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CURRENT AFFAIRS: BANKING & FINANCE

New Unified Payments Interface (UPI) rule on automatic acceptance, rejection of chargebacks from February 15, 2025

• The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has introduced new guidelines for UPI chargebacks, effective February 15.
• Definition of Chargeback: A chargeback is the reversal of a completed Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transaction due to disputes, fraud, or technical errors, initiated by the payer's bank.

Key Highlights:

• Issue with Current Process:
  • Remitting banks initiate chargebacks early (T+0), often before beneficiary banks complete reconciliation.
  • If a return request (RET) is raised later by the beneficiary bank, it might be rejected if a chargeback is already initiated.
  • This has led to automatic chargeback acceptance and RBI penalties for certain banks.
• Revised Dispute Resolution Process:
  • Chargebacks will now be automatically accepted or rejected based on Transaction Credit Confirmation (TCC) and RET in the next settlement cycle.
  • The new system ensures beneficiary banks get sufficient time to process returns before chargebacks are finalized.
• Implementation:
  • The auto acceptance/rejection feature will be activated in the UPI Dispute Resolution System (URCS) from February 15.
  • Applies only to bulk upload options and Unified Dispute Resolution Interface (UDIR), not front-end dispute resolutions.
• Impact on Banks:
  • UPI member banks must ensure compliance and train officials on the new guidelines.
  • The updated mechanism is expected to enhance efficiency, reduce penalties, and streamline transaction reconciliations.
• UPI Growth: UPI transactions hit 16.73 billion in December 2024, an 8% increase from November, highlighting the system’s growing adoption.

Recent News:

• In February 2025, The National Payments Corporation of India recommended increasing ATM interchange fees to help banks and White Label ATM Operators manage rising operational expenses & the proposal suggests raising financial transaction fees from ₹15 to ₹17 and non-financial transaction fees from ₹5 to ₹6.

About NPCI:

• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• Founded: 2008
• CEO: Dilip Asbe
• Key Initiatives: Unified Payments Interface (UPI), Immediate Payment Service (IMPS), RuPay (domestic card payment network), Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS), Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS)

Leading DataTech Non-Banking Financial Company, UGRO Capital partners with Dutch entrepreneurial development bank, FMO, securing INR 2,600 million in Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs)

• UGRO Capital, a leading DataTech NBFC focused on MSME lending, announced its latest strategic financing collaboration with FMO.
• UGRO Capital has raised ~INR 2,600 million through Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs).
• Purpose of Funds: The proceeds will support women empowerment, territorial inequality reduction, and youth empowerment
• Investor Participation: The INR-denominated NCDs were fully subscribed by FMO, highlighting its commitment to inclusive and sustainable prosperity.
• Previous NCD Issuance: In December 2023, UGRO Capital raised USD 30 million (~INR 2,490 million) in an unlisted NCD issuance, primarily for green financing.
• Impact on MSMEs: Over six years, UGRO Capital has extended credit to 100,000+ small businesses, boosting business turnover and employment.
• Strategic Borrowing Approach:
  • Aims to diversify borrowing sources and reduce dependence on Indian banks, aligning with regulatory guidance.
  • Has secured INR 1.5 billion from Development Financial Institutions (DFIs) and Impact Funds, including:
    • IFU (Denmark Govt Sovereign Fund)
    • Asian Development Bank (ADB)
    • ResponsAbility
    • Calvert Impact Capital
    • Enabling Qapital
    • GMO
    • Water Equity
    • Microvest
    • IREDA
  • Long-Term Vision: Strengthens UGRO Capital’s balance sheet and enhances its socio-economic impact.

About UGRO:

• UGRO Capital Limited is a DataTech-focused Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) specializing in financing Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India.
• The company was founded in 2018 by Mr. Shachindra Nath, who serves as the Founder and Managing Director.
• UGRO Capital is headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Reserve Bank of India imposes monetary penalty on Shriram Finance, Ujjivan Small Finance Bank and Nainital Bank

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed monetary penalties on Shriram Finance, Ujjivan Small Finance Bank, and Nainital Bank for non-compliance with regulatory norms.
• Penalty on Shriram Finance: A fine of ₹5.80 lakh was levied for failing to implement a system for periodic review of risk categorization of accounts, among other issues.
• Penalty on Ujjivan Small Finance Bank: The bank received a penalty of ₹6.70 lakh on Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Limited for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Loans and Advances - Statutory and Other Restrictions’.
• Penalty on Nainital Bank: A penalty of ₹61.40 lakh was imposed due to non-compliance with directives on interest rates for advances and customer service.
• Specifically, the bank did not benchmark certain floating rate loans extended to MSMEs to an external benchmark rate and levied penal charges for non-maintenance of minimum balance in savings accounts at flat rates instead of proportionate charges based on the shortfall.
• The RBI emphasized that these penalties are based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and are not intended to question the validity of any transactions or agreements made by the banks with their customers.
• These 3 penalties have been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Section 46(4)(i) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

Recent News:

• In February 2025, The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) authorized Zulia Investments, a subsidiary of Temasek Holdings, to raise its stake in AU Small Finance Bank to a maximum of 7%.

About RBI :

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

CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL NEWS

Indian President Droupadi Murmu Addresses International Women’s Conference 2025 in Bengaluru, Karnataka

• The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu graced the inaugural session of the International Women’s Conference organised by The Art of Living in Bengaluru.
• In her address, she emphasized the rising power of Indian women (Nari Shakti) and their growing influence in science, sports, politics, arts, and culture.

Women Breaking Barriers & Achieving Excellence

• Indian women are confidently advancing, making their families, institutions, and the nation proud.
• Overcoming stereotypes requires mental strength and determination.
• She urged women to:
  • Gather courage and dream big.
  • Utilize their full potential for success.
  • Recognize that every step towards personal goals contributes to a developed India.

The Role of Women in Preserving Human Values in the Age of Technology

• Technological advancements have improved lives but also increased competition and stress.
• Compassion, love, and unity must be preserved in this digital era.
• Women have a unique ability to lead with empathy, balancing family, society, and global relationships.
• She expressed confidence that the conference would inspire women to embrace spiritual principles for a peaceful world.

The Art of Living’s Contribution to Education & Nation-Building

• Education is the most valuable investment in humanity.
• The Art of Living’s initiatives in education were praised for shaping future generations.
• She stressed the importance of guiding and empowering children to become responsible citizens and active contributors to nation-building.

India to Host First-Ever Regional Dialogue on Global Coalition for Social Justice in New Delhi

• Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya will inaugurate the first-ever Regional Dialogue on Social Justice, which is set to take place on February 24-25 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi
• This landmark event is organized by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Employers’ Federation of India (EFI).
• The dialogue aims to bring together global stakeholders to discuss inclusive and sustainable social policies.

Key Objectives of the Regional Dialogue

• Promote fair employment opportunities and social security.
• Strengthen inclusive economic growth across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
• Enhance responsible business practices for social justice.

What is the Global Coalition for Social Justice?

• Launched by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 2023.
• A collaborative platform involving governments, employers, workers’ organizations, financial institutions, enterprises, NGOs, and academia.
• Focus Areas:
  • Decent work conditions.
  • Economic security.
  • Fair labor rights.

Why is India Leading the Regional Dialogue?

• India is a key member of the Asia-Pacific Coordinating Group and is taking the lead in hosting the first-ever Regional Dialogue on Social Justice.
• Theme: “Responsible Businesses for Inclusive and Sustainable Societies”.
• Key Discussions:
  • Innovative strategies for inclusive workplaces.
  • Best practices in labor rights and social protection.
  • Strengthening regional cooperation in social justice reforms.

ESIC’s 74th Foundation Day – A Key Milestone

• Coinciding with the Regional Dialogue, the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) will celebrate its 74th Foundation Day.
• ESIC’s Contribution:
  • Expanding social security benefits for workers.
  • Providing healthcare and financial protection to millions of employees and their families.

Dr. Jitendra Singh to Chair 12th All India Pension Adalat in New Delhi

• Jitendra Singh, Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, will chair the 12th All India Pension Adalat in New Delhi.
• Organized by the Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW), this initiative aims to address long-pending pension grievances of retired Central Government employees.
• With 180 cases under review, the session will focus on grievances that have been pending for over 120 days, ensuring quick and effective resolutions.
• Since its launch in 2017, the Pension Adalat has played a crucial role in enhancing pension dispute resolution efficiency.

Key Objectives of the 12th All India Pension Adalat

• Resolve long-standing pension disputes of retired government employees.
• Provide immediate relief to pensioners with pending grievances.
• Bring together officials from key Ministries and Departments to ensure real-time solutions.

The 12th edition will focus on cases from 16 Ministries and Departments, including:

• Ministry of Home Affairs
• Ministry of Defence
• Central Pension Accounting Office (CPAO)
• Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT)
• Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs
• Ministry of Railways

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Narendra Modi and Elon Musk Meet in Washington, D.C.: Strengthening India-SpaceX Collaboration

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk at Blair House, Washington, D.C.
• Their discussion focused on space exploration, electric vehicles (EVs), and innovation, further strengthening India’s engagement with Musk’s ventures.

Key Highlights of the Meeting

1. Gift Exchange: A Symbol of Growing India-SpaceX Ties

• Elon Musk’s Gift to PM Modi: A hexagonal ceramic heatshield tile from SpaceX’s Starship Test Flight 5 (October 13, 2024), engraved with mission details.
  • Significance: The tile is designed to withstand extreme temperatures during spacecraft re-entry, showcasing SpaceX’s advancements in reusable space technology.
• PM Modi’s Gift to Musk’s Children: Three classic Indian books:
  • The Crescent Moon by Rabindranath Tagore
  • The Great RK Narayan Collection
  • Panchatantra by Pandit Vishnu Sharma

2. Discussion Topics

• Space Exploration & Starship Developments: India’s potential collaboration with SpaceX.
• Mobility & Electric Vehicles (EVs): Tesla’s expansion plans in India.
• Technology & Innovation: Opportunities for joint ventures.
• India’s ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance’ Reforms: Focus on ease of doing business and fostering innovation.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: STATE  NEWS

Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies with Common Service Centres disburse ₹12905 crore in loans as part of rural financial inclusion in Andhra Pradesh

• In Andhra Pradesh, the integration of Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) with Common Service Centres (CSCs) has significantly advanced rural financial inclusion.
• This collaboration has resulted in the disbursement of ₹12,905 crore in loans, benefiting approximately 6.78 lakh individuals.
• The initiative aims to provide accessible financial services to rural populations, thereby addressing territorial inequalities and empowering local communities.
• This effort aligns with the broader objectives of the Digital India program, which seeks to enhance digital infrastructure and services across the country.

Key Highlights:

• E-Cabinet: In 2014, Andhra Pradesh conducted the country's first paperless e-Cabinet meeting, enabling ministers to access meeting agendas electronically.
• E-Pragati: This state enterprise architecture framework aims to deliver 750 services to over 30 million citizens by integrating 34 departments onto a single platform.
• Bhudhaar: Launched in 2018, Bhudhaar assigns an 11-digit unique number to every land parcel in the state, facilitating streamlined land management and reducing disputes.
• e-Panta (Crop Booking): An Android application designed to assess crop details and analyze cropping patterns, aiding in better agricultural planning and management.
• Loan Charge Creation Project: This project aims to prevent fraudulent and multiple loans by enabling bankers to verify land details before loan issuance, ensuring transparency and trust in agricultural financing.

Recent News:

• In February 2025, The Andhra Pradesh government launched ‘Mana Mitra’, India’s first WhatsApp-based governance platform, offering 161 civil services.

About Andhra Pradesh:

• Chief Minister: N. Chandrababu Naidu
• Governor: S. Abdul Nazeer
• Capital: Amaravati
• National Parks: Sri Venkateswara National Park, Papikonda National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary, Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary, Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary, Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary

India's apex bank for rural development, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) projects ₹4.40 lakh crore priority sector credit for Rajasthan in FY 2025 -26

• The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has projected a priority sector credit potential of ₹4.40 lakh crore for Rajasthan in the fiscal year 2025-26.
• This projection was unveiled during the State Credit Seminar 2025-26, where NABARD released the State Focus Paper (SFP) for the upcoming financial year.

Key Highlights:

• The SFP serves as a comprehensive document, consolidating district-wise loan potentials across Rajasthan in both physical and financial terms.
• The current projection marks a 22% increase over the previous year's estimates, reflecting NABARD's commitment to fostering integrated and sustainable rural prosperity in the state.
• The projected credit allocation is distributed as follows:
• 47% (approximately ₹2.07 lakh crore) is earmarked for agriculture and allied activities.
• 45% (approximately ₹1.98 lakh crore) is designated for the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector.
• 8% (approximately ₹35,200 crore) is allocated to other priority sectors, including housing and education.

Recent News:

• In January 2025, In a significant step toward improving the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) process, Barmer District (Rajasthan) Collector IAS Tina Dabi and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) IAS Siddharth Palanichamy launched the ‘MY NREGA App’.

About Rajasthan:

• Capital: Jaipur
• Governor: Haribhau Bagade
• Chief Minister: Bajan Lal Sharma
• National Parks: Ranthambhore National Park, Sariska Tiger Reserve, Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary), Desert National Park
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary, Ranthambore Wildlife Sanctuary, Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary

CURRENT AFFAIRS: BUSINESS NEWS

Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade Releases Wholesale Price Index (WPI) for January 2025, Reports 2.31% Annual Inflation Rate

• The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), a central government department under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in India has released the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) for January 2025, reporting an annual inflation rate of 2.31% (provisional) compared to January 2024.

Key Highlights

• Inflation increase is mainly due to rising prices in manufactured food products, food articles, non-food articles, and textiles.
• Month-over-month (MoM) WPI change for January 2025 stood at (-) 0.45%, indicating a marginal decline from December 2024.

Breakdown of WPI Components – January 2025

1. Primary Articles (Weight: 22.62%)

• Overall Index Decline: 2.01% (from 193.8 in Dec 2024 to 189.9 in Jan 2025)
• Food Articles: Declined by 3.62% compared to December 2024.
• Crude Petroleum & Natural Gas: Increased by 6.34%, reflecting rising energy costs.
• Non-Food Articles: Increased by 0.66%.
• Minerals: Marginal increase of 0.22%.

2. Fuel & Power (Weight: 13.15%)

• Overall Index Increase: 0.47% (from 149.9 in Dec 2024 to 150.6 in Jan 2025)
• Mineral Oils: Prices increased by 0.71%.
• Electricity: Prices rose by 0.20%.
• Coal: Prices remained unchanged.

3. Manufactured Products (Weight: 64.23%)

• Overall Index Increase: 0.14% (from 143.0 in Dec 2024 to 143.2 in Jan 2025)
• Out of 22 manufacturing sub-sectors,
  • 15 sectors recorded price increases
  • 5 sectors recorded price declines
  • 2 sectors remained unchanged

Sectors with Price Increases

• Other Manufacturing
• Manufacture of Food Products
• Machinery & Equipment
• Chemicals & Chemical Products
• Pharmaceuticals, Medicinal Chemical & Botanical Products

Sectors with Price Declines

• Basic Metals
• Fabricated Metal Products (except machinery & equipment)
• Wearing Apparel
• Beverages
• Other Transport Equipment

WPI Food Index and Inflation Trends

WPI Food Index (Weight: 24.38%)

• Declined from 195.9 (Dec 2024) to 191.4 (Jan 2025).

Annual Inflation Rate in WPI Food Index

• Dropped from 8.89% (Dec 2024) to 7.47% (Jan 2025), indicating a slowdown in food inflation.

Final WPI for November 2024

• Revised to 156.4 with an annual inflation rate of 2.16%.
• Revisions are based on updated data sources and response rates.

Compilation and Revision Policy

• Response rate for WPI compilation in January 2025: 90.4%
• Final WPI for November 2024 compiled at: 95.5% response rate
• Provisional figures undergo revision after 10 weeks as per DPIIT policy.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS

NTPC Limited. Wins Forward Faster Sustainability Award 2025 for Water Resilience

• NTPC Limited., India’s largest integrated power utility, has been honoured with the Forward Faster Sustainability Award 2025 in the Water Resilience category.
• The award was presented by the UN Global Compact Network India (UN GCNI) at a ceremony in Chennai.

Key Highlights of the Award

• Recognizes NTPC’s leadership in sustainable water management and conservation.
• Award received by Shri Harekrushna Dash (Executive Director, Sustainability, Environment & Ash) and Shri K Karthikeyan (AGM, Environment & Sustainability).
• Aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

NTPC’s Leadership in India’s Power Sector

• Supplies nearly 25% of India’s electricity.
• Installed power generation capacity: 77 GW.
• 5 GW under construction, including 9.6 GW renewable projects.
• Target: 60 GW renewable energy capacity by 2032.

NTPC’s Commitment to Water Conservation

NTPC follows the Reduce, Reuse & Recycle (3R) principles to enhance water efficiency across its operations.

Key Water Management Initiatives

• Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plants – Implementing state-of-the-art technologies to minimize freshwater usage.
• 100% Sweet Water Self-Sufficiency at RGPPL – Achieved at Ratnagiri Gas and Power Pvt. Ltd. through innovative conservation strategies.
• Community Water Access Enhancement – Restoring local water bodies, constructing rainwater harvesting structures, and raising conservation awareness.
• Industry Benchmarking in Water Efficiency – Setting new standards in sustainable water use within the power sector.

NTPC’s Expanding Green Energy Initiatives

NTPC is driving India’s energy transition with investments in clean energy technologies:

• E-Mobility Solutions – Developing EV charging infrastructure.
• Battery & Pumped Hydro Storage – Strengthening grid stability.
• Waste-to-Energy Projects – Converting waste into sustainable energy.
• Nuclear Power Initiatives – Ensuring long-term energy security.
• Green Hydrogen Solutions – Leading in hydrogen-based energy alternatives

CURRENT AFFAIRS: APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATION

 R. Subramaniakumar to continue as Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of Ratnakar Bank for 3 years

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the reappointment of R Subramaniakumar as Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) of Ratnakar Bank.
• The reappointment is for three years, from June 23, 2025, to June 22, 2028.
• The reappointment will be subject to shareholder approval as per RBI and SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.
• Subramaniakumar has been serving as MD & CEO of RBL Bank since June 23, 2022.
• His current term ends on June 22, 2025, and the reappointment will take effect thereafter, subject to shareholder approval.

About RBL Bank:

• Full Name: RBL Bank Limited (formerly Ratnakar Bank Limited)
• Founded: 1943
• Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
• MD & CEO: R Subramaniakumar

Future Generali India Insurance appoints Kanika Garg as Chief Operating Officer

• Future Generali India Insurance has appointed Kanika Garg as its Chief Operating Officer (COO).
• She assumed the role in December 2024 and has since been instrumental in driving growth, innovation, and operational excellence within the company.
• With a robust background in the insurance sector, Garg brings extensive experience in operational leadership.
• Garg's appointment aligns with Future Generali's strategy to enhance operations, streamline processes, and boost overall business efficiency.
• Her expertise spans various domains, including business strategy, digital transformation, and customer experience enhancement.
• Under her leadership, the company aims to leverage digital advancements, improve process efficiencies, and foster a culture of continuous improvement to navigate the dynamic insurance industry landscape.
• Prior to Garg's appointment, Deepak Prasad served as the COO of Future Generali India Insurance.

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Swedish defence and security company, Saab and Indian defence manufacturer, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited sign agreement for manufacture of laser warning systems in India

• Saab and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the local manufacture of Saab’s LWS-310 laser warning system in India.
• The agreement includes the Transfer of Technology (ToT), enabling HAL to set up necessary infrastructure, conduct training programs, and gain technical expertise from Saab for long-term support of the system.
• The collaboration strengthens India’s defence self-reliance under the ‘Make in India’ initiative and enhances HAL’s capability to manufacture and support the LWS-310 system.

Key Highlights:

• Saab aims to expand its electronic warfare solutions in India and other key markets through this partnership.
• Saab and HAL have a long-standing relationship, starting in 2005 with the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) programme.
• Saab’s Integrated Defensive Aids Suite (IDAS) has been selected as the electronic warfare self-protection system for the Indian Air Force and Indian Army Aviation Corps’ HAL Dhruv helicopters.
• IDAS provides warnings against radar, laser, and infrared-guided threats and deploys countermeasures
• The LWS-310 system offers rapid threat detection and classification against laser-guided threats.
• It is used across multiple platforms, including aircraft as part of IDAS, land vehicles as part of Land Electronic Defence Systems (LEDS), and naval vessels as part of the Naval Laser Warning System (NLWS).
• Saab has a significant presence at Aero India in Bangalore (10-14 February), showcasing a range of defence solutions.
• These include the Gripen E/F fighter jet, RBS 70 NG man-portable air defence system, Carl-Gustaf M4 multi-role weapon system, AT4 anti-tank weapon, Next-Generation Light Anti-Tank Weapon (NLAW), and Ground Combat Indoor Gunnery Trainer.
• The Indian Air Force is planning to procure 114 multi-role fighter aircraft (MRFA) through an open tender process, and Saab is offering its Gripen fighter to meet this requirement.

Tata Elxsi partners with Garuda Aerospace to set up drone design, certification centre

• Tata Elxsi, a global leader in design and technology services, and Garuda Aerospace, a pioneering UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) manufacturer, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Aero India 2025, Asia’s biggest Airshow, held from February 10th–14th.
• This partnership establishes a dedicated UAV design, engineering, and certification center to develop indigenous drone technologies for Indian defence applications, agriculture, and smart cities, supporting the ‘Make in India’

Key Highlights:

• Tata Elxsi and Garuda Aerospace are showcasing prototypes, designs, and operational UAVs at Aero India 2025.
• Additionally, a demonstration of indigenised UAV components highlights India’s advancements in autonomous UAV technologies.
• Tata Elxsi will lead the design, development, testing, and certification of UAV subsystems, leveraging its expertise in avionics, miniaturisation, ground control systems, secured communication, and energy optimisation.
• Its proven capabilities in avionics certification, including compliance with DO-254 and DO-178C standards, will ensure regulatory adherence and safety.
• By integrating its proprietary autonomous and digital twin technologies, AI-driven solutions, and advanced propulsion and battery management systems, Tata Elxsi will enhance UAV efficiency, reduce energy consumption by 20%, cut costs by over 20%, and accelerate development cycles by up to six months.
• Garuda Aerospace, as an OEM with a strong presence in defence and other sectors, will lead business acquisition and delivery.
• The drones developed under this initiative will cater to multiple applications such as payload management, goods delivery, precision agriculture, and ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) missions, addressing critical operational needs across industries.
• The Indian defence forces and Border Security Force (BSF) are expected to be key beneficiaries of this collaboration, gaining access to cutting-edge UAV capabilities.
• Additionally, this initiative will create new employment opportunities and contribute to workforce development in the aerospace sector

CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS NEWS

38th National Games 2025 Concludes in Uttarakhand with a Strong Focus on Sustainability

• The 38th National Games 2025 ended on a grand note in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, marking a significant milestone in India’s growing sports culture.
• Held from January 28 to February 14, 2025, the event saw participation from over 10,000 athletes across 35 sports disciplines, making it one of the largest sporting events in India.
• This edition of the National Games stood out for its sustainability initiatives, aligning with the theme ‘Green Games’ to minimize environmental impact.
• The Home Minister announced that the 39th National Games will be held in Meghalaya.

Key Sustainability Initiatives at the 38th National Games 2025

The Games promoted sustainability through several eco-friendly measures, reinforcing the vision of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ as highlighted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the inauguration in Dehradun.

• Eco-Friendly Welcome Kits: Athletes received cork coasters, bamboo fiber water bottles, and wheat fibre coffee mugs.
• E-Waste Medals: Medals were crafted from recycled electronic waste, promoting environmental responsibility.
• Tree Plantation for Every Medal Won: To emphasize sustainability, a tree was planted for each medal earned.

Major Highlights of the 38th National Games

• 37 teams competed across various sports, with events hosted in Dehradun, Haridwar, Pithoragarh, and Haldwani.
• Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Dehradun, was the venue for several high-profile matches.
• Introduction of Four Demonstration Sports, reviving traditional Indian games and adding a cultural dimension to the event.
• Grand Opening Ceremony: Featuring performances by Jubin Nautiyal and Pawan Deep Rajan, reflecting India’s rich cultural heritage and the spirit of unity in diversity.

RECENT NEWS

• Uttarakhand is making history by becoming the first state in independent India to implement the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), effective from January 27, 2025.

Cristiano Ronaldo Tops 2025 List of Highest-Paid Athletes

• Cristiano Ronaldo has once again secured his place as the highest-paid athlete in the world, earning a staggering $285 million in 2025.
• His earnings come from:
  • $200 million annual salary from Al Nassr (Saudi Arabia)
  • $65 million from endorsements and business ventures

This reinforces football’s growing commercial appeal and the significant investments from Middle Eastern clubs in global sports.

Top 10 Highest-Paid Athletes in 2025

The rankings include stars from football, basketball, golf, and American football:

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – $285 million
2. Jon Rahm (Golf) – $218 million
3. Lionel Messi – $135 million
4. LeBron James – $128.7 million
5. Neymar – $110 million
6. Stephen Curry – $105.8 million
7. Karim Benzema – $104 million
8. Giannis Antetokounmpo – $93.8 million
9. Kylian Mbappé – $90 million
10. Jared Goff (NFL) – $85.6 million

Why Are There No Women in the Top 100?

A notable absence from the 2025 list is female athletes. The highest-paid woman, Coco Gauff (Tennis), earned $30.4 million, falling short of the $37.5 million threshold needed to make the top 100.

This highlights the ongoing gender pay gap in sports, where:

• Male athletes command higher salaries and endorsements.
• Past stars like Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams previously made the list, but their absence signals a decline in female representation.

Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam Becomes Joint-Fastest to 6,000 ODI Runs

• Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam has achieved another milestone by becoming the joint-fastest player to reach 6,000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs).
• He reached this landmark during the final of the ODI tri-series against New Zealand at the National Stadium.
• Babar reached 6,000 runs in just 123 innings, equaling the record set by South African legend Hashim Amla.
• He surpassed Virat Kohli to become the fastest Asian to achieve this feat, as Kohli had taken 136 innings.

Babar Azam’s Key ODI Milestones

• Fastest to 5,000 ODI runs – Achieved in just 97 matches (May 2023).
• Fastest Asian to 6,000 ODI runs, breaking Virat Kohli’s previous record.
• Joint-fastest overall to 6,000 ODI runs, alongside Hashim Amla (123 innings).

CURRENT AFFAIRS: OBITUARY

Padma Shri Awardee & celebrated folk singer Sukri Bommagowda Dies at 84 in Karnataka

• Sukri Bommagowda, a celebrated folk singer and Padma Shri awardee, passed away at 84 in Badageri village, Uttara Kannada.
• She had been receiving medical care in Manipal before returning home, where she took her last breath.
• Fondly known as Sukrajji, she was a revered figure in the Halakki Vokkaliga community.
• She played a crucial role in preserving Halakki folk heritage and had a repertoire of nearly 5,000 folk songs.
• Often described as a “walking encyclopedia” of Halakki culture.
• Akashvani recorded hundreds of her performances in the 1980s, ensuring the preservation of traditional songs.
• She used music as a tool for social awareness and actively participated in social movements.
• At 16, she lost her husband, Bommagowda, to alcohol addiction, which shaped her activism.
• Campaigned against alcohol abuse in Ankola and surrounding areas through folk music and public addresses.

Awards & Honors :

• Honored with the Padma Shri award in 2017 for her contributions to folk art and social causes.
• Received the Nadoja Award and the Rajyotsava Award from the Karnataka government.

Daily CA One- Liner: February 16 & 17

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• Sukri Bommagowda, a celebrated folk singer and Padma Shri awardee, passed away at 84 in Badageri village, Uttara Kannada.