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CURRENT AFFAIRS: BANKING & FINANCE

India's central bank, Reserve Bank of India approves two voluntary urban co-operative bank amalgamations

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved two voluntary amalgamations in the urban co-operative bank (UCB) sector:
  • The Citizen Co-operative Bank (Vasco-De-Gama, Goa) → Merging with TJSB Sahakari Bank (Thane, Maharashtra).
  • Pune Commercial Co-operative Bank (Satara, Maharashtra) → Merging with Pimpri Chinchwad Sahakari Bank (Pune, Maharashtra).
• The amalgamations have been sanctioned under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, and will be effective from February 10, 2025.
• Post-merger, the branches of the Goa-based UCB will function as branches of TJSB Sahakari Bank, and the branches of the Satara-based UCB will function as branches of Pimpri Chinchwad Sahakari Bank.
• The number of UCBs surged in the 1990s due to a liberal licensing policy, but many became financially unsound.
• Since 2004-05, RBI has implemented consolidation measures such as:
  • Amalgamation of unviable UCBs with stronger ones.
  • Closure of non-viable entities.
  • Suspension of new UCB licenses.
• As a result, the number of UCBs declined from 1,926 to 1,472 over the last two decades.
• 156 UCB mergers have occurred since 2004-05, including six in 2023-24:
  • Three in Maharashtra, two in Telangana, and one in Gujarat.
  • Maharashtra led in UCB mergers, followed by Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh.
• In 2023-24, 24 UCB licenses were canceled, bringing the total cancellations to 70 since 2015-16, with 94.3% of cancellations in the non-scheduled category.

About RBI :

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

Reserve Bank of India forms working group to review trading and settlement timings of regulated markets                      

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has formed a working group led by Executive Director Radha Shyam Ratho to review trading and settlement timings of financial markets regulated by the RBI, with a report due by April 30, 2025.
• The review aims to synchronize market and settlement timings for efficient price discovery and liquidity management, considering technological advancements such as increased electronification of trading, 24×5 forex and derivatives markets, and 24×7 payment systems.
• India’s financial markets currently operate between 9 AM and 5 PM, and the group will assess the impact of these timings on price transmission, liquidity, volatility, and trade distribution.
• The working group will analyze cross-country market timings to understand their influence on market development and participation, while identifying potential benefits, costs, and challenges of revising current trading and settlement hours.
• The final recommendations are expected to enhance market efficiency, reduce settlement risks, and make Indian financial markets more robust and globally competitive.

Reserve Bank of India Announces One-Year Deferral for Liquidity Coverage Ratio and Project Financing Guidelines

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) deferred implementation of Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) and project financing norms by a year, new deadline: March 31, 2026.
• Decision taken due to concerns that the March 2025 deadline was too soon and could disrupt the financial system.
• Public and private sector banks had opposed the norms, fearing a liquidity crisis.
• New LCR norms would have required banks to divert over ₹4 lakh crore into government bonds instead of lending to businesses and individuals.
• RBI consulted banks in January 2025 to assess the impact of LCR changes.
• Despite RBI’s variable repo rate auctions, banks faced tight liquidity conditions.
• Banks urged the RBI for deferment and alternative measures to manage liquidity impact.
• LCR norms aim to enhance banks' resilience by requiring them to hold high-quality liquid assets (HQLAs), mainly government securities, to cover sudden fund withdrawals.
• RBI’s July 25 draft circular proposed additional 5%-15% run-off factors for internet and mobile banking (IMB)-enabled retail deposits to account for higher liquidity risks.
• Banks’ request to include existing cash reserve ratios (CRR) in HQLAs was rejected by the RBI.
• The Finance Ministry was also approached by banks to ease the stringent RBI guidelines, which could have negatively impacted credit growth.

What Is the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR)?

• The liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) refers to the proportion of highly liquid assets that financial institutions must hold to ensure that they can meet their short-term obligations and ride out any disruptions in the market.
• It is mandated by international banking agreements known as the Basel Accords.
• Calculating LCR is as follows: LCR=High quality liquid asset amount (HQLA)​/Total net cash flow amount

Reserve Bank of India Introduces Exclusive "bank.in" Domain to Combat Digital Banking Fraud

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launches an exclusive internet domain ‘bank.in’ for registered banks to enhance cybersecurity and prevent phishing scams.
• Registration for ‘bank.in’ starts in April 2025.
• RBI plans to introduce another dedicated domain, ‘fin.in’, to secure the broader financial sector.
• ‘Bank.in’ will help mitigate risks of fraudulent banking websites that exploit public trust.
• RBI to extend Additional Factor of Authentication (AFA) for international digital payments to offshore merchants supporting this feature, adding an extra layer of security.
• Cybersecurity measures align with RBI’s broader strategy to combat AI-driven frauds, deepfake scams, and advanced malware attacks.

Recent News:

• In February 2025, The Reserve Bank of India approved Tata Communications’ sale of its entire stake in Tata Communications Payment Solutions Ltd to Australian fintech Findi’s subsidiary, Transaction Solutions International for ₹330 crore, with an additional ₹75 crore contingent on interchange rate adjustments.

Gold demand in India sees 5% rise at 802.8 tonnes in 2024, 2025 projection at 700-800 tonnes: World Gold Council

• Gold investments in India surged by 60% in 2024, reaching $18 billion (~₹1.5 lakh crore), compared to 2023, according to a report.
• The World Gold Council (WGC) report added that gold investment demand stood at 239 tonnes, marking its highest level since 2013.
• This was a 29% increase from the 185 tonnes recorded in 2023.

Key Highlights:

• Gold investment remained strong in the October-December quarter, with demand reaching 76 tonnes, nearly matching the previous quarter’s performance, the report highlighted.
• At 239 tonnes, the country’s gold investment accounted for 20% of the global demand in this category, which stood at 1,180 tonnes in 2024.
• Worldwide demand also grew by 25% compared to 945.5 tonnes in 2023.
• According to the WGC report, the primary reason behind the surge was the steady rise in gold prices throughout the year.
• Following a reduction in import duty in July, prices quickly began to climb again.
• A correction in November attracted investors looking for an opportunity to buy at lower prices.
• Additionally, the festive season of Dhanteras and Diwali in October and November played a key role in boosting gold purchases.
• The report further noted that major metropolitan cities saw increased buying, with e-commerce platforms offering rapid delivery of small gold investment bars and coins, sometimes within 10-15 minutes.
• Another factor that worked in favor of gold was the weaker performance of other assets.
• Domestic stock markets, which gave average returns in the first half of the year, ended 2024 with a notable decline after hitting record highs in the third quarter.
• The demand for gold is likely to expand to include gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and mutual funds, the report added.
• After hitting a four-year low of 3,080 tonnes in April, global gold ETF holdings gradually recovered throughout the rest of the year, apart from a slight decline in November.
• The report attributed this increase to growing geopolitical uncertainties, changing expectations about interest rates, and gold’s best annual price performance since 2010.

About World Gold Council:

• Established: 1987
• Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
• CEO: David Tait
• President : Kelvin Dushnisky
• The World Gold Council is an international trade association for the gold industry.

Indian digital payments and financial services company, PhonePe exits Account Aggregator business citing an inability to onboard a sufficient number of financial information providers

• PhonePe Group announced its decision to exit the Account Aggregator business and instead collaborate with other account aggregators in the market.
• The company will surrender its NBFC-AA license to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and has initiated the wind-down of its account aggregator operations.
• In 2023, PhonePe, owned by Walmart, received in-principle approval from the RBI to operate as an Account Aggregator, followed by the final license in June 2023.
• Despite this, the company acknowledged that while it had successfully registered nearly 5 crore Indians on its AA platform in under two years, it faced challenges in onboarding as many financial information providers (FIPs) to its platform as it had hoped.
• PhonePe's direct competitors in the payment aggregator business included Paytm, Razorpay, PayU, CCAvenue, and Cashfree.
• This decision follows PhonePe’s move to discontinue its partnership with payment orchestration platform Juspay, opting to offer payment gateway solutions through direct integrations.
• PhonePe is the largest player in the UPI ecosystem, holding nearly 50% market share, and reported more than ₹5,000 crore in revenue for FY24.
• The company also saw a 28.6% decline in losses, which amounted to ₹1,996 crore during the period.

What is an Account Aggregator?

• An Account Aggregator (AA) is a regulated entity that allows people to securely share and access their financial information between financial institutions.
• AA is a Non-Bank Finance Company (NBFC) that collects and retrieves financial information from customers.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduced the AA network in 2016.

About PhonePe:

• Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
• Founded: 2015
• CEO: Sameer Nigam
• Subsidiaries: PhonePe Payments, PhonePe for Business, PhonePe Insurance, PhonePe Wealth, PhonePe Bharat BillPay
• Key Products: PhonePe App, PhonePe Wallet, UPI Payments, PhonePe for Business, PhonePe Insurance, PhonePe Gold, PhonePe Bharat BillPay

Non-Bank Brokers Allowed to Trade Government Securities on Negotiated Dealing System – Order Matching (NDS-OM) Platform: Reserve Bank of India

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) allows Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)-registered non-bank brokers to access NDS-OM (Negotiated Dealing System – Order Matching) for secondary market transactions in government securities.
• Currently, only regulated entities, banks, and standalone primary dealers have access to NDS-OM.
• The move aims to widen market access and improve participation.
• SEBI-registered brokers can access NDS-OM subject to RBI regulations and conditions.
• RBI has set up a nine-member working group to review trading and settlement timings of financial markets it regulates.
• The panel is headed by RBI Executive Director Radha Shyam Ratho and is expected to submit its report by April 30, 2025.
• Synchronised market and settlement timings across various financial segments can help enhance price discovery and optimize liquidity.

What is NDS-OM?

• The Negotiated Dealing System-Order Matching (NDS-OM) is an electronic trading platform that allows users to buy and sell government securities (G-Secs) anonymously.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) operates the NDS-OM platform.

Indian fintech company, Infibeam’s Rediff.com secures National Payments Corporation of India license to offer Unified Payments Interface services

• Indian fintech company, Infibeam Avenues has achieved a significant milestone through its subsidiary, com, which has secured a Third-Party Application Provider (TPAP) license from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) for its digital payment platform, RediffPay.
• This move enables RediffPay to offer Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services, marking Infibeam's strategic entry into the consumer-facing digital payments sector.

What is a Third-Party Application Provider (TPAP)?

• Definition: A Third-Party Application Provider (TPAP) is a company that offers applications or platforms enabling users to initiate and receive payments via Unified Payments Interface (UPI).
• Role: TPAP acts as an intermediary between the user, their bank, and the UPI network, ensuring seamless transactions.
• Examples: Popular TPAPs include Google Pay, PhonePe, Amazon Pay, Paytm, etc.
• Regulatory Authority: TPAPs must obtain a license from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), which regulates the UPI system in India.

Key Developments:

• License Approval: NPCI’s approval was confirmed, with Axis Bank as the Payment System Provider (PSP).
• Strategic Acquisition: In August 2024, Infibeam Avenues acquired a 54% stake in Rediff.com, positioning the platform to serve as a digital financial services aggregator.
• RediffPay's Offerings: The platform aims to offer a range of financial services, including credit and wealth management products, to address the diverse needs of Indian consumers.

What is a Payment System Provider?

• A payment service provider (PSP) is a company that allows businesses to accept electronic payments from customers.
• PSPs are also known as merchant service providers.

About Axis Bank:

• Founded Year: 1993
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• CEO: Amitabh Chaudhry
• Slogan: "Badhti Ka Naam Zindagi" (A Life of Progress)

About Infibeam Avenues:

• Founded Year: 2007
• Headquarters: Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
• CEO: Vishal Mehta
• Key Focus: Digital payments, e-commerce, and software solutions

General Insurance Corporation of India Strengthens Global Presence with United Kingdom Subsidiary Initiative

• General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re)'s board of directors has approved the incorporation of a wholly owned subsidiary—GIC Re, India Service Company—in the United Kingdom.
• This move is part of the company's ongoing expansion strategy.

Key Details:

• Board Approval: The approval was granted during the board meeting held on 3 February 2025.
• Capital Requirement: The subsidiary will have a minimal capital requirement, with the unit potentially being set up with a capital of GBP 1 (approximately $1.24).
• Business Activities: The UK-based subsidiary will focus on insurance-related activities and services.
• Regulatory Approval: GIC Re will seek approval from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) for the formation of the subsidiary.

Current Operations:

• GIC Re has been active in Lloyd’s of London since 2011, providing reinsurance capacity to Lloyd’s syndicates through quota share capital gearing treaties.
• The company’s Corporate Member at Lloyd’s is registered in the UK as GIC Re, India, Corporate Member Ltd.
• In addition to the UK, GIC Re has branches in London, Dubai, and Malaysia.

About General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re):

• Established: 1972
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Chairman & MD : Ramaswamy Narayanan
• The General Insurance Corporation is an Indian public sector reinsurance company.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL NEWS

Bay of Bengal Initiative on Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation Youth Summit 2025 to Strengthen Regional Cooperation in Gujarat

• The BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative on Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Youth Summit 2025 will take place in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, from 7 to 11 February 2025.
• It will bring together young leaders from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
• The summit, inaugurated by Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on 8th February, aims to foster youth collaboration, innovation, and regional development.
• Organized by the Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, the event will focus on youth-led initiatives, leadership discussions, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Significance of BIMSTEC Youth Summit 2025

• BIMSTEC Background: Established on 6th June 1997 under the Bangkok Declaration, BIMSTEC promotes economic and social development across its seven member nations.
• Focus on Youth Engagement: The 2025 summit prioritizes youth-driven policies and regional cooperation, recognizing the crucial role of young leaders in shaping the region’s future.
• Theme: “Youth as a Bridge for Intra-BIMSTEC Exchange” – emphasizing the power of youth-led collaboration in regional integration.
• Alignment with SDGs 2030: The summit integrates youth participation with the United Nations’ SDG agenda, ensuring sustainable progress.

Key Sessions & Initiatives

• Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue X BIMSTEC: Youth leaders from all seven nations will present policy ideas and initiatives for regional progress.
• Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) Initiative:
  • Launched by PM Narendra Modi, MY Bharat aims to empower young individuals with leadership skills.
  • Focuses on technology-driven youth engagement for economic and social transformation.

Cultural & Technological Exposure for Delegates

Participants will visit key Indian landmarks showcasing history, sustainability, and innovation, including:

Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approves extension and restructuring of ‘Skill India Programme (SIP)’ till 2026 with an outlay of ₹8,800 crore for 2022-23 to 2025-26

• The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the continuation and restructuring of the Skill India Programme (SIP) until 2026 with an outlay of 8,800 crore from 2022-23 to 2025-26.
• This initiative aims to build a skilled, future-ready workforce through demand-driven, technology-enabled, and industry-aligned training across India.

Key Features of the Skill India Programme

1. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 (PMKVY 4.0)

• Target Age Group: 15-59 years
• New Courses: 400+ new courses, including emerging technologies such as AI, 5G, Cybersecurity, Green Hydrogen, and Drone Technology.
• Key Changes: Integration of On-the-Job Training (OJT) and digital delivery for flexible and scalable learning.
• Skill Hubs: Established across institutions like IITs, NITs, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, and Kendriya Vidyalayas.
• International Mobility: Training aligned with international standards for better global opportunities.

2. PM National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS)

• Purpose: Provides on-the-job vocational training for youth aged 14-35 years.
• DBT Stipend: 25% of stipend, up to ₹1,500 per month, is provided to apprentices.
• Focus Areas: AI, robotics, blockchain, green energy, and MSMEs.

3. Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS)

• Target Group: Women, rural youth, and economically disadvantaged groups (ages 15-45 years).
• Flexibility: Low-cost, doorstep training for inclusive and self-employment opportunities.

Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, approves three-year extension of National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) till March 31, 2028

• The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the extension of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) tenure for three years, extending it beyond 31.03.2025 until 31.03.2028.
• The total financial implication for this extension is approximately 50.91 crore.

Key Objectives of NCSK's Extension

• The extension aims to facilitate socio-economic upliftment of sanitation workers, improve working conditions, and achieve zero fatalities in hazardous cleaning tasks.
• The Commission's continued work will support the advancement of Safai Karamcharis in the country.

Functions of the NCSK

The NCSK is responsible for several key functions to support Safai Karamcharis, including:

• Recommendations to the Central Government: Propose specific programmes to eliminate inequalities and improve the status and opportunities for Safai Karamcharis.
• Study & Evaluation: Evaluate the implementation of programmes related to the rehabilitation of Safai Karamcharis and scavengers.
• Grievance Redressal: Investigate grievances and take suo-motu notice of non-implementation of policies related to Safai Karamcharis.
• Health, Safety, & Wages Monitoring: Study the working conditions, including health and safety measures, as well as wage-related issues.
• Reporting to Government: Provide recommendations to both the Central and State Governments on issues affecting Safai Karamcharis.
• Other Responsibilities: Any other matters referred by the Government.

Functions Under the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 (MS Act 2013)

Under the MS Act 2013, the NCSK is also tasked with:

• Monitoring Act Implementation: Oversee the enforcement of the Act to ensure no employment as manual scavengers.
• Complaint Investigations: Look into complaints of violations and make recommendations for further actions.
• Advisory Role: Advise the Central and State Governments on effective implementation of the Act.
• Suo-motu Action: Take proactive notice of matters regarding non-implementation of the Act.

Background of the Commission

• NCSK Act 1993: Established under the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis Act of 1993, the Commission was first constituted in August 1994.
• Its creation aimed at empowering Safai Karamcharis and ensuring their rights and welfare are prioritized at both the national and state levels.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: STATE NEWS

Kerala to borrow Rs 2424.28 Crore from World Bank for 'Health System Improvement Program'

• The Kerala government approved the Kerala Health System Improvement Programmeby availing a loan of Rs 2,424.28 crore from the World Bank.
• The state Cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, granted approval and decided to implement the project under the Programme for Results (P for R)

Key Highlights:

• The main objective of the programme is to ensure an excellent standard of livingand life expectancy while helping the people of the state build a life free from preventable diseases, accidents, and premature deaths.
• All interventions under the programme will focus on ensuring the welfare of the poor.
• The project aims to establish resilient healthcare systemsthat provide value-based healthcare while addressing the state's evolving demographic and epidemiological challenges.
• The government stated that the project will also enhance coordination between various state departmentsto effectively respond to emerging threats, including climate change, and improve the efficiency of healthcare delivery systems in Kerala.
• Key objectives include developing a comprehensive ecosystemto prevent non-communicable diseases, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, adopting better approaches to tackle climate-related health risks, and effectively responding to emerging health threats.
• Additionally, the project seeks to reinforce emergency and trauma care servicesby creating an efficient 24x7 emergency response network, including ambulances and a trauma registry.
• In elderly care, the project will integrate local self-government institutionsto address existing and emerging challenges by reimagining healthcare systems, enhancing human resource capabilities, increasing resource allocation, universalizing digital health applications, and expanding public health funding.

Recent News:

• On January 2, 2025, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar took the oath as the 23rd Governor of Kerala in a ceremony at Raj Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram.
• He succeeds Arif Mohammed Khan, who has been appointed as the Governor of

Recent News:

• In January 2025, The Kerala Assembly unanimously passed a resolution urging the Centre to withdraw the draft University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations of 2025 and introduce a fresh set of guidelines only after detailed consultations with state governments and academic experts.

About World Bank:

• The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides loans and grants to the governments of low and middle-income countries for the purpose of pursuing capital projects.
• The World Bank consists of five institutions: The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), The International Development Association (IDA), The International Finance Corporation (IFC), The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), and The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).
• Founded Year: 1944
• Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States
• President: Ajay Banga
• Members:189 countries

About Kerala:

• Chief Minister: Pinarayi Vijayan
• Governor: Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar
• Capital: Thiruvananthapuram
• National Parks: Eravikulam National Park, Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Silent Valley National Park, Parambikulam Tiger Reserve
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary, Chilika Lake Wildlife Sanctuary

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS AND AGREEMENT

Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre and National Book Trust sign Memorandum of Understanding at World Book Fair 2025 to promote Indian Sign Language, under DEPwD, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment

• An Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC), under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, and the National Book Trust (NBT) at the World Book Fair 2025.

Key Objectives of the MoU

• To convert 500 NBT storybooks and other general reading materials into Indian Sign Language (ISL), making them accessible for Deaf children.
• Signatories: Shri Kumar Raju, Director of ISLRTC, and Shri Yuvraj Malik, Director of NBT, along with Shri Rajeev Sharma, Joint Secretary, DEPwD, and Professor Milind Sudhakar Marathe, Chairperson of NBT.

Significance of the Initiative

• Accessibility & Inclusivity: This partnership is aimed at improving accessibility and inclusivity in education for Deaf children, ensuring they have access to quality reading materials in their preferred mode of communication.
• Commitment to Literacy: Both the Director of ISLRTC and NBT reaffirmed their dedication to enhancing education for Deaf children across India, ensuring they are provided with books in Indian Sign Language.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Marcus Stoinis Announces Retirement from One Day International Cricket

• Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has retired from One Day International (ODIs), ruling himself out of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
• The 35-year-old will now focus on T20 cricket, where he remains available for selection.
• Stoinis played a crucial role in Australia’s 2023 ODI World Cup victory, but his departure comes as Australia faces multiple injuries, including Mitchell Marsh, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood.

Key Highlights

• Marcus Stoinis retires from ODIs to focus on T20s.
• Will not participate in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

ODI Career Overview

Recent Performances & Decisions

• Part of Australia’s 2023 ODI World Cup-winning squad, contributing crucial wickets.
• Last ODI appearance in November 2024 against Pakistan.
• Not given a Cricket Australia contract (2024) but was expected to play in the Champions Trophy due to injuries.

RECENT NEWS

• In January 2025, New Zealand’s prolific opener Martin Guptill officially retired from international cricket, concluding a distinguished 14-year career that began in 2009.
• Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s premier spinners, has announced his retirement from international cricket at the end of the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Brisbane on December 18, 2024.

Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers Crowned Hockey India League 2024-25 Champions

• Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers defeated Hyderabad Toofans 4-3 in a thrilling Men’s Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 final, held at Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium, Rourkela.
• Jugraj Singh’s hat trick and Sam Lane’s late goal secured the title for the Tigers.

Key Highlights

• Final Result: Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers 4-3 Hyderabad Toofans
• Venue: Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium, Rourkela
• Prize Money:
  • Winners (Tigers): ₹3 crore
  • Runners-up (Toofans): ₹2 crore

Top Scorers

Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers

• Jugraj Singh (25′, 32′, 35′- (Hat trick)
• Sam Lane (54′)

Hyderabad Toofans

• Gonzalo Peillat (9′, 39′)
• Amandeep Lakra (26′)

International Cricket Council Unveils Champions Trophy 2025 Anthem ‘Jeeto Baazi Khel Ke’

• The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially launched the theme song for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, titled ‘Jeeto Baazi Khel Ke’, performed by renowned Pakistani singer Atif Aslam.
• The anthem aims to build excitement for the tournament, which is just 12 days away from kickoff.

‘Jeeto Baazi Khel Ke’ – Capturing the Spirit of Cricket

The official anthem of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 embodies the passion, energy, and global love for cricket.

• Singer: Atif Aslam
• Producer: Abdullah Siddiqui
• Lyricists: Adnan Dhool & Asfandyar Asad
• Music Video: A tribute to Pakistan’s cultural heritage, featuring street markets, stadiums, and fan celebrations.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 – Tournament Details

• The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 will be held from February 19 to March 9, 2025, across Pakistan and the UAE.
• The top eight cricketing nations will compete in a 15-match tournament for ultimate glory.

Key Tournament Dates

• Start Date: February 19, 2025
• End Date: March 9, 2025
• Semi-Finals: Hosted in Dubai & Lahore
• Final Match: Tickets for the March 9 final will be released after the first semi-final in Dubai.

RECENT NEWS

• In February 2025, The Indian U19 women’s cricket team scripted history by securing a dominant nine-wicket victory over South Africa in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 final at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

About ICC

• Headquarters: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
• Founded: 15 June 1909
• Chairman: Jay Shah

CURRENT AFFAIRS: IMPORTANT DAYS

World Pulses Day: 10th February

• World Pulses Day 2025 is observed on the 10th of February.
• By definition, pulses only include dried seeds from leguminous plants grown for food and do not include green vegetable crops that were harvested.
• Their seeds are significant and healthy superfoods because they are packed with vital elements including fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
• Building on the success and momentum of the I.Y.P., and recognizing the potential of pulses to further achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Burkina Faso, a landlocked West African nation, proposed the global observance of World Pulses Day.
• On December 20, 2018, the General Assembly of the United Nations proclaimed February 10 as World Pulses Day through resolution (A/RES/73/251), and the day has been celebrated as a global event since 2019 and supported by many member nations.
• According to the U.N., pulses remain influential in mitigating the global challenges of poverty, food security and nutrition, human health, and soil health.

International Epilepsy Day: 10th February

• International Epilepsy Day 2025 is observed on the 10th of February
• International Epilepsy Day is the brainchild of the International Bureau for Epilepsy and the International League Against Epilepsy.
• The two organizations have put together various events on the day since their inception.
• Epilepsy is one of the world’s oldest-known medical conditions, with records dating back to the beginning of recorded history.
• Of course, back then, it was treated as a spiritual condition.
• In 2000 B.C., an ancient Mesopotamian text described a person who underwent an exorcism under the influence of a moon god.
• Ancient Babylonians attributed seizures to possession by evil spirits.
• The ancient Greeks also considered epilepsy to be spiritual possession, but they associated it with genius and divine interventions.

National Deworming Day: 10th February

• National Deworming Day 2025 is observed on the 10th of February
• Worms can create long-term health issues in children and interfere with their health, education, and overall well-being, even if their effects might not be visible immediately.
• Without knowing, children can carry worms for a long time and the only visible symptoms might be their hindered physical and mental health.
• It was therefore deemed necessary to treat all children despite not appearing sick and the observation of national deworming day came into being.
• According to a report by the World Health Organisation, around 241 million children in India, all between the ages of 1 and 14 years are at risk of parasitic intestinal worms.
• The Presence of these parasitic worms also known as Soil- Transmitted Helminths (STH)
• National Deworming Day was launched first on 10th February 2015.

Daily CA One- Liner: February 9 & 10

• The BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative on Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Youth Summit 2025 will take place in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, from 7 to 11 February 2025
• The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the continuation and restructuring of the Skill India Programme (SIP) until 2026 with an outlay of 8,800 crore from 2022-23 to 2025-26
• The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the extension of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) tenure for three years, extending it beyond 03.2025 until 31.03.2028
• An MoU was signed between the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC), under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, and the National Book Trust (NBT) at the World Book Fair 2025
• Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has retired from ODIs, ruling himself out of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.
• Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers defeated Hyderabad Toofans 4-3 in a thrilling Men’s Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 final, held at Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium, Rourkela.
• The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially launched the theme song for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, titled ‘Jeeto Baazi Khel Ke’, performed by renowned Pakistani singer Atif Aslam.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved two voluntary amalgamations in the urban co-operative bank (UCB) sector:
  • The Citizen Co-operative Bank (Vasco-De-Gama, Goa) → Merging with TJSB Sahakari Bank (Thane, Maharashtra).
  • Pune Commercial Co-operative Bank (Satara, Maharashtra) → Merging with Pimpri Chinchwad Sahakari Bank (Pune, Maharashtra).
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has formed a working group led by Executive Director Radha Shyam Ratho to review trading and settlement timings of financial markets regulated by the RBI, with a report due by April 30, 2025.
• RBI deferred implementation of Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) and project financing norms by a year, new deadline: March 31, 2026.
• RBI launched an exclusive internet domain ‘bank.in’ for registered banks to enhance cybersecurity and prevent phishing scams and another dedicated domain, ‘fin.in’, to secure the broader financial sector.
• Gold investments in India surged by 60% in 2024, reaching $18 billion (~₹1.5 lakh crore), compared to 2023, according to a report.
• PhonePe Group announced its decision to exit the Account Aggregator business and instead collaborate with other account aggregators in the market.
• RBI allows SEBI-registered non-bank brokers to access NDS-OM (Negotiated Dealing System – Order Matching) for secondary market transactions in government securities.
• Infibeam Avenues has achieved a significant milestone through its subsidiary, com, which has secured a Third-Party Application Provider (TPAP) license from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) for its digital payment platform, RediffPay.
• GIC Re, the state-controlled reinsurer, has received in-principle approval from its board to establish a wholly owned subsidiary in the United Kingdom.
• The Kerala government approved the Kerala Health System Improvement Programmeby availing a loan of Rs 2,424.28 crore from the World Bank.
• World Pulses Day 2025 is observed on the 10th of February
• International Epilepsy Day 2025 is observed on the 10th of February
• National Deworming Day 2025 is observed on the 10th of February