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CURRENT AFFAIRS: BANKING & FINANCE

India’s retail inflation eases to 4.3% in January 2025; industrial growth slows to 3.2% in December 2024

• Retail inflation fell to 4.3% in January 2025, a 91 basis points (bps) drop from December 2024.
• This is a five-month low, primarily due to a sharp decline in vegetable prices.
• Economists suggest this could create scope for another rate cut by the RBI in April.
• Food inflation dropped by 237 bps in January, reaching its lowest level since August 2024.

Key Highlights:

• Categories with lower inflation: Vegetables, Eggs, Pulses & products, Cereals & products, Education, Clothing, Health.
• Rural inflation fell to 4.64% in January from 5.76% in December.
• Rural food inflation: 6.31% (down from 8.65%).
• Urban inflation dropped to 3.87% from 4.58%.
• Urban food inflation: 5.33% (down from 7.9%).
• Core inflation (excluding food & fuel) inched up slightly to 3.7%.
• Economists caution about rupee depreciation risks affecting inflation.
• Economists foresee a potential 25 bps rate cut in the April or June 2025 MPC meetings.
• Decision will depend on global factors, USD/INR movement, and further inflation data.
• Factory output growth slowed to 3.2% in December 2024, down from 5% in November.
• The manufacturing slowdown contributed to the decline.
• Positive signs: Growth in capital goods and infrastructure/construction
• The government's continued focus on capital expenditure supports investments.

About Retail Inflation:

• Retail inflation, also known as Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation, tracks the change in retail prices of goods and services which households purchase for their daily consumption.
• CPI is calculated for a fixed basket of goods and services that may or may not be altered by the government from time to time.
• The change in the price index over a period of time is referred to as CPI-based inflation, or retail inflation.

Securities and Exchange Board of India Proposes Stricter Margin Pledge Rules to Prevent Broker Misuse

• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed amendments to the margin pledge system to enhance transparency and prevent misuse of clients’ securities.
• The market regulator has invited public feedback on the draft circular by March 4, 2025.

Key Highlights:

• SEBI identified concerns where some brokers do not sell client securities invoked under the margin pledge system on the same day, leading to accumulation in demat accounts and potential misuse.
• The proposed framework will block invoked client securities for early pay-in within the client’s demat account, preventing unauthorized broker activity.
• SEBI aims to address operational inefficiencies by introducing a ‘pledge release for pay-in’ system, allowing automatic simultaneous unpledging and settlement, reducing manual intervention.
• Depositories will be required to upgrade their systems to support the new mechanism, eliminating the need for brokers to manually approve unpledging and transfers.
• The proposed changes aim to safeguard investor interests, enhance market integrity, and boost investor confidence.
• Investors and market participants have until March 4 to submit their comments before the reforms are finalized.

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.

Securities and Exchange Board of India launches Mutual Fund Investment Tracing and Retrieval Assistant (MITRA) to help investors trace inactive mutual fund folios

• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the market regulator, has launched the Mutual Fund Investment Tracing and Retrieval Assistant (MITRA) platform to help investors trace inactive mutual fund folios.
• The platform will be managed by Computer Age Management Services Limited (CAMS) and KFIN Technologies Limited as agents of Asset Management Companies (AMCs).
• It aims to help investors identify overlooked investments and assist legal heirs in claiming rightful investments.

Key Highlights:

• Inactive mutual fund folios are those with no transactions for 10 years but still holding unit balances.
• The platform must be made active within 15 working days from SEBI’s circular dated February 12, 2024.
• It encourages investors to complete the Know Your Customer (KYC) process and reduces non-KYC compliance folios.
• Investors may lose track of investments due to physical investments with minimal KYC details, lack of PAN, email ID, or a valid address, preventing folios from appearing in their Consolidated Account Statement (CAS).
• Some inactive folios may be due to the investor’s demise, making them susceptible to fraudulent redemptions.
• The platform will be accessible via links on MF Central, AMCs, AMFI, QRTAs, and SEBI websites.
• CAMS and KFIN Technologies will be jointly responsible for compliance, including system audit and cyber security audit.
• The platform must comply with SEBI’s Business Continuity Plan (BCP) and Disaster Recovery (DR) guidelines for Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs).

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) allows Kotak Mahindra Bank to issue fresh credit cards

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on February 12, 2025 lifted the restrictions on Kotak Mahindra Bank, allowing it to issue new credit cards and onboard new customers through its website and mobile app, nearly 10 months after an embargo was imposed on it.

Key Highlights:

• The restrictions were imposed on April 24, 2024, under Section 35A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, due to IT and cybersecurity concerns.
• RBI’s 2022-23 IT Examination found serious deficiencies in areas such as IT inventory management, patch and change management, user access management, vendor risk management, data security, and disaster recovery.
• Kotak Mahindra Bank took remedial measures, including an external audit approved by RBI, to validate compliance.
• RBI reviewed the corrective actions and found them satisfactory, leading to the lifting of restrictions and resumption of full operations.
• The bank is now expected to strengthen its IT governance and risk management processes to prevent future regulatory concerns.
• Stock performance on February 13, 2025:
  • Share price closed 1.35% higher at ₹1,943.30
  • 52-week high: ₹1,969.90 (February 11, 2025)
  • 52-week low: ₹1,544.15 (May 3, 2024)
  • Total traded volume: 0.49 lakh shares with a turnover of ₹9.57 crore
  • P/E ratio: 22.69x, P/B ratio: 3.49 based on trailing 12-month earnings

About Kotak Mahindra Bank:

• Founded: 2003
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Managing Director & CEO: Ashok Vaswani
• Tagline: Let’s Make Money Simple
• Merger: ING Vysya Bank merged with Kotak Mahindra Bank in 2015

Shriram Finance Shares in Focus; Raises $500 Million Through SACE External Commercial Borrowing Loan

• Shriram Finance Limited (SFL) has raised a $500 million loan through SACE, Italy’s export credit agency, making it the first Indian NBFC to secure such funding.
• The 10-year External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) facility will be used to finance new and used Italian vehicles under SFL’s Social Finance Framework.
• The loan was arranged with support from HSBC, Deutsche Bank, KfW IPEX-Bank, ING Bank, and J.P. Morgan, highlighting confidence in SFL’s financial strength.

About SACE:

• SACE, Italy’s Export Credit Agency, operates under the Ministry of Economy and Finance and supports Italian exporters and the banking sector with financial guarantees.
• It plays a crucial role in Italy’s Green New Deal and has a presence in 14 global markets.

About ECB:

• External commercial borrowing (ECBs) are loans in India made by non-resident lenders in foreign currency to Indian borrowers.
• They are used widely in India to facilitate access to foreign money by Indian corporations and PSUs (public sector undertakings).
• ECBs cannot be used for investment in stock market or speculation in real estate.
• The DEA (Department of Economic Affairs), Ministry of Finance, Government of India along with Reserve Bank of India, monitors and regulates ECB guidelines and policies.

Reserve Bank of India Set to Launch ₹50 Denomination Banknotes with Updated Signature

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will soon release ₹50 denomination banknotes in the Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series with the signature of newly appointed Governor Sanjay Malhotra.

Key Highlights:

• No Change in Design: The design of the new ₹50 notes will remain identical to the existing notes in the Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series.
• Legal Tender Status: All previously issued ₹50 banknotes by the RBI will continue to be legal tender.
• Sanjay Malhotra’s Appointment: Malhotra, a 56-year-old civil servant, was appointed as the RBI Governor for a three-year term on December 11, 2024, succeeding Shaktikanta Das, who served for six years.
• Previous Role: Before his appointment as RBI Governor, Malhotra was India’s Revenue Secretary.
• First Monetary Policy Decision: In his first Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting as RBI Governor, Malhotra announced a 25 basis points repo rate cut, lowering it from 6.5% to 6.25%—the first rate cut in 12 policy meetings.

Recent News:

• In February 2025, The RBI deferred the implementation of Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) and project financing norms by a year, now set for March 31, 2026. Originally planned for April 1, 2025, these norms required banks to maintain higher liquid assets, potentially impacting ₹4 lakh crore in lending.

About RBI :

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

Small Finance Banks get Reserve Bank of India’s nod to provide credit lines on Unified Payments Interface (UPI)

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has expanded the scope of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) by allowing transactions using pre-sanctioned credit lines at Small Finance Banks (SFBs), enabling customers to use pre-approved credit lines for UPI transactions.

Key Highlights:

• Eligible Payment Accounts: Savings accounts, overdraft accounts, prepaid wallets, credit cards, and now credit lines can be linked to UPI.
• Customer Consent Required: Customers must provide explicit consent before using their pre-approved credit lines through UPI, ensuring transparency and preventing unauthorized usage.
• Bank-defined Terms: Banks will define the terms for these credit lines, including aspects like credit limit, interest rates, and credit periods, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional credit cards and loans.
• Small Finance Banks Included: Customers of Small Finance Banks can now access short-term credit instantly via UPI, without needing a separate loan application.
• How to Link Credit Line on UPI: To link a credit line, users must download a UPI app, select Credit Line as the option, choose their issuing bank, and proceed to generate a UPI PIN.
• Repayment Terms: Repayment terms depend on the issuing bank, and customers must adhere to repayment schedules to avoid negative impacts on their credit score.

Recent News:

• In February 2025, Ujjivan Small Finance Bank (USFB) applied for a universal banking licence, aiming to transition from a small finance bank to a full-fledged commercial bank.

Government Announces ₹100 Special Coin in Tribute to Mohammed Rafi’s Legacy

• To celebrate the centenary of legendary playback singer Mohammed Rafi, the Government will issue a ₹100 commemorative coin.
• The coin, though legal tender, will not be circulated but can be sourced from specified agencies.

Key Highlights:

• Design and Specifications:
  • Shape: Circular with a 44 mm diameter.
  • Serrations: 200.
  • Metal Composition: A quaternary alloy with 50% silver, 40% copper, 5% nickel, and 5% zinc.
  • Obverse Side: Features the lion capital of Ashoka Pillar with "Satyamev Jayate", and "Bharat" and "India" inscribed.
  • Reverse Side: Features an image of Mohammed Rafi with inscriptions "Mohammed Rafi Ki Janam Shatabdi" (in Devnagari) and "BIRTH CENTENARY OF MOHAMMED RAFI" (in English), and the year "1924-2024".

Legacy of Mohammed Rafi:

• Rafi was a legendary Indian playback singer, with over 25,000 songs across various languages in his 40-year career.
• Known for his versatility and vocal range, his influence transcended generations.
• Over his illustrious career, Rafi won six Filmfare Awards and a National Film Award.
• In 1967, the Government of India honored him with the prestigious Padma Shri award.

Small Industries Development Bank of India and Agence Française de Développement, France ink $100 million deal to boost green finance for Indian MSMEs

• Small Industries Development Bank of India (Sidbi) and Agence Française de Développement (AFD), France signed a USD 100 million credit facility agreement (CFA) to support Green Finance solutions for Indian MSMEs.
• The agreement aims to help MSMEs transition to energy-efficient and climate-friendly business models.
• AFD will provide a USD 100 million credit line to SIDBI for affordable loans in renewable energy and sustainability projects.
• This initiative aligns with India's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by

Recent News:

• In February 2025, The Textile Manufacturers' Association (TMA) of Amritsar, in partnership with the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), announced its participation in the prestigious Bharat Tex 2025 exhibition.

About Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI):

• It is an All India Development Financial Institution (DFI) focused on financing and developing Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India.
• Headquarters: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
• Founded: April 2, 1990, by the Government of India
• Chairman & Managing Director: Shri Manoj Mittal

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL NEWS

Income Tax Bill, 2025: Key Changes and Implications

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the Income Tax Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha during the Budget session.
• The bill aims to replace the Income Tax Act, 1961, simplifying tax provisions, improving clarity, and modernizing the law to align with global tax systems.
• Despite opposition protests, the bill was introduced through a voice vote, and the Lok Sabha was adjourned until March 10, 2025, for the second half of the Budget session.

Key Highlights of the Income Tax Bill, 2025

1. Introduction & Legislative Process

• Introduced on: February 13, 2025, by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
• Opposition raised concerns, but the bill was passed through a voice vote.
• Referred to the Select Committee of Lok Sabha for detailed examination.

2. Objectives of the New Bill

• Simplifies tax laws and eliminates outdated terminology.
• Enhances clarity for taxpayers and ensures easier compliance.
• Reduces tax litigation by making provisions more direct and unambiguous.
• Incorporates modern tax concepts in line with global standards.

3. Major Terminology Changes

• “Assessment Year” and “Previous Year” replaced “Tax Year” for simplification.
• Previously, income earned in 2023-24 was taxed in the assessment year 2024-25; now, it will simply be taxed in the same tax year.

4. Structural Changes in the Tax Law

• The number of sections increased from 298 (Income Tax Act, 1961) to 536.
• The number of schedules expanded from 14 to 16.
• Unnecessary provisos and explanations removed for better readability.

Asia’s First Animatronic Elephant ‘Ellie’ Unveiled in Bengaluru

• Ellie, Asia’s first life-sized animatronic elephant, was introduced in Bengaluru.
• Created by PETA India and voiced by actor Dia Mirza, Ellie aims to educate children about the harsh realities of elephant captivity and promote compassion towards animals.

Ellie’s Journey Across India

Since May 2023, Ellie has reached over 165,000 children across various schools in India. After her unveiling in Bengaluru, she will visit multiple schools, including:

• Joseph Indian Primary & High School
• Samsidh International School (HSR & Horamavu)
• One World International School (Whitefield)
• Ujjval World School
• Presidency School (RT Nagar)
• Winmore Academy (Whitefield & Jakkur)
• Little Millennium

Future Impact of the Initiative

• PETA India’s Compassionate Citizen program has already reached 93 million children across 200,000 schools in India.
• Ellie’s presence in Bengaluru marks a significant step in integrating humane education into school curriculums.
• Schools interested in hosting Ellie’s sessions can contact PETA India for collaborations.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: INTERNATIONAL NEWS

India – France Joint Statement on the visit of Shri Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India to France

• This was Prime Minister Modi’s 6th visit to France and follows President Macron’s visit to India in January 2024 as the Chief Guest for the 75th Republic Day of India.
• Prime Minister Modi and President Macron held bilateral discussions on the entire gamut of the exceptionally strong and multifaceted bilateral cooperation and on global and regional matters.
• They jointly inaugurated India’s Consulate General in Marseille.
• They also visited the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor

Key Highlights:

1. Artificial Intelligence Action Summit:
   • Co-chaired by France and India, the summit aimed to build on previous AI summits (Bletchley Park 2023, Seoul 2024).
   • Focused on ensuring AI drives beneficial social, economic, and environmental outcomes.
   • India announced to host the next AI Summit.
2. Bilateral Discussions:
   • PM Modi and President Macron discussed multifaceted bilateral cooperation and global issues.
   • Inaugurated India’s Consulate General in Marseille and visited the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor
3. Shared Vision and Cooperation:
   • Reaffirmed commitment to the Horizon 2047 Roadmap and January 2024 Joint Statement.
   • Emphasized reformed multilateralism and UNSC reform, with France supporting India’s permanent UNSC membership.
4. Defence and Security:
   • Continued cooperation on air and maritime assets, Scorpene submarines, and missile technologies.
   • Launched FRIND-X to foster defence innovation and partnership.
   • Discussed R&D framework for defence technologies and joint military exercises.
5. International Issues:
   • Coordinated on Middle-East, Ukraine, and the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC).
   • Strengthened EU-India relations and trilateral cooperation with Australia and UAE.
6. Space and Cybersecurity:
   • Deepened space sector cooperation, with the third India-France Strategic Space Dialogue in 2025.
   • Launched an AI Roadmap and strengthened cybersecurity
7. Civil Nuclear Energy and Environment:
   • Stressed nuclear energy’s role in energy security and low-carbon transition.
   • Signed agreements on Small Modular Reactors and Advanced Modular Reactors.
   • Committed to addressing climate change and promoting sustainable lifestyles.
8. Economic and Trade Relations:
   • Acknowledged record bilateral trade in 2024 and potential for further growth.
   • Highlighted economic cooperation projects and the bilateral CEOs Forum.
9. Health and Innovation:
   • Enhanced health cooperation, focusing on digital health and anti-microbial resistance.
   • Launched the Indo-French Life Sciences Sister Innovation Hub.
10. Cultural and Educational Exchanges:
    • Celebrated the 60th Anniversary of the first cultural agreement with multiple exchanges.
    • Supported student mobility and the Young Professionals Scheme to strengthen people-to-people ties.

About France:

• Capital: Paris
• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• President: Emmanuel Macron
• Prime Minister: François Bayrou

CURRENT AFFAIRS: STATE NEWS

Karnataka government launches new single-window system at Invest Karnataka 2025

• Karnataka's revamped Single Window System, introduced by CM Siddaramaiah, aims to simplify business approvals, reduce compliance burdens, and fast-track industrial investments while ensuring transparency and efficiency.

Key Highlights:

• Integrates 150+ business services across 30 state departments, allowing real-time tracking of approvals, amendments, and renewals.
• Introduces Affidavit-Based Clearance (ABC) through Karnataka Udyog Mitra, enabling investors to start construction and preparatory activities without waiting for multiple approvals.
• Integrated with the National Single Window System (NSWS) for seamless access to central-level services. Includes Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) services such as land search, selection, allotment, and building plan approvals.
• Introduces a GIS-Based Industrial Information System to help investors check site-related compliance before starting projects.
• Features a wizard-based discovery tool to assist investors in identifying required State & Central approvals, NOCs, and clearances. An Incentive Wizard & Calculator helps determine eligibility for incentives, concessions, and rebates. An AI-powered multi-lingual chatbot provides instant responses to queries on policies, incentives, and compliance.
• Simplifies forms, eliminates duplicate information, and integrates with 40+ systems via APIs. Provides real-time status updates with event-based alerts.
• Enables online application and tracking of incentive claims and disbursement, reducing paperwork and improving transparency.
• Available in multiple languages, mobile-friendly, and includes an online grievance redressal mechanism for quick resolution of investor queries.

About Karnataka:

• Capital: Bengaluru
• Chief Minister: Siddaramaiah
• Governor: Thaawarchand Gehlot
• National Parks: Bandipur National Park, Nagarhole National Park, Kudremukh National Park, Anshi (Kali) National Park, Bannerghatta National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary

CURRENT AFFAIRS: ACQUISITION & MERGERS

Reserve Bank of India Greenlights Temasek’s Zulia Investments for 7% Stake in AU Small Finance Bank

• AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) announced on February 13, 2025, that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved Temasek’s Zulia Investments to acquire up to 7% stake in the bank.
• The approval allows Zulia Investments Pte. Ltd., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Temasek Holdings (Private) Limited, to acquire the stake within one year from the RBI approval date.
• If the acquisition is not completed within this period, the approval will be cancelled.
• The acquisition must comply with the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, RBI’s guidelines on shareholding, the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999, SEBI regulations, and other applicable laws.

Financial Performance:

• AU Small Finance Bank reported a net profit of ₹528.45 crore for Q3FY25, a 41% year-on-year increase from ₹375.25 crore in Q3FY24.
• However, it saw a 7.5% sequential decline from ₹571.2 crore in Q2FY25.
• The bank’s net interest income (NII) rose 53% year-on-year to ₹2,022.5 crore in Q3FY25.
• However, asset quality weakened, with the net NPA margin increasing to 0.91% from 0.75% in Q2FY25, and the gross NPA margin rising to 2.31% from 1.98% sequentially.
• Total income grew 49% year-on-year to ₹4,731.89 crore in Q3FY25, compared to ₹3,178.05 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal.

Recent News:

• In January 2025, HDFC Bank received RBI approval to acquire up to a 9.5% stake in Kotak Mahindra Bank, through its group entities.

About AU Small Finance Bank:

• Founded: 1996 (as AU Financiers), became a small finance bank in 2017.
• Headquarters: Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
• Chairman: Raj Vikash Verma
• MD & CEO: Sanjay Agarwal

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

Hollywood Star Tom Cruise Receives France’s Highest Aviation Honor – Grande Médaille

• Hollywood star Tom Cruise has been honored with the Grande Médaille, the highest distinction from the Aero-Club de France.
• The award was presented by the club’s president, Catherine Maunoury, recognizing Cruise’s significant contributions to aviation and his role in inspiring future pilots.

Grande Médaille Award – Key Details

• Awarded by: Aero-Club de France, one of the oldest aviation organizations (est. 1898).
• Reason for honor: Cruise’s passion for aviation, performing his own aerial stunts, and inspiring future pilots.
• Presented by: Catherine Maunoury, president of the Aero-Club de France.

Tom Cruise’s Passion for Aviation

• Trained to fly fighter jets for Top Gun: Maverick.
• Owns and pilots vintage aircraft, often performing extreme stunts.
• Performed real-life aerial maneuvers in his films, including the Mission: Impossible

Tom Cruise’s History of Record-Breaking Stunts

• Hung off the side of a plane during takeoff (Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation).
• Scaled the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building (Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol).
• Held his breath underwater for over six minutes (Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation).
• Experienced real fighter jet G-forces while filming Top Gun: Maverick.
• Performed hundreds of skydives, despite breaking his ankle in a stunt.
• Jumped off the Stade de France to close the 2024 Paris Olympics.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: RANKING & INDEX

Hyundai Motor India added to MSCI Emerging Markets Index

• Hyundai Motor India has been added to both the MSCI Emerging Markets Index and the MSCI India Domestic Index.
• Adani Green Energy has been removed from the MSCI India Domestic Index.
• These changes will be implemented on February 28, 2025, and take effect from March 3, 2025.

Key Highlights:

• India's weight in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index rises from 18.8% to 19%.
• Estimated net passive inflows into Indian equities range between $850 million to $1 billion, according to IIFL Capital.
• There are 20 additions to the MSCI India Domestic Small Cap Index.
• These are Afcons Infrastructure, Akums Drugs and Pharma, Allied Blenders, Ask Automotive, Black Box, Cartrade, E2E Networks, Jyoti CNC Automation, Kovai Med Center, Manorama Industries, Niva Bupa Health, Ola Electric, Pearl Global, Shaily Engineering, Sundaram Clayton, TBO Tek, V2 Retail, Websil Energy and Zaggle Prepaid.
• The following 17 stocks were excluded: Advanced Enzyme, Bajaj Hindusthan Sugar, Balmer Lawrie, Bharat Bijlee, DCB Bank, Fineotex Chemical, Jai Corp, Jamna Auto, La Opala, Magellanic Cloud, Mahindra Logistics, Sanghvi Movers, Shivalik Bimetals, Spandana Sphoorthy, Sula Vineyards, Sun Pharma Advanced and West Coast Paper Mills.
• In another significant move the weights of the following stocks were raised - IndusInd Bank, Varun Beverages, Mankind Pharma, Torrent Pharma, Dixon Technologies, PB Fintech, Adani Enterprises and Voltas.
• The weights of stocks such as Adani Green Energy, Bharti Airtel, Tata Consultancy Services, Reliance Industries, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Infosys, Larsen & Toubro and Axis Bank have been reduced.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: MOUS & AGREEMENTS

Apparel Training & Design Centre (ATDC) and South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) Sign MoU to Train 400 Unemployed Youth in Chhattisgarh and MP

• The Apparel Training & Design Centre (ATDC), Gurugram, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL), under the Ministry of Coal.
• The signing ceremony took place at Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi, in the presence of key dignitaries, including Rupinder Brar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal, and Ms. Santosh, Deputy Director General, Ministry of Coal.
• Other attendees included Shri Biranchi Das, Director (P), SECL; Shri Rakesh Vaid, Senior Vice Chairman, ATDC; Dr. Vijay Mathur, Director General & CEO, ATDC; and Shri Alok Kumar, General Manager (Civil/CSR), SECL, along with officials from both SECL and ATDC.

Key Highlights:

• The initiative aims to empower underprivileged youth from Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh through vocational training as part of SECL’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme.
• A total of ₹3.12 crore has been allocated to support the training of 400 candidates.
• The programme includes training for 300 candidates in a non-residential self-employed tailor course at centres in SECL Bishrampur, Sohagpur, and Korba areas, while 100 candidates will undergo a fully residential training programme at the ATDC centre in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, with free boarding and lodging facilities.
• Only individuals residing within a 25-kilometre radius of SECL’s operational areas will be eligible for selection.
• This collaboration aligns with the Ministry of Coal’s vision of empowering coalfield communities by bridging the skill gap and enhancing employment prospects.
• It supports the national goal of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) and fosters self-reliance and economic growth among economically weaker sections.
• This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute an investment recommendation.
• Recipients should conduct independent research before making any financial decisions, as investments in the securities market are subject to risks.

About Ministry of Coal:

• Cabinet Minister: Shri G. Kishan Reddy
• Minister of State (MoS): Shri Satish Chandra Dubey

Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), unveil roadmap to strengthen India’s telecom resilience

• The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), in collaboration with the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), launched a comprehensive report on Disaster Risk and Resilience Assessment Framework (DRRAF) to strengthen India’s telecom sector against disasters.
• The report is part of a study on National and Sub-national Disaster Risk & Resilience Assessment for the Telecommunication Sector by CDRI.
• The study was conducted across five states—Assam, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, and Gujarat, focusing on disaster risks and resilience strategies.
• The study assessed 77 million telecom towers for multi-hazard risk factors, including floods, cyclones, and earthquakes, and developed a disaster risk and resilience index to measure infrastructure vulnerability.
• DoT coordinated with State Governments, Telecom Service Providers (TSPs), and Infrastructure Providers to gather the necessary data.
• Neeraj Mittal, Secretary (Telecom) & Chairman, Digital Communications Commission (DCC), emphasized telecom resilience as a national priority, aligning with the UN’s ‘Early Warning For All by 2027’ initiative.

Key Highlights:

• The DoT has been proactively implementing several strategic initiatives to enhance disaster preparedness and telecom resilience, including:
• Real-time coordination with LSAs, State Governments, and telecom operators for rapid disaster response.
• Nationwide implementation of an indigenous Cell Broadcast System for emergency alerts.
• Deployment of Public Protection and Disaster Relief (PPDR) networks in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Strengthening regulatory support for telecom operators to ensure quick restoration of services.
• Promoting satellite-based communication and High Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS) to maintain connectivity in disaster-hit regions.

About Ministry of Communications:

• Cabinet Minister: Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

Sachin Yadav Continues His Rise in Javelin, Wins National Games Gold with 84.39m Throw

• Uttar Pradesh's Sachin Yadav continued his impressive rise in javelin throw, securing the gold medal at the 38th National Games in Ganga Athletic Stadium
  Dehradun.
• The 25-year-old delivered a remarkable performance, bettering his personal best with an 84.39m throw, overcoming stiff competition from Rohit Yadav and Shivpal Singh in the nine-man final held at Maharana Pratap Sports College, Dehradun.

Key Highlights:

• Sachin Yadav’s massive 84.39m throw in his fifth attempt broke the previous National Games record of 82.23m, set by Rajender Singh in 2015 (Kerala).
• Sachin Yadav's 84.39m throw at the National Games now ranks as the fourth-highest in Indian men's javelin throw history.
• He follows Neeraj Chopra (89.94m, Olympic gold & silver medallist), Shivpal Singh (86.23m), and Davinder Singh (84.57m).

Men's Javelin Throw:

• Gold: Sachin Yadav (Uttar Pradesh) – 84.39m (Personal Best)
• Silver: Rohit Yadav (Uttar Pradesh) – 80.47m
• Bronze: Vikas Sharma (Uttarakhand) – 79.33m

Kevin Durant Becomes 8th Player in NBA History to Reach 30,000 Points

• Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant reached 30,000 career points against the Memphis Grizzlies, hitting a free throw in the third quarter.

Key Highlights:

• He is now the 8th player in NBA history to achieve this milestone, joining:
  • LeBron James (41,623)
  • Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387)
  • Karl Malone (36,928)
  • Kobe Bryant (33,643)
  • Michael Jordan (32,292)
  • Dirk Nowitzki (31,560)
  • Wilt Chamberlain (31,419)
• Julius Erving also surpassed 30,000 points when combining NBA and ABA stats.
• Durant reached the milestone in his 1,101st career game, the same as Abdul-Jabbar, with only Chamberlain (941 games) and Jordan (960 games) doing it faster.
• His scoring breakdown across teams:
  • Oklahoma City Thunder (Seattle SuperSonics in his rookie season) – 17,566 points
  • Golden State Warriors – 5,374 points
  • Brooklyn Nets – 3,744 points
  • Phoenix Suns – 3,324 points

CURRENT AFFAIRS: OBITUARY

Acharya Satyendra Das, the chief priest of Ayodhya's Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, passed away

• Acharya Satyendra Das, chief priest of Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Ayodhya, passed away at SGPGIMS, Lucknow.

Key Highlights:

• He was born in 1938.
• Began his spiritual service at the age of 20 and was a member of the Nirvani Akhara for three decades.
• Served as chief priest on December 6, 1992, during the Babri Masjid demolition.
• Featured in the 2024 documentary series The Battle of Ayodhya, which explores the Ayodhya dispute.
• Served as chief priest of the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple for the longest tenure, providing religious guidance.
• Celebrated one year of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony last month, marking the consecration of the Ram Lalla idol.

Daily CA One Liner: February 14

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the Income Tax Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha during the Budget session.
• Ellie, Asia’s first life-sized animatronic elephant, was introduced in Bengaluru
• Hollywood star Tom Cruise has been honored with the Grande Médaille, the highest distinction from the Aero-Club de France
• Hyundai Motor India has been added to both the MSCI Emerging Markets Index and the MSCI India Domestic Index
• The Apparel Training & Design Centre (ATDC), Gurugram, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), a subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL), under the Ministry of Coal.
• The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), in collaboration with the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), launched a comprehensive report on Disaster Risk and Resilience Assessment Framework (DRRAF) to strengthen India’s telecom sector against disasters
• Uttar Pradesh's Sachin Yadav continued his impressive rise in javelin throw, securing the gold medal at the 38th National Games in Ganga Athletic Stadium
  Dehradun
• Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant reached 30,000 career points against the Memphis Grizzlies, hitting a free throw in the third quarter.
• Retail inflation fell to 4.3% in January 2025, a 91 basis points (bps) drop from December 2024.
• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed amendments to the margin pledge system to enhance transparency and prevent misuse of clients’ securities.
• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the market regulator, has launched the Mutual Fund Investment Tracing and Retrieval Assistant (MITRA) platform to help investors trace inactive mutual fund folios.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on February 12, 2025 lifted the restrictions on Kotak Mahindra Bank, allowing it to issue new credit cards and onboard new customers through its website and mobile app, nearly 10 months after an embargo was imposed on it.
• Shriram Finance Limited (SFL) has raised a $500 million loan through SACE, Italy’s export credit agency, making it the first Indian NBFC to secure such funding.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will soon release ₹50 denomination banknotes in the Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series with the signature of newly appointed Governor Sanjay Malhotra.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has expanded the scope of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) by allowing transactions using pre-sanctioned credit lines at Small Finance Banks (SFBs), enabling customers to use pre-approved credit lines for UPI transactions.
• To celebrate the centenary of legendary playback singer Mohammed Rafi, the Government will issue a ₹100 commemorative coin.
• Small Industries Development Bank of India (Sidbi) and Agence Française de Développement (AFD), France signed a USD 100 million credit facility agreement (CFA) to support Green Finance solutions for Indian MSMEs.
• Prime Minister Modi and President Macron held bilateral discussions on the entire gamut of the exceptionally strong and multifaceted bilateral cooperation and on global and regional matters.
• Karnataka's revamped Single Window System, introduced by CM Siddaramaiah, aims to simplify business approvals, reduce compliance burdens, and fast-track industrial investments while ensuring transparency and efficiency.
• AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) announced on February 13, 2025, that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved Temasek’s Zulia Investments to acquire up to 7% stake in the bank.
• Acharya Satyendra Das, chief priest of Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Ayodhya, passed away at SGPGIMS, Lucknow.