated by Australian institutions.

About the United Kingdom:
• Capital: London
• Currency: Pound Sterling (GBP)
• Monarch: King Charles III
• Prime Minister: Keir Starmer

CURRENT AFFAIRS: DEFENCE NEWS

Iran Unveils New Ballistic Missile, Tests Long-Range Cruise Missile

• Iranunveiled a new long-range ballistic missile and tested an advanced anti-ship cruise missile, expanding its military capabilities amid ongoing tensions with the West.

Key Highlights:

• Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkianattended a ceremony in Tehran to introduce the Etemad, a ballistic missile with a range of 1,700 kilometers (1,060 miles).
• The missile’s range places much of the Middle East, including Israel, within striking distance.
• The event coincided with Iran’s National Aerospace Dayand precedes the 46th anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
• A day before the missile unveiling, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)announced the successful test of the Ghadr-380, an anti-ship cruise missile with a range of over 1,000 kilometers (620 miles).
• According to  Ali Reza Tangsiri, commander of the IRGC navy, the missile has anti-jamming capabilitiesand can be launched from underground facilities with minimal preparation.
• The missile was reportedly fired from central Iraninto the Sea of Oman, where US naval forces frequently operate.
• Iranian state television aired footage of an underground missile facilityalong the southern coast, showcasing Iran’s efforts to protect its missile arsenal.
• Tangsiri claimed these weapons could turn enemy warships into a “hell”, underscoring Iran’s focus on enhancing maritime defenses.
• During the ceremony, Iran also presented three domestically developed satellites:
  • The Navak communications satellite.
  • Updated versions of the Pars-1and Pars-2 imaging satellites.
• Officials stated the imaging satellites would be used for environmental monitoring, emergency response, and urban planning.

Recent News:

• In January 2025, Russia and Iran signed a 20-year strategic partnership treaty aimed at enhancing economic, military, and cultural cooperation.

About Iran:
• Capital: Tehran
• Currency: Iranian Rial (IRR)
• President: Masoud Pezeshkian

Japan launches navigation satellite on new flagship rocket for improved positioning system

• The H3 rocket, carrying the Michibiki 6 satellite, successfully lifted off from the Tanegashima Space Centreon a southwestern Japanese island.
• The satellite separated from the rocket as planned about 29 minutes after lift-off, according to Makoto Arita, H3 project managerfor the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
• Officials stated the satellite is expected to reach its targeted geospatial orbitin about two weeks.

Key Highlights:

• Japan currently operates the Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS), a regional navigation system with four satellites, which began operations in 2018.
• The Michibiki 6will be the fifth satellite in the QZSS network.
• Michibiki’s signals supplement the American GPSsystem, improving positioning data for smartphones, car navigation, maritime navigation, and drones.
• Japan plans to launch two more navigation satellitesby March 2026 to establish a seven-satellite system, enabling more precise global positioning without relying on foreign services like the US.
• By the late 2030s, Japan aims to expand the network to 11 satellites.
• The launch, delayed by a day due to weather conditions, marked the fourth consecutive successful flightfor the H3 rocket system after a failed debut attempt in 2023, when the rocket had to be destroyed along with its payload.
• Japan views a stable, commercially competitive space transport capabilityas crucial to its space program and national security.
• The country is developing two new flagship rocketsas successors to the H2A series:
  • The larger H3 rocketin collaboration with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
  • The smaller Epsilon systemwith the aerospace unit of IHI.
• Japan aims to cater to diverse customer needsand strengthen its position in the growing satellite launch market.

Recent News:

• In December 2024, Japan and Indiajoined forces to tackle the growing challenge of space debris, marking a significant collaboration in the space sector.

About Japan:
• Capital: Tokyo
• Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)
• Prime Minister: Shigeru Ishiba

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Grammy Awards 2025 Full Winners List: Beyoncé takes Album of the Year

• The 67th Annual Grammy Awards, which celebrated the best in music, took place at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
• Hosted by Trevor Noah, the event was marked by record-breaking achievements, powerful performances, and the rise of new talents.

Beyoncé Makes History at the 2025 Grammys

Beyoncé's triumph at the 2025 Grammy Awards was groundbreaking in music history.

• Album of the Year: "Cowboy Carter" – making her the first Black woman in 26 years to win this prestigious award.
• Best Country Album: "Cowboy Carter" – marking her successful venture into country music.
• Best Country Duo/Group Performance: "II MOST WANTED" (with Miley Cyrus) – showcasing her ability to cross genres effortlessly.

Kendrick Lamar’s Dominance in 2025

Kendrick Lamar continued his reign as a lyrical genius, winning two of the night's most coveted awards:

• Record of the Year: "Not Like Us"
• Song of the Year: "Not Like Us"

New Faces at the 2025 Grammys

The 2025 Grammys also saw the rise of fresh talent, with Chappell Roan winning Best New Artist.

• Chappell Roan: Delivered an emotional performance of "Pink Pony Club", addressing issues like fair wages and healthcare for emerging artists.
• Sabrina Carpenter:
  • Best Pop Solo Performance: "Espresso"
  • Best Pop Vocal Album: "Short n’ Sweet"
  • Marking a career-defining moment for the rising pop star.

A Tribute to Those Who Passed

The Grammy Awards 2025 also paid tribute to those who left a lasting legacy.

• President Jimmy Carter received a posthumous award, recognizing his contributions to culture and music.
• A heartfelt In Memoriam segment honored influential artists and cultural figures who passed away in the past year.

Full List of Major Grammy Winners 2025

Award Category	Winner(s)
Album of the Year	Beyoncé – "Cowboy Carter"
Record of the Year	Kendrick Lamar – "Not Like Us"
Song of the Year	Kendrick Lamar – "Not Like Us"
Best New Artist	Chappell Roan
Best Pop Solo Performance	Sabrina Carpenter – "Espresso"
Best Pop Vocal Album	Sabrina Carpenter – "Short n’ Sweet"
Best Country Album	Beyoncé – "Cowboy Carter"
Best Country Duo/Group Performance	Beyoncé & Miley Cyrus – "II MOST WANTED"
Best Rap Album	J. Cole – "The Off-Season"
Best Rock Album	The Black Crowes – "Shake Your Money Maker"
Best R&B Song	Kehlani – "After Hours"
Best Dance/Electronic Performance	Justice & Tame Impala – "We Are the People"
Best Score Soundtrack	Bear McCreary – "God of War Ragnarök: Valhalla"
Dr. Dre Global Impact Award	Alicia Keys

Chandrika Tandon Wins Grammy Award for ‘Triveni’: A Celebration of Music and Heritage

• Indian-American musician and business leader Chandrika Tandon, 71 has won the Grammy Award for Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album for her project ‘Triveni’, a collaboration with Wouter Kellerman and Eru Matsumoto.
• The prestigious award was presented at the 67th Grammy Awards on February 2, 2025, at com Arena in Los Angeles.

Who is Chandrika Tandon Beyond Music?

Chandrika Tandon is not only a Grammy-winning musician but also a renowned business leader, philanthropist, and advocate for education.

• First Indian-American woman partner at McKinsey & Company
• Founder of Tandon Capital Associates, a financial advisory firm
• Major Philanthropist
  • Donated $100 million to New York University in 2015, leading to the renaming of the NYU Tandon School of Engineering

Has Chandrika Tandon Won a Grammy Before?

This is Chandrika Tandon’s first Grammy win, but not her first nomination.

• In 2011, she was nominated for a Grammy Award for her album ‘Soul Call’ in the Contemporary World Music
• Although she did not win that year, her victory in 2025 reflects her continuous dedication to creating spiritual and meaningful music.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

India's U19 Women's Cricket Team Clinches ICC U19 T20 World Cup 2025 Title

• In a landmark final at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the Indian U19 women’s cricket team recorded a dominant nine-wicket victory over South Africa in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025.
• This win not only secured their second consecutive title but also reaffirmed their status as a youth powerhouse in women's cricket.

Key Highlights

• Victory Margin: India won by 9 wickets.
• Match Venue: Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
• Significance: Second consecutive U19 T20 World Cup title for India.
• Star Performer: Gongadi Trisha, who delivered an all-round performance.

Match Summary: India’s Commanding Performance

After winning the toss, South Africa opted to bat first but quickly fell under pressure. The Indian bowlers made early inroads by striking consistently during the first five overs. By the 13th over, South Africa was reduced to 45/5.

• Gongadi Trisha’s Bowling Impact:
  • Finished with remarkable figures of 3/15.
  • Her off-breaks troubled the South African batters, who could not build any significant partnerships.
• South Africa’s Final Score:
  • Despite a brief resistance by Mieke van Voorst, who scored 23 runs with three boundaries, the team failed to gain momentum and were dismissed for 82 on the final ball of the innings.

India’s Response:
Chasing the modest target, India reached 84/1 in just 11.2 overs.

• Key Contributions:
  • Gongadi Trisha starred with an unbeaten 44, showcasing her composure under pressure.
  • Sanika Chalke added a supportive 28 runs*, while Kayla Reyneke contributed with economical bowling figures of 1/14.

Gongadi Trisha: The Tournament’s Standout Performer

Gongadi Trisha emerged as the undisputed star of the tournament, earning the Player of the Tournament award.

• Batting Brilliance:
  • Finished as the top run-scorer with 309 runs in 7 innings, a whopping 133 runs ahead of the next best performer.
• Bowling Excellence:
  • Claimed 9 wickets during the tournament, including her crucial spell in the final.
• Performance Under Pressure:
  • Her unbeaten 44 in the final was a testament to her skill and ability to perform when it mattered most, solidifying her reputation as a rising star in women’s cricket.

Recent news

• In January 2025, Geoff Allardice, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the International Cricket Council (ICC), resigned.

Grandmaster Praggnanandhaa Triumphs Over Gukesh to Win Tata Steel Masters 2025

• Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa clinched the Tata Steel Masters Chess Tournament 2025, defeating world champion D. Gukesh 2-1 in a dramatic tiebreaker.
• The thrilling contest saw both young prodigies engage in an intense battle after finishing the 13th and final round tied at 8.5 points each.

Key Highlights of the Tournament Final

• Final Standings: Both Praggnanandhaa and Gukesh finished with 5 points, forcing a tiebreaker.
• Final Round Drama:
  • Gukesh lost to fellow Indian Arjun Erigaisi.
  • Praggnanandhaa suffered a defeat against Germany’s Vincent Keymer.
• Tiebreaker Score: Praggnanandhaa won 2-1, securing his first-ever Tata Steel Masters title.

Historic Win for Praggnanandhaa

• First Tata Steel Masters title for Praggnanandhaa.
• Second consecutive year that Gukesh finished joint-first but lost the tiebreaker (previously against Wei Yi in 2024).

Ollie Schniederjans Claims Remarkable Victory at International Series India

• Ollie Schniederjans made a stunning comeback to win the International Series India, presented by DLF, held at the DLF Golf and Country Club in Gurugram, near Delhi.

Key Highlights of the Victory

• Final Round Performance: Schniederjans shot a three-under-par 69, giving him a four-round total of 10-under.
• Victory Margin: He won by a surprising four shots over Bryson DeChambeau, the reigning US Open champion.
• Notable Moment: Schniederjans made a remarkable chip-in for birdie on the 13th hole, a moment that boosted his momentum towards the victory.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

World Cancer Day 2025: February 4^th

• World Cancer Day, observed annually on February 4th, is a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness, taking action, and reducing the impact of cancer worldwide.
• The 2025 theme, “United by Unique,” marks the beginning of a three-year global campaign (2025-2027), emphasizing individualized care and inclusivity in cancer treatment.
• The day unites individuals, communities, and governments in the fight against cancer, emphasizing prevention, early detection, and effective treatment.

History and Origin of World Cancer Day

• Established: February 4, 2000, at the World Cancer Summit for the New Millennium in Paris.
• Organized by: Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), bringing together global leaders, healthcare professionals, and policymakers.
• Paris Charter Against Cancer: Signed at the summit, setting the foundation for World Cancer Day.

Objectives of the Paris Charter:

1. Promote cancer research focused on causes, treatment, and prevention.
2. Enhance patient care and support for improved quality of life.
3. Raise awareness about the increasing burden of cancer.
4. Mobilize collective action from governments, communities, and individuals to combat the disease.

Daily CA One- Liner: February 4

• India’s railway safety is set for a major transformation with the nationwide rollout of the Kavach Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has confirmed that this ambitious project will cover the entire railway network within six years
• The Government of India has allocated ₹11,039 crore for the Agnipath scheme in the Defence Budget 2025-26, marking a 32% increase over last year’s revised estimate of ₹7,471 crore
• In a major step to expand India’s nuclear energy sector, the government has launched a ₹20,000 crore Nuclear Energy Mission aimed at developing Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
• The Government of India has sanctioned 40 projects across 23 states under the ‘Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) – Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale’ initiative, with a total allocation of ₹3,295.76 crore for the Financial Year 2024-25
• The 67th Annual Grammy Awards, which celebrated the best in music, took place at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles
• Indian-American musician and business leader Chandrika Tandon, 71 has won the Grammy Award for Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album for her project ‘Triveni’, a collaboration with Wouter Kellerman and Eru Matsumoto
• In a landmark final at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the Indian U19 women’s cricket team recorded a dominant nine-wicket victory over South Africa in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025
• Indian Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa clinched the Tata Steel Masters Chess Tournament 2025, defeating world champion D. Gukesh 2-1 in a dramatic tiebreaker
• Ollie Schniederjans made a stunning comeback to win the International Series India, presented by DLF, held at the DLF Golf and Country Club in Gurugram, near Delhi
• World Cancer Day, observed annually on February 4th, is a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness, taking action, and reducing the impact of cancer worldwide
• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)proposed measures to safeguard investors and ensure transactions are made only with registered intermediaries through Unified Payments Interface (UPI). The proposal includes creating a unique UPI address for the collection of money by investors.
• Airtel Payments Bank has partnered with the Karnataka Bulldozers for the Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) 2025.
• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) conducted a $5 billion 6-month dollar/rupee buy-sell swap auction.
• L&T Finance Limited (LTF) has launched Knowledgeable AI (KAI), an AI-powered virtual advisor on its redesigned website for home loans.
• The 78-hectare areaof Guneri village in Lakhtar tehsil, Kutch district, has been declared as Gujarat's first Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS).
• Researchers at Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi, Indiadiscovered a new species of phytopathogenic fungi, Epicoccum indicum (Ascomycota, Didymellaceae).
• President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) due to illegal immigration and drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl. A 25% additional tariff is imposed on imports from Canada and Mexico and 10% additional tariff is imposed on imports from China.
• The United Kingdom will be the first country to introduce laws against AI-generated sexualised images of children.
• Iranunveiled a new long-range ballistic missile and tested an advanced anti-ship cruise missile, expanding its military capabilities amid ongoing tensions with the West.
• The H3 rocket, carrying the Michibiki 6 satellite, successfully lifted off from the Tanegashima Space Centre on a southwestern Japanese island.